Chapter 18: All Crows Under Heaven Are Black

"Mom, it’s not..."

"It’s not what it’s not! Xie Dabao, you’re being unfair. You have a girlfriend and didn't even tell your parents? Don’t say another word; let me speak to my dear daughter-in-law."

Xie Yan’s attempt to explain was cut short by An Yuan. Had she not been struck by a whim to video call the boy today, who knows how long he would have kept his relationship a secret.

"Hurry up, give the phone to my daughter-in-law!"

An Yuan was already bursting with excitement on the other end, and even Xie Jun stopped applying his sunscreen, leaning in close to the phone.

Xie Yan exchanged a glance with Jiang Ming, who was shrinking into herself like a little quail, trying to minimize her presence. He sighed deeply. His parents were wonderful in every way, except for their love of gossip—especially when it came to his personal life.

"Should I explain?" Jiang Ming asked, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, it was her outburst of laughter that had caused the misunderstanding.

"Please, do."

She had no idea just how deep the gossiping prowess of An Yuan and Xie Jun ran; she assumed a sentence or two would clear everything up.

Xie Yan handed her the phone. A beautiful, refined face, marked by the grace of time, appeared on the screen. "Oh, sweetie, how can you be so pretty? It’s truly a shame you’re with a boy like Xie Yan. But don’t you worry, if he ever dares to make you feel wronged while you two are dating, Old Xie and I will never stand for it. We’ll make sure to keep him in line!"

"Exactly! Don't you worry. Our Xie family might not be perfect, but being a 'love-brain' is hereditary. Xie Yan wouldn’t dare upset you. No matter who is right or wrong, his mother and I will always stand on your side!"

Before Jiang Ming could get a word in, An Yuan and Xie Jun let out such a barrage of enthusiasm that she was left completely speechless, not knowing where to begin.

"Um... well... Auntie, Uncle, you’ve misunderstood. Xie Yan and I are not dating. Our grandfathers told us to go to the company to gain some experience, which is why I’m in the car with him..."

Having quickly explained the situation, Jiang Ming immediately returned the phone to Xie Yan and shifted her position, pressing herself tightly against the car door to avoid any further mistakes.

"That's right, it’s exactly as she said."

The couple on the other end fell silent, looking as if they had just suffered a great blow, their gazes toward Xie Yan filled with utter disdain.

"I knew it. How could a girl as pretty as that be dating a kid like you? That’s all, goodbye."

Crisp and decisive, An Yuan hung up the video call, leaving Xie Yan and Jiang Ming staring at each other.

Xie Yan was accustomed to Ms. An Yuan’s antics; he simply tucked his phone away as if nothing had happened. Jiang Ming, however, felt quite awkward. If it weren't for her, she figured Xie Yan’s mother wouldn't have hung up in such a huff.

"I’m sorry, I really didn't mean for that to happen. But you and your parents have such a great relationship." It was a warmth and happiness she had never experienced in all her years.

"No need to apologize. My mom’s personality is just like that; she’s not actually angry."

What he found strange was that although Ms. An Yuan showed unusual concern for his love life, no girl had ever really caught her eye. It wasn't that she was particularly picky, or that the girls were bad; it was simply that An Yuan placed a great deal of importance on first impressions. If the first impression wasn't good, her attitude would be quite cold.

This was the first time she had been so warm to someone she had met for the first time. Had Jiang Ming put some kind of love potion on her? Xie Yan couldn't figure it out, lost in thought as he stared at Jiang Ming’s face, silent.

"Is there something on my face?" Jiang Ming hurriedly reached up to touch her face, wondering if there was a smudge.

"No, sorry. I was just zoning out." Sensing he had been intrusive, Xie Yan apologized immediately.

Still, Jiang Ming’s appearance was truly pleasing—she looked vibrant and bright without a trace of makeup, yet she didn't give off an aggressive vibe. At a glance, she looked like a sunflower full of vitality.

"Okay." Jiang Ming turned her head to look at the scenery outside the window, no longer engaging in conversation.

The awkwardness still lingered in her heart. Someone like Xie Yan, who appeared gentle and good-natured on the surface, was actually difficult to get close to. He always gave off a sense of detachment; anyone dating him would likely be exhausted.

The Jiang family’s old estate was not far from the headquarters, about a half-hour drive. Jiang Man sat in the passenger seat, feeling as though an entire century had passed.

She didn't know what to say to Jiang Shi, so she kept her eyes glued to the scenery outside, trying her best not to let him see her nervousness and unease. Fortunately, he was focused on driving and didn't pay much attention to what Jiang Man was doing.

The car pulled to a steady stop in front of the Jiang Group headquarters. Jiang Shi pushed the door open, stepped out, and handed the keys to the valet. Jiang Man followed closely behind. This was her first time at the Jiang family’s corporate headquarters, and the scene before her felt like something out of a television show. The building towered into the clouds, and even the office entrance was grand and imposing, showcasing the extraordinary nature of the place.

The chairman’s secretaries and assistants were already standing at the entrance to welcome them, each wearing a fawning smile, terrified that because of Jiang Cheng, Jiang Shi might replace them all.

The male staff were dressed normally in simple suits and leather shoes, but the women in the office were all wearing ten-centimeter heels. Their skirts barely covered their thighs, and the fabric of their tops was impossibly thin, with shoulder straps peeking through. They usually disliked going out, staying hunched over their desks to work all day, even eating only a few bites at their desks rather than going to the cafeteria—all because of the clothing they were forced to wear.

But today, to welcome the new acting chairman, they had no choice but to head downstairs and stand in the most conspicuous part of the lobby, enduring the prying eyes of everyone passing by.

"Welcome, President Jiang!" A loud voice rang out the moment Jiang Shi stepped inside.

The joyful praise they had imagined didn't come. Instead, Jiang Shi’s impatient voice cut through the air, "At this hour, you should already be at your desks working. Why are you standing here?"

The August weather in Lin City was as hot as a boiling pot, yet the chief assistant couldn't help but shiver. Why was this President Jiang’s temperament so different? Shouldn't he be happy? Everyone had specially run down to stand in the lobby to welcome him in the most enthusiastic way possible.

"From now on, I don't want to see this kind of formalism in the company. As long as everyone performs their duties, I will see your contributions to the firm."

Jiang Shi’s words felt like a sharp slap across everyone’s face.

"Uncle, let them wear something more comfortable to work," Jiang Man whispered, tugging at Jiang Shi’s sleeve. She had seen the embarrassment and discomfort on the women’s faces; she figured this was just another bad habit left behind by Jiang Cheng.

She imagined that during Jiang Cheng’s tenure, life for the women in the office hadn't been easy. To satisfy his disgusting fetishes, the girls in the office had to endure the discomfort to cater to his demands. Of course, Jiang Cheng likely only dared to look, not daring to take any further actions, as he knew if he were caught, the power he cared about most would slip away from him.

"What? Is there a problem with that?" Jiang Shi asked, looking confused. He didn't see anything wrong with how anyone was dressed. What did Jiang Man mean by that?

His response made Jiang Man feel incredibly let down. Was everyone the same? Could it be that Jiang Shi was like this too? Had she been wrong about him all these years?