Chapter 9, Clothing

Zhang Rou chuckled lightly, not particularly surprised, "I have long known that our young master would eventually soar high; otherwise, why would I be his nanny? His uncle certainly won't allow him to live a carefree life forever. He is not young anymore, and he cannot be allowed to idle away his time. When he learns this news, he won't even know how to cry." Although she spoke with a mouthful of mockery, when it came to Xi Jihuan, she could not hide her affection, as if she were talking about her disappointing younger brother.

Standing outside her home, which was old and plastered with small advertisements, holding large and small bags, she felt anxious and flustered. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped inside, removing her shoes. The poorly decorated room was filled with a damp smell that could not be eliminated no matter how much she opened the windows for ventilation. She nervously walked into her mother's room, but despite the many conspicuous shopping bags in her hands, Kong Xiurong did not glance at her. The television was off, and the dim light filtering through the glass during the gloomy dusk made her look even older. Her hair was uncolored, with gray at the temples, and cut very short for easier management. Jian Si did not even dare to look closely at her; every time she did, she felt a secret shock. Was this really her mother? She had once been such a beautiful and elegant woman, and every glance at her mother deepened her sense of guilt.

Jian Si awkwardly looked at the large and small bags at her feet: "Vice President... I cannot accept this." She was not being polite; such generosity was beyond her means.

She does not blame Zhengliang, the past is just the past, and she cannot stop anyone from bringing it up

Jian Si slowly nodded, as Zheng Liang truly understood her family's situation. If all of this were for her, the mere sense of apology towards her mother would prevent her from being able to wear these.

Stop keeping me in suspense!" Zhang Rou glared at him

Zheng Liang was very familiar with her, so he did not force her to order. He only asked Zhang Rou and ordered a few dishes, most of which were Simplified Si's favorites. "Order a few more for Auntie before we leave, they will still be warm when we get home"

"Why did she buy it for you?" The final question clearly diminished the anger, and Jian Si quickly explained

Mother's silent and waiting demeanor made Jian Si realize that today would likely not be easy. Those who have been ill for a long time often exhibit peculiar tempers that only caregivers can truly understand. Even events that should bring joy can still provoke her furious outbursts and torrents of resentment.

The meal was enjoyable yet brief, and as they parted at the restaurant entrance, the considerate Jiang Zhengliang reminded, "These two brown paper bags contain gifts for your mother; let the elderly lady be happy as well"

"Si Si." Jiang Zhengliang knew that there was not much time for a private conversation, so he did not beat around the bush, and his speech was somewhat faster than usual. "Do not blame me for telling Zhang Rou about your family situation, but I did not mention a word about you and Xi Chenghao. I..." He frowned, somewhat apologetic, "At that time, I truly did not know that Xi Tong was Xi Chenghao's father; I only found out after he returned from the United States. Do not make it difficult for yourself; Haitu is just a small company under Jiatians, and your chances of encountering him are extremely rare. Focus on your work; it is indeed rare to have such stability while Zhang Rou can also take care of your work. Zhang Rou has also told me that she has a very good impression of you. Learn well from her; it will be a good exercise for yourself."

Watching her mother eat, Jian Si smiled faintly. Her life had indeed changed, and she was content with this transformation; this was what she had desired.

Jian Si nodded; what else could she say? Everything that could be said and thought had already been arranged by Zheng Liang.

Even though she arrived slightly early, Jiang Zhengliang and Zhang Rou still got there before her. When Jian Si walked into the restaurant, the two were engaged in a low conversation. Zhang Rou looked up and saw her, her gaze filled with more compassion than usual, and her expression softer. Jian Si instinctively thought that Zhengliang must have told Zhang Rou about her situation

"To save you from having to cook when you get home, when will your mother have to wait until?" Zhang Rou interjected, gently patting her arm to reassure her

"Sisi, please accept this. Zhang Rou is also your friend in private." Jiang Zhengliang smiled shyly and said, "We are getting married."

"Mom." She put down her things, turned on the light, "Let's eat, today Zhengliang and his fiancée are treating us." Usually taciturn, Jian Si tried to speak more in front of her mother, as she understood her mother's loneliness. "Who would have thought, Zhengliang is going to marry my boss."

