Chapter 3: Looks Good

Xue Lin had never met Li Qingji.

She found out Jiang Nai had a fiancé on the day they graduated from college, and it shocked her. After graduation, Xue Lin started working, while Jiang Nai went to the U.S. for her master’s degree. Since Jiang Nai hadn’t mentioned her fiancé for a long time, nor had she posted anything romantic in public, Xue Lin had forgotten about her engagement.

Until a month ago, when Jiang Nai suddenly told her that she was officially married, and her husband’s name was Li Qingji.

“He came back last night, so I… went home with him,” Jiang Nai mumbled, avoiding the “slept together” part.

But Xue Lin wouldn’t let it go, “So, you really did sleep together?!”

Jiang Nai sighed and gave in, “Yes, isn’t that normal? We’re married.”

On the other end of the phone, Xue Lin was confused, “Are you sure everything’s normal between you two?”

“……”

Jiang Nai got out of bed and, upon entering the bathroom, noticed the brand-new toiletries.

She picked up the new toothbrush and didn’t answer the question, “I’m hanging up now. I’ll come find you after I wash up.”

The location of the neighborhood made it convenient to go anywhere. Coincidentally, Xue Lin’s company was also nearby. Jiang Nai changed her clothes and took a taxi out. Xue Lin was waiting for her at a Sichuan restaurant close to her company. When she saw Jiang Nai enter the restaurant, she raised her hand and waved vigorously.

Jiang Nai rushed over and gave her a big hug.

“I didn’t get a chance to see you when you came back last month. It’s been almost a year since we last met; I’ve missed you so much!” Xue Lin exclaimed, lifting her off the ground. Jiang Nai laughed and urged her to put her down. “I miss you too! Oh, don’t hold me like that… it’s too tight.”

“I see you seem to have lost weight again; your waist is so slim.”

Jiang Nai replied, “You’re the one who’s lost weight; at least five pounds.”

Xue Lin’s expression drooped. “Don’t mention it. Working has made me not just lose weight, but I look all wilted and pale.”

Jiang Nai laughed, “That’s quite the exaggeration.”

As they chatted, they sat down at the table. Xue Lin handed her the menu. “Not exaggerating; all office workers are like this. Hey, this restaurant is the best Sichuan place around here. Order whatever you want; it’s on me.”

Jiang Nai didn’t stand on ceremony. “I haven’t had good Sichuan food in ages.”

Xue Lin smiled, “I know, that’s why I brought you here. I often eat here after work; it’s so good.”

The two hadn’t seen each other for a long time and had a lively conversation.

Eventually, the topic turned to Jiang Nai’s marriage certificate.

Xue Lin asked, “Are you two planning to have a wedding after this?”

Jiang Nai hadn’t really thought about it and simply said, “If they need it, we can have one.”

“What do you mean ‘if they need it’? Whether or not to have a wedding should depend on what you want!” 

Jiang Nai smiled lightly. “I don’t really mind.”

Xue Lin, unaware of the complexities Jiang Nai faced, felt that these wealthy families were just as exaggerated as depicted in dramas, to the point where marriage could be a cold and emotionless arrangement.

“I really don’t know what to say,” Xue Lin said. “By the way, do you have any photos? I still don’t know what your husband looks like.”

Jiang Nai thought for a moment. “I do have a passport photo from our marriage certificate… but it’s at home.”

“You don’t have a single picture on your phone?” 

“No.”

Xue Lin was speechless. “He’s not ugly, is he? He’s not one of those greasy guys with a big belly, right?”

“Not really, he looks quite good.”

Jiang Nai used the word “quite,” but she was being modest.

Li Qingji’s appearance was actually exceptionally handsome among all the people she knew. With deep-set eyes and high cheekbones, he had a distinctly Eastern beauty, but his lightly colored irises gave him an exotic feel, warm yet aloof—contradictory, yet somehow harmonious on his face.

When she first saw him in high school, her eyes were filled with astonishment.

“What about his personality?”

“Personality… I guess it’s okay?”

