The Vicious Supporting Character Must Flirt or Die [Transmigration into a Book] - Chapter 20

Jiang Yuan covered her nose and mouth, her face flushed red. Her throat burned with discomfort, and she could barely breathe. Meanwhile, Li Tingshen continued to close in on her.

Just when she thought she couldn’t escape, Li Tingshen’s expression suddenly twisted. His body was lifted off the ground, and in the next second, he was thrown through the air and slammed hard onto the ground.

The roses around him scattered in all directions.

Li Tingshen cried out from the pain and tried to get up, but before he could, a handmade leather shoe landed hard on his chest and kicked him down.

He groaned in agony.

He wanted to fight back, but froze the moment he saw who had hit him.

Jiang Yuan saw him too. Her eyes widened in shock.

“Third Brother?”

Jiang Yangui’s handsome face darkened completely. He raised his hand and shouted toward the crowd behind him, “Uncle Jiang, take the Miss to the hospital immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

Uncle Jiang quickly pushed through the crowd and rushed over to protect Jiang Yuan.

The bodyguards following behind him stepped forward.

Jiang Yangui’s clenched fists revealed prominent veins. He crouched down, stared at Li Tingshen, now pinned under his foot, and his murderous intent was palpable.

In a low voice, he spoke to the bodyguards behind him. “Take him. I think Mr. Li should come over to the Jiang estate for a little talk.”

“Yes, Third Young Master.”

Li Tingshen’s face turned as pale as a sheet. In the next moment, he was grabbed by several burly bodyguards like a helpless chick.

He panicked.

His eyes, red with anger, darted to Jiang Yangui. “Third Young Master Jiang, what is the meaning of this? You dare lay a hand on me? Do you even know where you are? This is Nancheng!”

Jiang Yangui turned his head, his voice cold and mocking. “Nancheng? Do you think I care about a place as small as Nancheng? If it weren’t for Yuan’er, you wouldn’t even be able to handle a city like this. Take him back. Once Miss is safe, I’ll visit Mr. Li personally.”

The first part of his words showed his contempt for Li Tingshen. The latter part sent a chill down Li Tingshen’s spine.

Jiang Yangui didn’t spare him another glance.

He turned and got into Uncle Jiang’s car, heading for the hospital.

By the time Jing Ying arrived, the scene was in complete chaos.

Li Tingshen had already been taken away by the Jiang family’s bodyguards. The commotion had drawn public attention, but no one dared report it. This was between the Li and Jiang families.

The massive heart-shaped rose display had been completely destroyed.

Sensing something serious had happened, Jing Ying anxiously searched the crowd. She caught a glimpse of the Jiang family’s car just as it was about to leave.

Her heart skipped when she saw Jiang Yuan lying unconscious in the arms of a strikingly beautiful man as she was carried into the vehicle.

Jing Ying rushed over and tried to follow, but the driver stopped her.

“Miss, please step aside.”

“I’m Jiang Yuan’s friend! What happened to her?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you anything.”

With a cold tone, the driver gently pushed Jing Ying aside, returned to the car, and closed the door.

Inside the car, Jiang Yangui held Jiang Yuan, who was barely conscious. He glanced outside at the anxious woman trying to approach and asked, “Who is she?”

Uncle Jiang was sweating nervously. He sensed Third Young Master’s growing temper. “She’s Miss’s friend in Nancheng.”

“What’s her name?”

“Jing Ying.”

“Jing Ying?” Jiang Yangui frowned. “Ying as in shadow?”

“Yes.”

His frown deepened.

…

Jing Ying stood frozen on the spot, anxious and overwhelmed. She hurriedly stopped a few passersby to ask what had happened.

The employees from Yuan Ying Media were taken aback by her striking beauty and gave her a quick explanation.

Apparently, Mr. Li had staged an elaborate rose display outside the company to win Jiang Yuan back. But then another man showed up, a conflict broke out, and it looked like Miss Jiang had a medical emergency. She was taken to the hospital.

“Hospital?!”

Jing Ying’s heart dropped. She immediately flagged down a taxi.

Inside the car, she anxiously tried calling Jiang Yuan, but every call was rejected.

All she could hear was the robotic voice saying the user was currently busy. Her heart sank.

…

Jiang Yangui brought Jiang Yuan to the hospital and arranged for an emergency specialist.

