Chapter 98 My remaining years are not yet over, please guide me...

Chapter 98

After the couplets were put up, the villa's scenery was completely transformed, turning it from a Western-style palace into a rural folk art performance.

But the three people living in the villa were quite satisfied.

For Jiang Mingxu and Jiang Xuli, this New Year was extraordinary from beginning to end. It was no longer a desolate and lonely time, nor was it a time of awkward silence. From early morning, the cheerful laughter from the television filled the entire living room, and Jin Ran sat on the sofa exchanging New Year's greetings with others.

She received the most phone calls, even more than President Jiang Mingxu. They came from school colleagues, Mrs. Lin and other girlfriends, Xu Zhen and Wei Ya, as well as parents and students. While dealing with the endless stream of calls, Jin Ran still managed to find time to direct Jiang Xuli to check the cooking in the kitchen.

Most of the New Year's Eve dinners were ordered from restaurants, but Jiang Mingxu also cooked a few dishes herself. After she finished her phone call, the father and son brought out the dishes they had prepared: braised eggplant, spicy cod, and cold seaweed salad. They were simple home-style dishes, but the taste was quite good. Jin Ran and Jiang Xuli were very kind and ate them all.

After dinner comes the annual Spring Festival Gala.

At this moment, New Year's greetings text messages from Jiang Mingxu began to arrive one after another, and he had to go to his study to deal with them. The two of them couldn't sit still for long and exchanged a glance: "Why don't we go out and have some fun?"

Jin Ran's heart skipped a beat: "What games?"

Jiang Xuli coughed, her ears turning slightly red: "When I was shopping at the supermarket, I bought some sparklers."

In response to the national call, fireworks and firecrackers are strictly prohibited in the city, but small sparklers are not included in the ban. Jin Ran raised her eyebrows when she heard this. She was not curious as to why Jiang Xuli would buy such a girly toy. She just smiled and stood up to walk towards the courtyard.

The moon is quite bright tonight, and the sky is a clear, deep blue.

Jiang Xuli gave Jin Ran a sparkler, then took out a lighter he had taken from his father's desk. The moment the slender tip of the sparkler was lit, it burst forth with a dazzling light like a shooting star, and golden sparks danced like fireflies. Upon closer inspection, they seemed to resemble the seven colors of a rainbow.

"Quick, it's about to go out, then reconnect!"

The two lit one cigarette after another, the faint light in their eyes flickering in the darkness, reflecting the gleam in their eyes.

After squatting for a while, Jin Ran felt dizzy when she stood up and instinctively grabbed the wrist of the person next to her.

Jiang Xuli was startled: "Are you alright?"

"It's nothing, I just felt a little dizzy from standing up too quickly."

Despite this, Jiang Xuli was somewhat skeptical, and as if thinking of something, her expression gradually turned gloomy.

Back in the room, as he stepped onto the stairs, he suddenly grabbed Jin Ran and whispered, "Actually, you could absorb more of my dad's yang energy."

Jin Ran: "?"

"Really, he's so strong, he must have a lot of yang energy!"

On that day, he overheard her conversation with Jin Dezhu and learned that she was not the real "Jin Ran," but a wandering ghost possessing "Jin Ran."

Jiang Xuli was briefly confused, but he quickly calmed down.

Whether she's a wandering spirit or a ghost, he only recognizes her.

Jin Ran: "..."

She was so angry she almost laughed. No wonder they were father and son; their imaginations were exactly the same. She stared into the boy's eyes until he felt a chill run down his spine, then said meaningfully, "I'm a ghost, not a fox spirit."

Hearing her admit it to herself made Jiang Xuli feel a little apprehensive. Before she could say anything more, Jiang Mingxu, who had just finished the call, came out of the house.

What are you doing standing here?

The two shut up, and Jin Ran dusted off her hands: "We're waiting for you to come out. There are two more sparklers left, want to play?"

Jiang Mingxu lowered his eyes to look at Jin Ran, a smile in his eyes: "Okay."

