Chapter 48: May Day

Fortunately, the next day was the first day of the May Day holiday, so Jiang Nai could sleep in and wake up naturally. 

When she woke up, Li Qingji was not in the bedroom. She dragged her sore body out of bed and changed into new pajamas. After washing up in the bathroom, she went to the living room but still couldn’t find Li Qingji. 

Could he have gone out…? 

He often suddenly had to leave, so Jiang Nai didn’t think much of it. She planned to get some milk from the kitchen but noticed there was movement inside.  She froze for a moment, then walked in and saw a figure. The person she thought had gone out was actually standing in the kitchen, holding a spatula, probably frying an egg. 

Jiang Nai had never seen him fiddling with anything in the kitchen. She walked in and asked, “What are you doing…?”

Li Qingji turned around when he heard her voice. “You’re awake.”

“Just woke up.” Jiang Nai stood next to him, rubbing her eyes. “Are you making breakfast?”

“Mm.”

“…Why are you making breakfast yourself?”

“Didn’t I promise you last night?”

“Huh?” Jiang Nai looked at him in confusion. “Did you promise me?”

Last night, Li Qingji had whispered some things in her ear. Most of it was comforting her, but in her muddled state, she hadn’t really heard any of it.

Li Qingji said, “I promised to make breakfast for you, to help you regain some strength.”

Jiang Nai: “…”

Though she didn’t remember him saying anything like that, she definitely remembered the part about “not having strength.”

The scenes from last night flooded back to her mind, and her ears instantly turned hot.

“Do you really know how to cook?” She cleared her throat and deliberately changed the subject.

Li Qingji glanced at her. “Aren’t you always telling people I’m virtuous? If I don’t back it up, won’t you be lying?”

“I already said that was a misunderstanding.”

“Then, are you eating or not?”

“Of course I am.” Jiang Nai hummed softly and muttered under her breath, “How could I not eat food made by my boss?”

Li Qingji lowered the heat, took the egg out of the pan, and prepared another one. “Go wait outside.”

Jiang Nai responded with an “Oh,” took a bottle of milk from the fridge, opened it as she walked out, but couldn’t help glancing back when she reached the kitchen door. The morning sunlight was just right, shining through the side window of the kitchen, casting a soft golden glow on him. He looked so warm, like the entire room was enveloped in warmth.

Jiang Nai leaned against the table, watching him, and her heart suddenly softened in a way she found almost unbelievable. She had never imagined she and Li Qingji would have a moment like this.

She was unexpectedly fond of the feeling at this moment.

—

Ten minutes later, the two servings of breakfast were ready and brought out. 

It was a Western-style breakfast, and the presentation was surprisingly neat. 

After taking a bite, Jiang Nai was a little surprised. “Do you have a talent for cooking? You made it this well on your first try.”

Li Qingji smiled faintly. “At my age, do you think this is the first time I’ve cooked?”

“But you’re Li Qingji! How could you cook for yourself… Besides, I’ve been living here for so long and never seen you cook anything.”

“It’s rare, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it,” Li Qingji said. “Go ahead and eat.” 

Jiang Nai hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t pick up her chopsticks right away. Instead, she took out her phone and snapped a photo. When she saw Li Qingji looking over, she explained, “I need to keep this as evidence. If anyone ever says you’re not virtuous, I can show them your breakfast.”

Li Qingji’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Jiang Nai put her phone away. “Just kidding, I’m just commemorating the first time I’ve had breakfast made by my boss.”

Li Qingji sliced a piece of sausage. “Why don’t you say, commemorating the first time I’ve had breakfast made by my husband?”

Jiang Nai paused for a moment, then couldn’t help but smile. “Hmm… that works too.”

Li Qingji gave her a glance and smiled in return. It was a quiet but special breakfast, and Jiang Nai finished everything on her plate.

—

After the meal, the two of them went on to do their own things. Li Qingji went to his study, while Jiang Nai sat on the carpet checking her emails. After finishing, she had some free time, so she watched TV until it was time for lunch. She then got up to find Li Qingji to ask what they were having for lunch.

Li Qingji was on the phone, so Jiang Nai didn’t enter the study. She waited until he was done with the call before knocking on the door.

“What’s for lunch? Should we go out or order takeout?”

Li Qingji replied, “Zhao Siyuan is coming over later. Let him bring it. You can tell him what you want to eat.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Nai pulled out her phone and messaged Zhao Siyuan.

“Jiang Nai.”

“Mm?”

“Come here.”

