The Male Lead's Harem Belongs to Me (GL) - Chapter 25

In the quiet of the backyard, a sudden wail like a ghost crying and a wolf howling startled the birds in the trees, sending them flapping away.

Under the shade of the tree, Jiang Han sat opposite Jiang Mai, covering her ears and sobbing. Jiang Mai glanced at her, feeling both annoyed and amused, “What are you pretending for? Did I even use any force?”

Jiang Han nodded vigorously.

Jiang Mai’s mouth twitched. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing, just helplessly rubbed his forehead, “What kind of evil have I committed? If I have sinned, please let heaven punish me, but don’t give me a sister like you.”

Jiang Han said quietly, “Brother, haven’t you heard a saying?”

Jiang Mai turned his head and narrowed his eyes. Jiang Han continued, “Every cause has its effect, your retribution is me.”

Jiang Mai: “…”

Seeing Jiang Mai’s fingers twitching again, Jiang Han quickly admitted her mistake, “Brother, I was wrong. I’m your sweet little cotton-padded jacket. Brother, I’ll secretly tell you, I have a big business deal here. To show my apology and sincerity, I can take you with me. Let’s make big money together.”

Jiang Mai’s fingers paused. The business his sister was talking about should be with the Fourth Prince, right? He had also inquired about it from the Fourth Prince last time at the Seven Treasures Pavilion, but unfortunately, the Fourth Prince didn’t reveal anything to him.

Thinking about this, Jiang Mai looked at Jiang Han and said casually, “Tell me, let me see what kind of business it is.”

When Jiang Han heard that there was a chance, she quickly told Jiang Mai the business secrets between herself and Qi Ru. She explained a series of plans from investing in the shop, including the future operation and the businesses that could be developed. After speaking, she looked at Jiang Mai confidently.

Jiang Mai nodded slowly in agreement. Before Jiang Han could be happy, Jiang Mai said, “The plan is very good, but after listening to it, I realized that you didn’t leave a suitable position for me. You have investors, people to help with manufacturing and promotion, and someone to look after the accounts. So what about me?”

Jiang Han blinked guiltily and said shyly, “Brother, actually, I haven’t been able to freely enter and exit the Prince’s mansion since yesterday, so you might have to help look after the shop and occasionally help with promotion. And help chase away troublemakers…”

Jiang Mai was amused. He was just a handyman?

He glanced at her and said with a half-smile, “You little cotton-padded jacket…” is leaking air.

Jiang Han smiled obediently.

Jiang Mai glanced at her and said coldly, “Dream on.”

“Brother~” Jiang Han hugged Jiang Mai’s arm, “Brother~”

“Brother, brother, brother, brother, brother~”

Jiang Mai smiled, “Are you laying eggs?”

Jiang Han tried to act spoiled, and Jiang Mai couldn’t bear it anymore and closed his eyes, “Stop, I agree, let go.”

Jiang Han, who had just pouted her lips: “…” Why do I feel insulted?

But Jiang Mai’s agreement was already good news, so she didn’t care too much and pulled Jiang Mai, who was about to leave, “Brother, don’t go yet. I’ll take you to meet our five investors.”

Jiang Mai frowned, “I’m a man, and I came to see you with the Prince’s permission. It’s not appropriate to see them now, right? Besides, even if the Prince agreed, they wouldn’t agree, right?”

“It’s fine, you’re the most important person on our road to making money. What’s wrong with meeting you?” Jiang Han dragged him to the backyard and shouted loudly, “Sisters, the most important handyman on our road to cooperation… I mean, our partner is here!”

Those in the house were already awake and curious about Jiang Mai’s intention. When they heard Jiang Han’s call, they all came out of the house.

Jiang Mai let go of his sister, tidied his clothes, and regained his elegant and calm appearance. Jiang Han didn’t have the mood to care about him. Her eyes were searching for Yu Weiwan among the people coming out.