It wasn’t until ten o’clock that night, after Jiang Yuan had been given IV fluids and rested for a while, that she finally woke up.

But she didn’t open her eyes right away.

She had never imagined that her Third Brother would come in person, and so soon at that. She had only called him yesterday. Yet here he was today.

His efficiency was terrifying.

Of all the moments to show up, it had to be now.

Jiang Yuan wasn’t fully prepared.

When she first transmigrated, she had avoided drawing attention and even chose not to bring Uncle Jiang or any bodyguards with her.

She had used the excuse of wanting to prove herself by starting her own business.

But now that her biological brother had shown up, how was she supposed to send him away?

Especially since, in the original novel, this Third Brother was described as ruthless and sharp, strikingly beautiful, and unnaturally intelligent.

If the original Jiang Yuan hadn’t dug her own grave, and if this brother hadn’t been so overprotective, things wouldn’t have ended so tragically.

But now, if this near-genius brother started suspecting she wasn’t really his sister, wouldn’t she be in serious danger?

Jiang Yuan felt like crying.

“Enough. Stop pretending. You’ve been awake for a while, haven’t you?”

Jiang Yuan: …

She gave an awkward smile and slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was a dignified man sitting on the hospital room sofa with his legs crossed.

This was the original Jiang Yuan’s Third Brother.

A man more beautiful than most women.

She had been stunned by his appearance in the video call before. Seeing him in person was even more overwhelming.

The Jiang family truly was blessed with unearthly good looks. Every child was stunning.

He had refined features and deep-set eyes. His wavy hair was tied back in a short ponytail, and a sapphire earring gleamed on his ear. He wore a luxurious purple velvet suit with a black dress shirt underneath.

From head to toe, Jiang Yuan could sense her brother’s impeccable taste.

No wonder he was a top executive in the entertainment industry. He had built his own empire overseas.

With looks like his, he could have become a celebrity and still taken the world by storm.

“What are you thinking about?” Jiang Yangui set down the magazine he had been reading and stood up.

Jiang Yuan estimated his height. He had to be over six-foot-two. No wonder he had effortlessly thrown Li Tingshen like a ragdoll.

She pressed her lips together nervously. “Nothing really… Sorry, Brother. I made you worry.”

“So you do know how to make me worry?” Jiang Yangui gave a cold laugh.

“Jiang Yuan, I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours. Is this really how you let Li Tingshen push you around? You’re severely allergic to pollen, and you still walked right into that mess? Were you trying to get yourself killed?”

He scolded her harshly.

Jiang Yuan had no chance to defend herself.

To be fair, she genuinely hadn’t known that this body was severely allergic to pollen. If she had, she would’ve bolted the moment she caught a whiff of those roses.

She had barely managed to survive until now. There was no way she’d risk it all over Li Tingshen.

She tried to scratch her nose uncomfortably, but as soon as she lifted her hand, the IV needle bent, causing her to wince.

Blood immediately started flowing back into the tube.

“Stop that. Don’t move.”

Jiang Yangui barked out the order.

His face was tense with worry, but when he held her arm, his touch was gentle, careful not to hurt her.

Startled, Jiang Yuan quickly lowered her hand and lay still.

A faint warmth bloomed in her chest.

After calling the nurse to check the IV line, Jiang Yangui sat beside her bed and sighed.

“Mom and Dad have been really worried. Yuan’er, you’re twenty now. You’re not a child anymore. It’s time to grow up. You’re the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, our little princess. You like handsome men? Fine. Just say the word, and I’ll have a line of them brought to you. If that’s not enough, you can pick a few new rookies from my company. Will that do? Just stop thinking about Li Tingshen, alright? He’s nothing but an ingrate who sees you as his personal ATM.”

“Stop, Brother.”

Jiang Yuan looked at his worried expression and felt a little dazed.

“Brother, when did I ever say I still liked Li Tingshen? He’s the one acting crazy and pestering me. I already warned him in the parking lot yesterday. I even wrecked his car. I didn’t expect him to show up at my company like that.”

Jiang Yangui gave her a skeptical look.

“Really?”

“Really!”

Jiang Yuan grew anxious.

Just thinking about Li Tingshen filled her with anger.

