Chapter 7
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Jingjiang City, the Xie family ancestral mansion.
A sleek black Maybach slowly came to a halt at the mansion’s entrance. He Ru, the butler who had received early notice and was waiting, smiled as he approached and opened the rear door.
“Young Master.”
Xie Jinnan stepped out, glancing toward the grand wooden gate of the mansion. The door, simple yet solemn, stood wide open, with servants bustling back and forth.
“Is Grandfather in the study?” Xie Jinnan asked.
He Ru nodded. “Yes.”
Satisfied with the clear answer, Xie Jinnan strode purposefully toward the study, unaware of the unspoken hesitation in He Ru’s eyes.
As Xie Jinnan disappeared from view, He Ru sighed deeply, about to follow when Mo Chen, who had just parked the car, startled him.
“Uncle He, aren’t you going in?”
He Ru feigned annoyance and shot him a sharp glance. “How do you walk without making a sound?”
Mo Chen chuckled. “You’re just too serious when you think.”
He Ru fell silent for a moment, then sighed heavily. “Miss Lin is here too.”
Mo Chen showed little reaction. “Isn’t that natural? After all, Miss Lin was raised by the old gentleman.”
Although since the engagement was broken off, Lin Zhiyu hadn’t visited the old gentleman as frequently, she still came occasionally. It was only natural she’d be at the mansion now.
After all, just because the engagement ended doesn’t mean she’s barred from visiting.
Years of shared bonds still lingered.
He Ru glared at him. “You brat, so naive, understanding nothing.”
Mo Chen: “Understood.”
He respected his elders and cared for the young.
The old gentleman’s study was some distance away, requiring passage through two courtyards—primarily to ensure quiet. Otherwise, the sounds of singing and music from the rear garden would disrupt the elderly man’s calligraphy practice, affecting his mental and physical health.
As Xie Jinnan approached, a maid stepped out of the study, evidently having just delivered tea.
She respectfully nodded to him.
Xie Jinnan knocked gently on the doorframe, waited about three seconds, then entered the study.
Inside, the elderly Xie stood opposite the writing desk, one hand gripping a cane. Beneath deeply furrowed brows marked by time, his wise eyes were fixed intently on the young woman diligently copying characters from a calligraphy book.
Hearing the sound, the old gentleman looked up, his gaze gradually steadying.
“Grandfather.”
Xie Jinnan greeted him.
At the sound of his voice, the girl paused abruptly, her brushstroke skewing suddenly as ink bled through the paper.
Frowning, the old gentleman lamented, “Such fine writing, ruined just like that.”
The girl looked up—a strikingly delicate and beautiful face, fair skin, an oval complexion, rosy lips and white teeth, exuding an aura of aloof purity. At this moment, a trace of frustration flushed her pale cheeks as she gently bit her lips. “I’ll copy another sheet.”
The old gentleman picked up the spoiled paper, eyes scanning it before waving it away. “You can show me your practice next time. Today was acceptable, though toward the end you grew impatient. Your mind wasn’t calm enough.”
Lin Zhiyu felt a pang of shame. “Sorry, Grandfather. I will pay more attention next time.”
The old gentleman patted her shoulder reassuringly, seemingly oblivious to Xie Jinnan standing nearby, his voice warm and kind: “How’s work been lately?”
Lin Zhiyu glanced instinctively at Xie Jinnan before nodding. “Pretty good.”
“That’s good.”
She hesitated, then said, “Grandfather, I believe Jinnan has something to discuss with you. I’ll take my leave.”
The old gentleman snorted coldly, not even glancing at Xie Jinnan. “What business could he possibly have?”
“Grandfather...” Lin Zhiyu looked troubled.
Xie Jinnan’s expression remained unchanged. Hearing the old gentleman’s dismissal, he feigned turning to leave. “I’ll come back when you’re free.”
As he turned away, the old gentleman’s anger flared. He slammed his cane heavily on the floor. “If you leave, don’t come back!”
Lin Zhiyu hurried to steady his arm. “Grandfather, Jinnan doesn’t mean that.”
Seeing the old gentleman’s furious state, Xie Jinnan furrowed his brows slightly and reminded, “You haven’t been well lately. Don’t get angry.”
“That’s because of you!”
“It’s my fault,” Xie Jinnan admitted readily. He knew better than to argue or he might be thrown out for real.
The old gentleman’s mood eased somewhat. His deep gaze lingered on Xie Jinnan’s face before turning to Lin Zhiyu, speaking gently: “You should return to your room. If you need anything, ask Butler He. He will assist you.”