“What’s with that uncertain tone?”

Jiang Nai felt a bit guilty: “Oh, it’s just quite good. Let’s not talk about this anymore; how have you been lately?”

“Me…?”

The topic was skillfully shifted by Jiang Nai, and they began chatting about various trivial matters in their lives, eventually reminiscing about many amusing stories from college. Before long, their lively conversation came to an end with the meal.

Xue Lin went back to work, while Jiang Nai returned to her home with Li Qingji.

As soon as she walked in, Jiang Nai saw two rows of clothes standing in the living room, with a woman in a business suit standing in the middle, explaining something to a housekeeper.

Upon hearing someone come in, she turned to look: “Miss Jiang.”

“Chen Min,” Jiang Nai recognized her; she was one of Li Qingji’s assistants. “Long time no see.”

“Long time no see.”

Chen Min smiled at her; after several years, the person before her had changed somewhat, more mature and beautiful. She remembered the first time she met Jiang Nai; she had just been about to graduate from college. That day, the Jiang and Li families had officially confirmed their marriage alliance, and both the boss and Miss Jiang had to attend a private event together.

Just before they left, the boss suddenly needed to meet with a partner and turned back to the company.

So Miss Jiang was left waiting, looking a bit shy to disturb anyone. After a while, she suddenly came over and tugged on her sleeve, quietly asking, “Sister Chen Min, where’s the restroom?”

At that time, Chen Min thought to herself that this girl was really well-behaved, not at all like a spoiled rich girl.

Time passed, and the little girl had grown up.

But now she was truly the boss’s wife, and being called “sister” made her a bit uneasy: “Miss Jiang, you can just call me by my name.”

Jiang Nai smiled and said nothing, simply inquiring, “What are these things?”

Chen Min replied, “With autumn approaching, these clothes are new ones prepared for you. Take a look and see if you like them.”

All the clothing was from major brands, but the labels were small or completely absent, very low-key.

Jiang Nai said, “I already see so many clothes inside; there’s no need to buy more.”

“You just returned to the country, and I was afraid you might need something but couldn’t find anything suitable, so I prepared a few more,” Chen Min explained. “Miss Jiang, if you need anything later, you can tell me.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The clothes were subsequently put into the wardrobe by the housekeeper. After Chen Min left, Jiang Nai thought about preparing some materials for job applications. She took her laptop and walked to the study door but hesitated to step inside. Cautiously, she sent Li Qingji a message.

“Is it convenient for me to use the study?”

Li Qingji replied a minute later: “You can move around freely at home.”

—

Before returning to the country, Jiang Nai had submitted her resume to two companies she really liked. Both companies were quite renowned in Minghai City, but whether she could get in depended on the final interview results.

Around four in the afternoon, she had arranged an interview time with the HR of one of the companies. While pondering what to eat for dinner that evening, her phone rang.

Li Qingji.

The caller ID had a full name, feeling particularly formal.

Jiang Nai answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Are you free tonight?” His voice came through the phone, low and resonant against her ear.

Jiang Nai always felt a bit nervous when talking to him, even if it was just over the phone: “I don’t have anything going on tonight. What’s up?”

“If it’s convenient, come back to my parents’ place for dinner.”

As a daughter-in-law, it was quite normal to have dinner with her husband’s parents after graduation. Jiang Nai felt obligated to accompany him on this visit.

“Sure, but wait for me a moment; I’ll go buy something.”

Li Qingji knew she wanted to prepare a gift for his parents and said, “No need, I’ve got it all sorted. Just come over.”

Jiang Nai paused and asked, “Should I come to you now? Are you at Hengchuan?”

Li Qingji replied, “I’ll have someone come pick you up.”

“I can go there myself; it’s such a short distance. I don’t need anyone to pick me up.”

Li Qingji didn’t insist: “You can drive one of the cars in the garage; any of them will do. The keys are on the entryway table.”

After a moment, he asked, “Can you drive?”

“Yes.”

“Good, then drive over. Call me when you arrive.”