“Brother, I swear I don’t like him anymore. Just the sight of him annoys me. If not for him, I wouldn’t have ruined my reputation, become the family’s laughingstock, or lost control of the entertainment business in Nancheng. I’ve reflected on everything. That’s why I started my own media company to turn things around and take back what belongs to us.”

Jiang Yangui furrowed his brows and studied her.

She shrank under his gaze and mumbled, “Brother, please don’t look at me like that. It’s kind of scary.”

He finally looked away and asked, “You really mean that?”

Jiang Yuan nodded eagerly.

Right now, she was desperate to avoid Li Tingshen. That scumbag was trouble, especially since he would eventually hurt Jing Ying too. She wanted nothing to do with him.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Yangui stood up. “Alright. I understand. Leave Li Tingshen to me. You don’t need to worry about him anymore.”

“Huh?”

Jiang Yuan blinked in confusion.

He leaned down, placed a large hand on her head, and gave it a gentle rub. “At first, I didn’t believe what you said in our video call. But now that I’ve seen you like this, I’m really happy. I think Mom, Dad, and our older brothers will be happy too. Get some rest. I’ve got a few things to take care of, but I’ll visit you again tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Yuan nodded dumbly.

Jiang Yangui smiled and left the room. As soon as he stepped outside, his expression turned icy.

He walked out of the hospital and headed for the parking lot.

“To the Jiang estate,” he told the bodyguard.

“Yes, Third Young Master.”

Jiang Residence.

The room was completely sealed. There were no windows, no light, and no furniture. Only a hollow, empty space enveloped in silence.

Li Tingshen sat bound to the only chair in the room. His hands were tied, and his head was covered in a thick black hood. He couldn’t see a thing. He shifted restlessly, anxiety tightening every muscle in his body. But no matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t get free.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Footsteps echoed in the silence, approaching him.

A moment later, the hood was yanked off.

The overhead light flicked on instantly. The harsh beam pierced his eyes, forcing them shut. It took a while for the sting to fade before he could blink open his eyes.

In front of him stood a row of people.

Leading them was Jiang Yanguai.

Li Tingshen’s face twisted into fury, the veins on his neck bulging. “Third Young Master, what the hell are you trying to pull?!”

Crack—

A slap rang out sharp and sudden, snapping his face to the side.

A line of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

His expression turned as black as coal.

Across from him, the man in the deep purple suit looked at his slender, pale hand with disgust. Without a word, he lifted his hand slightly, and the bodyguard behind him immediately stepped forward and handed him a sanitizing wipe.

Jiang Yanguai took it, wiping his fingers slowly and thoroughly, as if he’d just touched something filthy.

Li Tingshen, humiliated beyond words, clenched his jaw.

Jiang Yanguai tossed the wipe aside and looked down at him with a cold, lofty gaze.

His voice was steady, each word deliberate.

“I, the Third Young Master of the Jiang family, have one rule I live by. No one insults my family. Especially not the women. The two women in our family are treasures we four brothers protect with our lives. And you, a stray mutt, think you can drag either of them through the mud with even a single word?”

Li Tingshen’s temple twitched. “What do you want?!”

“I want…” Jiang Yanguai paused, voice mellow, “to talk sense with you.”

Li Tingshen stared, speechless.

Jiang Yanguai lifted a hand and tucked a loose curl behind his ear. His tone was soft but clear, as if he were explaining a weather forecast.

“Do you know why our youngest is called the Eldest Miss in public, not the Fourth Miss?”

Li Tingshen said nothing.

Jiang Yanguai continued, unbothered.

“She is the beloved of the Jiang family. For twenty years, we have cherished her. Everyone in our household has protected her as if she were their own eyes, afraid she might suffer even the slightest harm. But after she arrived in Nancheng, everything changed. The entire house fell into chaos because of you. You are a disgrace, someone who cannot even be considered human.”

Li Tingshen’s lips twitched. The insult hit, but he swallowed it.

Jiang Yanguai didn’t pause.

“She’s a rich young lady, raised with everything. Yet for you, she humbled herself to work in a cake shop, burning her hands to learn how to bake. For you, she pricked her fingers again and again embroidering a painting. She left her comfortable life in our city just to follow you here, to a city where she knew no one. And even more ridiculous, just because you said you wanted to open an entertainment company, she begged me for every single production house in Nancheng. Then wrapped them all up and gave them to you with both hands.”

