Chapter 42: Mr. Zhai's Visit

He Yan gritted her teeth, feeling a surge of frustration boiling within her. It was easy for Old Lady Jian to speak so casually about the future, especially since Jian Shuxiang's and Jian Shupeng's sons were both poised to inherit the family business. She had no worries at all. But what about her? Did she have to resign herself to relying on her nephews for support in the years to come?

Suppressing her rising discontent, He Yan managed to maintain a strained smile as she said, "Let's take this one step at a time. We can discuss Yujie's future after he finishes his college entrance exams."

As soon as those words left her mouth, she noticed the joy in Jian Yujie's face dim considerably, replaced by an unmistakable look of disappointment. Yet, he quickly masked his feelings, his resilient spirit shining through like a flicker of light in the darkness. After all, he had held on to his dreams for many years, even in the face of his mother's staunch opposition.

Just then, an unexpected guest arrived at the Jian residence—Zhai Yunsheng.

Old Master Jian was taken aback, his surprise evident. He had known for some time that Zhai Yunsheng had moved in next door to the Yu family, but he had never anticipated that Zhai would choose to visit him. It struck him as odd since the two families had no real connection. What reason could Zhai have for visiting?

In recent days, many had sought to pay their respects to Zhai Yunsheng, but all had been turned away by Yu Simiao, who had his reasons for keeping the two families at arm's length. Old Master Jian himself had never thought of visiting the Zhai family; he wanted nothing to do with being forcibly entangled with them or the Tianxing Group. Although they lived next door, there had been no interaction between their families at all.

He Yan was equally shocked. She had heard of Mr. Zhai, and everyone in her social circle knew he had come to Hengyuan City—there was no way she could have missed that news. She had even considered visiting him herself, but her husband had advised against it. He felt their family had no direct dealings with the Zhai family and saw no point in forging a connection that could backfire. Thus, she had reluctantly dropped the idea.

Now, to her utter astonishment, she found herself in the Jian family home face to face with Mr. Zhai. "Experience truly counts for something," she thought. "This old man still has some influence. It's been ages since Mr. Zhai arrived in Hengyuan City, and his first visit is to our Old Master!"

Old Master Jian made his way to greet the guest, leaving the others to sip tea with Old Lady Jian in the garden. Jian Yiling held her teacup delicately, taking slow, measured sips and maintaining a quiet demeanor as she observed the unfolding scene.

Beside her, Jian Yujie was excitedly sharing details about the magic tricks he had been practicing. He was animatedly recounting techniques he had gleaned from books and online tutorials, as well as some he had ingeniously devised himself. Although Jian Yiling didn't fully understand the intricacies of magic, it was evident to her that Jian Yujie was both passionate and gifted in this area.

Meanwhile, He Yan found it increasingly difficult to focus on the tea before her. Her anxious demeanor was impossible to hide, and it didn't go unnoticed by Old Lady Jian, who sighed inwardly. In stark contrast, her obedient granddaughter and sensible grandson were much more endearing in this moment.

Before long, Old Master Jian returned, accompanied by two young men. One of them was someone everyone recognized: Yu Xi, the heir of Qiyue Group. He possessed striking looks and an impressive physique, drawing attention wherever he went. However, today he seemed to pale in comparison to the man standing beside him.

This man was none other than the individual Jian Yiling had seen earlier, casually leaning against a sleek green sports car on the street.

"Mr. Zhai, please take a seat," Old Master Jian said, his tone neutral and composed. He treated Zhai Yunsheng with the same respect he would afford any other guest, devoid of any obsequiousness.

Without hesitation, Zhai Yunsheng settled into the seat directly opposite Jian Yiling, his gaze resting upon her. A slight, enigmatic smile danced at the corners of his lips, exuding an air of assertive confidence that was hard to ignore.

Jian Yiling felt a mix of curiosity and trepidation under his penetrating gaze. Despite the light-hearted chatter surrounding them, the atmosphere shifted subtly with the arrival of Zhai Yunsheng and Yu Xi. She sensed an undercurrent of tension, as if something significant was about to unfold, potentially altering the dynamics of her family.

As the adults engaged in polite conversation about business and community matters, Jian Yiling quietly observed their interactions, her mind racing with questions. What intentions lay behind Zhai Yunsheng's visit? And how would this affect Jian Yujie's ambitions?

The evening air grew thick with unspoken tension as the adults exchanged pleasantries, while Jian Yiling and Jian Yujie found themselves caught in the center of it all, unaware of the larger game being played around them. The introduction of Zhai Yunsheng into their lives promised to bring unexpected changes, and both siblings sensed that their world was on the cusp of transformation.