Chapter 32 "A Lifetime".

As the two were talking, the plane entered the city, which was covered by thick clouds. Dark clouds covered a large area of ​​the city. Wen Lingshuang nestled in Jiang An's arms like a kitten. Jiang An gently stroked her head and finally picked her up.

He could easily pick her up with one hand, carry her to the master bedroom, and lie down. He coaxed her like a child, saying, "Miss Wen, you may not know me very well yet."

Wen Lingshuang nestled in his arms, blinking her beautiful big eyes as she looked at him.

Anyone who has ever been close to him knows that whether it's a confidante or a childhood sweetheart, it's difficult for any woman to get close to him. Even before this arranged marriage began, his best plan was for him and Wen Lingshuang to have a peaceful and stable marriage, without causing any trouble or problems. Of course, this idea unconsciously shifted after he saw Wen Lingshuang.

I not only hope to have a peaceful and stable marriage.

He wanted more.

Strangely enough, after living for so many years, many desires had long been suppressed and worn away, but they quietly rekindled in Wen Lingshuang's presence.

His explanation was very simple.

There wasn't much fuss or much explanation.

He simply told her the truth: he wasn't as 'playboy' as she thought.

Based on Wen Lingshuang's past temper, no matter how simple her explanation was, as long as she believed he was a womanizer, she would never give him any chance, much less be so easily coaxed like she was now. She pursed her lips and said, "Then take me to meet that girl another day."

"Hmm?" Jiang An raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Who else could it be?" Wen Lingshuang raised her hand and gently punched his chest. "Xu Mi!"

"The one you marked with a red line."

Jiang An chuckled and took her hand. "Okay."

He ruffled her hair. "You play by yourself for a while. I'm going to work."

Wen Lingshuang nodded.

The flight of over ten hours wasn't exactly tiring. When they arrived at their destination, it was a little after four in the morning. Wen Lingshuang was carried off the plane while she was still asleep. In her hazy state, she could only see the outline of Jiang An's profile, which was illuminated by the intermittent light and shadow. She was so tired that she didn't care where she was or where she was going. She nestled into the crook of the other person's neck and fell into a deep sleep.

I slept very well. When I opened my eyes, it was already the next day. Warm yellow sunlight streamed in through the curtains, dappling my fingertips. I moved them gently, and my consciousness gradually returned. What came into view was a classically decorated space with an artistic style, huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a large terrace with a view of the scenery, and antique furniture replicas from the last century, all exuding an atmosphere of extravagance.

She threw off the covers, stepped out of bed barefoot, and walked towards the door, calling Jiang An's name as she went.

As I opened the door and walked into the hallway, I saw a girl carrying a tray of milk walking towards me.

"Madam," the young girl called out as she approached her, "you're awake."

Mrs.

Hearing this address, Wen Lingshuang's heart softened, and she asked, "Where is Jiang An?"

"The gentleman has gone to the company. Before he left, he told us to take good care of you. If you need anything, please let us know."

Wen Lingshuang frowned.

After a moment's thought, he said, "I want to eat breakfast."

"Okay, please come down with me, madam."

The young girl led the way, with Wen Lingshuang following behind.

He walked and looked around.

This doesn't look like a villa; it's so large it's like an estate. If you're not familiar with the area, it's easy to get lost. After walking up the retro staircase and down the wide corridor, you arrive at the dining room. Several servants quickly bring out the food, which Jiang An had probably arranged beforehand. It's mostly Wen Lingshuang's favorite dishes.

The servants standing nearby watched Wen Lingshuang's figure, exchanging silent glances.

This was their first time meeting the future Mrs. Jiang.

Compared to the video at the press conference, she is even more beautiful and stunning in person, like a flawless gem. The only difference is that, because she is so beautiful, she is very assertive and doesn't seem very approachable.

Wen Lingshuang had no idea what they were thinking, and continued eating while looking at the paintings hanging in the distance.