The memory stung him.

Jiang Yanguai exhaled sharply. “That was all my flesh and blood being carved off, you know.”

He waved his hand as if to chase the thought away. “But fine. It’s only money. The Jiang family isn’t short of that. One Nancheng? I wouldn’t bat an eye. If she asked for it, I’d give you the entire overseas film industry.”

Li Tingshen’s brows furrowed. A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes.

But Jiang Yanguai’s voice cooled.

“She treated you well. Thought of you constantly. Loved you with everything she had. But have you ever appreciated that? Ever repaid her? You took the money she gave you while dragging her name through the dirt. You mocked her, laughed at her, made her a joke across Nancheng. You didn’t even know she was severely allergic to pollen. Because she stopped chasing after you, you thought bringing a mountain of roses and proposing in public would win her back? Did it never occur to you that she could die from that? And yet you were so sure she’d run back to you anyway.”

Jiang Yanguai’s eyes narrowed. “Li Tingshen, who do you think our Jiang family is? Who do you think Jiang Yuan is to you?”

Li Tingshen blinked, surprised.

“She… she has a pollen allergy?”

He really didn’t know.

More accurately, he didn’t know anything about Jiang Yuan. All he ever saw was the money she had.

Tonight’s grand gesture was made with one belief in mind. He assumed she would always forgive him, just as she had in the past.

He had always looked down on her.

Even though she was the heiress of the Jiang family, he viewed her as nothing more than a foolish girl who idolized him. He treated her as someone he could use and discard.

But now, listening to Jiang Yanguai tear into him word by word, something uncomfortable stirred in his chest.

Jiang Yanguai looked down, took a deep breath, and then raised his eyes to meet his.

“Do you know what I despise most in this world? Men like you. Men who climb by stepping on women and don’t even feel a hint of shame. So, for the sake of my poor sister, I’ve decided… to hand you a little punishment.”

He smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. I’m not unreasonable.”

He snapped his fingers. A bodyguard stepped forward and laid a document in front of Li Tingshen.

Li Tingshen glanced down. His face changed instantly.

“A sparring agreement?”

Jiang Yanguai nodded. “Mhm. Sign it. I heard you’re pretty good. My bodyguards have been itching to train.”

Li Tingshen’s face darkened.

That damned snake. So this is what he was waiting for.

Sparring, my ass. He just brought people to beat the hell out of me.

If he signed that paper, would he even make it out alive?

“What if I don’t sign?”

“Oh, that’s fine.” Jiang Yanguai rubbed his chin. “Then we’ll just keep you tied up here until you do.”

Li Tingshen fell silent.

The meaning was clear.

Sign it, get beaten up, then leave.

Refuse to sign, and rot here.

Either way, he wouldn’t be walking out today.

His temples throbbed. His glare sharpened.

Finally, he picked up the pen, scrawled his name, and under pressure, pressed his thumbprint.

Jiang Yanguai gave a light, pleased nod.

“Mr. Li knows how to read the room.” He tilted his head toward his men. “Untie him. After all, this is supposed to be a formal match, not an act of torture.”

Li Tingshen: …

Bullshit.

Once untied, he rolled his stiff shoulders.

His face stayed grim, gaze locked on the people in front of him.

Jiang Yanguai took a few steps back. One by one, the bodyguards stepped forward.

They lined up before him.

Jiang Yanguai gave a long, slow sigh, like he was watching a game start.

“Alright. Hit the face first.”

Li Tingshen: …

Before he could react, a fist slammed into the corner of his mouth.

Pain exploded.

“You son of a—!” he roared, swinging back.

But more fists followed.

They didn’t give him a chance.

—Thirty minutes later—

He dropped to one knee, one hand braced against the floor as he panted heavily. His entire body was drenched in blood. One arm was broken, along with one leg and two ribs. Bruises covered him from head to toe, and several wounds remained open.

Even so, he was still breathing, just barely.

Jiang Yanguai watched for a moment, then waved a hand lazily.

“Wipe off the blood and send Mr. Li to the hospital. Make him look halfway decent.”

“Understood.”

Li Tingshen: …

He didn’t even have the strength left to glare. His body shuddered and dropped unconscious.

