Chapter 11

On New Year’s Eve, Mr. and Mrs. Ji decided to stay in Hainan, so Ji Ming and I flew there to celebrate the New Year.

However, I told Ji Ming that we should keep our relationship a secret for now.

“Why?”

“I’m not ready, and we just started dating. What if in the future…”

“There won’t be any ‘what if’.” He firmly held my hand.

I didn’t continue the topic, feeling conflicted, “It’s not just that. I’m mainly worried that my parents might not be able to accept it right away. They’re probably still picking out potential marriage partners for me, and I haven’t figured out how to face that.”

Ji Ming smoothed the furrow on my brow and spoke gently, “Alright, let’s not talk about it now. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”

Our hands, tightly clasped since boarding the plane, separated as we stepped into the house.

Ji Ming and I played the roles of affectionate siblings.

Ji’s father and Ji Ming discussed company matters in the study.

Ji’s mother and I chatted about everyday life in the living room. Despite our usually distant relationship, the festive occasion had us acting like a familiar mother and daughter.

During the New Year’s Eve dinner, Ji Ming and I finally sat together, facing Mr. and Mrs. Ji.

“I heard Shan has been interning at the company with your brother recently. How’s she doing? Is she adapting well?” Ji’s father initiated the conversation.

“Everything’s good. It’s busy, but I’ve learned a lot from my brother,” I replied obediently.

“Ji Ming, make sure to take Shan out to meet clients, let her see the world,” Ji’s father continued.

I couldn’t help but wonder why an adopted daughter meant for a marriage alliance needed to see the world. Wouldn’t it be easier to control someone naive?

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve arranged for her to intern in the Secretary Department, and I take her along when discussing business.”

“That’s good. Shan isn’t young anymore. The sooner she meets clients and gets familiar with the circle, the better she’ll handle social interactions in the future.”

Ji’s mother suddenly interjected, her tone gentle but her gaze subtly scrutinizing.

“She’s still young, let her take her time,” Ji Ming replied indifferently.

“She’s not that young. In a couple of years, she should consider major life decisions. Since she’s meeting clients with you, if she encounters suitable candidates, she should get to know them.”

So that’s the plan!

It’s not about me “meeting clients,” it’s about clients “meeting me.”

It’s always like this, never explicitly stating “commercial marriage,” but constantly hinting and arranging.

Making it seem like a kind gesture, difficult to refuse or counter.

Suppressing my discomfort, I looked up, pretending to be oblivious, and smiled shyly, “Mom, I haven’t graduated yet. Isn’t it a bit early to discuss this?”

Ji’s mother smiled, her tone still gentle, “It’s always good to pave the way early. You’re young, you have plenty of time to choose carefully.”

“Mom, why are you worrying about this? I’m not married yet either, and she’s focused on her studies. There are plenty of people pursuing her at school, but she hasn’t accepted any of them.”

Ji Ming said, not forgetting to place a piece of vibrant green vegetable in my bowl.

Annoyed, I stealthily reached under the table and pinched his thigh hard.

He frowned slightly but remained silent.

“Those young boys at school can’t compare to the truly influential people outside,” Ji’s mother seamlessly continued.

Ji Ming grasped my mischievous hand, played with it for a moment, then intertwined our fingers.

“Mom, don’t worry. She knows what’s best, right?” Ji Ming smiled, giving me a knowing look, and tightened his grip under the table.

I quickly withdrew my hand and smiled in response, “Yes, I’ll finish my studies first, then follow Mom and Dad’s arrangements.”

Ji’s mother smiled and nodded, her expression unchanged.

But I knew, the little gestures under the table had already been noticed by her.

And that’s exactly what I wanted–to let her discover this deliberately hidden secret.

Once things are out in the open, conflicts diminish.

The more you hide, the bigger the snowball of conflict grows.

I want them, as a family, to suspect each other and breed discord.