After Jiang Jiang heard Sister Zhou go out, she locked her room door, took out the White Jade Linglong Mirror, and began contacting Xie Xiao.
They had not called each other for quite some time. When Xie Xiao saw Jiang Jiang, her eyes visibly lit up. "Jiang Jiang!"
After calling out, she covered her mouth softly, excitement mixed with a trace of grievance. "Why haven't you been looking for me lately?"
Although she had made some friends in Dazhao, in Xie Xiao's heart, no one could compare to Jiang Jiang. When Jiang Jiang did not look for her, Xie Xiao always felt an emptiness in her heart.
A faint smile hung on Jiang Jiang's face. She told Xie Xiao everything that had happened recently one by one. Although Jiang Jiang's tone was calm and steady, Xie Xiao still grew furious as she listened.
"That damned idiot, how dare he treat you like that!!"
After fiercely condemning Liang Junsheng, Xie Xiao could not help but scold Jiang Jiang a couple of times as well.
"Even though I know you're very capable, you shouldn't have put yourself in danger. What if something had really happened?"
Of course Jiang Jiang would not argue with Xie Xiao at this time. The matter had already happened, and besides, Xie Xiao was only worried about her.
"Alright, I promise you. Next time I definitely won't do that again."
Xie Xiao was easily coaxed by Jiang Jiang. After her anger dissipated, she could not help propping up her chin and looking at Jiang Jiang with starry eyes. "You're really amazing!"
She swung her fist fiercely. "Now Ji Xu'an should be able to see that Zheng Zhouzhou is not ordinary, right?"
A trace of hesitation appeared in Jiang Jiang's eyes. "She might be able to see it, but rebirth is, after all, too unbelievable."
After thinking about it, Xie Xiao felt that made sense. Still, she comforted Jiang Jiang. "Don't underestimate modern people's imagination. Besides, novels about transmigration and rebirth have long flooded the market. Even if Ji Xu'an hasn't read novels, she definitely knows this kind of trope."
It was the first time Jiang Jiang had heard of such a thing. "Is this kind of trope very common?"
Xie Xiao was delighted. She said firmly, "You definitely don't scroll short videos usually."
Jiang Jiang: ?
What was that?
Xie Xiao knew it. Compared to electronic products, Jiang Jiang preferred obtaining answers from paper books. She occasionally watched TV dramas, but most of the time she was reading.
Xie Xiao instructed her to open her phone. "Type the words 'I was reborn' into the search bar."
Jiang Jiang showed a suspicious expression. "Can I really do that? Will it expose anything?"
Xie Xiao waved her hand. "It's fine. Even if you ran out right now and told everyone you transmigrated, they'd just think you were joking."
Because ever since transmigration elements started becoming popular, these memes had already been overused by everyone.
Seeing the certainty on Xie Xiao's face, Jiang Jiang chose to believe her.
After entering the words and clicking search, the next second, an ethereal and sorrowful piece of music sounded by Jiang Jiang's ear.
"I was reborn…"
"My coffin buried deep at the bottom of the valley~"
"Reborn on a snowy night…"
"There are no eternal secrets~"
Jiang Jiang widened her eyes, as if a new world's door had been opened again. She held her phone and listened without blinking, her small expression especially serious and solemn.
Xie Xiao held back her laughter and did not disturb her. After Jiang Jiang finished watching the entire video, she smiled and said, "Now you believe it, right? There are who knows how many videos like this. Everyone's ears have practically grown calluses from hearing them."
"So you don't need to worry about exposing anything. Be bold."
Jiang Jiang fell into thought.
After that, Xie Xiao said a few more things, but Jiang Jiang listened absentmindedly. She was still immersed in her own thoughts. Just as Xie Xiao was still wanting more, Jiang Jiang's phone suddenly dinged twice.
"Someone sent you a message."