Jiang Yanguai raised an eyebrow. He twirled the rolled-up agreement in his hand, placed his hands behind his back, and casually whistled a tune as he sauntered out.

…

After her third brother left, Jiang Yuan lay on the bed for a while.

Then she suddenly remembered that she was supposed to meet the female lead tonight. She even said she had a surprise prepared.

But now it was already past ten. Would Jing Ying be worried?

She quickly grabbed her phone from the nightstand. As soon as she unlocked it, a missed call popped up.

It was from Jing Ying.

But that was it.

No other calls. No texts. Nothing on WeChat either.

Jiang Yuan blinked.

The completely blank screen gave her an odd, empty feeling.

Her eyes flickered. Still, she smiled and made the call.

It rang for a long time before it was picked up.

“Hello?”

The moment Jiang Yuan heard Jing Ying’s voice, she breathed out in relief.

“Xiao Ying’er, what are you up to? I’m sorry. Something came up after work.”

“It’s alright. I saw you downstairs earlier. How’s your health?”

“Nothing major. Just a pollen allergy. I got an IV already, it should be fine soon. What about you?”

“I’m at home. Packing.”

“Packing? For what?”

Jing Ying’s voice remained cool, unreadable.

“My mom was moved to a regular ward. I’m a bit worried, so I’m going to stay with her.”

“Oh…”

Jiang Yuan’s voice trailed off. Her fingers started picking at the blanket, eyes drifting slightly.

Was she hoping for something?

But silence stretched on the other end. There was no response.

The air turned still.

Jiang Yuan was the first to break.

“Emmm… you—”

“If there’s nothing else, I’m going to hang up.”

Jiang Yuan: …

“Wait.”

She stopped her. Jing Ying didn’t hang up, but Jiang Yuan had nothing to say.

“Um… I couldn’t show you the surprise tonight. Also… I probably won’t be going home.”

“Okay. Rest early.”

Jiang Yuan paused before softly saying, “Alright.”

The call ended.

She stared at her home screen for a long time.

…

On the other side, Jing Ying threw her phone onto the sofa and collapsed back.

She covered her face with both hands.

Her brows were furrowed, deep.

Her mind kept replaying the scene from earlier—

That stunning man carrying a weak, pained Jiang Yuan.

Two breathtaking people. So well matched. So dazzling.

She wanted to chase after them. But even in her car, she had no idea which hospital they’d gone to. No idea which direction to drive.

She wanted to ask about Jiang Yuan’s condition. She wanted to be there.

But then she thought… maybe someone else was already there with her.

Maybe… she wasn’t needed.

And that thought, more than anything, hurt.

Jiang Yuan pulled the blanket over herself and lay still, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. The IV drip had been removed, yet she still couldn’t fall asleep. She tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. Something just didn’t feel right.

It was as if she had been waiting for something to happen, but it never did. Like reaching out for something she had always wanted, firmly believing it would be hers, only to grasp nothing at all.

Uncomfortable. Every part of her felt wrong.

With a frustrated tug, she yanked the blanket over her head, covering herself completely.

Moments later, a hand pulled the blanket down.

Her eyes lit up, but the brightness faded when she saw who it was.

“Brother…”

Jiang Yangui looked amused. “That expression makes it look like I’m the last person you wanted to see. Who were you waiting for? Li Tingshen?”

Jiang Yuan rolled her eyes. “Third Brother, you don’t need to test me anymore. I’ve said it before. From now on, I will never have any feelings for Li Tingshen again. I’d love nothing more than to punch that scumbag every time I see him.”

Raising a brow, Jiang Yangui replied, “Then you don’t have to worry about it. I already did it for you.”

“Huh?”

She blinked in surprise. “Brother, don’t tell me the thing you went out to do just now was to go beat someone up.”

Jiang Yangui chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her head like a dog.

“We don’t call it beating someone up. We call it sparring.”

He placed a sparring agreement in front of her.

The moment she read what was on it, she burst out laughing.

She couldn’t help giving him a thumbs-up. “Damn, Brother, you’re too impressive. With this agreement, even if Li Tingshen wants to sue you, he can’t. It’s completely legal.”

“He wouldn’t win even without it.”

“Huh? Why not?”

He rolled his eyes. “Did you forget what our eldest brother does for a living?”

“…”

She had actually forgotten.

