The Real Heiress Just Wants to Be a Lazy Fish - Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Protection

A few days after the assassin incident, certain people with hidden agendas finally caught wind of the news. Whether they were truly concerned or just following decorum, Jiang Zitan received many condolences over the past two days some sincere, others mere facade.

Perhaps more ironic was that most of the insincerity came from the Jiang family elders who had watched her grow up. Some were even so frustrated to hear she was unharmed that they slapped their thighs in private, grumbling about why that “madman” was so useless.

It was well known that the stance of Jiang Hong, the current patriarch of the Jiang family, was very clear: as long as Jiang Zitan was around, the heir to the Jiang Group would undoubtedly be from the eldest son’s branch. How could the others be resigned to that?

Since the perpetrator this time was a Deviant Demon in human skin, and the human it possessed had indeed died of a terminal illness several days prior, this truth could not be made public. Consequently, the truth known to the general public had been modified by the Special Affairs Bureau.

Xiao Ran only heard later that on the very night she had sent the message, her best friend had been targeted by the fugitive killer. The police had caught the man right at her doorstep. If he had managed to break in, the consequences would have been unthinkable!

She let out a cold breath. After finishing a new business discussion with the Jiang Group, Xiao Ran went to Jiang Zitan’s office to check on her friend.

“I really am a jinx,” Xiao Ran said, slightly annoyed, as she lightly tapped her own rosy lips. “Whatever I say happens. Thank goodness you’re alright.”

“I should thank you for sending that message. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have immediately associated the man I saw through the peephole with the killer,” Jiang Zitan replied.

At that moment, her secretary brought in two cups of coffee. Hearing the conversation between President Jiang and Miss Xiao, she added, “When I received the news, my legs went weak from fear. Fortunately, the police arrived in time, so nothing happened.”

“It really has been a turbulent period lately; so many messy things all happening at once. President Jiang, aren’t you going to Rong City on a business trip in half a month? I know a temple there where the incense is particularly prosperous. Why don’t you go and offer a prayer to drive away the bad luck?” Secretary Fang knew more than Xiao Ran about what Jiang Zitan had experienced recently. Even she felt the urge to advise the President to seek divine protection.

“You believe in that too, Secretary Fang?” Xiao Ran raised an eyebrow.

“I’m alright myself, but the elders at home believe in it quite a bit. Lately, President Jiang… has always encountered bad things. I thought offering a prayer wouldn’t hurt.” After all, when faced with things beyond human control, one can only place hope in the ethereal.

Xiao Ran thought about the string of bad luck Jiang Zitan had faced and fell into a rare silence.

“Secretary Fang, is that place you mentioned very effective?”

“The elders say it is, but I’m not sure. However…” Secretary Fang hesitated, her words trailing off.

At this, even Jiang Zitan cast a curious look. Secretary Fang decided to share a childhood story. “The temple I’m talking about is in my hometown. It’s not a large temple, but my grandmother told me that when I was little, I ran around on the mountain and saw something that scared me. I had a high fever for several days and almost turned into an idiot. Later, she carried me to that temple to see an old monk. That very night after returning home, I was able to eat.”

“The old folks make it sound miraculous. I don’t know how much truth there is to it.”

Xiao Ran’s heart stirred. “Can one pray for marriage there?”

Secretary Fang paused, recalling for a moment. “I think they do have marriage prayers.”

Hearing the affirmative answer, Xiao Ran’s expression instantly brightened.

“Jiang Jiang, go! Go! It won’t hurt to pray! I’ll go with you!” Xiao Ran was clearly moved by the mention of marriage prayers.

“We’ll see when the time comes. If I have time, I’ll accompany you.” Jiang Zitan looked through the documents beside her and realized an important contract was missing. She thought for a moment; she must have forgotten to bring it from home.

“Which document are you looking for?” Secretary Fang had worked with Jiang Zitan for years and was very good at reading her boss’s mind.

“The contract with President Zhang is at home.” This contract was needed for the afternoon.

“I’ll go get it right away.” Secretary Fang was about to head to her car, but Jiang Zitan stopped her.

“Tongtong probably hasn’t left yet. I’ll ask her to bring it over.” Jiang Zitan called Tao Yitong.

Secretary Fang nodded. she had almost forgotten that Miss Tao would be coming by at noon.

“Tao Yitong? She’s coming over?”

“Yes, Miss Tao brings lunch for President Jiang every day now,” Secretary Fang replied with a smile.

Tao Yitong was the true heiress of the Jiang Group, but she didn’t have the bad tempers of the other Jiang family sons and daughters. She was kind-hearted, beautiful, and had a magical canvas bag like Doraemon’s, seemingly filled with an endless supply of snacks to share with the employees.

Most importantly, President Jiang’s attitude toward Miss Tao wasn’t just favoritism; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it doting. As the President’s secretary, she naturally aligned her attitude with her superior’s.

Hoh, she even has a sister delivering meals. Jiang Zitan is living a good life, Xiao Ran thought with a hint of envy. Come to think of it, aside from photos, she hadn’t met Miss Tao yet. Aside from the “bad omen” rumors and the string of bad luck Jiang Zitan had faced—which gave her an inexplicable sense of “awe” toward Tao Yitong she felt the girl should be quite easy to get along with.

