Chapter 351: I am Not Afraid of Anyone, I am Invincible
“Are you making up so many excuses just because you want to see me or is it because of someone else?” Jiang Yuning asked as she rolled her yes. “Anyway, since you think that the script is good, then you can bring it over to me for my perusal.”
After that, Vera really sent the drama script all the way to T City while taking the opportunity to visit Xiao Chennan at the same time.
Jiang Yuning felt as though she had seen an online novel with the same title, , before.
As filming progressed, the weather got colder and colder. The production cast and crew of were shivering everyday as they continued filming.
Jiang Yuning was sitting on her chair that was filled with heating pads, looking like a dumpling with two big quilts wrapped around her.
“The ratings for is increasing on a daily basis. Everyone is convinced and they recognize your acting skills now. On the other hand, Second Young Master Lu’s lawyer is handling the case involving Yi Fan. I believe that she would definitely be put behind bars after the sentence is given out. So, you had better focus on filming well for the next two or three months. By the way, it will be the New Year soon. Will Second Young Master Lu be bringing you back to the Lu family mansion?”
In fact, Jiang Yuning and Lu Jingzhi had not discussed this matter at all.
“I guess you have both not made your relationship public yet. Second Young Master Lu must be under a lot of pressure.”
Lu Jingzhi have never spoken to her about all these before.
“Let’s stop talking about me. What about you? I have never heard you talking about your family. How are you going to celebrate the New Year?” Jiang Yuning asked as she looked at Vera. “Are you celebrating it with Brother Nan this year?”
“He will be going home to celebrate the New Year,” Vera replied as she smiled indifferently. “Didn’t I tell you that I am an orphan?”
This matter had been investigated by X Society before but Jiang Yuning had already forgotten all about it.
“Well, then what else can you do? It seems as though you will have to celebrate the New Year with me then.”
The netizens were all calling Jiang Yuning Empress Jiang nowadays.
What was even more important is the fact that the netizens were now asking Jiang Yuning all sorts of questions about the song she had written. They wanted to know who she was writing the song for because the lyrics of the song were really too explicit.
[Empress Jiang, just give it up already. We know that you obviously wrote that song for someone special. Are you hiding a man?]
[An empress can never hide a man in her chambers. That is a felony!]
[I can’t guess what type of man would be Short Jiang’s ideal man. She is really too unpredictable.]
[Sob. Sob. Sob. Am I losing the love of my life already?]
[Does anyone know where Empress Jiang is staying at now? Why is she being so secretive about her place of residence? She is definitely hiding a secret!]
Jiang Yuning remained calm and composed when she saw the questions asked by the netizens. However, she replied: “Can’t I have a secret of my own?”
[Sob. Sob. Is Jiang Yuning really hiding a man?]
[I feel as though I have lost the love of my life.]
[I feel as though I can’t breathe after reading this.]
In fact, it was better for Jiang Yuning this way. This was because Jiang Yuning knew that the media would definitely be asking her a lot of questions. After all, she had written the song, ‘Holding Hearts’ for someone whom she referred to as her ‘sun’ and the lyrics in the song were simply too explicit. There was no way for her to deny that she had someone that she loved.
So, it shouldn’t be too big a problem if she just admitted to half the truth, right?
…
As it was already close to the end of the year, Lu Jingzhi had to go out to entertain and socialize much more often.
Moreover, Lu Jingzhi’s third uncle had returned to China recently and because of the upcoming new year, Grandpa Lu had also moved back into the Lu family mansion for the time being. After all, there had been some major changes in the family this year with the addition of Chen Jingshu into the family. Therefore, the entire Lu family would be gathering at the Lu family mansion for their family reunion.
As Jiang Yuning was busy filming her drama, Lu Jingzhi returned to the Lu family mansion more often.
At this time, Grandpa Lu also asked Lu Jingzhi: “I heard from the butler that you rarely come home to the Lu family mansion nowadays. Have you been living outside for the past eight to nine months?”
“Yes.” Lu Jingzhi nodded indifferently. “It is more convenient for me to go to the National Defence Building.”
“You…are you still keeping in touch with that girl from the Jiang family?”
“Yes.”
“It’s almost the New Year already. Give her a call and invite her to join us for dinner during the New Year,” Grandpa Lu said.
“I got it.”
“But please tell her not to notify the media. The Lu family does not like to be in the headlines.”
Lu Jingzhi did not reply after hearing Grandpa Lu’s last sentence. After that, he turned around and headed straight to his bedroom on the second floor.
He had really wanted to announce his relationship with Jiang Yuning to his grandfather, but since there had been so many rumors surrounding Jiang Yuning that year, Lu Jingzhi felt that it was not the right time to do so.
Lu Jingzhi had dinner with his family at the Lu family mansion later that night.
Grandpa Lu had a solemn expression on his face and Lu Jingzhi was always so cold and unapproachable. Therefore, Chen Jingshu found it really difficult to get used to having dinner with both of them.
Fortunately for her, neither of them were home often.
“Jingshu, have you already gotten used to life here?”
“Yes, Grandpa. I am already used to living in the Lu family mansion. The butler takes very good care of me too,” Chen Jingshu replied in a polite manner as she put down her cutlery.
“You are already twenty-seven years old this year. It’s almost time for you to find a man to settle down and start a family. Don’t be like your Second Brother. Tell me what kind of man you like. Grandpa will make the necessary arrangements for you.”
