9:30 in the morning, at Songhe Sanatorium.
Nurse Xiao Chen carried today's breakfast toward the room where Old Madam Ji was staying. Just as she was about to pass through the corridor, she suddenly heard a series of sharp tapping sounds behind her.
When Xiao Chen turned around, she saw a familiar figure walking in this direction.
It was a woman with a slender, tall frame. She wore a simple white shirt and tailored suit trousers. The sleeves of the shirt were casually rolled up, revealing a section of forearm as smooth as jade, and a watch rested around her wrist.
The woman walked quickly, her expression cold and distant. The sound of her high heels striking the floor inexplicably tightened Xiao Chen's chest. It was only when the woman was nearly in front of her that Xiao Chen finally reacted.
"President Ji?"
Ji Xu'an gave a slight nod, her gaze falling on the tray in Xiao Chen's hands. "Grandmother hasn't had breakfast yet?"
Afraid she might think she was being negligent, Xiao Chen hurriedly explained, "Old Madam didn't sleep very well last night, and she woke up a bit later this morning."
Ji Xu'an said nothing. She extended her hand toward Xiao Chen. "Give it to me."
Xiao Chen guessed she had something to say to Old Madam; otherwise, given how busy Ji Xu'an was, she would never come to the sanatorium at this hour.
She handed the tray over. Only after Ji Xu'an carried it into the bedroom did Xiao Chen press a hand to her chest and let out a long breath.
President Ji was not difficult to get along with, but the cold aura surrounding her was truly intimidating. Xiao Chen did not even dare raise her head much in front of her. She always felt that Ji Xu'an's deep black phoenix eyes could see through everything—probably no one could play tricks in front of President Ji.
But then again, was President Ji coming at this time related to Old Madam's recent sleeplessness?
While Xiao Chen stood outside trying to steady her nerves, the atmosphere inside the room was not exactly warm either.
At first, Old Madam Ji thought it was Xiao Chen who had entered, and the corners of her lips were still lifted in a smile. But when she turned her head and saw Ji Xu'an's cold and beautiful face, she immediately withdrew her smile and gave a heavy snort.
Ji Xu'an calmly set down the tray, then bent to prop up the small table beside the bed. After finishing all this, she sat down in the chair nearby.
As she arranged the bowls and dishes, she spoke softly, "Xiao Chen said you didn't sleep very well last night, Grandmother."
Old Madam Ji had a very kind appearance. She was born with a face that seemed to carry the warmth of a spring breeze, and her tone was gentle as well. So even when she tried her best to put on a stern expression, she could not appear the slightest bit fierce.
She turned her head away, refusing to look at Ji Xu'an. "Nonsense! I slept just fine."
The fatigue in Ji Xu'an's heart dissipated somewhat at her grandmother's feigned severity. She took in every little movement of Old Madam Ji secretly glancing at her. When her gaze fell upon the undisguised weariness on her grandmother's face, she could not help but sigh softly.
"Eat first."
Old Madam Ji had thought Ji Xu'an was frightened by her cold expression and was just about to raise her chin to "lecture" her. The words had already reached her lips, but Ji Xu'an lightly blocked them back. Her expression instantly became somewhat awkward.
She peeked at Ji Xu'an from the corner of her eye and found that her granddaughter's expression was no longer as resistant and impatient as it had been in the past few days. Only then did she relax slightly and quietly enjoy her meal.
After breakfast was finished, Ji Xu'an seized the moment to hand over a tissue. As usual, she did not give Old Madam Ji the chance to speak, but instead said calmly, "I've already arranged for someone to pick up Xie Xiao at the station."
Upon hearing this, the breath Old Madam Ji had been holding in her chest instantly dissipated, and the deliberate coldness on her face turned into deep guilt.
"Xu'an, I know you resent me for arranging this engagement for you without your consent."
As she said this, Old Madam Ji also felt somewhat guilty. Anyone in this situation would be dissatisfied, let alone someone like Ji Xu'an, who had a strong desire for control and could not tolerate being arranged by others.
But she truly had no choice. Ji Xu'an and Xie Xiao were destined for each other; they were fated to be together. Otherwise, both of them would grow old alone.
These words had been spoken personally by Xie Xiao's grandmother. Old Madam Ji could not disbelieve them.
