After My Engagement Was Broken, I Married My Fiancé's Uncle - Chapter 24

“It smells good!”

“Ninth Uncle, how did you fall ill?” Jiang Xingyuan asked with a frown. “Did that Xie Su make you angry?”

Xie Junqing raised an eyebrow. “It has nothing to do with him, it’s an old, recurring ailment.” Xie Su didn’t have the ability to actually hurt him.

Hearing this, Jiang Xingyuan scrutinized Xie Junqing’s expression. It didn’t seem like a lie. The anger in his heart dissipated significantly. “I thought he had defied you.”

Xie Junqing looked at the youth, feigning ignorance. “Why would you say that?”

Jiang Xingyuan pursed his lips. “It was Xie Chao. He came running over early this morning, dragging me here to plead for mercy on his brother’s behalf.”

“So that’s how it is. I was wondering why you came so early today.”

“Of course not! You’ve wronged me. I was worried about you and didn’t know what happened, so I came to see for myself to be at ease.”

Xie Junqing tilted his head. “Then, are you going to plead for him?”

Jiang Xingyuan shook his head. “No. If Ninth Uncle is confining Xie Su, there must be a reason. He deserves it. If he hadn’t done something wrong, he wouldn’t be punished.”

“I am gratified you think that way,” Xie Junqing smiled. He picked up his teacup, preparing to take a sip.

Seeing the cup in Xie Junqing’s hand, Jiang Xingyuan immediately snatched it away. “Wait! At a time like this, why are you still drinking tea? Drink hot water!” He quickly poured a fresh cup of hot water for Xie Junqing.

Noticing the thin clothing the other was wearing, he immediately ran to fetch a blanket. “If you’re feeling unwell, you need to wear more.”

Xie Junqing sat still, watching with a smile as the youth ran back and forth. Jiang Xingyuan carefully tucked the blanket around Xie Junqing, even covering his exposed ankles. “If you don’t take care of yourself now, watch out for chronic leg pain when you’re older.”

Hearing this, the smile on Xie Junqing’s face stiffened imperceptibly.

But the boy didn’t seem to notice and continued bustling about. Though they were small tasks, his hands never stopped. “I’m telling you, don’t ignore this. When a person is sick, their constitution is at its weakest, so you must take good care of yourself.”

Xie Junqing’s eyes crinkled. “You certainly know a lot.”

“Of course,” Jiang Xingyuan lifted his head slightly, a hint of pride in his expression. “I used to know an old man who was just like that, wasting his health even when he was sick. I told him a thousand times, but he wouldn’t listen. People get more stubborn as they age. I’m telling you, don’t be like him.”

Xie Junqing lowered his gaze, looking at the steam rising from the hot water. He blew on it and said nonchalantly, “Am I very old?”

Jiang Xingyuan froze instantly. He realized the atmosphere had become slightly awkward. In an instant, his eyes darted around before he asked with a grin, “Ninth Uncle, how old are you?”

Xie Junqing looked up at the boy with a half-smile. “What do you think?”

“I think Ninth Uncle looks a bit younger than me, like a junior at school!” Jiang Xingyuan’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he expertly piled on the flattery. “When I first saw you, I was thinking, ‘Whose uncle is this handsome?’ You’re practically a celestial being descended to earth; I couldn’t even blink.”

“When you go out, you’ll definitely charm a whole circle of ‘Sweet Omegas.’ From eighty-year-olds down to three-year-olds, no one can escape your charm.” Jiang Xingyuan’s mouth was like it had been dipped in honey, pouring out compliments as if they were free.

“Really?” Xie Junqing said, though his eyes were already filled with warmth.

Jiang Xingyuan leaned his head on his hand, propped up on the table, looking sideways at the smiling man. He laughed along. “Ninth Uncle, you’re happy now, aren’t you?”

Xie Junqing nodded without denial. With Jiang Xingyuan by his side, his mood was indeed much better than before.

“So, what did the doctor say?”

Xie Junqing’s eyes darkened as he thought of something. “It’s not serious, but the doctor said I need quiet rest.” He looked at Jiang Xingyuan. “I need to maintain a pleasant mood.”

Jiang Xingyuan immediately cut in, “As long as it’s not serious, that’s good. When you’re physically uncomfortable, your mood naturally sours. If you’re unhappy, just call me over. I can tell you jokes to relieve the boredom.”

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you? I’d feel quite bad.”

Jiang Xingyuan waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine, I’m bored anyway. I have to recover from my own injuries these few days, so let’s just recover together!” He had been thinking about how to repay Xie Junqing’s kindness, and now he finally had the chance.

Xie Junqing curled his lips into a smile. “Then I’ll be in your care.”

While the two chatted happily inside, Xie Chao waited outside, feeling incredibly anxious. Is Jiang Xingyuan still not out? Or did Ninth Uncle refuse? What is going on!

Hongyuan Group

A tall, upright figure knocked on the door of the CEO’s office.

“Come in.” Jiang Hongyuan stopped his work and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Jiang Xingchen placed several documents to be signed on the desk. Seeing the fatigue on Jiang Hongyuan’s face, he frowned. “Dad, you should take a break. I’ll attend next month’s meeting for you.”

Jiang Hongyuan opened his eyes and sighed. “I’m not at ease. I have to personally oversee this cooperation with Xie the Third.”

“I’m telling you, when dealing with an old fox like him, you cannot let your guard down.”

Jiang Xingchen complied, “Dad, I understand.”

“Prepare yourself well during this time. The engagement banquet for your brother is on the third of next month. Once that’s over, we’ll be very busy.”

