Chapter 21: Jealousy
Jiang Yuxi POV
The car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the imposing Jiang family estate. The tall, wrought-iron gates gleamed under the streetlights, casting long, spidery shadows across the cobblestone driveway. The house loomed beyond, its polished windows like cold, watchful eyes.
I turned my head slightly, my gaze landing on Han Li, her fingers resting lightly on the steering wheel, knuckles pale under the soft glow of the dashboard lights. The faint orange hue from the streetlamp outside spilled across her face, illuminating the worry etched into her usually indifferent features.
> "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked, her voice low but filled with something warm—concern.
It was such a simple question, but it made something ache deep in my chest.
Was I okay?
Probably not.
But I'd been pretending for so long that the lie had become second nature.
I offered her a small smile, one that didn't quite reach my eyes.
> "I will be."
That was the best I could do.
Without another word, I pushed open the car door, the cool night air wrapping around me like a thin, fragile shield. I didn't look back as I walked toward the front door, but I could feel her gaze lingering, heavy and unspoken.
---
Han Li's POV
I watched as Jiang Yuxi's figure grew smaller with each step she took toward the massive door. The soft sway of her ponytail, the effortless grace in her walk—it was all etched into my mind like an imprint I couldn't shake off.
Her parting smile lingered with me, faint but real, like the flicker of a candle struggling to stay lit.
I gripped the steering wheel tighter.
There was a warmth in my chest, something unfamiliar—dangerous.
I drove away, the image of her standing under the porch light burned into the back of my mind.
---
Jiang Wei's POV
I stood by the second-floor window, hidden behind the thick velvet curtains, watching as she stepped out of that luxury car.
A small smile played on her lips, soft and subtle.
Who was that man?
The sleek car, the expensive suit, the casual confidence—it didn't take a genius to figure out he was someone important.
Even after everything that had happened, Jiang Yuxi was still Jiang Yuxi—still beautiful enough to attract powerful men, still untouchable in ways that made my chest tighten with resentment.
She was supposed to be ruined.
Forgotten.
But there she was—smiling.
I was still stewing in silent jealousy when I heard the faint click of the door downstairs. I didn't even wait for her to get far before I made my way down.
> "Had a fun time out?" I asked, leaning casually against the banister as she stepped inside.
She didn't even flinch.
Just turned her head slightly, her face as impassive as ever, like I wasn't worth the effort of emotion.
God, I hated that look.
Like she was looking through me.
Like I was beneath her.
She didn't respond, simply moving to walk past me, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor.
> "Now, now, Aunt," I called out, my voice dripping with mock politeness. "There's absolutely no reason for you to be so rude."
She froze mid-step, turning slightly to meet my gaze. Her expression remained calm, but there was a flash of something in her eyes—annoyance, maybe even disgust.
> "My whereabouts are none of your concern," she replied coolly, her voice like ice water poured down my spine.
I laughed, folding my arms across my chest.
> "Hmm... just saw a luxury car drive away. I can't believe the great Jiang Yuxi stoops so low as to use her beauty to her advantage. Who is he? Some heir?"
For the first time, her mask cracked—just a little. A flicker of emotion flashed in her eyes, gone as quickly as it appeared.
> "None of your business," she snapped, her words sharp but controlled.
I smirked.
> "Hmph. I suppose it's not like you have a choice."
She didn't respond this time, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she disappeared up the stairs.
But that flicker in her eyes?
It was enough.
**** ***
Later that evening, I found myself seated in the extravagant dining hall with Grandmother and Lin Meyu, the actress I'd been working with on several projects.
> "Grandmother, this is Lin Meyu. We've been in several projects together," I introduced casually.
Grandmother's face lit up with recognition.
> "Of course! I've seen her in some of your films," she replied warmly.
> "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Jiang," Lin Meyu said with a polite smile, the perfect picture of grace.
They soon dove into a conversation about the film industry, societal expectations, and other trivial matters that felt like background noise.
I scrolled through my phone, bored, until the faint sound of footsteps drew my attention.
I looked up just in time to see Jiang Yuxi descending the staircase.
She was dressed simply—a plain white T-shirt tucked into faded jeans, her hair pulled back into a casual ponytail.
And yet—
She was stunning.
Effortlessly so.
The simplicity of her outfit only emphasized the natural sharpness of her features, the curve of her neck, the grace in her posture.
I found myself staring longer than I should've, until a soft cough from Lin Meyu beside me snapped me out of it.
I cleared my throat, embarrassed.
It wasn't my fault Jiang Yuxi was beautiful.
> "Yuxi!" Grandmother's sharp voice cut through the room, halting her steps.
She turned slightly, her face composed as always, her gaze indifferent.
> "What is this outrageous behavior? Can't you greet a guest?"
Jiang Yuxi's eyes flickered briefly, her gaze landing on me for a split second before shifting to Lin Meyu.
> "Grandmother. Jiang Wei," she greeted coolly, nodding slightly.
Then, after a brief pause—
> "Actress Lin, my apologies. I didn't see you there."
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Lin Meyu gave a small, dismissive wave.
> "No, no, it's fine."
> "I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm late for an appointment," Jiang Yuxi added quickly, making her way to the door.
Her indifference was like a slap, sharp and stinging.
After she left, Grandmother sighed dramatically.
> "I'm sorry she's so rude," she muttered, shaking her head.
> "It's to be expected," Lin Meyu replied sweetly. "We didn't get along before either."
I didn't respond.
Because for some reason, even after everything—
I couldn't stop thinking about her.
---
Meanwhile, in the System Core...
> SYSTEM 404: [ERROR. ERROR. ERROR.]
SYSTEM 404: [MAJOR PLOT DEVIATION DETECTED.]
SYSTEM 404: [JIANG YUXI'S RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC UNSTABLE.]
SYSTEM 404: [HOST IS UNRESPONSIVE. COMMANDS IGNORED.]
SYSTEM 404: [PREDICTED PLOT COLLAPSE: 59%]
SYSTEM 404 HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY DISCONNECTED.