Chapter 42 The brothers' thoughts were completely opposite...

The two brothers had completely different ideas, but Jiang Bainian failed to notice it at the time.

He continued, "Although a good man doesn't fight with a wicked woman, now that the men of the Jiang family have lost their power and dignity, we must find a way to rise up. As long as the three of us brothers work together, we will definitely be able to defeat that bitch Jiang Miaomiao!"

Jiang Jiezhi was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Brother, if you call her a slut, then aren't we slut brothers? Commonly known as 'slut brothers'?"

Jiang Bainian and Jiang Zhongming: "..."

"It was a slip of the tongue, don't worry about such details." Jiang Bainian waved his hand to clear his mind, but a pang of sadness welled up in his heart again: They were all siblings, so why was she the one who was paid to study, while the three of them had to pay to find a school to study?

"Never mind," Jiang Bainian instructed, "Youngest son, from now on you must study hard. If you can get a perfect score, don't bother with 99. You represent the men of the Jiang family and must surpass Jiang Miaomiao in academics, while your second brother and I will compete with her in work performance!"

Jiang Jiezhi let out an "Ah," and carefully chose his words: "Brother, but people are different. Just accept your fate."

Jiang Bainian shouted sternly, "You can admit to anything but Jiang Miaomiao! Youngest brother, how will you know if it works if you don't take a gamble?"

Jiang Jiezhi, now fully aware of the situation, said again, "Brother, didn't we lose badly in the previous rounds? We were even... beaten really badly!"

These words were like a spell, waking the two brothers from their nightmare.

The mobilization meeting suddenly turned into a mourning ceremony where the three brothers hugged each other and wept bitterly.

Jiang Bainian touched his waist: "...My waist hurt so much when she kicked me!"

Jiang Zhongming touched his leg: "...My foot hurt so much when she pricked it!"

“I…” Jiang Jie answered subconsciously, but after thinking about it, he realized that he had been so angry that he couldn’t tell where he was in pain.

But his two older brothers looked at him with tearful eyes, so he had no choice but to go along with it and say, "...My face hurt so much back then." He was so embarrassed in front of his future mother-in-law!

The three men cried out, "Waaah, how did we brothers end up in such a miserable state?"

...

After a few symbolic cries, Jiang Jiezhi quickly returned to the living room to catch up on his lessons.

Teacher Fang was already waiting in the living room on time, ready to help him catch up on his junior high school foundation.

Teacher Fang knew that Jiang Jiezhi's foundation was poor, but it was rare to see it this bad. So, he habitually talked to him before class to trace the root cause. As he expected, the family had no mistress, and the four men were all rough and unrefined, which was to be expected.

Alas, although the Jiang family is incredibly wealthy, every family has its own troubles.

With such a generous salary, Teacher Fang would naturally do her best to tutor Jiang Jiezhi.

Jiang Miaomiao squatted on the second floor, holding her cheek and supervising Jiang Jiezhi, watching him listen to the lecture until he was sleepy but still forced to stay awake.

...At seventeen, if you're unsure what to do, just study! You can't go wrong!

...She was the same way back then, except she stayed in the classroom reading and doing homework until the lights went out and she had to leave.

She understood a principle from a young age.

Life can be very long, long enough to witness countless sunrises and sunsets, countless blooms and witherings, and then spring comes and winter goes, with the seasons ever-changing.

But life can also be very short, so short that you can count down the length of your life, so short that you meet someone for the first time and never see them again, so short that every choice you make, big or small, determines your fate from then on.

Never make a mistake.

Even if you know you're wrong, starting over won't be the same thing again.

Jiang Jiezhi glanced up unintentionally and caught sight of Jiang Miaomiao squatting at the bottom of the stairs.

He exclaimed with disdain, "You have no image to maintain!"

The person squatting on the stairs immediately stood up, holding onto the handrail with their right hand, their neck straight, their head, neck, and back forming a straight line, looking extremely dignified and noble.

She raised her finger and swept it across her neck: "Trying to die again?"

Jiang Jiezhi instantly lost his smile.

***

On the first day back at work, there were so many things to do that Jiang Miaomiao didn't have time to personally visit Ren Ziwei and Xie Liang's companies.

Two days later, after arranging the basic matters, she took Shiyi and Xishouge to visit other people's homes.

The Ren family is in the catering business, which seems unrelated to her current plans, but there is a possibility of cooperation with Xie Liang's e-commerce logistics.

Xie Liang initially thought she was joking, but to his surprise, she actually came to discuss cooperation. He was pleasantly surprised and also had a serious conversation with her, discovering that with his current management capabilities, he might be able to take over the delivery service for Da Jiang Group in Gangcheng Shopping Mall.

Jiang Miaomiao immediately agreed: "That's perfect. I've broken up with Tu Family Logistics, so why don't we cooperate with you?"

"But..." Xie Liang hesitated. After all, he had just landed a major client during the early stages of his business, and he was still uneasy about it.

Seeing this, Jiang Miaomiao helped analyze: "The furthest distance in Gangcheng is only from east to west, a three-hour drive. As long as there are no problems with my supply, even if there are problems in the delivery process from shipment to the customer's home, the processing time will not exceed three hours, and the risk is controllable."

