He wants to adopt a younger sister, but his aloof wife disagrees.

In late January, on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, is the Little New Year.

Winter in Jianghai City revealed its most frigid side this week. A freezing rain had fallen a few days ago, and the entire city was enveloped in a layer of crystal-clear yet chilling ice. The branches of the plane trees lining the roads were covered with icicles, which reflected a dazzling light in the cold morning sun.

Inside the main building of the Clear Lane Manor, however, lies a different scene, warm and spring-like.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows kept out the bitter cold outside, and the underfloor heating system operated silently. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of winter plum blossoms, which Shen Qingge had just cut from the courtyard a couple of days ago and placed in a white porcelain vase.

Eight o'clock in the morning.

In the restaurant, Jiang Che had already set out breakfast.

Today's breakfast is the traditional offering of sugar melon for the Kitchen God, along with a thick and soft red bean and barley porridge, and a few refreshing side dishes.

Light footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Shen Qingge came down.

She wasn't going to the office today, so she was dressed casually at home. She wore a beige cashmere knit maxi dress, the hem reaching her ankles; the loose fit couldn't hide her graceful figure. A thin, matching belt was casually tied around her waist, accentuating her slender waist. Over this, she wore a light camel-colored wool cardigan, the sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing her fair, jade-like wrists.

Her long hair wasn't tied up, but rather cascaded loosely over her shoulders, the ends curling naturally. Her face was unadorned, her skin almost translucent in the morning light, revealing even the fine downy hairs on her cheeks. Those phoenix eyes, usually so decisive and ruthless in the business world, now held a touch of sleepy languor, the corners slightly upturned, exuding an unconscious allure.

"morning."

Shen Qingge walked to the dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. She rubbed her slightly sore neck, her voice a little hoarse from the morning: "Where's Xiaoruan? Still sleeping?"

"Yeah, it's winter break, let her sleep in a bit longer."

Jiang Che pushed a steaming bowl of red bean porridge in front of her and handed her a spoon: "Try it, it has dried tangerine peel in it, it's very fragrant."

Shen Qingge took the spoon but didn't rush to eat. Instead, she glanced at her phone on the corner of the table with a thoughtful expression.

The phone screen lit up briefly; it was a WeChat message.

The note reads "Shen Residence Butler".

Jiang Che keenly noticed the change in her expression. He poured himself a cup of tea and asked calmly, "What's wrong? Is something wrong with the Shen family?"

Shen Qingge sighed, put down her spoon, her brows furrowing slightly, a lingering sense of irritation gathering between her brows:

"Grandpa asked me to take you home for dinner tonight."

"They say it's the eve of the Lunar New Year, and the whole family should get together. But I know this is definitely going to be another 'trap'."

The patriarch of the Shen family, Shen Zhenshan, is a titan in Jianghai City's business world. Although he has long since retired, he still wields absolute authority within the family. Shen Qingge's parents passed away early, and she grew up under the strict tutelage of the patriarch.

"A trap?" Jiang Che chuckled lightly, his expression remaining completely unchanged. "Is it for our marriage?"

"What else could it be?"

Shen Qingge rubbed her temples helplessly: "Ever since that acquisition, everyone in the industry has been saying we're getting married. All those aunts and uncles are constantly whispering in Grandpa's ear, saying that you... saying that you've been dragging your feet on getting the marriage certificate, that you have ulterior motives, or that... I can't handle you."

At this point, Shen Qingge snorted coldly, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes: "These people, they never seem to care about the company, but they're quicker than anyone to gossip."

Jiang Che reached out and placed his hand on hers, which was resting on the table. His palm was broad and warm, instantly dispelling the chill from Shen Qingge's fingertips.

"Since the old man has spoken, then let's go."

Jiang Che's voice was steady and powerful, carrying a reassuring strength: "I haven't visited the elders in a long time. It's time to make some things clear in person."

"But..." Shen Qingge looked at him, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, "Grandpa is very stubborn, and he can be quite harsh with his words. I'm afraid..."

"Afraid I'll be wronged?"

Jiang Che smiled gently, but his eyes were as deep as the sea: "Don't worry. In this world, no one but you can make me suffer."

