Chapter 23.1

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After that night, Qiao Ziman finally let go of the burden in her heart.

They went to work and returned home together, cooked meals, and in the evenings, they discussed work. Occasionally, during their free time, they’d watch movies or stroll together by the artificial lake where lotus flowers were in full bloom, enjoying the sweet evening breeze.

The two got along harmoniously, rarely arguing.

Except for one time.

When Qiao Ziman secretly returned the necklace.

Chi Yin ignored her for an entire day, always giving her the cold shoulder. Left with no choice, Qiao Ziman compromised and took back the valuable necklace. Only then did they reconcile.

A few days later, Qiao Ziman welcomed her 26th birthday.

As with previous birthdays, she received well-wishes from various friends and relatives early in the morning.

[High School/University XXX: “Qiao Qiao, happy birthday! When you have time, let’s get together; everyone misses you.”]

[Ji Yun: “Hey girl, just finished my business trip and I’m on my way back. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be there on time to celebrate your birthday.”]

Her cousin, Qiao Xuan—who had just been “released” from the blacklist after she and He Cuizhen had conspired to trick her into going home—sent a message:

[Cousin Qiao Xuan: “Cousin, happy birthday! I went back to our hometown a couple of days ago, and my mom gave me lots of cured meats and pickled vegetables. She also told me to bring some for you. I’ll drop them off later.”]

[He Cuizhen: “(Transferred 1000) Buy yourself something nice to eat and drink. Don’t skimp on yourself.”]

Qiao Ziman responded to each message one by one, but when she saw the last one, the smile on her face gradually faded, and a hint of warmth welled up in her eyes.

[Older Cousin: “Still not coming home for your birthday this year?”]

Qiao Ziman thought to herself that ever since she started working, she hadn’t celebrated a birthday at home. Every year, Ji Yun and her friends were there for her.

But what about her mom?

Suddenly, Qiao Ziman felt a bit guilty. However, she found comfort in knowing that her job was now stable, and her finances were much better. If she saved up for another couple of years, she could bring her mom to live with her and finally let go of her burdens.

Thinking of this made her feel much better.

Besides, the biggest difference this year was the presence of a new friend, Chi Yin. Competent at work, gentle, considerate, and understanding in private—truly a rare gem.

Everything was moving in a positive direction. The future looked promising.

With this thought, any lingering sadness vanished. She followed the birthday tradition by boiling two eggs for herself, then headed out to the office.

As soon as Qiao Ziman walked through the company doors, the receptionist called out to her.

“Qiao Jie, didn’t President Chi come in with you today?” the receptionist asked.

Chi Yin had told her yesterday that the company was preparing to launch a new project, and she’d be busy over the next few days. Sure enough, she had rushed out early in the morning to attend a senior-level meeting, leaving no time to enjoy the eggs Qiao Ziman had cooked for her.

Qiao Ziman let out a light hum, “President Chi is a very busy person.”

The receptionist paused. “Hmm… why does that sound a bit resentful?”

Qiao Ziman subtly curled her lips, “Anything else?”

The receptionist, still unsure, responded, “Uh, yes… President Chi’s sister is here. She’s been waiting in the office for a while.”

Chi Yin has a sister? She’d never mentioned that before.

Curious, Qiao Ziman grabbed a handful of mint candies from the front desk and made her way straight to the office.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

A crisp, serious voice came from inside the room, “Come in.”

Well, that sounded formal enough, Qiao Ziman thought, as she pushed the door open. Inside, she saw a young girl, looking like a high school student, sitting properly on the sofa.

She was dressed in a blue-and-white school uniform, her hair tied in a low ponytail, and wore thick glasses. She looked a bit shy and reserved. A stack of test papers lay on the table in front of her.

Definitely a top student, Qiao Ziman concluded at first glance.

“Hello!” Qiao Ziman greeted her warmly.

Jiang Shu merely glanced up briefly, then quickly returned her attention to the test papers in front of her.

Qiao Ziman: “…”

These sisters couldn’t be more different in appearance and temperament, yet their ability to treat her like thin air was uncannily similar.

I’m not giving up that easily, Qiao Ziman thought.

She placed the mint candies in front of Jiang Shu and sat down beside her, her smile growing wider. “Hello, I’m Qiao Ziman.”

Jiang Shu subtly shifted away, avoiding the sudden burst of friendliness. “My mom told me not to talk to strangers.”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

“I’m your sister’s good friend.”

Jiang Shu’s eyes lit up. “My sister?”

“Great,” she said, pointing at the test paper. “Can you help me with this math problem?”

Qiao Ziman took one look at the complicated trigonometry question, and within a second, she slid the paper right back to Jiang Shu. “Ahem… It’s been way too long since my school days.”

“Oh,” Jiang Shu responded, returning to her guarded demeanor. “My sister would know. So, you definitely can’t be her friend.”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

Did she just call me dumb?

At this point, Qiao Ziman’s emotions were more tangled than the trigonometry problem on the page. But she wasn’t about to give up now.

Qiao Ziman picked up the glass of water from the table, downed it in one gulp, and took a deep breath. She stared steadily at Jiang Shu. “Let me tell you something important: when making friends, don’t judge people by their appearance. Everyone has something valuable about them. As long as their values are right and you get along well, you can be friends.”

Huh, that sounded exactly like something her sister would say.

Jiang Shu’s guard dropped significantly.

Finally, Jiang Shu decided to turn and properly face Qiao Ziman. As she studied her, Jiang Shu’s eyes suddenly widened in surprise. The pink diamond in the center of Qiao Ziman’s necklace—wasn’t that her sister’s most prized possession?

Wait a minute, what was this person’s name again? Qiao Ziman?

Jiang Shu’s brain went into overdrive, and in less than ten seconds, she connected the dots. This was the same name she had overheard on the phone, the woman who was supposedly “chasing” after her sister.

Jiang Shu let out an excited “Oh!” and blurted out, “So you’ve successfully wooed my sister?”

Qiao Ziman nearly choked on air, almost suffocating from the shock. These sisters really know how to say the most startling things!

“Well, um… could I ask you for a favor, then?” Jiang Shu, seeing Qiao Ziman’s reaction, decided to swallow back the word “sister-in-law” she had almost said.

Qiao Ziman, still trying to calm down, poured herself another glass of water and drank it in one go. Finally composed, she replied, “Go ahead.”

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