After Divorcing the Beautiful Richest Woman, She Fell in Love (GL) - Chapter 7

Jian Xiyan looked at the person leaning half-weight against her and said helplessly, “Spend more time reading books during your summer break this year.”

“Why?”

“Your vocabulary has regressed significantly. Not a single adjective was used accurately.”

Jian Xiaomin blinked her playful eyes, but her expression slumped into a look of grievance. “Sis, I just got back and haven’t switched modes yet. Be a little more tolerant.”

Jian Xiyan’s gaze softened, but she didn’t relent.

Jian Xiaomin slowly stood up straight and looked seriously at Lin Feiruo. “Sister Feiruo, hello.”

Lin Feiruo was surprised. So Jian Xiaomin actually falls for that? Jian Xiyan really has a way with her.

Jian Xiyan didn’t look specifically at Lin Feiruo; her attention remained on her sister. “Don’t just think about playing now that you’re back. Find some time to come to the office with me.”

Jian Xiaomin was twenty-three and would graduate with her Master’s next year. The family naturally wanted to arrange for her to join the Jian Group headquarters; working for the family business was certainly more meaningful than working for others. Jian Xiyan also hoped to have one of her own people by her side to help out.

Two years ago, when she and Lin Feiruo first married, many people thought she would place Lin Feiruo in the Jian Group. But two years had passed, and Lin Feiruo hadn’t participated in a single Jian Group transaction. In fact, aside from social obligations, she never proactively visited the company.

If it weren’t for the ring that never left Jian Xiyan’s finger, many would have thought Lin Feiruo had been banished to the “cold palace.”

The shareholders hadn’t rushed to take a stand, but they had never let down their guard from the start. Lin Feiruo’s family background was ordinary—well-off middle class at best. Her only merit was her clean history and simple social circle, which meant she wouldn’t drag Jian Xiyan down. But as for providing a boost? There was basically none.

Jian Xiaomin was clearly the better choice. She was a true member of the Jian family, Jian Shenyao’s only daughter, and had grown up with Jian Xiyan. In every aspect, she was more suited to enter the company than Lin Feiruo. The shareholders were quite pleased with Jian Xiyan’s discernment.

When it came to not being blinded by love, the post-marriage Jian Xiyan had performed exceptionally well.

Hearing she had to go to the company—and starting this very break—Jian Xiaomin’s face completely fell. She had planned to spend the entire break visiting the set of Jiang Wanru’s new film! She lightly shook Jian Xiyan’s hand, trying to negotiate. “Sis, you don’t understand. It’s so hard to get Jiang Wanru to accept a movie again; I can’t miss this chance. I’ve already had someone arrange it—I’m going to the set in a couple of days.”

Jian Xiyan glanced at the person beside her. Lin Feiruo had no reaction; her expression looked like she was listening intently.

If this topic continued, it would very likely involve Yan Shan—a name that was practically a forbidden zone for Lin Feiruo. Not long ago, Lin Feiruo had been desperate for a divorce for Yan Shan’s sake. If she heard Jian Xiaomin’s biting descriptions now, they might end up in a shouting match on the spot.

That possibility must be stopped!

Jian Xiyan’s voice turned stern. “We’ll talk about this later.”

Jian Xiaomin sensed that her sister wasn’t open to negotiation and didn’t dare continue her act. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Lin Feiruo.

Lin Feiruo received her deliberate plea for help and felt completely blank. What can I help you with?

I have zero weight in Jian Group matters, and I know even less about Jiang Wanru! Do you really think I can use ‘affection’ to persuade your sister? Don’t be naive; I have less standing than Aunt Shu.

Lin Feiruo couldn’t say a word of this truth, so she could only smile helplessly and shake her head.

“Hmph, choosing love over… sisterhood!” Jian Xiaomin had guessed the answer, but she couldn’t help being annoyed.

Jian Shenyao suddenly spoke. “Xiaomin, go spend some time chatting with your mother. Don’t just pester your sister the moment you get back.”

Jian Xiaomin opened her mouth, but seeing her father’s serious face, she obediently walked back to Yu Shuyi’s side.

Lin Feiruo thought that while Jian Xiaomin had a fiery temper, she was quite restrained and sensible with her family—a good girl.

Knowing Jian Shenyao was back, Lin Feiruo didn’t dare daydream. She wasn’t the original owner, but the final sum in the divorce settlement had essentially been given to her. Holding the final watch was part of her professional integrity. Taking a small breath, she reminded herself to stay focused; she had to support Jian Xiyan.

