Volume 1, Chapter 19: An Unexpected Encounter at the Postpartum Care Center

As Duan Yixiao repeatedly offered various favorable terms from the Duan Group and Yi Jiangshan to Du Junshan in an attempt to help Chen Nianke, Lu Shenshen sat at the front desk, sipping coffee and quietly enjoying the spectacle.

She even went out of her way to have them invited to the guest area to talk at length, knowing the surveillance cameras there would provide a clear recording. She planned to copy the footage for Jiang Yunyao, adding weight to her chips for upcoming divorce negotiations.

Despite Duan Yixiao’s strenuous and seemingly sincere efforts, Du Junshan refused. As the helmsman of Emerald Plaza, he could not compromise his bottom line and principles for the sake of Chen Nianke.

Seeing the disappointment and dejection on Chen Nianke’s face, the little person inside Lu Shenshen was dancing wildly with joy. Du Junshan was truly top-tier! She immediately decided to upgrade Shen Jingzhu’s package—and, of course, provide the biggest discount!

When Jiang Yunyao appeared, sporting a "large belly," Duan Yixiao was still consoling the pale-faced Chen Nianke. "If Emerald Plaza really doesn't work out, why not settle for the second best? I’ve looked into the major malls in Qingcheng. Zhuocan New World gathers many trendy brands that young people love; it’s much closer to your target demographic. Would you consider it? Their leasing conditions aren't as harsh."

Chen Nianke didn't say yes or no, merely forcing a pathetic smile. "I'll think about it..."

Before she could finish, she saw Jiang Yunyao walking over. Her smile stiffened, and she offered a casual, perfunctory greeting: "Jiang Yunyao, long time no see."

She did not rise from her seat. In her eyes, Jiang Yunyao was just the daughter of a nanny, and she was accustomed to holding a high-and-mighty attitude in her presence. However, the Jiang Yunyao she had seen earlier had not possessed this physique or posture. She stared at her for several seconds, wondering if her eyes had deceived her.

Jiang Yunyao looked down at her with a faint, indifferent glance, the corners of her lips curling up with airy nonchalance. "Is that so? I, however, have seen you quite a few times. In my home’s security footage, in your social media posts, and in the news—always with my husband."

Her voice was soft and calm, yet it carried an immense sense of attack that caught Chen Nianke off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Duan Yixiao furrowed his brows, a flash of guilt crossing his mind. He instinctively defended himself: "There is nothing between Nianke and me. Don't let your imagination run wild." He stood up to help Jiang Yunyao sit down.

Jiang Yunyao dodged his touch, bracing her waist to sit down on her own, as if he were something filthy. "Whether there is something or not, you know that in your own hearts," she said coldly.

However, to Duan Yixiao, her reaction seemed like nothing more than unreasonable trouble-making.

"Yunyao, I’ve already told you the situation. Don't act like a shrew, being suspicious and stirring up trouble over nothing," he scolded.

Jiang Yunyao: "..." She hadn't even done or said anything yet, and he was already pinning so many accusations on her?

"Duan Yixiao, I was just going to ask when you returned and what you are doing here."

Duan Yixiao was stunned. Jiang Yunyao was far too calm; she clearly had no intention of making a scene. Her direct, piercing gaze laid his intentions bare, making him look like a thief with a guilty conscience.

"I can answer that. President Duan is here to see President Du of Emerald Plaza because Chen Nianke wants to open a shop there," Lu Shenshen said, walking over with her coffee and exposing Duan Yixiao’s actions. "President Duan just now was so devoted and sincere; anyone who didn't know better would think Yi Jiangshan was expanding into a new business venture."

"Is that so?" Jiang Yunyao raised her delicate brows, looking at Duan Yixiao with a smile.

Duan Yixiao shot a glare at Lu Shenshen, blaming her for meddling.

Chen Nianke was unperturbed. "So what if A-Xiao is helping me? This is what you owe me. You were the ones who wronged me back then."

Jiang Yunyao couldn't help but laugh. Was Chen Nianke actually trying to use something from five years ago to morally blackmail her? "What do we owe you? Do you have an IOU?"

Chen Nianke’s eyes widened, utterly shocked that Jiang Yunyao hadn't taken the bait. Standing on the moral high ground, she continued her attack: "If you hadn't used underhanded tactics back then, A-Xiao and I wouldn't have broken up."

Jiang Yunyao, having anticipated this, remained calm and composed. "Do I need to remind you that you two were already fighting about breaking up back then?"

"I... that was just angry talk. Isn't it normal for couples to argue and talk about breaking up?" Chen Nianke stared at her with deep resentment, regarding her entirely as a sinner who had taken advantage of a vulnerable moment.

Jiang Yunyao couldn't be bothered to engage in this petty rivalry with her. She stood up, her gaze sweeping indifferently over Duan Yixiao. "Are you taking me home, or her?"

Duan Yixiao looked grim and conflicted. He hesitated, looking toward Chen Nianke.

"Duan Yixiao, damn you! You’re hopeless! You’re actually hesitating?" Lu Shenshen cursed under her breath, mentally writing him off.

Although Jiang Yunyao no longer held any hope for him, she still felt a sense of profound disillusionment. Without waiting for his answer, she headed straight toward the elevator.

Duan Yixiao, realizing too late, followed and grabbed her wrist. "Why don't we drop Nianke off first, and then go home?" He looked at Jiang Yunyao with confidence, thinking he had proposed a perfect, win-win solution.

Jiang Yunyao was genuinely disgusted; the long-forgotten morning sickness hit her, and she retched uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Duan Yixiao was slightly worried. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Chen Nianke’s sarcastic voice: "Jiang Yunyao, there’s no need to put on such a disgusting show. It’s too fake."

Hearing this, Duan Yixiao immediately let go of her hand, his expression darkening into a look of irritation. "Jiang Yunyao, that's enough! If you're going to be so difficult, then go home by yourself."

Jiang Yunyao: "..." From the corner of her eye, she caught the look of triumph in Chen Nianke’s eyes.

Lu Shenshen couldn't stand it anymore. "I'll take you home!" She stepped into the elevator with Jiang Yunyao.

As her phone rang, Lu Shenshen answered, using the call to vent her anger: "You men are truly trash. You’re all graduates of the 'Perfect Scumbag' academy. You feed a dog for three days, and it remembers you for three years. You treat a man well for three years, and he forgets you in three days. Honestly... when we treat you like human beings, can't you at least act like it? With so much tea in the world, why must you insist on drinking 'green tea'? Aren't you afraid of the vibrant green growing on your own head?..."

Chen Nianke realized Lu Shenshen was insulting her and gritted her teeth in fury, her eyes burning with rage. How dare she call her a "green tea" bitch?!

Duan Yixiao naturally understood as well, his face turning pale and then livid. His mood was complicated—half born of anger, half of guilt. He could not deny that Jiang Yunyao had done a great deal for him over the years, that they had built each other up and were the perfect partners. Yet, it was also a fact that their one night of folly had hurt Chen Nianke. Especially since Chen Nianke had developed depression after going abroad, he felt an immense sense of guilt, and he wanted to compensate her within his power.