Jiang Jiang lowered her head to glance at it, then placed the phone screen in front of the White Jade Linglong Mirror so that Xie Xiao could see clearly as well.
"Ji Heyuan?"
Xie Xiao was a bit surprised. "Why did she message you? Are you two on good terms now?"
Jiang Jiang: "Mm, not bad."
She explained the whole sequence of events again. Earlier, Jiang Jiang's focus had been on Ji Xu'an, and she had only mentioned Ji Heyuan in passing.
Xie Xiao suddenly understood. She gave Jiang Jiang a thumbs-up. "As expected of you. You directly split apart the main CP."
Ji Heyuan did not message Jiang Jiang for anything else. She just wanted to come over for a free meal. What Jiang Jiang cared more about were the other two things Ji Heyuan mentioned.
[Ji Heyuan: It just happens to be Saturday today. I'll come over to give you a lesson as well. I didn't have time the past few days.]
[Ji Heyuan: Oh right, my sister said the kitten can already be taken home. I'll bring it over together.]
Xie Xiao clicked her tongue in amazement. "She really seems to have already treated you as her sister-in-law."
Xie Xiao still remembered how arrogant Ji Heyuan's attitude had been before. Unlike now, even coming to freeload a meal required countless excuses, afraid Jiang Jiang would refuse her.
Jiang Jiang first sent a "can do" sticker to Ji Heyuan, then answered Xie Xiao, "She's much simpler and easier to understand than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince hasn't made things difficult for you recently, right?"
"Not really. After all, I haven't even met him. But recently there have been rumors that the Crown Prince dotes greatly on a concubine in his residence." Xie Xiao ground her teeth secretly.
Although she did not like the Crown Prince, for him to embarrass her like this still filled Xie Xiao with anger whenever she thought of it.
"What about Princess Huaining?"
Xie Xiao deflated again. "Still the same. I met her yesterday. I probed about the Crown Prince. Princess Huaining still had that same attitude, saying it's none of her concern."
Jiang Jiang offered her an idea. "Just make a scene. The bigger the better. Let everyone know."
With Jiang Jiang analyzing things from the side, Xie Xiao was no longer as naive as at the beginning. "You mean, have me enter the palace to complain?"
After all, that was the fastest way to let everyone know her stance.
Jiang Jiang nodded. "With the Empress Dowager in the palace, she will naturally uphold justice for you."
The child who cries gets candy. The reason the Crown Prince dared to favor a concubine and neglect his wife was precisely because the "principal wife" would only swallow her grievances.
In the past, there had been no thought of helping Princess Huaining ascend, so endurance was necessary. As for now, the Crown Prince was not the only choice. Why tolerate again and again?
"No matter how much the Crown Prince dotes on Zheng Zhouzhou now, she is still only a concubine. Her rank is still the lowest, Fengyi. You are the quasi Crown Princess invested by the Son of Heaven. When she sees you, she must kneel and kowtow. What are you afraid of?"
Although Xie Xiao was still not used to having others kneel to her, when she thought that this person would be Zheng Zhouzhou, she immediately felt much more comfortable.
"You're right. Tomorrow I'll go complain in front of the Empress Dowager."
The reason Xie Xiao had not dared to go before was nothing more than fear that the Empress Dowager would recognize she was not Jiang Jiang. But now she had figured it out. Just like modern people were adept at using transmigration elements, ancient people would not so easily accept something like borrowing a corpse to return the soul.
Of course, Princess Huaining was an exception.
The Empress Dowager might only think she had been stimulated, so her personality had changed somewhat.
After resolving Xie Xiao's troubles, the two chatted for a while longer, and then Jiang Jiang put away the White Jade Linglong Mirror.
When Ji Heyuan arrived, Sister Zhou had not yet returned. Jiang Jiang heard her loudly calling her name in the living room. She supported herself with her crutch and stood up. Just as she opened the bedroom door, she heard the kitten's meow.