Jiang Nai walked over while editing her message. Li Qingji smoothly pulled her onto his lap, then said, “The wedding planner sent over three proposals yesterday. I forgot to show you last night, so you can take a look now.”

Jiang Nai had always been quite indifferent about the wedding. She preferred simplicity, and had no expectations for it. But this time… she couldn’t help but take it seriously.

All three options were relatively simple, though the venues and styles varied. Sitting on his lap, Jiang Nai’s feet didn’t even touch the ground, her legs dangling as she scrolled through the pages one by one.

“Which one do you like?”

Jiang Nai thought for a moment. “Well… the second option is abroad. Is that feasible? It sounds like a lot of trouble for the elderly.”

Li Qingji asked, “Do you prefer this one?”

Jiang Nai nodded. “I think the church on the mountaintop looks beautiful, and the view is great too.”

“Sure.” Li Qingji said, “The elders are all in good health, and with a private jet, they won’t be too tired.”

Jiang Nai asked, “With so many relatives and going so far, does everyone have time?”

Li Qingji replied, “Whether they have time is up to them. As for those who won’t come, didn’t you want fewer people anyway?”

Jiang Nai smiled lightly. “True.”

She closed the page and turned to Li Qingji. “I just told Xiao Zhao to bring me something to eat, but I haven’t asked what you’d like. Have you told him yet?”

“I won’t be eating at home for lunch.” Li Qingji hooked her hair with his finger, winding it around once before releasing it. “I’m heading to the capital in the afternoon; a project just came up that needs my attention.”

Jiang Nai paused, a faint feeling of disappointment creeping into her heart. “But aren’t we on break these days?”

Li Qingji laughed. “When did I ever follow your schedule for breaks?”

“Oh… alright.”

Li Qingji continued, “What are you planning to do these days? Going out with friends?”

Jiang Nai, not fond of crowded places during holidays, hadn’t planned anything. “Of course, I’m staying home to rest. It’s not easy to get a long break.”

Li Qingji pulled her into his arms briefly. “If you’re bored at home, why don’t you come with me?”

“Go with you on a business trip? Am I crazy…” Jiang Nai laughed. “With how busy you’ll be, will I be your assistant running around, or just sitting in a hotel room getting moldy?”

Li Qingji chuckled. This trip would indeed be very busy, and he wasn’t sure when he’d have time to relax. In fact, he was surprised he had even asked her that question. Being clingy wasn’t his usual style.

“Alright, stay at home and rest. I’ll be back in a few days, and we’ll talk then.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Nai got off his lap, afraid she might regret it if she stayed seated and went with him to the capital. That would not only affect him but also make it seem like she couldn’t live without him… which was too intimidating.

Half an hour later, Zhao Siyuan arrived with her lunch.

While she was eating, Zhao Siyuan went out with the luggage, and Li Qingji came to the dining room. “I’m leaving.”

Jiang Nai nodded. Li Qingji glanced at her, gently rubbed the back of her head, and then left. Jiang Nai took a sip of soup, heard the door close, and turned to look, though there was nothing to see.

After a moment of silence, she said, “3.0, play a song.”

[Okay, master. What would you like to hear?]

Jiang Nai scooped up some rice and said, “Something lively?”

[Searching for something for you…]

—

Jiang Nai spent the night at home and received a call from her family early the next morning, inviting her to have lunch with them. So, she returned to the Jiang family house.

“Mom, I got it, okay? I won’t go out and hang out late. I’ll listen to you.” As soon as she entered, she heard Jiang Yao’s voice.

When Jiang Nai walked into the living room, she saw many people sitting there—her grandparents, two older brothers, Jiang Yao, and their respective parents. It was truly a big family gathering today.

“Jiang Nai, you’re back.” Her grandmother was the first to notice her.

Jiang Nai nodded, greeted the elderly couple, and then said hello to the other relatives.

“Come sit down.” Her grandmother gestured.

Jiang Nai sat down on a separate sofa. The conversation in the living room paused briefly when she entered, but soon resumed without much disruption.

“Yao Yao, remember what you said. Stay in the company and behave yourself. If I catch you going to any more bars, I’ll break your legs,” Jiang Yao’s mother warned her, though her eyes were filled with tenderness and affection.

As expected, when Jiang Yao heard the remark, she just casually responded, “Alright, if I go out again, you can ask Dad to freeze my credit card. That should be punishment enough.”

“Your dad would never actually freeze it!” 

Jiang’s father interjected, “Hey, how could you say that? Of course, I would.”

“With how spoiled you are with her, it’s hard to believe!”

