C18 Her Eldest Son

Since that moment, Chengwei truly saw his eldest son for the first time. Yichen had a handsome, fair appearance, with intelligence and emotional awareness beyond his years. He was mature yet indifferent, embodying a true coldness, much like his mother. Unlike those who live by the sword, Yichen’s cold nature was innate, unconcerned with familial bonds. If something threatened his interests, there was no escape. This was the kind of heir the family truly needed.

But last night... Chengwei recalled those words and felt he couldn't see through his own son anymore. The next day, news spread through Araamouth: Yichen, citing health reasons, voluntarily gave up his claim to the family inheritance, choosing only to take what his mother left him. The city was abuzz with the revelation.

In the executive office of Jiang's Group, Lingxi sat in a leather swivel chair, his expression grim. If not for the news, he would still be in the dark. He frowned, the gold-rimmed glasses hiding the fierceness in his eyes. He couldn't fathom what Yichen was up to. Was he really so kind-hearted to give up the family inheritance voluntarily? Lingxi rubbed his aching temples. Deep down, he knew Yichen wouldn’t let things go so easily. Yet now, he felt like a traveler in the dark, waiting for the wolf to strike before he could understand Yichen's true intentions.

The entire Jiang family was on edge, yet the main characters of everyone's discussions were surprisingly relaxed.

After spending so much time together, Bai Chuman gradually learned where Jiang Yichen drew the line. She was surprised to discover his unusual tolerance and gentleness. Even though he often wore a cold expression and had a sharp tongue that could leave people speechless, she noticed subtle signs that revealed his emotions.

Like now.

The Jiang family's orchard had sent over a batch of fruit. Knowing Bai Chuman loved juicy fruits, Jiang Yichen didn't hesitate to have all the sweetest and juiciest ones brought back when the fruit was distributed to the various branches of the Jiang family.

Bai Chuman held a ripe peach in her hand. The flesh was a deep red, perfectly ripe. She peeled it and took a bite, juice splattering her face. The perfect texture and the peach's fragrance made her let out a satisfied exclamation.

Jiang Yichen, dressed in casual home attire, was sitting on the sofa with a thick stack of documents beside him. He listened to the detailed reports from the subordinates of his mother's company. Even as smart as he was, the rapid changes in the business and financial world of the 21st century were beyond his imagination.

A sudden exclamation from not far away interrupted his thoughts. Jiang Yichen frowned and looked up, only to see Bai Chuman with a messy face, eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

Yichen set down the documents in his hand, crossing his arms as he leaned back on the sofa, silently watching the other person. It wasn't until Chuman sensed something was off and noticed his piercing gaze that she looked at him with a face full of panic. Only then did he slightly part his lips, a faint smile tugging at the corners.

"Chuman..."

"Hmm?" Chuman sat up straight.

"Have you... noticed that you've put on some weight recently?"

"!!!" Chuman froze in place.

Yichen raised an eyebrow slightly, satisfied with the expression on her face, then lowered his gaze and gestured for his assistant to continue, leaving Chuman feeling utterly disoriented.

But this rare moment of lightheartedness was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

Yilin entered, wearing a white sports skirt, her hair tied up in a high ponytail, exuding youthful energy. Her bright smile was like sunshine on her face as she jogged in, followed by a man in a similar sporty outfit. He looked gentle and sunny, with a shy smile, carrying various golf clubs.

"I came to see you," Yilin called out sweetly, but she stopped a short distance from Yichen, not daring to get too close.

Yichen glanced at her, nodded, and then looked away. Yilin's face held an awkward, dry smile as she watched the person behind her walk in and quickly pulled him to her side.

"Shen Wenxuan is here too. Do you remember? He couldn't make it to the family dinner that day because he had something else going on."

Yichen slowly lifted his head, sizing up the man in front of him, and unexpectedly, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Shen Wenxuan? I've heard a lot about you."

While others might not know how much Yichen's personality had changed over the past two years, Chuman was well aware. People said that the car accident had knocked some sense into him, making him more amiable and often seen with a smile. What they didn't realize was that he had become a master of the deceptive smile. Whenever he flashed that insincere grin, Chuman knew someone was in for a rough time—like she just was. She thought about it with a touch of frustration.

Yilin's gaze also landed on her, and she called out with a sweet smile.