190-199

Never had someone dared to target the Jiang family, never had someone dared to beat a member of the Jiang family into a cripple then openly drive to Elder Jiang's house and throw that person there.This was too arrogant and rampant.

Jiang family would never let Jiang Luoxia off and return this debt 10000-fold back to clear this shame. They would make the perpetrator understand the consequences of offending the Jiang family and make him regret.

Another 60-year old senior among them standing to the side said, "Since Jiang Luoxia acted to outrageously, we have to make him understand the consequences."

"Jiang Luoxia is quite famous in Jiangnan, and even Gu Dezhi gives him face. He didn't even move when I called him." Jiang Chang had almost appeared 10 years older due to this incident, his gaze was a little lifeless.

The senior said, "The Gu family is declining. Gu Dezhi won't last much longer. Even if he doesn't agree to give face to the Jiang family after we requested politely, he alone doesn't have the final say in Jiangnan. It won't be easy for him to stop us from closing down Jiangnan's industries."

Jiang Chang said, "Old Qiao is right. Many people are involved in it. Even if Gu Dezhi wants to protect Jiang Luoxia, he'll be powerless."

Another elderly man said bravely, "But it'll be difficult to grab Jiang Luoxia."

Elder Jiang's eyes opened wide, "Fu Tongwu, you are from the Fu family. You can't handle even handle an insignificant underworld thug?"

Fu Tongwu said, "Elder, you don't know that this person is in the limelight in the martial arts circle. Countless martial artists in the country think he's the new Si Wuxie."

"Si Wuxie?"

Elder Jiang asked, "You mean Western Sichuan Palace's Si Wuxie? That person is someone who had survived an atom bomb during World War II."

Fu Tongwu said, "Yes. He's also the representative of our country's martial arts circle on the Demigod Ranking."

Hiss!

Everyone was shocked.

"You're saying, this Jiang Luoxia…"

Fu Tongwu nodded thoughtfully, "Descend, the nine mythical arts, cleanse the heavens, a thousand years of karma, an artless heart yet romantic… Jiangnan's Jiang Luoxia has been newly appointed to the 11th position on the Demigod Ranking."

Boom!

Everyone felt as if their heads had exploded.

"Jiang Luoxia is a Demigod?"

Many didn't know of Demigods, but the Jiang family stood at the top of the pyramid, so they naturally knew about it.

Fu Tongwu said, "That's right. The most terrible thing is that he's quite young, not even 20 years old. Many martial artists concluded that he would have great accomplishments in the future and could even become the leading figure of China's underworld martial arts circles."

"Hmph!"

Elder Jiang grunted, "He runs amok just because he has some accomplishments in martial arts. Is such a person even suitable to lead China underworld martial arts circles?"

Fu Tongwu forced a smile, "It's quite difficult to capture a Demigod."

"If we can't catch him, then we kill him!" Elder Jiang replied.

"I can handle this matter…"

Elder Jiang had lived through the WW2 period. That era was the time when Demigods rampaged all around. He had skirted on the boundaries of death and knew how terrible Demigods were. He had even heard before that no matter how viciously two warlords were battling, even an army of several hundred men couldn't do anything to a Demigod.

However, times had changed now. Science and technology had developed a lot. Guns could only shoot a target 50 m away before and jammed a lot. The progress was just incomparable.

But the power of Demigods was too shocking. In those days, when the atom bomb had fallen, there were around 30 Demigods from each country yet only three of them had survived. One among them was Si Wuxie who famous among China's martial circles and became their leader. In a blink, 60 years had passed by already.

"Block all the news regarding today's matter. Don't let it leak."

"Yes!"

…

Since all the businesses of Amidst Heaven Group were closed down, Wang Xintong spent her time foolishly at home with nothing to do and waited for news from Jiang Xiu. Only, she kept on waiting, but there was no news so she guessed that Jiang Xiu must have finished the matter and returned back to the university.

"Father…"

Wang Xuetang had called her, "Xintong, I've reached the capital. I won't be coming to find you as it would be difficult to make the return trip. I'm going to immediately leave for Europe from the airport to buy the equipment and technology required for extracting the oil."

"Oh. Okay…"

"I heard that the industries in the Imperial Capital were closed down?"

"Yes. Only, this doesn't matter to us. Golden Brocade Group's stocks are the most important. I'm only worried there's not enough time to assimilate the Golden Brocade Group's resources."

Wang Xuetang said, "You can do as you see fit regarding this matter. Only, father has received news that Mr. Jiang's mother has come to the Imperial Capital. The reason for it still isn't known. There's a possibility she has come to visit Mr. Jiang. You understand what father means, right?"

Sometimes, it was better to fawn on the Empress than the Prince.

Wang Xintong was shocked, "The Madame has come?!"

Lin Yueling was right around 40 years old, and the address 'Madame' wasn't suitable, but this was how many people called her privately. It was merely to express their respect. However, if Lin Yueling heard this, she might go crazy.

"When did it happen?"

Wang Xuetang replied, "Yesterday's evening's flight."

"Yesterday evening?! Damn it!" Wang Xintong cried out. This was huge trouble. Jiang Xiu had spent the night at her home yesterday night and even had his phone switched off. Since Lin Yueling couldn't reach him, it was possible she might've gone to the university directly. Moreover, Wang Xintong had already guessed the reason for Lin Yueling's trip. It was for Jiang Xiu and Cheng Lingsu.

She quickly hung the call and called Jiang Xiu, but his phone was still switched off.

Jiang Xiu didn't have much interest in cell phones, so he didn't carry his with him all the time like other university students to play games or chat. He returned to the school and learned that classes were suspended today.

The accident during the exploration trip had affected the Archaeology Department significantly, so much that the students majoring in Archaeology weren't attending the classes.

As he walked into the dorm, the dorm manager glanced at him thoughtfully and planned to call out to him by the had already climbed the stairs. She picked up the phone and called the number left behind on the table, "Yes, is this Ms. Lin? Your son returned just now."

Zhou Jin and Zhang Yiwen were playing games in the dorm room. Zhou Jin spoke out without turning his head back, "Jiang Xiu, you've come. Some came to find you. She told us she's your mother."

Jiang Xiu hardly fell on the bed but immediately sat up, scolding him, "Are you trying to dupe me? Don't lie."

He had a bad premonition in his heart. It was possible that his mother had indeed come.

Zhou Jin made a solemn face, "It's true. She looked quite angry. It really scared us, brother. Your mother's quite ferocious."

Jiang Xiu frowned. It looked like she had indeed come. He took out his phone and discovered that it was switched off so connected the charger. It was at this moment; the dorm manager arrived there along with Lin Yueling. Looking at her stand outside the room with her luggage, Jiang Xiu called out intimately, "Mother, how come you're here?"

"You still have the face to ask that…"

She suppressed her anger when she saw there were other students in the dorm as well. Her son cared about face a lot so he wouldn't feel good if she scolded him in front of so many people.

"It's been long since you joined her, can't Mother come to see you? Come out with me…"

Jiang Xiu braced himself to go out helplessly. He took the luggage from his mother's hand. It was quite heavy and seemed to be full of things. It looked like she had prepared to face a war of attrition.

Lin Yueling planned to vent out all her anger after they left the dorm, but after looking at her son, she couldn't scold him. She said helplessly, "We think that the Imperial University is too far, so we're planning to transfer you to another university."

Are you kidding? Is there any university better than the Imperial University?

Jiang Xiu knew the reason Lin Yueling had arrived.

"Where?"

"Jiangnan University is also a good school."

"The university term has already started. It won't be easy to transfer."

"Are you trying to play tricks on your mother? Since Secretary Gu gives you face, how difficult do you think it will be to transfer? If you don't want to, I'll personally go find Secretary Gu." Lin Yueling's position was firm, "It's final then. Your father and I agree regarding this."

Jiang Xiu said, "Mother, I don't want to transfer." Are you kidding? The drama has just begun.

"It's fine if you don't want to transfer. Just promise me one thing." Lin Yueling replied.

"What is it?"

"It's quite simple, you have to marry Susu."

On the way to the university, Lin Yueling had pondered on the matter. The Jiang family needed Jiang Xiu the most for the marriage between him and the candidate from the Nangong family so they could form ties with the Nangong family. This need would only become more substantial as time progressed. She believed that completing the engagement between Jiang Xiu and Susu was the best possible way to avert him being used as a sacrificial piece and living under the Jiang family's control.

Everything would be different if Jiang Xiu got married. The Jiang family wouldn't be able to use Jiang Xiu. Even if the Jiang family persists on it, the Nangong family might not accept as they won't we willing to marry their granddaughter to someone who was married once. If Jiang Xiu had a child with Susu, then everything would be settled.

Jiang Xiu's eyes grew wide open, "What? You want me to marry Cheng Lingsu?"

"Yes. Either marry Susu or return to Jiangnan with me."

Though Jiang Xiu's prospects were quite good, they were quite worried as they understood the Jiang family and their character. They weren't good for Jiang Xiu and would inevitably suppress or even destroy him.

"Why?" Jiang Xiu asked.

"There's no why. Are you going to listen to your mother or not? If you don't, that means you are unfilial. I've raised you up while facing so many difficulties, are you going to disobey me now?"

"Mother, can't you say something reasonable?"

Lin Yueling said with determination, "I can't. Did anyone give you a reason when your father went to prison, and I got pointed out by everyone else? Did anyone give you a reason when I went to the marketplace to sell fruits? Did anyone give you a reason when I went hungry for 10 days, only eating a bun each day to save 50 bucks so that I can save up for your tuition fee…."

