After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 13

13:

Jiang Yan parked at the entrance of Xia Corporation, sending Xia Yining a message. She got a quick reply saying Xia Yining was leaving the office. The scent of scallion pancakes wafted through the car, making Jiang Yan a bit peckish.

She rolled down the window slightly, letting in the summer heat. The hotter the day, the cozier it felt to eat warm scallion pancakes under air conditioning. Hands on the steering wheel, her fingers tapped lightly, showing no impatience while waiting.

Fifteen minutes later, Xia Yining got into the car. As she opened the door, her subtle, elegant fragrance overpowered the faint food aroma, without a hint of greasiness.

“Got held up with something. Sorry for the delay,” she said.

“You were quick. A couple of elevator rides would’ve taken just as long.”

Jiang Yan handed over the scallion pancakes. “Want to try one? Fresh from the shop, made by the owner himself.”

Scallion pancakes once dominated Haicheng’s street food scene, and Xia Yining was familiar with them. Exhausted from a long workday, the enticing aroma stirred her hunger.

Her lips pursed slightly; she didn’t take it immediately but didn’t refuse either.

Thinking she might find it greasy, Jiang Yan smiled. “The owner’s skill is top-notch. You won’t regret it. Trust me.”

Xia Yining met her gaze, not because she trusted Jiang Yan, but because she trusted the shop. Her mother’s glowing praise for the crab shell pastries had already impressed her, and the aroma was undeniable.

Her expression betrayed her eagerness, but her movements were slow. Jiang Yan was initially puzzled, then recalled Xia Yining’s meticulous manner with the egg tarts.

“Hang on, I think I have disposable gloves in the car.”

Jiang Yan rummaged single-handedly. Since discovering the shop, she often packed food and occasionally ate on the road. The gloves, recently stashed, came in handy.

Xia Yining wasn’t surprised by Jiang Yan’s thoughtfulness, but by her calm demeanor. From the moment she got in, Jiang Yan kept a polite distance, neither too warm nor cold, like how she’d interact with colleagues at work.

Xia Yining appreciated this approach; it didn’t make her feel guarded or pushed. She waited patiently as Jiang Yan found the gloves, her eyes following her hands.

“Found it.”

Jiang Yan happily pulled out a clear glove, unaware that she had tugged out a small box from the corner too.

She had no idea what the box was, so after Xia Yining took the glove, she bent down to pick up something that had fallen at her feet.

Unexpectedly, when she took the box in her hands, she nearly choked. Some “friend” had left it in her car, thankfully unopened, or she would have no explanation!

However, the current situation wasn’t much better. The car was so tight, and Xia Yining couldn’t miss the item she was holding. The square box, emblazoned with red lips and long fingers, bore the words “Fingertip Charm”—was impossible to miss.

Furthermore, this brand had been heavily advertised shortly after the passage of same-s3x marriage, making the packaging and the branding unmistakable.

“Probably something a friend left in my car. I’ll ask who it belongs to later,” Jiang Yan said, awkwardly stuffing it into a drawer, her face showing embarrassment but no guilt.

Xia Yining froze, not expecting to see this in Jiang Yan’s car. Beyond surprise, she felt an odd mix of sadness and disappointment.

“Try not to keep things in your car that aren’t yours. Others might get the wrong idea.”

Jiang Yan agreed she needed a thorough car cleanup, who knew what else her “friends” had stuffed in the crevices?

“Got it. I’ll clean it out tomorrow.”

The scallion pancakes had cooled, but when Xia Yining took one out, it didn’t feel like mere greasy residue.

The scallion aroma remained, fragrant without being heavy, instantly likable.

She took a light bite—crisp yet substantial, layered, with a rich flavor spreading, blending crispness and savory oiliness.

“How is it? Pretty good, right?”

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Yan knew she liked it but couldn’t resist seeking confirmation.

“Really good.”

Jiang Yan started the car. “I bet Auntie will love it too.”

The pancakes were small, leaving one wanting more, but Xia Yining didn’t take another.

“Mom raved about the crab shell pastries, and I thought it was just nostalgia. After trying this, I trust her judgment.”

Jiang Yan’s smile widened. “The shop’s other stuff is great too. Next time you’re free, I’ll take you.”

“You’ve been busy with this lately?”

Jiang Yan had been scarce, and Xia Yining’s messages often got delayed replies. She had been focused on her apartment renovation but didn’t mention it.

“Not entirely. Just a bunch of pre-wedding odds and ends piling up, eating up time.”

Her vague answer wasn’t a total lie. She knew Xia Yining wasn’t invested in her exact whereabouts.

“Mom has decided to include crab shell pastries in the banquet. Are you confident you can convince the owner?”

“Before I wasn’t, but today I see hope.”

Xia Yining, unaccustomed to such confidence in Jiang Yan, was momentarily taken aback.

“Need my help?”

Jiang Yan, waiting at a red light, glanced at her with a smile. “Not yet. I think I’ve got it.”

Her eyes shone with genuine anticipation, not for show or to please anyone, but from nearing her goal.

At the Xia residence, Xia’s mother beamed seeing Jiang Yan bring more from the shop.

She insisted that Jiang Yan stay for dinner, telling the kitchen to halve her portion.

“I never eat greasy food at night, but Xiao Jiang’s scallion pancakes, I can’t wait till morning.”

“Auntie, if you keep praising her, she might drag the whole shop here next,” Ye Chenchen teased.

“That wouldn’t be bad,” Xia’s mother said, turning to Jiang Yan. “Last time, you said you’d talk to the owner. Any progress?”

“There’s a breakthrough. With a bit more time, I should make it for the banquet.”

Ye Chenchen darted back from the kitchen with a warmed scallion pancake, mouth full, standing before Jiang Yan. “I take back what I said. When can you bring the shop here?”

“Not realistic, but if you want to eat, I’ll take you next time.”

Xia Yining, who had been quiet, paused briefly, unnoticed by others.

Dinner was just them. Xia’s mother asked about the wedding house preparations, and Xia Yining said calmly, “Almost done. We’re just waiting for the furniture.”

The house, a Xia family gift, was decorated to Xia Yining’s taste. Xia’s mother turned to Jiang Yan. “Xiao Jiang, check it out when you have time. Tell the designer if you need anything added. There’s still time for changes.”

“I don’t have special requests. It’s best to leave it to the pros.”

“You should still see the bedroom and living areas yourself. It’s where you’ll live.”

At the mention of the bedroom, Xia Yining recalled the box in Jiang Yan’s car, her expression stiffening.

With Xia’s mother insisting, Jiang Yan couldn’t refuse further. Elders’ concern could escalate if resisted, so she agreed. “Alright, I’ll go in a couple of days.”

Back home that night, Li Zifeng called, still pushing the investment.

Jiang Yan sighed deliberately. “You know my family’s situation. Forget 30 million yuan, even 10 million yuan wouldn’t be handed to me for investments.”

“If your family won’t give it, ask your wife.”

Jiang Yan frowned, lowering her voice. “We’re not married yet. She’s not my wife.”

“It’s just over a month away. Why fuss over titles? The Xia’s are loaded. Borrowing from Xia Yining isn’t a big deal. Pay her back with interest when you cash out.”

His relentless prodding, as if it were a surefire deal, made Jiang Yan unsure whether he was cunning or just foolish.

“I need time. It’s not a small sum.”

“We’re in the final acquisition talks. If you delay, you’ll miss the window.”