Jiang Xingchen couldn’t help but frown. “Dad, if Jiang Xingyuan gets engaged on the third, isn’t the timing too rushed?”

Jiang Hongyuan sighed with a smile. “I’m worried it’s too slow. I need this settled as quickly as possible. Once it’s over, I won’t have to stay so tense.”

“The Xie family hasn’t been stable lately either. Ever since news broke that the head of the Xie family was ill and resting, people have been moving in the shadows. It feels like a storm is coming, everyone wants to see the Xie family in chaos.”

“Then why choose this time to cooperate with them?” Jiang Xingchen asked, confused.

Jiang Hongyuan shook his head. “It has to be now. As soon as the current head passes, the selection for the new head begins. Every branch of the Xie family has a chance. If Xie the Third didn’t have ambitions, he wouldn’t have approached us.”

“As long as Xie Jiu is there, the Xie family won’t have major problems for the time being.”

“Xie Jiu?” Jiang Xingchen’s eyes showed confusion.

“Xie Jiu is the blade in the hand of the Xie family head. I’ll tell you more about these things slowly in the future. No rush.”

Suddenly, Jiang Xingchen remembered something. “Dad, lately I’ve felt like I’m being followed.”

Jiang Hongyuan’s brow furrowed. “Don’t go wandering around for a while. Take more bodyguards with you when you go out.”

“Since you’re so busy, why not bring Xingran into the company for an internship? He’s such a talented young man. I hate to see his potential wasted entirely on the piano. Besides, practicing all day is exhausting.”

Jiang Hongyuan didn’t agree immediately. “Is this your idea, or Xingran’s?”

“Does it matter?” Jiang Xingchen said. “I just think it’s better to cultivate one of our own rather than spending so much effort on an outsider. We’ve watched Xingran grow up, we’ve seen his excellence and filial piety.”

“He’s much better than that ungrateful Jiang Xingyuan. He’s been at the Xie house for so long and hasn’t even called to check on you.”

Jiang Hongyuan replied, “Let’s put that matter aside for now. Don’t let it interfere with Xingran’s studies.” He looked at Jiang Xingchen with a complex gaze. “Xingchen, I don’t know why you have such a strong prejudice against Xingyuan. He’s just a bit mischievous, but he isn’t bad at heart, he just has a childish mentality.”

“But you must remember, you are always Xingyuan’s older brother. The same blood flows in your veins. If it weren’t for Xingyuan, your surgery couldn’t have happened. Be more tolerant of him, he is your brother too.”

Jiang Xingchen fell silent, standing motionless like a tall statue. After a while, he said, “I understand.”

“It’s good that you understand. I hope you think more about many things.”

Xie Family Ancestral Home

Ever since Xie Huai learned that secret from his teacher, he seemed like a different person, shedding his usual gloom. He even looked much friendlier when seeing Jiang Xingyuan.

Jiang Xingyuan was just heading to the Buddhist Hall when he happened to run into Xie Huai. Surprisingly, Xie Huai actually gave him a smile. Jiang Xingyuan thought the sun must have risen in the west.

After nodding and smiling at him, Xie Huai turned and walked in another direction, still wearing a smile. He looked to be in a very good mood.

“Did he find some money or something? Why is he so happy?” Jiang Xingyuan tapped Zhao Lou beside him, looking puzzled. Zhao Lou was equally bewildered.

“Forget it, let’s go.”

Zhao Lou and Jiang Xingyuan were carrying a pile of things. Zhao Lou said hesitantly, “Do we really have to do this? Ninth Uncle isn’t lacking any of this.”

Jiang Xingyuan said, “I know he doesn’t lack anything, but this is my sincerity as a junior.”

The two of them were each holding a large pillow, though the patterns were somewhat questionable, brightly colored, large floral prints.

“I think this color looks quite nice!” Jiang Xingyuan was indignant. “Don’t just look at the outside. The inside is what matters, it’s filled with treasures.”

As they headed toward Jingya Hall, their path was suddenly blocked. Seeing the dark faced Xie Chao blocking the way, Jiang Xingyuan said irritably, “A good dog doesn’t block the road!” He knew Xie Chao was there to cause trouble because he had stood him up yesterday.

“You promised me!” Xie Chao looked at Jiang Xingyuan with a grim expression.

Jiang Xingyuan frowned, sounding impatient. “Please, little brother. Didn’t I say before? Success wasn’t guaranteed. I didn’t give you a promise.”

“Besides, could Ninth Uncle possibly listen to me on everything? You think too highly of me!”

Jiang Xingyuan’s words made sense. Xie Chao’s face turned slightly pale, but he still didn’t want to give up the opportunity. “Persuade Ninth Uncle again for me.”

Jiang Xingyuan didn’t understand why the guy wouldn’t just try another method. Was there really no other way? He nodded perfunctorily. “Fine, fine. I’ll ask him again later.”

“Thank you.”

When Jiang Xingyuan arrived at the courtyard, he found it excessively quiet. Just as he was wondering what was going on, Su Quan suddenly appeared behind him.

“Young Master Jiang, what are you doing here?”

Looking at the tightly closed door, Jiang Xingyuan asked in surprise, “Where is Ninth Uncle? Has he not woken up yet at this hour? That’s quite strange.”

Su Quan replied, “For the past few days, the Ninth Lord hasn’t been sleeping well.”

Inside the secret room, Xie Junqing was drenched in sweat from the pain. Behind him stood a thin, middle-aged man, and on the other side stood a row of medical staff in white coats.

If Jiang Xingyuan were here, he would have recognized the middle-aged man as the one with the slight limp he had seen before.