Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: The Betrothal Prospect

After Jiang Jinglan left, Lu Mingcai emerged from the office.

Lu Linlin stood near the revolving door, muttering indignantly.

“His own wife went through such a huge ordeal, and not only did he ignore her calls, but he also acted so coldly. Is he some kind of AI reincarnate or what...?”

“Say less of that kind of thing in the future.”

Lu Ming glanced at the retreating figure outside the glass window and sighed, “Xiao Qiao never likes to hear that.”

“But… it’s so infuriating, even more than that popular variety show lately!”

Lu Linlin stomped her foot in frustration.

“Everyone outside is gossiping about how lucky the young boss is to have married Jiang Jinglan. They have no idea what kind of life she’s actually living—worse than a dog!”

Lu Ming shot Lu Linlin a glance.

“Talking about your boss’s partner is a big no-no in the workplace. If you’re angry, keep it to yourself. Better get back early, or my sister will say I’m exploiting you again.”

Lu Linlin sighed, “What about you, Uncle? Want to grab some skewers?”

Lu Ming shook his head, pulling out his phone. “I have work to report to Director Qiao. Don’t disturb me.”

With that, he locked the office door and dialed Qiao Jinbai’s number.

This matter was far too serious.

If he had been even a minute late, who knew what terrifying thing might have happened to Miss Qiao.

No matter what, he had to inform Director Qiao.

The call connected, and a slightly aged but steady voice came through the receiver.

“Lu Ming.”

Lu Ming took a breath, instinctively straightened his back, and spoke solemnly, “Director Qiao, I have an important matter to report.”

He recounted the situation involving Zhou Ran and Chen Chunrong to Qiao Jinbai.

After a brief silence, Qiao Jinbai said, “Xiao Xi’s loyalty isn’t a bad thing. Handle Zhou Ran’s matter as she instructed.”

“But be more careful in the approach. Tomorrow I’ll have someone send you an email. Follow its instructions to avoid risks.”

“Understood…”

After a moment of silence, Lu Ming said, “Director Qiao, what happened to Miss Qiao today was extremely dangerous. I recommend taking some compulsory measures to have her leave the Jiang family.”

Though he didn’t understand Miss Qiao’s infatuation, Lu Ming knew life was more important than anything else.

Today’s incident was a warning bell.

If she stayed with the Jiang family, her life would likely be in jeopardy.

After a long pause, a heavy sigh came from the other end.

“My granddaughter, though raised by the Bai family for ten years, carries the blood of the old Qiao family in her bones.”

“Xiao Xi and her late father are cut from the same cloth—decisive and resolute in action, but foolish when it comes to matters of the heart.”

“She will only give up once she’s completely disillusioned with Jiang Jinglan.”

Lu Ming hesitated, “Director Qiao, I understand what you mean, but I’m just worried about Miss Qiao’s safety.”

“I know.”

There was a pause, then Qiao Jinbai’s tone softened somewhat.

“In some time, once the project in Country A stabilizes, I’ll have Fu Mingshen come over to watch over Ruoxi.”

“With Mingshen looking after Ruoxi, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“It’s also time these two kids got to know each other properly…”

Lu Ming was stunned. “The matchmaker you have in mind is Fu Mingshen?”

There was undeniable admiration in Qiao Jinbai’s voice.

“Yes, only someone like Mingshen is worthy of my granddaughter.”

“But… would he be willing? After all, Miss Qiao has been married before.”

Realizing his mistake, Lu Ming quickly tried to clarify, “I mean, Mr. Fu has many admirers, but he keeps himself pure. Everyone who knows him says he’s accomplished but has very high standards for a partner…”

Lu Ming silently cursed himself.

He meant to say that Fu Mingshen’s standards were exacting, but it sounded like he was implying Miss Qiao wasn’t good enough…

And he was saying this to Director Qiao…

He was doomed!

Fortunately, Qiao Jinbai didn’t get angry; instead, he sounded pleased.

