Chapter 69 "Drink Less Alcohol".
When they arrived home, Jiang An carried Wen Lingshuang inside. The two kissed passionately and reluctantly. Wen Lingshuang's mouth had a rich grape aroma, and kissing her felt like eating a crystal grape—excessively sweet, soft, and delicious. For the first time, Jiang An disregarded etiquette and placed Wen Lingshuang on the table before even going upstairs.
Wen Lingshuang gazed at him with hazy eyes, reached out and grabbed his tie, wrapped it around her hand a few times, and then gently tightened it.
Jiang An was pulled in front of her, his hands braced on either side of her, the slightly protruding veins looking particularly sexy.
Their breaths mingled, and Wen Lingshuang's red lips slowly parted as she said, "You didn't coax me enough just now, coax me again."
Jiang An thought Wen Lingshuang was truly a bewitching enchantress. When she was crying and sobbing, he didn't find her annoying, but rather adorable; when she was alluring, he wanted to give her everything.
"Okay." He thought for a moment and coaxed, "Miss Wen, please don't lose your temper anymore. When you get angry, it's hard to control people."
Wen Lingshuang tightened her tie with one hand. "Can't control what?"
Wen Lingshuang's eyes held a suggestive glint, "Are you willing to part with it?"
Jiang An admitted that he was somewhat bewitched, finding it difficult to remain calm and control himself. He murmured to himself, as if talking to himself, "I can't bear to part with it."
After saying that, he kissed her red lips again, his voice hoarse, "Be good tonight, don't bite me."
"I should be the one saying that," Wen Lingshuang said, letting him kiss her. "And did I ever bite you?"
Jiang An chuckled softly, remaining silent.
He picked her up with one hand and carried her upstairs.
When they reached the room, Jiang An placed her on the bed and began unbuttoning his shirt. Wen Ling Shuang lay there watching him. His hands were long and strong, with several prominent veins winding upwards along the back of his hands. As he unbuttoned the last button, Wen Ling Shuang suddenly lifted her foot and pressed it against his abdominal muscles, laughing, "Jiang An."
"Hmm?" Jiang An's breathing was slightly heavy. He looked down at her fair and delicate little feet, gently cupping them in his large hand. "What's wrong?"
"I suddenly remembered something."
Her small feet traced the lines of his abdominal muscles.
Jiang An's throat tightened, his dark eyes unfathomable. He grabbed her injured ankle and asked in a hoarse voice, "What made you think of something?"
“You told me before that you were going on a business trip.”
Jiang An had assumed she was going to talk about things in bed, but it turned out to be about the holiday. He instantly felt a headache coming on. He was going on a business trip, but not for six months. He had only said that to avoid making her angry again. He thought she had forgotten about it when the holiday ended…
Jiang An rubbed his temples, about to speak, when Wen Lingshuang suddenly got up from the bed, still with her back to him, bent over, and crawled to the other side of the bed on her knees. Her pert and round buttocks made Jiang An feel hot. He went around to the other side and grabbed her, "What are you doing?"
"I'll help you pack your luggage." She looked up at him, a naive smile on her face. "I'll go with you on your six-month business trip."
Jiang An: "..."
He pursed his lips and didn't say anything.
After a moment of distraction, Wen Lingshuang broke free from his grasp, got out of bed, and went to the wardrobe to pack her luggage.
To be honest, she had never packed luggage for anyone before. Even when she went out to play, she packed very little. She was used to shopping extensively in the places she visited, buying clothes, food, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and more. She would buy a lot of clothes, bags, and shoes in every place she went, so she never had to worry about not having enough to change. But Jiang An was different. He didn't seem to like this kind of consumption when traveling.
Opening the wardrobe, compared to Wen Lingshuang's entire walk-in closet, Jiang An's clothes were 'pitifully few,' with only a few dozen suits. You know, she had hundreds of suits of any one type. She casually picked up a few of his usual suits and hung them on the clothes rack next to him.
Seeing that she was really going to help him pack his luggage, Jiang An stepped forward, put his arm around her, and whispered, "Are you sure you want to do this at a time like this?"