After careful consideration, Xie Liang took Jiang Miaomiao's hand and shook it: "Thank you for the opportunity, goddess."

Jiang Miaomiao looked down at their clasped hands: "You're welcome, but I will draft a contract requiring you to give a discount no less than that of Tu Family Logistics."

"No way?" Xie Liang was taken aback. "Then this handshake between us is really expensive..."

"So don't touch me unless it's absolutely necessary." She scolded, pulling her hand away.

With some time to spare before lunch, Jiang Miaomiao decided to go to Ren Ziwei's company again.

Xie Liang asked doubtfully, "His family is in the catering business. It doesn't seem like they have any cooperation with your cosmetics and skincare products or my e-commerce logistics, right?"

"Hmm." Jiang Miaomiao raised her wrist slightly to check her watch: "But isn't it almost lunchtime now? It's perfect to have him treat us."

Thinking about the 1% profit he would lose, Xie Liang said listlessly, "Goddess, I want to go too! I'll eat something to make up for it."

Jiang Miaomiao, who had just finished drafting the contract with Xi Shouge, handed it to Xie Liang for signature, then threw the folder into her arms and said disdainfully, "Send the contract back to the company. Also, I've decided to settle this personal score; you won't get a share of the Ren family's lunch."

Shi Yi's pupils widened in shock, and she tried to salvage the situation: "Goddess Jiang, I won't say anything now."

"It's too late." She waved her hand, signaling Xie Liang and Xi Shouge to leave.

Xi Shouge looked at the depressed Shi Yi and gave her a flirtatious wink.

Shi Yi was indignant.

Ren Ziwei, who was busy at the company, suddenly received a phone call. He asked doubtfully, "It's lunchtime now. Is it appropriate to talk about business at this time?"

"That's a good idea. Let's have a meal together first to build rapport before discussing business, and maybe I can offer a discount," Jiang Miaomiao replied, glancing at the scenery outside the car. "It looks like we're downstairs at your company. Shall we come out?"

"Of course I'll be right out!" Ren Ziwei replied, grabbing his coat and walking out of the office.

Mr. Ren, who happens to be away on business every few days, rarely takes the initiative to come and have dinner with his son. But he waved his hand and left without looking back.

...Is this because you're being rejected?

Mr. Ren was incredulous. Just last night, this kid was eagerly asking him if he was free for dinner. Something was wrong!

A striking red luxury car was parked on the side of the road outside.

Jiang Miaomiao got out of the car with Xie Liang and Xi Shouge. The three of them happened to be young and beautiful, and their group appearance was too eye-catching.

Ren Ziwei approached with his hands in his pockets, exclaiming exaggeratedly, "Miss, is it really necessary? You used to be as low-key as a melon buried in the ground, but now you ride in a luxury car and choose the most flashy bright red one, dressed like you're walking the red carpet in broad daylight. You're completely different people."

"If I came to you dressed in rags, taking a taxi, to discuss a multi-million dollar deal, would you dare sign a contract with me?" Jiang Miaomiao laughed. "It's lunchtime now, and I've heard that your Ren Family Western Restaurant is quite famous in Hong Kong..."

"I knew it! Why did you have to talk business during mealtimes?" Ren Ziwei chuckled, then glanced at Xie Liang: "What, it's you again?"

His words were full of disdain, and Xie Liang said with dissatisfaction, "Hey, did I offend you?"

Ren Ziwei nodded: "Yesterday at the hospital, you were either leaning against me or grabbing her hand. I suspect you're bisexual."

Xie Liang angrily retorted, "Your father and mother are the bisexuals! I'm a man! I only like women!"

Jiang Miaomiao, unusually showing a change of heart, raised her hand to testify: "Yes, he is male and likes women. His virginity was taken by the woman my ex cheated on him with."

Ren Ziwei's eyes suddenly lit up, while Xie Liang became dejected.

The past was too painful to recall, and he begged Jiang Miaomiao to be lenient: "...Could you please not bring up those days again?"

"...Brother, try to think positively." Ren Ziwei suddenly put his arm around his shoulder in a friendly manner, grinning mischievously. "Let's make a long story short: how did you get tricked on your first time? Or, to make a long story short, how did you end up with that valiant ex of hers?"

"Sorry, I don't know you well!" Now it was Xie Liang's turn to look down on him.

A group of people walked arm in arm toward the second-floor restaurant of the Ren family company.

Not far away, Mr. Ren followed stealthily, prompting his secretary to repeatedly remind him, "Boss, your posture is too unseemly!"

"Who cares about these things at a critical moment?" Mr. Ren dragged his secretary into the restaurant and asked the restaurant manager to arrange for someone to eavesdrop in the next private room.

Although Mr. Ren is a workaholic, he is full of fatherly love:

I was worried about my son wetting the bed when he was young.

I was worried about my son boarding school when I was young.

Young man, be careful your son doesn't fall in love too early.

Now that I'm older... I'm worried that my son will be lonely and have no partner!

He's afraid that his son might suddenly become a monk like the neighbor's son, since his son hasn't cheated on his wife or come out of the closet.

