Chapter 5: What Exactly Are You Causing a Stir About?

Last night, she stayed up quite late; by the time Jiang Mian got up, it was already half past nine in the morning.

She hurriedly got up to wash and then put the neatly arranged design drafts into a file folder.

Her residence was in the northern part of the capital. Traveling another twenty kilometers northward, one would see the mountains.

This flat had originally been a coming-of-age gift from her parents.

While brushing her teeth, she browsed the recent news in the capital on her tablet.

“Old Master Wen’s seventieth birthday?”

She tilted her head, her gaze shifting away from the mirror.

Since Wen Jinhui took over the reins of the Wen Corporation’s affairs, the old master Wen had rarely appeared in public.

So, he was almost seventy now?

She wondered if Old Master Wen still remembered her.

Shaking her head, Jiang Mian rinsed her mouth, washed her face, and quickly applied a light makeup.

It was drizzling outside, making the air much cooler than yesterday.

She took a creamy white cheongsam from her wardrobe, paired it with a knitted cardigan, grabbed a pearl clutch, and stepped out.

Her meeting with Jiang Zhimù was arranged at the Riverside Teahouse, about half an hour away from her place.

Despite its ordinary name, the Riverside Teahouse was a high-end establishment in the capital, where even a single dish cost upwards of five hundred.

This teahouse was a common gathering spot for the city’s elite social circle.

When Jiang Mian arrived, it was exactly ten thirty.

Holding her file folder, she entered, only to unexpectedly run into Jiang Zhixuan and Wen Yan.

Jiang Zhixuan had her arm linked with Wen Yan’s and was smiling sweetly while talking, both looking like a couple deeply in love.

Jiang Mian looked away, not particularly inclined to engage.

However, some people did notice her.

“Oh, sister, what a coincidence! Are you here to dine at Riverside too?”

Jiang Zhixuan released Wen Yan’s arm and hurried over, blocking her path, clearly afraid she would leave immediately.

Since she was stopped, Jiang Mian decided to pause.

“Quite the coincidence indeed.”

It felt more like a stroke of bad luck.

Wen Yan walked over to Jiang Zhixuan’s side and, noticing the file folder in Jiang Mian’s hand, couldn’t help but chuckle.

Jiang Zhixuan also saw it.

“Sis, what’s this now…” She cast a disdainful look and then covered her mouth to giggle softly. “Could it be that the studio can only rely on you alone now?”

Jiang Mian frowned and stared coldly at Jiang Zhixuan.

“My affairs seem to have nothing to do with you.”

“I’m just concerned about you, that’s all.”

Jiang Zhixuan frowned, turned, and tugged on Wen Yan’s sleeve, leaning on him with a look of grievance.

Sure enough, Wen Yan’s voice came next.

“Jiang Mian, even if you don’t like Xuánxuán, there’s no need to be like this. She’s only concerned about you!”

Jiang Mian was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe.

Had love really clouded Wen Yan’s judgment? It was obviously Jiang Zhixuan provoking her!

She glanced at her phone and then shot a sidelong glance.

“I don’t need her concern, and I hope you stop bothering me. I’m very busy.”

“Busy, busy, busy! You’re always busy. What’s so important about that lousy studio of yours!”

Wen Yan’s voice was blunt, and Jiang Zhixuan smirked quietly, her eyes mockingly fixed on her.

“If you weren’t at odds with Uncle Jiang, wouldn’t you be living the good life in Jiang Corporation?”

“Jiang Mian, what exactly are you upset about?”

Upset?

Jiang Mian finally turned her head and stared straight into Wen Yan’s eyes.

The man looked angry, clearly irritated by her behavior.

But why should she get along with those who seized her family’s company? Moreover, these people even threatened her.

Seeing her cold expression, Jiang Zhixuan stepped forward to block Wen Yan, resolute.

“Sis, Ayan is only trying to help you. Don’t be mad at him. If you’re upset, take it out on me!”

Wen Yan couldn’t tolerate this and immediately pulled Jiang Zhixuan to his side protectively.

He looked fond, even angrily shouting at Jiang Mian.

“Jiang Mian, you’ve been arrogant since childhood and have no sense of reality. You can’t see the kindness others show you!”

Then he turned to comfort Jiang Zhixuan.

“Xuánxuán, don’t be sad. It’s her fault.”

Great—once again, it was all her fault.

This time, Jiang Mian was truly irritated. She looked coldly at those before her, as if reaching a new understanding.

Perhaps Wen Yan wasn’t really a good person; she had just mistaken him for one because they used to be close.

Now, dating Jiang Zhixuan, he showed his true colors.

He had no reason or judgment at all!

“Wen Yan, whether you want to be with Jiang Zhixuan is your business. It has nothing to do with me, and you have no right to force me.”

“I’ll do whatever I want. You, the rich heir, don’t understand real hardship, so don’t judge other people’s efforts so casually.”

“I hope from now on, you all stay far away from me!”

She clenched the file folder tightly and walked forward without looking back, her delicate brows still tense.

The reserved room Jiang Zhimù had booked was number 511.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she finally put on a gentle smile and knocked on the door.

“Miss Jiang, if you’re any later, I’ll start without you.”

The man leaned back in his chair, lightly tapping the table and pointing to the exquisite delicacies before him.

Jiang Mian stepped inside and sat to his right, placing the file folder on the table.

“Sorry, I got held up downstairs by some matters.”

She pushed the folder forward and glanced at Jiang Zhimù’s assistant, nodding slightly.

When Jiang Zhimù nodded, the assistant carefully took the folder and began to retrieve its contents.

Inside were five complete sets of manuscripts, two of which she had just finished yesterday.

“Miss Jiang, if you don’t mind, please have some food first. We’re not in a hurry.”

Having skipped breakfast, she was indeed a little hungry.

She accepted the invitation without hesitation, politely thanking Jiang Zhimù and quietly ladling herself a bowl of thick soup.

The hot soup helped chase away some of the chill she felt.

“Mr. Jiang,” the assistant spoke up.

Jiang Mian looked up, dabbed her mouth with a tissue, and rested her hands on her knees.

Jiang Zhimù glanced sideways, still methodically peeling a shrimp.

The assistant nodded. “Miss Jiang’s manuscripts meet the standards. We can proceed with the contract.”

“Then let’s sign.”

His voice was calm, tinged with a smile as he turned to look at Jiang Mian.

“Miss Jiang, I hope you won’t mind if my offer is a bit low?”

She pressed her lips into a smile. After all, he was the one who had driven the price down—now he was asking if she minded it being too low.

But what could she do? She needed the money urgently and had no choice but to agree.

“Not at all. It’s an honor to collaborate with you, Mr. Jiang. I look forward to your guidance.”

Jiang Zhimù smiled but said nothing further.

The assistant handed over the contract and a black pen.

She skimmed through the contract and then signed her name.

One copy was given back to the assistant, and one she kept.

“Thank you, Mr. Jiang. I hope there will be another chance to work together.”

Page end.