Wen Lingshuang blinked her beautiful eyes. "Of course."
Those cunning eyes fluttered like butterflies, her smile was sweet and alluring, and her red lips opened and closed, uttering words he didn't want to hear.
Jiang An then realized that Wen Lingshuang's real 'trouble' lay in this aspect...
He let out a long sigh. "Alright."
After saying that, he released his arm from hers. "You can pack up now."
When Wen Lingshuang saw Jiang An's restrained expression, she almost burst out laughing. Seeing him turn to go to the shower, she stepped forward and hugged his strong waist from behind, her delicate white hands unbuckling his belt, saying, "Your wardrobe is very big."
Jiang An looked down at her hand, his suppressed emotions about to erupt, and grabbed her wrist. "Don't you know how big the wardrobe is?"
"Can that fit two people?"
Wen Lingshuang walked around to the front of him and grabbed his tie again, "Show me around."
Looking at her, Jiang An was truly unable to move. He felt that the hand she was holding onto his tie had a magical power; although it wasn't very strong, it made him willingly follow her.
Even if there are pits ahead, even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire.
He accepted it.
That was the most absurd thing Jiang An had ever done. His wardrobe was a complete mess, with shirts, suits, ties... scattered all over the floor.
Later, Jiang An thought countless times that perhaps Wen Lingshuang did it on purpose.
She didn't want him to go on business trips.
*
Jiang An's daily routine is very punctual; he usually wakes up at six o'clock every morning. However, since getting married, his punctual routine has become chaotic.
He was up until the early hours of the morning last night, and when he woke up it was already past seven in the morning. Wen Lingshuang was still fast asleep beside him; she looked beautiful even while sleeping. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead before getting up to wash and get dressed.
The weather wasn't great today; it was foggy and the wind was biting cold.
In the car, Jiang An reviewed today's work schedule while asking, "Are there any private auctions recently?"
Lon was taken aback when he suddenly spoke.
Jiang An added, "It needs to be of high quality."
Lon paused for a moment, then asked, "Is your wife angry again?"
It's not that she's angry.
Instead, they were preparing to get angry.
If I tell her that the business trip was fake and that it won't last six months, I'll probably have to coax her for several days. I should prepare an apology gift now so that I have something to offer her when she throws a tantrum.
Lon looked at Jiang An through the rearview mirror.
“There are a few high-quality private auctions recently, with jewelry collections from the last century up for sale. I’ll contact them right away.”
"Hmm." Jiang An nodded slightly, offering no further reply.
Upon arriving at the company, Jiang An held a senior management meeting and a project meeting.
As the meeting ended, a sudden downpour began. Large raindrops pounded against the French windows, making heavy, muffled sounds. A clap of thunder followed, and the door to Jiang An's office was violently flung open. Jiang Qi, his eyes bloodshot, stormed in, walked to the desk, and saw Jiang An processing documents. He threw the letter of appointment in front of him, pointing at him and saying, "What do you mean? You transferred me to such a remote area abroad."
Jiang An didn't even look up, his tone calm, "Your appointment and transfer were decided in a meeting, not by me alone."
"Most of the shareholders and senior executives of Xining Group are your people. Do you think it's ridiculous that they make decisions in a meeting?"
Jiang An put down what he was holding, leaned back slightly, and looked up at Jiang Qi. "If you are not satisfied with the group's transfer order, you are welcome to raise objections, but I cannot guarantee whether the group will accept it."
"Jiang An!" Jiang Qi slammed his hands on the desk, staring at him coldly. "You're deliberately targeting me."
“The group always follows procedures. Your transfer order should have been issued several years ago. You know why it only came down today.”
The Xining Group has an unwritten rule for 'sending people abroad': all members of the Jiang family must start from the bottom. Ironically, only Jiang An has ever followed this rule. Neither Jiang Xu nor Jiang Qi have ever truly started from the bottom. Now the group wants to send Jiang Qi to a remote area abroad for practical work, which is no different from making Jiang An start as a warehouse manager.
