Chapter 20: Finding a Girlfriend for Jiang Li

If looks could kill, Xu An’an truly wished she could unleash a thousand blades from her eyes, slicing Jiang Li—the venom-tongued man—into pieces.

She couldn’t deny that Jiang Li’s words were harsh, but they weren’t entirely wrong.

Xu An’an remained silent, her long lashes lowered, each one distinct. Perhaps it was because she had just rubbed her eyes; their corners were tinged red, lending her a pitiful yet alluring air.

Jiang Li, unable to help himself, began to reflect: had he spoken too harshly just now?

But before he could say anything, Xu An’an turned and walked away.

Unexpectedly, the old master appeared, stopping Xu An’an in her tracks and beckoning Jiang Li over. “Come, you two, accompany this old man to a meal.”

“Life is a mess, never letting anyone rest,” the old master said, hands clasped behind his back as he walked. The secretary followed respectfully.

Xu An’an and Jiang Li exchanged glances—what else could they do? They had to follow; no one dared to defy the old master easily.

Yet they trailed behind, each turning their heads in opposite directions, as if whoever looked back first would lose.

When it came time to order, the old master had Jiang Li choose the dishes, while he chatted casually with Xu An’an, asking if she knew any girls suitable for Jiang Li, and if so, to introduce them.

“Birds of a feather flock together. There’s truth in that saying.”

“An’an, you’re a good girl; the friends you know must be good too.”

In truth, Xu An’an really didn’t have any close friends. Though she’d worked countless part-time jobs and met many people, she came and went in haste, all for the sake of earning money.

Earning money alone kept her busy enough.

Xu An’an forced a smile and glanced at Jiang Li. His handsome brows seemed a bit displeased, though she couldn’t tell who had provoked him this time.

“If Second Master wishes, I’ll pay more attention to the friends around me,” she said.

“Of course, look at his age,” the old master replied. “They say one should establish a family before a career—he’s already successful, managing Jiang Corporation brilliantly, but he still hasn’t settled down.”

Some things the old master left unsaid. If Jiang Li married, he would allow him to fully inherit Jiang Corporation.

“So, Second Master, what standards do you have for choosing a wife?”

The old master’s sincerity made it hard for Xu An’an to refuse; she could only steel herself and continue the conversation, still waiting for the dishes to arrive.

Jiang Li lifted his gaze unhurriedly, his features cold and sharp.

He clearly had little interest in the topic.

But for the old master’s sake, he finally spoke: “Just like you.”

Thunder struck out of nowhere!

Xu An’an nearly failed to control her expression, convinced Jiang Li was deliberately teasing her before the old master, seeking revenge, wanting to embarrass her and leave her speechless!

Yet the old master was not surprised; instead, he nodded in agreement.

“If you really could find someone as good as An’an, that would be ideal. But you’ll need to put in extra effort, An’an.”

He gestured to his secretary, who stepped forward and produced a black card from his briefcase, handing it to Xu An’an with both hands.

Xu An’an nearly dropped her jaw.

What kind of operation was this?

“What is this…?” she asked.

“Take it. Any expenses related to Jiang Li can be charged to this card. After all, you’re helping him find a girlfriend; how could we let you pay out of pocket?”

“But…”

“If you successfully help Jiang Li find a good match, I’ll reward you with an additional hundred million,” the old master declared, generous and bold.

A hundred million!

To Xu An’an, who desperately needed money, it was as if manna had fallen from heaven!

But facing Jiang Li’s dark eyes, how could she dare accept?

Seeing her hesitation, the old master directly pressed the black card into her hand. “No one will say anything. If they do, let them come talk to me.”

“Father’s right,” Jiang Li replied lightly.

Left with no choice, Xu An’an reluctantly accepted the black card.

Though she had no intention of using it, having agreed to help, she ought to put some effort into searching. But Jiang Li—a notorious player—what good girl could ever match him!

The old master looked at Jiang Li. “Once this matter is settled, let’s hold a beauty contest.”

When one pleasure falls, countless more can rise.

“Give An’an a spot as a judge.”

Xu An’an’s beautiful eyes widened, doubting what she’d heard—she was to be a judge at a beauty contest!

She was about to politely decline when Jiang Li spoke: “Same as previous years, the judges’ fee is a million?”

“But An’an is a friend—give her another million.”

“Alright.”

Listening to the father and son, Xu An’an lowered her gaze, barely stifling a laugh. Just for judging a beauty contest, she could easily earn two million!

Where could one find such profitable work!

If she had those two million, she wouldn’t have to grovel to Shen Ying for months, nor worry about finding another hospital for her mother.

Money—she needed money!

After the meal, the old master suggested a stroll nearby.

Thinking of the soon-to-arrive two million, Xu An’an was naturally happy to oblige, though she couldn’t fathom the old master’s sudden mood.

Jiang Li, too, had time to accompany.

“Hss…”

Suddenly, Xu An’an clutched her stomach, her brows knotted in pain, walking carefully—clearly the painkillers for her cramps had worn off.

A sheen of sweat formed on her forehead, her face pale.

Just as she was about to faint, she fell into a warm, solid embrace, and someone hurriedly carried her away.

The old master, still confused by the situation, paused, but said nothing, smiling meaningfully.

“Young people have their own fortunes.”

…

Xu An’an woke in a haze, feeling something pressing on her stomach—neither too light nor too heavy. Though the motion was clumsy, it felt soothing.

So soothing she wanted to nuzzle forward, like a cat being stroked.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Li’s gaze grew deeper. He had just had the doctor examine Xu An’an, who said her severe cramps required painkillers because her body was so depleted—she had endured too much.

Digging further, he discovered that after returning to the Xu family, Xu An’an had enjoyed no comfort at all, working multiple jobs day in and day out.

Buzz buzz.

It was Xu An’an’s phone.

Jiang Li reached over and picked it up, his pupils tightening.

Jiang Yu: [Xu An’an, where are you? I think someone drugged me. I need your help—come quickly, I’m at home!]

A moment later, Jiang Yu sent another message: [As long as you get pregnant with my child, I’ll immediately marry you.]

The cold white glow of the screen illuminated Jiang Li’s handsome face, his lingering hostility unresolved. He considered deleting the messages.

In the end, he marked them as unread.

He’d leave them for Xu An’an to see when she woke up.

As for Jiang Yu, Jiang Li’s lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile. As the younger uncle, how could he not help his only nephew?