After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 20

20:

As the wedding banquet concluded, guests approached Xia Langyan and his wife to say their farewells before leaving. Many praised the evening’s highlights and expressed optimism about the couple, while Jiang Yan and Xia Yining stood by, nodding and thanking them. They both knew these compliments were mainly directed at the Xia family elders.

Jiang Chaohan approached Jiang Yan, patted her shoulder lightly, and said little: “Treat Yining well from now on. No nonsense or trouble, or the Jiang family won’t back you up.”

Then he turned to Xia Yining, his tone softer, almost protective: “Yining, feel free to keep her in line without any hesitation. Her father and brother will always have your back. If she disobeys or mistreats you, tell me. Don’t let yourself be wronged.”

The contrast made it hard to tell whose father he was. As he spoke, he kept glancing at Xia Langyan and his wife, as if ensuring they heard.

Jiang Daming stood nearby with their mother, not approaching but watching Jiang Yan closely. When Jiang Yan looked back, he gave her a meaningful nod.

When Xia Yining glanced over, Jiang Daming quickly shifted to a warm, congratulatory smile, starkly contrasting their mother’s forced expression.

Xia Yining asked Jiang Yan softly, “Do you want to say something to your mom?”

“Nothing special to say. I can talk to her anytime.”

Jiang Yan felt neither sentimental nor abandoned, nor did she think the Jiang family had cast her aside, leaving her reliant on the Xia’s. To her, the wedding was just part of an agreement, though Jiang Daming’s earlier nagging had irritated her.

After the Jiang’s left, only the Xia family remained, requiring several cars to return to the Xia mansion. The elders, in high spirits, held the couple’s hands, smiling warmly, offering a few more words of advice before getting into their car.

The Xia mansion had two side buildings. To give the newlyweds privacy, one was entirely cleared out tonight, with only the newly renovated third-floor bridal suite occupied.

Yan Zi chatted with some relatives about Xia Yining’s wedding dress and jewelry, sparking envy. But what excited them most were the crab shell pastries and scallion pancakes.

Yan Zi admitted, “It’s been ages since I ate anything so greasy. They were good, but they’re still just street food, not exactly refined.”

“It doesn’t matter. Being featured at a Xia family wedding will boost their value.”

The conversation shifted to Jiang Yan, with someone mentioning, “I heard the chef for those dishes was personally invited by Jiang Yan after multiple visits. She’s got some skill.”

“She didn’t bring much to the table coming into this marriage. Of course, she’d work hard to make a good impression. Otherwise, she’d have nothing to show for herself later.”

These were more distant Xia relatives. The only one living under the same roof as Jiang Yan would be Yan Zi.

She smirked, “Newcomers always try hard. Understandable.”

Others chuckled softly. “That’s probably all she’s got; knowing how to eat, drink, and have fun. I heard when she was chasing Ningning, she pulled all sorts of tricks in that department. No idea why Ningning agreed to this.”

Even after attending the wedding, some still felt Jiang Yan wasn’t worthy of Xia Yining and had little to offer for the future.

Yan Zi, cautious not to badmouth Xia Yining directly, shared their disdain for Jiang Yan. She knew better than anyone how favored Xia Yining was at home.

Xia Chenxu, done with his tasks, came to find her. Seeing the women gossiping animatedly, he could guess they weren’t saying anything kind. Frowning, he gave Yan Zi a face and stayed silent.

When the others tactfully left, Xia Chenxu walked with her to their car. “Stop gossiping with those people. If someone blabs, you’ll be the one explaining.”

“I didn’t say much. They were the ones talking.”

“I’m just warning you. With another person in the house now, be more careful with your words and actions.” Recalling his talk with Xia Chenyong, he stressed, “Don’t badmouth Jiang Yan in front of Ningning. She’s her wife now.”

Yan Zi reluctantly agreed, knowing she couldn’t outshine Xia Yining. But why should Jiang Yan, who was supposed to take her place as the lowest in the family, fare better just because of Xia Yining?

“I have no grudge against her. I won’t provoke her. But how long Ningning protects her depends on her own ability. When I joined the family, I remember clearly: the Xia’s don’t welcome useless people.”

—

Jiang Yan was exhausted, having stayed until all guests and relatives left, finally relaxing. Xia Yining nudged her lightly, gesturing behind her. “Li Zifeng seems to be waiting for you.”

Jiang Yan turned and saw Li Zifeng lingering, his sneaky demeanor almost comical.

