Volume One, Chapter 45: The Bridal Chamber

It was likely because Ji Jiali was present.

Lu Wenzhou did not linger in the hospital for long. Halfway through his meal, he bid farewell to Ji Jiali and departed.

Once he settled into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce, Qimo, seated at the wheel, glanced up at the rearview mirror.

"Sir, about last night, do you really intend to..." He did not finish his sentence, silenced by the cold and menacing look from the man.

Qimo immediately fell quiet, lowering his gaze. "I spoke out of turn."

He had grown up in the Lu family, trained as Lu Wenzhou’s right hand. Following him through the years, he knew his methods well, and even better, his bottom lines.

Anything Lu Wenzhou did not bring up himself was not to be questioned—not even a single word.

He was the gun that fired wherever Lu Wenzhou directed.

Lu Wenzhou had his own plans; all Qimo had to do was obey.

Qimo started the car, driving the Rolls-Royce away.

In the long rearview mirror beside him, the man’s austere features were reflected, the cold ruthlessness lingering deep within his eyes.

*

After two days in the hospital, Jiang Wan completed her discharge procedures and returned to her normal work and life.

On her way to the company, she sat in the back of a rideshare, holding a compact powder and pressing it repeatedly against her neck in the small mirror.

She wanted to ensure those red marks were thoroughly concealed.

But Jiang Wan hadn’t anticipated—

Her first sight upon entering the company was a crowd gathered together.

And Lin Zhi surrounded at their center.

Her sharply cut shoulder-length hair was striking, especially paired with a Chanel haute couture suit and flawless makeup. Amid the sea of employees in typical work attire, she stood out like a crane among chickens.

Despite her elegant and noble dress, she chatted amiably with her subordinates, seeming entirely approachable.

Lin Zhi’s arrival made Jiang Wan frown in displeasure.

Her motionless figure quickly drew the attention of several others.

“Director Jiang, you’re back at the office?” one subordinate noticed her, coming forward to greet her, eyes flickering with concern as they lingered on Jiang Wan’s bandaged right hand.

“It’s lucky the attacker didn’t actually succeed—what a blessing in disguise,” she remarked.

The comment made Jiang Wan’s brow furrow even tighter.

Her gaze followed the subordinate’s line of sight to Lin Zhi not far away.

Before she arrived, Lin Zhi had already recounted Jiang Wan’s ordeal from the past two days to everyone.

Thus, everyone understood why she hadn't appeared at the office for three consecutive days.

What Jiang Wan had intended to keep secret was now common knowledge.

“Jiang Wan, you should take a few more days to rest,” Lin Zhi walked over gently, expressing concern. “I asked around among your colleagues—Jiang Group isn’t that busy lately.”

Jiang Wan responded with a cold smile. “Looks like you’re not too busy at Lin Group either? You still have time to come here?”

Between the two, a soft tension filled the air.

Jiang Wan resented Lin Zhi’s interference—her uninvited arrival and unsolicited sharing made her quite unhappy.

Lin Zhi seemed oblivious to her mood.

She smiled lightly, taking Jiang Wan’s uninjured hand.

“You’re mistaken, I’m here for proper business today,” Lin Zhi announced in front of everyone. “About Auntie's suggestion the other day, I discussed it with Wenzhou. We need to renovate our marital home, and Jiang Group is a suitable choice.”

As her words fell, Jiang Wan’s pupils involuntarily contracted.

The others present—

At the mention of the “marital home,” the crowd erupted.

“Miss Lin, you’re getting married? So suddenly?”

“Is it really with Lu Wenzhou? That mysterious heir of the capital’s elite circle!”

“You two are actually dating? I thought those rumors were just gossip…”

Everyone crowded forward, moving from their original spot to surround Jiang Wan and Lin Zhi.

Their eyes burned with curiosity.

Lin Zhi did not clarify, only smiling with tacit confirmation, lowering her head shyly.

Seeing this, the subordinates showed astonished expressions, eager and envious in their questioning.

“When’s the wedding?”

“You two are moving as quickly as Director Jiang and Young Master Gu! Is flash marriage a trend among high society now?”

“How do you know it’s a flash marriage? Maybe they’ve been together for ages, just never publicized it.”

“That’s true. So… Miss Lin wants Jiang Group to design the marital home? Does that mean you intend to settle here in Rong City after marriage? The capital’s prince will stay here for you?”

Everyone spoke excitedly, eyes fixed on Lin Zhi, awaiting her answer.

“Yes, that’s the plan for now,” Lin Zhi replied. “I’ve just started at Lin Group, with a lot to learn and take over. Unlike Wenzhou, who even though he’s only recently assumed the family business, can handle affairs methodically from afar.”

“The wedding isn’t scheduled yet—after all, the house’s design and renovation will take time. We’re just making preliminary plans.”

Her words only made the crowd more agitated.

“Wow, I thought the capital’s prince was a hard character, but he’s sacrificing for love—how enviable!”

“See, love always blooms in wealthy families.”

“So in the future, Miss Lin and Director Jiang will be even closer—family ties upon family ties!”

“Indeed, this must be fate, impossible to sever.”

Lin Zhi smiled without speaking, her happiness evident, sharing her sweet reality.

Feeling Lin Zhi’s tight grip on her hand, unwilling to let her slip away and insistent on making her witness the public’s admiration and blessings, Jiang Wan finally understood.

Lin Zhi wasn’t truly here for the design.

It was merely a pretext to flaunt her relationship with Lu Wenzhou, to cement her status, and to give Jiang Wan a show of force.

“Where will the marital home be located?” Jiang Wan interrupted, steering the conversation back. “Jiang Group doesn’t accept just any design commission.”

“Royal View Bay,” Lin Zhi answered, causing Jiang Wan’s brow to furrow again.

She couldn’t help but look at Lin Zhi.

Lin Zhi maintained her smile, continuing, “There were other options, but considering the distance between work and family, I thought it was the best choice.”

“Besides, you and Gu Huaixu live there too. We can look after each other, and Auntie can visit us conveniently. Don’t you agree?”

She spoke with perfect composure.

“I hope you can personally handle the design. I trust you. And the design fee is a token from me, as compensation for not taking better care of you that night.”

“Very well,” Jiang Wan agreed.

She was decisive, not hesitating at all.

Lin Zhi was momentarily stunned.

Her smile froze, disbelief flickering across her face.

Previously, when Jiang Wan was still an employee at Jiang Group, Lin Hongguang had wanted to pass some design work to her. Yet Jiang Wan had rejected everything without a second thought.

No matter how hard life became, she would never accept anything from the Lin family.

But this time—

Confronted by Lin Zhi’s surprised gaze, Jiang Wan saw through her intentions, confirming her suspicions.

Lin Zhi merely wanted to go through the motions, earn a good reputation, and flaunt her status.

She never really expected Jiang Wan to design her marital home.

Nor did she expect Jiang Wan to accept.

Meeting Lin Zhi’s eyes, Jiang Wan smiled, “Will the Lin family be paying the design fee for this marital home?”

“If the Lu family is footing the bill, I’ll charge five hundred per square meter. That shouldn’t be too much, right? If it’s too little, you might feel bad—since it’s meant as compensation, after all.”