Chapter Sixty: I Do

The night was deep and profound, yet the city blazed with light, neon flickering everywhere. Especially from a high vantage point, the unbroken stretch of human splendor below resembled a tapestry of prosperity. Jiang An turned from the window, gazing at Song Wanshuang, who was meticulously preparing tea. Her delicate profile, complemented by the gentle fragrance of tea, was a breathtaking sight to behold.

“Wanshuang, just as you guessed, during my years away, I’ve learned many things, not merely medicine,” Jiang An began, sitting opposite her. His posture was straight as a pine. He parted his lips and inhaled gently; to Song Wanshuang’s astonished eyes, the steaming tea before him rose in a stream and flew into his mouth as if by magic.

“Brother An, how did you do that?” Song Wanshuang’s beautiful eyes widened.

“Do you believe there are immortals in this world?” Jiang An countered.

“I never used to believe in such things,” she replied softly, biting her lip, “but after seeing highly skilled martial artists in the Song family, and then encountering extraordinary people like you, I realized the world is vast, full of things invisible to ordinary eyes. I’ve seen them, so now I believe.”

“Very good. I’m glad you think that way. We are husband and wife, and all you need to know is that I am an immortal,” Jiang An smiled. “So you must also trust that the Song family and the like mean nothing. If you wished it, I could overturn them with a flick of my hand.”

Song Wanshuang’s expression became complicated. After a moment, she sighed quietly, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t resent the Song family, but I can’t go that far. After all, the head of the Song family is still my father. He’s tried his best to make amends. I just don’t want things between you to escalate too much.”

“Wanshuang, it’s only that while people may not wish harm upon a tiger, the tiger may wish harm upon people. This can’t be settled so simply. Of course, for your sake, I’ll show restraint.”

“That’s all we can do,” Song Wanshuang shook her head, knowing Jiang An was right. At that moment, her phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen, her delicate brows knitting together. “It’s… it’s the Song family head.”

“Answer it. Let’s hear what he has to say,” Jiang An said as he poured more tea.

Song Wanshuang nodded and put the call on speaker. A man’s voice, seven parts authoritative and three parts gentle, came through, “Shuang’er, are you all right?”

His first words were of concern, which eased Song Wanshuang’s heart a little, but she responded coldly, “Why are you calling me?”

“You’re still angry with me, I see. But today I’m not calling to argue, but to solve a problem,” the man’s voice carried a hint of disappointment, then shifted, “I’m sure your… gentleman is beside you. He’s rather famous internationally now. Why not let me speak with him?”

It was clear the Song family had already learned about Jiang An.

Song Wanshuang looked at Jiang An in embarrassment. He reassured her, then spoke directly, “Head of the Song family, greetings. I am Jiang An.”

“I don’t care who you are. Are you my granddaughter’s biological father? Good. Very good! You let my daughter bear a child out of wedlock and abandoned her for years. Do you think the Song family is without men?”

“That is indeed my fault, but I don’t believe it’s your concern.”

“Are you mocking me? Hah! Young men, once they gain a little power, forget the limits of heaven and earth. I just fear you won’t survive the month, which would only sadden my daughter.”

“That’s my business. You need not worry yourself. However, I do have matters with the Song family that require settling—sending people to attack me won’t be so easily forgiven.”

“Hahaha! Young people are always so confident. But I don’t blame you, for there’s nothing to say to a dying man. I advise you to send my daughter and granddaughter to the Song family in the capital. I can guarantee their safety. As for you, considering your insolence, you must fend for yourself.”

“I am not in the habit of entrusting my wife and daughter to others for protection. Since our conversation is fruitless, you may remain seated in your home. I’ll find an opportunity to visit.”

“Very well. If you survive this ordeal, you’ll have earned the right to meet me. I won’t strike you while you’re down during this time—call it a favor to Shuang’er. One last piece of advice, young man: many grandmasters have died in recent years.”

Beep—

The call ended. Their first conversation had concluded in a volley of words.

“Brother An, why did he say you’re a dying man? What ordeal must you overcome? What’s going on?” Song Wanshuang asked urgently.

“It’s nothing,” Jiang An replied dismissively. “Just a few fools eager for death. So, the Song family can wait. I have something else to discuss with you. Dao Mo, come in!”

