She Wouldn't Do Anything Sneaky

Jiang Fan took a taxi to District Eight to pick up his car, maintaining silence throughout the journey.

After retrieving the car, Su Qing sat in the passenger seat and opened the glove box filled with cosmetics. She began to touch up her makeup while looking into a mirror and spoke first.

"Jiang Fan, didn't you feel someone entering your room last night? And kissing you? When you sleep in my office, you wake up even if I just write something."

Jiang Fan, who was driving carefully, turned his head to look at Su Qing and whispered,

"Wasn't it you? I felt dizzy yesterday and couldn't sense anything."

Upon hearing this, Su Qing put down her lipstick, hugged Jiang Fan's neck, and kissed his cheek forcefully. Jiang Fan exclaimed, "Don't mess around while driving!" Su Qing giggled and said,

"Do you think I need to do anything sneaky to kiss you? Do you think I'm like them? Saying one thing while feeling another? I, your queen, would never act childish like that. If I like someone, I like them; if I don't, I don't. Why beat around the bush? Wait until it's too late and regret it like Tang Wan? Rest assured, she'll only be qualified to be your little sister-in-law in this lifetime, with barely half of her belonging to you."

Su Qing's thoughts were always beyond Jiang Fan's expectations. Jiang Fan smiled wryly and said,

"What do you like about me? I'll change it, won't I?"

"I like that you don't like me. Change that."

Jiang Fan winked at Su Qing. Changing or not seemed irrelevant. He told Su Qing to wait in the car and then went home.

At Qian Ling's status, she didn't lack money or any gifts, tonics, or the like. Giving a gift box might just be for appearance. Jiang Fan and Su Qing's purchases would probably just be for show, to be looked at and then thrown away afterward.

So Jiang Fan rejected Su Qing's suggestion to go to the mall. There were still some things left from the last time he visited his mother. There weren't any valuable items, just some mushrooms picked in the mountains and some roasted pine nuts and hazelnuts.

Su Qing looked at the three plastic bags Jiang Fan was holding and frowned, disgusted.

"Where did you dig these up? Don't tell me you're going to give these to Ms. Qian as gifts."

"My mom brought these from home. This is only because Tang Wan isn't here; otherwise, she wouldn't let me bring them out, no matter what. My dad is good at roasting dried fruits. The mushrooms were picked in the mountains, wild ones. Here, hold them."

Su Qing pinched the plastic bags with two fingers. Seeing this, Jiang Fan smiled and said,

"You dislike them, but Tang Wan guards these things like a hamster, not even letting me touch them. Just put them by your feet. I'll carry them when we get out of the car."

Su Qing felt more uncomfortable as she thought about it. She put the three plastic bags on her lap and looked at Jiang Fan cautiously, asking,

"Jiang Fan, if I'm like this, would your mom dislike me?"

"You're not her daughter-in-law, so why would she dislike you?"

"What about Tang Wan? Is she?"

"Speaking of which, Tang Wan isn't as assertive as you, but she understands how to consider other people's thoughts and feelings better than you. She won't deliberately please anyone. Of course, being like you is also good. Maybe my dad will like your personality."

Jiang Fan didn't mean anything else; he was just simply talking about Tang Wan and Su Qing's personalities.

Su Qing looked at Jiang Fan askance and exclaimed angrily,

"I don't like your dad! I like you!"

"I call my dad 'old man'."

"Oh! It's your dad-in-law!"

"Be serious."

"Jiang Fan, can I also go home with you for the New Year?"

"Do you think I'm dying slowly? Are you in a hurry?"

"I'll give you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I'm very skilled."

"Get lost."

"Wait until we get out of the car."

Being with Su Qing meant never being bored. She would always try to make the atmosphere light and easy. The car stopped at the residential area. Jiang Fan looked around but didn't see the McLaren; only the business car was there.

He went upstairs and pressed the doorbell. After a few minutes, the door opened. Qian Ling, wearing pajamas, had her hair down, rubbing her eyes and yawning, saying vaguely,

"Why are you here so early? What are you holding, Jiang Fan? I didn't say you needed to buy groceries."

Jiang Fan walked in, changed his shoes, and chuckled,

"Auntie, these are some wild red mushrooms my mom brought from our hometown a few days ago, and some pine nuts and hazelnuts picked in the mountains. My dad roasted them himself. I thought I'd bring them over for you to try."

