After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 11

11:

Seeing her deep in thought, Li Zifeng waited patiently, as if certain Jiang Yan would jump at the investment opportunity.

“So, doesn’t it sound like money falling from the sky?”

Jiang Yan remained composed, nodding twice. “It does sound tempting, but it’s your family’s business. I can only be envious.”

“Come on, with our years of friendship, how could I leave you out of a good deal?” Li Zifeng leaned closer, lowering his voice. “A friendly price, 30 million yuan, all original shares. Even if it doesn’t go public, you’ll make a fortune after a few rounds of financing.”

Thirty million… Jiang Yan’s liquid funds for investment were barely over three million yuan. Even if she had 30 million yuan, she wouldn’t bet it all on Li Zifeng, knowing how unreliable he was. But she kept that to herself.

“I’ll think about it.”

Seeing her interest, Li Zifeng didn’t press for an immediate decision. He glanced around. “Yu Ming’s been begging to invest, but I didn’t agree. I’m saving this chance for you, as a wedding gift.”

Jiang Yan looked at him. “That is such a big gift, is your family okay with that?”

These second-generation heirs splurged on fun without hesitation, but when it comes to business, none had real authority.

Li Zifeng’s face stiffened, a flash of embarrassment at being seen through, mixed with reluctance. “Actually, it’s my dad’s idea. He said it’s a rare chance to collaborate and wants me to bring you in. After all, you’ll be part of the Xia family soon, it’s a mutual benefit.”

Now Jiang Yan understood. They wanted to use her to connect with the Xia’s.

“Alright, give me the details, and I’ll consider it seriously.”

Li Zifeng wasn’t great at business but decent at relaying information. He outlined the basics of the restaurants his family was eyeing. Jiang Yan mentally noted them, already forming another plan.

“That’s the situation. If you need more information, I’ll ask and get back to you.”

“Thanks.”

Liu Xinyi called out, “Hey, you two, stop whispering over there! Dessert’s here, are we supposed to wait until it’s cold?”

Jiang Yan seized the chance to escape. “Red bean paste, I’m coming.”

The next day, Jiang Yan visited the old restaurant Li Zifeng mentioned, located in the old city, not far from the bustling food street. Unlike the trendy, packed influencer spots, this place was quiet, its outdated decor exuding an old-fashioned charm.

Inside, a few scattered tables were occupied, mostly by local residents, no longer young, chatting familiarly with the owner.

The owner, who was busy and about their age, worked alongside a couple of younger waitstaff, while the kitchen staff was mostly middle-aged people.

“What would you like?” a young waiter asked softly at Jiang Yan’s table.

“What’s your signature dish?”

“We’ve got all the traditional Haicheng snacks. Take a look at the menu.” The waiter pulled a laminated menu from under the plastic tablecloth.

Jiang Yan scanned both sides. “I’ll have a bowl of chai pan wontons and a crab shell pastry.”

“Got it. Please wait.”

The owner, chatting with customers, glanced at Jiang Yan briefly without lingering.

The restaurant occasionally saw young patrons, mostly passersby grabbing a quick bite, unlike the regulars who came every few days.

Jiang Yan’s order arrived quickly, and she dug in. The flavors were distinct, especially the crab shell pastry, which she hadn’t tasted in ages.

Her eyes lit up, her plan solidifying. She didn’t show it, though, eating quietly like any other customer and finishing everything.

—

Since the wedding photoshoot, Xia’s mother’s impression of Jiang Yan had slightly improved, but Xia Yining hadn’t brought her home for dinner lately.

“Ningning, what’s Xiao Jiang been up to?”

“She’s handling family matters.”

“She’s involved in the Jiang family business?”

“No, personal affairs.”

Xia’s mother nodded, uninterested in Jiang family gossip. Looking at her composed daughter, she said directly, “The wedding’s close. You should bring Xiao Jiang over for dinner more, let her bond with the family.”

Xia Yining’s expression stiffened, clearly reluctant.

“There will be plenty of chances after. There’s no need to rush.”

“Before and after marriage are different. Think of Xiao Jiang, she’s the one joining our household.”

Xia Yining had no marriage experience. Her parents’ match was ideal, offering no lessons to draw from. But since her mother insisted, she didn’t outright refuse.

“Alright, I’ll call her later.”

The kitchen manager approached. “Madam, as you have requested, we’ll have crab shell pastries tomorrow morning.”

“Good. Thank you.”

After the manager left, Xia Yining asked, “Why the sudden craving?”

“I’ve always wanted them, but I can’t find truly authentic ones anymore. Maybe my taste has changed, or maybe my memory has.”

The taste in her memory was what she truly cherished.

The next day, Jiang Yan returned to the old restaurant, ordering the same items. The owner, recognizing her, nodded.

After eating, she ordered a few oil dumplings to go. At checkout, she smiled at the owner. “The food’s really good.”

Her brief words bridged the gap. The owner smiled back. “Thanks for the support. Come again.”

Jiang Yan visited for several more days, becoming familiar enough for the owner to greet her verbally.

When Xia Yining brought Jiang Yan to the Xia residence for dinner, Xia’s mother asked about the wedding banquet menu. Both said no changes were needed. Jiang Yan spoke little in her presence, mostly listening.

“Xiao Jiang, this will be your home soon. Don’t be too reserved.”

Rarely receiving such warmth from Xia’s mother, Jiang Yan responded graciously. “Thank you, Auntie.”

“Just a few more days of ‘Auntie,’ then you’ll need to change how you address me.”

The atmosphere was cordial, but Jiang Yan eyed the crab shell pastry on the table, uninterested. Having tasted better, she realized she wasn’t picky before, but now she just didn’t want this one.

“Haicheng’s traditional snacks are getting rarer,” Xia’s mother remarked.

An idea struck Jiang Yan. “Auntie, I have a suggestion, let’s add crab shell pastry to the wedding banquet.”

“Why’s that?”

Xia’s mother smiled faintly, not upset by Jiang Yan’s bold idea. The Xia wedding was a high-profile event, with elite guests and carefully curated dishes, each chosen for harmony and meaning.

A humble snack like crab shell pastry might not fit.

“Both Yining and I are from Haicheng. Its traditional snacks shouldn’t be absent.”

“Good idea, but the taste has to pass muster. Many guests are old Haicheng locals with discerning palates.”

“I know an owner with great skills. If you’re interested, Auntie, I can have them try.”

Xia’s mother was genuinely interested. Even if she couldn’t join the wedding banquet, it would be worth it to find a skilled chef and invite him back to the Xia family.

When Jiang Yan shared the opportunity with the restaurant owner, she was surprised by their immediate refusal.

“We’re just a small business. We can’t handle a fancy wedding banquet.”

“It’s not the whole menu, just the crab shell pastries, far fewer than what you sell daily.”

The owner hesitated, still cautious. “It’s not the same. Banquets and small shops are different.”

Jiang Yan hadn’t expected the usually friendly owner, who chatted warmly with customers, to be so conservative. She didn’t push or pester, reverting to being a regular customer and ordering her usual chai pan wontons.

After eating, she packed a few crab shell pastries.

When Jiang Yan brought them to the Xia residence, Xia’s mother was touched the moment she opened the kraft paper bag.

“Xiao Jiang, is this from the shop you mentioned?”

“Yes, Auntie, try it first and see how it tastes.”