She’s Being Naughty - Chapter 12

Leaving the beauty salon, Jiang Yao truly took Xu Zhaoyi to go shoe shopping.

Jiang Yao seemed intimately familiar with the high-end designer boutiques in the mall. Leading Xu Zhaoyi by the hand, she headed straight for a specific Italian brand store and told the sales associate, “Bring out the latest evening shoes.”

The associate recognized her, greeted “Miss Jiang” with a smile, noting it had been a while since her last visit, and brought over several pairs for Xu Zhaoyi to try on.

Sitting on the fitting sofa, Xu Zhaoyi watched as Jiang Yao naturally leaned down, picked up a pair of silver high heels, and knelt on one knee before her.

“Try these; they should match your dress perfectly.”

Jiang Yao’s voice was soft, and her movements even softer. She cradled Xu Zhaoyi’s foot, helping her out of her old shoes and into the new ones.

When fingers brushed against her ankle, there was that familiar, slightly cool temperature.

Xu Zhaoyi instinctively tried to pull her foot back, but Jiang Yao held it firmly.

“Don’t move,” Jiang Yao looked up at her and smiled. “Try them and see if they fit.”

She helped Xu Zhaoyi fasten the straps and stood up. “Take a few steps.”

Xu Zhaoyi stood and walked across the thick carpeting of the store. The shoes fit perfectly, the heel height was manageable, and they felt stable.

“Do they look good?” Jiang Yao asked, her eyes fixed on Xu Zhaoyi’s feet.

Xu Zhaoyi nodded.

“Then we’ll take these,” Jiang Yao said to the associate, pulling a card from her wallet.

While the card was being swiped, Xu Zhaoyi caught a glimpse of the total.

A five figure price tag.

She opened her mouth to say it was too expensive, but she didn’t know how to put it into words.

Jiang Yao, however, was perfectly composed. She signed the receipt, took the packaged shoebox, and handed it to Xu Zhaoyi. “Keep them. Wear them tonight.”

“Thank you,” Xu Zhaoyi said softly.

“You’re welcome.” Jiang Yao smiled and led her out. “Come, let’s get you a shawl. It might be a bit chilly tonight.”

Xu Zhaoyi let herself be led, her mind still stuck on that number.

Jiang Yao spent money generously. It wasn’t the performative generosity of someone showing off, it was a natural sense that if something should be spent, it would be, regardless of price.

This only added to her confusion.

If Jiang Yao had married her father for money, why didn’t she seem to care about the cost when spending it now?

Or rather, was she already wealthy to begin with?

Someone coming from the Jiang family probably didn’t lack money. Xu Zhaoyi recalled the “Jiang Group” she had asked about that morning. It was a massive enterprise, even larger than her own family’s company. If Jiang Yao really was a Jiang, she truly had no reason to scheme for their family’s assets.

Then why on earth was she here?

By the time they finished buying the shawl, it was nearly noon.

Jiang Yao suggested lunch and chose a very quiet Western restaurant. Located on a high floor, the window seats offered a panoramic view of the city.

After they sat down, Jiang Yao invited her to order. “Order whatever you like, don’t be shy.”

Xu Zhaoyi flipped through the menu and picked a few items at random. Once the server left, she suddenly remembered something and asked, “How did you and my father… meet?”

Jiang Yao was looking out at the scenery but turned back at the question with a smile. “Why are you asking about this again?”

“Just curious,” Xu Zhaoyi said. “You two… don’t seem like a very likely match.”

It was a bit blunt, but Jiang Yao wasn’t offended in fact, she laughed even more brightly.

“We aren’t a likely match,” she nodded, admitting it candidly. “Your father is fifty, I’m thirty, a full twenty-year gap. People who don’t know the situation assume I’m after his money.”

“And in reality?” Xu Zhaoyi watched her.

Jiang Yao fell silent for a moment, picking up her water glass for a sip. “In reality… there is a professional collaboration.”

A professional collaboration.

Xu Zhaoyi’s heart skipped a beat. This matched what was written on that note.

“What kind of collaboration?” she pressed.

Jiang Yao glanced at her, something flickering in her eyes before her expression returned to its usual gentleness.

“A business partnership,” she said vaguely. “I help his company handle certain issues, and he helps the Jiang family expand some resources.”

It sounded logical. But Xu Zhaoyi felt it wasn’t that simple. If it were just business, why get married? There were other ways to partner.

She thought of the phrase on the note: “Marriage of Convenience.”

So, was the marriage meant to solidify the partnership? To make it look to the outside world like a true alliance between the Jiang and Xu families, rather than just a simple contract?

