The Eldest Lady always wants to have a double O Relationship with her old enemy - Chapter 50
After Fang Xing passed away, her parents began spreading rumors within their small social circle about Fang Xing’s relationship with Jiang Lan, using it for their own gain. Jiang Lan was not unaware of this; even when Fang Xing was still alive, she knew about it. All along, she had simply turned a blind eye.
But people’s greed knows no bounds. The small benefits they had were not enough to satisfy their overwhelming ambitions. In a reckless move, they tried to manipulate the media to make the public believe that Fang Xing’s death was entirely Jiang Lan’s doing.
Unfortunately for them, their actions were like an ant trying to shake a tree. Before any public opinion could stir, official documents had already arrived at their house.
Jiang Lan went along with the police, accompanied by Ye Tao and Shen Jianxi.
While sorting through Fang Xing’s belongings, she found a diary but didn’t have time to read it at the moment.
On the day of the memorial, large, goose-feather-like snow fell under a gloomy sky. Everyone wore black and stood before the tombstone.
Jiang Lan held the white diary tightly in her hands. Against the dark clothing, the diary stood out like a white dove trying to escape a black prison—one that could not be freed even in death.
Shen Jianxi and Ye Tao stood quietly at a distance, waiting.
“Fang Xing’s injury wasn’t an accident,” Ye Tao suddenly said.
Shen Jianxi turned sharply, “What?”
“Fang Xing’s health had always been fragile because of her parents. They ignored her, leaving her to endure her illnesses alone. She needed protection. In Rongqing, the Shen and Jiang families were top-tier wealthy families. Jiang Lan was naive and kindhearted, also a school athlete, while Fang Xing was essentially an omega. So Jiang Lan naturally became Fang Xing’s target for connection. And she succeeded, because she could be ruthless, even to herself.”
Shen Jianxi gritted her teeth and let out a quiet sigh. “Did she like Jiang Lan?”
Ye Tao’s expression remained neutral. “I don’t know.”
“And you?” Shen Jianxi looked at Ye Tao.
Ye Tao knew exactly what she was asking. She laughed softly, “You noticed?”
“After Fang Xing and Jiang Lan’s relationship changed, your attitude toward Jiang Lan changed too. Before, you teased each other, bickered, never taking things to heart. But later, you didn’t argue anymore. Jiang Lan smiled and joked with you, and you were just silent, rolling your eyes less and less. So you think I wouldn’t notice?” Shen Jianxi pressed her lips together.
“Yes. I like her,” Ye Tao admitted, resigned.
“Now Jiang Lan is alone. You have a chance, Taozi.”
Ye Tao shook her head. “No, she doesn’t like me.”
“But after so many years of friendship, if you try, she will surely notice.”
“I can’t be her first choice. I’d rather stay at the starting line and never move forward,” Ye Tao’s words were tinged with sadness. “Jiang Lan loves Fang Xing. Whether Fang Xing loved her or not, that place is now occupied by no one. Shen Jianxi, you should understand. I cannot become her lover, at least for now. So it’s better to bury this secret and stay in the position of a friend. I wish her happiness.”
“Don’t you regret it?”
Ye Tao shook her head. “I’ve never had it, so what’s there to regret? If I took a step forward and lost the position of a friend, that would be regret.”
The snow soaked their clothes as everyone prepared to leave the cemetery.
Shen Jianxi immediately spotted a familiar tall figure at the gate, her eyes lighting up as her feet moved quickly.
Tang Yanzhao ran toward her, frowning, her heart rising with each step Shen Jianxi took.
Shen Jianxi safely leapt into her arms, making Tang Yanzhao’s back press directly against their parked car.
Tang Yanzhao’s heart pounded as she bit her tongue, tasting blood before stopping.
Shen Jianxi panted slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were back?”
Tang Yanzhao pressed her shoulders gently, trying to push her away. Shen Jianxi didn’t budge, and in her intense gaze, Tang Yanzhao’s mind heard a small voice saying: “She’s fine now, so just take a secret hug. Haven’t you longed for this in every midnight dream?”
Seeing Tang Yanzhao silent, Shen Jianxi hugged her waist and shook her playfully. “Why aren’t you speaking?”
“Miss Hua yan said there were some school procedures to handle, so I came back to deal with them.”