Lin Yueling was already on the verge of tears when she spoke till her, the tears were almost about to fall.

Jiang Xiu lowered his head in shame and didn't dare to say anything.

He was fully aware that his mother was blackmailing him emotionally, but he couldn't refute her because she was telling the truth. She had suffered the most all those years.

The worst thing was this place was the dorm entrance. Students went in and out from time to time, so it was really embarrassing.

Jiang Xiu said, "Mother, where are you staying right now? I'll take you to your hotel first."

Lin Yueling's eyes were red. She shook Jiang Xiu's hand off in a moody manner as he tried to calm her, "Don't shift the topic. Make a choice. Will you get married or return to Jiangnan?"

Jiang Xiu was helpless as well. His mother wasn't easy to deal with, "Mother, give me some time to think it over."

Lin Yueling beside the flower bed, "Think it over. I'll wait here."

Her intent was clear. She wouldn't give up till Jiang Xiu succumbed.

Jiang Xiu felt his head hurt. Though he had roamed the Immortal Martial Continent for 3 millenniums, experienced countless dangerous situations, all kinds of joys and sorrows, he was at his wit's end. The students who were passing by all looked at him. Anyone could figure out that this was a quarrel between mother and child. His dormmates stood on the veranda and watched the situation happening downstairs attentively.

"Mother!" Jiang Xiu sat down beside Lin Yueling. He felt that his mother was indeed worthy of being called a crafty daughter of the Lin family. "You have to believe me. Susu isn't suitable for me. She will only accompany me through happiness but won't accompany me through hardship."

"What's the problem with that?" Lin Yueling asked him.

"You think there isn't a problem?" Jiang Xiu questioned back.

She said, "For the time being, let's keep the issue of whether Susu is the kind of person you say she is aside. Many married couples in the current society are like birds of the same feather. They withstand hardships alone. Humans are quite weak, so they don't go through a trial if they can't withstand it and thus live an ordinary life till the end."

"Mother isn't forcing you to make a decision. Slowly think about it. Anyway, I've packed enough clothes for the fall season…"

This was some determination indeed. Even Jiang Xiu couldn't help but praise his mother.

"Alright. I'll return to Jiangnan with you." It takes 6 hours to travel Hang City to Annan. After returning to Jiangnan, she won't stay with me all the time, right? Jiang Xiu said, "Are you satisfied now?"

"Okay. Stand up now, I'll take you to the hotel…"

Lin Yueling stealthily added another sentence, "After returning to Jiangnan, you will marry Susu."

"Mother!"

Deity Xiu was about to break down, "Didn't I tell you to say something reasonable?"

"No. When your father…"

"STOP IT…"

"To sum it up, you're here to force me to marry Cheng Lingsu, but she has a boyfriend right now and wants to remove our engagement. What marriage are you talking about now?"

"It's all bogus. Susu told me."

Jiang Xiu exhaled a foul breath while feeling enraged. That woman… she actually dared to disobey my order and revealed the truth. Looks like she's indeed tired of living.

"You forced her, right?"

Jiang Xiu assumed a wronged expression and opened up his mouth as if he were dumbfounded, "I forced her, but she's quite greedy and haughty. Her current boyfriend is a person from the richest family in Shanghai, the Song family. He looks handsome too."

Lin Yueling said, "How long ago did this happen? Only a few days ago. Susu is a very reserved girl. Even an excellent body will fail to capture her heart after pursuing her prideful heart for 2-3 years."

"Cough. That's why I said she's greedy and haughty." Jiang Xiu retorted.

Lin Yueling's eyes turned colder, "Stop smearing Susu's name now. You made the Cheng family go bankrupt then destroyed the Tang family to appease our hatred. Mother admires your methods. A little child like Susu wouldn't dare to go against the famous Mr. Jiang of Jiangnan even if she had the guts to do it."

Jiang Xiu really felt admiration for his mother's judgment skills. Back then at the convenience store, he wanted to make a clear dividing line with Cheng Lingsu to end the previous life's grudges in this life to appease his mind. Cheng Lingsu wouldn't consider his command to get a boyfriend as an order just because he said it, it was only due to the pressure of his other identity as Mr. Jiang that she had done it.

"What? You have nothing to say now?" Lin Yueling took a book out from her purse, and swatted it at her palm, "Then let's strike while the iron is hot. Mother has brought the household register as well."

Our Deity Xiu almost coughed blood after seeing that conspicuously mottled household register, his mother was indeed too much. "Looks like you are completely prepared."

"Naturally, mother never starts a fight without ascertaining victory."

Jiang Xiu said, "Mother, even if we marry, it will just be a marriage contract. A family can't form unless there's emotion between the couple."

"Having a marriage contract is better than not having one."

You're indeed my mother.

Jiang Xiu got dragged out of the school by Lin Yueling. She wished to finish this up as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected developments. She didn't even return to the hotel and insisted on leaving for the National University.

Jiang Xiu remained calm during the entire journey.

Lin Yueling called Cheng Lingsu's number after they reached in front of the National University. She was born in the Imperial Capital, so she was familiar with the paths and gates. Even some of the alleys which hadn't gone any large-scale reconstruction remained fresh in her memory. They reached the destination right in time, "Susu, it's me, Aunt Lin."

Cheng Lingsu said, "Aunt, I'm busy right now…"

"Don't hang up. I'm at your university's entrance right now."

"Aaaah!"

Cheng Lingsu was in class right now, and it was also her primary subject. Everyone stared at her when she cried out. She apologized to them by bowing in a rush then bolted out of the classroom immediately, "Aunt, how come you're here? I'm coming over right now."

"Alright!"

Lin Yueling saw a flower shop on the roadside and hinted the driver to pull up. She got down along with Jiang Xiu and bought a bouquet of roses. "Hold it."

As they say, even if one were to die, they must do it in an honorable way!

"HOLD IT!!"

Jiang Xiu received it helplessly then followed Lin Yueling into National University.

The National University's gate was pretty and dignified. Currently, it was class time, but many students were entering and exiting right now. A girl in white clothes came out while running in canvas shoes.

"Aunt!"

Cheng Lingsu saw that not only Lin Yueling was here, but that demon-like big baddie as also there while holding a bouquet of roses. In flower language, roses represented love, but his expression seemed to say life was already meaningless.

The girl couldn't make sense of the situation and couldn't help but stop rigid in her tracks. The Imperial Capital was bit chilly as it transitioned into fall season during October. Trees stood on both sides, and their leaves swayed gently from the light breeze while sunshine scattered through them, making those autumn leaves look prettier.

The entire world appeared different.

"Son, say it!"

Jiang Xiu still wore the same expression as before, "Say what?"

"Propose to her!"

Cheng Lingsu's eyes grew wide in surprise. Aunt, you must be kidding, right? What are you planning to do? You are telling Jiang Xiu to propose to me? Am I hallucinating right now?

Jiang Xiu couldn't believe his ears. Mother, you're too much.

"Quick!"

He said, "Mother, you're kidding, right?"

"Are you going to propose or do you want to see me die in the middle of the road over there?"

There was a wide road in front of the university's entrance. Cars kept speeding through the lane. The result of a person rushing into the road was pretty evident. Lin Yueling continued, "I'm asking you one final time. Are you going to propose?"

Jiang Xiu didn't believe Lin Yueling would rush into the road as there were no humans who weren't afraid of death on Earth. Though he knew it wouldn't happen, Lin Yueling's words were crystal clear. She had paid a lot for their family and for him, so he didn't dare to test her words.

On the other hand, Cheng Lingsu was stupefied. Her thoughts were simpler than Jiang Xiu's. She was scared by Lin Yueling traveling so far to force him to marry her. She was at a loss for a moment, but she became shier after comprehending the situation. A boy had never stood before her with a bouquet of roses in front of so many people then confes… no, straightforwardly proposed to her.

Jiang Xiu said, "I-I… I want…"

Lin Yueling was jubilant.

Cheng Lingsu gazed at Jiang Xiu with her pretty eyes. She clutched the hem of her dress tightly due to the nervousness. Her mind was drawing a complete blank right now as she lowered it shyly, looking at the tip of her shoes, feeling embarrassed.

"Faster, son. What are you dallying around for?"

Lin Yueling nudged her son forward.

After being nudged forward by his mother twice, Jiang Xiu stopped walking, refusing to take another step forward as if his legs were fixed to the asphalt. He suddenly had a brilliant idea, "Mother, don't we need a ring for a proposal?"

"Aaaah!"

Lin Yueling was startled then patted her forehead while Jiang Xiu felt like had somehow acted in the nick of time during this critical situation. However, nothing beats the experience of those who have lived through life. Lin Yueling took a box out from her purse, "Mother has already prepared a ring for you. Your father had bought me this ring long ago. Mother didn't sell this ring even though we were poor as I wanted to pass it to my daughter-in-law. Alright then…" She fished out the ring which actually had a diamond embedded in it fashionably.

Lin Yueling had prepared adequately, so she believed she no chances of losing.

Jiang Xiu once again assumed an expression as if life had lost meaning.

"Alright, the ring's there and the roses too."

"You can propose now, right?"

Jiang Xiu said, "Mother, you…" Though he couldn't handle his mother, he didn't have any misgivings about dealing with Cheng Lingsu. His gaze turned ice-cold, but it was of no use. Cheng Lingsu was currently looking at her feel while bowing her blushing face. Her eyelashes trembled slightly due to the anxiety. She couldn't see his expression right now.

That guy suddenly laughed, "Since we were betrothed in our childhood, is there a need for a proposal? I say we should end the matter by signing the marriage certificate."