"Xie Jiang Jiang, come quickly and look. Little Bread is so cute!"
"Little Bread?" Jiang Jiang's steps were much quicker than usual. In just a few steps she reached the cat carrier. Inside, the orange kitten was using its paws to keep scratching at the carrier.
"Look at its golden fur all over, and how round it is. Doesn't it look like a freshly baked bun?"
Ji Heyuan was quite satisfied with the name she had chosen. She asked Jiang Jiang, "Little Bread might be scared of strangers after just arriving home. Should we keep it in the cage, or let it hide on its own?"
"Let it out."
Hearing the kitten's soft meows, Jiang Jiang truly could not bear to keep it confined.
Ji Heyuan opened the carrier. The kitten immediately darted under the sofa. Its tender meows also disappeared, as if it had never appeared.
"Let it adapt to the environment first. Once it's familiar with you, it'll grow close."
Ji Heyuan turned and shook the backpack on her body at Jiang Jiang. "I brought all the books. Where are we having the lesson?"
"Right here."
The space outside the balcony was not very large, but there were many potted plants placed there. In the corner stood a tall money tree.
Jiang Jiang and Ji Heyuan sat face to face on rattan chairs, with a round table between them. Books were piled in front of them, along with the notes Ji Heyuan had brought.
Jiang Jiang had already watched the videos Ji Xu'an had asked people to record a few days ago, but there were still some parts she did not understand. This was just the right time for Ji Heyuan to answer her questions.
Although Ji Heyuan was usually unreliable, when explaining professional knowledge she was quite organized.
Jiang Jiang copied her notes by hand. Ji Heyuan propped up her chin and watched her write. "Can't tell, Xie Jiang Jiang. Your handwriting is quite pretty."
"Have you seen my sister's handwriting?"
Without lifting her head, Jiang Jiang replied, "I have."
Ji Heyuan sighed. "My sister's handwriting is also very pretty. That makes me the one with the ugliest handwriting in our family?"
She unconsciously used the phrase "our family." Afterward she did not feel anything wrong, but the pen in Jiang Jiang's hand paused. After quite a while, the pen tip fell back onto the paper.
Jiang Jiang was writing. Ji Heyuan had nothing to do, so she simply took out her phone and secretly snapped a photo of Jiang Jiang.
[Ji Heyuan: Look at your wife. So serious.]
Last time she came, although things had been a bit unpleasant, until the very end Ji Xu'an had not clarified her relationship with Jiang Jiang. So Ji Heyuan had only thought Ji Xu'an's anger lay in Jiang Jiang spreading their private matters outside.
Although in the end she found out it had all been her misunderstanding.
Today there was sunlight. The gentle light shone on Jiang Jiang's face. When she lowered her eyes, her long lashes cast a shadow beneath them, making that fair face appear even softer and more delicate.
Ji Heyuan had captured the angle especially well. She could even see Jiang Jiang's eyelashes dyed into a transparent pale gold by the sunlight. When sending it to Ji Xu'an, she even thought, wouldn't this captivate her sister completely?
Whether Ji Xu'an was captivated completely or not, Ji Heyuan did not know. She only knew that not long after, she received a reply from her sister.
[Ji Xu'an: Her health isn't good. Don't let her stay in the cold wind too long.]
Ji Heyuan lowered her head and glanced at her own bare legs under her short skirt. Fine, fine. Only know how to care about your wife. Treat your little sister as if she doesn't exist, right?
[Ji Heyuan: Oh.]
She endured it.
—
Inside the office.
Ji Xu'an opened the photo Ji Heyuan had sent, her expression unreadable as she looked at it for quite a while before putting her phone down.
But not long after, she picked up her phone again and saved the photo.
Indeed, it was taken quite well.
—
Sister Zhou had not known in advance that Ji Heyuan would also be coming. When she pushed open the main door and was just about to call out "Miss Xie," she unexpectedly heard Ji Heyuan's voice. Sister Zhou's expression clearly froze for a moment.