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Lin Zhiyu nodded. “Alright.”
Before leaving, she glanced once more at Xie Jinnan. The man stood tall and dignified like a pine tree, his black shirt accentuating his noble bearing. His features were sharp and reserved, lips naturally pressed in a quiet line, as calm and deep as ever.
But in a moment, she averted her gaze, lowering her eyes as her slender figure exited the study.
Once Lin Zhiyu had gone, the old gentleman circled the desk and settled into his chair, one hand still gripping the cane. He looked up at Xie Jinnan with a tone that brooked no argument: “I won’t fault you for going early to the southern city. But there’s no debate about having Aunt Jiang and Butler He take care of you two.”
“Aunt Jiang going over is no problem,” Xie Jinnan replied. Warm Jingyi was a pampered lady who never lifted a finger; even if Aunt Jiang couldn’t go, he would arrange others to care for her meals and daily needs.
The old gentleman’s deep eyes fixed on him.
Xie Jinnan continued, “Miss Wen is marrying far away. Having Butler He there constantly might not suit her adjustment to the new environment.”
The old gentleman was prepared for this argument, responding calmly, “That’s easy. He is getting on in years. I’ll have him go two or three days a week, not stay every day to interfere with your bonding. If Miss Wen has questions about our Xie family or the Jingjiang circles, he can explain those too.”
That should settle it.
The old gentleman silently grumbled. That brat always tries to outwit me.
Xie Jinnan frowned but said nothing.
The old gentleman’s displeasure showed. “Don’t give me that look! I’m having him care for your daily life so you don’t overlook Miss Wen’s feelings. I’m not interested in supervising you.”
Xie Jinnan was silent a moment before replying, “Understood.”
“There’s more.” The old gentleman tapped his cane twice on the floor, his tone serious. “Though your matter with Zhiyu is long past, you’ll still meet often in this house. Take the chance to explain things to her, so she doesn’t hear from others and damage your marital bond or create unnecessary distance.”
Xie Jinnan was noncommittal. “You said it’s in the past. Does it really matter whether I explain or not?”
The engagement three years ago was genuine, yet its dissolution was true as well.
That engagement was barely more than verbal—no formal betrothal. Had the news not leaked, no one outside would ever have known.
Why should Wen Jingyi care?
Moreover, the more said and done, the easier it is to spark speculation.
He didn’t want to give misleading signals or cause Wen Jingyi unnecessary misunderstandings.
The old gentleman stared incredulously into his overly calm eyes, nearly infuriated by his stubbornness. He snapped coldly, “Get out.”
Xie Jinnan hesitated a few seconds. “Alright.”
The old gentleman was quite riled up. Had Xie Jinnan lingered longer, the cane might have swung.
…
Exiting the study, Xie Jinnan took his phone from his pocket. It had rung several times during his visit; someone had sent him messages.
[Wen Jingyi]: Mr. Xie, are you busy?
After no reply for a while, she sent several more messages:
[Wen Jingyi]: May I ask what brand of car fragrance you use? If it’s convenient, could you tell me?
[Wen Jingyi]: No other reason, just that it smells nice and I want to get one for my brother as well.
Car fragrance?
Xie Jinnan hadn’t expected Wen Jingyi to ask something like this.
Since their engagement, he had mostly been abroad. Wen Jingyi’s messages were usually brief—“Okay,” “Thank you,” “Rest early”—simple, polite, and concise.
Which suited him well, as they were evenly matched.
This was why, when the old gentleman ordered him to accompany her to the southern city to foster their relationship, he bore it patiently.
But the brand…
He didn’t know.
Mo Chen had picked them based on his preferences and prepared them quietly. As long as they suited him, he never questioned.
After some thought, he messaged Mo Chen to send the car fragrance brand.
Within minutes, Mo Chen sent a Word document detailing every car fragrance brand used under Xie Jinnan’s name, including purchase dates, prices, and usage periods.
Anyone else might have thought it was some crucial document.
Xie Jinnan didn’t even open it—he forwarded it directly to Wen Jingyi.
A few minutes later, she replied: [Thank you for the trouble.]
[You’re welcome.]
Just as Xie Jinnan was about to put away his phone, he recalled the old gentleman insisted on placing two informants in his villa. As Wen Jingyi would be the future lady of the villa, he mentioned it symbolically.
[Aside from the regularly visiting cleaning staff, there’s Aunt Jiang who cares for your meals and Butler He. If anything is inconvenient, please let me know.]
