Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 43

After returning from the Huangpu River, Ji Tanyuan was in low spirits for two or three days before gradually resuming her activities.

One might say that Miss Ji sometimes has a remarkably carefree attitude, she firmly adheres to the life principle that as long as one isn’t dead, nothing is a big deal.

She began assembling a team to start a new company. Apart from walking her dog, she spent her time shopping with Qin Yini.

Incidentally, to fulfill a transaction, she specifically established a talent agency for Xin Gan, Cheng Gengxu’s woman, focusing solely on promoting her.

Xin Gan, unaware that the agency was created exclusively for her, simply thought the new company offered better terms than her previous one and decided to take a gamble.

She resolutely paid the penalty to terminate her contract with her former agency and joined this film company called Caiying.

Out of boredom, Ji Tanyuan began securing resources for the company’s only artist. In one go, she landed her the role of the second female lead in a tribute production.

When Xin Gan received the role notification and script from her agent, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Holy crap!”

Holding the role announcement in both hands, she asked, “This is for me?”

Her agent nodded, “Yes, it’s for you. The boss secured it for you. A professional acting coach will guide you later.”

Xin Gan marveled, “The boss is amazing. How did I deserve this?”

The agent chuckled, “The boss is just giving it a try. Work hard and don’t embarrass her.”

When Ji Tanyuan received a call from the head of Caiying, she had just finished a meeting with Cheng Gengxu. Qin Yini was also present. Glancing at Cheng Gengxu, she asked the person on the phone, “Did she suspect anything?”

The answer was no.

After hanging up, Ji Tanyuan expressed surprise, “Mr. Cheng, Xin Gan didn’t suspect you at all.”

Cheng Gengxu hummed in acknowledgment, “I never wanted her to work before, so naturally, she wouldn’t suspect me.”

“Besides, she’s quite naive. Make sure her agent keeps a close watch on her. Don’t let her attend any drinking parties or similar events.”

Ji Tanyuan nodded, “Will you support her for the rest of her life?”

Cheng Gengxu fell silent, uncertain.

“I’ll give her money, more than she could ever spend in a lifetime.”

Qin Yini walked in, carrying a stack of documents, and interjected, “But she doesn’t want that. She wants skills she can rely on.”

Cheng Gengxu remained silent.

Placing the documents on the conference table, Qin Yini added, “This is what you call realizing one’s self-worth in society to seek a sense of social existence, that’s what security is.”

“The idea that men are unreliable has become a universal truth in the 21st century. Miss Xin’s actions are entirely understandable. Even her choice not to rely on money earned through physical means is something many can empathize with. This kind of self-respect is precious, and it makes you, Mr. Cheng, appear rather despicable in comparison. No wonder you’re upset.”

Cheng Gengxu frowned, “Miss Qin.”

Receiving the warning, Qin Yini shrugged, “Alright, let’s get back to business.”

Two hours later, Cheng Gengxu stood up, “I’ll send a representative. You can handle the rest as you see fit.”

Ji Tanyuan smiled, “You trust me that much?”

Cheng Gengxu also smiled, “If you and Zhong Yan aren’t trustworthy, then there’s no one left to trust.”

Leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, Ji Tanyuan watched him leave. The man exuded an aura of cold authority, distinct from Zhong Yan’s aloof elegance. Through capital restructuring, he had made Gengxu Capital renowned internationally, establishing himself as Asia’s most influential venture capital founder.

Yanjing was truly a place where tigers and dragons lurked, a city where innate advantages were matched by formidable abilities.

Ji Tanyuan took a sip of water and said to Qin Yini behind her, “Everyone seems safe, but we’re all walking on the edge of a blade, Yini. Me included.”

Qin Yini scoffed, “Haven’t I seen enough shady dealings? If it doesn’t kill you, you keep going. Besides, I have a way out, you don’t, Ji Tanyuan. You don’t need to lecture me; you’d better worry about yourself.”

Ji Tanyuan chuckled, “I have a way out too, the Zhong family.”

