Chapter 11

“Yes, it’s such a coincidence. I know you’re upset because of my previous relationship with her.” Jiang Qingchi sighed. “But we’ve been together for six years, and I admit that I’m devoted to you. When I met her on the plane yesterday, I only greeted her as an old acquaintance.”

“What about after you get off the plane?”

“As you can see, I did help her when she was about to be pushed down, but I only helped her. If I had any other intentions, why would I be so brazen? Am I stupid?” Jin Nian did not say anything and lowered her eyes. Her nails dug into the flesh of her palm with great force, causing her palm to turn red.

Jiang Qingchi placed the cup on the table and walked to Jin Nian. He bent down and touched her face, “Idiot, it’s my fault for being too busy recently and neglecting you. That’s why you’re letting your imagination run wild. But think about it carefully, am I that kind of person?” Jiang Qingchi had long mastered all kinds of negotiation skills in order to get his studio on the right track to attract investments and resources. He knew very well that as long as he showed a gentle and helpless expression, Jin Nian would always forgive him regardless of the matter. After being together for six years, Jiang Qingchi naturally had feelings for Jin Nian.

Jin Nian looked at Jiang Qingchi’s tired eyes and felt the warmth in his palm. She nodded silently. The misunderstanding was resolved, and the two of them made up. In the past few years, most of their interactions were like this. Jiang Qingchi was not overbearing and unreasonable. He would comfort her in a low voice. Jin Nian was like a child who had been rewarded and forgot all the unhappiness from before. “I’ll leave now.” Jiang Qingchi hugged Jin Nian. “Pack up, and I’ll see you later at the hotel.” Jin Nian nodded. Less than half an hour after Jiang Qingchi left, Jin Nian’s family came to her place. Jiang Qingchi was right. There were too many things to do today.

…

The venue of the engagement party was a five-star hotel in Binhai City. It was just a simple meal and chat between the relatives of both parties. A total of four tables were reserved for the banquet. The wedding would be held three months later, and all the relatives and friends of both parties would be invited. After a rough estimation, the guests invited by the two families total would have to have at least 60 tables booked. Binhai was a coastal city, just like its name suggested. Due to the influence of the cultural region, most of the locals were superst.i.tious. No matter what important ceremony it was, they would look at the date in advance and choose a good time. Wanhe Huayuan was the top five-star hotel in Binhai City. Today was the best day in the past three months, therefore, all the private rooms and banquet halls in the hotel had been fully booked a few months ago. Jiang Qingchi’s sudden proposal caught everyone off guard, and the Jin family had to use their connections to book a private room.

Yesterday, her heels were bleeding from the high heels, but Jin Nian had to endure it for another day. She put a band-aid on the back of her heel and walked a little more comfortably than yesterday. Jin Nian was wearing a pink engagement dress today. There was a big bow on her chest. The ribbon of the bow hung down naturally, making her look sweet but not exaggerated. Jin Nian did her makeup and hair herself. It was simple and elegant, but it was more exquisite than ordinary makeup. It was bright and moving. The elders surrounded Jin Nian and praised her, making her feel a little shy. As her best friend, Qiao Ranran naturally would not miss such an important occasion. “Oh my, you’re too good-looking!” Qiao Ranran took pictures of Jin Nian with her phone and posted them in her friends’ group chat. She did not forget to boast, “Jiang Qingchi must have saved the universe in his previous life to be able to marry a fairy like Jin Nian.”

Jin Nian did not tell Qiao Ranran what she saw at the airport yesterday. Jin Nian looked at herself in the mirror and felt a little unfamiliar. Everyone in the private room was bustling, but she suddenly felt a wave of loneliness. She was about to marry the person she had liked for six years and become someone else’s wife. However, deep down, she still felt that she was a little girl who had not grown up. On the way to the hotel, Jin Nian listened to her mother’s complaints: “It’s all thanks to the Lu family this time. Otherwise, we would not have been able to book this private room. You don’t know how popular their family is. Look at the Jiang family. Not only can they not help with anything, but they also have to nitpick everything.”

Jin Nian was not surprised and listened silently without refuting. Qiao Ranran, who was sitting next to Jin Nian, gave her a look. Tan Siyun was wearing a red cheongsam today, and she had some makeup on her face. She did not usually worry, so there were not many wrinkles on her face even though she was over 50 years old. She still looked beautiful after putting on makeup.