Yu Weiwan was the last to come out. Others didn’t notice anything unusual about her, but Jiang Han already knew the inside story, so she was very sensitive to Yu Weiwan’s changes.

For example, Yu Weiwan would never wear such light pink clothes in the past, but today she put them on, with a gold hairpin between her eyebrows and a thin layer of rouge on her face. She was already beautiful, but now she was even more charming and delicate.

Jiang Han sighed in her heart, “Women dress for those who please them.” Seeing her sweetheart was different from usual.

Jiang Han thought that her gaze was perfectly hidden, but she didn’t expect that someone had been watching her since she came out, so naturally she noticed that her gaze didn’t fall on her.

Liu Shuwei’s eyes were deep, following Jiang Han’s gaze to Yu Weiwan. She was a meticulous person, and after careful observation, she could see the difference in Yu Weiwan, but she didn’t think too much and just thought that Jiang Han was fascinated by Yu Weiwan.

Everyone greeted Jiang Mai and sat under the thick tree to discuss cooperation. Jiang Han had no mood to listen to them. Her eyes kept falling on Yu Weiwan and then on Jiang Mai.

Jiang Mai’s attitude towards everyone was normal, neither too warm nor too distant, like a refined gentleman, which was quite pleasing to the eye.

Jiang Han sighed in her heart. No wonder Wanwan liked Jiang Mai. Her third brother was quite decent when he was serious.

But one thing she was confused about was how Yu Weiwan and Jiang Mai knew each other. Looking at her third brother, he didn’t seem to know Wanwan. But how did Yu Weiwan know Jiang Mai?

Did she rely on rumors from the people outside? No, that’s impossible. If she relied on rumors from the people, wouldn’t she love her eldest brother or second brother the most? How could it be this silly third brother?

While Jiang Han was puzzled, Jiang Mai had finished discussing with everyone and stood up to leave.

Jiang Han immediately said, “Wanwan, come with me to see my third brother off.”

Yu Weiwan was stunned for a moment, almost thinking that she had been seen through, but seeing Jiang Han’s calm expression, she slowly relaxed.

The three of them walked slowly towards the outside of the mansion. Jiang Han couldn’t help but say, “Brother, you’re really the best. I brought you some snacks.”

As she spoke, she took out a beautifully packaged box from her sleeve. Jiang Mai was a little surprised, then took it and said, “I didn’t expect you to be so filial.”

Jiang Han looked shy, “After all, you’re my own brother.”

Yu Weiwan, who was next to her, secretly regretted not bringing something to give to Jiang Mai. Then her eyes fell on the box Jiang Han gave, and her brows furrowed. This box of snacks… how did it look like the failed snacks they had made last night when they followed Liu Shuwei to learn how to make snacks?

She thought that Jiang Han had accidentally taken the wrong one, so she said, “Princess, this box of snacks…”

“Uh, cough, cough, cough,” Jiang Han widened her eyes and desperately winked at Yu Weiwan. Yu Weiwan was stunned for a moment and didn’t have time to react when she saw Jiang Mai narrow his eyes and then skillfully pinch Jiang Han’s earlobe.

Jiang Han: “…” She didn’t dare to move.

Jiang Mai looked at Yu Weiwan and smiled gently, “Concubine Yu, what’s wrong with this box of snacks?”

Jiang Han desperately winked. Yu Weiwan also understood Jiang Han’s intention at this time, but Jiang Mai smiled so handsomely. She blushed and her heart beat faster, but she couldn’t make up her mind. Finally, under Jiang Mai’s smile, she gave in.

Yu Weiwan said, “This box of snacks was specially made for you by our Princess last night.”

Jiang Han breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Jiang Mai confidently, “Brother, I’m so considerate to you, but you treat me like this? Do you know how I spent last night making these snacks for you?”

Happily, smiling, and hugging a beauty.