The kind where you’d drag someone down with you even in death.

Qin Yini paused, “What are your feelings for Zhong Yan?”

Ji Tanyuan sighed, “I don’t know. Not dislike, not like. Even though I’m prepared for a fight to the death, life is still manageable.”

Qin Yini curled her lip, “Your arranged marriage is really something. Others either do their own thing or live peacefully, but you? You have to act like a loving couple while guarding against each other. Can you even tell the difference between work and home?”

Ji Tanyuan replied, “Don’t knock it, this life is pretty thrilling. Every day is full. Honestly, I could become the second artist at my company and probably win an award.”

“I think you’d be better off starring in ‘My Life with the In-Laws,’ a daily drama with 800 episodes.”

Ji Tanyuan snorted, “You’re wrong about that. It would never air. If old Mrs. Zhong’s fossilized opinions were broadcast, most viewers would think it was a joke. But that’s just how the rich and powerful amuse themselves.”

Qin Yini opened her laptop, “I think it’s great. When we’re old and on our deathbeds, we’ll have something to look back on.”

“Why would I want to reminisce about nightmares?” Ji Tanyuan retorted.

Then, glancing at her phone, she said softly, “Alright, I can’t chat anymore. I have to go have dinner with my dear husband.”

Qin Yini pretended to gag, “Don’t get so into your role that you can’t get out.”

Ji Tanyuan squinted with a fake smile, “That’s what you call immersive acting.”

After Ji Tanyuan left with her bag, Qin Yini suddenly widened her eyes as it dawned on her.

What did Ji Huanghuang mean by “immersive acting”? Was she getting too deep into the role? Ji Tanyuan had never been in a relationship before this, she hadn’t even held a man’s hand.

She called Zhang Zhang, but Miss Zhang, who never let anything affect her, was unconcerned: “So what if she gets into the role? It’s common in my line of work. She’ll snap out of it after spending enough time together. Based on my ten years as Miss Ji’s study companion, as a Libra, she falls for things quickly but loses interest just as fast, three-minute enthusiasm.”

“Besides, it might not even be love. She smiles at everyone like that.”

After a pause, Zhang Zhang added:

“And even if she does fall for him, Ni, there’s nothing you or I can do. They share a bed, they live together, they do things together. Some things are unstoppable. We have to accept that people aren’t entirely rational, especially for Huanghuang, who’s never been close to a man before. A little novelty is normal. This is an important lesson in her life.”

When endorphins, hormones, and chemicals kick in, they don’t ask the brain for permission.

Qin Yini fell silent, listening to her ramble. Zhang Zhang gave off the vibe of a mother watching her daughter take flight:

“Ji Tanyuan should call you Mommy.”

Zhang Zhang chuckled, “What can I say? I’m destined to be a servant.”

After ten years as her study companion, she understood Ji Tanyuan better than Ji Tanyuan understood herself.

“It seems Mr. Zhong Yan isn’t entirely a bad person, at least he has some charm.”

The charming Zhong Yan drove the car to the entrance of the alley and removed the Patek Philippe watch from his wrist, worth nearly a hundred million.

He then glanced at Ji Tanyuan.

Following his gaze, Ji Tanyuan looked down, took off the pink diamond ring and the jade bracelet on her hand, and tossed them to him.

Zhong Yan placed the three pieces of jewelry, worth enough combined to buy a traditional courtyard house, into the car’s card slot. “The old lady isn’t in good health.”

Ji Tanyuan hummed in acknowledgment.

Zhong Yan fell silent for a moment before adding, “We might have to take turns staying with her.”

Ji Tanyuan understood. “Attending to her during illness.”

“We could hire medical staff. They’re more professional.”

“What they want is the gesture, the filial piety.”

Ji Tanyuan replied, “Then let her own children do it. What connection do I, who just arrived, have with her?”

Zhong Yan said, “You make a valid point, but they live by appearances.”

Ji Tanyuan looked at him, somewhat exasperated. “Don’t joke around. If I spend too much time with Grandma, her condition will only get worse.”