Chapter Thirty-One: Longing in Vain

Du Zhiye’s nonchalant demeanor was like a thorn in Du Xin’s eyes.

Everyone knew that Du Qi had long intended to separate First Love Magazine as its own entity. Now, the only valuable asset left in the Du Corporation was First Love Magazine. In effect, Du Qi had handed the Du family’s legacy over to Du Zhiye.

Thinking of all the hard work she and Yan Xiufang had put in for the Du family over the years, Du Xin’s eyes reddened with anger. Yan Xiufang was courteous, generous, virtuous, and kind; Du Xin herself was obedient, sensible, outstanding, and diligent. In contrast, Du Zhiye spent her days either partying or provoking Du Qi. Over the years, aside from her celebrated beauty, she had achieved nothing of note.

And yet, Du Qi still bequeathed the Du Corporation to Du Zhiye.

Du Xin was nearly beside herself with rage, but she knew she needed to maintain her composure. As long as she could win over Jiang Yingnan, Du Qi would have to reconsider his decision.

Taking a few deep breaths, Du Xin forced her breathing to steady. Du Zhiye had remained silent, still wearing that air of calm detachment, which only stoked Du Xin’s anger further. In her mind, she cast her final judgment: Du Zhiye was simply smug because Du Qi had sent her to First Love Magazine—the very department Du Xin had long coveted but could never attain.

She licked her lips and said, “No matter what, we’re family. If there’s anything you don’t understand about the company, feel free to ask me anytime.”

Du Xin had actually intended to take a softer approach, but in front of Du Zhiye, she couldn’t help but assert her dominance.

Du Zhiye almost wanted to laugh; more than anything, she was speechless. She curled her lips in indifference and replied, “Sure.”

Du Xin froze for a moment. She hadn’t expected such a response from Du Zhiye and was momentarily at a loss for words. After a pause, she nodded. “Well, I’ll get going then.” She hesitated, then added, “If you have any questions, just ask me.”

Du Zhiye smiled, her expression unmistakably mocking.

Awkwardly, Du Xin forced a smile, turned, and got into her car.

She had dinner plans with Jiang Yingnan that evening. Glancing at her watch, she started the engine and drove off toward Yi Jiangnan.

At the same time, just as Jiang Yingnan stepped out of the company’s front doors, his phone rang. It was his mother, Mrs. Huang.

Jiang Yingnan answered, and Mrs. Huang’s distant but caring voice came through. “Are you free tonight? I’ve arranged for you to meet the Han family’s daughter.”

Her intentions couldn’t have been more obvious—she was setting him up with another young woman.

“The Han family? From South City?” Jiang Yingnan wasn’t in a hurry to get in his car. He tapped a cigarette from its pack, placed it between his lips, and asked, nonchalant.

Mrs. Huang replied, “Yes, Han Zhiyong’s only daughter. I’ve already given you her information and photo before.”

Jiang Yingnan exhaled a ring of smoke, narrowed his eyes in thought, and after a while, asked, “Are you satisfied with her?”

There was a brief silence. Then Mrs. Huang sighed. “I just want you to meet more girls.”

She knew her own son all too well. Over the years, Jiang Yingnan had never taken the initiative with women. What if…? Mrs. Huang dared not finish the thought and instead changed tack. “If you like Du Xin, keep seeing her for a while.”

Keep seeing her for a while—not bring her home as his wife.

Jiang Yingnan said nothing. Only when the cigarette burned down and singed his fingers did he murmur, “Let’s keep it going for a bit longer.”

To him, women were all much the same. Du Xin was smart, quick to read situations, and knew when to advance or retreat—she wasn’t unpleasant.

Mrs. Huang was silent for a few seconds. “Alright. Whenever you want to meet someone new, let me know and I’ll arrange it.”

Jiang Yingnan ran his tongue along his back teeth. “Next time, just set up someone you’re satisfied with.”

He didn’t want any more blind dates.