"This… Sister Xiaoxiao, then right now you…?"
Seeing Su Wan misunderstand her meaning, Yu Xiaoxiao flushed. "I'm not thinking about that yet. Xingchen is in a rapid-growth phase; I don't trust anyone else to run it. Besides, I have faith in Jiang Cheng—he's still young, so we're in no rush."
Compared with Su Wan, Yu Xiaoxiao was clearly more optimistic.
She knew she might never be able to stand openly beside Jiang Cheng in the future.
A family like the Jiangs would insist on a match of equal status.
She not only understood it; she supported it.
In ancient times, when did you ever see a prince or duke make a common-born girl his principal wife?
Reality isn't a novel.
The rich might be romantic, but they're not idiots.
She didn't know exactly how powerful Jiang Cheng's family was,
but when she'd accompanied him to that auction, the way people who recognized him looked at her—full of appraisal and calculation—she'd seen it all clearly.
At that gathering the conversation revolved around offshore-trust yields and listed-company restructuring.
Even the numbers in their small talk were at a height she had to stand on tiptoe to reach.
In a venue only slightly more "upscale" she already felt out of place.
So Yu Xiaoxiao figured she had even less chance of fitting into the Jiangs' circle.
For families of Jiang Cheng's stature, their social stratum was accumulated over generations.
It was a class imprint carved into their bones.
Such a gap couldn't be erased by Xingchen Media's performance,
nor by her obedience to Jiang Cheng.
She had even privately considered that if one day the Jiangs chose a principal wife for him,
the woman would most likely be a girl raised in elite circles from childhood—
versed in finance and etiquette,
able to mingle at business receptions on Jiang Cheng's behalf,
or chat with elders about antiques and calligraphy at family banquets,
and, at crucial moments, use her own family's resources to boost the Jiangs' enterprises.
As for herself? Even if she pushed Xingchen Media to the top of the industry,
in the eyes of true old-money clans she would still be "a capable partner," not "a daughter-in-law worthy of the Jiangs."
Yu Xiaoxiao had long since accepted this.
So she neither resented nor envied.
Forcing the title of "principal wife" across such a gulf would only bring heartache.
Jiang Cheng had already given her plenty—
elevating her from department manager to general manager of the media company,
which instantly granted her real influence in the industry.
Even if they parted amicably one day, the platform he'd provided would ensure she lived well for the rest of her life.
Compared with women who tried to leverage love into upward mobility and ended up with nothing, she counted herself lucky.
Therefore, on the question of being "unworthy" to stand beside Jiang Cheng, she saw more clearly than Su Wan.
It wasn't Jiang Cheng's "heartlessness"; it was the rationality of the entire clan behind him.
Just as ancient nobles chose consorts based not on looks or temperament but on whether the bride's family could reinforce imperial power.
Powerful clans needed allies who could strengthen them,
not beauties who only understood romance.
She only needed to guard her own boundaries and be the sensible person by his side.
By not coveting what didn't belong to her, she spared herself hurt.
Yu Xiaoxiao went on, "Besides, what are you afraid of? Look at you—gorgeous, great figure. If the two of us join forces, do we really have to worry about keeping Jiang Cheng?"
Seeing Yu Xiaoxiao trying to recruit her, Su Wan's face turned even redder.
So all that groundwork had been to persuade her into… this?
"Sister Xiaoxiao, won't it feel awkward with both of us? I was too embarrassed to make a sound just now…"
"Of course I'm shy, but the first time's always rough; the second time's easier. Treat me like an older sister, I'll treat you like a younger sister—if our hearts are aligned…"
Jiang Cheng glanced at the time; his shower had run five minutes longer than usual.
He figured it should be about right.
After dressing, he stepped out and saw both women stand up the instant they saw him.
Between the two, Yu Xiaoxiao looked the more relaxed.
Though Su Wan was still shy, at least she no longer avoided his gaze.
Jiang Cheng walked over as if nothing had happened and slipped an arm around each of them.
"Hungry?"
As soon as he asked, a stomach growl sounded.
Watching Su Wan clutch her belly, Yu Xiaoxiao couldn't help covering her mouth to laugh.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, don't laugh—I skipped lunch; I'm starving…"
"Then let's knock off early. Blame Jiang Cheng for wearing us both out. The three of us are going to find something delicious."
Jiang Cheng didn't know exactly what Yu Xiaoxiao had said to Su Wan,
but her teasing tone told him the two had reached an understanding.
At that thought, tonight's prospects instantly filled his mind.
He planted a kiss on each of their cheeks.
"Only once and you're tired? Then we'd better replenish you—how will you recover your stamina for tonight?"