...

Inside the private room, Ren Ziwei gentlemanly handed the menu to Jiang Miaomiao: "Miss, is there anything you would like to eat?"

In return, Jiang Miaomiao flattered him, saying, "Young Master Ren is an expert, you can make the decision."

Ren Ziwei nodded jokingly and ordered four meals and a soup, with a mix of meat and vegetables.

While waiting for their food, the four chatted.

Ren Ziwei suddenly exclaimed, "People used to look down on you, but I never expected that you would be the first to rise to the top... uh, become the chairman."

Jiang Miaomiao didn't take it to heart: "Back then, all I did was wear a school uniform, eat in the cafeteria, and board at school. But you look down on me because of that. The problem shouldn't be with you people who have prejudices, right?"

Recalling his past mistakes, Ren Ziwei crossed his arms and said, "Let me make this clear: I only cursed at people when I lost a basketball game. I've never done anything to you in my daily life. In fact, I'm a fan of your looks!"

Jiang Miaomiao said cryptically, "Haven't you submitted to my intelligence and wisdom?"

Ren Ziwei swore on his conscience: "On behalf of the vast majority of men, we have always had the same goal: we like good-looking people."

Jiang Miaomiao said expressionlessly, "Superficial."

Xie Liang asked curiously, "Then... what grudge or enmity do you have with that Young Master Han and Miss Tu?"

Ren Ziwei also expressed deep doubt: "To be honest, you really didn't date Han Cuo back then?"

"Relationships require mutual consent to be valid. Does his one-man show count?" Jiang Miaomiao replied coolly. "Back then, I was just an ordinary student, unlike you rich kids who only treated studying as a pastime and treated those of us who wanted to change our fate through education as toys, bullying and insulting us at the slightest disagreement! I was simply the most principled, and when they had no other choice, they came up with these despicable tricks like early dating to drag others down with them..."

Xie Liang gasped, "No way? They were already playing this big in high school?"

Ren Ziwei raised an eyebrow: "Han Cuo is the school's undisputed heartthrob, comes from an extraordinary family, and pursued you with great fanfare, even going so far as to fill the playground with candles to confess his love... Are you sure you weren't moved back then?"

Jiang Miaomiao scoffed: "I'd have to be crazy to fall for their fake act!"

Ren Ziwei was greatly shocked, but remained noncommittal.

Jiang Miaomiao then asked, "Do you remember that boy from the class next door in senior year who jumped off a building and committed suicide?"

Ren Ziwei frowned as he recalled, "...I have a vague recollection, but I don't know why."

Jiang Miaomiao said, "That boy, like me, was a top student who was bought in. We had an agreement with the school beforehand: all our senior year fees would be waived, and we'd get an extra 4,000 yuan if we ranked in the top ten of our grade in the monthly exams. To be honest, even if we weren't after that monthly scholarship, most of us were working hard to improve our future. But he was blinded by so-called love and extravagance..."

A girl, bored and with nothing better to do, beckoned to him, and he fell head over heels. He started dating early, smoking, skipping classes, and even trying to marry a rich girl to change his social standing. But it turned out she was just playing around, while he was deeply infatuated and couldn't extricate himself. His grades plummeted, and after repeated warnings from the school, they finally decided to expel him. Desperate, he rushed to the art building and jumped.

"During youth, the hazy, dreamlike nature of love is indeed very touching, but it can also easily ruin a person if one is not careful."

Jiang Miaomiao spoke calmly, her eyes clear.

"Han Cuo and the others pursued me based on a bet and a desire to watch a show. You think he's rich and handsome, and it's an honor for me to be played by him? You think I have to skip class to play games with him? You think I have to stay up all night with him in bars? You think I have to give up my exams to stay by his bedside because he's sick? ... All the stupid things they fantasize about, the kind of campus heroines who do anything for love, will never happen to me. So his confidence gets shattered, but he becomes more and more determined. It's so childish and ridiculous!"

Mr. Ren, who was eavesdropping next door, couldn't help but frown.

Not to mention the hot-blooded young Ren Ziwei, who was naturally shocked. He had never realized that what he had taken as gossip and a joke was actually so terrifying.

Still shaken, he poured Jiang Miaomiao a cup of hot tea, "...I hope that when I was young and naive, I didn't cause you or anyone else any harm."

“If we did, we wouldn’t be sitting here eating together right now,” Jiang Miaomiao replied with a smile, raising her glass to clink with his.

Some things vanish without a word.

...

After lunch, Jiang Miaomiao rushed back to the company to follow up on the logistics cooperation she had drafted with Xie Lianggang.

Wen Rongying had already prepared the necessary technical support, and now that she had received permission, she immediately updated Dajiang Group's online shopping mall, displaying a "Welcome Valentine's Day" promotional ad on the homepage and a free same-day delivery service for orders placed. Meanwhile, Xie Liang, guided by Ren Ziwei's words, "My goal has always been the same: I just like good-looking things," hired a bunch of handsome men, each 188cm tall, to drive as delivery drivers.

The seemingly chaotic combination of elements seemed to unlock the full potential of the Dajiang Group, causing its sluggish sales to surge once again.