Lin Yueling said, "You can't do that. A proposal is quite important for a girl. I still remember how your father had proposed to me. If a girl doesn't receive a proposal, then her life isn't complete."

"Do it quickly!"

Seeing Jiang Xiu dally, Lin Yueling shook him forward. The scene was pretty ugly. She feared Cheng Lingsu must be feeling pretty unwell right now, so she pulled him to her.

A ring in the left hand, roses in the right hand.

Cheng Lingsu's face was flushed entirely right now. She didn't dare raise her head. She didn't know what she thought as her lily-white hands touched those scarlet roses and received them passively. Afterward, her right hand was grabbed by someone, she even felt there were multiple hands, yes, multiple hands, as the ring was put on her quite awkwardly.

"Alright, it's done!"

There were only 2-3 students nearby before but over a dozen of them had gathered here now. Nowadays, those melon-eating masses really liked to comment on such drama.

"This student is amazing!"

"No, his mother is even more amazing! She's helping his son pick up a girl. Why isn't my mother like that?"

One of them said, "Isn't that girl the prettiest fresher of the Banking Dept., Cheng Lingsu?"

"It seems so."

Lin Yueling felt quite cheerful as if the monsoon which had lasted for 2 months had suddenly cleared up. She said, "Alright. The rite is done."

Cheng Lingsu still didn't dare to lift her head. She stared at her left foot then her right foot. The more she thought about it, the shier she felt. She was blushing up to her ears right now and didn't feel any hate under that shyness. She even felt a trace of happiness in her heart, though she didn't know the reason why she felt like that.

As for Jiang Xiu, he wore the same deadpan expression as before. Hmph! You call giving roses and ring a rite? Without a marriage certificate, what's the difference between this and an engagement?

Lin Yueling said, "Alright. Susu, there's no need to go back to classes today. Accompany Little Xiu to the Civil Administration Office to sign the marriage certificate."

For signing a marriage certificate, the bridegroom's side's household register, as well as the bride's side's household register, was needed. Mother, you prepared everything so well but missed this point. How will Cheng Lingsu produce the household register?

Cheng Lingsu raised her head slowly and glanced towards Jiang Xiu. The shyness and the happiness on her face gradually turned insipid for no reason as she became cool-headed, "Aunt, I don't have the household register. Maybe we can do it later?"

Lin Yueling said, "Susu, did you forget? I called your parents before coming here. They said that the household register is with you. They told me that you said the prices of houses in the Imperial Capital were rising quickly, so you wanted to buy a house as an investment. You took the household register with you to buy the house."

"Aaah!"

Cheng Lingsu hadn't expected that Lin Yueling was prepared so much. She had even called her parents and enquired about the household register. Her lie was exposed right away, "Ah, yesssss. I really forgot. The household register is with me…"

"Go bring it now. We will wait here for you."

"That…"

This was really something damning. Everything was going well, but Cheng Lingsu actually had the household register with her. Jiang Xiu really regretted giving money to her back then. If he hadn't done that, she wouldn't have had the money to buy a house. Only, he had to admit that Cheng Lingsu's foresight was pretty good. It was possible to buy a house with a few hundred thousand right now, but in the future, the same amount could only afford a toilet.

"Oh!"

Cheng Lingsu turned around and went towards her dorm. She raised her slender ring finger and looked at the ring on top of it. It looked quite pretty and fitted her perfectly, but this was something Jiang Xiu's mother had forced him to put on her. She didn't know what do now. She turned back to glance at Jiang Xiu but was answered by Lin Yueling waving at her, "Quickly!"

"Oh!"

Cheng Lingsu rushed towards her bedroom.

The dorm room of a girl is cleaner than a boy's. This was a four-person room, but the ambiance of the place was pretty good. It was 30 Sq. Ft. and was decorated a bit, giving it a refreshing look.

When she opened the door, she saw one of her dorm mate who was feeling unwell and thus watching a drama in the bedroom as that thing which comes every once in a while had arrived. "Susu, you are also skipping class?"

"Oh. Roses. You went on a date." Miao Xiaolin's eyes burned with a gossipy flame. The ill feeling in her body was thrown beyond the clouds in the skies, "Who was it? Song Ronghao?"

Cheng Lingsu shook her head. She came beside her bead and sat on it. She was in an absent-minded state as Miao Xiaolin came over to stick herself to her like a bandage, "Which handsome, rich guy is it now? Tell me, I'll inspect him for you."

Cheng Lingsu looked at her good sister with a blurred gaze, "Linlin, I-I might be getting married."

"What? Married? That's too much even for a joke."

"Are you telling me the truth?"

Cheng Lingsu nodded, "See!" She raised her right hand showed which had the conspicuous ring on her ring finger. The ring was meticulously designed, and a diamond was embedded in it.

"Fudge! It's real! Quickly tell me what happened." The fire in Miao Xiaolin's eyes burned more aggressively.

Cheng Lingsu said, "A few words aren't enough to explain it."

She checked near her bedside and pulled the household register out.

"Slow down!" Miao Xiaolin stopped her with a solemn face after seeing her take out the household register, "Susu, are you really going to marry him? Did you think it over clearly? Do you like him?"

Cheng Lingsu eyes were blurred as she muttered, "I also don't know."

"Does he like you then?" Miao Xiaolin asked her.

"Why would I want to know whether he likes me? It doesn't matter whether he likes me or not."

Miao Xiaolin was stupefied by her words.

Girl, you have quite the personality.

Cheng Lingsu clenched her teeth and walked out of the dorm along with the household register. Miao Xiaolin shouted from behind, "Susu, wait for me. I'll come along with you."

She wished to witness this miraculous moment. She dashed towards the entrance yet discovered she was still in her pajamas and hence had to retreat. After that, she took out her cell phone and messaged the other sisters from their dorm room. The contents of the message were world-shaking - Susu is getting married to an unknown man; they have already left for the Civil Administration Office.

Jiang Xiu's face turned ice-cold when he saw Cheng Lingsu return with the household register. Woman, couldn't you have said you lost it or something?

"Give it to me."

Lin Yueling took the household register and lead Cheng Lingsu to call a cab. Jiang Xiu followed behind them, holding his mother's luggage all the while.

Jiang Xiu's still had hope in his heart. According to the marriage laws of China, he and Cheng Lingsu had yet to reach the legal age, so even if they went to the Civil Administration Office, the office wouldn't issue a marriage certificate.

Today wasn't either a holiday or some special occasion, so there weren't any people there except for those who came here to file for divorce. It wasn't worth it to line up.

Lin Yueling said, "Wait for me. I'll go make a call."

This call destroyed the final hope Jiang Xiu had. Nowadays, if only you had acquaintances, it was possible to do anything. Though Annan was small, it had connections to the capital, and even if that didn't work out, Jiang Yi knew a few leaders now, so something like this was a trifle.

It was just an advance marriage and would be considered a violation at most.

This time, Jiang Xiu understood that his mother was serious. There was no chance for him to back out at all. She rushed him and Cheng Lingsu to get their photo taken and get marriage certificate done. He was similar to a husky in a jumpsuit acting like a clown.

After spending 10 bucks more, two certificates were handed out, and the matter was done.

"One for each of you. Take care of it."

Lin Yueling beamed with happiness today. She had to overcome so many obstacles along the way but returned with a decisive victory. She was perfectly contented as she looked at the young married couple before her. It made her sigh. In those days, these brats had got married while playing house in the mud. She then remembered the scene of Cheng Lingsu pulling her inside her home and feeding her congee.

"One load is finally off my mind."

Line Yueling continued, "We shall arrange the wedding feast when you return home during winter vacation, okay?"

"Congratulations to both of you…"

Mother, I should be the one congratulating you, right?! Jiang Xiu thought.

Lin Yueling pulled Cheng Lingsu's hand. This little lass had a flushed face all along as if she were a startled bunny, appearing quite flustered. Lin Yueling couldn't help but feel love and pity for her, "Susu, now the next step. Your mission is to give birth to a baby for our Jiang family."

"Aaah?"

Cheng Lingsu's crimson face turned even redder. I can't do that alone. She couldn't help but call out shyly, "Aunt!"

Lin Yueling smiled at her, "What Aunt? Call me Mother."

"Mother!"

Cheng Lingsu called out sweetly. Though her voice was tiny, Lin Yueling could hear it.

"Ei!" This had really made Lin Yueling giddy. She grinned widely then took out a red packet from her purse, "This is wedding gift money from mother."

Jiang Xiu suspected that it had a decent amount of money in there as such was his mother's character.

"Alright. Let's go home!"

"Go home? Which home?" Jiang Xiu asked, feeling astonished. He felt anguished. The marriage is already done. Mother, you aren't planning to take me back to Jiang City, are you?

"Naturally to your wedding house."

"You've even prepared a wedding house?"

"Of course." Lin Yueling pulled Cheng Lingsu along. "Did you think I was waiting at your university the entire morning? I naturally went to buy a house during that gap to speed things up."

Deity Xiu had surrendered, thoroughly accepted defeat. He felt that if he had refused his mother in front of the National University, she could've really rushed into the lane.

It was a brand-new villa located in the Imperial Capital's Zhengyang District. After 10 years, the houses here had the highest price, and it also had a pleasant environment along with a natural river flowing along. The entire area was as intoxicating as a beautiful spring day. Moreover, this estate had opened recently, so they were decorated luxuriously. Lin Yueling had personally prepared all of it.