She and Grandma Xie had grown up together. Although they had not met frequently over the years, they had always kept in contact. No one understood Grandma Xie's abilities better than Old Madam Ji.
Since childhood, Grandma Xie had been able to see things others could not. Later, she studied under an old Daoist priest for several years and became particularly skilled at reading physiognomy. She had never miscalculated.
She once cast a divination for Old Madam Ji, and it later came true. Thus, Old Madam Ji firmly believed in her abilities.
Two months ago, Grandma Xie was critically ill. Before she passed away, she made one final phone call to Old Madam Ji and settled this marriage arrangement.
Old Madam Ji knew Ji Xu'an had never believed in such things. A week ago, when she nervously brought up the matter, Ji Xu'an had sneered on the spot, thrown out the word "absurd," and walked away without looking back.
Afterward, Old Madam Ji called her several times, but Ji Xu'an never relented—until today, when Ji Xu'an came to the sanatorium of her own accord.
Thinking of this, Old Madam Ji kept stealing glances at Ji Xu'an, hoping to glimpse her true thoughts from her face. Unfortunately, Ji Xu'an remained cold and expressionless. Seeing nothing, she could only give up.
Clearing her throat, she persuaded gently, "I know you don't believe in this, but I've seen it with my own eyes. Xunchun truly has some ability. Besides, Xie Xiao was raised by her. Would she harm her own granddaughter?"
Fang Xunchun was Grandma Xie's name.
Ji Xu'an let out a dismissive cold laugh. "Do you think marrying her granddaughter into a wealthy family, ensuring she never worries about food or clothing for the rest of her life, counts as harming her?"
The schemes of that grandmother and granddaughter were practically written across their faces. Ji Xu'an did not believe a single word about "growing old alone."
Besides, even if she did grow old alone, so what? She had no interest in love and romance anyway. Rather than waste time on that, she would rather negotiate a few more business deals.
Old Madam Ji choked on her words. After a moment, she said, "There are always people in this world who aren't interested in money."
Seeing Ji Xu'an about to refute her again, Old Madam Ji hurriedly raised a hand to press at her temples, putting on a look as though she had a splitting headache.
Seeing this, Ji Xu'an swallowed the sarcastic words that had risen to her lips, her face still cold.
Old Madam Ji silently breathed a sigh of relief and then explained in a low voice, "If Xunchun only wanted to entrust her granddaughter to someone, she would have sent Xiao Xiao here two months ago. During that phone call, she repeatedly instructed me to wait two more months. Only when the time was right could you and Xiao Xiao meet."
As for what "the right time" meant, Old Madam Ji had asked, but Fang Xunchun had merely let out a long sigh and said nothing.
Hearing this, Ji Xu'an felt even more mockery in her heart.
Of course. If Fang Xunchun had just died and Xie Xiao immediately entered the Ji family's household, wouldn't their intentions have been glaringly obvious?
Ji Xu'an remained silent. Old Madam Ji grew increasingly uneasy. "I didn't agree blindly. I've already investigated. Xie Xiao is a filial and obedient good child."
Ji Xu'an said nothing. Unable to read her thoughts, Old Madam Ji could only brace herself and continue persuading, "Of course, you haven't even met. I know it would be too rash to have you marry just like this."
"So I was thinking—why not spend some time together first? If it truly doesn't work out, then let it go."
Old Madam Ji fully understood Ji Xu'an's unwillingness, but she was genuinely frightened by Grandma Xie's words. She feared her granddaughter would truly end up alone in old age.
So no matter how absurd the proposal sounded, she had to try.
However, she did not dare press too hard. Ji Xu'an had never been someone who could be threatened.
Since Old Madam Ji was willing to compromise, Ji Xu'an achieved her goal. Her expression finally softened slightly. She gave a quiet hum of agreement.
"Half a year. Is that enough?"
Half a year was the most she could tolerate.
Old Madam Ji nodded repeatedly. "Enough, enough."
With a heavy matter settled, Old Madam Ji relaxed completely. After chatting a while longer with Ji Xu'an, she let her leave.
Before turning away, Ji Xu'an still wore a faint smile. But once she stepped out of the bedroom, her face immediately turned cold.
Grow old alone?
Only Old Madam Ji would believe such nonsense. Ji Xu'an was more inclined to believe that Xie Xiao's grandmother feared that after her death, no one would take care of her granddaughter, so she deliberately found a sucker.
