Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 31

It was a rare and heartwarming reunion at the Jiang family estate. Jiang Nuan had just returned from her month-long dance tour across Europe, where she had performed in cities like Paris, Vienna, and Prague. Her older sister, Jiang Wan, had also just returned, fresh from her business trip to Hongcheng where she had attended the bell-ringing ceremony for a company IPO.

As the two daughters stepped through the front doors of their stately home, they were greeted by the overjoyed faces of their parents. Jiang Sinian and his wife stood in the doorway, eyes moist with joy and hearts filled with warmth.

“You’re both finally back,” Jiang Sinian exclaimed with a deep breath of relief. “This time, we can finally have a real family dinner together.”

Jiang Wan and Jiang Nuan shared a knowing glance and smiled. That simple statement from their father evoked a familiar warmth they hadn’t felt in weeks. Jiang Nuan, still in her travel coat, walked up to her father and leaned her head against his shoulder before wrapping both parents in a hug. “Dad, Mom, I missed you so much,” she said, her voice slightly choked with emotion.

Her mother stroked her long hair gently. “You’ve grown so much… The tour must’ve been exhausting,” she said, her tone filled with love and concern.

“It was,” Jiang Nuan nodded with a soft laugh. “But I loved every minute of it. Performing on stage in those historic theaters… it was magical.”

Jiang Wan came forward, embracing her sister and parents. The living room, once quiet, now echoed with familial laughter and joy. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and filled with a love that only home could provide.

When dinner was served, the family gathered around the elegantly set dining table. It was laden with beautifully plated dishes—each one tailored to the tastes of the daughters. Jiang Sinian’s wife had personally overseen the entire preparation, instructing the kitchen to recreate her daughters’ favorite childhood meals.

“Come, Nuan Nuan,” she said, handing her a serving of steamed sea bass. “I made your favorite.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Jiang Nuan replied, her eyes glistening. “I missed this so much. Nothing abroad compares to your cooking.” She took a bite, her expression instantly softening in delight.

Jiang Wan, always attentive, picked up a few dishes and placed them on her parents’ plates. “You both need to eat too. You’ve worked hard keeping everything running while we’ve been away.”

Her mother smiled at her tenderly. “Wanwan has really become more thoughtful. We’re so proud of both of you.”

Throughout dinner, laughter and conversation filled the air. Jiang Nuan recounted her European adventures with wide eyes and expressive hands, her passion for the arts illuminating her face. Jiang Wan occasionally teased her, drawing laughter from everyone. It wasn’t the stiff kind of conversation usually heard at formal banquets, but rather something natural and full of love.

“You two truly are the pride of our family,” Jiang Sinian said, raising a glass of wine in a heartfelt toast.

“We’ll keep making you proud,” both daughters replied in unison, clinking their glasses with their father’s.

After dinner, the family moved into the cozy living room. Jiang Nuan noticed a new furry addition to the household—a tiny puppy curled up on a blanket by the fireplace. Its round eyes and fluffy ears instantly charmed her.

“Sis, since when did you decide to get a dog?” she asked with surprise. “I thought you found pets troublesome.”

Jiang Wan shrugged, a slightly sheepish smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Honestly, it was kind of spontaneous. I saw him at the mall while inspecting one of our new branches. He was just sitting behind the glass, looking so sad. His eyes… reminded me of someone.” She didn’t say who, but the wistful look in her eyes said more than her words did.

Just as the conversation turned contemplative, their mother reappeared with a tray of desserts. “Let’s go enjoy some sweets,” she announced with a bright smile.

The family relocated once again, this time to the sunroom-turned-dessert-lounge, where a beautiful tiramisu awaited them—Jiang Wan’s favorite. She took a bite and sighed contentedly. “Mom, this is incredible.”
“As long as you like it,” her mother replied, clearly pleased.

Later that night, Jiang Nuan lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, still basking in the warmth of home. “There really is no place like this,” she whispered to herself, curling up under her blanket.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wan was texting on her phone. A message had popped up from Ni Kuang: “Take the puppy to the groomer tomorrow—bath and trim.”

She chuckled at the bossy tone and replied with a simple: “Okay.” Little did Ni Kuang know, the puppy’s name—Han Zaijing—was more than just a playful choice.

Elsewhere in the city, an entirely different scene was unfolding.

After a date night with Ni Jia, Han Zaijing had walked her home, both reluctant to part. Thinking no one would return so late, they had left the bedroom door slightly ajar, caught up in an intimate moment. However, fate had a different plan.

Jiang Wan, having just taken the actual puppy Han Zaijing to the groomer, got called back to the company for an urgent matter and left the dog in Ni Kuang’s care. So, Ni Kuang headed home early, only to walk in on something… unexpected.

Ni Jia was lying in bed with Han Zaijing, clearly mid-passion. Ni Kuang froze at the doorway, mouth agape. “What the hell… He’s moving way too fast,” Ni Kuang muttered.

Beside him, Zhuang Linyin—Ni Jia’s striking cousin—was also watching, then quickly grabbed Ni Kuang by the wrist, trying to shield his eyes. “Come on, you can’t just barge in on them! Let them finish!” she hissed, dragging him away.

As they retreated, Zhuang Linyin turned to glance back, her eyes wide. “Wow… I wouldn’t have guessed Han Zaijing looked like that under her clothes. Who knew a female alpha could be built like a Greek statue?”

Flustered and oddly impressed, she left Ni Kuang behind. “I need to find my boyfriend right now,” she muttered under her breath. “This is too much.”

Ni Kuang was left alone, still stunned. “My girlfriend won’t even let me touch her until we’re married,” he sighed in disbelief, shaking his head as the door to the heated room slowly creaked shut.