"Besides," he squeezed Shen Qingge's fingers, "I'm going to get married, so it's only natural that I'll be teased by my elders a bit."

Seeing his composed demeanor, Shen Qingge's anxiety miraculously subsided. She took Jiang Che's hand in return, her eyes filled with dependence and tenderness: "Okay. Let's go together. If they dare to bully you, I'll flip the table and take you away."

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

……

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from the stairs again.

Su Xiaoruan, wearing a pink bear onesie pajama set with the hood hanging crookedly on her head and clutching the pink doll she couldn't bear to part with, floated down sleepily.

"Good morning... Brother, Sister..."

Su Xiaoruan yawned, a single tear still clinging to the corner of her eye. Her cheeks were rosy from sleep, like a ripe peach, full of collagen.

"You're awake? Come and have some candy." Jiang Che called out.

Su Xiaoruan climbed onto the chair and glanced at the two people whose atmosphere was somewhat awkward. Her keen intuition instantly sobered her up.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Su Xiaoruan asked, her words muffled as she took a bite of the sticky candy.

"Let's have dinner at the Shen family's old house tonight," Shen Qingge said casually.

"Huh? The Shen family's old residence?"

Su Xiaoruan paused. Although her surname was Su, she had lived with Jiang Che and Shen Qingge for more than a year and had a vague idea of ​​how strict the rules were and how oppressive the atmosphere was in the deep courtyard of the Shen family.

She swallowed the candy in her mouth, glanced cautiously at Jiang Che, and then at Shen Qingge:

"Then...should I go too?"

"Of course." Jiang Che served her a bowl of porridge. "You're part of the family too. Besides, having you here makes the atmosphere a bit more lively."

Su Xiaoruan bit her spoon, feeling a mix of emotions.

Going to the Shen family's old residence meant facing Shen Qingge's family. It meant witnessing this large family discussing her brother and sister-in-law's marriage.

That feeling of being an "outsider" might be even stronger than usual.

However, looking at Jiang Che's calm profile, Su Xiaoruan took a deep breath.

"Su Xiaoruan, you must be strong."

"You're the strongest support. If anyone dares to make things difficult for your brother tonight, you... you just have to cry in front of them!"

"Okay! I'm going too!" Su Xiaoruan clenched her little fist. "I'm going to dress up nicely and support my brother!"

……

Five o'clock in the evening.

The sky had completely darkened. The black Rolls-Royce Phantom drove out of the clear road and headed towards the Shen family's old residence in the western suburbs of Jianghai City.

inside the car.

Shen Qingge changed into an extremely dignified outfit.

It was a dark green velvet cheongsam, covered by a black mink coat.

The dark green color perfectly complemented her skin tone, highlighting her cool and noble temperament to the fullest. The high collar of the cheongsam was tightly buttoned, outlining her slender swan neck. A jade brooch given to her by Jiang Che adorned her chest, its emerald green shimmering. Her long hair was meticulously styled in an updo, secured only by a jade hairpin. Her makeup was exquisite and sophisticated, the bright red lipstick giving her an aura of absolute power, like a queen about to inspect her territory.

Su Xiaoruan wore a festive red woolen coat over a white sweater dress.

She specially asked the stylist to give her a cute half-up hairstyle, complete with a pearl headband. Her originally bright face was now made up with light makeup, making her look exceptionally well-behaved and adorable, like a harmless "national daughter".

Jiang Che was still wearing a well-tailored black custom-made suit, with a dark gray cashmere overcoat. He wasn't wearing a tie, but rather a dark blue scarf. His composure and elegance made him look nothing like a "gold digger" who relied on women, but rather like a well-bred young master from a prestigious family.

The car drove through the vermilion gate of the Shen family's old residence.

This is a typical three-courtyard house, with blue bricks and gray tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, exuding a century of vicissitudes and cultural heritage.

Many luxury cars were already parked in the yard. It seemed that all of Shen's extended family members had arrived tonight.

"Get off the bus."

Jiang Che got out of the car first, and then gentlemanly helped Shen Qingge and Su Xiaoruan down.

The wind was biting cold.

Shen Qingge took Jiang Che's arm, her fingers tightening slightly.

