C15 Go Home

"What's wrong, feeling a bit reluctant?" Yichen's voice sounded in her ear. His hair had grown a bit longer, and he wore a charcoal-gray trench coat that made him look tall and sharp. A camel-colored cashmere scarf was wrapped around his neck, slightly covering his fair and refined chin. Chuman had insisted he wear it to fend off the chill, knowing he wasn't as robust as most people.

Chuman glanced at him and nodded slightly. This little villa had been one of the few places where she felt truly relaxed and at ease in recent years.

"No worries. If you want to come back, we can return anytime," Yichen assured her with a small smile. But Chuman knew that once they left today, it might be a long time before they returned.

The Jiang Estate was unusually lively. The children and grandchildren of the Jiang family had hurried back from all over, responding to the firm command of the family patriarch, Jiang Chengwei.

"My eldest son has recovered and returned. Anyone who doesn't come back is disrespecting me!" he had declared. Of course, the final message sent out to the family had been carefully polished before reaching everyone.

Luxury cars lined up in front of the old estate, and relatives who hadn't been seen in ages exchanged superficial pleasantries. Well-maintained women compared looks and jewelry, while men in suits boasted about their business ventures and conquests.

Jiang Lingxi held a glass of champagne, dressed in a white suit that made him look even more refined and elegant. His polite and modest smile, along with his measured words, won the favor of the elders present. Even those who usually clashed with Jiang Chengwei couldn't help but praise him as "a fine young man." Lingxi lowered his eyes slightly, a hint of sarcasm flickering in them.

So what if Jiang Yichen is back? The Jiang family is no longer what it used to be.

Just as the atmosphere was harmonious and everyone was engaged in conversation, the hall suddenly fell silent.

Descending the spiral staircase were two people who captured everyone's attention. Jiang Yichen wore a silver-gray suit, impeccably tailored, his tall and slender frame showing no signs of weakness despite two years of unconsciousness. Time seemed to have favored him, leaving no trace. His skin was pale and delicate, with a slight furrow of his brow hinting at a touch of melancholy and frailty. His lightly pressed lips revealed subtle clues to his condition.

Beside him was a woman in a red dress, her skin as fair as porcelain, with long, jet-black hair cascading to her waist. Her otherwise plain features were elevated by the vibrant color of her dress, holding her own effortlessly next to Yichen.

Jiang Yichen walked slowly with his wife to Jiang Chengwei's side and greeted him. "Dad." He completely ignored the woman next to Jiang Chengwei, whose forced smile barely concealed her displeasure.

Bai Chuman, a bit dazed, was nudged by Yichen and snapped back to reality, awkwardly echoing, "Dad."

Their subtle exchange didn't escape Jiang Chengwei's notice, and a small smile crept onto his face. He had expected Yichen to be unhappy about the marriage, but it seemed to have worked out unexpectedly well. Watching the couple's harmonious interaction, his gaze turned thoughtful.

"My good son," Jiang Chengwei said, giving Yichen a hearty pat on the shoulder. To his surprise, Yichen's face turned pale, and he nearly stumbled, startling everyone.

Bai Chuman quickly steadied Yichen, helping him catch his breath, and explained, "Yichen just woke up not long ago; he's still recovering."

Everyone nodded in sudden understanding, though each harbored their own thoughts and schemes.

Being his beloved eldest son, Jiang Chengwei's eyes showed a hint of apology. He rarely inquired about Yichen's health, but after confirming he was okay, the family dinner began.

A long table was set with a pristine white tablecloth and precisely arranged glassware. The Jiang family took their seats one by one. Before sitting, Yichen thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Bai Chuman, then settled in himself. Throughout the meal, he served her soup and dishes, ensuring she ate neatly. When Bai Chuman reached for the sea urchin soup in front of her, Yichen gently stopped her hand.

"Sea urchins are cold in nature; are you planning on having a stomachache tonight?" The voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for those nearby to hear. Bai Chuman's hand paused mid-air, and she reluctantly pulled it back. Jiang Yichen, looking as if he had no choice, placed the shrimp he had just peeled into her bowl.