Chapter Forty-Nine: A Subtle Furrow of the Brow

Yuan Xiangdie gently tapped Julie’s arm, observing that Li Da could perhaps exert a bit more force, but in the end, Julie’s wish went unfulfilled. After all, someone was now protecting her. Jin Yuan watched with a smile, then turned very humbly to greet Mr. Mi behind him.

“Mr. Mi, you look younger every year. Life is getting more comfortable, and surely it’s thanks in part to your lively daughter.”

“Mr. Jin, you flatter this girl. If we don’t find her troublesome, that’s already good enough. Where’s all this liveliness? If anything, she acts like she’s got a touch of madness... Only your wife is willing to befriend her.”

Since the marriage was already a foregone conclusion, what difference did it make to call him family a day earlier? Mrs. Mi had watched these two girls grow up right under her nose, and now suddenly, one of them was about to wed, while her own daughter didn’t even have a companion. Her heart felt a bit sour—not from jealousy, but from helpless amusement.

She grabbed Minna, who lay draped over Yuan Xiangdie, by the ear and dragged her back to the room.

“Don’t linger at the door, come in quickly. It’s midday, time to eat. The meal’s just finished cooking. A couple more pairs of chopsticks won’t hurt. Don’t leave—have lunch first, then decide.”

Yuan Xiangdie nodded obediently. If she could call that woman “Auntie” in front of the media, then this woman before her could wholeheartedly accept being called “Mother.”

“Let’s go. Tonight, come home for dinner. The kids and parents miss you. If you stay, we’ll be very happy.”

Jin Yuan whispered softly in Yuan Xiangdie’s ear. His wife would indeed be delighted, but then—where would she sleep?

Yuan Xiangdie’s heart beat like a drum. How was this man becoming more and more improper? Where had things gone awry? Still, he’d brought her here today, thinking of her, and she felt grateful.

“Thank you.”

Jin Yuan said nothing, simply took her hand. Julie was dragged into the room by her mother, but she was visibly excited.

“Mom, did you see? Who is that man? That’s Jin Yuan—now my friend’s man, so I have to call him brother-in-law! Ah, I’m so proud.”

Her heart was filled with this simple thought, pure and adorable. Her mother had no more expectations—this foolish girl, when would she be as sensible as Xiangdie? Just being obedient would be enough.

“You, honestly—so long as you don’t cause trouble every day and stop idolizing those questionable men, that’s fine.”

With a few words, she led her out, reminding her of dos and don’ts, mostly to see if the girl dared to speak nonsense in front of Jin Yuan.

The family enjoyed a pleasant, smooth lunch. Even though Yuan Xiangdie had grown somewhat thick-skinned, she couldn’t withstand Jin Yuan’s unbeatable wit.

She’d never imagined her boss could be so eloquent, charming Mi’s parents into such happiness. At one point, Julie, the little scoundrel, even coaxed her into substituting water for wine and sharing a toast.

Yuan Xiangdie’s face was crimson, as she watched the four at the table smiling brightly.

Jin Yuan felt even more certain he’d chosen the right woman. He kept his word—if he said he’d do something, he would do it, leaving no room for protest.

Yuan Xiangdie returned once more to the front gate, eyeing the camera aimed at her face and feeling a cold sweat break out on her back for no reason.

She was genuinely nervous—even on her second visit, the place unsettled her, though there was nothing truly frightening.

Her hands trembled slightly as she unconsciously glanced at the powerful figure beside her, waiting for the door to open.

“I... I have things to do today. Julie told me to send over the design drafts.”

“Come up with a better excuse.”

… Yuan Xiangdie racked her brain but couldn’t think of a better reason.

“Then I really can’t…” find a better excuse. I just don’t want to stay here.

Of course, she left the latter half unsaid, but Jin Yuan had long since seen through her thoughts.

Just as he had always been seen as a variable in past rumors, Yuan Xiangdie was quite different from what his investigations had revealed.

Wasn’t she supposed to hate men and be a staunch opponent of marriage?

For her grandfather’s medical bills, Yuan Xiangdie only needed to work a bit harder—it would help establish her reputation for her brand in its early stages. More drafts, more late nights. In a month, things would fall into place, the old man could owe for now, and a bank loan was no big deal.