Women are always pleased to see something new, and Kong Xiurong is no exception. She asked Jian Si to lay everything out on the bed for a detailed look. It was evident that Zhang Rou had put a lot of thought into it; the styles and sizes purchased were very suitable for Jian Si, sweet and simple, practical for both work and casual wear. The three sets could also be mixed and matched, with everything from the inner blouses to the long-sleeved outer jackets being quite complete, and there were even two pairs of shoes.

Jian Si nodded and said, "Mom, it's time to eat, or it will get cold."

She gives it to you, so what do you want? Kong Xiurong's sharp gaze swept over her daughter, "I am just annoyed by the way women act so shamelessly! You should be content with the life you lead! What do you want from others? Wearing that, how can you possibly become a princess?"

Xi Jihuan is not someone who can sit still on a bench, and by the afternoon, he was no longer seen. Jian Si tidied up to leave work ahead of the agreed time. Usually, it is Qian Ruina who leaves early, but today her early departure made Qian Ruina particularly happy, as if she finally saw a normal person's reaction in Jian Si.

I am going to the restroom. Zhang Rou saw Jian Si smile, and her mood improved greatly as she cheerfully stood up and left

Director Xi may transfer your young master back to headquarters. If there are no unexpected developments with the maritime chart, it will be your turn to take charge. Don't celebrate too early; I mean, if there are no surprises. You all need to perform well in the second half of the year. If all goes smoothly, one of you will become General Manager Zhang, and the other will be the General Manager's secretary, both of you will be promoted in rank.

She sincerely wished them well, as this was a rare piece of good news she had heard in recent years, which filled her with great joy. If there was anything fortunate in her life, it was having a friend like Zhengliang. Although this friendship felt somewhat burdensome to her, it nonetheless made her existence less desperate, as there were still people willing to help her

Upon returning to the company, Zhang Rou was not seen. Qian Ruina, upon seeing Jian Si return to the company for lunch, wore a look of schadenfreude, as if she had stumbled upon a great bargain.

Jian Si remained silent, listening quietly. She understood that her mother's complaints were mostly a means of venting. A person trapped in a small, dark home for years on end feels as if they are imprisoned

While waiting for the dishes to be served, Zhang Rou tried her best to appear nonchalant: "Today, I went shopping with Zheng Liang. Oh, you mustn't let Qian Ruina know; if she finds out that I wasn't working this afternoon, she would definitely blow up!" She deliberately laughed it off, "It's almost the change of seasons, and everywhere is having sales. I bought quite a few things and even brought you a few pieces." She pulled out a pile of paper bags from under her chair and pushed them towards Jian Si.

Jian Si bit her lip, pausing her action of serving food for her mother, "It was sent by my superior, Zhang Rou."

Kong Xiurong fell silent for a moment and said softly, "Bring it to me to have a look."

"Where did this come from?" Kong Xiurong interrupted her coldly

Ms. Zhang said she wanted me to be her secretary, and in the future, it would be inevitable to go out for business, wearing too..." She paused, "It would affect the company's image. Given our good relationship, she can be considered my friend, and for both public and private reasons, she wants to do this. She found Ms. Zhang's excuse to be quite good; not only could she use it to persuade herself, but she could also use it to convince her mother.

No need for that," Jian Si quickly declined

The deputy general... Jun Si knew that Zhang Rou said this merely to give her a better reason to persuade herself

Zhang Rou returned, and the dishes were served one after another. With Jian Si present, Jiang Zhengliang and Zhang Rou felt it inappropriate to discuss overly intimate topics. Jiang Zhengliang smiled and said: "I have some good news, which concerns both of you, but I don't know exactly when."

"Just call me by my name in private." Zhang Rou looked at her pale face, knowing that such a gift would make her somewhat embarrassed. "Alright, Jian Si, I will be straightforward. Next month, the vice president's office will be independent, and you are my assistant. There will be many opportunities for us to go out on business. If I dress you up nicely, it will also reflect well on me, which is for the public interest. As for the private interest... you can consider it as me winning people's hearts. I hope you can cooperate with me more diligently in our work, so please do cooperate well." She smiled like a fox, a bit mischievous. Although she did not make Jian Si laugh, she did amuse Jiang Zhengliang. "If you perform well, I will consider shortening your probation period."

Jian Si was pleasantly surprised, not expecting today's storm to calm down so quickly. "Zheng Liang also bought you two items," she said as she quickly turned around and handed the brown paper bag to her mother

Kong Xiurong looked for a while and said, "If we accept someone's kindness, we must know how to repay it. We are not people who take advantage of others for free, do you understand?"