Moreover, she was reportedly a girl with a very good personality who knew how to act spoiled. Once, when Jiang Zitan was on the phone with her, she accidentally hit the speakerphone button. Xiao Ran hadn’t heard much, but she heard that “Sister” that could practically melt one’s bones. Truly, if an ex-girlfriend called her that, she’d give her life for it.

Look at Jiang Zitan, this normally cold and aloof woman, smiling as if she’d eaten candy. They weren’t even a couple. Envious… Xiao Ran sighed.

However, before Tao Yitong arrived, an uninvited guest appeared in Jiang Zitan’s office.

When Tao Yitong arrived at the Jiang Group building, she received a message. She was carrying an insulated lunch box in one hand and a canvas bag with the documents in the other, making it a bit difficult to handle her phone.

She checked the message from Jiang Zitan, which told her to wait downstairs for a moment as she had some business to attend to.

In the past few days, Tao Yitong had become friendly with the reception staff. With a little inquiry, she knew exactly who was causing trouble for Jiang Zitan. After all, such scenes had occurred every few days since Jiang Zitan’s background was revealed; the employees were used to it.

After hearing from the receptionist that Zhao Zhengzhi Zhao Jinhui’s half-brother, and thus Tao Yitong’s biological uncle had gone up looking like he was looking for a fight, Tao Yitong exited the message page. She put her phone in her pocket, acted as if she knew nothing, and headed straight for Jiang Zitan’s office.

Jiang Zitan had high morals and manners, while Zhao Zhengzhi was a spoiled, good-for-nothing rogue. Tao Yitong was worried her “meal ticket” would be bullied.

Knock, knock, knock!

Just as the atmosphere in the office was exceptionally stagnant, a knock broke the silence.

Jiang Zitan cast a cold glance at her uncle sitting on the sofa and said, “Come in.”

She thought it was her secretary, but she didn’t expect the first thing to pop in was Tao Yitong’s innocent and pure face.

Did Tongtong not receive my message?

“Aiyo, isn’t this my biological niece?” The man from the Zhao family instantly changed his face, putting on a warm expression and emphasizing the word “biological.”

“Truly, shamelessness is invincible…” Xiao Ran muttered under her breath.

Tao Yitong entered carrying her bags, skillfully dodging Zhao Zhengzhi’s approach as he tried to get close.

“Sister, time to eat.” Tao Yitong placed the insulated lunch box on Jiang Zitan’s desk.

Xiao Ran’s eyes went wide the moment she saw the dolphin felt charm on Tao Yitong’s canvas bag. For a moment, she forgot to continue snapping back at the Zhao man.

Indeed, she grew up outside…

A flash of malice crossed Zhao Zhengzhi’s eyes. The Jiang family was vast and wealthy, but it didn’t belong to his Zhao family. If he wanted to get a finger in the pie, he had to use this daughter of his sister’s. If it weren’t for the need to use Tao Yitong, he wouldn’t be putting on a fake smile.

What a pity that Jiang Zitan was unharmed a few days ago…

“Niece… Yitong, you’ve been back for a while now. You can’t just stay at home all day. Someone has to inherit the vast Jiang family business. How about letting your sister arrange a position for you in the company to learn the ropes?” Zhao Zhengzhi glanced pointedly at Jiang Zitan. “You are Brother-in-law’s biological daughter; entering the company is only natural.

Some people shouldn’t forget who raised them. If you have any shame, hand over the things belonging to your adoptive parents’ biological daughter.”

Jiang Zitan ignored his barking, but when he mentioned that she was occupying things that belonged to Tongtong, a flicker of trepidation rose in her heart. She was afraid Tao Yitong would take those words to heart.

Fortunately, her sister soon took her hand, giving her silent support.

“Pah! You think everyone else is a fool and doesn’t know what you’re up to?” Xiao Ran had snapped out of it and continued to scold him. “You’re nothing but a blood-sucking leech clinging to the Jiang family. I remember you were the one who ran the fastest when Old Master Jiang Hong had his accident years ago. If it weren’t for Jiang Zitan turning things around, you think you’d be sitting here looking like a human today?!”

Zhao Zhengzhi’s face became distorted. Xiao Ran had hit a sore spot. Because every word she said was true, he reacted like his tail had been stepped on, shouting loudly to bolster his presence.

Even outside the office, passing employees could hear Zhao Zhengzhi’s sudden roar. Many were startled.

Tao Yitong was as well, but her “frightened” reaction was even more intense.

Zhao Zhengzhi’s words were nasty, and he had been sarcastically belittling Jiang Zitan since the moment he arrived. If it were the old Tao Yitong, she would have dragged him to a place without cameras and given him two solid punches. Now… it seemed she could still do that?

Jiang Zitan noticed Tao Yitong’s strong reaction and hurriedly asked what was wrong.

“It’s nothing… it’s just that I was almost bitten by a dog in the village when I was little, so I get a bit scared whenever I hear a similar noise.” Tao Yitong looked like a frightened little rabbit. Her voice was small, but she ensured everyone in the office could hear it.

Xiao Ran: “Pfft!”

Sorry, she didn’t mean to laugh.

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