Take her as my wife

The happy holiday passed in the blink of an eye, and Tan Wen returned to his post to start working. There were no major incidents, but there were always minor ones. The frequency of responding to calls was not low, and they were often running around outside.

Jiang Ni was busy helping Ge Lan with her lawsuit. Their family's demands were simple—they just didn't want the death penalty.

Jiang Ni didn't want a good person to lose their life because of a scoundrel, so she did her best to collect materials and made thorough preparations.

The court hearing date arrived quickly.

Because the series of hangings in the rental house on Baoshan Road shocked the entire city, the court held a public trial for the case and even broadcast it online.

In the end, Jiang Ni lived up to everyone's expectations and secured a sentence of fifteen years imprisonment for Ge Lan, avoiding a death sentence.

Fifteen years. If he reforms himself properly, there is still a chance for his sentence to be reduced.

Both Ge Lan's family and netizens are quite satisfied with this.

In the blink of an eye, October 15th—the anniversary of Li Yuwen's death—is fast approaching.

It happened to be a Saturday, and Tan Wen had arranged a weekend activity: hiking and soaking in hot springs with Liu Jiaren, Jiang Fengyu, Ye Tian, ​​and Xiao Yuling.

"The villa on the mountain is a betrothal gift from our grandfather to you. Let's go take a look. The old man is really generous this time," Tan asked Jiang Ni expectantly. "Shall we go, sister?"

Jiang Ni nodded: "Okay, but we have something to take care of tomorrow morning before we can leave."

"I know, go see Mom," Tan said, trying to take credit. "I've prepared everything and put it in the trunk."

Jiang Ni kissed his forehead as a reward: "Good boy."

Jiang Qiaonan arrived before Jiang Ni and Tan Wen.

Today is quite unusual; even Lin Jiao has come.

Around 7 a.m., the cemetery was deserted. Jiang Qiaonan squatted on the ground arranging incense and paper money, while Lin Jiao helped her.

The woman in the photo was prettier than Lin Jiao. In fact, Lin Jiao had met Li Yuwen in person, but even Jiang Qiaonan didn't know this.

Whether it's appearance, family background, or even education, Li Yuwen is superior to Lin Jiao.

Lin Jiao threw the paper money into the special brazier and watched the scarlet flames slowly engulf it. Suddenly, she asked Jiang Qiaonan a question.

"Honey, during all those years you were with Miss Li, did you really never have feelings for her?"

Jiang Qiaonan paused, but answered her question without hesitation: "No."

He adjusted his glasses and gently patted Lin Jiao's back: "I've said it before, I have a responsibility towards her."

Lin Jiao looked up at him: "And what about me? To you, what are I and the children compared to Nini?"

"Why are you asking these questions out of the blue?" Jiang Qiaonan patiently comforted her. "You are all my closest family members, and you are my lover. There's no need to compare how we're together."

Of all the children in the family, only Jiang Ni truly carries Jiang Qiaonan's blood.

Lin Jiao felt a chill in her heart.

Don't rush to lay a hand on your husband, I have something important I need your "help" with.

If I get things done, I'll keep my promise and give you and your children some money, and then we'll have nothing to do with each other. If I don't, you can expect to be kicked out of the Jiang family and end up on the streets.

"What's wrong, Jiaojiao? You look so pale?" Jiang Qiaonan asked with concern.

Before Lin Jiao could answer, footsteps sounded behind them—Jiang Ni and Tan had asked.

Only Lin Jiao was there, and Tan Wen, without any hesitation, called out "Dad" to Jiang Qiaonan.

Jiang Qiaonan also responded, clearly indicating that she had already accepted this son-in-law in her heart.

How could she not approve? Lin Jiao thought, Jiang Ni was lucky to have chosen a fiancé with the Xia family's backing.

"You're here," Jiang Qiaonan nodded, glancing at Lin Jiao with her eyes, "Your Aunt Lin came with me today to lend a hand."

Tan Wen and Jiang Ni greeted Lin Jiao casually, then left her standing to the side.

Both Lin Jiao and Jiang Qiaonan could sense the attitude of the young couple.

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

However, the "instigator" remained calm and began to offer incense and kowtow in an orderly manner.

Tan Wen knelt down with such ease and sincerity that he immediately said, "Mom, I am your son-in-law, Nini's fiancé. My name is Tan Wen. I came to see you with Nini last time—at that time I was still your boyfriend, not yet officially engaged. Today I'm here to let you recognize me again."

Jiang Ni also knelt on the prayer mat and quietly lit incense. After inserting the incense sticks into the small incense burner, she spoke: "Mom, Tan Wen and I have set our wedding date for February 26th next year. After the wedding banquet, Tan Wen and I will come to see you again and bring you wedding candy."

A gentle morning breeze rustled through the pine forest, as if in a soft response.

Tan Wen helped Jiang Ni up, took her hand, and gently squeezed it, offering her silent comfort.

Actually, since the last time Jiang Ni and Tan Wen came to pay their respects to Li Yuwen, Jiang Ni's mood has not been as heavy as in previous years, and this year she is much more relaxed.

"Dad, we've made plans to go hiking with friends this weekend, so we'll be leaving now. Please take care on your way back." Jiang Ni spoke while looking at Jiang Qiaonan, and used the formal "you" instead of "you all".

Jiang Qiaonan frowned slightly, but still didn't lecture Li Yuwen for her impolite behavior in front of her grave: "Well, be careful when you go out to play."

As soon as they left, Lin Jiao's face turned cold: "What did I do to offend your daughter and son-in-law? Or is it because I'm a stepmother that you look down on me?"

She turned and left, with Jiang Qiaonan chasing after her, saying, "I'll definitely have a good talk with them about this later. Don't take it to heart, and don't hold it against the younger generation."

But in reality, Lin Jiao wasn't angry.

Instead, they felt panicked and guilty.

Although Jiang Ni wasn't close to her before, Jiang Ni was well-mannered and not sharp-tongued, so she wouldn't give her such a cold shoulder.

And last time, after Jiang Ni caught her selling things, she chose to confront her directly, which is all abnormal.

Did they... find out something?

Lin Jiao was absent-minded and didn't notice the steps under her feet. She twisted her ankle, cried out in surprise, and rolled straight down the steps.

Jiang Qiaonan rushed to help. Fortunately, there weren't many steps left. Lin Jiao only injured her leg and couldn't move, but she was still conscious.

The ambulance arrived quickly, and Jiang Ni and Tan Wen received the news shortly after they arrived at the hospital.

"This woman has been secretly selling things to make money lately," Tan said, twirling his phone. "It seems the man behind her won't care about her."

Jiang Ni couldn't understand: "Then why didn't she just keep it from my father forever? Why dig her own grave and even help others harm my father?"

The two pondered for a moment, then turned to look at each other and spoke at the same time.

Tan asked, "That man is threatening her."

Jiang Ni: "That man is using her."

Tan raised an eyebrow: "It means something like that. We're kind of on the same wavelength."

Liu Jiaren, sitting in the front seat, turned around and interjected, "You guys are a real bunch of shrewd people."