Especially when she walked past the entryway and saw with her own eyes that Ji Heyuan was chatting and laughing with Jiang Jiang, the disbelief in Sister Zhou's eyes became even more obvious—so obvious that even from such a distance, Jiang Jiang could clearly catch the astonishment in her gaze.
"Heyuan, Sister Zhou is back," Jiang Jiang reminded her.
Ji Heyuan's laughter paused. She turned her head and only then noticed Sister Zhou standing not far away watching them. She did not notice anything unusual in Sister Zhou's expression. "Sister Zhou is back? What are we having for lunch today?"
Only after hearing this did Sister Zhou barely come back to her senses. She forced a smile. "Second Miss is here as well. I didn't know in advance that you would be coming, so I only bought the dishes that Miss Xie likes."
If Ji Heyuan still disliked Jiang Jiang as much as before, she would definitely have been unhappy hearing that.
The apartment at Xingyue Bay belonged to Ji Xu'an. At the end of the day, Jiang Jiang was only staying there temporarily. But from Sister Zhou's words, it sounded as if Jiang Jiang were the true mistress of the house, while Ji Heyuan was merely a guest coming over to freeload a meal.
Sister Zhou had expected to see Ji Heyuan's expression change. Unexpectedly, Ji Heyuan waved her hand indifferently. "It doesn't matter. Just make what Xie Jiang Jiang likes."
After all, she was only here to freeload a meal. How could she make so many requests? Just now it had only been a casual question.
Ji Heyuan did not care, but Sister Zhou was truly stunned.
Steward Chen held great authority in the old residence. Everyone had always been extremely cautious about matters concerning Ji Xu'an. Even if Sister Zhou wanted to inquire about news, she could not find anything out.
So this time, when she learned that Ji Xu'an wanted to find someone from the old residence to come cook, Sister Zhou volunteered herself and took the initiative to offer help.
Miss Xie was clearly already sleeping in separate rooms from Eldest Miss. Their relationship obviously was not as good as everyone assumed. Why then was Second Miss still so friendly toward Miss Xie?
Back at the old residence, hadn't the Second Miss disliked Miss Xie very much?
Only then did Sister Zhou realize that perhaps things were not as simple as she had imagined.
Her heart sank. Thinking of what that person on the other end of the phone had said, a sense of foreboding suddenly surged in her mind.
Ji Heyuan was still looking at her, seemingly puzzled as to why she was not speaking. Sister Zhou could only force herself to remain calm. "Alright, then I'll make something accordingly."
While cooking, Sister Zhou kept her ears perked up, listening to the movements outside. She did not know what Miss Xie had said, but Second Miss was laughing very happily. She even kept calling Miss Xie "Jiang Jiang."
That was clearly Miss Xie's nickname.
Just how close did their relationship have to be for her to even call her by her nickname?
Sister Zhou's expression was extremely unpleasant.
Jiang Jiang admitted that she was doing it on purpose. She wanted to know what Sister Zhou's true objective was.
There were not many lessons these past few days, and Jiang Jiang did not find them too difficult to understand. After the explanations were finished, Ji Heyuan began to slack off.
Jiang Jiang carefully smoothed each page flat before putting away the professional books and notebook.
Seeing Ji Heyuan looking bored, she softly asked, "Why didn't you go out to play with Miss Zheng today?"
Ji Heyuan had no guard up around Jiang Jiang. She sighed. "Zhouzhou isn't in S City."
There was a trace of disappointment in her tone.
Jiang Jiang was not surprised at Ji Heyuan's attitude toward Zheng Zhouzhou. The bond between protagonists was not so easily severed. Jiang Jiang could only repeatedly wear down Ji Heyuan's feelings for Zheng Zhouzhou through various means. This was clearly a long-term process.
Fortunately, Jiang Jiang had long known Ji Heyuan's indecisive personality and had not placed all her hopes on her.
