The scent of freshly brewed tea and warm porridge drifted through the Jiang family mansion as sunlight spilled in through the tall windows, painting golden patches across the marble floor.
Despite the early hour, the household buzzed with quiet energy. Servants moved briskly, placing silver cutlery and delicately folded napkins on the long mahogany dining table. The breakfast spread was, as always, immaculate—steamed buns, sliced fruits, soy milk, dumplings, and a light seafood congee arranged like a magazine shoot.
Wei Xiaozing, soft-spoken and graceful in her silk robe, was gently stirring her tea when she glanced toward the staircase.
"She's not awake yet?" she asked quietly, concern flickering in her voice.
Wei Xiaoying, seated across from her with a newspaper in hand, replied with her usual calm coolness, "Let her sleep."
"She just returned in the middle of the night after being dragged into a scandal. You can fuss over her later."
Papa Jiang folded his arms, leaning back in his chair. "If she thinks sleeping in will save her from our talk, she's mistaken. She said she's ready to come back—so she better act like it."
Just then, the sound of slippers tapping against the stairs drew everyone's attention.
Jiang Zhiqing appeared, hair slightly tousled from sleep, wearing a casual white blouse and beige lounge pants. Her face was bare, but her eyes were sharp and well-rested. She gave a dramatic stretch, then flashed a sleepy grin.
"Good morning, my royal council," she said, plopping herself down between her two mothers. "Did anyone miss me overnight?"
Her father narrowed his eyes. "Eat."
Zhiqing raised her brows, amused. "Ah, silence means yes."
Wei Xiaozing sighed in relief, gently placing a boiled egg into her daughter's bowl. "You should eat something warm. You've lost weight."
Zhiqing glanced at her. "Mom, I was hit by a rotten egg yesterday. I've already had my protein."
Wei Xiaoying snorted lightly behind her teacup.
Papa Jiang didn't even blink. "Finish breakfast, then meet me in the study. You and I still have matters to discuss—especially regarding the Fu family."
The moment Zhiqing's chopsticks paused midair, the atmosphere thickened again.
But this time, she didn't joke her way out.
She nodded. "Alright, Papa. I'll be there."
Just as the air was starting to thicken again, the front doors opened with a gentle push—and in walked Jiang Zhenyu, the Jiang family's only son and Zhiqing's elder brother.
Tall and impeccably dressed in a crisp pale-blue shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, his presence immediately warmed the atmosphere. His striking features and confident smile could rival any celebrity, and the household staff practically stood a little straighter when he passed.
"Why does it feel like I've stepped into a courtroom instead of the dining room?" Jiang Zhenyu teased, slipping his sunglasses off and hanging them from his collar.
Zhiqing looked up, her expression brightening. "Gege!"
He smirked, ruffling her already-messy hair as he walked by. "I heard our little troublemaker came home in style—making headlines, stirring scandals, and dodging eggs."
Zhiqing scowled playfully. "You make it sound like I went to war and came back with a trophy."
Jiang Zhenyu poured himself a cup of tea and leaned casually against the table. "Well, speaking of trophies…" He turned to their father with a subtle nod. "Young Master Fu will be landing in the capital in a few hours. His assistant has sent me the schedule—he's on his way straight here."
Papa Jiang gave a small hum of approval. "Then she won't need reminding. She'll meet him formally today."
Zhiqing stiffened for half a second, her chopsticks pausing in mid-air.
"Relax," her brother said smoothly, taking a sip of his tea. "If you behave, I might even help you win him over."
Zhiqing squinted her eyes. "I'm not trying to win anyone's favor. I simply wish to avoid being pushed into marriage before lunchtime."
Jiang Zhenyu laughed softly. "Oh, come on, little sister. You escaped your engagement once. Don't you believe you owe at least a discussion?"
Her lips curled into a frown, but she didn't argue. Not with him.
Wei Xiaozing gently placed another dumpling in Zhiqing's bowl. "Just talk to him, sweetheart. That's all."
Zhiqing picked it up with her chopsticks, sighing. "Fine. I'll talk. But if he's boring, I'm escaping through the window."
Wei Xiaoying deadpanned, "Don't stain the curtains this time."
Even Papa Jiang nearly choked on his tea.
As the breakfast chatter settled, Zhenyu leaned back in his chair, folding his long fingers together with a casual grace. His eyes, however, had turned more serious beneath the relaxed demeanor.
"Now," he said smoothly, "care to tell me what really happened at the police station?" The headlines are vague, and Father's sources are already halfway through damage control."
Zhiqing's expression darkened just slightly. She dabbed her lips with a napkin before answering. "It was Chen Wei. His suicide... it spiraled out of control faster than I expected. People assumed it was because of me."
Zhenyu's brow furrowed. "And?"
"And," Zhiqing muttered, voice low, "I didn't love him." At least not since a year ago. He knew that. But he still left a damn note, making it seem like I ruined him."
"Which is why the press is playing the 'heartless actress' angle," Zhenyu concluded sharply.
Zhiqing nodded. "And why I got splattered with a rotten egg while being questioned by the police." It's a public humiliation campaign."
Wei Xiaoying set down her chopsticks, her voice cool. "You should've come home the moment this started."
Papa Jiang grunted in agreement. "Instead of running to An'ran's place."
Zhiqing crossed her arms. "I went to explain things to her. She's the only one who—"
Zhenyu cut in gently. "—could vouch for your character. I get it. But Qingqing, you're not some rookie in the industry. You should've known this kind of drama would attract vultures."
"I did," she said quietly. "But I didn't expect it to get this personal."
There was a moment of silence.
Then Zhenyu reached over and gently tapped her forehead with his knuckle. "Next time, make sure the headlines say 'Zhiqing Shines,' not 'Zhiqing Scandal.'"
Zhiqing gave a half-smile. "Yes, gege."
Wei Xiaozing added softly, "We can't protect you from everything, darling." But we'll stand behind you if you're honest with us."
Zhiqing gave a small nod.
Zhenyu stood and stretched. "Alright, I'll go prepare for the Fu family's arrival." You"—he pointed at Zhiqing, pinching his nose—"go take a long bath. You still smell like a compost bin."
Zhiqing made a face. "Thanks for the reminder, big brother."
As she got up, the atmosphere in the room brightened—yet beneath it all, a sense of tension remained.
Because the Fu heir was coming. And that meant more than just a polite visit.