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[Wen Jingyi]: Nothing inconvenient.
Just as expected.
He remembered Wen Jingyi had a bodyguard with her to accompany her marriage.
Xie Jinnan snorted. Only the two of them lived in the villa, yet so many extraneous people were arranged.
Passing through several courtyards, Xie Jinnan put away his phone and walked straight out of the mansion gates.
Mo Chen stood by the car and, seeing Xie Jinnan emerge, opened the rear door for him.
“Boss,” Mo Chen said succinctly, “Miss Zhiyu asked me to wish you an early happy wedding.”
Xie Jinnan paused slightly, just as he was about to get in.
Mo Chen explained, “Miss Zhiyu will be going abroad for a few days of study and can’t attend your wedding. She asked me to convey her apologies.”
Xie Jinnan sat down, closing his tired eyes and murmuring, “Hmm.”
Mo Chen saw he didn’t want to talk and silently started the car, saying no more.
The wedding was just a few days away; better to conserve energy.
…
Early August, the season for weddings.
The Xie and Wen families’ wedding was highly anticipated. Since the announcement months ago, it had been the focus of upper-class society and a hot topic at social gatherings.
The day before the wedding was the farewell banquet held by the Wen family specifically for Wen Jingyi.
The Wen family had put great effort into the banquet—from decorations to every traditional ritual detail—leaving no stone unturned, demonstrating how much they valued their daughter.
Many affluent and influential families in the southern city, knowing the Xie family’s relatives would attend, wracked their brains to squeeze onto the guest list. Even if they couldn’t forge connections, at least they could get some recognition, benefiting them without harm.
It was expected only Xie Jinnan and his parents would attend, but to everyone’s surprise, Mrs. Xie was absent while the venerable elder Xie Binghong personally attended, lending considerable honor to the Wen family.
Though the old gentleman had passed the reins to his only son, Xie Jihang, years ago and a new heir was in place, many matters still required his judgment. His presence alone was enough to show the Xie family’s respect for their future daughter-in-law, even without the groom’s mother present.
The banquet was limited to family and key business associates, so attendance was modest, yet the event was bustling.
By the time the banquet ended in the afternoon, to avoid delaying the wedding next day, Wen Jingyi accompanied Xie Jinnan onto a plane bound for Jingjiang.
The southern city and Jingjiang lay south and north, requiring four to five hours’ flight. The round trip would take a day or two, so the Wen family held the banquet to spare relatives who couldn’t travel from attending the wedding in Jingjiang.
The Xie family arranged a private jet, which had been waiting at the southern city airport since the wedding date was agreed upon, ready to pick up the bride.
The banquet’s complex proceedings exhausted Wen Jingyi physically and mentally; she fell asleep once on the plane.
Xie Jinnan returned after taking a call, finding Wen Jingyi leaning against the seat, arms folded, head tilted, her high bun slightly loose with wisps of hair falling over her forehead.
As a model of southern city high society, she maintained an ever-graceful demeanor.
His phone buzzed continuously with messages, mostly from his “rowdy friends” in Jingjiang.
Only Xie family members attended the Wen family banquet, so many hadn’t seen Wen Jingyi’s face. Hearing she was a typical refined lady—cultured, well-mannered, and of noble character—and knowing Xie Jinnan’s reserved, cold nature, they were eager to see how the couple interacted.
They imagined even pouring tea would be met with thanks.
Anticipating the upcoming gathering, they urged him to bring her back soon to show her off.
Amid the flurry of messages, Xie Jinnan only replied to Gao Qi.
[Gao Qi]: I’m skipping that old-fashioned, tedious wedding tomorrow—no need to cause trouble.
Though the Xie family was aristocratic, they prized dignity and low profile, even in the heir’s wedding.
[Xie Jinnan]: Speak plainly.
[Gao Qi]: Found a particularly stubborn girl, going to follow spring.
[Xie Jinnan]: Got it.
[Gao Qi]: Don’t doubt me. I’ll find you a sister-in-law to hold your baby with next year.
Xie Jinnan: “…”
Quite confident.
Not wanting to disturb Wen Jingyi’s rest, Xie Jinnan set his phone to silent.
Turning back, he saw Butler He standing behind him, vigorously signaling with his eyes for him to grab the blanket nearby to cover Wen Jingyi.
Xie Jinnan: “…”
As expected, sent by his grandfather—no chance to miss any opportunity to strengthen their bond.