I stayed up all night on New Year's Eve, but luckily there were no relatives to visit after the New Year, so I could sleep in until I naturally woke up the next day.

After waking up, Jin Ran excitedly prepared a large red envelope. It was the first time she had given out New Year's money as an elder, and she felt a sense of novelty and emotion. However, as soon as she returned to her bedroom, Jiang Mingxu stuffed an even thicker red envelope into her hand.

"Happy New Year."

She paused, taken aback.

Jiang Mingxu couldn't resist reaching out and patting her head. Jin Ran, snapping out of her daze, happily threw herself into the man's arms: "I didn't prepare anything for you."

"It's okay, I'm ten years older than you, so according to age, I should be the one to give it to you."

Yes, there's a ten-year age gap. If they hadn't gotten married, she would have to call him "uncle" on the street. Jin Ran was amused by her own thoughts and looked up, her eyes sparkling: "But I also want to thank you."

Before Jiang Mingxu could answer, Jin Ran had already stood on tiptoe and kissed him. She had originally intended to kiss him on the lips, but at the last moment she deliberately turned her head slightly and kissed him on the lips.

The slight itch was nothing compared to the woman's radiant smile: "Thank you for the red envelope, Uncle Jiang."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mingxu's breath caught in his throat.

Jin Ran was a coward, but she was timid. Sensing the change in atmosphere, she quickly said she was going to wash the fruit and tried to run away, but was caught by Jiang Mingxu at the door.

Then, the man's low, husky voice rose and fell in my ear, pausing at a certain moment, and he said very cunningly, "I'm old, I can't compare to you young people."

Jin Ran was caught in a dilemma, on the verge of tears.

She could only cling tightly to the man's waist and abdomen, swaying as she apologized intermittently: No...you're not old at all...

That day, Jiang Xuli sat alone at the dining table, complaining that adults these days are too lazy, and finished her takeout meal by herself.

This was probably the longest holiday the family of three had spent together.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Jin Ran prepared three gifts and sent them to the Jin family. After they accepted them, they returned a gift of equal value.

The original owner's parents never appeared again. Later, it was said that Kim Deok-joo took his mother abroad to escape loan sharks.

Jin Ran only heard it once and quickly forgot about it.

According to Jin Dezhu, the matter is almost clear.

Before Jin Ran transmigrated into the book, there was already a "Jin Ran" who transmigrated into the original body. At that time, Jin's parents were not sad. Instead, because the other party could predict the future, they tried their best to please the "new daughter".

If the original owner were still alive, seeing this scene would probably make her give up.

Of course, even smooth sailing days sometimes have their little hiccups.

"If I hadn't asked you, were you planning to keep it from me forever?"

One day after the winter break ended, Jin Ran heard her colleague mention again that the company's elective course was supposedly taught by the president of Mingji himself. Suddenly, she remembered something she had forgotten and started to confront him when she got home that night.

Jiang Mingxu awkwardly touched his nose: "I was going to give you a surprise."

Jin Ran was speechless: "You have no idea how popular your elective course is. The school auditorium has limited seating, and it's full right now!"

Jiang Xuli, who had been eavesdropping on the sofa, immediately chimed in: "My classmates didn't get any, so they plan to sit in the aisle."

This was indeed something Jiang Xuli hadn't considered.

"Should I talk to the principal?"

"Forget it, I'd rather not." Although Jin Ran had been associated with a wealthy family since joining the company, she was most wary of abusing her privileges. Now, as the head of the teaching department, she had to set a good example.

"Actually, the dean of students has a special position. I was just asking on behalf of Xiao Li. In that case, he should stay in the classroom and do his practice problems."

Jiang Xuli: "???"

Although he wasn't interested in seeing his dad, he also didn't want to do practice problems!

Jiang Mingxu visited Wencheng Middle School for the second time.

He was still warmly welcomed by the school leaders, but this time, in addition to the principal, the newly appointed director of studies also came to greet him.