"Don't be nervous." Jiang Che patted the back of her hand and whispered, "I'm here."

The three walked into the main hall side by side.

The hall was brightly lit and warmly heated.

The huge mahogany round table was already full of people. Men and women, young and old, numbering more than twenty.

Seated in the central, main seat was an elderly man with a full head of silver hair, dressed in a Tang suit but with a vigorous spirit. He was holding two walnuts in his hands, his eyes sharp as he stared at the doorway.

It was none other than the patriarch of the Shen family, Shen Zhenshan.

"grandfather."

Shen Qingge stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in a respectful yet aloof tone, "We're back."

"Mr. Shen." Jiang Che nodded slightly, his expression composed.

"Hello, Grandpa!" Su Xiaoruan greeted him obediently.

Shen Zhenshan's gaze swept over the three of them, finally settling on Jiang Che.

It was a scrutinizing, critical, and somewhat intimidating gaze.

If it were an ordinary person, being stared at by such a business tycoon would probably make their legs go weak.

But Jiang Che simply stood there quietly, a polite smile on his lips, neither humble nor arrogant, letting him scrutinize him.

"Um."

After a long while, Shen Zhenshan finally snorted, "Sitting down since you're here. Don't keep the elders waiting."

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge sat down in the empty seat to Shen Zhenshan's left. Su Xiaoruan sat down next to Shen Qingge.

As soon as I sat down, all the eyes of my aunts and uncles around me turned to me.

"Oh, so this is Qingge's boyfriend?"

The speaker was Shen Qingge's second aunt, a middle-aged woman adorned with gold and silver, her face shrewd and calculating. She sized Jiang Che up and down, her tone sarcastic: "He is indeed a handsome man; no wonder our Qingge is so infatuated. I heard… he used to own a small company? Now he helps Qingge manage her business?"

These words imply that Jiang Che is a "gold digger".

Shen Qingge's face instantly darkened. She was about to retort.

Jiang Che, however, pressed her hand down under the table.

He picked up the teacup in front of him, took a small sip, and moved with the elegance of someone savoring some exquisite tea.

"Second Aunt, you flatter me."

Jiang Che put down his teacup, looked calmly at his second aunt, and said gently, "I am indeed helping Qingge with some of the trivial matters. After all, it's too tiring for Qingge to manage such a large group. As a man, it's my duty to share the burden with my woman."

In short, it's about using minimal force to achieve maximum effect.

He not only admitted that he was helping, but also pointed out Shen Qingge's hard work, and emphasized her identity as "his woman".

"Hmph, that's easy for you to say."

Uncle Two chimed in, a portly middle-aged man with a cigar between his fingers: "Sharing burdens is a good thing, but our Shen family is a prestigious clan. Living there without any official status, it won't sound good if word gets out. Mr. Jiang, since you care so much about Qingge, why haven't you mentioned marriage yet? Could it be... you only want to date and don't want the responsibility?"

See the picture poorly.

This is tonight's topic—forced marriage.

All eyes turned to Jiang Che, waiting to see him make a fool of himself, or to hear his promise.

Shen Qingge clenched her fists.

Just as she was about to speak, Shen Zhenshan, who was in the main seat, suddenly spoke up.

"Alright."

The old man banged on the table, his voice booming, "What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket! Eat first!"

Although the conversation ended, the oppressive atmosphere did not dissipate.

The meal was utterly tasteless and bland.

Su Xiaoruan buried herself in her food, treating herself like a heartless, mindless rice-eating machine. She would occasionally steal a glance at Jiang Che, seeing his perfectly normal expression, even peeling shrimp for Shen Qingge, and couldn't help but admire him.

"Brother's mental fortitude is simply godlike. If it were me, I would have flipped the table and stormed out by now."

After several rounds of drinks...

Shen Zhenshan put down his chopsticks.

The entire room fell silent instantly.

The old man looked at Jiang Che, his gaze sharp: "Jiang Che."

"Yes." Jiang Che put down his chopsticks and sat up straight.

"You and Qingge have been together for over a year now, haven't you?"

"It's one year and three months," Jiang Che answered precisely.

