In the study of the Jiang family's old house, there is a unique smell of old books and mahogany furniture.
Light slipped in through the gaps in the thick curtains, casting a dim shadow on the rows of bookshelves.
Jiang Tingchen stood in front of the desk, his body straight.
Old Master Jiang raised his hand and pushed a small dark wooden box on the table towards Jiang Tingchen: "This is what your grandmother used to wear. When we went to Nanyang, this thing never left her hand."
The small sandalwood carved box feels smooth to the touch and becomes more lustrous with age.
Jiang Tingchen took it and gently opened the lid. A ring lay quietly on the faded velvet.
The style is old-fashioned, with a dark blue gem inlaid in the middle. Inside the ring, there are four small seal characters engraved - forever together.
"That girl Nanxue," Old Master Jiang spoke slowly, his usually serious face now showing a hint of smile, "her unyielding spirit is exactly the same as your grandmother's when she was young."
He paused, his eyes drifting out the window. "I'll invite all the prominent figures in the business world to tomorrow's engagement party. I want them to open their eyes and see that our Jiang family's granddaughter-in-law is not some dodder that needs to rely on others. She is a mighty tree that can hold up the sky on her own."
Jiang Tingchen picked up the ring, the cool metal and warm gem in his palm.
"Grandpa," he said, his voice tense, "Nanxue...she is indeed different. I understand what you mean. She deserves the best."
"Well," Old Master Jiang nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "This ring is not only a token of our love, but also a token of our shared destiny. To me, your grandmother is not only my wife, but also a partner who can conquer the world together. I see in Nanxue that she can also bring this strength to you and the Jiang family."
He leaned back in his chair and said in a steady voice, "The Jiang family hasn't had a smooth journey. From now on, we need more people who are responsible and have brains. Nanxue has proven herself capable with what she has done. It's time for everyone outside to see it."
Jiang Tingchen clenched the ring in his hand; it was quite heavy. "I'll tell her. Grandpa, thank you. For this ring, and for your appreciation."
"Silly boy, she earned it herself." The smile on Mr. Jiang's face deepened. "Go ahead and prepare for tomorrow. It's a big day."
Outside the iron window of the detention center, the sky was gray, the same color as Fu Chen's mood.
He sat listlessly on the edge of the bed. His former elegant demeanor was long gone, and he looked disheveled from head to toe.
A supervisor came over with a cold face and a flat voice: "Fu Chen, there's something for you."
After saying that, he stuffed a letter and a thin paper bag containing photos through the gap in the railing.
Fu Chen reached out and took it, opening the paper bag first.
In the photo, Ning Nanxue was wearing a neat suit and standing next to Jiang Tingchen with an air of pride, with the words "Jiangning Group" written in large letters in the background.
She smiled so confidently, and Jiang Tingchen looked at her with eyes full of admiration and cherishment.
He remembered what she had said before, in a low voice but clearly: "True strength is not about stepping on others, but about being able to protect yourself."
At that time, he had thought it was ridiculous. Now, every word was like a red-hot iron seared into his heart.
He opened the letter and found it was written in Xu Zhiru's handwriting, which was quite neat.
"Fu Chen: I don't hate you, but I will never forgive you. What you lost is not business, but people's hearts."
Just those few lines weighed him down. Human hearts… something he used to manipulate the most, yet also something he despised the most.
The letter fell from his trembling hands, and he didn't even try to pick it up. He stared blankly at the small window. Outside, leaves from the sycamore trees swirled and fell to the ground.
That was the season when they first met, and also when the leaves of the sycamore trees fell. However, the things and people from that time could never be found again.
He felt empty, that he hadn't grasped anything and had lost everything.
It was dark, and on the lawn of the Jiang family's old house, roses and lights were intertwined. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, the sound of guests talking in low voices, and beautiful music.
Ning Nanxue was wearing a champagne-colored long skirt, the hem of which dragged on the ground, swaying gently as she walked, and under the light, it looked soft and gentle.
She held Jiang Tingchen's arm and walked leisurely on the red carpet, at the end of which was an arch made of flowers.
Jiang Tingchen was wearing a dark suit, which made him look taller and more upright. He looked down at Ning Nanxue with warmth in his eyes.
Many of the customers who came were well-known figures in the business world. They all looked at them with a look of scrutiny and blessings in their eyes.
Mr. Jiang, wearing a Tang suit, stood under the archway with great spirit. He smiled at the two people approaching. After they stood firmly, he said to the crowd, "Dear guests, dear friends, good evening!"
He slowly opened the thick family tree, his voice bright and clear.
"We are gathered here tonight to witness a good thing. This genealogy of our Jiang family has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is not easy. Today, I am here, in front of everyone, to give my most proud grandson Jiang Tingchen to you..." He looked at Jiang Tingchen lovingly, then turned to Ning Nanxue, his eyes full of love, "and to the girl I like most, Miss Ning Nanxue, to confirm this marriage!"
There was applause from the audience.
Old Master Jiang raised his hand and continued, "Nanxue is a smart, courageous girl who values friendship. Everything she has experienced and accomplished makes an old man like me admire her. It is a blessing for our Jiang family to have such a granddaughter-in-law." He glanced at the whole audience and said word by word, "From now on, Nanxue is a member of our Jiang family. I hope that everyone here can help her and love her like Tingchen and I have."
Ning Nanxue met Jiang Tingchen's gaze, and she understood his intentions from his eyes.
She took a breath, feeling mixed emotions.
All the hardships and sufferings she had endured in the past seemed to have become stepping stones for her to live a better life.
Old Master Jiang said to Ning Nanxue, "Good girl, the Jiang family is your home from now on. If Tingchen dares to bully you, just tell me and I'll take care of him for you!"
Ning Nanxue burst out laughing: "Thank you, Grandpa."
Jiang Tingchen was at a loss for words: "Grandpa, are you really that worried about me?"
The old man glared at him in feigned anger: "You brat! Let me tell you, Nanxue will be the apple of our Jiang family's eye from now on. No one can make her angry!"
The two smiled at each other, and Jiang Tingchen hugged Ning Nanxue tightly.
From now on, their road will be smooth and happy.
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