Jiang Mai slowly let go of his hand and looked at Jiang Han apologetically, “I misunderstood you, sister. It’s my fault.”

Jiang Han’s eyes rolled, and she was about to skip this topic and pretend to be generous, but she saw Jiang Mai suddenly open the box of snacks with lightning speed. In an instant, a box of crooked and ugly things was exposed to the sun.

Jiang Han: “…”

Jiang Mai: “…”

Yu Weiwan: “…?”

Jiang Mai’s palm twitched, and he turned his head stiffly to look at Jiang Han, a smile on his face, “This is what you specially made?”

Jiang Han: “… Yes, yes, yes, but it’s my first time making them, so they’re a bit ugly. But you’re the first person to eat the snacks I made. I’ve always been thinking of you. I’m so good, how can you… how can you dislike me!”

Jiang Mai chuckled, put away the snacks, and gave Jiang Han a cold look. Considerate? A little, but not much.

Seeing that Jiang Mai didn’t speak, Jiang Han relaxed and tried to prove her hard work last night by asking Yu Weiwan for confirmation.

While Yu Weiwan was talking to Jiang Han, she couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Mai. He was still the same as he was that year. A smile couldn’t help but appear on her lips, but it quickly faded. It was just a pity…

The two of them sent Jiang Mai to the courtyard gate. Seeing that there was no interaction between them, Jiang Han was anxious, while the other two seemed indifferent.

Finally, Jiang Mai stopped, glanced at Jiang Han, and said impatiently, “I’ll go back first. I’ll send someone to notify you after I discuss it with the Fourth Prince.”

Jiang Han nodded quickly.

Jiang Mai turned to look at Yu Weiwan again. The moment their eyes met, Yu Weiwan almost couldn’t help but look away. Fortunately, she held back. Jiang Mai showed no abnormality, just bowed respectfully and said, “Concubine Yu, see you next time.”

Yu Weiwan couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. Didn’t he recognize her? But then she relaxed. After all, they had already met, and there would be opportunities to meet again in the future. He would definitely remember her.

Yu Weiwan curtsied and smiled, “Third Young Master, take care.”

Jiang Mai suddenly paused, then looked at Yu Weiwan hesitantly and said, “Concubine Yu, have we met somewhere before? Don’t misunderstand, I’m not a lecher. I just think you look familiar.”

At that moment, Yu Weiwan felt her heart pounding. She tried to calm herself and gave Jiang Mai a perfect smile, “Third Young Master is right, we have met.”

As she spoke, she raised her eyes and looked at Jiang Mai calmly. In a flash, Jiang Mai remembered something, and his attitude became much more amiable. He smiled, “So it’s you. After we went back that year, that kid didn’t dare to bother you again, did he?”

Yu Weiwan’s eyes softened, “No, he cried for a long time after he went back, but his parents heard that I was your…”

At this point, Yu Weiwan paused, then smiled, “I still have to thank Third Young Master for speaking up and helping me back then.”

Jiang Mai obviously remembered something, but he didn’t show anything unusual, just said, “There’s no need to take youthful words to heart. I’m relieved to see that you’re doing well now.”

Yu Weiwan lowered her eyes, hiding the disappointment in them, and said, “Yes, Third Young Master is doing well now too.”

Watching the two of them speak with hidden meanings but not saying anything clearly, Jiang Han was anxious. The fresh and hot gossip was right in front of her, but she couldn’t get it!

After the two of them finished reminiscing, Jiang Mai got on the carriage and left, without giving Jiang Han any chance to ask.

Jiang Han had to ask Yu Weiwan, but Yu Weiwan glanced at her and smiled, “It’s all in the past, and I don’t remember it clearly, so I won’t talk about it.”

Jiang Han: “!” Who are you kidding? You don’t remember? You clearly don’t want to tell me.

But if Yu Weiwan didn’t want to say it, she couldn’t force her, so she left with regret and went to find Liu Shuwei.