Jian Xiyan was observing Lin Feiruo out of the corner of her eye. Although Jian Xiaomin hadn’t mentioned Yan Shan, talking about Jiang Wanru and visiting the set meant Lin Feiruo couldn’t be entirely indifferent. Her performance so far was good; she hadn’t let anyone see anything was off.

“Xiyan, Feiruo, let’s sit down and talk for a bit.” Jian Shenyao gestured toward the side hall.

The side hall was arranged like a salon, usually used for short but formal discussions. They sat together on a two-seater sofa. Jian Shenyao looked at them with satisfaction, his gaze finally landing on Lin Feiruo.

“Feiruo, these past two years… you’ve worked hard.”

Lin Feiruo froze, not understanding why Jian Shenyao was suddenly saying this. Even Jian Xiyan was a bit uncertain.

Jian Shenyao didn’t continue immediately. He maintained his look of satisfaction, but his fingertips tapped against his crossed leg, as if waiting for something. Lin Feiruo had some experience with this; when she reported project progress to her supervisor, the old man loved to cross his legs and put on an act if she hadn’t said what he wanted to hear.

But what did Jian Shenyao want to hear? She couldn’t openly ask Jian Xiyan for help, so she had to think for herself.

According to the plot, this was a “black-hearted hypocrite” character. His care for Jian Xiyan was fake, and it was even less likely that he’d truly care for the original owner. So, what did “worked hard these past two years” mean?

Does he know the truth?

Lin Feiruo felt he didn’t. If he knew, he wouldn’t need all those underhanded maneuvers later.

Then what?

Lin Feiruo suddenly realized she couldn’t stay silent for too long. Yesterday, Yu Shuyi talked incessantly, so Jian Xiyan could easily pick up the slack when she went silent. But now, Jian Shenyao was addressing her directly; it was hard for Jian Xiyan to jump in abruptly. Her silence would be glaring.

“Being with Xiyan for two years has made me very happy. As for working hard, Xiyan is the one who truly works hard; she often works very late.”

Whatever! Let’s just throw out this cliché template!

A trace of a smile appeared on Jian Shenyao’s face as he looked at Jian Xiyan. “Xiyan, you always say Feiruo has no interest in Jian Group matters. But look, she actually keeps it all in her heart.”

Lin Feiruo picked up the scent. It seemed she was just a lead-in; the real focus was the company.

Jian Xiyan pursed her lips and smiled. “She’s just complaining that I stay up too late and disturb her.”

Lin Feiruo cried out internally: You do your thing; I slept great last night.

“You’ve both worked hard during this two-year testing period. I know. Now that Xiyan has officially taken the baton, I’ve lived up to my elder brother’s entrustment.”

Jian Xiyan thought of her deceased father, and her eyes dimmed for a moment.

Jian Shenyao continued, “Xiyan, I hope you can understand my difficulties. If I was a bit strict with you over the past two years, it wasn’t my wish.”

“Second Uncle, I understand. You just wanted me to perform perfectly so that the skeptical shareholders would have nothing to say.”

“Since the shareholders’ doubts have receded, have you considered having Feiruo help you?” Jian Shenyao gave Lin Feiruo a meaningful look. “From what Feiruo said just now, she feels for you because you’re so busy.”

Lin Feiruo saw him as more black-hearted with every word. Every sentence sounded like care, but every word was a probe. Jian Xiyan turned to look at Lin Feiruo, seemingly asking for her opinion.

Both the original owner and Lin Feiruo herself were in total agreement on this: Not interested. Having money was enough. As for a job? No thanks.

She shook her head firmly, her face breaking into a sincere smile. “I’m not suited for a large company like Jian Group. If I mess things up, it’ll only add unnecessary trouble for you.”

Jian Shenyao raised an eyebrow noncommittally. Jian Xiyan wasn’t surprised by the answer, but Lin Feiruo’s phrasing today was more tactful and… more mature?

“Second Uncle, we’ve discussed this several times. Let’s not force her.”

Jian Shenyao apologized. “Blame me for being long-winded. I just can’t quit the habit of an elder worrying too much.”

The topic passed. Jian Xiyan mentioned President Bu’s sudden change of heart, and the two began discussing strategies. Lin Feiruo, knowing it wasn’t appropriate to stay, found an excuse to slip out of the side hall.

However, the moment she stepped out, she was grabbed. “Come here, come here!” Jian Xiaomin whispered, dragging her up to the third floor in one breath.

Lin Feiruo realized that besides being good-looking, every member of the Jian family seemed to have “wind-fire wheels” on their feet. Why did they all walk so fast?