The more Xu Zhaoyi thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense.

“So you and my dad…” she paused. “It’s not real?”

Jiang Yao looked at her for a long time. Then, she let out a soft sigh.

“Zhaozhao,” her voice was tender but serious. “There are things you might not understand right now. But you should know that I didn’t come into this house to hurt anyone, nor to take anything away.”

“I just… want to see some things through.”

Xu Zhaoyi stared at her. “What things?”

Jiang Yao shook her head. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Why?”

“Because the time isn’t right,” Jiang Yao said. “When the time comes, you’ll understand naturally.” She paused, then added, “But you can rest assured, I won’t hurt you, and I won’t hurt your father. On the contrary, I will do my best to protect this home and both of you.”

She spoke with such sincerity that it didn’t seem faked. Xu Zhaoyi didn’t know whether to believe her or rather, how much of her to believe.

“Let’s eat,” Jiang Yao picked up her cutlery. “The food is getting cold.”

The topic ended there. Xu Zhaoyi knew that pushing further would yield nothing. She could only wait, wait for Jiang Yao to tell her herself, or wait until she found more evidence.

That afternoon, they returned home to prepare for the gala.

Jiang Yao helped her with her hair and makeup before changing into her own evening gown, a silver-gray long dress with a simple cut but perfect tailoring that highlighted her elegant figure.

Xu Zhaoyi looked at the two of them in the mirror.

Jiang Yao stood behind her, hands resting lightly on her shoulders, as they gazed at the reflection together.

“We look just like mother and daughter,” Jiang Yao said with a smile.

Xu Zhaoyi remained silent.

In her heart, she thought. If that note is true, then we aren’t mother and daughter at all.

We are just a facade created by a business deal.

“Let’s go,” Jiang Yao said, picking up her clutch. “Your father is waiting for us at the office, we’ll head straight to the hotel from there.”

The hotel hosting the gala was located in the most expensive district of the city center. By the time they arrived, the entrance was already lined with luxury cars.

Xu Zhaoyi followed Jiang Yao inside, where they encountered her father in the lobby. Xu Jiancheng was wearing a deep blue suit today and appeared to be in good spirits.

Seeing them approach, he smiled. “You’ve arrived. My, Zhaoyi, you look truly beautiful today.” He stepped forward, first patting Xu Zhaoyi on the shoulder, then looking at Jiang Yao with a nod. “Thank you for your hard work.”

His tone was polite, even a bit… distant. It didn’t sound like a conversation between a husband and wife.

Xu Zhaoyi noticed it immediately. She remembered how her father used to speak to her mother; he was never this formal. This politeness felt like he was speaking to a business partner.

“It was my pleasure,” Jiang Yao replied with a smile, matching his professional courtesy.

Then Xu Jiancheng said, “Let’s go. President Wang and the others have arrived, let’s go say hello.”

He led the way, with Jiang Yao and Xu Zhaoyi following behind.

Entering the banquet hall, the room was already crowded. Xu Jiancheng led them through the throng, greeting people and making introductions.

“This is President Wang, this is Director Li, this is Minister Zhao…”

Xu Zhaoyi followed along, greeting them, smiling, and shaking hands. It felt like completing a set of chores.

She noticed that Jiang Yao’s performance in this setting was exceptional. Everyone knew her, and everyone was incredibly polite to her. Furthermore, their attitude wasn’t the courtesy one shows to “Xu Jiancheng’s wife,” but rather the respect afforded to the “Young Mistress of the Jiang Family.”

Several times, when Xu Jiancheng was discussing business matters, he would stop mid-sentence and turn to Jiang Yao. “Xiao Yao, what do you think?”

Jiang Yao would then naturally offer a suggestion or provide supplementary information. Her insights were professional, far beyond what a typical socialite wife would be able to articulate.

Standing by their side, Xu Zhaoyi felt her suspicions solidify. Jiang Yao wasn’t just some woman who had married into a wealthy family. She was truly capable, deeply involved in business operations.

After a while, Xu Jiancheng was pulled away by a group to discuss more matters, leaving Xu Zhaoyi and Jiang Yao alone. Jiang Yao led her to the buffet area and picked out some food for her.

“Tired?” Jiang Yao asked. “You’ve been standing for a long time.”

“I’m okay,” Xu Zhaoyi replied. “You seem… very well-adjusted to these kinds of events.”

Jiang Yao smiled. “I’m used to it. It’s been like this since I was a child.”

“Since you were a child?” Xu Zhaoyi looked at her. “You attended these events often back then?”

