Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten
Chapter 294: The Second Miss Declares War

In the villa courtyard, the long summer daylight meant that even though it was nearly dinner time, the sky was still bright.

Jiang Jingshi had walked nearly a full circle in the yard with Lin Zhengran, showing him the flower trees, garage, and such, before she realized that her younger sister and Xiao Meng hadn’t followed them?

Although she had no idea what those two were up to, having time alone was always a good thing.

Seeing Lin Zhengran stop in front of a lush and well-shaped Buddhist pine tree, she said:

“This tree was bought by my father when my sister and I moved into this villa. I heard it cost a few hundred thousand. It’s growing really well.”

“A tree like this still costs over ten grand even on the cheap end, but yeah, it does look great.”

“Zheng Zheng…”

“Hmm?” Lin Zhengran turned to look at Jiang Jingshi.

She hesitated for a moment, then blushed and slowly said, “I want to tell my parents during dinner about us being together. Do you think that’s okay? Would it be too sudden?”

“Not at all. It’s just the truth—why would that be sudden? If you want to say it, go ahead.”

Lin Zhengran was never one to be bothered by speaking the truth. Even when he’d dated many girlfriends in the past, he’d always done it openly and confidently.

Jiang Jingshi was delighted to hear him agree so readily. Only couples who were serious about being together would be willing to tell their parents about their relationship.

“As long as you’re okay with it… Also, when I saw my parents just now, I was reminded of something. Now that Qianqian is the future successor of the Jiang Group, after I start being with you, even though my parents like you a lot, they might still be cautious of you.”

She explained, “Of course, it’s not that they don’t welcome you, but you should understand—my parents are both businesspeople, and the Jiang Group is something they’ve spent half their lives building. So anything related to the family is of the utmost importance…”

Lin Zhengran smiled.

“I get what you mean, Jingshi. I’m guessing that during dinner, Uncle and Auntie might bring up whether Zhengshi Company and Jiang Group will collaborate or at least not interfere with each other’s business? To put it bluntly, they’re afraid I’ll steal you away, right?”

Jiang Jingshi found talking to Lin Zhengran increasingly smooth. He understood what she meant without needing much explanation.

They were on the same wavelength.

She nodded gently.

“Exactly. Even though my sister and I don’t seem to get along on the surface, my parents know we actually have a strong bond. Even though we’re in separate companies, there’s no financial conflict. But once I’m with you, I’ll be your person and listen to you. That’s probably what worries them most.”

“Don’t worry,” Lin Zhengran promised. “Just like what you told me years ago—Zhengshi Company and the Jiang Group will never be rivals, only partners. Because in the future, we’ll all be one family.”

“Mhm!” Jiang Jingshi stepped closer to him and leaned her head toward his shoulder.

“To be honest, if it were any average person, my parents probably wouldn’t worry. But you, Zheng Zheng, you’re just too outstanding. After seeing your capabilities, even back then, I was a little wary. I was afraid your success might one day threaten the Jiang Group. I just didn’t expect I’d actually end up becoming your woman.”

As soon as her words landed, Jiang Qian’s voice suddenly rang out from the distance: “Sis, why are you standing so close to Lin Zhengran?!”

Her sudden appearance interrupted Jiang Jingshi’s move to lean on his shoulder.

There was a slight look of disappointment on her face, but she was more curious: “What were you two doing? Why are you just getting here?”

Jiang Qian quickly walked up and stood between the two of them.

“We were just discussing something, that’s all. You can talk, but don’t stand so close!”

Jiang Jingshi noticed her sister’s jealous, guarded expression and didn’t respond. Instead, she deliberately turned to Lin Zhengran.

“Zheng Zheng, we’ve finished touring the courtyard. Let’s head back to the living room? I’ll pour you a cup of tea. I have a bunch of great teas stored at home.”

“Sure,” Lin Zhengran replied.

“Let’s go. Qianqian, Xiao Meng, want to join us for tea?” She intentionally asked her younger sister.

Jiang Qian was briefly stunned when she heard Lin Zhengran respond to her sister.