The interior was pretty luxurious. After asking Lin Yueling, she told them that she had spent 5 million RMB on it. In the year 2008, 5 million RMB was no small amount and was enough to purchase 20 flats in Jiangnan.

She had spent all the rent collected from Cloudlake Street over the last few months.

"Susu, you like it?"

Cheng Lingsu looked at the courtyard in front of the main hall as well as the pool at the back door. The river flowing to the side also gave the villa a wholesome luxurious feel. Her eyes shone while she nodded, "I like it!"

Jiang Xiu grumbled after seeing her appearance. Greedy woman. He came near the poolside and saw a familiar silhouette when he raised his head. He felt the place was a bit familiar when he arrived here. As it turns out, Wang Xintong's home was right opposite to the pool. Since this villa estate was newly developed, Wang Xintong had purchased a villa here, and his mother had done the same as well. And now, they had become Wang Xintong's neighbors.

Wang Xintong was also astonished when she saw Jiang Xiu and planned to call out to him, but when she saw Lin Yueling and Cheng Lingsu come out, for some reason, he hid behind the tree. Her thoughts worked at Mach speed. Did they buy that house?

"There's also a pool here, maybe we can raise fish here…"

Cheng Lingsu circled the pool once. She liked it very much.

"Mentioning fish, you must be feeling hungry, right? You can chat while mother prepares meals for you both."

Jiang Xiu sat down at the far end with a cold expression on his face. Cheng Lingsu wanted to explain it to him, but after seeing his attitude, she was forced to dispel that thought. She saw on the opposite site and replied to the messages Miao Xiaolin had sent her.

"Susu, you didn't really get a marriage certificate, right?"

Cheng Lingsu took a snap of her marriage certificate and sent it to her.

Cheng Lingsu's dorm room was abuzz.

It was too shocking.

The girls gossiped about it vehemently as getting married while in university was too exciting.

As she replied to her university student's messages, Cheng Lingsu's thoughts wandered to the time when she was still in High School. She recalled Ouyang Qian and Li Dan who were once her best friends. Everyone wished that their best friends know about it when they make a great decision. As she recalled them now, Cheng Lingsu also wanted to repay sincerely for their friendship, but they stamped on this friendship with their feet as if it were trash. She couldn't help but feel sad.

But immediately after that, she remembered that they had abandoned her when she had met with misfortune. She laughed, feeling that it was better to not have such friends. She could make a similar friendship during university.

On the evening that day, Jiang Xiu and Cheng Lingsu were locked inside the master bedroom by Lin Yueling. What were they doing, you ask? What else but the consummation of the marriage? Only when Jiang Xiu and Cheng Lingsu have a child would the Imperial Capital's Jiang family break off their thoughts.

The room wasn't small, but when a man and woman were in a locked space, the mood would inevitably turn weird. Jiang Xiu sat on the sofa near the window while gazing outside all the time.

Cheng Lingsu was a girl and liked cleanliness. Though she felt a bit uneasy, she took a bath according to her past habits and changed into night clothes. When she saw Jiang Xiu sitting on the sofa, she clenched her teeth and climbed on to the bed.

The two of them had lived under the same eaves once before, so Susu didn't find it unfamiliar. She had associated with him in Jiang City previously, but at that time, she was mistreated like a maid. Now, she had the identity of the mistress of the house. Therefore, she felt quite courageous and dared to sleep on the bed.

The lighting flashed on Cheng Lingsu's face. Her hair was still a bit wet, and her face washed clean, looking as spotless as snow, emphasizing her delicate features. She asked him, "Hey, are you not going to sleep?"

Jiang Xiu wore the same cold face as always and acted as if he didn't hear her.

"I'll… I'll buy some books for you to read tomorrow."

Jiang Xiu turned his face towards her slowly, "You think you've really become my wide? I only married you to deal with my mother. Do you still remember your time in Jiang City? Your nightmare has begun ever since you married me. I will continue to torment you until your mind breaks down. Let me give you a piece of advice. Quickly think of some means to leave as quickly as possible, that's best for you."

The smile on Cheng Lingsu's face went rigid after hearing this. She replied in a small voice, "I know!"

"Do you want to sleep on the bed? I'll give it to you…"

She crawled out of bed.

Jiang Xiu regained his sight but didn't say anything. Cheng Lingsu saw this and laid on the bed again. "I'll sleep first then. I have early classes tomorrow morning."

On the morning of the next day, Lin Yueling had already prepared breakfast by the time Cheng Lingsu woke up. She smiled at her, saying, "Did you sleep well yesterday?"

Cheng Lingsu smiled back at her, "Mhm."

Lin Yueling spoke something at her ears in a small voice, causing Cheng Lingsu to blush. She quickly ate breakfast then escaped from there. Lin Yueling followed after her as she was unwilling to give up.

Jiang Xiu came down and saw breakfast was arranged on the table yet no one was there. He didn't think much of it and picked up a steamed bun to eat then went towards the house door.

"Jiang Xiu!"

He saw Cheng Lingsu stand alone outside. Her face was quite pale.

"What happened?"

"A car arrived just now and took Mother away. Mother's expression was abnormal…" If it were a friend, Lin Yueling would've asked the person to deliver Cheng Lingsu to the university along the way as the cars here weren't blocked much.

Jiang Xiu's expression morphed, "What car was it? Do you remember the license plate number?"

His heart sunk down. It was either the Jiang family or the Lin family.

Cheng Lingsu had a bad feeling when she noticed Jiang Xiu's expression change. She rushed to say, "It was a black Benz. The license plate no. should be帝 A666…"

Jiang Xiu softly murmured the words 'Jiang family.' This number belonged to the car Jiang Yishan's secretary had arrived in when they came to meet him. He guessed that Ye Dami must have come to take his mother this time.

Cheng Lingsu said with worry, "Nothing will happen to Mother, right?"

Jiang Hang was taken into the police department for hiring a hitman. This incident had created huge waves that were hard for even the Jiang family to settle. Their prestige had taken an enormous hit, and this would inevitably lead to different thoughts in some people, the Nangong family being the topmost among them. Jiang Xiu guessed that the Jiang family had taken Lin Yueling to force her to abandon Jiang Xiu so that they could make him their marriage chess piece and unite with the Nangong family.

Jiang Xiu believed that the possibility of them injuring Lin Yueling were less, but they won't have any qualms about threatening her. The chillness in his eyes became denser by the second. He saw a cab come over and waved his hand then got onto it.

Cheng Lingsu said, "Can I come along with you? Maybe I can help with something."

Jiang Xiu ignored her and closed the door.

"Jiang Xiu…"

Cheng Lingsu felt frustrated as she looked at the car speed away, feeling utterly helpless. Lin Yueling didn't allow her to follow her and Jiang Xiu didn't let her accompany him too. She felt that though she had married Jiang Xiu, they weren't considering her as a part of the family.

But such was the reality of her current situation.

Lin Yueling remained silent inside the Benz with a cold expression on her face while Ye Dami sat beside wore a smile on his face, "Yueling, we haven't seen each other for over a decade, right?"

"It's almost nearing 13 years."

Before Jiang Yi had gone to prison, she had come to the Capital with her son to request the Jiang family to help them. She had met this Ye Dami back then. At that time, he wore a cold expression on his face like that of Buddha in the temple and no matter whether she knelt or kowtowed, he remained indifferent to it, yet he wore a seemingly friendly smile on his face right now. However, the plot they were scheming under this smile only made Lin Yueling more afraid.

Ye Dami sighed, "Yes. Time flies by so quickly. A decade has gone by in a blink. I've grown old, Sir has grown old…" He turned to give Lin Yueling a glance, "You've turned 40 too."

"Life is a fleeting thing. Perhaps, it'll be time to get buried by the next time you blink. There's no need for us to get tangled with the matters of the past…"

Lin Yueling replied in a flat tone, "Why did you come to look for me? Uncle Ye can say it straight out. We have nothing to talk about regarding the old times…"

He said, "I'm not the one looking for you, it's Sir…"

The car stopped at a manor.

All kinds of rare varieties of flowers were planted along the sides of the road, and a little deer ran along the park. This was a very private region, and many antiques were hoarded at this villa. Its nickname was the Little Old Summer Palace.

A girl donned in azure clothes was preparing Gong Fu Tea inside the pavilion. She appeared young, less than 15 years of age, yet looked very pretty. Her eyes gleamed with brilliance as she spoke in an exceptionally calm manner, "Sir, please have some tea and snacks."

Her voice was ethereal.

Elder Jiang took a sip, his thoughts wandering somewhere as he subconsciously stood up. All of a sudden, he heard a car come in. The black Benz had already detoured past the park and reached in front of the pavilion.

A woman got down from the car. If Elder Jiang hadn't known who this woman was, he would've bet that he could've never recognized her if he ever ran into her. She had changed entirely and wasn't that pretty and stubborn girl in his memory, but instead was now a 40-year old ordinary woman who had endured through the torment that fate had brought her in life.

He became slightly moved, a trace of remorse flashing through his heart for a moment, but he didn't believe he was wrong. They had suffered the consequences of their own actions. Moreover, he felt no one could endure the fatal effects of time.

"Y-You were looking for me?" Though she was determined, Lin Yueling didn't dare to act rampantly in front of him.

"Sit!"

Over a decade ago, when she wished to see him, he hadn't come out, and that door remained shut tightly. He had heartlessly made her, and the young Jiang Xiu suffer under the ravaging rain, yet he had taken the initiative to bring her to meet him this time.

"May I ask why Elder has called me over?"

Elder Jiang said, "I heard he was restored to his official post and was promoted as well just when Annan County ascended to a city. A double promotion is pretty rare in our country and can be considered pretty lucky."