The Hengchuan Group’s headquarters was located in the busiest part of the city. During her university days, Jiang Nai often passed by it while shopping with Xue Lin. It was a towering skyscraper, designed by a well-known architect from abroad, and was one of the iconic buildings in the center of Minghai City.

About ten minutes later, Jiang Nai parked in the Hengchuan parking lot and called Li Qingji, but he didn’t answer, likely still busy. So, she decided to call Chen Min, someone she was more familiar with, to ask if Li Qingji was done yet.

Chen Min quickly arrived at the parking lot to meet her.

“Miss Jiang, let me take you up.”

Jiang Nai asked, “Is he almost done?”

“Almost.”

“Then I’ll just wait here. No need for me to go up.”

After all, this was the headquarters, and she might run into members of the Li family coming and going.

The Hengchuan Group had developed from the 1990s into a vast commercial empire, involved in various sectors like technology, real estate, finance, and film. By the time it reached Li Qingji’s generation, all the younger members were eager to secure their share of the pie. Li Qingji stood out among them, but the more exceptional one was, the more attention he attracted.

His relationship with his siblings wasn’t very good; much of the friendliness was just for show.

Jiang Nai was reluctant to go upstairs because she was afraid of encountering them. If that happened, she’d have to put on an act, and that was too exhausting.

A few minutes later, Li Qingji appeared not far away. He walked toward her, and as he got closer, someone called his name from behind. The underground parking lot was spacious, and with the car window open, Jiang Nai naturally heard it. She turned to see Li Qingji stop and look back, as a woman approached him.

The woman was very beautiful, with long, flowing hair and a formal yet elegant business suit, wearing high heels that made her appear sophisticated from a distance, as if one could smell her exquisite perfume. Although she couldn’t hear what they were saying, it was evident that they were quite familiar with each other.

Chen Min stood by the car, glancing at Jiang Nai. Worried that the girl might overthink things, she intended to explain a bit, but just as she was about to speak, she noticed Jiang Nai was looking down at her phone, appearing uninterested.

So, she kept quiet.

The mobile game on Jiang Nai’s phone was quite challenging, and she was focused on it.

Not long after, the light by her car window was blocked, and she looked up to find Li Qingji standing by the car door, looking down at her.

“Sit in the passenger seat; I’ll drive.”

Chen Min had left at some point, and the beautiful woman was nowhere to be seen.

Jiang Nai responded with an “oh,” got out of the car, and moved to the passenger seat.

Li Qingji drove towards his parents’ home, and along the way, they didn’t engage in much conversation.

But Jiang Nai stole a few glances at him, curious about who that woman in the parking lot was… a collaborator? A colleague? Or a friend?

Jiang Nai wasn’t as disinterested as Chen Min thought; her curiosity wasn’t about being “jealous” as a wife but purely out of interest in whether someone like Li Qingji had a woman he liked.

“By the way, the gifts for your parents…”

Li Qingji replied, “I had Chen Min take care of it; they’re in the trunk.”

“Oh, I didn’t notice,” Jiang Nai said, a bit embarrassed. “I was too engrossed in the game.”

“Mm.”

After about an hour of driving, they arrived at Li Qingji’s parents’ house. Standing outside the yard, Jiang Nai took a deep breath, trying to give herself a little boost. Li Qingji’s parents had a temperament similar to his—polite and courteous, yet rather cold. Every time she saw them, she felt wrapped in a strange atmosphere, making her uncomfortable.

“Are you nervous?”

Li Qingji sensed the subtle change in her emotions and stopped, glancing at her.

Jiang Nai was taken aback by his sudden “concern”; her eyes widened slightly, the brown of her irises reflecting the light above, shimmering.

Li Qingji’s gaze lingered on her eyes for a moment before shifting away.

“Just a little,” she heard herself say.

At that moment, someone inside noticed them, and a housekeeper came out to greet them.

Li Qingji handed the items he was carrying to the housekeeper. “No need to be nervous; if there are any issues, just let me handle them.”

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