“Third uncle, your daughter’s reputation as a spoiled one is well-known. Stop struggling.”

“Hahaha!”

…

Jiang Nai quietly sat there, listening to the chatter and laughter around her. Every time she heard Jiang Yao’s mother speak, she couldn’t help but glance at her…

Although she really disliked Jiang Yao, she couldn’t help but envy her. Because no matter how many mistakes Jiang Yao made or how unreasonable she was, she always had her family backing her up. She could always enjoy the love and care from her parents, something Jiang Nai had never experienced.

Although it was just a family meal, Jiang Nai felt a sense of invisibility. Even though she was here, it was hard for her to feel at home. After lunch, she returned to her room.

[Have you eaten yet?]Li Qingji messaged her.

Jiang Nai’s eyes lit up as she lay on her bed and replied: [Just finished eating. How about you?]

Li Qingji: [Having lunch with a partner, just started.]

Jiang Nai: [Oh… do you need something?]

Li Qingji: [Nothing, really.]

Jiang Nai: [Then why are you messaging me?]

Li Qingji: [Does that mean I shouldn’t message you if I have nothing to say?]

Jiang Nai froze for a moment. Of course, he could message her. She was just surprised because every time Li Qingji went on a business trip, he was so busy with work that he hardly ever sent her any messages except for when he was taking off or landing.

Jiang Nai smiled and lay back on the bed, holding her phone to reply: [Of course, you can message me. You’re the boss; you can send whatever you like.]

Li Qingji: [Good, glad you know.]

Jiang Nai sent a relaxed panda emoji.

Li Qingji: [It’s about to begin, you should rest.]

Jiang Nai: [Okay.]

In a short moment, Jiang Nai felt a lift in her mood. She put down her phone, got up, and started humming a little tune as she turned on her computer. In the evening, everyone was still there, having dinner together with the two elders.

At the dining table, she didn’t speak much, focusing on eating until her grandmother asked, “Jiang Nai, have you and Qing Ji set a date for your wedding? Have you decided where it will be held?”

Jiang Nai paused her chopsticks and replied, “Not yet, but the planning team has suggested a few options. We are likely leaning towards having a relatively simple outdoor wedding in a scenic location.”

“Even if it’s simple, relatives and friends will still come. Your marriage is a major event for both families, not just the two of you. You need to understand that.”

“I know,” Jiang Nai replied.

Her grandmother grunted and began discussing the people who would be attending with her grandfather. The union with the Li family was a good match and a matter that could be proudly presented. The elderly couple spoke with enthusiasm. Jiang Nai lowered her head, quietly listening as they went through the guest list.

At the end, her grandmother directly said, “Make sure to prepare the guest list early, confirm the numbers, and send out the invitations.”

“Mm,” Jiang Nai paused before adding, “Grandmother, I want my mom to come as well.”

Jiang Nai knew that saying this would create an awkward silence, but she said it anyway. It was something she had been thinking about for a long time, and if not now, she would bring it up later.

As expected, the table fell silent.

Jiang Yao glanced at her, clearly annoyed that she had to spoil the elders’ joy at such a moment. She smirked and quietly observed.

Jiang Yuan Tao put down his chopsticks. “You have no mother-daughter relationship with her anymore. You are our granddaughter, not hers. This wedding will have important people attending. Do you think she has any right to show up?”

Jiang Nai retorted, “I’m not someone who just appeared out of nowhere. Naturally, she will attend as my mother. Are you saying it’s appropriate for me to get married without my parents there?”

“Of course it’s appropriate! We don’t recognize her as your mother anymore. When she returned you to us, she basically acknowledged that she wasn’t your mother anymore.”

“She had no choice back then—”

“Yes, she couldn’t take care of you, and she couldn’t even take care of herself, so you came back to the Jiang family,” Jiang Yuan Tao interrupted. “And we took care of you, and her. Jiang Nai, she knows gratitude. She’ll understand she shouldn’t show up and embarrass the Jiang family.”

Jiang Nai took a deep breath. “So, you’re saying that me wanting my mom to attend is shameful and ungrateful? If we’re going to talk about gratitude, Grandpa, haven’t I repaid enough? You asked me to marry into the Li family without hesitation. The benefits I’ve brought to you far outweigh what you spent raising us.”

“You—”

“Considering the benefits I’ve brought to the Jiang family, she should be allowed to attend the wedding!”

Jiang Yuan Tao was left speechless, infuriated. “It’s impossible for her to attend as an elder at this wedding!”

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