After all, according to Ji Xu'an's investigation, the Xie family's financial condition was very average. The inheritance Grandma Xie left Xie Xiao would not exceed three hundred thousand.
She chose such a ridiculous excuse to deceive Grandmother—did she truly think everyone in the Ji family was a fool?
Ji Xu'an knew her grandmother was stubborn and extremely superstitious. She had likely already treated that old swindler's words as an imperial edict.
Blind resistance was useless. So Ji Xu'an retreated in order to advance, successfully turning the engagement into "trying things out for a period of time."
She had inexplicably gained a fiancée. Knowing the other party was a fraud, yet forced to cooperate, Ji Xu'an's mood was terrible. She even harbored malice toward the fiancée she had yet to meet.
A little swindler taught by an old swindler would eventually reveal her flaws. Half a year was enough for her to let Grandmother see Xie Xiao's true face clearly.
Whether this marriage would succeed or not would be decided solely by her, Ji Xu'an.
—
When Jiang Jiang got off the train, her head was still spinning. Her legs felt as soft as noodles as she blankly followed the crowd forward.
Xie Xiao had said someone would pick her up at the station and told her to pay attention to the people around her. But Jiang Jiang was still unaccustomed to this environment; everything she saw was unfamiliar.
It could not be helped. She was not originally from this era at all.
Ten days ago, Jiang Jiang had inexplicably arrived in this world. Before that, she had been the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhen's household, Xie Jiang Jiang. Now, she was Xie Xiao—an orphan whose parents were both deceased, and whose only remaining family, her grandmother, had also passed away two months ago.
Jiang Jiang stumbled as she adapted to this strange world. Fortunately amid misfortune, the white jade Linglong Mirror she had carried with her since childhood had followed her here as well. Through this mirror, Jiang Jiang could speak with Xie Xiao, who had gone to another spacetime.
Xie Xiao said this was called a "video call." Jiang Jiang did not quite understand.
After getting off the train, Jiang Jiang got lost in the vast high-speed rail station. She stood there blankly for a moment before deciding to report her safety to Xie Xiao first.
Summoning her courage, she asked a kind passerby for directions to the restroom. After observing carefully, Jiang Jiang chose a stall in the corner.
She first locked the door cautiously, then carefully took the white jade Linglong Mirror out of her bag. With her index finger, she lightly tapped the mirror's surface twice and said "hello, hello" twice. Then she opened her round, bright almond-shaped eyes wide and stared unblinkingly at the mirror, obediently waiting for Xie Xiao to "answer the call."
That term was also taught to her by Xie Xiao.
A few breaths later, a gentle white light suddenly lit up on the mirror's surface. The previously empty mirror revealed another figure—it was Xie Xiao in another spacetime.
She wore a wide-sleeved flowing fairy dress, and in her hair was a twisted gold butterfly hairpin, dressed exactly as Jiang Jiang used to be.
Seeing this, Jiang Jiang's expression became momentarily dazed. But she quickly regained her senses and softly said, "Xiao Xiao, I've arrived safely at the station."
Xie Xiao leaned closer to the mirror. On the face identical to Jiang Jiang's was written full concern.
"Are you in the restroom?"
Jiang Jiang nodded, her cheeks slightly red.
In the past, she would never have dared imagine that one day she would chat with someone in a washroom.
Though they had only known each other for a few days, Xie Xiao already knew Jiang Jiang's shy nature and did not linger on the topic. "Have you seen anyone from the Ji family?"
Jiang Jiang felt embarrassed. Even though Xie Xiao had already told her how to go, she still got lost in the station.
"I wanted to tell you first so you wouldn't worry," Jiang Jiang said, imitating Xie Xiao by leaning her face closer to the mirror, her voice soft. "After I go out, I'll ask someone again."
Xie Xiao nodded. "Alright."
Looking at Jiang Jiang's pale face that still carried a trace of youthful softness, her thoughts grew extremely complicated. As she spoke, tears began to fall again.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this, Jiang Jiang. It's my fault."
If they had not swapped identities, Jiang Jiang would not have to suffer like this. She had originally been an unattainable noble lady of an aristocratic family, with a Duke father of high rank, a dignified and wealthy Princess mother, and even the Crown Princess—deeply favored by the Emperor—was her fiancée.
Her life should have been smooth sailing, enjoying blessings for a lifetime, not bearing the identity of an orphan and living dependent on others.
