Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 14

Ji Tanyuan and Zhong Yan stood side by side, both possessing striking appearances. The woman wore a graceful smile, while the man maintained an aloof and indifferent demeanor. They appeared to be a perfect match, yet there was an intangible distance between them.

In social settings, Zhong Yan was often the one being fawned over. The responsibility of ensuring conversations flowed smoothly was never his concern. For most people, he didn’t need to expend emotional labor. Over time, such individuals either became spoiled, reckless scions or developed the authoritative aura of those in power. Zhong Yan fell somewhere in between, self-indulgent but not foolish.

Ji Tanyuan, on the other hand, seemed more approachable. Her smile was sweet, her words gentle and poised, giving off an impression of someone easy to bully. However, the large, imposing imperial green jade pendant around her neck hinted that she was not to be trifled with.

Together, the two perfectly embodied the extravagance, detachment, coldness, and pretense of high society.

As a couple, they paid no mind to the scrutinizing gazes of others at the banquet, a habit ingrained in them since childhood.

Midway through the event, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence arrived. He didn’t seem like a typical entrepreneur or businessperson.

Squinting slightly, Ji Tanyuan leaned close to Zhong Yan and whispered, “Who is he?”

Zhong Yan inclined his head to reply, “The chairman of the Investment Association, surnamed Qi. He’s very pleased about our marriage alliance.”

Ji Tanyuan hummed softly. “A perfect match, talented man and beautiful woman, handsome guy and lovely lady. Who could be displeased?”

Zhong Yan clicked his tongue in mild annoyance. “Be serious. What I mean by ‘pleased’ is the north-south alliance. He wants to invest in your family’s business. Didn’t you know?”

Ji Tanyuan responded with an indifferent “Oh.”

“How would I know? Why ask me?”

Zhong Yan studied her carefully. Ji Tanyuan, still holding his arm, added, “Well, investment is a good thing, isn’t it?”

Zhong Yan had been about to lead her over to greet the man, but her words made him question her intelligence. “Ji Tanyuan, are you being serious?”

While state investment might seem beneficial, for the Ji family, which also had enterprises overseas, it posed significant risks.

“What? Isn’t investment just about giving money? Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem like good news. Can’t we just refuse it then?” She tilted her face up, blinking innocently at him.

Zhong Yan gazed into her eyes, unwilling to delve into whether her demeanor was genuine or feigned. He only needed to ensure he remained unaffected by her. “Ji Tanyuan, you’d better not play games with me. I’ll say this only once: We entered this marriage as an alliance of interests. To the outside world, we’re on the same side. If you keep pretending loyalty while secretly betraying me, just try it.”

Ji Tanyuan smiled faintly. “Games? How would I dare play games with someone from your celestial ranks?”

Zhong Yan gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his gesture tender and intimate. To onlookers, they appeared to be a deeply affectionate couple, but beneath the surface lay his sarcasm. “Why make yourself sound so pitiful? When it comes to audacity, we’re evenly matched. If your father were any more extreme, wouldn’t he be the kind of capitalist who ends up hanging from a lamp post?”

Ji Tanyuan feigned surprise. “Then we really are a perfect match, darling. If my father ever ends up hanging from a lamp post, you can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

Zhong Yan narrowed his eyes into a smile and brushed the back of his hand against her smooth cheek. “Of course not.”

Ji Tanyuan turned her head away slightly. Zhong Yan was quite the actor himself.

“See? I told you two are a loving, perfect match.” No sooner had they finished speaking than a deep, cheerful voice approached them.

Ji Tanyuan shifted her gaze away from Zhong Yan and stood beside the man, looking at the person who had spoken. Zhong Yan also smiled.

“Of course, how could my wife not be beautiful?”

Chairman Qi chuckled, “Already calling her your wife so soon?”

“Back then, Tanyuan’s father was worried about her marrying so far away. I assured him that if the Zhong family isn’t good, then there are no good families left.”

Ji Tanyuan smiled, feigning shyness and remaining silent.

After exchanging a few brief words with others, Zhong Yan noticed someone entering the room out of the corner of his eye. He excused himself and pulled Ji Tanyuan toward the entrance.

Duan Huaixu, the founder of Convolution Capital, walked in. Ji Tanyuan didn’t seem surprised to see him. Zhong Yan asked, “You know him?”

“He’s a friend. We used to be classmates.”

Friend…

Duan Huaixu stepped forward to shake hands. “Chairman Zhong, thank you for the invitation.”

Zhong Yan gave a noncommittal hum. “Tanyuan mentioned that you two were classmates?”

Duan Huaixu glanced at the woman standing beside Zhong Yan. She looked stunning today, a blue strapless gown, luxurious jewelry, fair skin, and delicate features, all signs that she was still living well.

Or perhaps Ji Tanyuan was never one to appear disheveled.

Even when the Ji family faced difficulties, they swiftly formed an alliance with the Zhong family, even reinforcing the partnership through marriage.

Since they had married, it meant the alliance wouldn’t be easily broken.

So why did Ji Corporation only accept his financing for the new energy project and not Zhongheng Group’s investment?

It could only mean that, despite their cooperation and marriage, the two families still distrusted each other. That made things easier.

Duan Huaixu withdrew his gaze and smiled. “Yes, we studied abroad together. It seems Tanyuan has mentioned this to you.”

Zhong Yan felt that the other man’s smile grew increasingly irritating the longer he looked at it. Dressed in a white suit, he appeared refined on the surface but was clearly calculating.

Zhong Yan nodded, his expression neutral and unreadable. In contrast to Ji Tanyuan’s radiant smile, he seemed rather aloof.

To outsiders, it looked as though Ji Tanyuan was deliberately trying to please him.

Rong Xi, standing beside Shu Yun, nudged her chin in their direction. “See? It won’t last. Mark my words, they’ll either divorce or put on a facade of harmony while growing apart. Men can’t stand loneliness.”

She patted Shu Yun’s back reassuringly. “So why bother getting upset? I heard Ji Tanyuan hasn’t even gotten along with Zhong’s elders. Grandma Zhong even called for a doctor.”

Shu Yun’s eyes flickered. “What did you say?”

“Someone like Ji Tanyuan couldn’t win Grandma Zhong’s favor? I find that hard to believe.” Shu Yun said doubtfully.

How could someone with such a virtuous, wifely demeanor fail to build good relationships?

Shu Yun clicked her tongue. “Last time, Aunt Zhou brought Ji Tanyuan to a gathering. My mother was there too, and she said Aunt Zhou spoke up for Ji Tanyuan. I thought the Zhong family was quite satisfied with her.”

How could the Zhong family possibly approve of a nouveau riche family solely focused on business? Wasn’t the marriage just a formality for public appearance?

Rong Xi frowned. Could the information be wrong? Had Wen Yi’an lied to her?