“Mhm.” Jiang Yao nodded. “Children of the Jiang family have to be exposed to this very early on.” She paused, then added, “Actually, it’s quite boring. A bunch of people holding wine glasses, saying things they don’t mean, flattering and testing one another.”

Xu Zhaoyi was surprised. “You don’t like it?”

“I don’t,” Jiang Yao said flatly. “But I have no choice. It’s a part of life.”

She took a sip of champagne, watching Xu Jiancheng talk to people in the distance.

“Your father doesn’t like it either,” she said suddenly. “But he likewise has no choice.”

Xu Zhaoyi followed her gaze. Her father was speaking to a stout, middle-aged man, he had a smile on his face, but his eyes looked weary.

“He didn’t used to be like this,” Xu Zhaoyi said. “When my mom was still here, he rarely went to social engagements. He always came home for dinner.”

Jiang Yao went silent for a moment.

“About your mother… I’m very sorry,” she said softly. “I’ve heard your father mention her, he said she was a wonderful person.”

Xu Zhaoyi didn’t say anything. Mentioning her mother still brought a sting of sadness.

“I know you miss her dearly,” Jiang Yao turned to look at her. “And I know it’s hard for you to accept another person in the house. But Zhaoyi, you have to believe me. I have no intention of replacing her.”

Her voice was tender, and her eyes were filled with sincerity.

“I came here only to help your father handle some issues. Once things are resolved, perhaps I…”

She didn’t finish her sentence. Someone suddenly approached them.

“Miss Jiang?” A sharp-looking middle-aged woman walked over, greeting them with a smile. “It really is you! I thought I’d seen wrong.”

Jiang Yao turned and smiled at the newcomer. “President Xu, it’s been a long time.”

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Jiang Yao introduced Xu Zhaoyi. “This is Auntie Xu, a good friend of my mother’s.” Then she introduced Xu Zhaoyi to President Xu. “This is Zhaoyi, Jiancheng’s daughter.”

President Xu looked at Xu Zhaoyi and nodded with a smile. “So beautiful. You look quite a bit like your father did when he was young.” She turned back to Jiang Yao and lowered her voice. “Xiao Yao, your father mentioned you just a couple of days ago, saying you haven’t been home in a long time. Go back and visit when you have the chance.”

Jiang Yao’s smile dimmed slightly. “I see. I will.”

After a few more words, President Xu left. Once she was gone, Xu Zhaoyi looked at Jiang Yao. “You… haven’t been back to the Jiang house in a long time?”

Jiang Yao nodded. “I’ve been a bit busy.”

“Busy with what?” Xu Zhaoyi asked. “Busy with my father’s company?”

Jiang Yao glanced at her but said nothing. After a moment, she said, “Zhaoyi, there are some things that are better left unknown to you.”

“Why?”

“Because knowing them… might make you feel bad,” Jiang Yao said. “I don’t want you to be upset.”

Xu Zhaoyi stared at her. “What exactly is it?”

Jiang Yao shook her head. “Now is not the time.”

Again, she wouldn’t say. Xu Zhaoyi was getting annoyed. She hated the feeling of being kept in the dark, especially now that she knew some things, but not everything. That half-knowledge was the most frustrating feeling of all.

“I’m going to the restroom,” she said, turning and walking away without checking Jiang Yao’s expression.

The restroom was at the end of the corridor and was very quiet. Xu Zhaoyi touched up her makeup in front of the mirror, her mind still racing through everything that had just happened.

Just then, the voices of two women drifted in from outside. They weren’t speaking loudly, but because the restroom was so quiet, every word was clear.

“Did you see Jiang Yao? I really didn’t expect her to show up.”

“I know, right? I especially didn’t expect her to marry Xu Jiancheng. The Jiang family and the Xu family aren’t even in the same league commercially.”

“What do you know? I heard that the Jiang family is having some internal issues right now and needs the Xu family’s platform as a transition.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means… Jiang Yao might have married in with a specific mission.”

“What mission?”

“I’m not sure about that. But think about it, would the eldest daughter of the Jiang family really marry a man twenty years older than her for love? Especially when it’s his second marriage?”

“True… she used to be so proud, with such high standards.”

“Exactly. There’s definitely more to the story.”

The voices faded as the two women walked away. Xu Zhaoyi stood frozen, the lipstick in her hand nearly slipping to the floor. She looked at her reflection; her face had turned a shade paler.

“Married in with a specific mission.”

Those words perfectly aligned with the note she had found. Jiang Yao’s marriage to her father wasn’t sincere.

She had an objective. She had… a mission.