Chapter 449 - 462: A Talk with Qiu Yue

In the living room, on the sofa, An Ning’s expression grew more serious than ever before.

"Anna, I learned Mysticism and Feng Shui from a master, but I never formally became his disciple. I only promised him that I would find an apprentice for him so that his lineage could continue."

"As fate would have it, the master’s name was Liu Shou’an. His purpose was to guard the peace of the An family."

As An Ning spoke, her face filled with a boundless sense of longing.

Across from her, Anna didn’t interrupt. She could sense how much this master meant to An Ning.

"If your baby becomes a disciple, it will be the master’s lineage they enter, carrying on his school’s traditions and legacy."

After An Ning’s explanation, Anna agreed without any hesitation.

They agreed that after the baby’s vital energy had some time to recover, An Ning would take them both to Shili Gou to formally acknowledge the master.

After all, that was where the master was buried.

An Ning made another Jade Pendant for the baby and instructed Anna to have the child wear it, as it would help them recover their vital energy.

Anna took it, holding it carefully in her hands as if she would protect it with her life.

That evening, Anna and the baby stayed at An Ning’s place and had dinner with everyone.

During the meal, Lin Cuihua, who had some free time, offered to help look after the baby. Master Tang added that he could prepare some medicinal meals. Anna thanked them profusely; besides that, there was little else she could do for now.

After dinner, Lin Cuihua pushed An Ning’s wheelchair as they escorted Anna and the baby back to their home.

An Ning checked the Feng Shui of the house and set up a small Feng Shui Formation inside to help the baby recover their vital energy.

Once everything was settled, Lin Cuihua pushed An Ning past the Beijing University campus. Gazing at the students inside, Lin Cuihua remarked wistfully, "It’s so wonderful to be able to study."

"Yeah, it’s not bad. So... Mom..."

Lin Cuihua looked at An Ning, who was clearly seizing the opportunity. She first shot her a look, then said, "Fine, go. But you can only attend classes, nothing else. Got it?"

"Definitely. I’ll be a good student."

"I promise!"

An Ning obediently raised her hand, making Lin Cuihua laugh along with her.

The mother and daughter made their way slowly down the street, talking and laughing as they headed home.

Not long after they left, a figure emerged from a corner behind them. They had a stunningly beautiful face, but their eyes held a strange glint as they watched the mother and daughter’s retreating backs.

In less than two seconds, the person vanished. When An Ning glanced back, there was nothing there.

"What is it? What are you looking at?"

Lin Cuihua also looked back but saw nothing. An Ning shook her head. "I just feel like someone was watching us."

"Mom, when you’re out and you meet strangers, be careful. Don’t tell them everything. Scammers these days have more sophisticated methods. They’ll help you first to win your trust, and then they’ll cheat you."

"Huh? Really?"

Lin Cuihua didn’t dismiss An Ning’s words. After all, she had learned a painful lesson from being scammed once before.

"I get it. If I run into anyone, I’ll tell you all about it when I get back."

"Okay."

Having settled the matter, An Ning offered a few more words of reassurance, and then she and Lin Cuihua returned home together.

When An Ning got home, she still didn’t see Jiang Xia. She heard from Uncle Jiang that Jiang Xia had called to say they shouldn’t save dinner for him, as he would be back late.

An Ning hummed in acknowledgment, thinking to herself, ’Could Jiang Xia have already made contact with Qiu Yue?’

At that very moment, Jiang Xia was indeed waiting for someone. It was the very person An Ning had guessed: Xiao Xian’s wife, Qiu Yue.

Late that afternoon, Jiang Xia had used his connections to stir up a minor issue at the company Qiu Yue managed, causing her to be delayed from leaving work on time.

When Qiu Yue emerged from her office building, before she could even get into her car, she was "invited" away by Jiang Xia’s men.

Qiu Yue herself showed no surprise or fear. She followed Jiang Xia’s people to the place where he was waiting—a teahouse.

"Welcome. Please, have a seat."

Jiang Xia stood up and invited Qiu Yue, who was at the door, to sit down.

Qiu Yue didn’t move. She stated bluntly, "I will not betray Xiao Xian."

Having said her piece, Qiu Yue turned to leave, offering no room for negotiation.

"Oh? Not even if Xiao Xian has an illegitimate child?"

Those words made Qiu Yue’s hand, which was on the doorknob, tighten abruptly. The skin on her face stretched taut as she said, "Impossible. Xiao Xian wouldn’t do that."

Qiu Yue seemed to have convinced herself, and she pressed down on the handle.

"Considering your agreement, it certainly wouldn’t be easy. But what if this child came into the picture before the agreement?"

CLICK. The handle that had been pressed down was released, and the door closed again. Qiu Yue turned around, staring at Jiang Xia.

"No wonder you’re someone who gives Xiao Xian a headache. You know quite a lot."

Qiu Yue didn’t deny it. At this point, a denial would be meaningless.

Qiu Yue pulled out a chair and poured herself a cup of tea. She drank it slowly, unhurriedly. Across from her, Jiang Xia was extremely patient, not rushing her in the slightest.

CLINK. The teacup landed on the table. Qiu Yue finally looked Jiang Xia in the eye and said, "The evidence, the leverage. Let’s see it all."

"Alright."

Jiang Xia appreciated Qiu Yue’s attitude. Her marriage to Xiao Xian was more like a business transaction; there might be some affection, but not much.

"I wonder, Ms. Qiu Yue, what would you like to know first?"

Across from him, Qiu Yue looked at the seasoned Jiang Xia and said with admiration, "You’re quite impressive. Most people would be eager to show their hand by now. You’re different."

"I’m flattered."

Jiang Xia accepted her compliment without modesty, still saying little, waiting for Qiu Yue to ask her questions.

Qiu Yue smiled nonchalantly and asked, "How do you know about the agreement between us?"

"Is that important? Besides, how many marriages between great families are truly based on love?"

"Hehehe, you’re right."

Qiu Yue took another sip of tea, a hint of emotion showing as she said, "There may not be much affection between Xiao Xian and me, but our interests are aligned. Do you really think you can shake that?"

Jiang Xia, completely unintimidated, picked up his teacup and raised it high towards Qiu Yue.

"I already have, haven’t I, Ms. Qiu Yue?"

His gaze was so clear, so perceptive, that it sent a chill down Qiu Yue’s spine for a moment.

She seemed to give up on probing and asked directly, "Who is the woman?"

Jiang Xia set down his teacup and tapped a finger rhythmically on the table. "I thought you already knew, Ms. Qiu Yue. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come so easily, would you?"

Across from him, Qiu Yue’s eyes narrowed. A mocking expression appeared on her face as she said, "My speculation is my speculation. Your leverage is your leverage. This is your last chance."

Jiang Xia held up both hands in a gesture of apology. "My apologies."

He pushed a file across the table and began to explain, "Inside are two genetic test results. One for Xiao Xian and Xiao Yan, and one for Xiao Xian and Jiang Xia. Oh... not me, a different person named Jiang Xia."