Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 8

Afterward, Ji Tanyuan had a sore back. After bathing, she lay face down on the bed. Zhong Yan leaned against the headboard, scrolling through his phone with one hand while using the other to massage the back of the person lying prone.

“We’re going out for a meal later.”

Ji Tanyuan, half-asleep, mumbled, “With whom?”

“The chairman of Tianzheng Group and his wife. You mentioned it before.”

Ji Tanyuan’s eyes snapped open, but she kept her head turned away from the man, so Zhong Yan didn’t notice.

Tianzheng Group had undergone a change in equity, with the board of directors unanimously approving the sale of controlling shares to Hwashi. This marked Zhong Yan’s first acquisition since taking office as the general manager of Hwashi.

Zhong Yan, chairman of the Zhong Group and concurrently general manager of Hwashi Real Estate, had previously overseen Hwashi as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Zhong Group. Three years ago, when the real estate bubble burst, state-owned assets stepped in, acquiring a 49% stake to rescue and revitalize the company. This move not only preserved control but also brought in a major shareholder, doubling the company’s market value, enhancing its credibility, and making financing easier. By aligning with state-owned enterprises, engaging in dubious practices, and pushing mixed-ownership reforms, he facilitated the transfer of benefits.

Ji Tanyuan closed her eyes. When it came to capital operations, Zhong Yan was a master.

It wouldn’t be long before his expansion reached the microelectronics chip industry in the southern regions. To resolve their crisis, the Ji family had indeed invited a wolf into their home. No wonder her father was being targeted by other businesses in the chamber of commerce.

Zhong Yan’s expression was cool and detached. Ji Tanyuan might have forgotten he was massaging her back, but he had already sensed her sudden stiffness, which she hadn’t concealed.

He put away his phone, lay down, propped his head up with one hand, pulled her into his arms, and stroked her hair. “What’s on your mind?”

Ji Tanyuan turned over, snuggled into his embrace, looked up, and kissed his chin. “I’m thinking about what to wear to the banquet so I can look beautiful and not embarrass my husband.”

Zhong Yan hummed in response. “It better be just that. Don’t get any ideas.”

“What ideas could I possibly have?”

Zhong Yan smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead. “Oh? Like not bullying the servants?”

Ji Tanyuan pushed him away, her face turning cold. “Are you interrogating me because of someone else?”

Zhong Yan pulled her back into his arms. “How could I? I’m just worried you might get bullied.”

“I was bullied. The Empress Dowager summoned me to her palace to scold and punish me just because I criticized the nanny. It felt like she was about to drag me out and give me seventy lashes for being arrogant and bullying the ‘meritorious servant.’ I couldn’t help it and ended up making the Empress Dowager so angry she twisted her mouth. Truly, I was disrespectful.”

Zhong Yan: “…”

Well, her sarcasm was top-notch. She was calling his family feudal remnants.

She wasn’t entirely good-tempered, and that was just as well. If she had truly remained unbothered and submissive, he would have been suspicious.

“There’s no helping it. The Empress Dowager is old and could easily pass away from a shock. We’re just humoring her with a performance.”

Ji Tanyuan said nothing more and stood up. “I’m going to change.”

Zhong Yan got up and went to the study, where he made a phone call.

“Check if Qian Xiaobo has gotten into any trouble recently.”

Qian Xiaobo was Aunt Zhang’s son.

Assistant Liang acknowledged the request.

“Mr. Zhong, Mr. Ji has no illegitimate children. He currently has only one daughter, and that’s Ji Tanyuan.”

Zhong Yan understood what he meant. There had been a son before, Ji Tanyuan’s twin brother, who died in an accident when he was around ten years old. After that, Ji’s mother developed a mental illness, and not long after the incident, Ji Tanyuan went abroad to study and hadn’t returned for years.

Zhong Yan toyed with an object in his hand and said slowly, “Convolution Capital was also invited?”

“Yes, they accepted the invitation and promised to send a representative. However, the Ji family hasn’t confirmed who will attend yet, it probably won’t be Chairman Ji himself.”

“Understood.”

After hanging up, Zhong Yan went to his room to change clothes.

Ji Tanyuan finished her makeup and selected a pair of high heels.

Her wardrobe occupied half a floor, filled with private custom pieces, luxury brands, and affordable fashion. She bought anything that looked good, regardless of price, focusing solely on visual appeal.

She wore a sleeveless blue silk gown that concealed her 10cm heels, complemented by light makeup.

Downstairs, Zhong Yan was searching for water. Since the housekeeper had left early, the young master was doing everything himself, washing a glass, pouring water, and scooping ice.

Ji Tanyuan watched him from the staircase. Zhong Yan had a very grounded, human presence, unlike others of his social class who were surrounded by servants. He was remarkably self-sufficient.

He preferred no attendants, drove himself privately, and handled most tasks without relying on staff. He disliked having too many people around. According to her mother-in-law, he used to live alone without any servants and cooked for himself.

Perhaps it was because of her that he allowed the housekeeper to be there during the day.

His familiarity with handling utensils made that clear.

He looked up, his eyes deep and focused when they met hers. His high nose bridge and prominent brow bone made him more handsome than many celebrities.

“Admiring my good looks?”

Of course, he was also quite narcissistic.

Ji Tanyuan hummed in acknowledgment.

Zhong Yan pressed further, “I heard that before becoming Mrs. Zhong, our Miss Ji was quite close to the entertainment industry. How do I compare to those male stars?”

Ji Tanyuan frowned, “Where did you hear that? It’s not true.”

Zhong Yan looked up with a teasing smile, as if to say there was no point hiding it, everyone did background checks before marriage.

Even if not everything was uncovered, there were always traces. Though Ji Tanyuan’s social media accounts were blank, she frequently appeared in group photos with celebrities and fleeting shots at haute couture fashion shows.

Ji Tanyuan conceded, “Fine, you’re handsome.”

But compared to some foreign pretty boys, he still fell a bit short, a thought Ji Tanyuan didn’t dare voice.