Shen Jianxi looked displeased at this answer, narrowing her eyes dangerously.
Ye Tao and Jiang Lan approached soon after. Tang Yanzhao could no longer linger in warmth, a slight awkwardness crossing her face as she pushed Shen Jianxi away.
Shen Jianxi naturally tried to take Tang Yanzhao’s hand, but Tang Yanzhao pretended not to notice, using that hand to hold her phone instead.
Shen Jianxi noticed this subtle gesture. Her brows drew together, but since they were still at the cemetery, she restrained herself and said, “Tang Yanzhao, we’ll head back first. Taozi, watch over Jiang Lan.”
“Okay, bye,” Ye Tao replied.
After saying goodbye, Shen Jianxi pulled Tang Yanzhao toward the car. She suppressed her anger. “Tang Yanzhao, what do you mean?”
“What?” Tang Yanzhao feigned ignorance.
“You were busy with experiments, I know. I didn’t disturb you, and I waited patiently for your reply. But now, you finally come back, and I want to hold your hand, and you dodge?”
Tang Yanzhao swallowed and explained, “No, Miss Hua yan called. I wanted to check the message and wasn’t paying attention.”
Sure enough, her phone rang immediately, showing a call from Hua yan. Shen Jianxi could hear every word clearly in the quiet car.
“When will you come?”
“Are the files ready? I’ll be there soon.”
“Oh, right. You’re not coming now. Don’t be late getting off work.”
After hanging up, Tang Yanzhao looked at Shen Jianxi. “I’ll go first.”
Shen Jianxi’s cheeks flushed. “Where?”
“School.”
“Good.” Shen Jianxi told the driver to change the destination.
She wanted to go with her, but Tang Yanzhao refused. “Miss Hua yan will take me. It’s late. You can send me a birthday message at midnight if you’re still awake. I’ll see it and call back, okay?”
She knew exactly what Shen Jianxi wanted and understood how to handle her.
Shen Jianxi agreed. “Okay, go ahead.”
The words left uncertainty about whether Tang Yanzhao would actually return.
Tang Yanzhao left the car, following Hua yan’s guidance to the office, where thick files and documents were laid out before her.
Hua yan sat on a single sofa, smiling at her. “Long time no see, Yanzhao.”
Tang Yanzhao expressionlessly sat across from her. “What’s this about?”
“Of course, I arranged people to follow Shen Jianxi secretly, waiting for the right moment to investigate the Shen family and seize every opportunity. Once the timing was right, I could strike at the Shen family’s weaknesses and ultimately dominate their mainland market. Naturally, all of Ji’s assets would fall into my hands.” Hua yan’s eyes flickered with a playful smile. “Coincidentally, Fang Xing had an accident, my people reported it, letting you know in time to provide care and companionship.”
Tang Yanzhao’s expression remained unchanged throughout.
“It’s late,” she hinted, clearly not believing Huayan’s words.
Hua yan scoffed. “How boring. Yanzhao, can’t you just play along for once?”
Tang Yanzhao remained unmoved.
Hua yan slowly revealed the truth: “At that time, the events in Australia caused the Jiang and Shen families to grow discontented with the Ji family. I proposed cooperation to take advantage of the situation. On one hand, it was revenge for you all, on the other, it helped me secure the Ji family and expand my business. The cooperation went smoothly, especially with the Shen family. Thanks to your relationship with Shen Jianxi, Shen Xiaoyin was particularly pleased. Even half of your bodyguards were trained by my people. So when Fang Xing had an accident and Shen Jianxi rushed to the hospital, I got the first-hand news and passed it to you.”
Tang Yanzhao hadn’t expected all these events to connect in this way. But she wasn’t concerned—her focus was on any potential threat to Shen Jianxi.
Hua yan raised her eyebrows. “You’ve probably heard the news. The Ji family’s schemes were exposed. Ji Cong escaped abroad, Ji Chen is behind bars.”
Tang Yanzhao, cold and indifferent, had occasionally seen the news. This event occurred around the time Fang Xing’s accident happened.
Though puzzled, she had no reason to care deeply—at most, she remained indifferent.
“Are you planning to be with Shen Jianxi now?” Hua yan asked.
Tang Yanzhao answered immediately, “No.”
She paused for two seconds before continuing, “I won’t be with her.”