Chen Jingshu turned around and stared at Lu Jingzhi for a short while before she quickly shook her head. “Grandpa, I still want to get used to life here for a short while more.”
After listening to Chen Jingshu’s words, Grandpa Lu nodded before he replied, “Okay then.”
In fact, Grandpa Lu was saying all these because he wanted to give Lu Jingzhi some hints.
After all, Lu Jingzhi was already twenty-nine years old this year but he did not seem to care or worry about his own marriage at all.
After dinner that night, the old man went upstairs to rest in his bedroom. At this time, Lu Jingzhi and Chen Jingshu were the only ones left at the dining table. Both of them were quiet for a while and after making sure that no one else was around them, Chen Jingshu mustered the courage to ask Lu Jingzhi: “Yuning…”
“You can call her your sister-in-law,” Lu Jingzhi replied indifferently. He already knew what Chen Jingshu was going to ask him.
“Then…when are both of you going to make your relationship public?”
“It is not the right time yet. I will have to trouble you to help us cover up our relationship during the New Year…”
Chen Jingshu nodded her head immediately. After all, Jiang Yuning had been so kind to her in the past. Therefore, Chen Jingshu was more than willing to help Jiang Yuning in any way she possibly could.
After he was done with dinner, Lu Jingzhi returned to his study room on the third floor. As soon as he sat down, Lu Jingzhi received a video call from Jiang Yuning.
Lu Jingzhi closed the door behind him before he answered the video call.
“Second Brother…it’s snowing. Look! It’s snowing over here.”
Lu Jingzhi’s face was black when he saw the excited expression on Jiang Yuning’s face. “Are you jumping around outside while dressed in your pajamas?”
“I was just too excited,” Jiang Yuning replied as she ran back into the hotel in a hurry. As soon as she entered her room, Jiang Yuning noticed that Lu Jingzhi was not back at the villa. “You…are at the Lu family mansion?”
“Yes, Grandpa Lu is back at the mansion,” Lu Jingzhi replied as he nodded his head.
“How is Grandpa?”
“Ningning…”
“Yes?” Jiang Yuning froze for a moment. It had been a long time since Lu Jingzhi had addressed her in such a serious manner.
“Come back to the Lu family mansion for dinner during the New Year, just like how it was five years ago,” Lu Jingzhi said all of a sudden.
“Okay,” Jiang Yuning immediately agreed. “Second Brother, I want to set off some fireworks at the Lu family mansion. Can you make the necessary arrangements for me?”
“Why can’t you set the fireworks at Royal Dragon Villa?”
“When I was a kid, we set off some fireworks at the Lu family mansion and at that time, I made a wish to become your wife one day. Now that my wish has finally been fulfilled, shouldn’t I go back there to make another wish? Moreover, I have to apply for leave from Director Mong to go back to the Lu family mansion for dinner. How would I have the time to go back to Royal Dragon Villa?”
Lu Jingzhi was dumbstruck.
Jiang Yuning had always had all sorts of excuses, but somehow it was very difficult for anyone to reject any of her requests.
Making a wish while setting off fireworks? Would that work anyway?
Moreover, what did Jiang Yuning have to wish for that she had to set off some fireworks?
“Are you…are you afraid of Grandpa?”
“I am not afraid of anyone, I am invincible in this world. Everyone who meets me usually ends up liking me for who I am. So, let’s meet with your grandfather together!”
Chapter 352: You are Really Thoughtful
In order to ensure that she would be able to attend the Lu family’s reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, Jiang Yuning applied for leave with Director Mong in advance. Jiang Yuning also requested for Director Mong to focus on filming her scenes before New Year because she would have to attend an award ceremony which would be held immediately after the New Year. The enntire cast of were invited to attend the award ceremony as the drama obtained the popular vote online. Jiang Yuning did not manage to secure any spots as the top actress. However, she ranked first on one of the polls for the popular actresses’ awards.
Even though she was not good enough to win the best actress award, it was already very remarkable for Jiang Yuning to secure the most popular actress award.
It had been really humiliating for Jiang Yuning last year because she had been blacklisted and was one of the most hated artistes last year. Who would have expected Jiang Yuning to gain more than ten million fans in a year and to win the award for the most popular actress?
“I will pick you up and drop you off directly at the Lu family mansion at two o’clock in the afternoon tomorrow. I will not be able to accompany you for the dinner because there are several media outlets and reporters who have approached me. They would like to arrange for an interview with you after the awards ceremony. Therefore, I have already arranged a meeting with Director Shen to discuss this matter with him,” Vera said as she explained her schedule to Jiang Yuning over the phone.
“I think you should just turn down their invitations,” Jiang Yuning replied in a serious manner. “After all, Director Mong has already given me a lot of leeway. I do not want to keep breaking his rules.”
“That’s because he knows that you have already worked hard enough and put in so much effort to make sure that you finished filming all your scenes ahead of time. Otherwise, Director Mong would not have allowed you to apply for leave at all no matter how much you try to persuade him. So many television stations have already heard the news and all of them are already keen to invite you for an exclusive interview and after party. We can’t let go of this opportunity just like that, can we?” Vera asked as she rolled her eyes.
“Alright then. I would also like you to make sure that you find a good place to celebrate your New Year,” Jiang Yuning replied as she dropped a subtle hint at Vera. She wanted Vera to celebrate New Year together with Xiao Chennan at his house.