Jiang An’s soft words rang like thunder in Dao Mo’s ears outside the door. He immediately entered and bowed deeply, “This old servant greets Your Highness and Madam!”

“This is Dao Mo, my servant. You can trust him from now on,” Jiang An said calmly.

The heroic savior had become a subordinate, even addressing her as Madam. Song Wanshuang struggled to adapt. “Brother An, this…”

Dao Mo, wise with age, understood her hesitation and bowed even lower, “Madam, you may call me Old Dao. It is my honor to serve Your Highness and Madam.”

“All right, Old Dao,” Song Wanshuang agreed, seeing his sincerity.

“Dao Mo, rise. We have business to discuss,” Jiang An instructed.

Dao Mo immediately stood respectfully to the side.

“Wanshuang, I hear your Cherished Grace company has been under industry pressure lately, with key sales and research staff being poached?”

“That’s true, but I believe I can handle it,” she replied.

“Why trouble yourself?” Jiang An shook his head slightly. “Green Sea Group will immediately invest half a billion into Cherished Grace to stabilize your staff and expand your factory. I want you to become the leader of the Chinese cosmetics industry within six months. We now have wealth and power—and, most importantly, I have a secret formula. The products we produce will be a hundred times better than anything on the market.”

When it came to business, Song Wanshuang’s demeanor changed instantly, becoming sharp and capable. “I have a knack for marketing. If your formula is as good as you say, others will be begging to work with us.”

Dao Mo, having already witnessed the power of Jiang An’s secret formula, grinned. “Your Highness, aren’t we being too conservative? As your steward, I know Green Sea Group has more than enough funds—well over a billion.”

“These matters don’t interest me. You and Madam can discuss them. I’ll provide the formula, nothing more.”

“It’s time for me to go all out!” Song Wanshuang’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “But the formula must be kept safe. I’ve seen too many cases of industrial espionage.”

“You needn’t worry about that. I have ways to make it impossible for competitors to even imitate us,” Jiang An said assuredly.

“In that case, there’s nothing to fear.”

“All right, that’s the preliminary plan. In the next few days, I’ll prepare the formula, and then you’ll see the results. Dao Mo, you may go rest. By the way, make arrangements—tomorrow we’ll be receiving two important guests.”

“Yes, sir!”

Dao Mo exited, leaving the room with just the two of them.

“Wanshuang, come here,” Jiang An said.

Song Wanshuang’s cheeks flushed, but she obediently moved closer, nestling in his arms. She heard him say gently, “Wanshuang, I want you to know that I’m helping you reach the pinnacle of the business world because it’s your passion. Once you achieve your goal, you can devote yourself to cultivating immortality with me.”

“Cultivating immortality? I can become an immortal too?” she asked, tilting her face up.

“Of course you can. Who wouldn’t wish to be ageless and undying?”

“Anyone would, especially if it means being with you for a lifetime,” she answered with a tender smile, her tone tinged with worry. “But I’m almost thirty—am I starting too late? I don’t know what cultivating immortality requires, but it must be harsh and difficult.”

“To be honest, it is a bit late. But with me here, there’s no problem at all,” Jiang An declared confidently. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “There’s a method perfect for you—dual cultivation.”

Understanding the implication, Song Wanshuang’s heart began to race uncontrollably.

“Ha, my dear, let’s rest,” Jiang An said suddenly, scooping her into his arms and carrying her swiftly to the bedroom. He tossed her onto the soft bed like a playful rogue.

Song Wanshuang let out a soft cry, her face turning crimson—more alluring than wine, more radiant than roses. Before she could react, Jiang An was already upon her, his hands cupping her jade-like face, his fingers caressing her tender skin. Looking into her eyes, he enunciated each word, “Song Wanshuang, will you be Jiang An’s wife?”

Lost in his boundless masculine aura and infinite tenderness, Song Wanshuang was intoxicated by sweetness and happiness. She could not refuse—she bloomed with the most beautiful smile of her life, clear as autumn waters, radiant as the Milky Way.

“I will.”

In the next moment, their lips met, and there was no turning back.

…

“Wanshuang, you are so beautiful.”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Then, may I come in?”

“Mmm… be gentle.”

In the depths of winter, spring blossomed—wondrous beyond words.