She’s Being Naughty - Chapter 21

The cocktail party was scheduled for this Saturday night.

All day Thursday, Jiang Yao took Xu Zhaoyi out shopping.

Clothes, shoes, jewelry, and bags.

Jiang Yao was helping her choose with great focus, carefully inspecting every item and making sure they were tested and confirmed to be a perfect fit before purchasing.

She picked out a champagne-colored evening gown for Xu Zhaoyi. The style was simple and elegant, with a perfect cut that complemented her fair skin and refined temperament.

“This suits you very well,” Jiang Yao said, standing outside the fitting room and nodding with satisfaction as she looked at Xu Zhaoyi in the mirror.

Xu Zhaoyi also looked at her reflection.

The dress was indeed beautiful, wearing it made her feel like a completely different person. However, her mind was preoccupied with the upcoming weekend party, leaving her somewhat distracted.

“What are you thinking about?” Jiang Yao walked over, standing behind her to help adjust the hem of the dress.

Xu Zhaoyi turned her head. “I was wondering… will something really happen this weekend?”

Jiang Yao’s hands paused for a moment before she continued smoothing the dress. “Not necessarily. But it’s always better to be prepared.”

She looked up at Xu Zhaoyi through the mirror. “Don’t worry, I will be by your side the whole time.”

Xu Zhaoyi nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief.

After buying the clothes, the two went to get their hair and nails done.

Jiang Yao remained quiet throughout the process, occasionally checking her phone or staring out the window as if deep in thought.

By the time they finished at the salon, it was already evening. The sunset had dyed the sky a reddish-orange, and the streets were bustling with people.

“What do you want to eat?” Jiang Yao asked.

“Whatever’s fine.”

“Let’s go to that Japanese restaurant then. I remember you like salmon,” Jiang Yao said naturally.

Xu Zhaoyi froze for a second.

She did indeed love salmon, but she didn’t recall ever telling Jiang Yao. Perhaps… her father had mentioned it? Or had Jiang Yao observed it herself?

They went to the restaurant and took a seat by the window.

After ordering, Jiang Yao checked her phone again, her brow furrowing slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Zhaoyi asked.

“Nothing,” Jiang Yao shook her head and put the phone away. “Just some work matters.”

But she clearly had something on her mind. Xu Zhaoyi didn’t press further and simply sipped her tea in silence.

Halfway through the meal, Jiang Yao suddenly spoke up. “Zhaozhao, there’s something… I need to tell you.”

Xu Zhaoyi looked up. “What is it?”

“About the party this weekend…” Jiang Yao paused. “I might have to leave early. If I leave, stay with your father. Do not go off on your own. Wait for me to finish my business and come back for you.”

“Where are you going?” Xu Zhaoyi asked.

“To handle some things,” Jiang Yao said. “I can’t… say specifically yet. But I promise I’ll be back soon.”

Watching her, Xu Zhaoyi felt that surge of unease again. She knew Jiang Yao had her own affairs to deal with, but she didn’t want Jiang Yao to face danger alone.

“Can’t you take me with you?” she asked softly.

Jiang Yao smiled. “No. Some things… aren’t suitable for you to be involved in.”

“But…”

“No buts.” Jiang Yao interrupted her, her tone gentle yet firm. “Zhaozhao, you promised me you would follow my arrangements.”

Xu Zhaoyi bit her lip. “Then you must promise me that you’ll be careful.”

“Okay,” Jiang Yao nodded. “I promise.”

After dinner, they returned home.

Xu Jiancheng was already there, sitting in the living room watching the news.

Seeing them return, he waved them over. “You’re back. Did you get everything you needed?”

“Everything is ready,” Jiang Yao said as she sat on the sofa beside him. “The clothes and shoes are all prepared.”

“Good.” Xu Jiancheng nodded, then turned to Xu Zhaoyi. “Zhaozhao, the party this weekend is very important. There will be many people there. You need to behave well, don’t embarrass me.”

“I know,” Xu Zhaoyi replied.

Her father was always like this, caring more about the company’s image than about her.

“By the way,” Xu Jiancheng looked back at Jiang Yao. “Xiao Yao, you might need to help me negotiate a partnership this weekend. Director Zhao has a friend who is interested in our new project. When the time comes…”

“I know,” Jiang Yao interrupted. “I’ll handle it.”

She paused. “However, Jiancheng, a cocktail party is a place of gossip. It’s best not to say too much in that kind of setting.”

Xu Jiancheng frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, people from the Jiang family might be there,” Jiang Yao said calmly. “I don’t want them knowing too much about the company’s business.”