“You had better take care of yourself first. You will be going to the Lu family mansion tomorrow and I am sure that things will not be that easy for you. Make sure that you stay alert and be careful not to reveal the fact that you are already married to Second Young Master Lu.” In fact, Vera was avoiding the subject because Xiao Chennan had not told her about his plans for New Year’s Eve.
“I understand.”
Vera did not inform the Ginger Candies that Jiang Yuning would be returning to Luo City because Jiang Yuning was coming back to attend a private function at the Lu family mansion.
Therefore, Jiang Yuning arrived at the airport at Luo City in a low-key manner in the afternoon the next day and she went directly into Vera’s car as soon as she stepped out of the airport.
“I have prepared a set of formal clothing for you to wear to the dinner tonight. You can change out of your clothes in the car later.”
“I got it.”
Jiang Yuning looked into the paper bag and she smiled when she saw the clothes that Vera packed for her. There was a beige-colored cashmere round neck sweater, a black-colored skirt and also a brownish-red coat to complete her look. It was perfect.
“Your fashion sense is really improving greatly. I love the outfit that you have matched for me.”
“Second Young Master Lu packed that outfit for you,” Vera replied immediately. “I am not the one who understands you best in this world.”
Vera was a little sarcastic as she said this sentence because she was talking about Jiang Yuning’s body in general.
“Hehehe…Empress Jiang’s man really lives up to his reputation indeed,” Jiang Yuning praised Lu Jingzhi immediately. At this time, Vera suddenly stuffed something into Jiang Yuning’s pocket. Jiang Yuning could not help but yell in surprise when she took the item out of her pocket. “Why are you giving this to me?”
“I am afraid that you would not be able to control your urges at the Lu family mansion and I don’t want you to be put in a difficult spot if you are too embarrassed to go out to buy it.”
“You are really thoughtful…” Jiang Yuning laughed out loud as she put the box of condom aside. Anyway, she was already legally married to Lu Jingzhi so she did not feel ashamed or embarrassed in front of Vera.
After a short drive, Vera’s car finally arrived in front of the Lu family mansion. Vera looked at the brightly lit courtyard that was shining beautifully with a water fountain right smack in the middle of the courtyard. Vera could not help but sigh at this magnificent view. Royal Dragon Villa was already very extravagant but the Lu family mansion was even more magnificent. The entire Lu family mansion looked as though it comprised of antiques.
“I also prepared a gift for you to bring to Old Master. It is in the car trunk. Remember to bring it down with you.”
“Okay, I got it. You can leave now,” Jiang Yuning replied as she got out of the car. However, she did not bring the gift down with her and she entered the Lu family mansion empty-handed.
Jiang Yuning looked at the number of cars that were parked around the courtyard and she knew that it would definitely be a very lively event tonight.
“Miss Jiang, you are here,” the butler greeted Jiang Yuning immediately as soon as he spotted her standing in the courtyard. “Come on in already. It is very cold outside.”
Jiang Yuning had initially planned to wait for Lu Jingzhi to arrive so that she could enter the Lu family mansion with him. However, he was too slow. Therefore, Jiang Yuning decided to enter the house without waiting for him.
As soon as she entered the house, Jiang Yuning could hear laughter coming from the living room. Jiang Yuning remained calm and composed as she entered the living room in an elegant and graceful manner. At this time, there were more than ten people in the living room of the Lu family mansion.
Everyone was shocked and they had a strange expression on their faces when they saw Jiang Yuning entering the living room. This was because they never would have expected her to make an appearance here today, since the Jiang family was in such an awkward situation and Jiang Yuning was also an artiste in the entertainment industry. Moreover, what was even more surprising was the fact that Jiang Yuning actually showed up empty-handed in front of Old Master Lu! She did not have any etiquette at all!
Two of the guests who were here tonight had in fact worked for Old Master Lu for a very long time. They had brought their daughters along with them to attend the dinner tonight and their intentions for doing so were obvious and self-evident.
Jiang Yuning entered the living room with a bright smile on her face before she rushed over to Old Master Lu’s side and said, “Grandpa Lu, I will write you a couplet!”
“Don’t you know how to behave even though the Jiang family has already lost its prestigious status? How can you be so uncivilized? You should at least have the decency and respect to bring Old Master Lu a gift when visiting him. How can you come empty-handed?”
“She was from a prestigious family with a good background but in the end, she chose to enter the entertainment industry. Who knows what kind of tainted character and personality she has right now?”
One of the guests started whispering to the other guests as he lowered his head in disgust.
When Jiang Yuning heard what the man was saying about her, she looked at Old Master Lu before she said, “Grandpa Lu, when I was just a young kid, I would always rush over here excitedly without any worries and back then, my parents and grandfather would always be following behind me. As the representative of the Jiang family now, I know that I should not have forgotten my duties and I should not have arrived empty-handed but…I was just so excited at the thought of finally coming back to the Lu family mansion. It feels as though I am coming back home after such a long time and that is why it slipped my mind and I forgot my etiquette…”
Grandpa Lu immediately waved his hand as soon as he heard Jiang Yuning’s words. The young girl spoke so sincerely and pitifully, so how could he bear to be so strict and hard on this young child when he had watched her grow up?
“Alright then, I will punish you now. Hurry up and write me the couplet now.”
“Your wish is my command!”
“Yuning, let me come along with you,” Chen Jingshu quickly took this opportunity to speak up at this time.
After all, she was not really used to being surrounded and questioned by a large group of strangers.