The only difference is that Jiang Qi had a better life than him.
At least he still has money abroad.
But that little bit of money was nothing compared to the suffering he endured; Jiang Qi knew that Jiang An was seeking revenge maliciously.
Previously, they could maintain a peaceful facade and avoid a complete falling out because of Old Master Jiang's influence and Jiang Hanyu's influence. But now, Jiang An no longer wants these pretense.
What made him suddenly no longer need to pretend?
Was it because of their years of endurance? Or because of Yao Fei? Or perhaps... it was because of Wen Lingshuang?
Jiang Qi gritted his teeth, "Don't be so smug. Even if you transfer me away, it won't change your status as an illegitimate child. You and your mother will never be able to live in the light of day, never."
Jiang An's dark eyes were devoid of any emotion as he slowly spoke, "Besides being quick-witted, what other skills do you have? Compared to your mother, you are indeed lacking."
Jiang An spoke to him in the calmest, most even tone, as if those harsh and unpleasant words posed no threat to him whatsoever.
He holds real power, he controls the fate of the family, and he is even the heir to the family business.
And what does Jiang Qi have?
It's just a mouth.
Jiang Qi deflated like a punctured balloon, standing there seething with rage, yet powerless to do anything. He clenched his fist and slammed it on the table, saying each word clearly, "You wait, Jiang An, life is only a few decades long, and you can't expect everything to go your way!"
After saying that, he suddenly overturned everything on his desk and walked out the door without looking back.
Standing at the door, Lon respectfully watched Jiang Qi's angry departure until he was out of sight before entering the office. Inside, the floor was a mess.
Lon frowned and said, "This second young master has too much of a temper. Does he really think he's the same as before?"
Jiang An didn't speak, but touched the spot on his index finger where the scar should have been, and said, "Dogs are all like that, they have terrible tempers."
Lon quickly went out and called the cleaning staff and other relevant personnel to tidy up the office.
Because of Jiang Qi's transfer order, Yao Fei called soon after. Jiang An didn't answer. Not only did he not answer, he also left work early and went back to the Jiang family. At this moment, neither Yao Fei nor Jiang Hanyu had returned. As soon as Yu Hong saw Jiang An's figure, she immediately went up to take the suit he had taken off. Looking back, she saw no one behind her, which meant that Wen Lingshuang had not come with her.
A complicated smile appeared on Yu Hong's face again.
Jiang An walked into the hall, naturally sat on the sofa, and waved to the butler not far away.
Butler Li Shen has been with the Jiang family for many years. He was recommended by Yao Fei to join the Jiang family back then.
Over the decades, he has managed the Jiang family affairs in a very orderly manner.
Li Shen had always been tight-lipped about the new heir. He stepped forward and said respectfully, "Mr. Jiang An, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Bring me the list of staff in the house. Any maid who took care of my wife yesterday shall be fired and shall not be rehired in the industry."
Upon hearing this, Yu Hong's expression changed instantly.
She looked at Li Shen nervously.
Li Shen calmly replied, "Sir, the Third Madam rested at home yesterday. To take care of her, she arranged for many servants to serve her. Some of these servants are from the Madam's family."
Jiang An picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and said, "Li Shen, you are also from Ms. Yao's family."
Li Shen remained composed and dignified, replying, "Yes."
Upon hearing this, Li Shen frowned deeply, "Sir..."
"You'd better think it over before you answer me." Jiang An looked at him languidly. "Otherwise, I'll give you a third option, one that I don't think you'd want to choose."
If the first two paths are already this difficult, the third path will only be more difficult.
For the first time in his decades of work, Li Shen experienced emotional fluctuations.
Yu Hong, standing to the side, stared intently at them, afraid that Li Shen would agree.
Li Shen moved his lips slightly and said, "Sir, since you don't live at the Jiang family's house, why don't you wait for Madam to return..."
"So it seems you want to take the third path." Jiang An interrupted him ruthlessly, standing up. "Fine, if that's the case."
"Wait a minute." Seeing this, Li Shen quickly said, "Sir, I choose the second option."
