Before turning into a drifting soul, Jin Ran was suffering due to the economic downturn and became one of the many unemployed fresh graduates. By a twist of fate, her soul transmigrated into a nove...
Chapter 24 You little brat, you'll push your luck!
Chapter 24
Just a few steps away, Jin Jing was still unaware that she had been discovered.
She had only seen Jiang Xuli in photos, and now, afraid of missing out, she stared intently at the doorway.
Fortunately, she soon saw two tall boys walking out of the school, one of whom looked very much like the boy in the photo!
Jiang Xuli usually walked with Chen Xunliang, but today the other was going to his maternal grandmother's house. The two had just parted ways when he was stopped by someone.
"Is that Xiao Li?"
The woman in front of him was pale-faced and slender as a willow in the breeze. Her smile was gentle and harmless: "I am Jin Ran's older sister. By seniority... you are my nephew."
After being reminded, Jiang Xuli finally remembered.
He had seen this woman at home before; she was supposedly Jin Ran's cousin.
However, the atmosphere between the two women was not harmonious at the time, and there was even a hint of hostility between them.
Thinking of this, the boy's attitude turned colder. "Just say what you have to say. I'm in a hurry."
Jin Jing's smile froze.
She had heard before that Jiang Mingxu's son was unruly and spent his days hanging out with the spoiled brats of the Chen family, but she never expected him to be so ill-mannered. He was indeed born of a mother but not raised by one.
She felt disgusted inside, but said gently on the surface, "...It's nothing serious, I just happened to be passing by and stopped by to see you." She paused, as if considering her words, "It's been a while since I've seen Ranran. I wonder how she's doing? My younger sister was pampered growing up, so delicate that she can't endure any hardship. After she got married, Grandpa and my uncle and aunt have been very worried about her."
?
Jiang Xuli simply couldn't connect the "spoiled" woman with the woman who "practiced kung fu" on the lawn every morning.
If she is considered weak, then there are no weak people in this world.
Furthermore, due to his childhood experiences, he was exceptionally perceptive of the malice of others and easily discovered the emotions hidden in Jin Jing's eyes.
Jiang Xuli became curious and couldn't help but ask, "So?"
"So if she does anything wrong, I hope you will be understanding."
Jin Jing acted like a caring older sister who was worried about her younger sister. The reason she came to find Jiang Xuli was because after Jin Ran kicked her out of the Jiang family last time, the other party not only blocked her contact information, but also asked the community property management to prohibit her from entering!
Having been raised by Grandpa Jin, Jin Jing had never suffered such humiliation and vowed to make the other party pay the price.
"You may not know this, but I was originally supposed to marry your father. Ranran found out and cried and made a scene, taking the opportunity away from him. She's always had to get what she wants since she was little, and you can't stop her..."
Jin Jing looked at Jiang Xuli apologetically, even with a hint of worry: "She married your father to get revenge on me. I'm afraid she... will deliberately bully you."
Not far away, Jin Ran's face showed a look of surprise and astonishment.
What does it mean to snag a marriage opportunity?
Could it be that the original owner's marriage to Jiang Mingxu wasn't based on mutual affection? And since it could be taken away, it's highly likely that it really was a marriage of convenience.
Reflecting on her own performance during this period, Jin Ran had a look of utter despair on her face.
All the doubts of the past were resolved. No wonder the couple in the novel treated each other with cold indifference, and no wonder Jiang Mingxu always tested her attitude. It turned out that it was all just wishful thinking on the part of the original owner from beginning to end.
What about all her daily caution?
Jin Ran could only smile bitterly and comfort herself, "It's okay, it's okay. Even though my acting was bad, Jiang Mingxu didn't take a biopsy of me, did he?"
As Jin Jing spoke, she observed the boy opposite her.
She was confident she could persuade Jiang Xuli. Children this age lack independent thought, have never met their biological mother, and their father suddenly married a young and beautiful stepmother, who must be filled with anger and fear.
What would he think if he found out that behind this seemingly perfect marriage was actually a meticulously planned revenge?
Of course it is—
Jiang Xuli looked Jin Jing up and down as if she were an idiot: "Do you think I'm an idiot?"
Jin Jing: "?"
Jin Ran, who was eavesdropping nearby: "?"
Wait a minute, why isn't this going against the grain?
Jiang Xuli genuinely thought Jin Jing was a fool.
Even if it were a business marriage, someone like his father would never let a woman jump on his head. At the very least, he would never calmly discuss "employment status" with her at the dinner table, nor would he pick up and drop off Jin Ran every day just because it was "on his way".
He was already furious about what happened with Zhang Ma last time, but he didn't expect anyone else to dare to jump in and sow discord.
Does he really look that easy to manipulate?
A sudden surge of anger rose within the young man. He raised his eyebrows, revealing a youthful arrogance and unruliness, and then asked in a tone that was both extremely disdainful and curious, "Are you jealous of Jin Ran?"
Jin Jing: "?"