"Thanks to you, Jiang Yi didn't fall in the end."

Her words were full of resentment.

It was clear from her words that Lin Yueling took the matter which had happened back then to her heart. That incident had thoroughly broken her heart.

Elder Jiang said, "Looks like you both, husband and wife, are enjoying the scenic rainbow after the storm has passed away."

Lin Yueling didn't reply.

If he had helped out when Jiang Xiu was about to go to prison a few months ago, she would've believed that Elder Jiang wanted to settle the grudges and let them return to the family, but his actions had already revealed his true appearance to the couple.

Elder Jiang continued, "I hear Little Xiu performed pretty well in the college entrance exam. It seems like he entered the Imperial University."

He had come to the main topic finally.

"Old Nangong was pretty happy when he heard this. Since Nangong Kou'er has reached the legal age already, we decided to let them get married as soon as possible."

Lin Yueling's heart pounded with fear as sweat formed on her back. Luckily, she had acted first and made Little Xiu marry Susu yesterday. Otherwise, she wouldn't have had time to even regret today. "Elder, that's not possible."

Elder Jiang remained calm and collected. He had already predicted that Lin Yueling would refuse him. Otherwise, Jiang Xiu would've stayed at the Jiang family residence and not with the couple.

"Don't be in a hurry to refuse…"

Elder Jiang placed the teacup back on the table. The tea-maker girl had already withdrawn silently. He took a seat in passing, "Jiang Xiu was too young back then, so it was fine for you to take him as a child needs his parent's company, but he's old enough now and has to return to the Jiang family. My Jiang family bloodline flows through his blood. He has to fulfill his duty as a member of the Jiang family."

Duty?

Lin Yueling wore a cold expression on her face, but she sneered at him inwardly. You still have the face to say such words. "Little Xiu is Jiang Yi and my son. We will decide the matter of his wedding."

Elder Jiang's gaze fell on Lin Yueling's face, his expression turning fiercer and colder, "You don't get to decide this."

Lin Yueling clenched her teeth and didn't say anything, but it was clear that she had no intention of backing down."

Elder Jiang continued, "It's difficult for a person to climb up in life again after falling down once, especially so for those in officialdom, but it's quite easy to make him fall again. After another 12 years, he would've already become 57 years old. Even the officials at the border region retire at this age."

Lin Yueling's face turned paler.

Jiang Yi's life had already become crippled once, and he had crawled back up with great difficulty. She didn't dare to imagine whether he could endure the pain if it happened again.

She looked the old man in front of her in fear. She wished to say that he is your son, but these words got stuck in her throat. If she said something like that, he would only think it was a naïve mindset. If this old man had considered Jiang Yi as his own son, he wouldn't have just looked on when Jiang Yi was sent to prison over a decade ago.

"Jiang Xiu as well. That brat is a topper with bright prospects. You don't want him to waste half of his life like Jiang Yi, right?"

Lin Yueling shivered all over.

"Listen to me. If Jiang Xiu marries Nangong Kou'er, he will have external support and achieve rapid success whether he chooses an official career or a business career."

Lin Yueling's head was buzzing at this moment. She was a loss about what to do.

An apathetic voice came through at this moment, "A good man who wishes to make his name in the world has to overcome several trials, forge ahead with utmost dedication and have a battle of wits by relying on his courage. Only cowards use tricks to achieve success."

A silhouette walked past the park along with his voice, taking each step with an imposing aura. It felt like the entire world was intimidated by his presence. It was as if a grand ruler had made his appearance.

"Audacious. Who dares to enter the Little Old Summer Palace without permission?"

The surrounding bodyguards rushed out as if they were facing a great enemy.

Lin Yueling was already shocked yet also happy, "Little Xiu, how did you come here?"

Elder Jiang was also stunned after hearing this. He sized Jiang Xiu up and down. He never expected that this youth with such an imposing aura was Jiang Yi's and Lin Yueling's son whom they had raised in the marketplace.

How is this possible?

Elder Jiang was shocked that a child who had grown up in the marketplace had such a temperament akin to a monarch's. Elder Jiang couldn't even see a trace of Jiang Yi's intellectualness and obstinacy in him.

Lin Yueling was utterly shocked as well, "Little Xiu…"

She and Jiang Yi had meticulously covered up their history. Jiang Xiu shouldn't have had knowledge of the details, so she was surprised when he appeared here.

"How did you come here?"

Lin Yueling didn't know how he had appeared here or when. It was possible he had heard their conversation as well. She felt quite restless as she sensed that she couldn't hide this matter which she had concealed for so many years.

Jiang Xiu said, "I was worried, so I came over to take a look…"

He played it down pretty much.

The Elder evaluated him. He possessed a God-like perfect build with a waist as straight as a javelin. Each movement of his seemed to manifest some kind of unpredictable law. Those features on his face appeared as if carved out of marble. He didn't possess the naïveté of his peers, his gaze akin to a deep pool. The Elder asked softly, "He's really Jiang Xiu?"

Secretary Ye standing to the side nodded, "Yes, that's him."

Elder Jiang waved towards the bodyguards, hinting them to withdraw.

Lin Yueling rushed forward towards him and clutched his hand nervously, "It's fine. He's just an old friend. He invited me for a cup of tea to reminisce about the old times, that's all."

Jiang Xiu had a gloomy and cold look on his face. He walked into the pavilion and sat down straightforwardly, "I heard everything you talked about just now. That clown has already jumped in front of me several times."

He pointed towards Secretary Ye.

Lin Yueling realized that the Jiang family had already contacted Jiang Xiu. It meant that he already knew about his history, including the matter which happened in the past.

Secretary Ye was embarrassed at being called a clown in front of everybody. His cheeks twitched as resentment filled his heart, but he couldn't act out in front of the Elder.

However, each dog has its master, one must look at the master before hitting the dog. Elder Jiang was enraged.

"How Insolent!"

"Is that how you speak to your elders?"

Jiang Xiu smiled indifferently, "Elders? Someone just used his identity as an elder to threaten my mother. Saying he would ruin my father again once he becomes Annan City's Mayor. This elder also said he'll ruin me."

After hearing this, they realized that Jiang Xiu hadn't arrived here just a moment ago.

"Is this your so-called elder?"

Jiang Xiu glared at Elder Jiang. In the previous life, after his parents died, he had once viewed his old man as his savior, but as a result, he had only received merciless contempt and was discarded away like a pet. They didn't give a shit about him, and his cousins humiliated him.

It was indeed very ridiculous. Jiang Xiu was so naïve back then. He hadn't realized that since this person hadn't even saved his son, why would he care about a grandson who grew up in the marketplace.

"You're indeed quite impudent." Elder Jiang's expression turned gloomier. When Jiang Xiu sat down before him with jazz, he felt a bit angry. No one among the younger generation had dared to act so wantonly before him ever, but Jiang Xiu had not only sat down without his permission, he even taunted back at him.

Jiang Xiu laughed sarcastically, "What if I'm impudent?"

"You…" An ominous light flashed through Elder Jiang's eyes after he was countered back again, "Do you know who I am?"

Jiang Xiu said, "What? You think you're nobler than others because you're called Jiang Yishan?"

"It's worth nothing in my eyes."

Elder Jiang's eyes grew wide open. He felt that this youth was very rude to call him by his name. Outsiders didn't dare address him in such a manner. It was very disgraceful. "I'm your grandfather!"

Jiang Xiu laughed out heartily as if he had heard the best joke in this world. His laughter came to an end spontaneously as his expression turned grim, "12 years ago, my mother knelt before your house door for an entire day and night under the rainstorm, yet the door didn't open. From the moment you let my father go to prison, the relationship between you and my father was thoroughly severed. With what face do you think you can call yourself my grandfather? Jiang Yishan, you're just disgracing yourself by saying such a thing."

An inexplicable mood flashed inside Elder Jiang's eyes. Those fierce eyes glared at Jiang Xiu, the feelings in his heart unclear to anyone.

Jiang Xiu continued, "Only, it isn't strange for you to say such words by relying on the strength of your face. Didn't you say you want me to fulfill my duty as a member of the Jiang family?"

"And this so-called duty is to sacrifice my matrimonial life by becoming a chess piece to forge a partnership with another family so your Jiang family can maintain its position and power as well as ensure your and your offspring's glory?"

"Your shamelessness is indeed quite nauseating."

Bang!

Elder Jiang slapped the stone table with force, resulting in the tea set fall to the ground due to the tremor, "Boy, your insolence has…"

"Little Xiu, stop speaking…"

Lin Yueling rushed ahead to pull Jiang Xiu.

"Don't think you can use me to ensure your Jiang family's wealth and position." Jiang Xiu stood up. "Didn't you say you want to handle us, father and son? Weren't you planning to ruin us? Bring it on then! I just fear you can't do it."

Saying so, he turned around and left the pavilion along with Lin Yueling.

There were several bodyguards on the sides, but none prevented them from leaving. Without their leader's order, they didn't dare to act rashly. It was also lucky that they hadn't acted or else it would've resulted in a bloodbath.

"Just look at that…" Elder Jiang pointed at Jiang Xiu while quivering in anger, "Do you see it? This is the son they have raised up, a street thug."

Though Secretary Ye was furious too, he didn't utter a word.

"Does he think I really can't do anything to them? Naïve kid." Elder Jiang sat down and planned to sip a cup of tea, but the set had fallen to the ground because of him, so he had to regain his hand embarrassingly.