“Sure, I’ll drink.”

“You will?” Jiang Jingshi covered her mouth in surprise. “Qianqian, I thought you didn’t drink tea?”

Jiang Qian’s expression darkened. “So what if I want to today? Why do you care?”

Back at the tea table in the living room, Fang Meng went to brew the tea. After pouring tea for the Second Miss and the Eldest Miss, she was just about to serve Lin Zhengran when—

Jiang Jingshi reached out and stopped her. “I’ll do it, Xiao Meng. Let me pour for him.”

Both Fang Meng and Jiang Qian froze for a moment. Fang Meng handed her the teapot. “Yes, Eldest Miss.”

And so, Jiang Qian and Fang Meng could only watch wide-eyed as the usually elegant and refined Jiang Jingshi actually poured tea for Lin Zhengran.

Although Lin Zhengran made a polite effort to decline, it seemed like this wasn’t the first time Jiang Jingshi had served him tea. She was clearly used to it.

“Zheng Zheng, try this. A guest gave it to me before—it's really high quality.”

Not long after, dinner finally began.

Grandpa Jiang sat at the head of the table, with Jiang Father and Jiang Mother seated among the others.

Dish after dish was brought out by servants under Fang Meng’s direction, in a smooth and orderly manner.

Jiang Father didn’t beat around the bush. He got straight to the point in front of everyone and brought up the future of the two companies.

“Zhengran, before we eat, let me say something. You saved Jingshi’s life, and now she’s working with you in your company. I already see you as one of the family.

And since we don’t need to stand on ceremony, I’ll just speak frankly. My two daughters, Jingshi and Qianqian, have had their company successions decided long ago. Jingshi owns a portion of Jiang Group shares, but the future General Manager of Jiang Group will be Qianqian.

Although Qianqian is still young, and she’s talented in many ways, I have to admit—even if she’s excellent, she’s probably not even half as capable as you. If one day you decide to oppose her and Jiang Group, with your own capital and Jingshi’s support, I fear we’d be powerless to resist.”

Jiang Jingshi had expected her father to bring this up, but not so directly.

“Dad, what are you talking about? Why would Zheng Zheng and I go against our own family…”

Before she could finish, Jiang Mother added seriously:

“Jingshi, your father only said this because he truly considers Zhengran family. There’s no polite fluff here.”

She looked straight at Lin Zhengran.

“Zhengran, since we’re laying everything on the table, in front of Jingshi, Qianqian, and your uncle and aunt, I hope you can promise us that you won’t make things hard for Qianqian in the business world.”

She then turned to her younger daughter. “Qianqian, I hope you’ll also promise your father, mother, and sister that in the future, you won’t oppose your sister and Zhengran.”

Jiang Qian, expressionless, responded without hesitation:

“Don’t worry. I will never go against my sister or Zhengran’s Zhengshi Company. I swear. We can even sign a contract after dinner.”

Lin Zhengran also didn’t hesitate. He appreciated this kind of directness.

“Same here. I’ll never oppose the Group. A contract is fine, too.”

Both Jiang Father and Jiang Mother visibly relaxed. Even Grandpa, who hadn’t said anything till now, smiled.

Jiang Jingshi and Fang Meng were smiling as well.

Jiang Father raised his wine glass. “That’s great! Let’s raise our glasses, everyone! Here’s to a smooth future for all of us.”

Everyone lifted their glasses. Just then, Jiang Jingshi spoke up:

“By the way, Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Qianqian—before we drink, I have something to say.”

But Jiang Qian suddenly said, “Hold on, I have something to say too! And it’s important.”

The elders looked at the two daughters who had spoken at the same time, curious about what they were going to say.

Jiang Jingshi wasn’t in a rush. She smiled and asked, “Qianqian, you have something to say too?”

Jiang Qian nodded and, seeing that everyone was watching her, put down her wine glass and said without hesitation:

“Dad, Mom, Sis, Grandpa—I want to say this: I like Lin Zhengran. I’m going to be with him. He’s mine.”