••••

On the other side, Jiang Mai sat in the carriage and fell into memories. When he was just over ten years old, he went to Jiangnan with his father. His father went to a meeting, and he went to see the world.

Because of his status, he had guards following him when he went out, but Jiang Mai was playful and didn’t like being followed when he went out to play. So he made an excuse to go to the toilet and then secretly slipped away from the toilet, choosing to walk through alleys to avoid the guards.

It was that time that he heard a girl sobbing when he passed an alley. That girl was Yu Weiwan.

At that time, Yu Weiwan’s father was just an ordinary merchant. Yu Weiwan was beautiful, and the son of the local magistrate took a fancy to her. He harassed her every day and spread rumors that Yu Weiwan was his.

Yu Weiwan hadn’t reached her coming-of-age ceremony at that time, and the little girl was naturally frightened. When she was blocked in the alley and the magistrate’s son approached her with a lewd smile, she was desperate and broken.

Suddenly, as she was crying in despair, a young man jumped down from the wall and kicked the magistrate’s son away, asking him fiercely, “What are you doing?”

The magistrate’s son had been spoiled since childhood, and he couldn’t hold back his anger after being kicked. He shouted and rushed towards the young man. Jiang Mai was also the son of a great general, so dealing with a weakling was easy.

After beating the magistrate’s son to tears, he said, “Remember, this girl is my fiancée. If you dare to bully her again, I’ll knock your teeth out.”

The demeanor of a young man was always charming. That day in the alley, Yu Weiwan looked at the handsome young man who fell from the sky, helping her drive away the bad guys like the heroes in all the stories, and gently helped her up, taking her back to her door.

Yu Weiwan was very moved, but more than that, she was scared, “He… he’s the magistrate’s son. You hit him, you’ll get beaten.”

Jiang Mai raised his eyebrows indifferently, “Then let him come. I’m not afraid.”

The memory was shattered by a sudden flash of white light. Later, the magistrate did bring his son to find him, but when he learned that his father was a great general, he knelt down quickly.

Only the magistrate’s son sobbed, “Father… father, it’s him, he punched me in the… uh… upper jaw.”

Jiang Mai still remembered that when the magistrate’s son pointed to his upper lip and said “upper jaw,” the magistrate’s face turned black, and he couldn’t stop laughing.

But he didn’t expect to see her again after so many years.

Jiang Mai sighed, but it was just a sigh.

••••

Jiang Han found Liu Shuwei’s room, only to find that Liu Shuwei was sitting in front of the dressing table applying rouge.

Jiang Han immediately forgot her grievances and walked behind Liu Shuwei curiously, sticking her head out, “Weiwei, what are you doing?”

Liu Shuwei glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, took out two boxes of lip gloss, and handed them to Jiang Han, asking, “Which of these two looks better?”

Jiang Han looked at them for a while and pointed to the box on the right side of the table, then said, “You look good with either one, sister.”

Liu Shuwei took the box that Jiang Han pointed to and looked at her with a slow smile, “Really?”

Jiang Han nodded quickly. Liu Shuwei ignored her, stretched out her slender finger, dabbed some lip gloss, and slowly applied it to her lips. Jiang Han’s eyes followed Liu Shuwei’s fingertips.

Seeing her lips gradually turning red under her fingertips, like dazzling rubies, making it hard to look away.

Just as Jiang Han was praising the beauty of the color in her heart, she saw Liu Shuwei slowly put down her fingertip, her beautiful eyes turning to her face, “Sister, do I look good today?”

Jiang Han looked at Liu Shuwei’s rosy lips, at her stunning beauty, and couldn’t help but nod, “You look good.”

“Good?” Liu Shuwei glanced at the mirror, then looked at Jiang Han, smiling seductively, “Then why were your eyes on Concubine Yu all day today?”

Author’s Note:

Jiang Han: Ah ba ah ba ah ba, because I wanted to eat gossip.