To deal with Zheng Zhouzhou, it still depended on Ji Xu'an.
Jiang Jiang's face showed no abnormality. She even comforted Ji Heyuan considerately. "That's normal. After all, Miss Zheng has work to do, so naturally she can't always accompany you."
"Do you think I'm being too idle?" Ji Heyuan hesitated for a long time before softly asking.
Jiang Jiang shook her head. "I don't think so. Besides, didn't you say before that you really like your current life?"
Ji Heyuan was easily persuaded by her. "You're right. Anyway, I have my sister."
The topic returned to the beginning. Ji Heyuan sprawled on the rattan chair. "Mainly, I've run out of money."
Otherwise, she would not have shamelessly come to her sister-in-law's place to freeload a meal.
Jiang Jiang knew that Ji Xu'an had cut off Ji Heyuan's allowance, but she did not believe that after so many years, Ji Heyuan had not saved a private stash.
Ji Heyuan coughed guiltily. Seeing Jiang Jiang silently watching her, she finally explained in an extremely small voice, "I used all my money to do something important!"
Jiang Jiang understood. "You gave it to Miss Zheng?"
Ji Heyuan immediately burst into violent coughing. She widened her eyes in shock at Jiang Jiang. "How did you know?!"
Jiang Jiang thought, what else could Ji Heyuan call something important?
Moreover, this plot had also been described in the story, only it happened after the filming wrapped up, when Zheng Zhouzhou rewarded Ji Heyuan because of this investment.
Unexpectedly, at such an early stage, Ji Heyuan had already handed all her money to Zheng Zhouzhou.
Before Jiang Jiang could speak, Ji Heyuan had already found a reason for her. "Did my sister tell you?"
She had never expected to be able to hide it from Ji Xu'an.
Ji Heyuan stammered, "Then… then did my sister get angry?"
Jiang Jiang smiled. "How would I know whether Sister is happy or not?"
Ji Heyuan did not quite believe her, but judging from Jiang Jiang's attitude, her sister probably had not flown into a rage.
"Actually, it's not because Zhouzhou is the lead actress that I invested," Ji Heyuan tried to persuade Jiang Jiang. "I read the script. It's really written wonderfully. Do you want to take a look too?"
As she spoke, she picked up her phone.
"Can I really look at it?" This should be something that cannot be shared externally, right?
"It's fine. You're my sister-in-law." Ji Heyuan trusted that Jiang Jiang would not send it to anyone else.
Jiang Jiang only knew that the film would indeed become a nationwide hit in the end, and that Zheng Zhouzhou would rise to great fame because of it. But as for what story the film actually told, she knew nothing.
The two of them leaned close together to read the script. From time to time, Ji Heyuan added her own explanations. Jiang Jiang nodded while reading, her gaze never leaving the phone screen.
From Sister Zhou's angle, Ji Heyuan and Jiang Jiang were practically pressed against each other.
She secretly took a photo of the two of them and sent it to someone unknown.
Jiang Jiang was concentrating on the script when she suddenly felt something lightly brush against her leg.
Her expression instantly stiffened.
"What's wrong?" Ji Heyuan saw that she suddenly fell silent and asked curiously.
Jiang Jiang made a shushing gesture at her, then slowly lowered her head to look down. Sure enough, she saw a fluffy little head.
"Little Bread!" Ji Heyuan also noticed.
The kitten was startled by her voice, its fur almost standing on end. But instead of hiding as before, it hid behind Jiang Jiang's calf, only one ear exposed and standing upright vigilantly.
Jiang Jiang's heart nearly melted.
She maintained that posture without moving, her eyes fixed on the kitten. After a while, perhaps sensing no danger, the kitten began rubbing its head against Jiang Jiang's leg again.
"It seems to really like you," Ji Heyuan lowered her voice. "Xie Jiang Jiang, do you think Little Bread knows that you were the one who saved it?"
