Chapter 11: Eleventh Day as a Salted Fish
The koi in the pond had been raised by the Zhou family for decades. With dedicated servants feeding them every day, they weren’t afraid of strangers at all; as long as there was fish food, they would swim over. One particularly plump koi actually leapt right out of the water.
Qin Jiaojiao was startled and subconsciously stepped backward. Her high heels stepped on the cobblestone-paved floor, and with an unsteady footing, she fell backward.
Oh no! She was going to fall!
A look of panic appeared on Qin Jiaojiao’s face. Before she could hit the ground, Zhou Shaoli, who was beside her, reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her into his embrace.
“Are you alright?” the man’s pleasant voice asked.
Qin Jiaojiao stared at him blankly and shook her head, “…I’m fine.”
Zhou Shaoli released his grip to let her stand steady and said, “The koi in the pond are quite spirited. Occasionally, they playfully jump out of the water.”
“It startled me.” Qin Jiaojiao tossed the remaining fish food in her hand into the pond, which was quickly snatched up and devoured. “Grandfather and Grandmother asked me to call you for dinner. Let’s go to the dining room.”
The two walked back to the living room together along the path.
Just as they walked in, they heard a child’s crisp voice, “Little Auntie and Little Uncle were kissing in the back garden.”
Qin Jiaojiao: “?”
The eyes of the Zhou family members landed on Qin Jiaojiao and Zhou Shaoli as they entered the living room, revealing looks of surprise. Back then, Zhou Shaoli getting married had seemed just like executing a mission assigned by Old Master Zhou.
Was getting married and having a wife really that different?
Even a god would descend to the mortal realm and be moved by love.
Qin Jiaojiao felt a fire burning on her face. She glanced at the little girl, whose face was full of innocence. Her lips moved, but in the end, she didn’t say anything.
The expression on Zhou Shaoli’s handsome face remained calm as he spoke, “Qin Jiaojiao almost tripped and fell. I just caught her.”
With this explanation, the adults instantly understood that their little niece had seen them and misunderstood.
During dinner, the Zhou family sat according to seniority. Qin Jiaojiao and Zhou Shaoli sat together. Facing the entire extended family, she felt a bit constrained and only picked at the dishes directly in front of her.
Seeing this, Grandmother Zhou said, “Jiaojiao, the kitchen made the braised shark fin especially for you, eat a little more.”
“I will, Grandmother,” Qin Jiaojiao replied.
Grandmother Zhou looked at Zhou Shaoli and said, “Shaoli, put some more food in Jiaojiao’s bowl.”
Everyone’s gazes shifted over again. Her father-in-law Zhou Bowen, her mother-in-law Li Wanru, and his eldest brother Zhou Shaoyan all fixed their eyes on Zhou Shaoli.
Zhou Shaoli picked up the serving chopsticks and, without changing his expression, placed two pieces of shark fin into Qin Jiaojiao’s bowl.
“That’s enough, that’s enough,” Qin Jiaojiao hurriedly lifted her bowl and said, “If it’s too much, I won’t be able to finish it.”
Zhou Shaoli had a mild temperament and was distant yet polite to his family. This was the very first time they had seen him take care of someone like this. It was completely unlike before; whenever he and Qin Jiaojiao attended family dinners, the two of them had acted like complete strangers.
Although they had forced Zhou Shaoli into marriage, feelings ultimately couldn’t be forced. Seeing Zhou Shaoli’s considerate attitude toward Qin Jiaojiao now, everyone in the family was very surprised.
At today’s family banquet, with a table full of people, only one person was holding in her frustration and feeling very displeased.
“Jiaojiao, Shaoli works very hard. Even though the Zhou family doesn’t lack the bit of money needed to provide for you, being idle all the time will only lead to trouble. You stay at home all day; you should find something to do…”
Aside from the retired Grandfather and Grandmother Zhou, and the little niece who was in school, no one in the Zhou family was truly idle. Her mother-in-law, Li Wanru, was a famous jewelry designer, and her father-in-law was a director of the Zhuxing Group. Therefore, she deeply disapproved of Qin Jiaojiao, who spent all her days attending parties.
Hearing this, Qin Jiaojiao put down her chopsticks, leaned slightly toward Zhou Shaoli, and said in a soft, delicate voice, “Mom, you’re right. So I recently had my manager sign me up for a variety show, and I plan to go on the program with Shaoli.”