"Yes, it's been quite a while," Shen Zhenshan said slowly. "I've watched Qingge grow up, and I understand her personality. Since she's chosen you, I won't say anything about class differences. But..."

The old man suddenly changed his tone, becoming stern:

"The daughter of the Shen family can't just follow someone like this without any explanation. You're a man, you need to give an answer. Are you going to get married or not? When will you get married?"

This is a question that could cost you your life.

If you're talking about "getting married," then you need to show sincerity, offer a dowry, and you might even be asked to sign a prenuptial agreement.

If he says "I won't get married" or "I'll wait a bit longer," then he's definitely a "scumbag."

Shen Qingge looked at Jiang Che with some nervousness.

She didn't actually want to pressure Jiang Che at this time. She knew Jiang Che had many things to do, and she was enjoying her current situation and wasn't in a hurry for that marriage certificate.

Jiang Che smiled slightly.

He stood up and took a brocade box from his assistant behind him.

He walked up to Shen Zhenshan and handed over the brocade box with both hands.

"Grandpa, I know what you're worried about."

Jiang Che's clear voice echoed in the quiet restaurant:

"My feelings for Qingge are genuine. Marriage is inevitable. As long as Qingge agrees, I can take her to the Civil Affairs Bureau anytime."

"As for sincerity..."

Jiang Che opened the brocade box.

It didn't contain any gold or silver jewelry, nor any checks.

It was a document.

A share transfer agreement.

"This is the French perfume brand Scent, which Sky Capital recently acquired, and... my ownership of three private airlines in Europe."

Jiang Che looked at Shen Zhenshan, his tone calm:

"I have transferred all of these to Qingge's name."

"As part of the betrothal gifts."

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the room.

Scent brand? That's a top-tier luxury brand worth billions of euros! And they even have private jets?

All of these things combined are probably worth over 10 billion!

Moreover, this is only "a part"?

The second aunt's eyes widened in disbelief; she didn't even notice the chicken leg she was eating falling into the plate.

Shen Qingge was also stunned.

She jumped up and looked at Jiang Che: "Jiang Che! Are you crazy? All this is your hard work..."

"It's yours now, so it's yours."

Jiang Che turned and glanced at her, his eyes so tender they could drown a person: "What's mine is yours. Why be so particular?"

Shen Zhenshan stared at the document, then stopped spinning the walnut in his hand.

He gave Jiang Che a deep look.

This young man has quite the ambition and vision.

"snort."

Shen Zhenshan closed the lid, his expression finally softening a bit: "You've got some conscience after all."

"but……"

The old man changed the subject: "Money alone is useless. My son-in-law must also be able to protect the family."

"I heard you recently started some kind of foundation at Jianghai University? And you're going to sponsor underprivileged students?"

"Yes." Jiang Che nodded.

"Hmm, that's a good start." Shen Zhenshan nodded, acknowledging it. "Alright, sit back down. I don't object to the marriage. You young people can decide the date yourselves. But one thing: you must get your marriage certificate before next Spring Festival! This old man still wants to hold his great-grandson!"

Upon hearing the words "holding a great-grandson," Shen Qingge's face instantly turned bright red, the blush extending all the way to her ears.

She sat down, head down, not daring to look at Jiang Che.

Jiang Che smiled generously and said, "Thank you for your kind words. We'll do our best."

As Su Xiaoruan listened from the side, the braised pork in her mouth suddenly lost its flavor.

"Marriage...registering the marriage certificate...great-grandchildren..."

Each word felt like a tiny knife, piercing her heart.

She watched as Jiang Che and Shen Qingge's hands were clasped tightly together under the table.

Looking at the shy yet happy smile on Shen Qingge's face.

She knew this day would eventually come.

She lowered her head and poked at the rice in the bowl with all her might.

"Su Xiaoruan, don't cry."

"You should be happy. Your brother has found the best place for you."

"You just need to... just watch from the sidelines."

……

The atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed after the dinner ended.

Those relatives who had been sarcastic before all changed their tune now, surrounding Jiang Che and toasting him, calling him "nephew-in-law" with great affection.

this is the truth.

When your strength is enough to crush all doubts, the world will treat you kindly.