She's jealous of Jin Ran? Jealous of what?
"You're just jealous that my dad likes her more than you, otherwise I really can't understand why you, as the older cousin, are always eyeing your younger cousin's husband and children, or..." Jiang Xuli smiled wickedly, "...you want to be my stepmother?"
He had to admit he'd guessed the truth, but Jin Jing refused to admit it, her eyes reddening with anger: "Xiao Li, how could you think of me like that? I'm genuinely worried my sister will hurt you. You don't know, she used to complain to me about you all the time..."
Seriously? How come this woman's complaint involves a boomerang?
Jin Ran, who had been quietly observing the situation, finally couldn't stand it anymore. She couldn't let this little bitch scare away the math team leader she had worked so hard to get along with.
Just as she was about to go over and stop their conversation, she suddenly heard Jiang Xuli sneer from the other side: "Hey auntie, you're really something. If you're jealous of her, go find her. What's the point of babbling here? But I don't think your jealousy will help either. You're not as good-looking as her, and you have a foul mouth. You're miles behind her. My dad has high standards, he definitely wouldn't like you."
big……
Auntie...
In an instant, Jin Jing's eyes went blank, and only these two words swirled in her mind.
Jin Ran was also stunned; her sweet words were like poison.
But what's with the feeling of "sometimes feeling good"?
When Jin Ran saw Jin Jing swaying on the verge of collapse after being hit so hard, she was secretly delighted. But fearing that the other woman might try to take advantage of Jiang Xuli, she decisively stepped in: "Oh my, so Xiao Li, you're here! I've been looking for you for ages. Oh, cousin, what are you doing here too?"
Her delicate, affected voice immediately drew the attention of the two people present.
Fortunately, most of the students had already left, and since the group was standing slightly to the left, no one noticed the commotion.
"Heh...hehe, I'm nearby, just stopped by to see Xiao Li."
Upon seeing who it was, Jin Jing clenched her fists, her fingertips turning slightly white. She had deliberately come to the school to avoid Jin Ran, but she still bumped into her.
Jin Ran seemed oblivious to her breakdown, and swayed her cat-like steps as she approached: "Oh right, according to my generation, you're Xiao Li's aunt."
He deliberately emphasized the word "big," and sure enough, he saw Jin Jing's ashen face again.
After enjoying the moment with a touch of morbid amusement, he slowly and deliberately began, "Cousin, I should invite you to our home, but today is a family event, and it's really inappropriate to bring outsiders. You're so understanding, you should be able to understand, right?"
Then he turned to Jiang Xuli and said, "You silly child, didn't we agree to go to the supermarket together? Why are you wasting time here?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuli was taken aback, and Jin Jing was also taken aback.
Have they become so close after just a few days that they can go shopping together?
A surge of bitter jealousy welled up in Jin Jing's heart. She couldn't control herself and her nails dug into her palms, almost drawing blood.
Why? We're all from the Jin family, so why are they indifferent to me but accept a stupid and wicked woman?
Out of Jiang Xuli's sight, Jin Ran winked at her.
Jiang Xuli: "..."
He found it somewhat amusing, especially when he saw the other person's face turn red with anger. He even felt a sense of tension, like when he was a child doing naughty things with his friends: "Oh, and he even said he'd buy me the new TC game console."
Jin Ran: You little rascal, you're the type to push your luck.
However, when it comes to taking advantage of others, she is still no match for him, who is more cunning.
"Okay, okay, since it's your dad who's paying. By the way, let's hurry up and go, don't keep your dad waiting. I came to find you earlier, but he wouldn't let me, saying he was worried my feet would hurt from walking."
Even without looking in the mirror, Jin Ran could guess how irritating she looked. She smiled shyly and said, "If you ask me, your dad is just too love-struck. He can't live without me at all. No wonder people say that marriage before love lasts longer than free love."
Jiang Xuli: "..."
Jin Jing: "..."
Jiang Mingxu, who had just gotten off the bus: "..."
His steps faltered for a moment, and for a brief instant, he thought he had gone to the wrong place.
Until he saw Jin Ran turn her head and ask him when they were going to go to the supermarket in an extremely strange voice, as if she had been caught in a mousetrap.
he:"……"
It's confirmed, we haven't gone to the wrong place.
Although he felt very strange and didn't understand what the woman was up to, as the president of a company, he had long since mastered the skill of not showing his emotions. He approached her nonchalantly and said, "Sorry I'm late. Let's go now."
Jin Jing, standing to the side, stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
Is this Jiang Mingxu?
Isn't he a divorced man in his thirties?!
Jin Jing has met many successful people in the industry. It is rare to be young and accomplished. Most of those who become presidents end up as greasy, pot-bellied men. And those who are young and handsome often lack ability. So for many years, she has always preferred to remain single rather than settle for less.
But now, looking at the tall, handsome man in front of her, and thinking about the marriage that should have been hers, the jealousy in her heart burned even more fiercely, like oil poured on it.