"The elective course is scheduled in the school auditorium. Mr. Jiang, let's go together."

Jiang Mingxu smiled and nodded.

Just then, seven or eight students walked in through the school gate. The one in the lead was particularly eye-catching, not only because he was half a head taller than the others, but also because among all the blue and white school uniforms, he was the only one wearing a striking black hoodie.

Jin Ran, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped in her tracks: "Wait a minute!"

The air fell silent instantly. In front of everyone, Jin Ran strode up to the group of students, her expression serious, and pulled out her notebook: "Which class are you in? Why aren't you wearing your school uniform?"

Jiang Xuli froze.

The younger men who were with him also froze.

Oh no, they deliberately waited for the right moment to come in, and now they've run into the headmaster!

Only a few people knew Jiang Xuli and Jin Ran's identities. At this moment, the underlings were only nervous, and some even whispered among themselves, "How many times has Brother Li been arrested?"

"Eight times, it seems like it was all caught by our head of student affairs."

Hearing the whisper, Jiang Xuli's face flushed red and then turned pale. When she looked up, she met Jin Ran's teasing gaze, and then saw a familiar figure not far away. She felt her toes gripping the ground.

It's bad enough that his stepmother caught him breaking the rules, but to have his dad witness it firsthand is just too much! How could he be so unlucky?

The more he thought about it, the more he regretted it. Finally, he gritted his teeth, stomped his foot, and actually grabbed Jin Ran's sleeve, pleading in a low voice, "Mom, can you give me some face?"

Jin Ran: "..."

Jin Ran... Jin Ran almost burst out laughing!

The sight of a sixteen-year-old high school student sneaking around trying to build a relationship was rather amusing. She vaguely recalled when they first met, the boy had a cold face and coolly asked her to "pretend to be a stranger," but now the scene had completely changed.

Hmm, why do I feel a little bit of pleasure?

However, Jiang Xuli didn't feel embarrassed at all. On the contrary, after saying it, he became even more willing to abandon his pride. What was pride worth? Could it save him the face of his older brother? "I promise I'll never dare not wear the school uniform again next time..."

Seeing that Jin Ran remained unmoved, he had no choice but to use his trump card: "I'll buy you that game console you've got your eye on!"

Jin Ran raised an eyebrow and finally reacted under Jiang Xuli's tense gaze—she raised her hand and naturally brushed the dust off the boy's shoulder.

"Let it go this time, but next time you do a good deed, remember to make it clear."

She hadn't actually planned to deduct points, and Jiang Xuli was wearing her school uniform when she left home today. Now that the uniform is gone, it was probably given to another student.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuli breathed a sigh of relief.

As he left amidst the admiring gazes of his underlings, he returned to the grounds of the teaching building and saw a girl holding a school uniform waiting at the entrance of Class 3: "Jiang Xuli, thank you."

Jiang Xuli reminded her: "That good Chinese composition you mentioned last time..."

"Okay, I'll get it for you right away."

Jiang Xuli was satisfied; she hadn't lost any points and had gotten the materials. Today was truly a lucky day.

Meanwhile, elective courses were held in the auditorium.

Jiang Mingxu's course is called "Mingji Enterprise Innovation Practice Course". Before it even started, the room was already full of "students" listening to the lecture.

There were both students and teachers present, as such opportunities are rare. The lecturer was the president of Mingji, a self-made business genius who built his company into a business leader at a young age. He will likely be on the rich list in a few years.

Of course, some people are just there to watch the spectacle.

Jin Ran overheard several colleagues gossiping about Jiang Mingxu: "I wonder if this President Jiang is married or not."

"I heard they're already married, and her partner is a rich and beautiful woman, very attractive!"

"How good-looking is she? Is she as good-looking as our Teacher Jin?"

"As for this," the colleague looked at Jin Ran carefully for a few moments, "I think Teacher Jin is prettier."