Qian Ling frowned, turned her head, and looked at Jiang Fan, saying in a deep voice,

"Are you sure you didn't buy these outside to trick me? Jiang Fan, your credibility is quite low in my eyes."

Jiang Fan bitterly smiled and put the things on the dining table. He skillfully found the plate for dried fruits and prepared a pot of tea before returning to the tea table. Qian Ling picked up a pine nut, cracked it open, and popped it into her mouth, then calmly pointed at the wine cabinet in the dining room, saying...

"There's fever medicine in there. Find it yourself. Hmm... It tastes good. It's not like those street vendor things Tang Wan buys. Is your hometown in the countryside, Jiang Fan?"

Before Jiang Fan could go to find the medicine, Su Qing had already gotten up and gone over. She muttered under her breath that Jiang Fan put anything into his mouth and couldn't let him eat randomly. Jiang Fan smiled without rebuttal and said softly,

"My hometown is indeed in the countryside, and it's a relatively backward one. It's close to the mountains, so we rely on the mountains for food and water. My parents plant crops and pick mushrooms, pine nuts, and the like in the mountains to sell or bring to me."

After finishing speaking, Su Qing had already brought the medicine over. She didn't disturb Jiang Fan but used two cups to pour water continuously, wanting the tea to cool down quickly. Qian Ling nodded at Jiang Fan and said she was going to wash up, leaving them to entertain themselves first.

When the tea was cool, Qian Ling also came out. She had only brushed her teeth and washed her face. As she walked out, she saw Jiang Fan tilting his head to drink the medicine. This action made Qian Ling notice something. She frowned slightly and asked,

"Fan, what happened to your neck?"

This sudden question almost made Jiang Fan choke. The water sprayed directly onto the tea table. How could he have forgotten about this? Su Qing was scared and quickly patted Jiang Fan's back. While coughing continuously, Jiang Fan also pulled his collar, but Qian Ling had already walked closer. She looked at the 'hickey' on Jiang Fan's neck, then glanced at Su Qing who was close to Jiang Fan, and said with a strange expression,

"When you called me yesterday, Qingqing was beside you. Qingqing, be more careful next time. The veins on the neck are relatively weak, and there are arteries there. Don't do this... here anymore."

Su Qing was slightly taken aback, then instantly blushed and lowered her head, murmuring 'hmm' in a low voice. This matter couldn't be easily explained; saying more would just make it more complicated. Jiang Fan awkwardly scratched his head, unsure of what to say.

In short, both of them were embarrassed. No matter how they behaved in private, it was their own matter. Being suddenly discovered by an elder made them feel ashamed, even with their thick skin.

Especially as two inexperienced young people.

Fortunately, Qian Ling didn't probe too deeply into this matter. Jiang Fan breathed a sigh of relief. Sweat had appeared by now. Jiang Fan awkwardly smiled and said,

"Aunt, you've seen this thing, right?"

As Jiang Fan spoke, he took out a lighter from his pocket and placed it on the tea table. Qian Ling couldn't help but tease when she saw it.

"Oh, you even brought Gao Luxing's precious treasure here? But this lighter is like a hot potato. Find a chance to return it to Gao Luxing."

Jiang Fan tilted his head in confusion.

"Is there a story behind it?"

Qian Ling nodded and said softly,

"It's fine if you don't return it now. With me around, Gao Luxing won't dare to play any tricks. But he gave you the lighter, probably planning to make Liu Shengge notice you more. This is the birthday gift his sister gave him many years ago, and she's been gone for a long time. Well, don't give it back to him yet. If you give it back, it seems like you're worried about something. I heard you've been getting close to Gao Luxing recently?"

Jiang Fan pushed the lighter forward.

"Aunt, let's keep this thing here. I'm forgetful and might lose it anytime. Aunt, let's eat breakfast. I'm a bit hungry."

"Go to the kitchen and prepare it yourself. I want to chat with Qingqing about some woman's topics. Get out of here."

"Alright!"

Jiang Fan smiled and stood up, heading to the kitchen. He was already familiar with Qian Ling's kitchen. He cooked some rice and stewed the mushrooms he brought along. Jiang Fan didn't cook often, so these mushrooms could have stayed here for two years.