“You can go.”
When the two men who were whispering amongst themselves heard the conversation between Jiang Yuning and Old Master Lu, they felt very embarrassed of themselves.
Moreover, the impression that Grandpa Lu had on the men’s daughters was also greatly reduced.
…
“Yuning, did you…do it on purpose?”
“Shh…” Jiang Yuning replied as she made a hush gesture at Chen Jingshu before she closed the door of Old Master Lu’s study room behind her. “How did you see right through me?”
“Yuning, you are so intelligent. That is why I know you would not make such a silly mistake.”
“One of the reasons why I am here tonight is to see what kind of girls that Grandpa Lu has set up for a blind date with Second Brother! I saw them earlier and I think they are all really mediocre and they would not be a threat to me at all.” They might be excellent in their own ways but they did not stand out at all. Second Brother would never be interested in them.
“You…are really not jealous at all?”
“Why would I feel jealous?” Jiang Yuning asked before she walked over to the study table and picked up a calligraphy brush in her hand.
A short while later, there was a loud commotion in the living room and Jiang Yuning could only assume that Lu Jingzhi was finally home.
However, Jiang Yuning did not rush out to greet Lu Jingzhi. Instead, she stayed back in the study room until she had finally finished writing the couplet before she pushed Chen Jingshu out of the study room.
At this time, Lu Jingzhi was seated on the sofa and he turned around and glanced at his little descendant as she walked out of the study room. Lu Jingzhi was relieved when she saw that she was smiling and enjoying herself because he initially thought that Jiang Yuning would definitely feel uncomfortable at the Lu family mansion.
The two men were seated next to Lu Jingzhi as they took the opportunity to praise and boast about their own daughters.
For instance, they could not stop talking about their daughters’ academic qualifications, which university they had studied abroad at, and the types of degree and doctorates that they had right now.
In the end, after praising their daughters, they did not let go of the opportunity to belittle Jiang Yuning. “Children nowadays should be more willing to learn and receive education for their own benefit. It is a really important aspect in life. Nowadays, anyone that you bump into on the street would at least have a bachelor’s degree. Those without any education and academic qualifications would eventually be eliminated and ostracized by society in general.”
Chapter 353: Who Said My First Kiss Happened When I Was Eighteen?
The other party had intentionally said such things to target Jiang Yuning, but he must have forgotten that there was a new addition to the Lu family recently.
Jiang Yuning was not affected at all but she kept her eyes on Grandpa Lu. “Ming Zhong, what do you mean by this? Are you trying to embarrass my own family member?”
“Uncle Lu, I had no intention of doing that at all…I was not targeting Miss Jingshu.” The other party started panicking immediately. He went through all that trouble just to embarrass Jiang Yuning and make her feel out of place but he totally forgot about Chen Jingshu who had recently joined the Lu family.
“So, who are you targeting then?”
The other party turned his eyes on Jiang Yuning at that moment.
“Uncle, could you be referring to me, then?” Jiang Yuning asked as she stood up immediately. “I am not your daughter, nor am I your junior, and I do not live under your roof or require you to provide for me or feed me. So, why are you targeting me? It’s fine if you want to keep praising your daughter and all her achievements, but do you really have to trample all over me and put down someone who is your junior just because you have some other intentions in mind? Do you really have to be so…harsh and bitter?”
“Who are you referring to as a harsh and bitter person? Is the Lu family mansion somewhere that you can speak without thinking things through?”
As soon as the other party’s sentence fell, the expression on Lu Jingzhi’s face hardened immediately before he said in a cold manner, “Then, it’s not a place for you to speak as you like too.”
The atmosphere in the living room became very tense all of a sudden.
This was because Lu Jingzhi was voicing out his opinions against an elder.
However, the other party did not dare to refute his words or talk back against him because Lu Jingzhi was the heir of the Lu family.
“Uncle Lu, you know that we are all constantly spending time with the outside world, and the way that I speak might be very straightforward sometimes. I hope that you will not take it to heart.”
“Straightforward? You mean that you are not well-educated?”
Lu Jingzhi’s words were very harsh and straight to the point. He obviously did not like the other party very much.
“You…”
“Brother Lu…my father is not very good at speaking. Please forgive him if he has offended you in any way at all. I apologize on his behalf. I hope that this will not affect the mood at the family reunion dinner tonight.” At this time, Miss Li seized the opportunity to make amends for her father’s mistakes.
As soon as Lu Jingzhi heard Miss Li’s words, he turned around and looked at Old Master Lu before he asked, “Since it is a family reunion dinner, why are there so many irrelevant guests present here tonight?”
In fact, Old Master Lu was also regretting his decision at the moment.
Initially, he had thought that the daughters of two of his most loyal staffs would definitely be good enough for Lu Jingzhi. He thought that it might even be possible for Lu Jingzhi to be interested in one of them.
However, he had never expected his own staff member to have such a personality and thoughts. This way, it seemed as though he would not have brought up his daughter with the right mentality and principles in life.
“Also, I would like you to call me by my name, Miss Li.”
“Since our presence is not welcomed here, then I believe it would be best for us to make a move first.” At this time, the members of the Li family got up from the sofa before heading towards the door. The other family was also afraid that they would end up causing trouble and thus, they quickly came up with an excuse to leave right after the Li family.
Who would dare to stir trouble with the Lu family?
Who would dare to accept Lu Jingzhi as their son-in-law?