Jiang Che handled the situation with ease, neither arrogant nor overly humble, and his demeanor made Shen Zhenshan more and more satisfied.

At nine o'clock in the evening, the three left the Shen family's old house.

Once back in the car, Shen Qingge felt as if a huge burden had been lifted, and she slumped into Jiang Che's arms.

"I'm exhausted..."

She closed her eyes and rested her head on Jiang Che's shoulder: "These people are more tiring than negotiating a billion-dollar deal."

"You've worked hard, Mr. Shen." Jiang Che massaged her temples. "But the result was pretty good, wasn't it?"

"Um."

Shen Qingge opened her eyes, looked at him, and said with emotion in her eyes, "Jiang Che, that betrothal gift... is too expensive. I can't accept it."

"What's given away can't be taken back."

Jiang Che held her hand: "Consider it my secret stash of money for you. In case I go bankrupt one day, I'll still need you to support me."

"You jinx!" Shen Qingge glared at him. "You'll never go bankrupt."

Su Xiaoruan sat beside them, watching the two of them being all lovey-dovey.

This time, she neither acted coquettishly nor interrupted.

She simply watched the night view rushing past the window in silence.

The city of Jianghai is brightly lit at night.

The Chinese New Year is approaching, and red lanterns are hung all over the roadside.

"Brother, sister."

Su Xiaoruan suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.

"Huh?" The two of them turned to look at her at the same time.

"When you get married...can I be a bridesmaid?"

Su Xiaoruan turned her head, a bright smile on her face.

That was the most perfect smile she had practiced for a long time.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge exchanged a glance.

"Of course." Shen Qingge reached out and touched her face. "You are the only bridesmaid."

"Very good!"

Su Xiaoruan cheered, "Then I want to wear the prettiest bridesmaid dress! I want to be prettier than the bride! Humph!"

"Alright, alright, you're the prettiest." Jiang Che smiled helplessly.

Only Su Xiaoruan herself knows.

Behind that cheer lies so much heartbreak and sacrifice.

"Being a bridesmaid would be fine too."

"At least, I can walk with you to the end of the red carpet."

"Look at you, and put your hand in someone else's."

……

Return to clarity.

Late at night.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge returned to the master bedroom.

Su Xiaoruan sat alone on the small terrace on the second floor.

It's started snowing outside.

She held the coin she had eaten on New Year's Eve in her hand, stroking its cold lines.

The New Year is almost here.

She spoke softly to the air:

"Jiang Che, I hope you'll be happy."

"I also hope... I can grow up soon."

"Growing up to an age where... you can stop loving me, or... you can start loving me again."

Snowflakes landed on her eyelashes, turning into glistening water droplets.

She didn't wipe it.

I just quietly watched the snow fall and cover the whole world.

...

...

The 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, which is New Year's Eve.

Jianghai City was hit by a rare blizzard. Goose-feather-like snowflakes poured down from the greyish-white sky, blanketing this bustling steel jungle in a tranquil, pure white. Within the Qingche Manor, the dozens of acres of private gardens were already a pristine white, the branches of century-old plane trees bent low by the weight of snow, and the lake surface frozen over with a thick layer of snow, blending seamlessly with the white walls and gray tiles of the shore, resembling a splashed-ink landscape painting.

Inside the main building, the underfloor heating system operated silently, maintaining the room temperature at a constant 26 degrees Celsius. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of sandalwood and daffodils, a scent unique to the Spring Festival.

Seven o'clock in the morning.

Shen Qingge was still fast asleep on the large bed in the master bedroom.

Heavy velvet curtains blocked the harsh sunlight from the snow outside, letting in only a few streaks of dim dawn. She lay on her side in a soft down pillow, her long, cascading hair falling casually over the dark silk pillowcase, the contrast between black and white particularly striking. She wore a burgundy silk slip dress, the blanket slipping down to her waist, revealing her rounded, white shoulders and her beautifully shaped back.

Perhaps because she slept soundly last night, her face had a healthy rosy glow, and her lips were slightly pouting. Her usual decisive and strong-willed aura had completely disappeared in her sleep, leaving only a lazy and defenseless little woman.