In the end, the group couldn't reach a conclusion. When it came time to present flowers as a token of gratitude, they actually discussed having Jin Ran represent all the teachers and students in presenting the flowers: "If President Jiang is stunned when he sees Teacher Jin, it means Teacher Jin is even more beautiful!"

Jin Ran: "..."

Jiang Mingxu stood on the high platform in front of him.

Today he was wearing a rather formal suit, which made him appear tall and slender. He spoke with a calm expression, explaining the profound yet simple content, and exuded a mature and wise aura that deeply impressed everyone.

Even Jin Ran, who was holding a bouquet of flowers and went on stage, was somewhat attracted.

She had seen Jiang Mingxu at home playing with the cat and cooking, and she had seen Jiang Mingxu sitting in the office reviewing official documents. This was the first time she had seen Jiang Mingxu standing on the podium and speaking eloquently.

Like a famous sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness is fully revealed.

But no matter how much she liked it, she couldn't help but snort inwardly.

—This man is showing off like a peacock displaying its feathers today, is he doing it on purpose?

With her smile unchanged, Jin Ran handed over the bouquet of flowers. Jiang Mingxu merely nodded politely. The whole thing lasted no more than ten seconds, and Jin Ran thought there was nothing wrong with it. But after returning to her seat, her colleague suddenly tugged at her sleeve excitedly: "Oh my god! President Jiang just smiled at you! He had a straight face the whole time, but he smiled at you!"

"...You must have misunderstood."

"Absolutely not!" her colleague insisted, leaving Jin Ran no choice but to firmly maintain that it was impossible. Suddenly, her colleague realized something and gasped, "Could it be that he's trying to sexually harass you?!"

Jin Ran explained for someone, "President Jiang shouldn't be that kind of person."

"Oh dear, Ms. Jin, you have to be careful. These wealthy people are the most adept at saying one thing to your face and another behind your back..."

Before the words were finished, a shadow fell over them. Jiang Mingxu, who had just finished his lecture, hadn't left for some reason, but instead came up to them. Upon seeing this, the colleague's muttering stopped abruptly: "Mr. Jiang?! What brings you here..."

Jin Ran hadn't expected the man to appear, and a guess gradually formed in her mind.

Sure enough, the next second Jiang Mingxu spoke up: "I need to say a few words to my wife."

Mrs?

What wife?

Everyone was bewildered. What did President Jiang's wife have to do with them? The same teacher from before cautiously asked, "Who is President Jiang's wife?"

Jiang Mingxu seemed not to hear Jin Ran's colleagues' complaints about him. He calmly took Jin Ran's hand and said frankly, "Jin Ran, Teacher Jin is my wife."

Then, faced with everyone's shock, he sincerely said, "I'm sorry, because of the nature of my work, Teacher Jin is not able to reveal his identity to you. It was not an intentional concealment."

This day was an unexpected one for both Jin Ran and her colleagues.

Their colleague, Ms. Jin, with whom they spent every day, turned out to be President Jiang's wife!

Which President Jiang are you asking about? Besides the president of Mingji, who else could be called President Jiang?

Moreover, President Jiang apologized to them and even invited them to participate in Mingji's annual technology open day. This is just too magical!

Some people secretly made sarcastic remarks, saying that Jin Ran was a wealthy woman who kept it a secret from them, and that she wasn't sincere at all.

Unfortunately, the others weren't fools, and they immediately retorted: "President Jiang already said it was because of him. If you ask me, it's because of people like you who gossip behind people's backs and have ill intentions that he doesn't dare to reveal his identity."

As for the rumors that Jin Ran became the dean of students through connections, no one bothers to even glance at them. Jin Ran's actions since joining the company are clear to everyone. So what if she used connections? Even if you had connections, you'd still be hopeless!

However: "I remember Ms. Jin saying that her husband was sexually frigid?"

"You're mistaken, it's clearly impotence after giving birth to one child!"

"Huh? I remember it was..."

