Chapter 28: A Fierce Punch

“There’s no need to give the Xu family such a good project—just hand them something insignificant, a mere token.” Although Xu An’an bore the surname Xu, it was only in name. All the glory of the Xu family had nothing to do with her. Why should she truly care about the family’s future? As long as she had a project to fob off Shen Ying, that would suffice. After all, collaborating with the Jiang Corporation was a privilege many could only dream of.

Jiang Li understood completely. “As you wish.”

“Now can you tell me what this news is?” Xu An’an calmly ate a piece of braised pork rib. “No rush. The project hasn’t been announced yet. Give me five days, and I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.” She still had to meet someone—a reclusive tycoon she’d once interviewed, a man with his own insights about the business world, who had even discussed the Lakeside Island Resort with her. Back then, no one had paid any attention to Lakeside Island. Yet that tycoon had shown remarkable foresight. He was also a chess fanatic, and it was fortunate she had picked up some skill playing chess with the old men in her neighborhood during her free time. Otherwise, she would never have gained the regard of such a figure.

Watching Xu An’an’s secretive air, Jiang Li reached out to pinch her cheek. “You’d better not disappoint me.”

“If I don’t disappoint you, what will you give me?”

“What do you want?”

“I haven’t thought of anything yet. How about you owe me a favor?” Xu An’an recalled the game Jiang Li had mentioned, and figured she might use this chance.

Jiang Li shrugged indifferently. “Fine by me.”

Xu An’an turned to glance at the now-clear sky. “When will the road be open? I don’t suppose you want Jiang Yu to see me leaving your room?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“…”

Xu An’an ground her teeth in frustration. Jiang Li truly didn’t care; after all, Jiang Yu reacted to Jiang Li like a mouse to a cat. If there were any consequences, she’d be the one to bear them. She could only wait for Jiang Yu and Ning Xiyue to leave first.

By dusk, the road was finally open. Jiang Yu couldn’t wait to leave with Ning Xiyue, anxious to avoid running into Jiang Li. Still, before leaving, Jiang Yu had to greet Jiang Li—he was, after all, a younger family member, and he was also curious to see what kind of woman was in Jiang Li’s room.

Knock, knock.

Xu An’an was packing her things. Thinking it was Jiang Li, she went to open the door.

Click.

The door opened a crack, and at that moment came the voices of Jiang Yu and Ning Xiyue.

“Uncle, it’s me.”

“Second Master, would you like to go back with us?”

Xu An’an’s pupils contracted violently. Instinctively, she tried to close the door. But Jiang Yu, as if expecting this, reached out to stop her and got his hand caught, crying out in pain.

Ning Xiyue was startled as well.

As soon as Jiang Yu withdrew his hand, Xu An’an swiftly shut and locked the door, her heart pounding furiously. Damn it, why did it have to be Jiang Yu! If only there were a peephole! But now was not the time for such thoughts—this flimsy door wouldn’t withstand Jiang Yu’s temper. If he kicked it, it would be done for.

“Damn it!” Jiang Yu cursed. “Who’s inside? Open up!”

Jiang Yu had seen Jiang Li go downstairs and came over on purpose. He kicked the door hard—just a door, after all; he could afford to break it.

Ning Xiyue, furious as well, added, “If you don’t open up, we’ll call the police!”

Bang! Bang, bang!

Xu An’an retreated in fear. She had to find a way out—maybe jump from the window? It was only the second floor; she probably wouldn’t die.

Bang!

The fragile door finally gave way under Jiang Yu’s assault.

Xu An’an hadn’t escaped yet. She quickly threw a bedsheet over herself, intending to tie it to the window frame and slide down. But now, she was already too late.

Jiang Yu stared fixedly at her silhouette. “So you’re Uncle’s girlfriend. Why did you clamp my hand just now?”

Ning Xiyue was curious as well. “Miss, shouldn’t you apologize?”

“Turn around!” Jiang Yu caught a faint scent in the air, reminiscent of Xu An’an’s perfume. “Why don’t you dare turn around?”

Just as Jiang Yu was about to approach, Jiang Li returned in time.

All the anger and bravado vanished instantly. Jiang Yu became properly respectful, showing Jiang Li his reddened hand. “Uncle, if Grandpa sees my hand like this, he’ll definitely ask what happened.”

“You can tell him I caught you and Ning Xiyue sneaking into a hotel room, and punished you for it,” Jiang Li replied impassively, his eyes full of mockery.

Jiang Yu choked, speechless. “Uncle, you’ve got it wrong. Yue and I are just friends.”

Jiang Li clicked his tongue. Time and again, he was discovering his dear nephew’s true colors—it truly overturned his entire view of the world.

“Get out.”

It was an order that brooked no argument.

Jiang Yu’s hand still throbbed with pain, but he looked unwillingly at the figure by the window. “Uncle, I just wanted to say hello to my aunt, so I could bring Grandpa some good news.”

He felt he’d miss some great secret if he left now.

Bang!

A heavy punch left Jiang Yu stunned, warm blood trickling from his nose.

Ning Xiyue screamed, terrified. “A’Yu, you’re bleeding!”

Jiang Li’s handsome face darkened. His gaze toward Jiang Yu was as cold and unforgiving as if he were looking at a dead man. His chilling voice came without the slightest inflection: “This is what happens when you don’t obey your elders. Do you want to stay any longer?”

He’d only used a third of his strength for that punch. If Jiang Yu’s parents hadn’t been so troublesome, Jiang Li would have made sure Jiang Yu left the room on a stretcher.

Suppressing his anger, Jiang Yu let Ning Xiyue help him away, head tilted back, his white shirt now stained with blood.

Only after confirming that Jiang Yu and Ning Xiyue had left did Xu An’an finally relax.

“Phew, good thing you came back.”

“Put this on.”

When Jiang Li had come to stay, he’d brought a suitcase—something he often kept in his car. He took out a hoodie and tossed it to her.

Xu An’an hurried into the bathroom to change. It was a bit large, but the hood covered her face, leaving only a pale, delicate chin exposed. There was a faint scent of cedarwood.

“All right, can we go now?” This sneaky feeling was oddly thrilling. Xu An’an followed Jiang Li, eager to be safe once they got in the car.

But, unfortunately, Jiang Yu and Ning Xiyue hadn’t left yet—they were standing right by the car.

Jiang Yu had tissues stuffed in his nose, looking rather ridiculous.

His gaze swept over Xu An’an. She seemed familiar, but before he could get a good look, Jiang Li’s tall frame blocked her from view.

All they could do was watch the car drive away.

“Uncle is so determined to hide her identity—could it be… she’s a married woman?”