Vittorio's masterpiece, "City Lights," showcases the talent of this emerging Italian painter of the new century, who has created works valued at hundreds of millions of dollars with his debut. His previous work, "The Hurricane," sold for a staggering $300 million at Christie's, and this most representative work of Vittorio is sure to fetch an even higher price. Yet, in Jiang An's home, such a painting is merely used as decorative furnishings.

After finishing the last bite of bread, he pushed back his chair, stood up, and walked upstairs, saying as he went, "Run me some water; I want to take a bath."

Several servants followed, running the water and preparing for the bath.

Wen Lingshuang sat in the room waiting. During the wait, a maid came in and said that someone outside wanted to see her.

"See me?" Wen Lingshuang asked, somewhat surprised. "Who is it?"

She had just landed and hadn't even told her friends in the US yet. Besides, she didn't even know where she was staying, so who would see her?

She asked the maid if the other person was male or female.

The other person replied that it was a man and that his name was Fang Pei.

Upon hearing Fang Pei's name, Wen Lingshuang finally understood and waved her hand, signaling them to bring the person up.

A few minutes later, Fang Pei appeared in front of Wen Lingshuang, dressed in a suit and tie.

They brought a bouquet of flowers with them when they arrived.

The last time the two met was half a year ago when Wen Lingshuang came to the United States to see an exhibition, accompanied by Fang Pei and his friends. Unexpectedly, half a year later, Wen Lingshuang has become 'Mrs. Jiang'.

"Long time no see," Fang Pei said. "I bought this on my way here; it's quite fresh."

He handed the flowers in his hand to Wen Lingshuang.

Wen Lingshuang waved her hand, gesturing for the maid beside her to take the flowers, and said, "Do you have to be so polite with me?"

Fang Pei said meaningfully, "Indeed, it's not really necessary."

He smiled and handed the flowers to the maid, then said, "Are you alone? Where's Chairman Jiang?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing. I just landed, how did you know I was here? And I don't even know where this place is."

Wen Lingshuang: "..."

She really didn't know.

Fang Pei: What are your plans for today?

Wen Lingshuang: "What other arrangements can I make? Jiang An has gone to work, so I'll just wander around by myself."

Fang Pei pondered for a moment, "Then shall I take you out for a walk?"

Wen Lingshuang thought for a moment, "Never mind, I'm tired from the long flight and don't really want to go shopping. How about we just sit at home and chat?"

Fang Pei was somewhat surprised.

He had known Wen Lingshuang for so long and knew her temperament and personality: straightforward, honest, and untroubled by anyone or anything. Even if a huge boulder were to fall on them, everyone else would detour, but she insisted on prying it open and walking straight through. Now, that boulder was between them; instead of prying it open, she chose to detour?

Fang Pei could tell whether Wen Ling Shuang genuinely didn't want to go, or whether she didn't want to go with Jiang An because of him.

Suppressing her dissatisfaction and slight jealousy, she said, "I've been hearing them say that you're going to 'settle down' and become Mrs. Jiang this time, but I thought it was just talk."

"What do you mean?" Wen Lingshuang looked up at him. "Not going out with you means I've settled down and become Mrs. Jiang?"

"No," Fang Pei said with a smile. "It's good to chat at home. I haven't seen you in a long time, and I have a lot to say to you."

"Then go downstairs and wait for me. I'll be there after I finish my bath."

This is the real Wen Lingshuang.

A person who doesn't care whether guests are home or not, and only cares about their own emotions and feelings, is selfish and lacks manners. But that's the inherent charm of Wen Lingshuang. No one thinks she's selfish or lacks manners; they just think that's what a young lady should do.

Fang Pei calmly walked towards the door.

Thinking of this, Fang Pei lowered his eyes, powerless to change anything, and worried about Wen Lingshuang's future.

Half an hour later, Wen Lingshuang changed her clothes and came downstairs. She sat gracefully on the sofa, smoothed her freshly styled hair, and said, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Fang Pei glanced at her a few times and said, "Who comes up and immediately says they want to talk about something? Your temper is getting more and more impatient."

After saying that, he added, "Is your wedding with Jiang An on New Year's Day?"