After the elective class that day, Jin Ran felt her scalp tingle from the intense gazes around her. When she saw Jiang Mingxu turn to leave, she followed him almost reflexively.

As for how Jiang Mingxu heard those rumors and then proved himself to be capable, that's another story.

After her identity was exposed, Jin Ran's life was actually no different from before, except that her colleagues liked to talk to her about certain things more often.

In June, as the grass grows and birds sing, the first batch of outstanding teachers from Wencheng Middle School received overseas training funds from the foundation and, with the help of Mingji, went abroad to study and pursue advanced education.

Xu Zhen missed the opportunity because she didn't meet the required years of service, and she clung to Jin Ran's shoulders, complaining loudly. Of course, she was just complaining, because the training fund wasn't just for one year; she would be able to apply again in a few years.

Jin Ran knew this too, so she comforted Xu Zhen for a while, and Xu Zhen's mood quickly improved. She was very touched that her friend would accompany her, so she said she would treat her to a meal.

As a result, Jin Ran looked troubled.

Xu Zhen squinted: "Don't tell me you have something to do. We haven't gotten together for a month!"

Jin Ran looked apologetic, but still said, "Jiang Mingxu said today is our wedding anniversary and he wants to celebrate it properly. Xiao Li is even preparing a performance for it."

What else could Xu Zhen do? In front of her husband and children, she was completely defeated as his dining companion!

...

When Jin Ran returned home, the sky was already showing the colors of sunset. Ahead, Jiang Xuli was standing at the villa entrance with his hands in his pockets, kicking pebbles on the ground with a bored expression. When he saw her, he immediately stood up straight.

"Cough, close your eyes in a moment, and I'll lead you inside."

She wasn't involved in the entire wedding anniversary celebration; it was planned by the two men. This request probably meant they had some surprise for her.

I just don't know if this idea came from Da Jiang or Xiao Jiang.

Jin Ran obediently closed her eyes and then placed her hand in Jiang Xuli's. She felt that the support was very light, and she wanted to laugh. Despite Jiang Xuli's arrogant and cool demeanor, he had never actually interacted with girls before, so he didn't know that although a girl's hand was soft, it wasn't a fragile piece of porcelain that would break at the slightest touch.

The two walked into the courtyard step by step.

The moment he pushed open the door, Jiang Xuli let go of her hand and gently pushed her from behind.

Jin Ran opened her eyes as if sensing something.

The air is filled with fragrance. The paths in the villa's courtyard are covered with flower petals, and a long row of candles are placed on both sides. The candlelight flickers gently in the breeze, outlining a warm path of light.

Jiang Mingxu stood at the end of the road, holding a bouquet of her favorite roses in her hands. The sunset fell on his shoulders, coating his profile with a layer of radiant tenderness.

He reached out his hand to her.

The sound of a piano began to play, and Jiang Xuli was already sitting at the piano, dressed in the same color as his father. His youthful face was unusually serious at this moment.

With a tap of the fingertip, melodious music flows out continuously—Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," a sound as clean as if washed by morning dew, like the most sincere whisper.

Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you're holding mine.[1]

Jin Ran laughed.

She is not someone who is easily moved.

Or rather, she was actually a bit cold and aloof.

Those relationships that ended peacefully, and the resolute decision to leave home after adulthood, are perhaps building a wall of estrangement.

Over the years, she had become accustomed to keeping her emotions carefully hidden in her heart, but at this moment, the burning sensation in her eyes could not lie. She suddenly wanted to take a step forward, just like the determination she showed when she ran towards him the first time they met.

At the end, Jiang Mingxu opened his arms and caught his wife who was running wildly.

He could feel her emotion, but he was far from calm himself.

Sometimes, Jiang Mingxu even had the illusion that his current life was as beautiful as a fleeting dream. So, one night after another, or in the early morning when the first rays of dawn were just beginning to pierce through the curtains, he would subconsciously turn his head to look at the person sleeping soundly beside him.

