Chapter 36: A Promise and Farewell

"I still have more than 50 million yuan on hand. Give me some time, and I'll definitely help the company resolve its loan issues."

Hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu was stunned.

He had spent 15 million to acquire equity, yet he still had over 50 million left.

That meant in just a few days, he had amassed more than 60 million in funds?

When Jiang Han first went to the financial capital, he had only five million.

Now, after careful calculation, he had multiplied his wealth tenfold!

"Xiaohan… you're not lying to me, are you?"

Seeing her disbelief, Jiang Han raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Would I lie to you? In your eyes, I'm just an ignorant playboy, right?"

Jiang Zhiyu didn't know how to respond.

Jiang Han gently took her hand, looked straight into her eyes, and said seriously, "Don't worry, from now on, I'll take responsibility for you."

For the first time, Jiang Zhiyu saw Jiang Han so serious.

And at that moment, he exuded the charm of a mature man.

Ever since the passing of her adoptive parents, she had been carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. But now, for the first time, she felt at ease.

Jiang Han had always been handsome. Otherwise, it wouldn't have made sense why, in his previous life, despite his focus on work, countless girls still pursued him.

Now, as he held her hand and gazed at her so intently, Jiang Zhiyu suddenly found herself unable to meet his eyes.

Wait… was she feeling embarrassed?

Her heart pounded wildly.

However, Jiang Han's serious demeanor lasted only two seconds before his usual carefree attitude returned.

"Oh? Sister, why are you blushing?" he teased. "Am I too charming?"

Jiang Zhiyu rolled her eyes. "I watched you grow up, changing your diapers and all. How could I ever be embarrassed by you?"

She still remembered when Jiang Han was three years old and wet his pants. Since no adults were home, she had to help him change.

The two had grown up together, practically inseparable.

It was only after Jiang Han went to college that they saw each other less, as life pulled them in different directions.

Jiang Han leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, back when we were little, we even slept in the same bed. We've already seen everything there is to see—what's there to be embarrassed about?"

Hearing this, Jiang Zhiyu's expression darkened. She raised her foot. "You brat! Do you have a death wish?"

"Ahhh!"

Jiang Han bolted as Jiang Zhiyu chased after him, her face red with frustration.

Watching him escape, she couldn't help but smile.

They had always been like this—bickering, teasing, but always looking out for each other.

As time passed, Jiang Han grew more and more handsome, his charm irresistible.

She still remembered back in high school, how he effortlessly attracted beautiful girls.

And she, too, had many admirers. But in her heart, there was only one person—Jiang Han.

After their adoptive parents passed away, he was the only family she had left.

And now, the company's crisis, which had seemed like an insurmountable challenge, had been resolved effortlessly by Jiang Han.

He was no longer the reckless boy she once knew.

He was someone she could rely on.

Feeling the lingering warmth in her hand, Jiang Zhiyu walked out of the office with a soft smile.

---

The next morning, as a cold wind blew, Jiang Zhiyu arrived at the cemetery carrying paper money and offerings, while Jiang Han held the urn.

"This cemetery has the best feng shui in the city," she said. "It's surrounded by hills and backed by a serene lake. Our parents always loved beautiful scenery. I believe they would have liked it here."

Jiang Han removed his sunglasses and took in the surroundings.

The trees lining the path were neatly trimmed, and not far away, a natural lake shimmered in the morning light, creating an atmosphere of quiet peace.

"It's a good place," Jiang Han said. "Let's go."

After completing the formalities, Jiang Han personally placed the urn in its final resting place.

As he looked at the smiling faces of his parents on the tombstone, a single tear slipped down his cheek.

Seeing his reddened eyes, Jiang Zhiyu instinctively reached out to wipe away his tears.

"Mom… Dad… your son is here to see you."

With those words, Jiang Han dropped to his knees, the impact echoing in the silence.

Jiang Zhiyu, her throat tight, knelt beside him.

Jiang Han placed a bouquet in front of the tombstone, then opened a bottle of baijiu and poured it into two cups.

Their father, despite his wealth, had always preferred this simple liquor.

Back then, he would often invite a few friends over to drink and chat, while their mother cooked delicious meals. Those were some of the happiest days of their lives.

But now… everything had changed.

Memories of the past flooded Jiang Han's mind as he set the paper money alight.

As the flames flickered and danced, his tears fell freely.

Lifting a cup of baijiu, Jiang Han whispered, "Dad, Mom… I was too late to understand."

"If only I had been more mature, you wouldn't have had to work so hard. I could have helped share your burdens…"

"If only I had been stronger, I could have protected you from those who meant you harm…"

"But I was too weak. I failed you both."

Tears streamed down his face as he clenched his fists.

"Xiaohan…" Jiang Zhiyu sobbed, her own tears flowing uncontrollably.

The weight of their loss, the ache of missing their parents, was something only those who had suffered such pain could understand.

There had been a time when their parents' presence had been a constant in their lives—a source of love, guidance, and protection.

But now, it was just the two of them against the world.

Jiang Han gritted his teeth, his heart heavy with regret.

He had promised—this time, he wouldn't let the people he loved suffer again.

This time, he would change everything.