Xu Jiancheng remained silent for a moment before nodding. “Fine, I understand.”

Standing to the side and watching them talk, Xu Zhaoyi felt more and more that this was not a simple matter. Jiang Yao was warning her father.

But why? Was the Jiang family really planning something against her father’s company?

Xu Zhaoyi barely left the house all day Friday. She stayed in her room, her mind constantly revolving around the events of the coming weekend.

In the afternoon, Jiang Yao knocked on her door.

“Zhaozhao, come out for a bit. I want to teach you something.”

Xu Zhaoyi opened the door. “Teach me what?”

Jiang Yao led her to the home gym and took two items out of a drawer. One was a small spray bottle, and the other looked like a tube of lipstick.

“This,” Jiang Yao picked up the spray, “is pepper spray. If someone tries to harm you, aim for their eyes.”

She then picked up the lipstick-like object. “This is a stun gun. Press this button and jab it against them, it can temporarily incapacitate someone.”

Xu Zhaoyi looked at the items, her heart racing. “Is this… really necessary?”

“Just in case,” Jiang Yao said. “I hope you never have to use them, but it’s always better to be prepared.”

She began teaching Xu Zhaoyi how to use them, how to keep her aim steady, how much force to use, and how to get away immediately after.

Xu Zhaoyi learned diligently. She knew this was no joke. If she truly encountered danger, these items could save her life.

Once the lesson was over, Jiang Yao put the items into a small pouch and handed it to Xu Zhaoyi.

“There is also a small GPS tracker in this bag. I’ll be able to see where you are at all times.”

Xu Zhaoyi took the ordinary-looking bag, feeling its weight.

“What about you?” she asked. “Did you prepare these for yourself?”

Jiang Yao gave a small smile. “I’ve been prepared for a long time.”

She pulled the drawer open further, revealing several similar items.

Looking at those objects, Xu Zhaoyi suddenly felt a pang of sadness. What exactly had Jiang Yao gone through to make carrying these things a habit?

“Jiang Yao,” she whispered, “did you… used to be in danger often?”

Jiang Yao hesitated for a moment before closing the drawer. “Not necessarily ‘often.’ I’ve just… grown used to it.”

She paused. “In the Jiang family, there is no one you can fully trust. So, you have to learn to protect yourself.”

She spoke calmly, but Xu Zhaoyi could hear the bitterness underneath.

She thought back to the things Jiang Yao had told her. An illegitimate daughter. Unrecognized. Looked down upon. Growing up in such an environment, it was no wonder she had learned to stay on guard at all times.

“From now on…” Xu Zhaoyi suddenly said, “From now on, you don’t have to be on guard alone. I’ll help you.”

Jiang Yao turned her head and looked at her, a strange emotion flashing in her eyes.

“Zhaozhao,” she said softly, “why are you being so good to me?”

The question caught Xu Zhaoyi off guard.

Why was she being good to Jiang Yao?

Was it because she pitied her? Was it sympathy for Jiang Yao’s past? Or was it… something else?

She didn’t know. She just didn’t want to see Jiang Yao facing those dangers alone. She didn’t want to see her carrying such a heavy burden by herself.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I just… don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Jiang Yao stared at her for a long time, then smiled. It was a gentle smile, but her eyes were slightly red.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice as light as a breeze.

Saturday afternoon, Jiang Yao began preparing for the evening party.

She chose a black floor-length gown for herself. The style was simple, but the cut was flawless, accentuating her figure and elegant aura. She swept her hair into a low bun, secured by a single pearl hairpin. With light makeup and mauve-colored lipstick, she looked stunning, yet Xu Zhaoyi felt there was something sharp hidden beneath her beauty.

Xu Zhaoyi changed into her champagne-colored dress. Jiang Yao helped her with her hair and makeup. Then, the two stood before the mirror, looking at one another.

“So beautiful,” Jiang Yao said.

Looking at Jiang Yao in the reflection, Xu Zhaoyi felt a sudden impulse. She reached out and gave Jiang Yao a light hug.

“You have to be careful,” she said.

Jiang Yao’s body stiffened for a moment before she gently patted Xu Zhaoyi’s back. “I will. You too.”

Xu Jiancheng was already waiting downstairs. Seeing them come down, he nodded. “Not bad, very beautiful. Let’s go, it’s about time.”

The three of them headed out and got into the car. On the way to the party, no one spoke. Xu Zhaoyi gripped the small pouch in her hand, her palms sweating slightly. She watched the streetscape flash by, mentally rehearsing everything Jiang Yao had taught her.