Jian Xiaomin checked the stairs; her sister hadn’t followed. She didn’t plan on pulling her into a bedroom—talking alone was fine, but entering a room alone was inappropriate. “Sister Feiruo, how about we make a trade?”

Lin Feiruo didn’t think there was anything they could successfully trade, but she couldn’t just walk away, so she asked perfunctorily, “Hmm?”

“You know how much I love Jiang Wanru,” Jian Xiaomin paused, circling her hands in the air. “Just as deeply as you love my sister.”

Lin Feiruo’s lip twitched. “No need for metaphors. Just speak for yourself.”

“Xiaomin…” A calm voice came from the stairs, shattering Jian Xiaomin’s dream.

“Sis.”

The moment Lin Feiruo saw Jian Xiyan’s silhouette, she felt a wave of relief. Jian Xiyan walked up to them, seeing one looking like a thief caught in the act and the other looking like a kidnap victim being rescued. The corners of her mouth twitched. She suppressed her amusement and feigned seriousness. “What are you two doing here?”

“Just ran into each other and were chatting.”

Jian Xiaomin knew the excuse was terrible—anyone with logic could tell it was a lie. So, she decided to strike first, grabbing her sister’s arm again and pushing open the bedroom door. “Sis, I have something very important to ask of you.”

And just like that, Lin Feiruo was forgotten outside the door.

But going downstairs now meant she might be caught by her black-hearted Second Uncle for a private probe. If her answers were flawed, it might bring trouble to Jian Xiyan. Lin Feiruo decided it was safer to stay on the third floor. However, Jian Xiyan’s room was occupied, and she couldn’t enter Jian Xiaomin’s room.

The only place she could logically and appropriately enter was the study. Since it was connected to the bedroom, the door from the study to the hallway was usually locked from the inside, but Lin Feiruo had checked it last night.

It shouldn’t be locked? She tried the handle, and it opened. Hehe, time to rest for a bit.

The sliding door between the study and the bedroom remained closed. Unless they spoke loudly, she wouldn’t hear clearly. Lin Feiruo intended to huddle in a corner, unwilling to eavesdrop.

Inside, Jian Xiyan knew it would be hard to keep Xiaomin quiet, so she humored her. “Tell me, what do you need help with?”

“Sis, I don’t want to intern at the company. I want to visit the film set.”

Jian Xiyan pursed her lips and said nothing.

“This visit is really important, different from before.” Jian Xiaomin was very serious and excited. “I have to clear out all those ‘resource-pick’ actors!”

Jian Xiyan’s brow twitched. “For example?”

“First of all, Li Yu and Ding Chunlu. They only know how to manufacture scandals; they don’t know the first thing about acting. And that Yan Shan—she has no acting skills, only knows how to play the victim, and often drags her co-stars into cyberbullying. It will seriously lower the artistic quality of the whole movie!”

Jian Xiyan’s tone was calm, like a bystander. “They should be insignificant roles; they won’t affect Jiang Wanru much.”

“Since the crew accepts ‘resource-pick’ actors, then I can pour in resources too! I’ll let Jiang Wanru choose herself. Whichever newcomers she likes for experience, I’ll throw money at them to get them in!”

Jian Xiyan pressed her temples. Having worked late last night, she was truly tired. “Don’t meddle in this. You can visit the set and fan-girl, but don’t disrupt the crew’s arrangements.”

Jian Xiaomin grew anxious, her temper and volume rising. “Why don’t you understand? If there’s one person dragging the team down, fine—but there are several at once! Even the most talented star can’t carry that. So many people are watching this movie; if it bombs, it’ll be a stain on Jiang Wanru’s history!”

Jian Xiyan looked at her sister’s reddened eyes and sighed. “Anyone else is fine, but don’t touch Yan Shan.”

Lin Feiruo wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping on sisters fighting, but Jian Xiaomin was just…

Hearing Yan Shan’s name again in the study, she thought: This person is really important. She silently took out her phone and started searching for info on Yan Shan.

“But why, Sis? Even though Yan Shan is just a special guest appearance this time, the role is Jiang Wanru’s love rival. She has quite a few scene-stealing moments.”

As photos of Yan Shan appeared on the phone screen, Lin Feiruo began to feel dizzy. Her eyes stung, her head throbbed, and she could barely stand. She didn’t know why this was happening. As she swayed, she accidentally knocked over a decoration on the cabinet.

The sound startled the people in the bedroom. Jian Xiaomin rushed over to find the source of the noise. She pulled open the door to find Lin Feiruo pressing her hand to her temples, her expression twisted in pain.