Before she could react, she had already bypassed Jin Ran, the legitimate wife, and walked up to the man: "President Jiang, it's been a long time. My grandfather's birthday is coming soon, and I originally wanted to invite you over for a get-together, but the message was blocked, and I haven't been able to contact you."
Jiang Mingxu glanced at her, somewhat puzzled: "Who are you?"
Jin Ran almost burst out laughing. Wasn't it said that the opportunity for a marriage alliance had been snatched away? It seems that the two of them aren't that familiar with each other.
Jin Jing hurriedly explained, "You've forgotten, when our two families arranged the marriage, you originally chose me."
"Oh, it's Miss Jin," Jiang Mingxu nodded in greeting. "I've received the invitation for your grandfather's birthday. I'll go when I have time. As for the marriage alliance..."
He said calmly, "I originally chose you, but after meeting you I realized I didn't like you, so I changed it."
"..."
Now, Jin Ran even felt a little sorry for Jin Jing.
No wonder he's Jiang Xuli's father; the father and son are strikingly similar in their sharp tongues when it comes to roasting people.
After hearing this seemingly ordinary remark, Jin Jing, who had been chatting amiably just moments before, suddenly became so frustrated that she stopped saying anything.
Clearly, Jiang Mingxu hit the other party's most sensitive point. Jin Ran had already seen through Jin Jing's ulterior motives towards Jiang Mingxu when they first met. She was unaware of the inside story before, but she knew it now.
But she didn't feel guilty.
Firstly, it was a deal between the original owner and Jin Jing. Regardless of the outcome, the two must have reached a consensus at the time.
Secondly, the original owner is the original owner, and she is herself. She has never had the habit of sacrificing herself to please others.
Noticing Jiang Mingxu looking over, Jin Ran gave him a satisfied "you're teachable" look.
Then she stepped forward and affectionately took the man's arm in front of everyone, ignoring his momentary stiffness and quickly saying, "Cousin, we'll be going now. Let's talk again next time."
The delicate beauty brought a perfect end to today's one-sided crushing victory.
/
Today, Jiang Mingxu wasn't driving his familiar Porsche, but rather another Rolls-Royce Phantom from the garage.
The gorgeous and luxurious color scheme and the smooth, flying fish-like lines alone are enough to make passing vehicles avoid them.
The family of three arrived at the car.
Jiang Xuli opened the passenger door without a second thought. One was his father, and the other was his stepmother; it wouldn't be appropriate for him to sit with either of them.
Jin Ran and Jiang Mingxu didn't think too much about it and went to the back row.
As soon as she stepped inside, Jin Ran sensed the difference. If the Porsche she had driven before was a comfortable sports car, then this Rolls-Royce was on the level of a luxury cruise ship. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "This car must be expensive, right?"
Jiang Mingxu nodded: "About eight figures."
Eight figures? Tens of millions!
In an instant, Jin Ran felt a deep respect, not only for the car, but also for the person who owned it. According to her career plan, she probably wouldn't be able to afford one in her lifetime. Her buttocks honestly confirmed her feelings. Well, she couldn't afford to buy it, but she could afford to ride in it. She could take this opportunity to enjoy it.
Jiang Mingxu glanced to the side without making a sound.
Jin Ran sat upright, her long hair tied into a low ponytail, the ends of which swayed slightly as the car moved, occasionally brushing against the crook of her neck.
His gaze involuntarily followed the curve of her neck—unlike the prominent Adam's apple of a man, the woman's neck was smooth and white, like fine white jade, gleaming with a warm light in the dim carriage.
It's really incomprehensible how someone could make such a sound.
Only when Jin Ran seemed to sense something and turned her head did he turn his gaze away and look at the flowing night outside the window, as if his previous gaze was just an illusion.
Jin Ran was completely unaware of this.
Looking at the unfamiliar scenery outside the car window, a question arose in her mind: "Where is this going?"
Jiang Mingxu calmly replied, "Didn't we say we were going to the supermarket to buy things? There's a large supermarket in Pingting that has a pretty complete selection of goods."
Although he arrived late, he overheard most of their conversation and asked Xiao Sun to set the destination to the supermarket when he got in the car.
Upon hearing this, Jin Ran's eyes darted around.
Those words were just casual remarks she made to spite Jin Jing, but she didn't expect Jiang Mingxu to take them seriously. It just so happened that she hadn't been to a supermarket since coming to this world, and she was a little curious about whether the things inside would be different. But she said, "Then you have to pay. Your son wants a TC game console."
Jiang Xuli, who was suddenly called upon: "..."
He really wanted to say he didn't want it anymore, because when he was a child, his dad thought that kind of thing was a waste of time and energy when he bought a game console. But then he heard Jiang Mingxu nod and say, "Okay."
"You said it's important to have a proper balance between work and rest."
He pursed his lips, swallowed his denial, and relaxed back against the chair.
Oh well, might as well take it.
At this moment, Jiang Xuli understood Jin Ran's way of dealing with the world without any instruction.