Chapter 7: 007 Chips
Madam Jiang may not be known to ordinary people, but her name was well-known among the high society ladies and young misses.
Madam Jiang kept a low profile, rarely attending banquets and public events, making it difficult for these ladies and misses to find a means to curry favor with her.
No one expected her to actually attend Mr. Li's birthday party tonight.
A pleasant surprise.
The ladies and young misses were eager to make a good impression on Madam Jiang, and when the unmarried girls saw Jiang Jinchen, who was tall and handsome, they couldn't take their eyes off him.
This was Madam Jiang's son, handsome and from a good background, a great catch that could not be found even with a lantern; anyone who missed him would have to wait another hundred years.
Li Jiaojiao exclaimed in surprise, "I can't believe Jiang Jinchen is Madam Jiang's son. He's so low-key at school."
Zhao Qin scoffed, "With a family like that, how could he be high-key?"
"F*ck Zhu Xiangxiang, that slut. What scheme is she up to now?" Li Jiaojiao almost crushed the tall wine glass she held in her hand.
Zhu Xiangxiang stood in a corner, her eyes on Jiang Jinchen filled with undisguised joy and excitement.
In this situation, Li Jiaojiao could easily guess what was going on in Zhu Xiangxiang's mind.
She must be dreaming!
Li Jiaojiao puffed out her chest and confidently strode towards Madam Jiang and Jiang Jinchen.
"Madam Jiang, it's an honor to finally meet you in person. When I saw you standing with Jiang Jinchen, I thought you were siblings. You must have really taken good care of yourself."
Li Jiaojiao was beautiful and sweet-talking, and Madam Jiang was quite pleased. She smiled and said, "You must be Jiaojiao. I remember holding you when you were little. Don't be so distant, just call me Aunt Lan."
Madam Jiang's full name was Jiang Chunlan.
With a face full of surprise and delight, Li Jiaojiao affectionately held Madam Jiang's arm. Her sweet, genuine demeanor was very appealing. Her sweet call of "Aunt Lan" even made the usually composed Madam Jiang smile.
"Mr. Li, you have a treasure for a granddaughter," Madam Jiang said.
Mr. Li stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "She still has a long way to go compared to your son."
Madam Jiang asked, "You're classmates with Xiaochen, right?"
Li Jiaojiao glanced shyly at Jiang Jinchen, "Senior is in his senior year and I'm in my junior year. Senior is a big figure at school, I can't compare with him."
Zhao Qin almost wanted to vomit, thinking about how fake Li Jiaojiao was behaving.
However, seeing Zhu Xiangxiang anxious and helpless, she found it quite satisfying.
Jiang Jinchen's lips twitched imperceptibly. Did he not know what Li Jiaojiao was like in school? She was a school tyrant who bullied both boys and girls, relying on her family background to engage in campus bullying.
With elders present, he didn't feel like exposing her.
Madam Jiang smiled and said, "Xiaochen, you should take good care of Jiaojiao at school in the future, understand?"
Jiang Jinchen nodded with a cold expression.
Madam Jiang had a good impression of Li Jiaojiao and wanted the two youngsters to talk more. Just then, a few wealthy ladies approached her for a chat, giving her a chance to distance herself a bit.
"So, Jiang Jinchen, were you satisfied with my performance just now?" Li Jiaojiao winked at him surreptitiously.
Jiang Jinchen wore a cold expression, not giving her a glance, "The Oscars owe you a Best Actress Award."
Li Jiaojiao covered her mouth and giggled, "Thanks for your kind words. I plan to join the entertainment industry in the future."
"Madam Jiang... " Lin Qing finally managed to squeeze in, leading Zhu Xiangxiang to greet Madam Jiang.
Madam Jiang looked at her with a gentle yet distant gaze, asking with furrowed brows, "Madam Lin?"
"You still remember me, Madam Jiang?" Lin Qing appeared flattered and hurriedly introduced Zhu Xiangxiang at her side, "This is my daughter Xiangxiang. She's now in her junior year at Shengde High School, with excellent academic performance, receiving scholarships every year."
Zhu Xiangxiang smiled warmly and gracefully, "Hello, Madam Jiang."
Madam Jiang had a soft spot for well-behaved and beautiful girls, and she smiled, "Madam Lin, you're truly blessed."
At that moment, some lady said, "Madam Lin suddenly has two daughters now, not everyone can have such fortune."
Lin Qing's face stiffened. She was very reluctant to mention Ming Jing in front of others, believing it to be shameful.
Madam Jiang raised her eyebrows, showing genuine interest.
Seeing that Madam Jiang was engaged, the lady began recounting the story of the Zhu family's true heiress. As she continued, Lin Qing's face grew darker, but the woman seemed oblivious and continued with greater enthusiasm.
"The true heiress has had a tough life, growing up in a nunnery. I don't know what that poor girl turned into. By the way, Madam Lin, since both girls are your daughters, why haven't we seen the other one? You can't show favoritism. After all, she's your biological daughter."
This remark seemed like a slap in Lin Qing's face.
Zhu Xiangxiang stepped in to defuse the situation, "My younger sister isn't used to such occasions. We respect her decision."
"Well, she would've gotten used to it if she came." the lady sneered with an undertone that anyone would understand.
"A nunnery?" Madam Jiang curiously asked.
"Yes, I forgot that you also believe in Buddha, Madam Jiang. It seems you're quite destined with the true heiress." The lady tried to flatter Madam Jiang.
With a far-off look in her eyes, Madam Jiang seemed reminiscent, "I wonder how that little nun is doing now."
"Little nun?"
Madam Jiang smiled, "Two years ago, I went to Baitou Mountain for some matters and ran into some trouble. Fortunately, a young nun saved me. She was young but very insightful, well-versed in Buddhist teachings, and resolved many of my doubts."
"Sounds like quite a remarkable little nun."
Zhu Xiangxiang's brow furrowed slightly. Baitou Mountain? Wasn't that where Ming Jing came from?
Must be a coincidence.
"Madam Lin, your family's story is more exciting than a TV drama. Having two daughters is a blessing either way, so you must treat them both well," Madam Jiang said softly.
Lin Qing quickly agreed, knowing that it wasn't the right time to discuss serious matters with Madam Jiang surrounded by a group of wealthy ladies, but she had no choice but to endure.
Finally, the banquet came to an end and Lin Qing had no chance to talk to Madam Jiang privately. As Madam Jiang was about to leave, Lin Qing hurriedly chased after her.
Upon exiting the banquet hall, two tall bodyguards accompanied Madam Jiang and immediately stopped Lin Qing from following.
Madam Jiang, ever the amicable lady, waved her hand and softly asked, "Is there anything else you need, Madam Lin?"
Lin Qing hesitated for a moment before stating her purpose.
Under the moonlight, Madam Jiang's face was as smooth and radiant as the moon itself, her eyes calm as a deep, silent night blooming flower.
Lin Qing's heart raced, cold sweat breaking out on her palms.
"I see. I'm sorry, Madam Lin, but I cannot help you with this."
At that moment, Jiang Jinchen walked over to his mother's side, and Madam Jiang, arm in arm with her son, turned and left.
Lin Qing stood there in a daze, "What should we do? Madam Jiang refuses to help us."
Zhu Xiangxiang came to her side, watching the receding silhouettes of the two in the night, narrowing her eyes.
"It's because our bargaining chip isn't enough."
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