Old Master Lu did not say anything at all from the beginning to the end because he had never expected his grandson to have so much authority, befitting his status as the heir of the Lu family.
He was firm and decisive. Old Master Lu liked that.
“Grandpa, am I…am I an embarrassment to the Lu family?” At this time, Chen Jingshu suddenly asked the old man with a sad expression on her face. “I did not receive any education and I do not have a bright future ahead of me. To make things worse, I am also crippled…”
“Nonsense!” Old Master Lu interrupted Chen Jingshu before she could continue her sentence. “You are just like that girl. The both of you have suffered a lot. Don’t be upset. It’s our family’s reunion dinner tonight. Since the outsiders have already left, I want you to just have fun and do whatever makes you happy tonight.”
“Grandpa Lu…I want to set off some fireworks tonight,” Jiang Yuning suddenly said as she raised her hand.
“All of you have already grown up. Where are we supposed to find fireworks for you at home?” the old man asked Jiang Yuning.
“I have already prepared it,” Lu Jingzhi replied immediately. He was a completely different person compared to the man who was cold and indifferent earlier.
“Why did you prepare fireworks?”
“I asked Second Brother to prepare it for me,” Chen Jingshu quickly explained. “Both Yuning and I love fireworks.”
“Alright then. Both of you can go and play with the fireworks,” Old Master Lu replied without stopping them. “We will start our reunion dinner when your third uncle arrives. Jingzhi, come to my study with me.”
Second Brother was so pitiful. He would not be able to play fireworks with Jiang Yuning.
Jiang Yuning secretly smiled at Lu Jingzhi before she asked, “Second Brother, where are the fireworks?”
“In my car.” After that, Lu Jingzhi took his car keys out of his pocket before handing it over to Jiang Yuning. When Jiang Yuning reached out to take the car keys from Lu Jingzhi, he caressed her hand gently as though to remind her to be good and not to create any trouble.
Jiang Yuning smiled but she did not say anything.
At this time, Old Master Lu suddenly asked Lu Jingzhi, “All this while, the only person that I know of who enjoys playing with fireworks is that young girl from the Jiang family. Jingzhi, did you prepare the fireworks specially for her?”
Lu Jingzhi was very calm as he replied, “Yes.”
“Why?”
“When Mom was still around, she loved it when it was very lively. That is why I make it a point to prepare fireworks for New Year every year. However, the only person who usually plays with it would be Yuning.”
“You miss your mother?” Old Master Lu’s heart softened immediately. “I was going to try and matchmake you with one of the staff members’ daughters tonight. However, even though they are highly educated, it seems as though they cannot even be compared to Yuning. In the past, that young girl was the only one who really stood out among the four prestigious families and it seems as though she had not changed at all. How great it would be be if the Jiang family did not encounter that incident in the past. Does Yuning have a boyfriend now?”
“Maybe…”
“What a pity…”
“Grandpa, why didn’t you…”
“Why didn’t I what?” the old man asked as he stepped into his study.
“Nothing. I would like to spend some time in my mother’s room if that is fine with you,” Lu Jingzhi replied.
In fact, he had wanted to ask his grandfather about why he had never considered him before. If his grandfather had arranged for Jiang Yuning to be his fiancée ever since they were young, then Jiang Yuning would not have had to drop out of college and her life would not have been turned upside down.
However, there were some things that he could not bring himself to say out loud.
“Go.” The old man did not stop Lu Jingzhi.
Lu Jingzhi went upstairs and headed directly to the room that used to belong to his mother. After entering the bedroom, he stood on the balcony as he looked at the little descendant who was busy playing with fireworks downstairs.
She was shivering from the cold but she was smiling so brightly in a child-like manner.
As she ran and jumped around, Lu Jingzhi suddenly saw something falling out of her pocket.
The expression on Lu Jingzhi’s face changed immediately as soon as he saw the item on the ground. He took out his cell phone before he called Jiang Yuning.
When Jiang Yuning saw the phone call, she answered it immediately, “What’s up, Second Brother?”
“Turn around and look at the ground behind you.”
Jiang Yuning did as she was told and as soon as she turned around, she started blushing. “That Vera was the one who stuffed it into my pocket earlier.”
“Well, then please thank Vera for me.”
Jiang Yuning quickly picked up the little box before she put it back into her pocket secretly when Chen Jingshu was not looking.
“Why are you so annoying? Who says that I am going to sleep with you tonight? I am going to sleep at the guest room in the Lu family mansion…”
“The, who stole your first kiss when you were eighteen years old?”
“Who said my first kiss happened when I was eighteen?” Jiang Yuning retorted immediately. “I gave my first kiss away at fifteen when I kissed a picture of you!”
“Did you get what you wished for then?” Lu Jingzhi asked.
“Yes, but I already have new wishes now. I realized that the Lu family is really full of treasures.”
“I thought that you were going to slowly pave your way into the Lu family? Mrs. Lu, what are your plans?” Lu Jingzhi asked.
“What’s the hurry?”
Jiang Yuning suddenly had a bold idea in mind.
Chapter 354: I Will Do Well and Leave You Speechless
After replying Lu Jingzhi with those three words, Jiang Yuning turned around and saw Lu Jingzhi, who was standing on the balcony on the second floor.
Jiang Yuning smiled sweetly as she waved at him.
“Come back into the house as soon as you are done with the fireworks. Don’t you know that your body is already cold internally?”