Pepper spray, stun gun. Stay calm when in danger. Move fast.

They arrived at the hotel shortly. The entrance was lined with luxury cars, and people in formal wear were heading inside in small groups. The hotel lobby was brilliantly lit and luxuriously decorated. Xu Zhaoyi followed Jiang Yao and her father inside, her ears strained to catch every sound.

“President Xu.” Someone walked over to greet them. It was Director Zhao, a pleasant looking middle-aged man.

“Director Zhao, congratulations,” Xu Jiancheng said with a smile as they shook hands.

“Thank you, thank you.” Director Zhao looked at Jiang Yao and Xu Zhaoyi. “And these two are…”

“This is my daughter, Zhaozhao. And this is my wife, Xiao Yao.”

“Mrs. Xu is truly beautiful, as is Miss Xu,” Director Zhao said with a smile. “Please, come in, come in.”

They entered the banquet hall. It was already crowded, a blend of music, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. Xu Zhaoyi stayed close to Jiang Yao, her eyes warily scanning the room. Jiang Yao appeared natural, wearing a faint smile and greeting those around her. Her bag, the one containing the self-defense tools was looped over her wrist. Xu Zhaoyi knew that besides lipstick and powder, it held everything she might need.

Time ticked by. Halfway through the party, Xu Jiancheng went off to chat with some business partners. Jiang Yao led Xu Zhaoyi to a relatively quiet corner.

“Zhaozhao,” she whispered, “I need to step away for a bit. Wait here for your father. Don’t wander off, and don’t leave with anyone. Understand?”

Xu Zhaoyi nodded. “I understand. How long will you be?”

“Not long,” Jiang Yao said. “About twenty minutes. If I’m not back after half an hour, call your father and have him take you home.” She paused. “And remember what I taught you. Just in case…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, but Xu Zhaoyi understood. She would be careful.

Jiang Yao gave her one last look, then turned and disappeared into the crowd. Xu Zhaoyi’s heart began to race again. She found a corner seat and sat with a glass of juice, pretending to wait for someone while her eyes remained fixed on the direction Jiang Yao had gone.

Minutes passed. Ten minutes. Fifteen. Twenty.

Jiang Yao still hadn’t returned. Xu Zhaoyi was getting restless. She pulled out her phone, wanting to message Jiang Yao, but remembered Jiang Yao’s instruction to call her father if she didn’t return. But it had only been twenty minutes, was it too early?

Just as she was hesitating, someone sat down next to her.

“All alone?”

Xu Zhaoyi turned. It was a young man in his twenties, holding a wine glass and looking at her with a smirk.

“I’m waiting for someone,” she said curtly.

“Waiting for who? A boyfriend?” the man continued to pry.

“A friend.” Xu Zhaoyi didn’t want to say more and stood up to leave.

But the man stood up as well, blocking her path. “Don’t be in such a rush. Let’s chat. I am…”

Before he could finish, someone walked over from the side and grabbed Xu Zhaoyi’s hand.

“Zhaozhao, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

It was Jiang Yao. She was back. Xu Zhaoyi’s heart finally settled back into her chest.

“Where did you go?” she whispered.

“Handled a few things.” Jiang Yao gave the man a tight smile. “Excuse us, we’re leaving.”

With that, she pulled Xu Zhaoyi toward the exit. As they reached the doors of the banquet hall, Xu Zhaoyi noticed that Jiang Yao’s face was somewhat pale. Her hand was also cold.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Zhaoyi asked.

“Nothing,” Jiang Yao said. “I’m just a bit tired. Let’s find your father and go home.”

When they found Xu Jiancheng, he was still engrossed in conversation. Hearing they wanted to leave early, he looked displeased. “What’s the rush? It’s still early.”

“Zhaozhao isn’t feeling well and wants to go back and rest,” Jiang Yao said smoothly. “Jiancheng, you stay. I’ll just drive her back.”

“Alright then,” Xu Jiancheng nodded. “Be careful on the road.”

Jiang Yao led Xu Zhaoyi out of the hotel and into the car. It wasn’t until they had been driving for a while that Xu Zhaoyi noticed Jiang Yao’s hands were shaking slightly as she gripped the steering wheel.

Jiang Yao took a deep breath, but her tone remained unnervingly calm.

“Zhaozhao,” she suddenly spoke up, “if something happens to me in the future, do you know where the evidence is hidden?”

Xu Zhaoyi’s heart sank instantly.