Anyone could imagine that Ji Xu'an, who had suddenly gained a fiancée out of nowhere, would not give her a pleasant face.
The more Xie Xiao thought about how she had taken Jiang Jiang's identity, enjoyed the wealthy life that should have belonged to Jiang Jiang, and left behind a mess for her to deal with, the more ashamed and heartbroken she felt.
Jiang Jiang pressed her lips together upon hearing this and looked earnestly at the girl across from her. "Xiao Xiao, don't cry."
She paused. "I don't feel wronged."
Leaving the world she had lived in for over a decade—it would be impossible not to feel panicked. Jiang Jiang had been afraid. But this was not Xie Xiao's fault. Xie Xiao was also a victim.
Besides, Xie Xiao did not know that her relationship with her parents had never been as close as Xie Xiao's relationship with her grandmother.
Her father loved the concubine-born younger sister more. Her mother's attitude toward her had always been lukewarm. As for the Crown Princess fiancée, their marriage had been arranged by His Majesty, and the Crown Princess did not truly hold much affection for her.
She, the legitimate eldest daughter who had grown up outside the household and was only brought back to the Duke's residence at the age of ten—had she not also lived dependent on others?
Xie Xiao felt sorry for Jiang Jiang, but Jiang Jiang also felt apologetic, because while Xie Xiao enjoyed wealth and splendor, she also had to shoulder the heavy responsibility in her stead.
Perhaps for Xie Xiao, the current wealth before her eyes could never compare to the comfort and freedom she had when she was with her grandmother.
Unfortunately, Heaven had given them no chance to resist, forcibly exchanging their identities. Neither she nor Xie Xiao had any choice.
Watching Xie Xiao cry, Jiang Jiang's heart ached as well. For a time, neither of them spoke. Only faint sobbing echoed inside the restroom stall—
Startling Chu Yueqi, who had just walked in, so badly that she trembled all over.
A restroom. Crying. Wasn't this exactly the atmosphere of a horror movie?!
Chu Yueqi's face turned pale with fright. Only when she looked up and saw sunlight outside the window did her violently pounding heart slowly settle back into place.
It's fine, it's fine. Ghosts can't stand sunlight. It must be a person!
Chu Yueqi let out a long breath. "You scared me to death."
This sigh, still laced with fear, was caught by Jiang Jiang's keen ears. She instinctively hid the white jade Linglong Mirror against her chest, her cheeks tense as she listened to the movement outside.
The crying stopped.
Chu Yueqi also realized she had accidentally spoken her thoughts aloud. Somewhat embarrassed, she hesitated before saying, "Sorry for disturbing you. I think I heard you crying. Do you need help?"
Although the crying had sounded faint, she could tell the owner's voice was not very old—probably a young girl.
Hiding in a public restroom to cry—she must have encountered some difficulty.
Chu Yueqi's rare kindness stirred, and she decided to do a good deed for once.
Besides, she had carefully assessed the situation. Even if the other party were a bad person, she could handle it—after all, her two bodyguards were standing at the restroom entrance.
…
Jiang Jiang had not expected the person outside to initiate conversation. Unsure whether she was good or ill-intentioned, she did not immediately respond.
Xie Xiao had said that a girl who looked obedient and easy to bully like her could easily be targeted by traffickers when walking alone.
Thinking of this, Jiang Jiang first lowered her head to look at the white jade Linglong Mirror. Xie Xiao's figure had already disappeared from its surface. She had likely accidentally cut off the connection in her panic just now.
Jiang Jiang carefully put away the mirror and straightened her clothes. After confirming there was nothing improper, she opened the stall door and met Chu Yueqi's eyes.
She discreetly sized her up. Seeing that Chu Yueqi did not appear malicious, she silently let out a breath and said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, miss. I'm already fine."
She had not been crying, but her eyes had reddened as well. After the moisture faded, only a thin trace of red remained at the corners.
That faint wet redness fell into Chu Yueqi's eyes, and she only felt as though the girl before her had suffered some tremendous grievance.
Chu Yueqi did not notice Jiang Jiang addressing her as "miss." She looked at Jiang Jiang with undisguised interest in her gaze.
Although she had guessed the girl was not very old, she had not expected her to be this beautiful. Those distinct black-and-white almond eyes were round and large, complementing the soft flesh at her cheeks, making her face full of youthful softness—pure and innocent to the extreme.