“I got it,” Jiang Yuning quickly replied before hanging up the phone. After making sure that Lu Jingzhi had already stepped back inside the house, Jiang Yuning laughed as she looked at Chen Jingshu and said, “Sister Jingshu, could you please do me a favour? I need your help.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“Someone has to step up and do this eventually.” Jiang Yuning continued releasing all of the fireworks before she entered the living room with Chen Jingshu.
After a brief moment, Chen Jingshu whispered to Jiang Yuning, “Grandpa is still in his study and Second Brother is in Aunt’s bedroom on the second floor. Hurry up and do what you need to. I will stay here and keep watch for you.”
“Thank you.”
After that, Jiang Yuning knocked on Grandpa Lu’s study room door before she entered and said, “Grandpa Lu.”
At this time, Old Master Lu was sitting behind his desk and he was reading a book. He had his reading glasses on because his vision is no longer as good as it was before.
“Young girl, what secret do you want to share with me today?” Grandpa Lu asked as soon as he saw Jiang Yuning entering his study room. He could already anticipate that Jiang Yuning did not simply came into his study room just to say hello to him.
Jiang Yuning seized the opportunity to kneel down before old master Lu.
“Can you promise not to get angry…after I tell you?”
“Speak.” The old man put down the book that he had in his hand before he looked at Jiang Yuning.
“When you are looking for a girl to be Second Brother’s girlfriend, can you…consider me too?”
Old Master Lu was extremely shocked as soon as he heard Jiang Yuning’s sentence. “What are you talking about?”
“I asked if you can please consider me when you are looking for a girl to be Second Brother’s girlfriend.”
This time, Old Master Lu heard Jiang Yuning’s words loud and clear. “Young girl, what are you saying? Are you kidding me?”
“I am not kidding, Grandpa Lu. I really like Second Brother.”
“Shameless!” The old man yelled. “Don’t you know your own identity and status now? You used to be his brother’s fiancée. Now, you are telling me that you want to be Jingzhi’s girlfriend? Where is your dignity?”
“Grandpa Lu, I have never once told you that I liked Lu Zongye! Can I tell you a story?” Jiang Yuning said as she continued kneeling on the floor. She remained humble as she decided to tell Old Master Lu about all the grievances and humiliations that she had suffered over the years because of Lu Zongye. “I do not know the exact statistics but I can tell you for certain that Lu Zongye tried to destroy me and take my life for more than three times already.”
Old Master Lu did not know what to say after listening to Jiang Yuning’s story. He could not say that she had made it all up. After all, he was the one who had arranged for both of them to be engaged when they were young.
He had never thought that this young girl would suffer so much grievance and humiliation because of that beast. He did not know that she had almost lost her innocence and almost died a few times because of him.
“Even if it is all my fault for arranging your marriage with Lu Zongye, what does this has to do with Jingzhi?”
“All the grievances and humiliation that I suffered has nothing to do with him, but the fact that I like him has something to do with him,” Jiang Yuning replied the old man in a serious manner. “Grandpa Lu, even if you scold me or beat me to death today, I still have to put aside my pride to come forward and confess what I feel. I do not want to stand by idly and watch as you continue looking for a girlfriend for Second Brother.”
“Ridiculous! This is just too absurd!” Old Master Lu could not accept it at all.
“I am not asking you to agree to my request right now. I am only asking for you to give me a chance and to keep me in consideration. Second Brother does not know about this and I promise you that I will not say a word about this to him. I just hope that you will give me a chance. You know my personality and character very well because you have watched me grown up ever since I was a little girl. Since I have already decided to approach you and make this request today, I am already prepared to accept the fact that you are going to view me differently from now onwards.”
“Yuning, do you really understand what you are saying?” Old Master Lu did not dare raise his voice because he was afraid that he would alarm Lu Jingzhi. There was no other way for him to turn this matter around.
“Then, can you listen to another one of my stories?”
Old Master Lu sat down on his chair and the blue veins in his neck were obvious because he was trying so hard to relax and calm himself down.
After that, Jiang Yuning started telling Old Master Lu about her one-sided love story.
At this time, the old man was clearly unable to hear anything she was saying at all because he was in an extremely complicated mood.
He felt as though he had just listened to an absurd joke.
Moreover, his feelings for Jiang Yuning and the guilt that he felt for what he had put her through made him feel pity, guilt, and disappointment for that girl.
Finally, the old man could not stand listening to Jiang Yuning anymore. Therefore, he told her, “You can go out first. I need some time to calm myself down. Do not tell Jingzhi any of those absurd things that you have just told me.”
“Alright.” Jiang Yuning nodded her head.
“Young girl, I really do not know how to deal with you. I don’t love you, but I don’t hate you. I don’t feel pity for you, but I don’t feel like scolding you. You are giving me a headache!”
“Grandpa Lu, we can keep this a secret between the both of us,” Jiang Yuning suggested.
“Even if I agree to your request, how are you going to be a good match for Jingzhi with your involvement in the entertainment industry?” The old man tried to make things difficult for Jiang Yuning on purpose.
“I will do well and leave you speechless,” Jiang Yuning replied as she faced the old man. “I promise that I will not embarrass you.”
After she was done speaking, Jiang Yuning stood up and just as she was about to turn around and leave, Old Master Lu stopped her by saying, “Are you sure that you are willing to do anything for Jingzhi? What will you do if I asked you to quit the entertainment industry? What will you do if I ask you to give up all the shares and profits that you have from Xiya Hotel and Dongheng Enterprise?”
