Chapter 127: The Younger Uncle Has a Girlfriend

Xu An'an, satisfied after her meal, went straight to find Jiang Li, only to discover he was in a video conference. She decided to wait nearby.

This meeting involved the senior executives of the Jiang Corporation. However, Jiang Yu had also been granted the opportunity to attend as an observer. Seeing Jiang Li’s cold, stern face on the large screen, and observing how everyone present was working diligently and not daring to step out of line, Jiang Yu felt a surge of envy. He longed for the day when he could command such authority. But as long as Jiang Li was around, he saw no path to his own success.

"Yu, listen carefully," a colleague of his father’s whispered to him. Although they disliked Jiang Li, they could not deny that he was a rare genius; without him, the Jiang Corporation would never have reached its current heights.

Jiang Yu pulled himself together and focused on the screen. Suddenly, he noticed a foot in the corner of the frame—a slip-up by the camera. He was shocked; his uncle was keeping a woman with him! The foot was small, looking fair and delicate. Thinking of how his grandfather had been displeased with him lately, he decided to report this to him and secretly snapped a photo with his phone. A shareholder noticed, frowning, but said nothing; after all, these rich kids were only at the company to slack off, so why bother?

As soon as the meeting ended, Jiang Yu rushed to find Old Master Jiang, beaming with joy. "Grandpa, Uncle has a girlfriend!"

"Really?" The Old Master was overjoyed. "Is it someone from the Murong family?" He had long wanted to play matchmaker between Jiang Li and Murong Yan, but knowing Jiang Li’s temperament, he hadn’t dared. If Jiang Li were to take the initiative, the marriage would be set in stone.

Jiang Yu showed him the photo. The Old Master frowned. "This only shows A'li."

"Here," Jiang Yu pointed it out. "Uncle must be trying to keep it a secret. If I hadn't been sharp-eyed, I never would have noticed."

The Old Master put on his reading glasses and scrutinized the image for a long time. "This boy... if he has a girlfriend, why hide her?"

"I must ask him about this clearly. Go and check if Murong Yan is in Shanghai; they might be dating in secret."

Jiang Yu hurried to comply. He took the opportunity to bring up the morning’s events. "Grandpa, I don't know what Great-Grandmother is thinking. Since An'an and I are engaged, and she has a 'prosperous husband' destiny, why not let us get our marriage certificate sooner? If I marry her, I could give you a great-grandson and let you enjoy your later years in peace."

The Old Master was surprised to learn that the Great-Matriarch had consulted Master Yuanji, but he soon understood. If Xu An'an truly possessed such a destiny, she would be better suited for Jiang Li. He remained silent for a moment. "Since your Great-Grandmother said so, she must have her reasons. Don't be in such a rush to marry. I'll give you a project to handle; whether you can secure the position of Vice President depends on your own performance."

"Yes!" Jiang Yu stood at attention, eager to make a good impression. He only cared about the project; without it, how could he win the support of the shareholders? As for Xu An'an, she was merely a tool. He didn't believe in that superstitious nonsense.

***

After returning to the city, Xu An'an parted ways with Jiang Li and went to find Gu Yang at the Gu Corporation to discuss their collaboration. She had prepared everything, but she wanted his feedback before presenting it to Jiang Li, knowing how picky he could be.

Gu Yang was surprised by her visit but felt a pang of disappointment upon learning her intent, though he found it reasonable. He carefully reviewed her proposal. "It’s excellent. I believe the Second Master will be very satisfied."

"I hope so," Xu An'an said, lacking confidence as this was her first time.

Gu Yang stared at her in silence, making her feel uneasy. "Cough, is there something on my face?"

"Your skin is excellent," Gu Yang complimented. "Like a peeled egg. If you were the spokesperson for the product, I’m sure the wealthy ladies would buy it."

Relieved, Xu An'an smiled, confident in her own skin. "I'll have to ask for the Second Master’s opinion first. After all, he’s the one providing the capital."

Gu Yang nodded. "I’m sure he will agree."

"You seem to understand the Second Master quite well, Gu," Xu An'an remarked.

"Perhaps it's because we are both men," Gu Yang replied with a laugh.

They talked about the product until evening, still finding plenty to discuss. "I feel like we’ll make a lot of money together," Xu An'an joked.

"We certainly will," Gu Yang said, his eyes curving. "It’s getting late. Why don't we have dinner? There's a nice restaurant nearby."

"Sure, my treat."

The French restaurant was a new hotspot. They were lucky to snag the last available table. Just then, someone called out, "An'an!"

Xu An'an turned to see Wen Huairou. "Director Wen, what a coincidence! Are you alone?"

Wen Huairou glanced at Gu Yang calmly. "Yes, I heard this place was popular, so I thought I’d try it. You know, I don’t know many people since returning to the country."

"Gu, this is Director Wen, my mother's physician," Xu An'an introduced them. "Since we’ve met, why not join us?"

Gu Yang had no objections. The three were led to a booth. Xu An'an intended to sit next to Wen Huairou to avoid awkwardness, but as soon as Gu Yang sat down, Wen Huairou took the seat beside him.

"Do you mind? I’m used to facing the door; sitting with my back to it makes me feel insecure."

"I don't mind," Gu Yang said. He considered switching seats, but decided it wasn't worth the trouble.