Upon hearing this, Yu Hong immediately shouted, "Butler Li! I didn't steal anything! You can't slander me like this!"
Jiang An found this amusing and looked at Yu Hong, saying, "Slandering you with baseless accusations? You still don't understand Li Shen at all." He walked over to Li Shen and patted him on the shoulder, "In this matter, his methods are unparalleled."
Many years ago, Li Shen also gave Jiang An 'two paths', putting him in a dilemma just like now, leaving him with no way out.
He had considered that Jiang An might retaliate, but over the years, he hadn't taken any particularly significant action.
today……
Li Shen's heart tightened, and a strange chill rose from the soles of his feet. He murmured, "I am a witness to Yu Hong's theft. Please rest assured, sir, I will do everything I can and will not let the Jiang family lose face."
Jiang An smiled, said nothing, picked up the coat rack beside him, and walked towards the door.
As I walked to the door, looking at the torrential rain, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside me. Years ago, I was naive enough to think that as long as I proved my innocence and explained the facts, that would be enough. But as it turns out, some 'slanders' cannot be explained with words or evidence.
As I stepped into the rain with my umbrella, I heard Yu Hong's angry roars and cries coming from inside the hall.
Jiang An didn't pay much attention to it.
*
When Jiang An arrived home, he pushed open the door to the living room and saw Wen Lingshuang sitting on the sofa in her nightgown. She seemed to be looking at something interesting and was laughing softly. She didn't even notice him coming home. She rolled over and lay on the sofa, kicking her legs up and down, leisurely replying to a voice message on her phone.
"Oh my god, who wants to listen to what you're saying? I'm telling you, when I go to America in a few days, we're going to go drinking without my husband knowing."
“Really? My husband is going on a business trip abroad for six months. He’s so busy with work, he can’t take care of me.”
"You guys are so annoying! Jiang An isn't that kind of person... um... he respects me a lot, okay? You're all disgusting!"
As Wen Lingshuang was speaking, she suddenly felt a hand land on her buttocks.
The large hand fit her hips perfectly.
She turned her head in surprise and met Jiang An's dark eyes. Startled, she quickly covered her phone and said guiltily, "You, when did you get back..."
"just."
"Did you hear anything...?"
"No." Jiang An raised an eyebrow slightly and reached out to pull her up from the sofa. "Chatting with friends?"
"Mmm." Wen Lingshuang obediently let him pull her into his arms, straddled his lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck, saying, "You've been away on business for so long, I definitely have to go with you..." She hesitated, "Mmm... so... I want to go find Anne and the others to play."
The key point is the following sentence.
Jiang An chuckled, "I'm going on a business trip, but not for half a year, just a week."
Wen Lingshuang: "..."
Before she could get angry, Jiang An took out a pink diamond necklace that Lon had bought at a private auction that afternoon from his suit pocket, opened it and placed it in front of her, "An apology gift."
The apology process was so familiar that Wen Lingshuang couldn't even muster the anger to feel angry.
She picked up the necklace in front of her, pouted, and said, "You lied to me."
Jiang An pinched her pert buttocks. "Is this necklace enough to atone for my sins?"
Wen Lingshuang fiddled with the necklace. "It's barely acceptable, but if I find out you've lied to me again, you're finished."
Jiang An kissed her red lips. "I'm not lying to you."
After saying that, he added, "After I go on my business trip, don't go to the Jiang family without permission."
"Okay."
But inviting Jiang Qi to play golf doesn't count.
"I don't drink." After a few kisses, Wen Lingshuang went limp in his arms like water, clutching his tie. "But you're not home, what am I supposed to do when I'm bored?"
Jiang An pondered for a moment, then said, "Call me on video."
"Video?" Wen Lingshuang's eyes lit up. "Can I send out those kinds of videos?"
Jiang An instantly understood and chuckled, "That's a separate perk."
Wen Lingshuang: "?"
"For example, if you don't cry or make a fuss today, you can unlock it."
Author's note: I'm late again today, my apologies.
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