“I already know what it feels like to have nothing to begin with. However, I might need a little time to exit the entertainment industry. I can promise you that I will not take more than one year to do so,” Jiang Yuning replied in a serious manner as she turned around and faced Old Master Lu. “Grandpa Lu, you know very well that Second Brother achieved everything that he has today based on his own abilities. He did not need to make use of his status as a member of the Lu family at all.”
Jiang Yuning finally opened the study door after she was done speaking.
At this time, Chen Jingshu was still waiting at the bottom of the staircase. As soon as she saw Jiang Yuning coming out of the study, she asked her immediately, “Have you finished talking with Grandpa?”
“Yes. We even gossiped a little after that. Sister Jingshu, can you promise that you will not tell Second Brother about this?”
“Okay, I promise you.” Chen Jingshu agreed to keep the secret for Jiang Yuning even though she did not know what Jiang Yuning and her grandfather were discussing in the study room.
…
Old Master Lu could not keep his mind and emotions under control for a very long time after his conversation with Jiang Yuning.
That girl was really courageous. She dared to step up and approach him to tell him what she felt and she dared to speak without holding back at all.
This placed him in a very difficult position. Old Master Lu knew that he was at fault for arranging the marriage between Jiang Yuning and Lu Zongye in the past. That was the reason why Jiang Yuning was tortured and that was why she had suffered for so many years. He knew that he had a huge responsibility in that matter.
However, why should Jingzhi suffer because of this?
But the sentiment expressed by the young girl was so touching and it seemed as though she would be willing to do anything for Lu Jingzhi.
Hmm…
Uncomfortable. Complicated.
Perhaps he should just give that girl a chance and see how she could convince him in one year?
“Sigh. What were you thinking? This is an absolutely ridiculous idea.” The old man shut the idea out his mind as soon as he thought about it.
Chapter 355: Really Courageous!
After coming out from the study, Jiang Yuning acted as though nothing happened at all. She continued laughing and joking around with Chen Jingshu and after a moment, Lu Jingzhi came downstairs.
Shortly afterwards, Lu Jingzhi’s third uncle arrived at the Lu family home with his sixteen-year-old son, Lu Jingqi. Almost every member of the Lu family was at the Lu family mansion with the exception of Lu Jingzhi’s aunt, who had already been away for many years.
The young boy who arrived at the family reunion dinner had no expression on his face initially. However, after seeing Jiang Yuning, the young boy suddenly said, “You…you are…Sister Yuning!”
Everyone was shocked to hear the young boy speak.
This was because Lu Jingqi had a very slow response due to a concussion he had suffered from and his brain was severely damaged from that. Therefore, Lu Jingqi’s development was very slow and he rarely spoke. Moreover, Lu Jingqi would usually never speak to strangers.
It was very surprising that Lu Jingqi actually knew who Jiang Yuning was as soon as he saw her.
“Yes, Jingqi. This is your Sister Yuning. She actually carried you in her arms before when you were still a little baby,” Third Uncle Lu said as he brought his son to the sofa to sit down.
Jiang Yuning looked at Third Uncle Lu with a puzzled expression on her face when she noticed the unusualness of Lu Jingqi’s behaviour.
“He fell down,” Third Uncle Lu said as he looked at Jiang Yuning. “I have already brought him abroad to visit many different doctors and specialists for many years but we have not seen any progress or improvements at all.”
“I…I want to…sit there,” Lu Jingqi said as he pointed at the empty spot next to Jiang Yuning.
“Alright then. You can sit next to your Sister Yuning,” Third Uncle Lu said as he helped Lu Jingqi move to the spot on the sofa next to Jiang Yuning.
“So, I will take care of Little Jingqi tonight. We are going to have so much fun together, Little Jingqi,” Jiang Yuning said as she patted Lu Jingqi gently on his head. “We will go out and play with some fireworks together in a short while, okay?”
“Okay.” Lu Jingqi nodded his head.
Lu Jingzhi, who was sitting at the side, felt a little upset and disappointed as he watched the scene unfolding before him. This little descendant of his would only be back for one day and yet she did not intend to spend some time to accompany him at all. After coaxing his grandfather, she was now busy taking care of his younger brother. Didn’t she care about her own husband anymore?
“Dad, I want to watch…watch television.”
“Okay, here it is,” Third Uncle Lu said as he handed his cell phone over to Lu Jingqi after turning on the television program that Lu Jingqi was currently watching. Unexpectedly, Lu Jingqi was currently watching , which was the variety show that Jiang Yuning had participated in. This was the reason why Lu Jingqi could recognize Jiang Yuning as soon as he saw her.
It was not surprising that Lu Jingqi would have clicked into this television program as it was one of the highest-ranking programs on the network. Therefore, anyone could click into it easily as it would always be on the front page.
Jiang Yuning stole a glance at Grandpa Lu as she continued taking care of Lu Jingqi.
She suddenly felt that she had been a little cruel when she told Lu Jingzhi that the Lu family was full of treasures. Now, it seemed as though what she said was in fact a slap across his face.