She had been busy all evening, barely able to acknowledge her old friends. Thankfully, they behaved in front of their elders, causing no major stir. After being dragged aside by Jiang Daming earlier to talk, she was already annoyed. Li Zifeng’s presence likely meant more trouble.

“I’ll wait in the car,” Xia Yining said, surprising Jiang Yan with her leniency, as she usually disapproved of her associating with these friends.

Before Jiang Yan could respond, Xia Yining headed to the waiting wedding car.

Rubbing her temples, Jiang Yan approached Li Zifeng. “What’s up?”

“I’m not trying to delay your wedding night, I’m just reminding you about our deal.”

What deal? Jiang Yan frowned. She hadn’t made any agreement with him.

Thinking she was tired from the evening, Li Zifeng chuckled. “The thing about borrowing money from Xia Yining.”

“I never agreed, and I’m not her. I won’t ask for her money.”

“You’re married now. Why draw such a line? If you’re worried you can’t convince her, just put in some effort tonight. Make her happy, and she’ll do whatever you say.”

His words grew cruder, as if marriage boiled down to just that in men’s minds. Jiang Yan, tired of fake smiles all night, had no patience left.

“I said it’s a no-go, so drop it. It’s late, and I need to rest.”

It was their wedding night, so Li Zifeng didn’t press further. Watching her walk away, he shook his head helplessly. He’d waited all evening for a chance to talk, only to find her attitude even firmer than on the phone.

Xia Yining watched their exchange through the car window. Though she couldn’t hear them, their body language and expressions suggested Li Zifeng was asking Jiang Yan to do something she wasn’t keen on.

Of all her questionable friends, Li Zifeng was Xia Yining’s least favorite. But tonight, she wanted to give Jiang Yan some face and see what she was up to. Had she not overheard Jiang Yan’s conversation with Jiang Daming during a wardrobe change, she might not have caught it.

She knew this marriage would bring the Jiang’s financial benefits, but she hadn’t expected their greed to go further. From Jiang Daming’s words, it seemed they had a detailed plan for Jiang Yan to extract more resources from her post-marriage, and Jiang Yan’s calm reaction suggested it wasn’t the first time she had heard it.

Xia Yining sneered inwardly, the faint goodwill she’d built up shattered. She cursed herself for letting her guard down, forgetting this was just a mutually beneficial arrangement.

She’d thought Jiang Yan, who’d chased her for four years with no real accomplishments, wanted something other than the Xia family’s wealth. Now, it seemed she’d been too naive. Even Jiang Yan harbored ulterior motives.

Perhaps, beyond Jiang Daming, there was some secret scheme between Jiang Yan and Li Zifeng. Xia Yining’s fingers tapped lightly on her lap, reminding herself to be wary of this person she’d now see daily.

Jiang Yan returned to the car quickly, looking slightly relieved. Xia Yining glanced at her. “Done talking already?”

“It was nothing. He just wanted to congratulate me in person.”

As for his crude wedding night suggestions, Jiang Yan had no intention of mentioning them. Besides, she and Xia Yining had no such plans.

Just want to congratulate her? Xia Yining recalled Jiang Yan’s furrowed brow and reluctant expression, hardly the look of someone receiving well-wishes. But she didn’t call it out, saying only, “Your friend’s quite sincere.”

While others offered quick congratulations during farewells, Li Zifeng lingered to say it in person, showing remarkable devotion.

If Xia Yining didn’t know what these people got up to in their gatherings, she might’ve been touched.

Jiang Yan just wanted to get back soon. Tomorrow, she planned to personally thank Boss Qian. The two dishes had earned praise from key figures, playing a significant role in the banquet’s success.

“That’s just how he is, over-the-top when he gets excited.”

Seeing Jiang Yan dodge the topic, Xia Yining didn’t press. She curled her lips slightly, signaling the driver to go. They didn’t speak again, the car was silent enough to lull someone to sleep.

Jiang Yan held on until they reached the Xia mansion, where she still had to say goodnight to Xia Langyan and his wife.

In the main building’s living room, Xia’s mother held her daughter’s hand, looking at her fondly. A thousand words boiled down to one line: “Live well with Xiao Jiang from now on.”

After tonight, the Xia family’s precious daughter was Jiang Yan’s wife. No matter how reluctant, they had to accept she now had her own family.

Jiang Yan followed Xia Yining to the side building. Just as she was about to close the door, Xia Yining asked, “Where are you sleeping tonight?”