C8 A 'Jade'd Motive

Because of Jiang Yingying's outburst, no one had noticed the recent animated...albeit brief in duration...facial changes upon Yinn Siyan's countenance. For the most part; no one had been paying much attention to the comatose Young Master since Jiang Yingying's arrival...essentially; he had become a 'minor stock-character who blended into the overlooked background of the on-going drama'.

Meanwhile; a perplexed Qiu Xiyun stood there in silence with a heart filled with discord; after hearing all the deceitful rhetoric that had been spewed out from Jiang Yingying's mouth

With the exception of the disdainful scowl demonstratively etched upon Qiu Xiyun's mouth, the rest of her countenance displayed a quizzical expression; as she heavily contemplated over what Jiang Yingying had said thus far...muddling through all of the blatantly apparent lies and suggestions for 'what's in her best interest'; trying to figure out the real underlying reasoning and motives behind Jiang Yingying's spoken words. Qiu Xiyun couldn't fathom why Jiang Yingying was encouraging her dump Yinn Siyan, and get back together with Xu Hao.

Even before Qiu Xiyun discovered that Xu Hao and Jiang Yingying were romantically intimate with one another...sneaking behind her back, all along; while she was under the disillusioned assumption that he wanted a serious relationship with her...Qiu Xiyun always had a subtly nagging, subconscious feeling that he had actually liked Jiang Yingying. And, in retrospect; Xu Hao was kind of obvious about his feelings towards Jiang Yingying through his actions...he had always treated JIang Yingying well; even more so than Qiu Xiyun, at times. So, Qiu Xiyun really couldn't understand why Jiang Yingying was trying to 'push her onto' Xu Hao.

As she waited for a response...impatiently staring at pondering Qiu Xiyun...Jiang Yingying pulled out a black Queen chess piece from her pocket; and, began to slowly twirl it between her fingers. After a few minutes of drawn out silence...with no indication of Qiu Xiyun replying to her previous blunt spat...Jiang Yingying tried to get Qiu Xiyun's attention by softly calling out to her. "Xiyun?"

First, and foremost; Qiu Xiyun was firmly resolved on her decision...she was married to Yinn Siyan, and had no intention on leaving him; so, divorce was out of the question. And. if in the highly unlikely case any unforeseen reason arises causing them to divorce; there's no way she'd get together with Xu Hao...not after what the two of them had done to her. But, Qiu Xiyun was very curious as to why Jiang Yingying was putting on that charade; and, what her real intentions were. So, she decided to drag it out a little longer; in hopes that Jiang Yingying will 'reveal her cards'. Qiu Xiyun expelled out a feigned, long sigh; then, told Jiang Yingying, "As I said; as of right now, I have no intention on leaving Yinn Siyan...but, I will think about what you've said; and, perhaps reconsider it, should ever I find it necessary to."

Hearing that instantly angered Jiang Yingying; causing her to tightly clench her jaw shut, and feverishly gnash her teeth. She was flustered, and at a complete lost; as she frantically racked her brains trying to figure out what Qiu Xiyun meant. On one hand; Qiu Xiyun said she wasn't going to leave Yinn Siyan, at that moment...but, on the other hand; she said that she may consider it later on. Jiang Yingying thought to herself, "What is Qiu Xiyun saying...what is she thinking?...And; just what kind of hold exactly does this Yinn Siyan have over Xiyun?"

And, the more discomposed Jiang Yingying became; the more erratically she twirled the black Queen between her fingers...until it suddenly flew out of her hand. Jiang Yingying hurriedly stomped over to it; and, brusquely snatched the chess piece off the ground. Still agitated; Jiang Yingying snapped at Qiu Xiyun, "What is there to reconsider?! What more do you need?!"

Jiang Yingying took a moment to recompose herself before continuing. "Alright...even though I find it hard to believe why anyone would want to waste their entire life in a marriage with a comatose person; I suppose I can understand the attraction to being part of the Yinn family. But still, even though they aren't as prosperous as the Yinn family; Xu Hao's family is pretty well-off, as well. You'd never go hungry at their table; or, have too many wants in life gone unfulfilled."

"And; I think it's only right that you should know this...Xu Hao has been very depressed, ever since you broke off contact with him."

Jiang Yingying paused another moment to wait for Qiu Xiyun to say something; but, all Qiu Xiyun did was silently stare at her with discerningly scrutinizing eyes...which sent chills through...and, goosebumps all over...her entire body. Jiang Yingying felt as if Qiu Xiyun could 'see through' her deceitfully embellished, scheming plan ; so, she started to strategize for a more convincing argument. It was time to use 'the big guns'.

Despite all the guilt and restlessness in her blackened heart and unnerved psyche; Jiang Yingying put on her most convincing-looking facial expression, as she said, "Xiyun...I can tell by the look that you're giving me that you don't believe me; do you? Fine..." Jiang Yingying brusquely rooted through her purse, and pulled out her phone; then, started to frantically scroll through the Chat History. "Xu Hao sent me a message earlier today about you...let me show you....Now; where is it?....Oh; here it is. See." Jiang Yingying raised the phone in front of Qiu Xiyun's eyes...showing her the pre-planned message orchestrated between her and Xu Hao for Qiu Xiyun's benefit."

