Chapter 24: Zhou Li Chuan’s Arrangement

After a short while, Shen Xiaonan, accompanied by two helpers, arranged the fruit and refreshments. Upon hearing that Jiang Zao was going to participate in an art exhibition, she was very supportive.

“Auntie supports you—when does the exhibition begin? I’ll come and cheer you on, buy a couple of your paintings to boost your reputation. Who would dare look down on the future daughter-in-law of the Zhou family?”

Jiang Zao hurriedly waved her hands. “No, no, please don’t go to such trouble, Auntie. I’m already very happy just to be accepted for the exhibition; I don’t dare expect my work to sell. Please don’t buy them just to help me save face—it wouldn’t feel right.”

After discussing the exhibition, the conversation shifted to cosmetics, then to the master tailor who made custom clothing. Three women make a lively scene; by the time Zhou Licuan and Zhou Huai descended the stairs, the living room was bustling as if it were New Year's.

Seeing them come down, Jiang Zao quickly stood up to assist Zhou Licuan. The old estate was different from her own home; Zhou Licuan was unfamiliar with the layout and often bumped into things.

Zhou Huai stood aside, seeming to appreciate Jiang Zao’s attentiveness. With his son so satisfied, he feared that saying more might harm their relationship.

“What are you all chatting about so happily?” Zhou Licuan gently asked Jiang Zao.

Jiang Zao replied, “Auntie and Qiao Yuan were arguing over which tailor makes the better clothes—they said tomorrow they’ll go compare for themselves.”

Zhou Licuan seemed interested. “Which one is better? I’ll have the master come make a couple of outfits for Zao.”

Shen Xiaonan smiled with satisfaction. “That’s more like it—knowing how to care for your loved one means you’ve grown up. Zao has been with you so long; you never bought her clothes, never let her pick jewelry, just gave her a card. You didn’t even assign another driver. She has no time to go out, so how could she ever spend your money?”

Zhou Licuan quickly pleaded, “My fault, my fault. Tomorrow I won’t go to work—I’ll accompany Zao shopping. She can buy whatever she likes, a whole heap of things.”

Meng Qiao Yuan got up and took the medical kit, addressing Zhou Huai, “Uncle Zhou, let’s check your blood pressure. If everything’s fine, I’ll head home—I have urgent matters to attend to.”

“Oh, all right. You’re always so busy at work, and yet you come here so often to check on me. It’s a lot of trouble for you.”

While Zhou Licuan rolled up his sleeves and walked toward Meng Qiao Yuan, she politely replied, “It’s what I should do, Uncle. You’re too kind.”

Jiang Zao sat nearby, watching Meng Qiao Yuan examine him—first measuring his blood pressure, then listening to his heartbeat with a stethoscope. She couldn’t help but feel envious.

Shen Mu Shi watched coldly from the side, noticing every bit of longing in Jiang Zao’s gaze.

“Miss Jiang, do you admire doctors?”

Jiang Zao came back to herself and smiled lightly. “I think doctors are amazing—body repair engineers, so to speak. It sounds romantic.”

Shen Mu Shi praised her, “No wonder you study art. Even your metaphors are so atmospheric.”

Zhou Licuan turned and said, “Let’s leave together with Miss Meng later. I’m a bit tired—let’s chat with Mom another day.”

Jiang Zao nodded. “All right. Whatever you say.”

Meng Qiao Yuan finished the basic checkup, confirmed Zhou Huai was stable, packed up her things, and took her leave.

The late autumn chill was in the air. When handing over her coat, Shen Mu Shi’s hand accidentally brushed Meng Qiao Yuan’s face. She recoiled as if touched by something infectious.

The cold gleam behind her rimless glasses startled Jiang Zao.

What was going on between Shen Mu Shi and Meng Qiao Yuan?

Meng Qiao Yuan had arrived by taxi. Zhou Licuan offered to drive her home, so the three of them left together in the same car.

Watching Zhou’s parents and Shen Mu Shi grow smaller and disappear behind them, Jiang Zao turned and sat obediently.

Zhou Licuan laughed. “You’re so reluctant—do you like chatting with Mom?”

With Meng Qiao Yuan present, Jiang Zao said little, only chuckling sheepishly.

Meng Qiao Yuan, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned and asked Zhou Licuan, “Mr. Zhou, is there something you wanted to discuss with me?”

Zhou Licuan nodded. “Has Zhou Kuan asked you to do anything recently? Any new developments?”

Meng Qiao Yuan replied, “Zhou Kuan has invested a lot of effort in Yehua Foods, and the recent failure hit him hard. That person, Lin Rui, is acting like a lunatic—he called me several times, urging me to befriend Miss Jiang and take her out.”

Zhou Licuan clenched his fists. “Are they planning to kidnap Zao?”

Jiang Zao was anxious. “Why do they keep targeting me? I’m just an ordinary person—what did I do to offend them?”

Meng Qiao Yuan shook her head. “I don’t know. I haven’t interacted with them much. Zhou Kuan is careful and only communicates through email. It was only after Lin Rui appeared that he started contacting me by phone.”

Zhou Licuan thought aloud, “Zhou Kuan is always cautious and only plays dirty tricks. But Lin Rui is ruthless and reckless. Together, they might really pull off something dangerous.”

“Oh, right,” Meng Qiao Yuan suddenly remembered. “Zhou Kuan is planning a trip to Changzhou soon, said he’s going to pay respects to an old friend.”

“Changzhou Linshan Cemetery?” Jiang Zao asked abruptly.

Meng Qiao Yuan recalled, “Yes, that’s the name.”

Zhou Licuan asked, “What’s wrong? Do you know this place?”

Jiang Zao replied, “My mother is buried there. Could it be Zhou Kuan is going to visit her grave? Were they acquaintances in life?”

Zhou Licuan comforted her, “We’ll look into this later. Miss Meng, please pass along a message to Zhou Kuan.”

“Go ahead.”

“My father’s heart condition is worsening, so he’s forcing me to spend time with you. I’m about to agree to the marriage.”

Meng Qiao Yuan nodded, “That won’t be hard, but if I start appearing around you often, the rumors will spread. What about Jiang Zao?”

Jiang Zao quickly interjected, “It’s fine. I’d be glad if you came to keep me company more often. Otherwise, staying inside all the time is suffocating.”

Zhou Licuan patted her head. “Zhou Kuan must have some reason for keeping such a close eye on Zao. Until we figure everything out, Zao will have to endure staying at home. If Miss Meng doesn’t mind, you’re welcome to visit often.”

Meng Qiao Yuan exchanged a glance with Jiang Zao; for the first time that evening, a smile appeared on her face.

“Miss Meng, there’s something else you should be careful about,” Zhou Licuan warned.

“What is it?”

“Lin Rui is... lecherous. Never be alone in a room with him. He used to restrain himself out of concern for his status, but now, who knows?”

Meng Qiao Yuan froze, as if remembering something, and nodded with a pale face.

...

Before bed, Jiang Zao straddled Zhou Licuan’s back under the pretense of massaging him, interrogating him.

“Tell me, what did you and your father talk about upstairs? Why did you suddenly ask Qiao Yuan to pretend to be close to you?”

Jiang Zao’s fists dug into his back, making Zhou Licuan grimace in pain. “Ow, ow, Zao, let go—I can’t take it, be gentle. I’ll talk, I’ll talk, just don’t pinch me anymore, I’ll tell you everything.”