Volume One, Chapter Five: Disdainful That She Cannot Stand on Equal Footing

Jiang Yunyao had only just settled into the postpartum recovery center when her mother-in-law, Zhou Manhua, called her, berating her without the slightest courtesy.

"I heard from Ayi that you went out for a trip. I assumed you were a sensible person who would return after a day or two. It wasn't until I asked Auntie Qi just now that I realized you haven't been home for nearly a week. Is it appropriate for you to be running around with such a huge belly? If something happens to my grandson, can you take responsibility for it?"

Jiang Yunyao leaned back slowly into the sofa, the warm winter sun spilling across her feet. Lu Shenshen had reserved the finest suite for her.

She glanced at the phone screen, her eyes narrowing slightly with a faint, cold smirk. *Still dreaming of a grandson? What a lovely fantasy.*

After taking two sips of the freshly stewed bird's nest prepared by the center, she replied unhurriedly, "Mom, the doctor says it's beneficial to go out and get some fresh air."

Zhou Manhua had always looked down on Jiang Yunyao, never feeling she was good enough for Duan Yixiao. Ever since Duan Yixiao caught the eye of Duan Zhenhong and carved out a place for himself in the Duan Group, her disdain for Jiang Yunyao’s humble background had only intensified.

Her attitude had softened briefly when Jiang Yunyao became pregnant, but it didn't last. She was desperate for a boy; wealthy families placed great importance on continuing the bloodline, and she wanted a chubby grandson to help secure her and Duan Yixiao’s standing within the Duan family.

Zhou Manhua had tried many ways to determine the gender of the baby, but Jiang Yunyao had refused every time. She did not want her child treated as a tool for inheritance disputes before even being born. Consequently, their relationship had been fraught with tension throughout the pregnancy.

Now, however, she felt a sense of relief that she had given birth to a daughter. If it had been a son, they likely wouldn't have relinquished custody so easily.

"Some people are just pretentious. Does the Duan family not provide you with enough food or clothing? We asked you to rest at home and even hired someone specifically to cater to you. What more could you possibly be dissatisfied with? When I was pregnant with Ayi, I didn't have such conditions. You really don't know how lucky you are," Zhou Manhua said with cutting sarcasm.

Jiang Yunyao had heard these words until her ears were calloused. In the past, she had endured it all for the sake of Duan Yixiao.

But now... a cold, untouchable resolve surged in her dark eyes. "Mom, you're mistaken about that. Have you forgotten what the fortune-teller said—that I am blessed with great fortune and guarded by lucky stars? I know I am a fortunate person."

She would never have said such things to Zhou Manhua's face before, but since they had made her miserable, why should she let them be comfortable?

Her words were essentially dancing in a minefield. She and Zhou Manhua had visited the master together; while he had predicted good fortune for Jiang Yunyao, he had also noted that Zhou Manhua’s life was destined for a lack of blessing. Zhou Manhua had been terrified at the time and spent a fortune trying to ward off the bad omen. It seemed she had forgotten those words, so as a daughter-in-law, Jiang Yunyao felt it was her filial duty to remind her.

Realizing the implication, Zhou Manhua was so enraged she couldn't even speak, and she slammed the phone down with a sharp click.

Jiang Yunyao finished her bird's nest, feeling entirely refreshed.

***

She had to admit, life at the recovery center was quite pleasant—provided Duan Yixiao didn't come to disturb her.

When she saw "Husband" on the caller ID, she realized he hadn't made a single concerned call to her in days. He must have been quite preoccupied with Chen Nianke.

"Why haven't you returned yet? I checked the tour route; you should be off the ship by today, right?" Duan Yixiao’s voice sounded concerned, yet it carried an underlying tone of urgency.

"Yes, what is it?" Jiang Yunyao replied, her tone flat and undisturbed.

"Good. You need to accompany me to meet a client tomorrow," Duan Yixiao said, his tone one of notification, leaving no room for discussion.

Jiang Yunyao raised an eyebrow; this was quite rare. For the past six months, he had been systematically stripping her of her authority in the company. Why was he suddenly letting her meet clients again? Furthermore, ever since Chen Nianke returned to the country, he had made a conscious effort to avoid appearing in public with his wife. Why was he not bringing Chen Nianke this time?

"In my current condition, I don't think it's appropriate to accompany a client," Jiang Yunyao said, not wanting to gamble with her body while she was supposed to be in postpartum recovery.

"Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Yunyao, you’re the perfect fit! The client is returning from abroad, and his wife is pregnant; you'll surely have common ground," Duan Yixiao said, his plans already laid out.

Jiang Yunyao hesitated for a few seconds. "Is it not a client for Yijiangshan?"

Yijiangshan was the company she and Duan Yixiao had founded together. According to their five-year plan, they weren't yet at the stage of expanding overseas.

"It’s a client for the Duan Group. This partnership is vital; I must secure it!" Duan Yixiao’s voice was deep and ambitious, like a panther waiting for its moment to strike.

"But I’ve been exhausted from my trip and want to rest for a couple of days," Jiang Yunyao declined politely.

"I’ve set the dinner for tomorrow night. You’ll have plenty of time to rest." He continued, "This partnership is crucial for me. You know the board of directors is watching my performance. I cannot give Duan Mingxian a chance to beat me!"

Duan Mingxian was the daughter of Duan Zhenhong and his half-sister. Duan Zhenhong also had another son, Duan Mingrui, who was originally the intended heir to the Duan Group. However, having no interest in business, he had secretly chosen to study medicine instead.

Because he became a doctor, Duan Yixiao had the opportunity to enter the Duan Group and prove his worth. However, Duan Mingxian’s ability could not be underestimated; it had taken her only two years to rise from an entry-level position to vice president. She was Duan Yixiao’s biggest rival for control of the group.

Jiang Yunyao had always supported Duan Yixiao. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she had no choice but to agree.

When she learned she would be returning home, Lu Shenshen was deeply worried.

"Don't worry. I won't let myself be wronged in the slightest anymore." After all, rather than wronging herself, it was better to make things difficult for others. Jiang Yunyao already had a plan.

"Quick, help me see which of these silicone prosthetic bellies looks the most realistic."

*

Jiang Yunyao had just finished strapping on the silicone belly when she received a message from Duan Yixiao: "I'm on my way to the pier to pick you up."

Jiang Yunyao’s eyelid twitched, her hand trembled, and she nearly dropped her phone. *Why is this man playing the devoted husband now?*

She quickly replied, "No need, I’ve already booked a car."

Duan Yixiao: "I'll be there in ten minutes. You'll see me as soon as you step out."

Jiang Yunyao: "..." She really didn't need this.

If Duan Yixiao arrived at the pier and couldn't find her, how was she supposed to cover this lie?