“Go on a program?!” Li Wanru was immediately unhappy upon hearing this. With a strict expression, she said, “You plan to expose Shaoli to the public eye?”
Most wealthy, elite families disliked being in the public spotlight, and they especially loathed having paparazzi parade their family matters in front of the public for discussion. Because of this, wealthy families had always looked down on celebrities; in their eyes, celebrities were merely entertainers.
Hearing that Qin Jiaojiao was dragging Zhou Shaoli onto a variety show, her mother-in-law Li Wanru was the first to object. “Absolutely not!”
Her father-in-law Zhou Bowen had a stern look on his face, but he didn’t hold much power in the household. His wife was domineering, and he was willing to let her handle and arrange all matters.
“This won’t do,” Li Wanru said, her face looking ugly. “Variety shows are broadcast on television. There will be lots of gossip. The slightest shift in public opinion will lead netizens to smear and throw dirty water on us, which will affect the Group’s image.”
Qin Jiaojiao pressed her lips tightly together. She had originally thought the Zhou family would agree to her and Zhou Shaoli participating in the variety show, as that was how it was described in the original plot. She hadn’t expected both her parents-in-law to object.
Zhou Shaoli glanced at the downcast Qin Jiaojiao and then spoke to his stern-faced parents: “Dad, Mom, the variety show we’re participating in is a dating and marriage program. This show is pre-recorded. If there are any issues, the production team will consult with our PR team. You don’t need to worry too much.”
“It’s just going on TV, why act as if we’re facing a formidable enemy?” Grandfather Zhou chimed in. “Young people nowadays love watching variety shows. Attracting the attention of the younger generation to the Zhuxing Group is a good thing!”
Grandmother Zhou chuckled happily, “The company isn’t too busy lately. Shaoli and Jiaojiao can go on the variety show to cultivate their relationship. Grandmother approves your leave.”
The little niece raised her spoon and said, “I want to watch Little Auntie and Little Uncle on TV.”
Zhuxing Group had many projects currently in development and operation. As Zhou Shaoli’s father, Zhou Bowen wasn’t lacking in capability, but ultimately, the son had outshone the father. Relying on Zhou Shaoli to expand the Zhou family enterprise, Zhuxing Group’s grand territory was now half as large again as it had been in previous years. Because of this, he was somewhat unwilling to let Zhou Shaoli take time off to participate in a variety show.
Li Wanru’s reason for disagreeing was much simpler. She inherently disliked Qin Jiaojiao, who came from a nouveau riche background. Aside from her presentable looks, there wasn’t a single thing about her that Li Wanru was satisfied with.
She had originally thought she could find an obedient daughter-in-law to gently and considerately take care of Zhou Shaoli. Instead, they had invited a ‘vixen’1 into the Zhou family who idled her days away doing nothing and was always stirring up messy trouble.
Since Zhou Shaoli himself agreed and the Old Master had also spoken, the middle-aged wealthy couple had no way to defy their elders.
Li Wanru said with a cold face, “Since you insist on participating in the variety show, then pay attention and don’t bring any negative impact to the Zhou family. If it affects the Group’s image, don’t blame me for scolding you.”
She said ‘you’ plural, but it was actually aimed solely at Qin Jiaojiao. Her mother-in-law’s gaze was like lightning, staring piercingly straight at her.
Qin Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Okay, Mom. Don’t worry, I will perform well.”
Seeing her sweet-talking and obedient demeanor, Li Wanru’s anger subsided a bit, though she warned, “Don’t just say pretty words, make sure you can actually do it.”
After dinner, Grandfather Zhou called Zhou Bowen and Zhou Shaoli upstairs for a talk, leaving Qin Jiaojiao in the living room playing on her phone out of boredom.
The little niece of the Zhou family, Zhou Jianing, wearing a little short skirt and a backpack with angel wings, ran around the living room, occasionally leaning over the sofa to peek at Qin Jiaojiao.
First from a distance, then slowly getting closer. Qin Jiaojiao noticed this and waved at her.
The little girl leaned against the sofa, fidgeting shyly, her eyes fixed on Qin Jiaojiao, but she didn’t come over.
Qin Jiaojiao called out, “Ningning, come here.”