So obedient!
That face struck directly at Chu Yueqi's aesthetic preferences, instantly raising her enthusiasm from two points to ten.
"Are you really okay? Do you need my help?" And could we maybe add each other as friends?
Jiang Jiang could sense she had no bad intentions, so she gave her a smile. "I'm really fine. Thank you."
When she smiled, shallow dimples appeared at her cheeks. For a brief moment, Chu Yueqi was truly bewitched.
She had not expected love at first sight to come so suddenly!
Not in a German castle filled with blooming roses, nor in a rain-dampened bluestone alley—but in an utterly ordinary high-speed rail station restroom.
Life was indeed full of surprises!
For example, ten minutes ago she had been irritated about being forced on a blind date with someone she did not like. How could she have imagined that within just ten minutes, she would meet someone who perfectly matched her aesthetic?
Chu Yueqi's eyes lit up. Seeing Jiang Jiang carrying only a large black bag and no other luggage, she felt a little regretful.
She had lost an opportunity to curry favor.
But she was not discouraged. Smiling brightly, she probed lightly, "Are you a high school student? Or a university student? Are you local? Or just visiting?"
Jiang Jiang showed a thoughtful expression. What was a high school student? And a university student?
Seeing her silence, Chu Yueqi thought she had frightened her and softened her tone. "I don't have any bad intentions. I just want to make a friend. If you don't believe me, I can show you my ID."
She took out her identification card and handed it to Jiang Jiang.
Jiang Jiang also had an ID card. Xie Xiao had taught her how to verify it. Seeing that the image matched Chu Yueqi exactly, she nodded. "I believe you."
As for whether she truly believed her—only she herself knew.
Chu Yueqi did not mind. What relationship did not begin as strangers?
"I've told you my name. Can you tell me yours?" She stared intently at Jiang Jiang's face.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Jiang Jiang said, "My name is Xie Jiang Jiang. Jiang, like ginger; and Jiang, like cardamom and longing—it is my courtesy name."
"Then I'll call you Jiang Jiang, okay?" Chu Yueqi's romantic brain was firing, thinking the name was so cute, though she was too embarrassed to say it aloud.
Jiang Jiang pressed her lips together in a small smile. "Okay."
As they spoke, someone else entered the restroom. Chu Yueqi stepped back naturally. "Jiang Jiang, let's go out first and talk while we walk."
That was exactly Jiang Jiang's intention. She tightened her grip on the strap of her black backpack and followed behind Chu Yueqi, curiously observing the surroundings.
Catching this with the corner of her eye, Chu Yueqi felt her heart itch. "Are you hungry? How about I treat you to a meal?"
Her eagerness made her resemble the ill-intentioned traffickers Xie Xiao had warned about.
Jiang Jiang shook her head, her brows slightly furrowed in mild distress. "Thank you for your kindness, but someone is waiting for me."
Chu Yueqi raised her brows and tucked the loose hair at her cheek behind her ear, probing casually, "Family?"
Family?
That should count, perhaps.
Jiang Jiang nodded faintly.
Chu Yueqi breathed a sigh of relief. "That's fine. We can meet another time. Which exit are they waiting at? I'll walk you there."
Jiang Jiang lifted her eyes, her gaze shimmering slightly. "Thank you, Miss Chu. I'll trouble you, then."
After all, she could not find the way.
Chu Yueqi waved her hand. "It's nothing."
She stayed quiet for less than two seconds before stirring again. "Don't call me Miss Chu—it sounds too distant. I should be older than you, right? Calling me sister wouldn't be a loss."
Jiang Jiang did not refuse. She had not realized Chu Yueqi was flirting. In her view, addressing peers as elder sister or younger sister was perfectly normal.
"Sister Chu."
Ripples spread through Chu Yueqi's heart. She felt a little dizzy, already bewitched though the other party had done nothing.
Chu Yueqi felt lightheaded and desperately wanted to say something to Jiang Jiang—even useless chatter.
She began making conversation. "So who from your family is picking you up? Your parents? Or an older sister?"
Subtly fishing for information again.
Jiang Jiang lowered her lashes slightly. "None of them."
"It's my fiancée."
—
Author's Note:
Chu Yueqi: Huh????
President Ji: Yes. It's me. So what?
—
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