Qiu Xiyun briefly glanced at the screen; but, only to put on a convincing front of her own...quite frankly; she found this exaggerated showing of 'remorse and longing' to be rather laughable. Then...to maintain her role in the 'drama'...Qiu Xiyun displayed a guised, saddened expression; and, gloomily said, "Stop speaking on his behalf; Yingying...I know Xu Hao really doesn't love me. If he had any feelings for me at all; he'd send me a message directly, instead of sending it you to pass on."

Jiang Yingying desperately rebutted, "Xiyun; how could you say that...how could you say that he doesn't love you? I mean; just look at everything he's done for you before. For example; remember...no matter whatever the weather was like outside; he would always be sure to bring you breakfast."

Jiang Yingying was becoming anxious...both she and Xu Hao had spent nearly their first two years at the university methodically plotting and working on softening Qiu Xiyun's heart; trying to make her open up, and fall in love with him. Jiang Yingying wasn't about to let all of their previous efforts and minor success go to waste. She was absolutely determined...they must get their hands on that jade brooch.

It was an exquisitely crafted piece of jewelry...its housing consisted of the purest 24 karat gold, entirely trimmed with slivers of the finest amethyst and white diamond chips; with a huge-sized jade stone centered amidst it. And; the jade used has a rare anomaly in its composition...making it more unique and valuable...So valuable, in fact; that if sold through the appropriate channel to the right buyer, the seller could possibly become a millionaire overnight....The jade brooch was left behind by Qiu Xiyun's mother; with the specific intent of it being used as a dowry for Qiu Xiyun's future husband.

Because of the situation with Yinn Siyan...and, the fact that the Yinn family was among the wealthiest families in S City...the Madame of the Yinn family didn't require the Qiu family to offer a dowry on Qiu Xiyun's behalf. JIang Yingying managed to find this out...but; she also knew that Qiu Xiyun's stepmother, Lin Mi, would probably do just about anything to get her hands on that jade brooch, as well...so, her impromptu visit at the Yinn family estate was Jiang Yingying's latest attempt to get her and Xu Hao's plan back on track.

Of course, Qiu Xiyun wasn't buying it; but, decided to play along anyway, and drag it out. "Um...if I recall correctly; he also brought you breakfast, too. So, what's the big deal; a lot of people did that for one another. Besides; he had to get breakfast for himself, anyway."

Jiang Yingying was getting frustrated...and; became really irritated when she heard Qiu Xiyun tell her, "Anyway...regardless of whether Xu Hao has feelings for me, or not...I'm a married woman, now. So; I'm not worthy of his love, anymore. It will best for everyone if he just accepts this; and, let's go of those feelings he has for me, as soon as possible."

A desperate Jiang Yingying curtly blurted out, "Don't be like this; Xiyun!"

It was time for the second 'big gun'...her last resort for this visit. Jiang Yingying firmly gritted her teeth as she hesitantly pulled out a small box from her purse, then handed it over to Qiu Xiyun. She briefly stared down at the box in Qiu Xiyun's hand; then took in a deep breath, before telling her, "Xu Hao knew that I was coming here to visit you today; so, he asked me to give this to you."

A suspiciously wary Qiu Xiyun closely examined the outside the box...which was a masterfully crafted dark red, oak box deftly carved with intricate patterns. The box itself appeared to be exceptionally valuable.

After a moment or two of examining the box; Qiu Xiyun slowly opened it. Centered within the velvet-cushioned bottom; there was a luxurious diamond ring...with the price tag still affixed. And, if the price was correct; the ring nearly cost 125,000 yuan.

It was of a classic...yet elegant...design; with the ring itself forged out of platinum. The main stone was a high-quality Blue Sapphire Diamond; complementary centered within a circle of smaller, brilliantly illuminous, yellow diamonds.

Qiu Xiyun couldn't help but to be momentarily taken in by its stunning appearance; forcing her to quickly avert her eyes downwards to hide the 'smile' within them. It truly was a magnificent ring...not to mention expensive. Too expensive even for the Xu family to spend their money on. Qiu Xiyun knew that there was no way Xu Hao would give her such an excessively valuable item.

Qiu Yixun was half right...of course Xu Hao wouldn't give her such an expensive gift; but, he did purchase the ring. It was actually the ring Xu Hao was planning on using to propose to Jiang Yingying with...but, after much deliberation; they both agreed that in order to coax Qiu Xiyun into leaving Yinn Siyan and marrying Xu Hao, they would give the ring to her.

Though a bit reluctant to having to give away the ring; Jiang Yingying kept reassuring herself by repeatedly thinking to herself, "Sacrificing this ring in order to get that jade brooch will definitely be worth it....And besides, even if they do get married; Xu Hao will always be mine...and, we'll eventually be together in the end, anyway."

"There's all the proof you'll ever need; Xiyun...Xu Hao really does love you; and, wants to marry you. So, Xiyun...can't you see it in your heart to accept his love that comes along with this ring; and, at least make an effort to go and see him." Jiang Yingying briefly paused; then, finished with, "I'm sure you still remember that tomorrow is Xu Hao's birthday. There's going to be a party for him at the Meise Club, tomorrow...you should come."

