Volume One, Chapter 87: A Good Show

That afternoon, after Ji Jiali regained consciousness, Lin Hongguang arranged for her transfer to another hospital. Their new ward was located on the fourth floor. Standing by the window, Jiang Wan watched Ji Jiali being helped into a car by Lin Zhi. Ji Jiali's pale face and weakened spirit, framed by the withered winter greenery, made her appear especially fragile. After escorting Ji Jiali into the back seat, Lin Zhi closed the car door and circled to the other side. Before getting in, she paused, looking up at the inpatient ward window.

Their gazes met across the distance. The moment Lin Zhi saw Jiang Wan, a triumphant smile curled at her lips. Her eyes flaunted victory, laced with a hint of provocation. She soon withdrew her gaze and settled into the car. The Lin family members departed in two luxury vehicles. Watching the cars disappear into the distance, Jiang Wan stood at the window, her grip on the cane tightening.

Behind her, Qi Mo had entered the ward, unnoticed. “Miss Jiang, Master Lu instructed me to stay and take care of you,” he announced, his broad figure standing solemnly. “If you need anything, please let me know.”

Jiang Wan let out a self-deprecating smile, glancing at him, “Handle my discharge papers. I want to go home.”

“This…” Qi Mo was caught off guard, but before he could finish his sentence, Jiang Wan interrupted, “Didn’t you say I could ask for anything? Do I need Lu Wenzhou’s approval to leave the hospital?”

Her tone was firm, leaving Qi Mo no room to argue. He nodded silently and complied. At Jiang Wan’s insistence, he drove her home. But the home she referred to was not the apartment at Yujing Bay, but her former residence—the place filled with memories of living with her father.

Despite her injured leg, Jiang Wan insisted on staying alone. No sooner had she settled in than her phone rang. It was Yan Yan calling. As soon as the call connected, Yan Yan’s voice exploded, “Jiang Wan, what happened? You just submitted the documents a few days ago, and today Lin Group says they won’t cooperate?!”

Her tone was reproachful, clearly displeased. Jiang Wan opened her mouth, but could not find the words. “The land auction is open in a couple of days. Lin Group rejecting us now is obviously a move to keep us out of the deal.”

Seeing Jiang Wan silent, Yan Yan’s temper flared. “I was counting on you to pull some strings, but you were absolutely useless!” With that, she hung up angrily, leaving Jiang Wan sitting alone, a bitter smile on her lips as the world fell eerily silent.

*

In the days that followed, Jiang Wan dragged her injured leg to work at Jiang Corporation. That morning, the entire city of Rong was abuzz with a headline: “Three Billion! Lin Group Successfully Bids for the Land!” The results of the land auction sent Jiang Corporation into a frenzy.

Everyone was discussing the news, and it inevitably reached Jiang Wan’s ears. “It was expected, but seeing the photos and articles is still a shock.” “With the young master from the capital backing them, Lin Group can get whatever they want.” “Exactly! I wonder how many hands will get a piece of such a big pie.” “Too bad the Gu Group wasn’t involved. Otherwise, we might have gotten a taste…”

Amidst the sighs and comments, Jiang Wan sat in her office, hearing everything clearly. The chatter was eventually interrupted by a cheerful male voice.

“What’s all this about soup? Has your lunch menu changed? I don’t like anything soupy,” Shen Xinghe’s sudden appearance surprised everyone. Without waiting for greetings, he carried a bag and strode straight toward the CEO’s office, swaggering as if he owned the place.

He didn’t bother to knock, pushing the door open and spotting Jiang Wan in her wheelchair. He lifted the bag, smiling at her, “Missed me? I brought you something delicious.”

Jiang Wan glanced at him. The familiar bag and logo instantly told her it was from Yue Hua Ji. She said nothing, merely gave it a look and went back to her work.

But Shen Xinghe pushed aside the documents in front of her, making room to lay out the takeout containers one by one.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Wan frowned with displeasure. “You can eat by yourself over there.”

“It’s not about me eating—it’s about you. You haven’t been eating properly these days. You’ve lost weight, and today you must eat your fill!” Shen Xinghe opened the boxes.

Jiang Wan didn’t want to pay him any mind. Looking at the array of dishes, all her favorites, she knew full well that Shen Xinghe was just the delivery man; someone else had actually paid. Thinking about his motive, Jiang Wan curled her lips in a mocking smile. “I have no appetite. I don’t want to eat.”

“Don’t force me to feed you.” Shen Xinghe leaned against the desk, “Don’t be fooled by my appearance—I’ve got plenty of strength and tricks!” He tried to coax a smile from her, but Jiang Wan remained indifferent.

“…Fine.” Shen Xinghe conceded, sighing in defeat. “Okay, if you don’t want to eat, then…”

Before he could finish, the secretary knocked on Jiang Wan’s office door. “President Jiang, here’s an invitation from Lin Group.” She entered, holding an exquisite envelope.

Before the bidding even began, Lin Group had already planned the celebration banquet, waiting for the auction day to make it official. The secretary placed the invitation on the desk and quietly withdrew.

Once more, only two people remained in the office. For once, chatty Shen Xinghe was silent, watching Jiang Wan cautiously. Until she glanced at the envelope and moved to throw it in the trash.

“Hey, hey!” Shen Xinghe hurried to stop her. “Why? It’s a perfectly good banquet. I’ll go with you tomorrow.”

His sudden suggestion and unusual behavior piqued Jiang Wan’s curiosity. She frowned, puzzled.

Shen Xinghe flashed a sly smile, pocketed the invitation, and patted his chest. “Relax, I guarantee you’ll see a good show. If you miss it, you’ll regret it for life!”

He insisted, wheedling until Jiang Wan reluctantly agreed to go with him. The next day, he waited at Jiang Corporation, afraid she would change her mind. By afternoon, he personally wheeled her out, took her to the styling studio for makeup and hair, and then escorted her to the Lin Group’s celebration banquet.

Shen Xinghe accompanied Jiang Wan as her date. His flamboyant look and aura, coupled with Jiang Wan in her wheelchair, immediately drew the attention of all the guests the moment they appeared.