The little girl padded over to Qin Jiaojiao with small steps. Looking at the cute and pretty girl, Qin Jiaojiao couldn’t help but ask, “Ningning, can Little Auntie give you a hug?”
“Mhm.” The little girl nodded.
Qin Jiaojiao reached out and lifted the girl onto her lap, asking, “How old is Ningning? Are you in school yet?”
“Three years old,” the little girl held up three fair, chubby little fingers. “I’m in kindergarten.”
“Ningning is so smart,” Qin Jiaojiao praised.
The little girl proudly tilted her head up. “The teacher also praises me for being smart.” She leaned into Qin Jiaojiao’s embrace and said, “Little Auntie, you smell so nice.”
Qin Jiaojiao looked down at her fair little face, her voice softening, “Does Ningning like it?”
“I like it.” The little girl looked at her with dark eyes, took off her small backpack, and pulled out some fruit hard candies wrapped in colorful paper. Stuffing a few into Qin Jiaojiao’s hand, she said, “For Little Auntie.”
“Thank you, Ningning.” Qin Jiaojiao unwrapped one and popped it in her mouth, smiling brightly. “It’s really sweet, very yummy.”
“My mom mailed them back to me,” Ningning’s voice was soft and sticky.
Qin Jiaojiao patted her head. Ningning’s mom was constantly away working, and her eldest brother Zhou Shaoyan was often immersed in medical equipment research and development. Neither of them had much time to spend with the child; this kid must miss her mom very much.
Qin Jiaojiao chatted with Ningning for a while until she fell asleep in her arms. The two Zhou brothers came downstairs. Seeing Zhou Jianing asleep in Qin Jiaojiao’s embrace, Zhou Shaoyan remarked, “Ningning really likes your wife.”
Zhou Shaoli’s eyes flickered slightly behind his gold-rimmed glasses. “She is indeed very likable.”
Zhou Shaoyan glanced at Zhou Shaoli and said, “It seems Grandfather making you get married was the right move.”
The two men walked over to the sofa. Qin Jiaojiao, holding the child, looked up at Zhou Shaoli. A three-year-old child wasn’t light, and since she was asleep in her arms, Qin Jiaojiao didn’t want to wake her.
Zhou Shaoli took a few strides with his long legs and stood in front of her. As he leaned down, Qin Jiaojiao looked up at him and caught the scent of ebony agarwood wafting from his body, carrying a bewitching aroma.
“Give her to me,” he said, reaching out to take the little girl from her arms before turning and handing her to his older brother.
Holding his daughter, Zhou Shaoyan said to Jiaojiao, “Sister-in-law, thank you for looking after Ningning. I’ll take Ningning back now, see you next time.”
The Zhou family asked Qin Jiaojiao and Zhou Shaoli to stay the night, but Zhou Shaoli declined, explaining that he had an important itinerary the next day and needed to rush back to the courtyard villa that night.
The Old Master and Old Madam couldn’t insist on them staying. They instructed the kitchen to pack a few desserts made by the head chef for Qin Jiaojiao to take back as a late-night snack.
It was 8:30 PM when they left the old residence. Sitting in the car, Qin Jiaojiao was playing with the candy her little niece had given her.
On the way back to the courtyard villa, Qin Jiaojiao sneaked a peek at Zhou Shaoli. Seeing him leaning against the seat back with a quiet expression, she held her hand out in front of his eyes. “Do you want one?”
Zhou Shaoli raised his eyes to look at her and asked, “Ningning gave them to you?”
“Mhm.” Qin Jiaojiao was in a delightful mood, her voice light and cheerful. “It’s quite sweet, do you want to eat one?”
Zhou Shaoli reached out and took the candy. He unwrapped it and unhurriedly placed it in his mouth. The sweet flavor swept across his taste buds; he couldn’t even remember how long it had been since he last ate a fruit hard candy snack.
“It is very sweet,” he said.
Upon returning to the courtyard villa, as Qin Jiaojiao was changing her shoes, she heard a servant say: “Madam, your things have all been moved to Sir’s room.”
Translator’s note:
Translator’s note
- The Chinese word “妖精” (yāojing) literally translates to demon, spirit, or goblin, but is often used to describe a seductive, bewitching, or troublemaking woman ↩︎
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