Qiu Xiyun's curiosity had been piqued...Jiang Yingying had used such clearly apparent thought-out devised lines spoken and elaborate props in her act...so, Qiu Xiyun had no choice but to keep on playing along; and, feigned a moved appearance. "Again...I am a married woman...but; I'd be lying if I said that I'm not touched by this....I know I shouldn't be doing this...but; I will find the opportunity to step out tomorrow and see Xu Hao."

Qiu Xiyun purposely looked over at Yinn Siyan; then, sharply turned her head away, and averted her eyes to the ground...and, partially covered her face with her slender hands, as she shed 'crocodile tears'; feigning to be ashamed of her 'unfaithful action'. She needed to put on a convincing front if she was going to figure out why Jiang Yingying and Xu Hao were so persistent on being close with her; and, to find out what exactly were they up to.

Jiang Yingying believed that she had finally regained Qiu Xiyun's trust, and convinced her not to give up on Xu Hao. Jiang Yingying inconspicuously expelled a sigh of relief; then, told Qiu Xiyun, "I'm glad that you're willing to see Xu Hao; and, give him a chance to prove himself to you. I'll be sure to let him know. Trust me; he's going to be ecstatic when he hears it."

Qiu Xiyun 'bit her tongue'; as she softly muttered, "Yeah...I'm sure he will."

Under the impression that she had successfully accomplished what she came to do; Jiang Yingying conversed a little longer with Qiu Xiyun...making some typical small talk...before coming up with an excuse to leave.

The final 'inane conversation' and 'abrupt departure' didn't surprise Qiu Xiyun, at all; in fact, she kind of saw it coming....after all; that was Jiang Yingying's style. Of course, Qiu Xiyun had no intention of personally seeing Jiang Yingying off; so, she looked over at Yinn Siyan...who was still seated in the wheelchair beside the bench...and, told her, "Yingying...I cannot leave Yinn Siyan alone here, by himself; so, I won't be able to walk you out. You remember you way out of here; right...or, should I call for one of our servants to escort you out?"

This instantly irked Jiang Yingying; and, she tightly clenched her teeth together to keep from saying anything that might undo what she had believed she had accomplished there, today. Jiang Yingying fumed in her mind, "How dare this 'replacement bride' actually have the audacity to treat me like this! And; the nerve to phrase it as 'one of our servants', instead of just one of the servants...what; is she throwing her newly found position in the Yinn family in my face?! It was only because of some lucky miracle that you're here in the first place!...Whatever; bitch." And, once calmed down a little; Jiang Yingying slightly huffed, "Please; don't bother on my account...I see myself out."

Jiang Yingying stomped off; and, Qiu Xiyun satisfactorily grinned. At the same time; Jiang Yingying malevolently gloated in her mind, "Enjoy the time you have left in the Yinn family while you can...because, once we convince you to divorce Yinn Siyan and marry Xu Hao; that jade brooch is going to be ours. And then, not long after; Xu Hao will divorce you, and marry me...just like we've planned on doing, all this time."

Shortly after Jiang Yingying left, Qiu Xiyun noticed that the sun was beginning to set; and, headed back inside with Yinn Siyan.

Unbeknownst to Qiu Xiyun; one of the gardeners had been lurking about in close proximity to where she and Jiang Yingying were conversing...intensely monitoring and eavesdropping on their discussion. At that time...when Qiu Xiyun passed with Yinn Siyan...the only thing remaining in the area was a quickly discarded pair of pruning shears thrown on the ground, in front of a half trimmed bush.

Right after Jiang Yingying stomped off; the gardener had inconspicuously snuck off to meet with an undisclosed person. "Sir."

"I take it that since you called me out here, you must have something of importance...or; at the very least, interesting...thing to share with me." The person nefariously sneered at the gardener. "That is; I hope so, for your sake. I'd hate to think that you're wasting my time....You aren't; right?" The gardener nervously shook his head; then...starting with a bit of a nervous stammering...told the person what he had overheard.

After the gardener's debriefing, the person remained silent for a moment; with a maliciously devilish smirk etched across his mouth. Then; he sinisterly instructed the gardener. "Be sure to tell Yinn Siya about this. After that...well...you know what to do; right?"

Again; the gardener nervously nodded. "Yes, sir; I know."

The person pulled out a check from the inside pocket of his jacket; and, brusquely threw it in the gardener's face. "Then; see to it." The person slowly walked away; once again displaying a maliciously devilish smirk. Meanwhile...the gardener fumbled while trying to catch the falling check; then, quickly looked down upon the payment amount. A glimmering of joy instantly flashed within his widening eyes. He called out; in an appreciative tone, "Don't worry, sir; I'll definitely take care of it."

The gardener returned to the bush to retrieve the pruning shears. As he looked up to the gradually darkening sky, a sudden breeze had blown by; and, the gardener chuckled as he mused to himself, "How apropos...the once bright and beautiful Yinn family garden is about to be covered by dismally dark clouds, as the proverbial winds of change will soon alter the Yinn family."