Their eldest brother was a lawyer, and an exceptionally capable one.

Just imagining Li Tingshen getting beaten up and having no way to fight back made her laugh.

Too satisfying!!!

Watching his little sister laugh so boldly and without restraint, Jiang Yangui finally felt a weight lift from his chest.

How long had it been since he had seen her laugh like this?

Ever since she got involved with Li Tingshen, she had made it her mission to chase after him, constantly shouting about it. It had strained her relationship with their parents and all her brothers.

She only came home when she ran out of money. Even he, as her brother, rarely saw her these past two years.

Now that she was acting like her old self again, he could finally feel at ease.

“Come home with me tonight?”

“I can go home? I don’t need to stay under observation anymore?” Her eyes widened.

“No need. The IV was all you needed.” He smiled, shaking his head at her excitement.

Her expression brightened.

But then the thought of going back with Jiang Yangui made her uneasy. “No, it’s okay. I’ll go back to my own villa.”

Even though it seemed like he hadn’t noticed the change in her soul, she still felt uneasy. She was afraid he might see something different.

Jiang Yangui paused, then nodded without insisting. But something else occurred to him.

“I heard from Uncle Jiang that you’ve been very kind to a certain girl lately?”

“…”

Jiang Yuan stiffened and straightened up. She nodded sheepishly. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad you’re making friends. But…”

He hesitated, then continued, “I don’t support you giving your all to someone unconditionally. Yuan, you were protected too well growing up. You always give your heart completely, but not everyone deserves it. Li Tingshen was a lesson. I hope this doesn’t end the same way.”

Jiang Yuan immediately caught his meaning and quickly waved her hands. “Brother, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Jing Ying is different.”

She’s the female lead of the entire book, carrying the aura of a main character.

Without her, I’d be dead.

What’s money when compared to my life?

He frowned. “So tell me, are you planning to give her half the company, too?”

“…”

Her little scheme had been exposed. She paused, guilt written all over her face. “How did you know?”

“Do you want to make it even more obvious? You even named the company using both your and Jing Ying’s names. I heard you gave Xue Zi and Zhang Hao ten percent each. What about Jing Ying? Have you already decided? How much are you planning to give her?”

“…”

Jiang Yuan stared at him in shock. This third brother really is a thousand-year-old fox. He’s got everything figured out.

She rubbed her nose and tried to explain. “Actually, I started the company because I believed in Jing Ying’s potential. I think she can bring huge success to the business, so I named it accordingly. As for the shares… I haven’t really decided yet.”

That last part was, of course, a lie.

She had already decided to split her shares with Jing Ying fifty-fifty.

But she couldn’t say that out loud. Knowing Jiang Yangui’s personality, he’d definitely make things difficult for Jing Ying.

He stared at her for a while, then suddenly laughed.

“Do you know what you look like right now?”

“What?”

She blinked, confused by his sudden grin.

“You look like a spoiled rich girl chasing her beloved.”

Jiang Yuan: …Brother, are you out of your mind?!

Chasing her beloved?

Her?

Chasing Jing Ying?

Insane!

They were both women!!!

Jiang Yangui also burst out laughing. “If you hadn’t made such a fuss over how much you liked Li Tingshen before, I’d definitely suspect it.”

“…”

She felt even more guilty. But the one who liked Li Tingshen wasn’t her!

“What are you imagining? I don’t like anyone right now. Rest assured. I’m good to Jing Ying because I want to be her friend. Don’t overthink it. We’re both girls. Don’t start making international jokes.”

“Alright, alright. I won’t overthink.” Jiang Yangui laughed and waved her off, but still added one more line. “Honestly though, this is exactly how your second brother chased women. Hahaha…”

Jiang Yuan was thoroughly unamused.

The two of them packed up and Jiang Yangui took Jiang Yuan home.

On the way back, Jiang Yangui suggested assigning her new bodyguards in case Li Tingshen retaliated, but Jiang Yuan refused.

At the core, she was still just an ordinary civilian. She didn’t mind enjoying the material perks of life, but she couldn’t get used to having a bunch of people following her around for close protection.

Jiang Yangui wasn’t pleased.

After a bit of back and forth, they reached a compromise. Three bodyguards were reduced to one. Jiang Yuan could drive herself to and from work, but a bodyguard would follow behind at a distance. If she needed private space, the bodyguard would leave.

