Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 11

After Ji Tanyuan finished touching up her makeup, she linked her arm with his.

Inside the room, Yu Jiang, the chairman of Tianzheng, who had been waiting for a while, stood up. Zhong Yan stepped forward with a smile.

“Chairman Yu, my apologies. The traffic was heavy, and we’ve kept you and Mrs. Yu waiting.”

“We just arrived ourselves. We’re honored that you could make it, Mr. Zhong.”

“Not at all. You’re the elder here.” Zhong Yan said as he shook hands with him.

Yu Jiang chuckled humbly, waving his hand dismissively. How could he dare consider himself an elder to the young master?

Being allowed to live peacefully was already a blessing.

“This must be Tanyuan. You’ve grown so much. I held you when you were little.”

Ji Tanyuan smiled. “Uncle Yu, I remember. You haven’t changed a bit since I last saw you as a child. You don’t look old at all.”

After the pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

Ji Tanyuan thought to herself that this might be what her future married life would be like: one moment arguing, the next putting on a smile and acting.

She didn’t want to argue with Zhong Yan, not because it would affect their relationship, but mainly because she couldn’t win against him.

This man had a mouth, strength, and more money and power than she did.

Ji Tanyuan suddenly remembered what her friend Zhang Zhang had said the day before the wedding: marrying into a family like the Zhong family in the capital wasn’t entirely a match of equals. Without an emotional foundation and with the nature of an arranged marriage, she was bound to face setbacks.

This frustration wasn’t about money, it was about status. Why do authors in novels always write about the “young masters” of the capital? Because the term “young master” itself implies power.

Yanjing, the political center and the heart of power, is a place where people not only have money but also authority. Most of them gained power first and then wealth, unlike the upper class in Shanghai, which rose through financial and economic advantages.

The former group profits from information asymmetry, where connections are king and resources are paramount. Money is considered vulgar and is seldom discussed. They play the game of resource integration, which can be summed up as “shallow waters breed many turtles”, everyone’s a big shot. It doesn’t matter what car someone drives; even if it’s a Santana, they might have an influential elder at home.

The latter group, however, gains wealth first and then leverages information asymmetry. They network and broker resources, with every meeting, meal, and drink having its corresponding market price.

The only commonality between the two is that they look down on each other’s ways, and their resources remain closed off and non-transferable.

The wealthy second generation in Shanghai call their counterparts in Yanjing “unsophisticated,” while the Yanjing rich kids call the Shanghai ones “foolish.”

Ji Tanyuan realized her thoughts had drifted again. Just as she was about to think about how to deal with Zhong Yan, she felt a pinch on her waist.

“Have some water.”

Ji Tanyuan picked up the glass and took a sip.

Mrs. Yu, sitting nearby, smiled. “You two seem to get along well.”

Ji Tanyuan nodded. “It’s alright.”

Mrs. Yu asked, “Are you settling into life here? I remember you prefer lighter flavors.”

Ji Tanyuan replied softly, “It’s fine. The chef at home cooks to my taste.”

Yu Jiang picked up a bowl. “Actually, it wouldn’t hurt to add a bit more water to this dish. It’s light and would suit Tanyuan’s palate.”

Zhong Yan smiled faintly. “No need.”

Yu Jiang laughed. “That won’t do. You should ask Tanyuan. She’s come all the way from Shanghai to marry into your family. You should consider her preferences.”

Zhong Yan’s smile faded slightly. “Chairman Yu, when it comes to soup, there’s a specific timing and a fixed ratio of water to ingredients and seasonings. If you add water after the soup is already prepared, wouldn’t that ruin the dish?”

“Of course, if you don’t care for it, I won’t insist.”

Still trying to squeeze extra money out of the acquisition deal at the last minute. This Yu fellow really is untrustworthy.

Zhong Yan lowered his head, his features softened under the gentle lamplight as he asked in a tone as familiar as that of a long-married couple, “Is the flavor to your liking?”

“Just right.”

Ji Tanyuan took a sip. “Perfect. Uncle Yu, you should try some too.”

Yu Jiang nodded. “That’s good to hear. I was worried you might not be used to it, especially since I can’t quite get accustomed to it myself.”

Ji Tanyuan set down her bowl, feeling listless. The room was filled with people who spoke with hidden meanings, all shrewd and calculating.

From then on, Ji Tanyuan spoke as little as possible.

“You know, I completely understand why your grandmother has ended up the way she is now, driven to it by all of you.” Ji Tanyuan remarked after the meal ended.

“Speaking in riddles, putting on airs, she can’t handle it, so she’s become like this. That way, you can all torment each other.”

“…”

Zhong Yan was no longer surprised by Ji Tanyuan’s train of thought and even chimed in, “You could try talking to her more. Perhaps your relationship could improve.”

Ji Tanyuan let out a soft, dismissive laugh. The two walked slowly forward, the tall man and her creating a strangely harmonious warmth, though it was only because they had tacitly avoided their conflicts. Neither wanted to argue anymore, it was exhausting.

“A-Yan.” A call broke the silence.

Both Ji Tanyuan and Zhong Yan turned to see Shu Yun and the others.

Ji Tanyuan had already descended the steps and was just a few steps away from the car, ready to leave. “They probably want to catch up with you. Go ahead, I’ll head back first.”

Zhong Yan, still on the steps, looked down at her. “You should come too.”

Ji Tanyuan smiled. “If I go, no one will enjoy themselves. Besides, I’m tired. Have fun.”

With that, she opened the car door and got in.

Through the rearview mirror, Ji Tanyuan watched as Shu Yun ran toward Zhong Yan, followed by several others, all well-known figures in Yanjing City. Under the glow of the mansion’s lights, the scene was a dizzying display of extravagance and indulgence.

Inside the Maybach, the atmosphere was dim and somber. The driver in the front seat remained utterly silent, the quiet almost oppressive.

Ji Tanyuan closed her eyes. The Ji family had once fought their way out of a desperate situation in the southern business wars, things weren’t so bad now.

She had known from the start that Zhong Yan wasn’t genuinely interested in cooperation. The Zhong family wanted it all: both the Ji family’s technical patents and a takeover of the southern new economy market. If the Zhong family wanted something, who could stop them?

Wasn’t Yu Jiang a prime example? His once-thriving conglomerate had still been acquired. She should consider herself fortunate that when the Ji family was cornered, they at least had the option of cooperation instead of being swallowed outright.

Ji Tanyuan entered her home to find it empty. The rooms were clean and tidy, almost like a showroom, devoid of life. The sudden ring of the telephone felt particularly jarring.

She sat on the sofa, leaning her head back against a cushion, and stretched her arms upward to hold her phone, staring at the caller ID before slowly answering.

A gentle, deep voice came from the other end:

“Huanghuang.”

She had been fine until that moment, but hearing that voice, an inexplicable ache welled up inside her.

“Dad.”