Chapter 17: Xie Yan and Xie Dabao

“You’re here! Come take a look at the calligraphy I wrote,” Old Master Jiang called out just as he set down his brush. The three of them had arrived together, and Xie Yan was already seated in the living room, having been there for some time judging by the nearly finished cup of tea before him.

He had intended to show them the calligraphy, but then he remembered something more important.

“Never mind, we’ll look at it another time when there’s more leisure. The reason I called you all here today is to announce something.”

“The branch office is expanding its business, and your father knows that area well. I’m sending them over to keep an eye on things. As for the headquarters, I’ll entrust your uncle to manage it. You two will assist him and learn as much as you can.”

He had expected the old master to handle Jiang Cheng and Li Baizhen, but hadn’t anticipated such a harsh punishment. If Jiang Cheng found out, he’d probably need to extend his hospital stay.

This was politely called a great responsibility—putting him in charge of the branch’s operations—but bluntly, it was a division of power. Now that Jiang Cheng was gone, returning to the headquarters wouldn’t be so easy.

“By the way, I have the same idea about Grandfather Xie’s side. Which of you wants to partner with Xie Yan?”

Jiang Man had wanted to volunteer, determined to cut off any advances from Jiang Shi. If she spent every day with him, who knew how long this would drag on?

But before she could speak, Jiang Ming beat her to it. “I’ll go!”

He gave Jiang Man a knowing look that said, “I understand everything.”

Jiang Man felt a chill—she hadn’t expected Jiang Ming to treat her like a real sister, supporting her in everything. But she truly didn’t want to face Jiang Shi alone.

“Alright, that’s settled. When you have free time during the holidays, go to the company more often.”

Old Master Jiang made the final call.

He had planned this arrangement all along. Compared to the scattered children of the Jiang family, the Xie family was like a pack of wolves, each fiercely guarding their shares, afraid someone would take more than their due. Only Xie Yan’s parents seemed distracted by love and travel, wanting to enjoy life under the family’s protection.

To prevent his only son’s family from being left nowhere after his death, Old Master Xie had to bring forward his clever grandson to enter society early, learn the various tactics of power struggles, and better represent his parents.

“Today, you two take them to the company to make an appearance.”

Originally intending to let them rest, Old Master Jiang saw the awkwardness between the pairs and gave them a task to break the ice.

“Okay, Grandfather.”

Jiang Shi had given the driver the day off, so he drove the car himself to headquarters.

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“Man, get in the car.”

Jiang Ming and Xie Yan had already left. Jiang Shi led Jiang Man to the garage.

“Alright, uncle.”

Jiang Man hesitated, unsure whether to sit in the front or back. Since he had just rejected Su Baozhu, he presumably had no girlfriend. Sitting in the back might make it seem like she was treating him as a driver.

“Sit up front. Your uncle’s still young—no time for girlfriends yet,” Jiang Shi teased, sensing her dilemma and helping her out.

Once inside, Jiang Man didn’t know what to say or do. She couldn’t play on her phone beside him, so she sat upright, staring straight ahead at the road.

“In a couple of days, you and Ming should get your driver’s licenses. It’ll be more convenient for school and travel once you can drive yourself.”

Jiang Shi spoke the truth. Since Old Master Jiang wanted them to gradually manage the company, dorm life and a normal college experience were no longer on the table.

“Okay, I understand.”

Jiang Man nervously pressed her lips together. Being near Jiang Shi, she felt unlike herself, all her movements awkward and constrained.

Meanwhile, in the other car, Jiang Ming and Xie Yan sat side by side without any awkwardness between them.

“At Xie’s company, remember: except for me, don’t trust any Xie family member’s words. Always double-check every contract and document before signing.”

At least at Jiang’s side, Old Master Jiang’s seasoned subordinates kept things steady, preventing major errors. The Xie family, however, was different. Over the years, relatives had ousted the old shareholders, all fiercely eyeing the chairman’s seat, frequently sabotaging each other behind the scenes.

Xie Yan hadn’t known this at first, until one day a bidding contract was quietly altered in a trivial detail. Had he not been vigilant, they might have lost the bid, wasting half a year’s effort and all the investment.

Since then, Xie Yan realized no Xie family member in the company was someone to underestimate.

“I know. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Ming was naturally meticulous. While not exactly photographic memory, anything she read carefully she could recall perfectly. Any attempt to tamper with her was futile.

In truth, she chose Xie Yan not just for Jiang Man’s sake but also to keep an eye on Jiang Shi, suspecting he had secrets. After all, Jiang’s headquarters had only one chairman’s seat, and one day she and Jiang Shi would certainly compete for it.

At Xie’s company, Xie Yan had no need to hide anything and was likely to teach her everything openly. Plus, at another company, she wouldn’t enjoy the same privileges, so she would learn a wider range of skills.

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“Remember to get your license. It’ll help with business trips and school.”

Xie Yan echoed Jiang Shi’s advice. People like them were already adept drivers before the legal age for licenses.

“Got it.”

He was about to say more when his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, it was his mother, Mrs. An Yuan, calling on video.

Though others were nearby, having been scolded before for hanging up, Xie Yan accepted the call.

He turned the camera to himself. “Mom, what’s up?”

“Da Bao, look! Mom and Dad arrived in Turkey today. See the hot air balloons? Just like in the song lyrics. Look at Dad—he’s tanned so much, it’s like he’s changed nationality!”

“Don’t listen to your mom’s nonsense. I’m just getting a healthy suntan, you know? A true man’s goal is a sun-kissed wheat complexion. Look at our Da Bao—you’re as pale as a little girl.”

“Pfft…”

Jiang Ming had tried to stifle his laughter. Listening to someone else’s call was awkward enough, but hearing someone call Xie Yan “Da Bao” and use such funny descriptions broke his composure.

Xie Yan’s looks didn’t match the cute nickname at all—sharp brows, bright eyes, a full forehead, high nose bridge. He was a mature, handsome man. No one understood why his parents loved that nickname so much.

But their family bond was truly heartwarming—the kind every family should have. Jiang Ming couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

“Hey, is there a beauty sitting next to you? Whose cabbage is our pig rooting for now?”

Mrs. An’s ears were sharp. She caught the faint laughter and immediately teased.

Jiang Ming’s half-smile froze completely.

This was awkward indeed...