Secretary Ye said, "Our Jiang family is going through a troubled time. We're facing Jiang Luoxia who is a formidable opponent, and Jiang Xiu is refusing to cooperate when we require the Nangong family's help. This matter is quite troublesome. We can't always suppress them, father and son, right?"

Elder Jiang grunted, "What's the use of bringing back such an unfilial son and grandson? Re-open Jiang Yi's case again and start the shuanggui process. Even if Gu Dezhi isn't willing to cooperate, there are others too. Directly contact the Discipline Department."

"As for this brat, we must teach him a good lesson."

Jiang Xiu left the Little Old Summer Palace along with Lin Yueling. She was feeling incredibly nervous during the whole time, but Jiang Xiu was exceptionally calm. This only made her feel more anxious. She felt that this child didn't know how terrible these elite families of the Imperial Capital were and that he didn't understand Elder Jiang's character. That old man was very domineering and obstinate. No one dared to disobey his intentions, let alone challenge him publicly.

"Little Xiu, you know about our matter?"

"Mhm!"

Lin Yueling continued, "We didn't want to conceal it from your deliberately. These elite families are always fickle. We only have you, our son, and we didn't want you to get involved in this mess by becoming a chess piece."

"Mother, I know that. I've never blamed you. Actually, I'm quite grateful that you took me far away from that family." These were Jiang Xiu's actual thoughts. In his previous life, when he had returned to the Jiang family after his parents died, he had suffered an unbearable humiliation and finally run away from the Jiang family in a severely bruised state.

If it weren't for Cheng Lingran appearing before him then, he might've even decided to commit suicide to end his miserable life.

"That's good then. But… you were too impulsive just now. Mother didn't even have the chance to use the trump card." Lin Yueling felt regretful that she wasn't able to use this good move, "If he knew you were already married, he would've given up on the idea."

Jiang Xiu said, "He wouldn't have given up. He would've forced us to get divorced. It's even possible that Cheng Lingsu might disappear from this world. They will do anything to ensure their position and wealth."

Lin Yueling felt a chill in her heart. Though Jiang Xiu was just hypothesizing, she too agreed with him a bit. They would do anything if the results acted in their interest.

"Luckily, I didn't reveal it then. Little Xiu, there's no need for you to study. Why don't you come back to Jiangnan with mother? That also won't do. They definitely won't let you off. Let's just go abroad. We didn't need to do that before, and our family's financial situation is good now too. How about you go abroad? I'll ask your father's thoughts on this after going back. If he really suffers a hit in his official career, we can go abroad together and draw a clear dividing line with the Jiang family."

Jiang Xiu smiled coolly, "Is all that necessary?"

"Of course, it is. We must act quickly." Lin Yueling replied.

"I won't go."

"Son, you have to listen to mother this time. We can't afford to offend the Jiang family."

After returning inside the house, Cheng Lingsu sat in the living room. She didn't go to university as she was worried. She relaxed after she saw Lin Yueling return safely, "Mother, are you alright?"

Lin Yueling shook her head, "I'm fine. Susu, you didn't go to class?"

Cheng Lingsu looked at Jiang Xiu. This guy wore a cold expression on his face so she couldn't gather any information from him. She said, "I thought they were bad people. I'll go to university if you're okay."

"Mhm. Go quickly. Don't skip classes."

Cheng Lingsu picked up the bag from the sofa then went out after waving to Lin Yueling. Lin Yueling hesitated over and over again before saying, "This won't do. We better return to Jiangnan quickly." She started packing without even asking for Jiang Xiu's opinion.

Jiang Xiu thought that he had married in vain as he was still being forced to return to Jiangnan in the end. His phone began ringing in such a tense state. It was a call from Wang Xintong, "Hello?"

"I just received news that the most remarkable candidate of the third generation of the Jiang family, Jiang Ao, landed in Jiangnan."

"Jiang Ao?"

"Yes. This person's nickname is Crown Prince Ao. He's the most excellent among the Jiang family's third generation as well as the most authoritative with the best resources. You can say he's the person who will lead the Jiang family in the future."

Jiang Xiu wasn't surprised. This man's strength came from his mother and his fiancée, both had powerful backgrounds. Especially his fiancée's Ji family, it was an elite family hundred years ago. Back then, the Ji family a Demigod, Ji Wudao, whose favorite pupil is now one of the Ten Grand Marshals.

"Entire Jiangnan is in a mess right now."

Jiang Xiu's expression became gloomier. This was Elder Jiang's counterattack. "Jiang Ao wants to suppress everyone in Jiangnan through force? Let's see if he can do that."

"How about your return to Jiangnan? Those guys in Jiangnan wouldn't be able to endure the pressure from both the Jiang and Ji family. This move was quite ruthless. None of the seniors made an appearance, and they are making Jiang Ao subdue the businessmen and underworld powers of Jiangnan. This is equivalent to attacking your foundation."

"They are courting death!" Jiang Xiu said coldly.

Lin Yueling walked out of the room at this moment. She had packed all the necessary things into a suitcase. "Alright. Son, book flight tickets for our return to Jiangnan."

That attitude was unswerving.

He told Wang Xintong, "Prepare a plane to Hang City…" Since Crown Prince Ao has arrived at Jiangnan, he would inevitably go to Hang City.

"Okay!"

Lin Yueling said, "Why to Hang City? We should be returning to Jiang City, no, to Annan."

"Didn't you say you want me to transfer to Jiangnan University? Why would we go to Annan then? Otherwise, why don't you fasten me to your waistband, that way, you won't be worried at all."

Lin Yueling scolded him with a smile, "Stinky brat. Alright then. Hang City it is."

…

The news of Jiang Ao landing in Jiangnan spread among the elite circles of Jiangnan like a hurricane. Several invitation cards were issued, and all the elites of Jiangnan scrambled like dogs to grab one of them as the other party was a first-rate young master from the Imperial Capital.

Many times, a young master's charisma was higher than an actual power holder's charisma. This was because the power holders often worried about their actions while young masters acted in a perverse, unrestrained manner.

For example, if you need an official to do something, you have to go through the proper channels, and this would expend a lot of time and effort, but the official might still not do it in the end. However, these young masters can fix this for you in minutes.

Another news spread out, which was that Jiang Ao visited the home of Jiangnan's Deputy Mayor, Dong Zhenfeng. It appeared that they had close ties.

The Dong family had existed in Jiangnan for a few decades and was deeply-rooted here. It possessed considerable influence in Jiangnan.

Many troublesome things had happened in Jiangnan over the past two years. One was Gu Dezhi. Initially, he didn't have much control in Jiangnan as the power structure was quite complicated here. The economic development had advanced at a rapid pace during these two years, mostly in Guang provinces, Pinghai province and the rest of the places. His position at the Jiangnan's border region was becoming more illustrious, so many people were observing him. Everyone had guessed that the Jiang family had come to help Dong Zhenfeng grab the position.

In a high-rise office building, two people were right in the middle of discussing the details.

"I guess Jiangnan will belong to the Dong family soon."

"Mayor Gu's time is coming to an end. The powers of Jiangnan will inevitably switch sides."

"Crown Prince Ao's invitation cards are the focus, as they are akin to tickets to their success in the future."

In a gloomy, secluded place, two old men donned in martial arts clothes walked alongside each other. Many bodyguards wearing suits followed behind them with grim expressions.

"The relationship between Mr. Jiang and Mayor Gu is no secret. The heavens of the underworld might change again."

"Even if you say the position of Jiangnan's governor is undetermined, is there any doubt about who has the final say in Jiangnan's underworld later? It's naturally the Ji family."

"You mean that Ji family?"

"Yeah. Crown Prince Ao's fiancée is the fifth-generation great-granddaughter of the Ji Ancestor."

…

On an island in the sea, a man with a huge figure faced the sea with his arms behind him. He looked at the waves attack the rocks. These waves soared up to several meters high.

He sighed deeply, "The heavens of Jiangnan are indeed going to change."

The man behind him asked, "Is the Ji family really that powerful?"

"Naturally. An insignificant Jiangnan is nothing in his eyes. Though Mr. Jiang is rising up like a comet, he is still young in the end, and has a shallow foundation."

Though Jiang Luoxia has suppressed Jiangnan for a while using his absolute strength, he didn't exercise any control over Jiangnan. This was because his ambitions laid somewhere else. He had even gone to study in the Imperial Capital.

"However, Mr. Jiang isn't someone we can provoke as well. I request the family head to lead us. What should we do?"

"Since Crown Prince Ao came to Jiangnan, it will definitely give rise to storm in Jiangnan." The man gazed at the incoming waves with a calm expression. "No matter vicious the storm is, we must always have a cool head."

Jiangnan was going through turbulent times right now with dark clouds looming over it.

…

A private plane took off from the Imperial Capital and landed in Jiangnan's airport. Jiang Xiu and Lin Yueling descended from the plane. She was scared by her son's actions. The private plane was too shocking for her.

Owning such a thing was really amazing in 2008.

"Little Xiu, where shall we stay tonight?"

Jiang Xiu said, "We can stay in a hotel. If you want, I can arrange a car to send you to Annan. I'm going to meet Mayor Gu and ask him to arrange my transfer."

Lin Yueling said, "Deliver me to Annan then. I want to return quickly and consult with your father to decide what to do next."

A car arrived directly at the tarmac. Jiang Xiu instructed the driver to take Lin Yueling to Annan directly while he waited for a while at the airport. Another car arrived there later.

He received a call from Wang Xintong, "The Wang Mansion has already been transformed into the Jiang Mansion. You can stay there if you want or else I can book a hotel room for you if that suits you better."

"To my new home then."