Wen Lingshuang nodded, "Yes, didn't you know sooner?"

She smiled and said, "We haven't printed the wedding invitations yet. I'll send you a copy once they're printed."

"Don't send it, I might not go." Fang Pei picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and found it somewhat astringent. He frowned and examined the teacup. "Everyone says Jiang An loves tea, I thought it would be delicious, why is it so astringent?"

“That’s new tea, that’s how it tastes.” Wen Lingshuang raised an eyebrow. “Don’t make a fool of yourself, okay?”

Fang Pei put down his teacup, looked at Wen Lingshuang solemnly, and said, "Actually, I think tea is like people; if it's too astringent, it's ultimately not good."

Wen Lingshuang's expression changed slightly. Before she could speak, Fang Pei continued, "Actually, I suggest you look into Jiang An's family background, including his open and covert struggles with Jiang Xu and Jiang Qi over the years. Sometimes, rumors from the outside world aren't necessarily false. There's no smoke without fire. Among so many illegitimate children in the industry, which one could sit in Jiang An's position? Lingshuang, you know better than I do that talent and ability aren't necessarily important for someone to go far in this kind of industry."

“Fang Pei.” She paused for a moment, “I thought you were different from others.”

Fang Pei: "..."

Fang Pei felt as if something had pierced his chest, and he gripped the teacup tightly.

After a moment, he said, "That's not what I meant. You've never suffered any injustice since you were a child. I'm just afraid you'll suffer."

“I know.” Wen Lingshuang looked at him. “Fang Pei, thank you.”

Thanks.

Fang Pei suddenly realized where the astringent taste in the teacup came from.

He picked up his teacup again and drank the last sip of tea. The astringency lingered in his mouth, eventually becoming smooth and mellow. When he swallowed it, the astringency transformed into the fragrance of tea leaves. It was indeed very delicious.

He looked at her and said, "Let's still be good friends, okay?"

Wen Lingshuang raised her teacup in a gesture of respect, "A lifetime."

Fang Pei smiled.

*

Jiang An returned in the evening. As he entered the courtyard, he saw a very low-key Mercedes. He glanced at it and walked in. He saw a tall and handsome figure walking out of the hall. As he walked, he said to Wen Lingshuang, "It's settled then. I'll pick you up tomorrow. Don't oversleep."

"Okay, okay, let's go now."

Jiang An's dark eyes narrowed, and he took a step forward. As he got closer, he heard Wen Ling Shuang say, "Jiang An?"

Fang Pei turned around and met Jiang An's gaze.

As the two looked at each other, Fang Pei quickly extended his hand, "Chairman Jiang, hello."

Jiang An looked at the outstretched hand, reluctantly raised his hand to shake it, and said, "Are you Yangyang's friend?"

Fang Pei's expression was complicated when he heard him call Wen Lingshuang by her nickname so familiarly, but it disappeared in an instant. "Yes, Lingshuang's friend. We've been here too long today. We won't disturb you any longer. We'll get together again another day when you have time."

After saying that, Fang Pei politely left.

Jiang An watched his departing figure, his expression somewhat unpleasant.

He knew Wen Lingshuang had many friends, both men and women, but seeing them chatting, especially at his house, felt like witnessing his wife cheating on him.

He didn't show it too obviously, and naturally took Wen Lingshuang's hand and walked inside.

He didn't question anyone when he went inside, but instead took off his suit jacket and went to the tea room to get some water.

The servants keenly sensed the change in Jiang An's emotions, and each of them tensed up, ready for anything.

Wen Lingshuang, oblivious to the fact that Jiang An was sitting at the waist of his shirt, said, "You've left me at home all day. I'm so bored."

Jiang An looked down at the teacup he was pouring water into, pursed his lips, and said, "If you're bored, close the door first."

"Hmm?" Wen Lingshuang looked at him with some confusion.

But I still obediently went and closed the door.

But the moment she closed the door, a powerful force struck from behind, pinning her against it and followed by a burning kiss.