She had no choice but to accept.

When they arrived at her house, Jiang Yuan turned and waved with a smile. “Third Brother, goodbye.”

Jiang Yangui nodded. “Alright. I’m flying out tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself after I leave.”

Jiang Yuan paused. “You’re flying out tomorrow morning? Then let me take you to the airport.”

“It’s a five a.m. flight. Can you even wake up that early?”

“…No.”

He gave her a “knew it” look and flicked her on the forehead. “Then get some good sleep at home.”

“…”

She received a little smack but felt warm inside.

Especially knowing her brother had flown all the way back from abroad just to see her, and would leave again the next morning. He didn’t even want her to send him off, so she wouldn’t lose sleep.

Her nose stung slightly.

“Brother, thank you for everything today,” she said softly.

Jiang Yangui smiled and ruffled her hair. “Alright, go on in.”

“Mhm.”

She nodded and turned to go inside. After taking two steps, he suddenly called her.

“Yuan.”

“Yes?”

“No matter what happens in the future, call me. I’ll come help you immediately.”

With that, Jiang Yangui smiled and got into the car.

Jiang Yuan’s eyes instantly turned red.

She stood there, watching the Maybach drive away. She gave a little nod.

Thank you, Brother.

Since transmigrating into the book, it felt like she had finally become the real Jiang Yuan.

Even if this world was fictional, the emotions were real. These so-called family members truly existed.

The feeling of having a home… was wonderful.

Jiang Yuan lowered her head and wiped away her tears. She smiled and walked back into her villa.

…

In the car.

The driver was driving, and Jiang Yangui sat in the back seat.

He opened the WeChat group: #Don’t Speak Unless You’ve Hit Scumbag Li#

Third Brother: [photo.jpg][smug.jpg]

A photo and a smug emoji.

The group immediately lit up.

Second Brother: !!!!! What did you do?

Eldest Brother: You beat up Li Tingshen?

Jiang Yangui raised a brow, explained what happened, then typed.

Third Brother: He dared to look down on our little princess and tried to use the public to pressure her. Does he think our Jiang family is that easy to mess with? I’ve done what I could. The rest is up to you two… act as you see fit.

Right after that, two replies appeared.

Eldest Brother: Understood.

Second Brother: Understood.

Jiang Yangui’s lips curled into a smile.

Meanwhile, in the orthopedic ward, Li Tingshen had already slipped into unconsciousness. He had no idea that while he lay in the hospital for the next month from serious injuries, the company he had painstakingly built was on the verge of total collapse.

…

When Jiang Yuan woke up, she got out of bed, intending to go find Jing Ying. But just as she reached the door, she remembered that Jing Ying hadn’t been home when she returned last night.

She paused.

There was a strange emptiness inside.

She had already gotten used to having Jing Ying around these past few days. Without her, the house felt strangely hollow.

She hadn’t seen Jing Ying for just one night, yet she already missed her a little.

Jiang Yuan thought for a moment, then turned back to her bedroom to wash up carefully.

While doing her makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror.

Yesterday’s allergic reaction wasn’t too serious. Aside from a sore throat and the initial fogginess, there were no obvious symptoms left. If anything, there was just a small red patch on her neck that hadn’t faded yet. It was probably caused when she dodged Li Tingshen and her neck brushed the flowers in his hand.

She touched the spot on her neck and let it go.

She went downstairs to the kitchen and decided to make some soup to bring to Aunt Jing.

She made a yam and pork rib soup, packed it, and headed out to the hospital. After visiting Auntie, she also planned to give her Xiao Ying’er a surprise.

At the hospital, she headed straight for the VIP ward.

Inside the ward.

Jing Ying was peeling an apple and feeding it to her mother.

Her expression didn’t look good.

Jing Meilan looked at her daughter worriedly. “What’s wrong? Since last night, your mood’s been off. Is something bothering you?”

Jing Ying paused, lowered her head, and denied it. “No, Mom. Don’t overthink.”

“Still trying to fool me? I saw you staring at your phone the entire time yesterday. You were clearly waiting for someone’s message or call. Xiao Ying, do you… like someone?”

Jiang Yuan had just arrived at the door, soup in hand, and stopped short when she heard that line.

“….”