Jiang Xiu wanted to cultivate during the night, and the soundproofing of the hotel rooms wasn't that good. Moreover, he was pretty fond of the former Wang Mansion's park. He was also thinking of making it his home in Jiangnan after repairing it and making it his headquarters.

"Mhm. Okay. I'll also arrive there soon. I'm on the next flight. There's some bad news though. Many of our businesses in Jiangnan were closed down, including 5 hotels, 12 construction companies, 2 resorts as well as 3 network companies, 6 large-scale restaurants, and an Entertainment City. Our losses for a single day have crossed 50 million RMB."

If Wang Xintong hadn't revealed it, he wouldn't have known that the Amidst Heaven Group ran so many businesses in Jiangnan. Wang Xuetang and his daughter were really skilled and ambitious in this respect.

"Though there's no news from Jiang City yet, if I guessed it right, the Myriad Base project which originally belonged to the Cheng family will also be closed down."

"Crown Prince Ao has made a huge move after coming to Jiangnan."

Wang Xintong's voice turned extremely anxious, "What should we do? The Jiang family isn't some small family, it has influence and power to which there's an en masse response."

"Will our fund chain break?" Jiang Xiu asked her.

Wang Xintong replied, "Of course not. We didn't loan money from the bank. Though there are many projects, with Mayor Gu looking out for us, out total investment hasn't surpassed 5 billion RMB."

The Wang family assets were worth over tens of billions, so this wasn't a severe injury at all.

"They are more anxious than us."

Wang Xintong continued, "Crown Prince Ao has arranged a dinner party at West Lake's bank and invited all the elites and prestigious people of Jiangnan. Only my Wang family didn't receive it."

Jiang Xiu said, "I also didn't get one."

Wang Xintong got enraged. The other side is clearly targeting you, why will they send you an invitation card?

"Even if he doesn't invite us, can't we just go?"

Three days later, around the time the lanterns were lit in the early evening at the West Lake's bank. Streams of people kept swarming inside the West Lake Manor. It was bustling with noise as well as the occasional, graceful sounds of a zither disseminating across the West Lake.

"Oh! Mr. Liao, you're here."

"Director Li, you're also here!"

Waiters swaggered in and out with trays full of various types of beverages set upon them, circling across the entire area.

"As Crown Prince Ao has descended on Jiangnan, this moment might decide Jiangnan's development for the next decade. Why would I miss it? Who would dare to miss it? Don't tell me you haven't seen that yet?"

Mr. Liao followed Director Li's gaze and was stunned. He saw a smart, elegant youth at that place. He wasn't shocked due to this youth's elegance but rather his identity.

Gu Dezhi's son, Young Master Gu!

Mayor Gu had reached a point of saturation and was unclear about what path to take in the future. The chances of nabbing a promotion were quite small too. Moreover, Crown Prince Ao arrived in Jiangnan this time and campaigned so boldly by creating difficulties for Mr. Jiang's industries and closing them all down. Everyone knew that Mr. Jiang and Mayor Gu had close ties, so his actions clearly showed that he was targeting them. The people didn't know whether to laugh or cry when they saw Young Master Gu appear here as if nothing had happened.

Even Young Master Gu was looking for an escape route. He always couldn't wait for his father to fall from his position. All his industries had reached a rock bottom as well.

When mentioning Young Master Gu, he had a run-in with Jiang Xiu once. When Jiang Xiu had gone to the gathering of shamans in Belden, he had slapped this Young Master Gu.

Only, things change with the passage of time. Jiang Xiu had transformed from the 'damned fruit seller' they had addressed him as to 'Mr. Jiang' who had around half of Jiangnan under his foot.

There were a few other young masters beside Young Master Gu.

However, no matter how powerful Jiang Ao was, Mayor Gu was still in his position, so the others had to still give him face.

"I wonder why Crown Prince Ao has conducted this meeting?"

Over these three days, rumors had spread all over Jiangnan, that Crown Prince Ao had arrived in Jiangnan to deal with Mr. Jiang. The Jiang family wouldn't have usually sent the younger generation to handle Jiangnan's border region governor, but the upper levels had their own way of playing the game. As Mr. Jiang's industries got closed down one after one, the matter became clearer. It was just that Crown Prince Ao never admitted it with his own mouth, so it was all just conjecture at this point.

"Hehe. The answer will be definitely disclosed tonight."

Everyone's gaze turned serious. This was the core moment. One those make in it now would be able to make considerable profits later on.

There were many tyrants present here and were all like-minded.

"Mr. Jiang had risen to power with quite the intensity, but who could've expected that Crown Prince Ao would descend on Jiangnan with such a spectacular fanfare."

"The Jiang family on the official side and the Ji family on the martial arts side, it's a really frightening line-up."

As they discussed the details zealously, a part of the crowd became restless. Someone among them cried out. "The Dong family's family head, the Lin family, the Li family, the Bai family as well as a dozen other prominent families have arrived as well."

They were shocked that all these big shots were currently escorting a young person.

Everyone quaked in fear as his identity couldn't be more apparent.

This youth walked in a dignified manner. He wore leisurely clothes, a shirt paired with jeans. His gaze flickered with a gleam as it traveled across everyone's faces. He seemed to possess the bearing of an aristocrat which set him apart from the crowd due to the aggressive regal aura he possessed. All the seniors as well as the officials, the all-powerful young masters as well as Young Master Gu and the rest were all overshadowed by his radiating presence.

"This feeling, Mr. Jiang is also like this, right?"

A girl donned in a backless evening dress commented. She had a tall figure and wore high-heeled shoes. Her slender legs were crossed with her hand holding a glass of champagne. She possessed an extremely conspicuous feminine demeanor. Her evening dress' had a slit right to her buttocks, and her eyes were intoxicated by the wind blowing in from the West Lake. Perhaps because of the wind, the nearby people all narrowed their eyes.

Mr. Jiang was unrivaled in her heart before, but now, she fawned towards this Crown Prince Ao. Though she had never seen Mr. Jiang's elegance before, she guessed that since Mr. Jiang wasn't showing his presence after being suppressed by Crown Prince Ao, it meant that Crown Prince Ao had the upper-hand.

Not only her, but many ladies from Jiangnan's famous families were also starstruck, their heartbeats speeding up.

The men were even more excited and deeply moved that such a man existed.

"Everyone, let me introduce someone to you!"

The Dong family's family head wore a serene expression on his face. Currently, his Dong family was soaring with success.

"This is Mr. Jiang Ao, grandson of Elder Jiang of the Imperial Capital's Jiang family as well as the recently famous personage dubbed as Crown Prince Ao."

Everyone applauded vehemently.

The young masters present on the scene, including Young Master Gu, Young Master Lin, as well as Young Master Bai and the rest were all distressed. These young masters were the most amazing before, and men usually liked to compare each other. Now that a person more amazing than them had appeared, they didn't feel good at all, but Crown Prince Ao was too powerful. This could be inferred from the fact that some of the young masters had all bowed their heads on the side.

"So that's Crown Prince Ao."

"It's the person who has the support of the Jiang family, the Ji family, the Dong family as well as a dozen more prominent families. Of course, he wouldn't be someone common."

The family heads of these families all had flushed appearances. They were recruited by Crown Prince Ao this time to handle Mr. Jiang and worked hard to close down his industries. After Jiang Ao won, they would inevitably reap the benefits.

Jiang Ao came forward, "Many scholars have embellished on Jiangnan's splendor since the ancient times so I won't repeat it again. I've long since admired this place and thought of coming here. Today, I feel very excited after seeing Jiangnan's famous West Lake and am overjoyed to see the gifted men and beautiful ladies of Jiangnan."

"I offer this toast to thank everyone for coming here today."

"Cheers!"

Jiang Ao downed the glass in one go then continued, "Everyone must have guessed the reason I've arrived in Jiangnan. You have it right. I came for Jiang Luoxia."

This created another uproar in the crowd, or to say more accurately, it made them restless.

"There's no place for this man in Jiangnan!"

"Crown Prince Ao is right. My Ji family is in favor of this."

The one who said this was Ji family's delegate, Ji Yicong!

"I'm also in favor!"

Dong family's family head.

"Me too!" Jiangnan's wealthiest individual, Ma Dexing. This person was also on the Forbes ranking and possessed a social status worth several billion. He had ventured into overseas trading in the eighties and dabbled in appliances, selling antiques and what not. After mingling in the business world for a few decades, he had amassed such an astonishing amount of assets. What's more ridiculous was that he had converted this nationality to Indian. However, he had a considerable influence in Jiangnan.

The others were shocked after watching all the big shots support Jiang Ao.

A group of critics gathered at a distance.

"Though Jiang Ao has the authority, influence, and money, Mr. Jiang established his power in Jiangnan by relying on his martial arts. He ranks 11 on the Demigod Ranking now. Descend, the nine mythical arts, cleanse the heavens, a thousand years of karma, an artless heart yet romantic. Jiang Ao's words don't mean anything unless he can oppress Mr. Jiang using martial arts."

"Indeed. All this is just to show off. The key point is whether the expert from the Ji family can defeat Mr. Jiang."

"Mhm!"

One of the old men asked, "But will Jiang Luoxia dare to battle Ji Wudao?"

Mr. Jiang's industries were all closed down yet he hadn't made an appearance even after three days had passed. He had already fallen into a disadvantageous position. Everyone believed he was scared to come out to battle.

As the situation in Jiangnan became more chaotic, news spread in China's martial arts circle, that Jiang Luoxia will have to battle Ji Wudao. The discussion in the martial arts circle was fiercer than the discussions in Jiangnan. Even the martial arts circle of nearby countries such as Japan and Korea paid close attention to this matter.