Only when I saw her slightly furrowed brows and even breathing, and felt my fingertips gently touch her temples, could I confirm that this was real.

He didn't know when his dream would end, and even after Jin Ran mentioned Wei Ya's special qualities, he secretly went to find that woman.

At that time, the other party was about to take her younger brother abroad for medical treatment. Accompanying her was the young CEO of the Chen family. He remained silent for a long time before asking her the conditions for Jin Ran to stay forever.

The woman named Wei Ya looked bewildered, clearly not understanding, but perhaps sensing his strange state, she said, word by word, even though she didn't know what he was saying, "Miss Jin is my friend, and she will always be here for me."

Later, Jiang Mingxu thought that if one day she really had to leave, he might feel pain, but he would also let go with a smile.

But before that, he preferred to use all sorts of "despicable" nets to keep her firmly trapped in his own world.

"Happy wedding anniversary, Ms. Jin."

Jin Ran's eyes were red, like a rabbit's: "Only one word: happiness?"

Jiang Mingxu shook his head, then took out a ring and put it on her hand.

Unlike previous diamond rings, this ring was custom-made by Jiang Mingxu. The brand has the meaning that each person can only customize one in their lifetime. He personally went there to watch the craftsman finish carving the last line of the design and had the initials of the two of them engraved in the circle.

"On every anniversary from now on, I will give you a ring. When I have collected eighty rings, I will give you another gift."

Upon hearing this, Jin Ran, who was almost moved to tears, burst into laughter through her tears, and angrily punched him: "Are you doing this on purpose! Eighty years, are you giving me a gift or a fishhook?"

Jiang Mingxu laughed as well, looking at her intently: "So, Teacher Jin, are you willing to take the bait?"

He was met with a tight hug from Jin Ran.

Only fish will bite the bait, while hunters will only risk their lives to get caught in the trap.

Jin Ran wondered, how long is eighty years?

Over these long eighty years, they may share a cup of hot coffee on countless mornings, watch a movie wrapped in the same blanket on snowy winter nights, argue over trivial matters like whether or not to eat cold food, and then smile at each other at some moment, feeling each other's body temperature as they fall asleep in each other's arms.

My life is not yet over, please continue to guide me.

All the unspoken words and unfinished journeys are hidden in the two words "the rest of my life," waiting for time to slowly write them down.

As for how the future will unfold?

Let them, in the future, witness it together!

[End of text]

——

——

——

"etc!"

"Have you two forgotten something?"

Ten minutes later, Jiang Xuli, who had just finished playing the piano, stood in the hot air, sweat pouring down her forehead, and couldn't help but complain.

Jin Ran nestled snuggled against Jiang Mingxu's chest, then looked up at the sound and asked, "What, are you jealous that I get to hug your dad?"

"Who's jealous!" Jiang Xuli jumped up and down, looking disgusted. "I'm not a little kid who needs to be coaxed."

The implication is that Jin Ran is even more childish than a child.

Jin Ran burst into laughter. Suddenly, she let go of Jiang Mingxu and, before Jiang Xuli could react, pounced on him and hugged him tightly: "Don't hug me, I'm going to hug you!"

"Aaaaaaah!"

Jiang Mingxu watched this scene with a gentle smile in his eyes.

However, he didn't linger. Instead, he turned and went to the kitchen. Anniversaries aren't just about poetry and distant places; they also involve the mundane necessities of life. He was going to prepare his own necessities now.

The faint sound of a woman and a boy arguing could be heard on the wind.

"You're so stingy! What's wrong with letting me hug you for a bit!"

"Ugh! It's so hot!"

"Fine, I didn't complain about you being hot, and you dare to complain about me!"

"Jiang Xuli, did you not wash your hair? It stinks!"

"From now on, I'll hug you whenever I want, and you absolutely can't resist!"

"Why should I?!"

"Because you are my first son in this world!"

"..."

The birds on the eaves landed and then flew away.

When it left, it became a deaf bird without ears.

--(˙˙)--

[This time it's really over]