Still, Jin Yuan instinctively ignored the issue. He had his own agenda—what right did he have to judge others?

“Oh, Xiangdie, you’re here. Busy all day, aren’t you? Come in and rest, don’t be shy, make yourself at home.”

Qimei pulled her in with affectionate enthusiasm, and Yuan Xiangdie felt a bit overwhelmed.

But she kept her composure, refraining from showing too much surprise, which, in turn, made her new mother-in-law look at her with greater admiration.

“Auntie, that’s not necessary. There’s still work unfinished at my studio, I’m afraid today…”

She wasn’t about to back down—Yuan Xiangdie insisted on trying. Jin Yuan, seeing Xiaowei sitting on the sofa, wanting to approach but too timid, understood what was happening.

He stayed close to Yuan Xiangdie, not exposing her, acting as her protector and even speaking up for her.

“That’s true. Yuan Xiangdie’s studio is just starting, invested with friends. She can’t be too indulgent.”

He mentioned “friends” to prevent his mother from meddling. Jin Yuan knew better than anyone—Qimei was not one to sit still.

When Xunfang was seeking investors, she’d come to his house, but seeing no prospects, Qimei had dropped her.

Elder Jin sat clutching a pillow, watching short videos with Xiaowei. The screen showed a large red flower blooming and then wilting.

The grandfather and grandson huddled together, whispering, “Listen, Xiaowei. When you find a wife, pick one like your mother. Such a wife is sensible, worry-free, able to handle your father’s temper, which is inherited from who knows where.”

While those two whispered and laughed, Yuan Xiangdie was suffering.

“It won’t hurt to stay a while. The studio’s work is just about the microphone. We have rooms for drawing here, and if you need a model, just grab anyone—this boy will do.”

Qimei casually pulled a helper—Jin Yuan happened to be nearby, within easy reach.

This person was indeed quite cunning, and Yuan Xiangdie was petrified on the spot. Jin Yuan wanted to be alone with her in a room; if it was for work, she could hide behind something.

Her inner groundhog was screaming—wasn’t this pushing her to the edge?

She waved her hand quickly. Jin Yuan noticed her awkward gesture—it seemed she didn’t frequent such places, and he quietly made a mental note.

No bad habits—the perfect wife candidate.

He showed nothing on the surface, only coughed, then led her upstairs, glancing at his father, who ignored him and sat with a pillow on the sofa.

“Hey, Jin... I really have things to do.”

An unmarried man and woman in a room alone—though the engagement was settled, there should be a buffer!

Jin Yuan had no such awareness, simply led her to the upstairs study and gave her his office chair.

“There’s a small study next door. You can finish your work here.”

This arrangement left Yuan Xiangdie bewildered.

Is this even allowed, boss? Are you teasing me?

Her foolish look amused Jin Yuan. Yuan Xiangdie couldn’t read him, couldn’t guess his intentions—his gaze unsettled her.

“If Miss Yuan prefers I stay, I don’t mind.”

His voice was deeper, more drawn out than before, as if touching a switch inside Yuan Xiangdie. Suddenly, she blushed furiously, like a young girl being flirted with for the first time.

Her eyes sparkled with moisture, and Jin Yuan felt a sudden urge to make her cry—a door within him slowly opened, but slammed shut and locked tight at the sound of urgent knocking.

Xiaowei would never let his lousy dad monopolize Yuan Xiangdie; the old man had deliberately let him up to cause trouble.

“Auntie, auntie, baby’s here to find you!” The previous shyness vanished, especially since Xiaowei’s love for beauty was startling.

Yuan Xiangdie quickly pulled herself out of the mood, patting her chest to calm down.

Jin Yuan turned away, his gaze sharp as an X-ray. While he saw nothing, it was clear Jin Yuan’s ability to extend the spring product launch this long wasn’t simply out of ambition.

It was talent—even if he didn’t mean to keep expanding, it was innate. A new project also became an investment target.

“So, uh, I’ll let Xiaowei in.”

Hurriedly, she shoved open the study door, a bit too forcefully—Yuan Xiangdie frowned slightly.

She must have been overly nervous just now, using too much strength.

Xiaowei burst in like a cannonball, but instead of landing in Yuan Xiangdie’s arms, his momentum carried him straight into Jin Yuan’s leg.