The first grandson of the Lu family died at a very young age and Lu Zongye, the third grandson of the Lu family, turned out to be an impostor. Moreover, Chen Jingshu, who had recently returned as the official third granddaughter of the Lu family, had lost both of her legs as a result of a car accident. The fourth grandson, Lu Jingqi, suffered from severe brain damage and had intellectual impairment as a result of a fall. Each and every one of Old Master Lu’s grandchildren suffered different degrees of damage, and that was the reason why he took Lu Jingzhi’s marriage very seriously. Besides that, Grandpa Lu had also protected and hid Lu Jingqi’s situation very well.
Under such a premise, what Jiang Yuning said was in fact very cruel.
However, she really wanted to be together with Second Brother. Therefore, she had to do whatever she had to in order to move forward.
“Sister Yuning is in the television and Sister Yuning is also here…”
Jiang Yuning felt very distressed and upset when she looked at Lu Jingqi. She then turned around and asked Third Uncle Lu, “Have you already seen the best doctors in the world?”
“I have already sought to seek treatment from the best specialists that I could find. However, most of them do not dare to perform a craniotomy on Jingqi.”
Jiang Yuning did not know why she suddenly thought of Xu Liangzhou at this time.
She wondered if Xu Liangzhou would be able to help him.
“If he can be cured, he will definitely be a very witty and intelligent boy.”
Jiang Yuning could not help herself from sighing at this time. Who would not sigh when they witnessed something as distressing as this?
After the family dinner, everyone was sitting in the living room as they chatting and watching television together. At this time, Jiang Yuning brought Lu Jingqi out to the courtyard to set off some fireworks. She did it at the exact same spot where she had played with the fireworks just a little earlier.
At this time, Jiang Yuning started receiving text messages on her group chat.
CEO Wen is the super invincible and handsome man: “Sister-in-Law, are you free? Come out and gamble with us.”
Jiang Jiang loves the scenery: “I am not free! I am looking after a baby.”
Lost all four pants: “When did you and Second Young Master Lu make a baby?”
Vera: “Yuning, please don’t make it to the headlines tomorrow. I do not want to work overtime during the Chinese New Year.”
Scenery: “My brother.”
Tycoon Xu: “Is she talking about Jingqi? Sister-in-law, you are spending the New Year with the Lu family? Have you guys made your relationship public already?”
Jiang Jiang loves the scenery: “Do you think I would dare to publicize our relationship? Grandpa Lu would kill me on the spot!”
CEO Wen is the super invincible and handsome man: “@Scenery is a wild man!”
Jiang Jiang loves the scenery: “Can you not tempt someone who is on the verge of dying?”
Tycoon Xu: “Ahh. The both of you are at the Lu family mansion but you haven’t told Old Master Lu about your relationship? Then, I guess someone has to be a monk tonight.”
Lost all four pants: “You are dead meat.”
Jiang Jiang loves the scenery: “You are dead meat.”
Vera: “You are dead meat!”
Jiang Yuning smiled to herself as she read and replied the text messages and she waited until Lu Jingqi was finally done playing with the fireworks before she brought Lu Jingqi back into the living room.
At this time, Jiang Yuning suddenly received a text message from Lu Jingzhi. “You should go back to your room and rest already.”
Jiang Yuning felt a little guilty after reading the text message from Lu Jingzhi. “Second Brother, do you really intend to come over to my room tonight? I think it’s better for you not to. The elders will get suspicious!”
“What time will you be leaving tomorrow?”
“Seven o’clock.” Jiang Yuning replied.
“You can come to my bedroom tonight. It is just by the staircase so it will be very convenient for you to leave.”
Did second Brother really want Grandpa Lu to have a bad impression of her?
“Yuning, you look a little tired. You will be leaving early in the morning tomorrow, won’t you? Why don’t you go upstairs and rest first?” At this time, Third Uncle Lu suddenly said to Jiang Yuning. After all, Jiang Yuning had been playing and accompanying his son throughout the entire night.
“Yes, Yuning. Don’t you have to go back to T City at seven o’clock in the morning? Why don’t you go and get some rest now?” Chen Jingshu also chimed in at this time.
Jiang Yuning turned her head around and fixated her gaze at Grandpa Lu. However, Grandpa Lu was not paying any attention to her at all because he was busy playing with his grandson.
“You are still filming even though it is the Chinese New Year?”
“Well, there are also rules in the crew and as an actress, I have to abide by the rules,” Jiang Yuning smiled as she replied to Third Uncle Lu.
“Go to bed already.” Grandpa Lu suddenly said after he heard Jiang Yuning’s sentence.
Jiang Yuning was finally relieved and she quickly said goodnight to everyone before she went upstairs to the guest bedroom.
“It must have been really difficult for that child, Yuning,” Third Uncle Lu suddenly sighed after Jiang Yuning left the living. Old Master Lu felt as though his heart was palpitating at this time.
He was the one who had a difficult life now!
He could not bring himself to scold or beat Jiang Yuning but he could not show any troubled emotions in front of Lu Jingzhi.
He felt as though he was suffocating.
Lu Jingzhi did not know anything and he simply thought that Mrs. Lu did not want to try and pave the way with his grandfather. Little did he know that Jiang Yuning had already made all the necessary preparations and she had almost taken a life along the way because Grandpa Lu had been so shocked and infuriated.
However, Old Master Lu really wanted to laugh at this time.
That little fox, Jiang Yuning really dared to say anything she wanted to.
She dared to like Lu Jingzhi?
She dared to like his precious grandson?
Really courageous!
He should take over all the shares that she had tomorrow and leave her with nothing to her name. He wanted to see what kind of achievements she could show him based on her own abilities then.