C5 The Jing Family in the Imperial Capital Was a Noble Family

The journey to Yi City was serene, with Yem Xi resting her eyes in the quiet of the car. After exiting the highway and another half-hour drive, we arrived at Fragrant Forest Garden, the most exclusive villa district in Yi City, perched on the mountainside and home to the city's elite.

The driver pulled up to a villa, where the golden walnut doors opened slowly. He noticed a car in the courtyard that was strikingly similar to one he'd seen in Riverside Village. Could it be the same car? Dismissing the thought with a chuckle, he parked the car with precision.

"We've arrived, Second Miss," Hsu Lirong said, glancing at Yem Xi.

Surveying the courtyard, Yem Xi was flooded with memories from her past life, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. This time around, she vowed, things would be different. She would let no one trample over her.

Hsu Lirong headed inside, with Yem Xi trailing behind, bag in tow.

"Oh, Steward Hsu, you're back?" a sweet and naive voice called out from the staircase across the hall as soon as they entered.

Yem Xi followed the sound and saw a girl in a light pink dress descending the stairs. Her face, always adorned with a gentle smile and framed by waist-length hair, gave her an angelic appearance. Yet Yem Xi knew all too well the vile heart that lay beneath that graceful exterior.

"Miss," Hsu Lirong greeted, her smile particularly warm in the presence of the Jiang family people.

"Is this Yem Xi?" Jiang Shuyao asked, turning to observe the girl behind Steward Hsu. Her smile wavered for a moment as she took in Yem Xi's appearance. Even without makeup, Yem Xi had a captivating presence, her natural beauty undeniable.

Dressed in a plain white shirt and jeans, with her hair casually tied up, Yem Xi exuded a confidence and elegance that belied her rural roots, resembling more the poise of a woman of noble birth.

Standing there, she effortlessly became a breathtaking part of the scenery.

A fleeting shadow passed through Jiang Shuyao's eyes.

Her smile deepened, seemingly delighted by the arrival of her new sister. She took her by the hand and led her upstairs.

"Mom and Dad are entertaining guests in the living room. Let's head upstairs first."

In the living room, Jiang Yifan and Du Qingtian were engaged in a cheerful conversation with Wen Donglin, the esteemed young master of the Wen family.

The Jiang and Wen families were both prominent in Yi City, but the Jiangs had risen to prominence only in recent years. In comparison to the well-established Wen family, they still had some catching up to do.

Typically, the two families had little to do with each other. The Wen family hadn't even sent a representative to Old Madam Jiang's sixtieth birthday celebration the day before, yet today, Young Master Wen had arrived with a generous gift.

Jiang Yifan was puzzled by Wen Donglin's intentions.

Accompanying him was another young man, a stranger with an air of distinction, clearly not a local from Yi City.

From the deference shown by Wen Donglin, it was clear this young man held significant influence, likely even surpassing that of the Wen family.

Without an introduction from Wen Donglin, Jiang Yifan felt compelled to inquire, "Young Master Wen, may I ask who this is?"

"Jing Cheng, visiting from the Imperial Capital," Wen Donglin replied with a warm smile.

Wen Donglin was a renowned prodigy in Yi City, having taken the reins of half the family business at just twenty-four and named as the designated heir by Old Master Wen himself.

Recognizing the connection to the Jing family and the Imperial Capital, Jiang Yifan immediately realized the stature of their guest and adopted a respectful demeanor.

The Jing family of the Imperial Capital was a lineage of distinguished nobility.

Furthermore, the name Jing Cheng was widely recognized.

The heir to the Jing family was known for his decisive tactics in the business world and had secured numerous international patents by the age of twenty-four. The various accolades he had earned all pointed to one conclusion — this young man was not to be trifled with!

Jing Cheng remained quiet until the sound of movement at the door caught everyone's attention.

Jing Cheng had been quiet since he sat down, barely speaking a word. It wasn't until there was a stir at the entrance that he casually glanced in that direction, his eyes lifting ever so slightly.

Wen Donglin had learned from Xu Yu about Jing Cheng's unusual behavior over the past few days. Although Jing Cheng's movements were subtle, Wen Donglin noticed and followed his gaze. There, he saw Miss Jiang escorting a girl upstairs. That girl... she must be the reason why this gentleman had traveled all the way from the Imperial Capital. How extraordinary!

Young Master Jing, with his renowned reputation, had encountered all sorts of women. When had he ever shown such interest in one? Wen Donglin's eyes twinkled with amusement as he turned to Jiang Yifan, "Director Jiang, do you have another guest today? In that case, we..."

Jiang Yifan hastened to clarify, "To be frank, it seems my long-lost daughter has returned after more than a decade. It's no trouble at all."

Wen Donglin had heard about the Jiang family's search for their missing daughter long ago. Still, he feigned surprise, cupping his fists and exclaiming, "What a tremendous joy this is! Congratulations!"

Jiang Yifan offered a polite smile in return. With the conversation at this juncture, he had no choice but to send Du Qingtian to summon Yem Xi.

Jiang Shuyao had been secretly relieved that her esteemed guest hadn't encountered Yem Xi, but as she was about to ascend the staircase, she heard Du Qingtian's voice, "Yao Yao, come down with Yem Xi and greet the guest."

Jiang Shuyao froze in her tracks, acutely aware of the prestige of their visitor, especially the one accompanying Young Master Wen.