Perhaps.
Jiang Jiang had no time to think about that. In her eyes there was only fluffiness.
She tentatively reached out to stroke the kitten's head. The kitten glanced at her, then slowly rubbed against her fingers. Under Jiang Jiang's gentle strokes, its eyes gradually narrowed.
A few minutes later, the kitten that had been circling around Jiang Jiang's feet lay down on her lap, comfortably enjoying the considerate massage from the two-legged creature.
Ji Heyuan was eager to try. "Let me pet it too."
Jiang Jiang did not mind, but Little Bread strongly rejected her. As soon as Ji Heyuan extended her hand, a low rumbling sound came from the kitten's throat.
Ji Heyuan withdrew her hand resentfully. "I was the one who brought you back, and I even gave you your name. How can you turn your back on me like this?"
Little Bread rolled over and ignored her.
Ji Heyuan attempted to drag her own sister into it. "It definitely won't like my sister even more. My sister keeps a cold face every day. Even a cat wouldn't be able to stand it."
Jiang Jiang smiled. "That might not be the case."
Facts proved that Jiang Jiang was indeed right.
Ji Xu'an came home from work on time. When she arrived, Jiang Jiang and Ji Heyuan were sitting on the sofa watching television.
Because of the injury on her foot, Jiang Jiang could only sit properly and upright. Ji Heyuan was different. She lounged casually beside Jiang Jiang, her head nearly resting on Jiang Jiang's shoulder.
Sister Zhou had not yet left. As she took the coat Ji Xu'an had removed, she said softly, "Second Miss and Miss Xie have such a good relationship. Now the Old Madam can finally be at ease."
Ji Xu'an glanced at her, then shifted her gaze to the other two. Even without looking closely, she could still sense Ji Heyuan's current relaxation and joy.
Heyuan had indeed grown much closer to Jiang Jiang.
"My sister is back!" Ji Heyuan flipped over and sat up. "Hurry and carry Little Bread over for her to see."
Little Bread was still lying on Jiang Jiang's lap. Without waiting for Jiang Jiang to stand, Ji Xu'an walked over herself. "Little Bread?"
"I'm the one who gave the kitten its name," Ji Heyuan answered first.
Jiang Jiang held the kitten and was about to stand when Ji Xu'an pressed her shoulder and made her sit back down.
"Stay seated," Ji Xu'an said.
She sat down beside Jiang Jiang and casually rolled up the sleeves of her shirt. That slender yet strong wrist was immediately exposed clearly before Jiang Jiang's eyes. Ji Xu'an used her fingertip to lightly flick Little Bread's ear. The kitten simply looked at her quietly and did not avoid her.
Ji Heyuan protested indignantly, "Why doesn't it growl at you?"
Ji Xu'an ignored her.
In her eyes, there was only Jiang Jiang holding the cat. Jiang Jiang probably did not know just how gentle her smile was at that moment, even her brows and eyes carrying a warm and tender softness.
Ji Xu'an's lips curved slightly as well.
Jiang Jiang also reached out to stroke the kitten's head. Their fingertips brushed against each other unintentionally. Ji Xu'an did not withdraw her hand. She merely lifted her eyelids and met Jiang Jiang's gaze for a moment. Then both of them pretended nothing had happened and looked away.
A faint ambiguous atmosphere flowed through the air.
Watching this scene from the side, Ji Heyuan suddenly felt something strange.
Her sister and Xie Jiang Jiang looked as though they were looking at a child. Was this the life everyone envied—wife, child, and a warm bed?
Ji Heyuan pondered it. It really did seem to be the case. She had just begun to show an indulgent aunt-like smile when she suddenly thought of another odd point.
Wait a moment. If the child born by Xie Jiang Jiang and her sister had its name chosen by her—
Why did that seem even stranger?
—
Author's note:
Little bird: (scratching head) Am I qualified to join this family?
—
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