Having chicken and mushroom stew for breakfast might be a bit greasy, but for Jiang Fan who had an empty stomach, it was just right.

Su Qing and Qian Ling were chatting on the sofa when Qian Ling suddenly asked,

"Jiang Fan, I heard you've been getting close to Gao Luxing recently?"

"Yeah, we have some cooperation."

"Tell me!"

"We want to divide the remaining shares in Li Dahai's hands."

After he finished speaking, a hazelnut flew over, indicating Qian Ling was angry.

"Do you think Li Dahai is a pushover, someone you can squish like a soft tomato? Or do you think Gao Luxing is a fool? Go, get me a bowl of rice."

Qian Ling had walked over to Jiang Fan, ready to pull his ears when she noticed that the dishes on the plate looked quite appetizing, and she felt a little hungry.

Jiang Fan scurried to get some rice and dishes, watching as Qian Ling and Su Qing seemed satisfied with the food. Standing aside, filling a cup with water, Jiang Fan smiled.

"If Gao Luxing were a fool, I couldn't work with him. The conflict between me and Li Dongsheng was minor at the beginning; he just didn't like me. Later, it was mostly instigated by Gao Luxing and Sun Ya. It started as just a suggestion, not confirmed whether to do it or not. But then Wu Siwang found me; she also wanted to work with me. With resources available, we shouldn't waste them, so we threatened Gao Luxing to comply."

Qian Ling pursed her lips and whispered, "Did you mention me?"

Jiang Fan eagerly placed the water on the table and smiled. "Of course, I had to mention you. My aunt is a shareholder; how could I not use this identity? I told Gao Luxing that if he refused, I would let Wu Siwang expose how he used Li Dongsheng to create conflict with me, causing Li Dahai to lose his shares and his child to leave the company. I would spread rumors that Gao Luxing was on my side, and you would only support Qingqing, not Gao Luxing. By then, he would get nothing and would be attacked by Li Dahai."

"And what's your plan with Gao Luxing?"

"I don't need any plan; everything will be done by Gao Luxing. Because out of the twenty percent Li Dahai holds, Gao Luxing will take twelve percent. Faced with threats and inducements, he'll be more eager than a dog chasing a rabbit."

"And the remaining eight percent?"

"For Qingqing. Counting the five percent you took from Li Dahai, Qingqing will have thirteen percent, just enough to outdo Gao Luxing. She'll become a shareholder and be free from that eunuch's control and threats. Then, with Qingqing's thirteen percent and your twenty-five percent, I think our side will have more say in the board meetings. Even if we cash out, it'll be enough to hurt Rongyao's vitality."

Qian Ling nodded and whispered, "How confident are you?"

Jiang Fan smiled. "Not at all, but Li Dahai and Li Dongsheng will never let me off easily. I hit his son, slapped his wife, and took five percent of his shares. If he doesn't retaliate, I'll feel like the world has changed. As long as they make a move, Gao Luxing and Wu Siwang will have a chance. Wu Siwang's role is to inform me and collect evidence, while Gao Luxing will lead them into the gutter. Once they step into it, I'll have a way. Plus, I have another plan."

"Tell me."

"Lin Xuan hates me to death. I don't mind using the Li Dahai father and son as pawns. I haven't decided yet; if I do, I'll let Gao Luxing make the connection."

"Are you so sure I'll give the five percent to Qingqing?"

"Aunt, you're not being sincere!"

"Call me Aunt Qian."

"Don't worry about the details. It's just over ten days to the August Festival. I'll come over to spend the festival with you."

At this moment, Su Qing was still in a confused state. How did she suddenly get thirteen percent of the shares? Su Qing looked up at Jiang Fan, puzzled.

"You want to give me eight percent? Do you know how much eight percent is worth?"

Jiang Fan turned around and smiled, then suddenly changed his expression and snapped, "Eat your food. This is men's talk; what do you women have to say?"

Bang!

His head was hit with a slap. Qian Ling scolded Jiang Fan for not bullying Qingqing. Jiang Fan grumbled under his breath, saying something about a three-year rise in just a minute, and got hit again. What a loss!

Jiang Fan's personality changed too quickly. One second he was discussing how to use Gao Luxing, and the next, he was like a child. Qian Ling watched helplessly and smiled with her eyes narrowed.