“I spoke with Mingshen last week. That boy said he saw Ruoxi last New Year’s Eve and had some interaction with her.”

“He’s very interested in Ruoxi and wants to consider her as a future spouse, to get to know her better.”

“That suits me just fine…”

Lu Ming’s mind grew more confused.

Hadn’t Miss Qiao not divorced yet? How could Fu Mingshen already regard her as a future spouse?

What was going on? Had Director Qiao met an imposter Fu Mingshen? Was he being scammed?

Lu Ming forced down his anxiety and feigned calm.

“Understood. I will protect Miss Qiao during this time. Please rest assured.”

After hanging up, Lu Ming sat back down and recalled Bai Ruoxi’s itinerary over the past three years.

He was certain Bai Ruoxi had never crossed paths with Fu Mingshen.

Fu Mingshen was a well-known figure in the industry.

An award-winning architect who, three years ago, gave up all his accolades to start from the bottom at Ding Sheng Investment.

In just three years, he had already risen to a senior position.

For most people, that was nearly impossible.

Many would spend their entire lives without reaching Ding Sheng’s upper echelons, yet Fu Mingshen did it in just three years…

A man who had navigated the world of fame and fortune yet kept himself pure—such a person was rare.

Why would he be interested in a married woman?

Could it be that he simply liked this type?

“Strange…”

Lu Ming shook his head and bent over to continue revising the plan.

The gossip could wait. For now, the most urgent matter was to demolish that alley leading to the parking lot…

___

After leaving Jin Zhi, Jiang Jinglan slowed the car.

Bai Ruoxi was carefully placed in the back seat, covered with Jiang Jinglan’s jacket, murmuring incoherently with a hint of sobbing in her voice.

Jiang Jinglan gripped the steering wheel tighter, veins faintly bulging on his wrist. His thin lips pressed tightly as he tried to piece together useful information from her broken, seemingly illogical words.

But in the end, there was no result.

The only small comfort was that he hadn’t heard the words “Ah Hai.”

When they arrived at Nanyue Elegant Garden, it was nearly half past eleven.

Jiang Jinglan carefully carried Bai Ruoxi inside the villa.

“Sir, you’re back.”

Qiu Yue hurried over.

Noticing the wounds on Bai Ruoxi’s face, his tone grew serious.

“Should we call a doctor?”

“No need. I checked. The injuries were well treated.”

Jiang Jinglan was half an expert on external wounds.

Before leaving Jin Zhi, he had re-examined Bai Ruoxi’s injuries.

Apart from her wrist, which was bruised, the rest were abrasions, and with the doctor Lu Ming found, the treatment had been professional—likely no lasting damage.

But for some reason, Bai Ruoxi seemed very attached to her phone.

Despite being so drunk, she never loosened her grip on it the entire way.

Qiu Yue followed behind.

“I’ll get two people to help Madam freshen up.”

“No need. I’ll handle it myself…”

Leaving the sentence hanging, Jiang Jinglan carried Bai Ruoxi up to the third floor.

Back in the bedroom, he gently laid the woman on the bed.

The strong scent of alcohol filled the air, causing Jiang Jinglan to frown slightly.

He unbuttoned his cufflink and rolled up his shirt sleeves, revealing his strong forearms.

Just as he turned to head to the bathroom, a faint murmur came from behind.

Bai Ruoxi, eyes closed and brows tightly furrowed, said, “Div-or-ce… phone…”

Jiang Jinglan’s brow tightened.

He leaned down, grasped Bai Ruoxi’s face, and stared at her with dark eyes.

In a cold voice, he said, “Bai Ruoxi, I order you not to mention divorce again. Do you hear me?”

“Mmm… mmm…”

Only when Bai Ruoxi let out a broken whimper of discomfort did Jiang Jinglan release his grip.

His gaze fell on the shattered phone screen beside her.

A trace of puzzlement flickered in his eyes.

Why was Bai Ruoxi so fixated on her phone?

Could there be some terrible secret inside?

Or… was it that “Ah Hai” message?