A battle between Demigods was quite rare to see after WW2, so their anticipation was imaginable.

"Jiang Luoxia won't dare!" someone said.

"He won't dare!" Another person spoke up.

There was a member of the Ji family among these people. Before he had come here, he had conversed with the Ji family head who said that Jiang Luoxia might not necessarily decide to fight. It looked like their inference was correct.

Demigods were strong and possessed great power, but because they possessed such great power, they had to act very cautious and cherish their life. Wealth meant nothing to Demigods, and they didn't care if they lost it. If a powerful enemy could be avoided, they could still make a name somewhere else. There were many such cases. Someone had gone to Europe and established Heaven's Gate while someone controlled a small nation.

…

Right now, a car left the airport, going towards the West Lake. An eighteen-year-old girl was inside the vehicle. She actually didn't know what had happened, but Ouyang Qian and Li Dan, who liked to show off, mentioned in the class group chat that the elite circle of Jiangnan was undergoing a change. Therefore, she believed that as Jiang Xiu's wife, she should be standing beside him to support him.

Ouyang Qian, Li Dan as well as a few of her other high school classmates had all chosen the Jiangnan University. Jiangnan University was among the top 5 educational establishments as well and was only a notch lower than the Imperial University and National University. Ouyang Qian and Li Dan had both heard of the news being spread in Jiangnan, so they bragged about it in the group chat.

After hesitating over and over again, Cheng Lingsu still decided to call her good sisters from before. They had become like strangers to her now, but back then during the high school time, Cheng Lingsu's family's financial situation was pretty good, and the Cheng family was glorious in Jiang City. It even oppressed Ouyang Qian's and Li Dan's family faintly, so they always felt they were a grade lower than Cheng Lingsu.

"Hello, Qianqian? It's me, Susu!"

Ouyang Qian naturally didn't have the qualifications to participate in the West Lake party. No one in her family possessed such qualifications, let alone her.

"It's you." Ouyang Qian's voice contained a little astonishment as well as dislike, "Why did you call me? Don't tell me you want to borrow money? My university expenditure is pretty high recently, so I don't have spare cash."

Since a poor acquaintance had called her, her first thought was that she had called to borrow money.

The appearance of Ouyang Qian giving a despiteful look towards a poor student flashed through Cheng Lingsu's mind. She couldn't help but feel a little disgusted. She had never expected that Ouyang Qian was such a person. She thought it was ridiculous that her classmate who had accompanied her for 3 years showed such contempt towards her. Her voice calmed down, "I don't want to borrow money from you."

After hearing this, Ouyang Qian asked her, "Why did you call me then?"

"I want to enter the party at West Lake Manor which you mentioned. Can you get an invitation card for me? Just one is enough." Cheng Lingsu replied.

"What?"

Ouyang Qian raised her voice, "Cheng Lingsu, you really have the nerve to say that. I'm not qualified to attend it. Not even my father is qualified, let alone me. Do you think you can enter it?"

"Can you get one or not?" Cheng Lingsu asked again.

She was also helpless. She wanted to prove to Jiang Xiu and Lin Yueling that she wasn't useless and could help the Jiang family. This desire was quite intense inside her, but she was still young and studying in university. She had no contacts as well and only knew her former classmates from high school.

For example, this Ouyang Qian who had become a stranger to her now.

"That…"

Ouyang Qian had also spent a great effort to get an invitation card but getting it was super-difficult. The grade of the party arranged by Crown Prince Ao was too high, and even if it were the former Cheng family, it wouldn't have had the qualifications to enter this party. Only the top officials of Jiangnan were entitled to enter the party. How could she obtain an invitation card if the grade was so high?

But if she said she couldn't, Ouyang Qian felt like she would lose face. After all, during the three years of high school, she had always got the short end and subconsciously entered the role of a little sister among the cohort. This was pretty regular and how the human psyche worked. Now that the serf had obtained a chance to sing, she naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Typically, when a lackey parts from the group and becomes successful, they would go back to humiliate the former leader. This was because she felt she had suffered before and wanted to get back what she lost. "How about this? Where are you right now? Come over, and I'll think of some way to help you."

Cheng Lingsu said, "Okay. I'm in a cab right now. I'll come to find you."

"Alright. I'm at the No. 2 Manor at West Lake. We're having a small-scale party over here. Hehe, it also needs an invitation card, but you can use my name to enter."

Since the other side was having a big party, they decided to have a small. The people participating in it were all of the later generations who were using this chance to form a network of contacts which would help them in accumulating capital when they venture into society later on.

When she hung the call, Li Dan asked her, "Who did you talk with for so long?"

Ouyang Qian laughed, "Cheng Lingsu!"

Li Dan said, "That poor girl. Where did she get the face to call you? She isn't thinking of associating with us, right? Her Cheng family has gone bankrupt. Why is she looking for us?"

"She wants to get an invitation card for the West Lake Manor's party."

"What?"

Li Dan cried out, her reaction was the same as Ouyang Qian's when she first heard it, "Is she crazy? Does she think it's a place she can set foot on? Even we couldn't enter it after racking our heads so much, does she think she can do it?"

Ouyang Qian rolled her eyes while grinning wickedly, "I duped her. When she comes, we'll humiliate her."

"You mean…"

Li Dan understood what she meant and got excited.

The No. 2 Manor naturally fell short of the West Lake Manor. One was like a knockoff while the other was genuine. They couldn't even be compared, but even if the No. 2 Manor was a knockoff, it was a high-quality knockoff. It was situated at the corner of West Lake and graced by the surroundings. The servers, as well as drinks, were already prepared inside and most importantly, it was near the West Lake Manor.

The cab driver delivering Cheng Lingsu had come here for the first time as well. Usually, all those who to place possessed their own cars. He was embarrassed due to the difference in the grade of the vehicles. When she got down the car, the driver couldn't help but steal a few glances towards Cheng Lingsu. She looked pretty and also seemed like a lady from a wealthy family.

As she was about to enter, she got blocked by the guard, "Miss, please show your invitation card."

"I'm Cheng Lingsu, I was invited by Lady Ouyang Qian."

After the guard contacted the people inside, he let her go inside.

The No. 2 Manor was pretty near to the West Lake Manor. The violin music come over from there could be heard over here as well. People standing in a high place could even see people moving around in the bright lighting on the other side. Some young masters even peeked over there with binoculars and weren't even ashamed of such actions. They instead felt self-complacent, feeling as if they were participating in it after taking a glance there.

"Susu!"

Ouyang Qian and Li Dan welcomed her quite courteously. There were a few wealthy youths beside them. Those who entered Jiangnan University weren't little characters from just Jiang City alone, there were people from all over Jiangnan, and some even came from other provinces to join Jiangnan University with the intentions to pick up girls.

Her former high school classmate, Lin Shu, was also among them. As for Ye Wenchen who was the man of the moment among their group, he had left this circle due to failing in the college entrance exam and his father losing his official position. According to the rumors, he was repeating the year.

"Qianqian, Little Dan…"

Ouyang Qian sized up Cheng Lingsu up and down. She looked as livid as before even though a few months had passed by and still attracted the gazes of men. They had all entered the age when women were most beautiful.

"You came over in such clothes?"

Cheng Lingsu wore a simple yet elegant white long-sleeved shirt paired with jeans and canvas shoes. Her attire seemed more like as if she was going for an outing than going to a party.

"I didn't have the time to change my clothes." Cheng Lingsu didn't care about this. "Qianqian, can you really obtain an invitation card?"

Ouyang Qian said, "Of course, I already have it."

"Really?"

Cheng Lingsu was overjoyed. It seemed like the part had just begun over there. She didn't know what kind of predicament Jiang Xiu was in right now, but she heard that Crown Prince Ao had used his power to gather a lot of influential officials of Jiangnan to bring down Mr. Jiang. She believed he would be undergoing a lot of pressure when facing so many enemies alone. She knew she couldn't do much to help him, but she hoped that she could stand beside him at this time and support him spiritually.

"Give to me quickly!"

Ouyang Qian said, "Hehe, what's the rush?" She put the invitation letter in her purse again, "Don't you know the rules?"

Cheng Lingsu furrowed her brows, "Stop playing around, Qianqian. I have something important to do. If you help me today, I'll remember this favor and pay you back later."

"Is that so?"

Ouyang Qian laughed. Li Dan also laughed along with her as if they had something very ridiculous. "Susu, how will you repay us? Do you think you're still the Second Young Lady of the Cheng family? Your family has gone bankrupt. It's time for you to wake up, okay?"

Cheng Lingsu's face turned paler. She felt it hard to endure being ridiculed by them. What hurt her more was that these words came from her friend who was her best friend for 3 years, "Give it to me, okay? I'll owe you one."

Li Dan chuckled, "Susu, looks like you still haven't woken up. Do you think your family still has billions of assets? You can't even be regarded among the working class now. What will you use to repay us? Let me rephrase that, what can you even help us with?"

"What do you want then?" Cheng Lingsu asked.

"Let's play a game…"

"Drink a bottle of beer." Of course, the beer wasn't drunk normally. The bottle was placed between a boy's crotch. The girl would crouch in between and sucked the beer through a straw.

It looked as if the girl was giving that kind of job to the boy, it was very disgusting and ruined the image of the girl. If a mosaic were put on the beer bottle later on, then that would be really…

"The preparations are done."

This game was a little too excessive and aimed to thoroughly destroy Cheng Lingsu's image as a maiden.