"Fan, do you have a grudge against Li Dahai?"

Jiang Fan, holding a piece of chicken leg meat, said casually, "Didn't Li Dongsheng hit Da Qian? Plus, you taught me not long ago that interests are the most important."

"Cashing out eight percent of the shares would be tens of millions, plus my five percent, it would be over a hundred million."

Jiang Fan put the bone that would make a dog cry into the plate and smiled at Su Qing with his eyes narrowed.

"You're going to be a rich woman."

Su Qing couldn't eat anymore. She put down her chopsticks, rested her chin in her hand, and looked at Jiang Fan seriously.

"Jiang Fan! It's not a few hundred or ten thousand! It's tens of millions! You only owe Tang Wan four million. Why don't you keep this money yourself?"

"We slept in the same bed last night; it's the same whoever has it."

Jiang Fan was too lazy to argue with Su Qing. He really didn't want to take this money. Su Qing wanted to speak up but, embarrassed by Qian Ling's misunderstanding earlier, didn't know what to say. She just stared at Jiang Fan without saying a word.

There was nothing important today; he just came over to keep Qian Ling company so she wouldn't be bored and think too much at home. If he arranged his time, he could come over on the August Festival. Even if Tu Xiao called to invite him, he could squeeze out the time.

Taking a day off, Jiang Fan had nothing to do, so he stayed with Su Qing at Qian Ling's place. Qian Ling didn't treat him as a guest anymore; he could do whatever he wanted. After breakfast, Qian Ling put on some clothes and called out to Qingqing.

"Qingqing, I want to look at some jewelry and clothes. Did you drive here?"

"Yes."

"Let's go together then. Jiang Fan, you stay home and watch the house. Don't go out wandering if you're not working. Remember to take your medicine at noon. Don't put everything in your mouth; you're not a trash can."

"Got it, got it!"

Looking at Jiang Fan lying on the sofa watching TV, Qian Ling suddenly had a strange feeling. It seemed like Qian Huan was lying on the sofa, and Su Qing was her daughter-in-law. She was going shopping with her daughter-in-law, while her son, who was sick, stayed home.

This is nice!

Qian Ling wasn't sad. Today, Jiang Fan and Su Qing came early without bringing those messy gift boxes or so-called luxuries, tonics, but some local specialties. Qian Ling was very happy because this showed that Jiang Fan didn't treat her as an outsider but as a family member.

She cooked meals herself, ate without being polite or ceremonious, just like a member of this family.

The conversation during meals, getting hit with a chopstick for trying to take chicken with his hand, and saying he would come over to spend the August Festival with her—it was just like family.

Qian Ling suddenly thought that maybe this was a little compensation she got from praying and burning incense, letting her experience the feeling of having younger generations and a family after being alone for many years. Qian Ling had long since become indifferent to money; she had more money than she could spend. She said a long time ago that if she could, she would give away all her family assets to bring Qian Huan and Jiuer back to life once.

She gave away five percent of her shares, which was just tens of millions, to experience this feeling of family. Qian Ling thought it was very worth it.

"Qingqing, do you know Jiang Fan's waist size? It's been a long time since I last bought clothes for a boy, and Qian Wan thinks my fashion sense is too outdated. Jiang Fan, this kid..."

"Him? He'd wear anything you give him, even a sack. Qian Director, you're too good to him; be careful, he might take advantage of your kindness."

Su Qing started the car and prepared to leave, and Qian Ling chuckled.

"Boys, it's good to have some temper."

Su Qing pursed her lips after hearing this.

"Qian Director, don't be fooled by Jiang Fan's jovial appearance. When he gets angry, eight bulls couldn't pull him back."

"Boys, being dominant is quite good."

"But he likes to get physical."

"Boys, how can they lose in a fight?"

"He also likes to spend time in the kitchen."

"Boys, being versatile is a good thing."

"There are so many girls around him."

"Boys, isn't it normal to be charming?"

Su Qing was puzzled. Why was Qian Director so good to Jiang Fan?

Only Tang Wan knew the answer. Jiang Fan had low emotional intelligence when dealing with women but was exceptionally good with elders. He could accurately discern what the other person needed and how to interact with them.

Otherwise!

Otherwise, Li Jinhe wouldn't have called Tang Wan his daughter-in-law.