Chapter 118: Hello, Senior Tan

"Right."

Meng Qiaoyuan certainly knew that Jiang Zao was right. If Zeng Yingying’s family had truly been the loving, supportive unit they appeared to be, she would have been compelled to exhaust every resource to help them overcome their grief and hardship.

But now that the truth was laid bare, they were far from deserving of such compassion.

The only person who shared a genuine emotional connection with Zeng Yingying was a police officer, and even that was merely the budding stage of attraction—they hadn't even officially become a couple. Even if Zeng Yingying had harbored a desire to respond, human hearts are fickle. Such shallow sentiments are fleeting enough when one is alive, let alone when the person is no longer in this world.

There was only so much they could do. As for the guilt and regret, she would have to digest them in the silence of countless long nights.

***

Jiang Zao had moved again.

This act of "moving again" had become a normalcy in her perception.

The Tingshan Villa had been completely renovated by Shen Xiaonan. Compared to its previous state, it was now far more expansive and open. The courtyard was overflowing with all manner of flowers and plants. A vast lawn had been cleared in the front yard, furnished with a cozy pavilion, a swing, and a sturdy hammock. One side was walled with masonry, while the other three sides featured floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, allowing for ventilation in the summer and warmth from the sun in the winter.

Nearby, a rockery with a flowing water feature had been installed, integrated into the fountain system of the courtyard, creating a harmonious and stylish aesthetic.

The large expanse of open ground in the backyard was mostly planted with flora. The functional outbuildings on the side had also been improved; the original storage area was repurposed, and an artificial lake and stream were excavated, connected by a sturdy glass corridor that led directly to a newly acquired estate at the rear.

The two perimeter walls had been opened up, and the space between them incorporated into the grounds. Jiang Zao loved the traditional Chinese garden style, and Shen Xiaonan had already contacted the best designer to conduct an on-site survey, planning to design the entire rear estate in a Chinese aesthetic for Jiang Zao to live in.

Jiang Zao, supporting her pregnant belly, watched Shen Xiaonan communicate with the designer, silently marveling at the efficiency of a wealthy matriarch.

The designer was tall, with long, wine-red hair tied into a high ponytail that glistened in the sunlight. With exquisite makeup, wearing combat boots and cargo pants, she stood with Shen Xiaonan on her left to confirm requirements, while coordinating resources with the construction team lead on her right.

She was heroic, spirited, and incredibly capable.

Indeed, this person was none other than Meng Qiaoyuan’s future second sister-in-law and Jiang Zao’s senior from school, Tan Wenyi.

For a long time, she had specialized in Chinese-style gardens, particularly the Suzhou-Hangzhou style. She was committed to traditional aesthetics, even utilizing basic physical principles for the movement of water rather than relying on crude modern electrical pumps.

After a heated discussion, Tan Wenyi walked toward Jiang Zao, beaming with energy.

"Professor Shen understands everything I say. Do you know how rare that is? I have never met a client who understands me so well!"

Jiang Zao smiled and handed her a bottle of mineral water. "My mother-in-law is a history professor; of course, she understands your designs."

Tan Wenyi took the water and drank deeply before sighing, "High-level intellectuals are truly different from the rest. Even when something is difficult to execute, Professor Shen understands it completely and can even propose corresponding solutions. Ah, it’s amazing! I really hope I encounter clients like this every time. We contractors love clients like this!"

Tan Wenyi was open and unaffected. Despite being a well-known landscape designer, she didn't mind categorizing herself as a "contractor." She always felt that because she dealt with construction sites every day—nothing but cement and dirt—she couldn't relate to those polished, sophisticated labels.

If there was a design, she would measure it out with a tape and a set of pens. She would carry cement and lumber to build the landscape, working through wind and rain with no time to dwell on revisions.

Jiang Zao had always admired this approach and never questioned her designs.

"It’s windy outside. Go inside once you've had a look around; don't bump into anything."

Tan Wenyi showed instinctive concern for Jiang Zao’s pregnancy. She hadn't known until today that this project was for Jiang Zao. Only when she saw Jiang Zao approaching with her large belly did she slowly pull her gaze away from her shock.

She had long heard rumors that Jiang Zao, from the oil painting department, was being kept by a wealthy man, but she hadn't expected a child to be on the way. She had seen such things plenty of times before and was long past being surprised. Yet, she couldn't help but feel it was a pity; Jiang Zao had been so full of spirit back then. The school still circulated legends of how she supported herself by selling paintings during her undergraduate years. That such a person would bow to life's circumstances—truly, the changes of the world were beyond anyone's prediction.

Jiang Zao was unaware of Tan Wenyi’s misunderstanding, and even if she had known, she wouldn't have taken it to heart. She invited her inside, and they chatted about school matters for a while. Tan Wenyi declined an invitation to dinner, shouldered her backpack, and hopped onto the motorcycle parked at the entrance, speeding away.

With her long legs, combat boots, and sturdy motorcycle jacket, she looked somewhat androgynous from behind as she sat on the bike.

Zhou Lichuan happened to be returning from work, and their eyes met briefly as he drove past. He stepped out of the car, walked over to Jiang Zao, and leaned down to give his treasure a gentle hug.

"What kind of friend requires you to see them out in person?"

Zhou Lichuan’s voice was sour; he was clearly jealous.

Jiang Zao shot him an expressionless glare. "A senior from school, the landscape designer my mother-in-law hired."

Zhou Lichuan felt deflated. He rubbed his nose and, putting an arm around Jiang Zao’s waist to lead her inside, tried to save face.

"That’s the 'ice queen' wife that Meng Qiaochong chased for three years without success, right? Everyone in the circle knows her."

Jiang Zao stopped and looked at him.

"My senior has won countless awards both at home and abroad. Her designs are worth a fortune. She is immensely talented and stands firmly at the peak of her industry. Why is it that the first thing you think of is whose girlfriend she is? She has a name; her name is Tan Wenyi. She is not 'Meng Qiaochong’s girlfriend'."

Jiang Zao was deadly serious, her eyes reflecting a persistent light.

Zhou Lichuan realized that he loved the gentle, understanding Jiang Zao from before, and he also loved this sharp-tongued, principled Jiang Zao who dared to correct him.

No, he loved her even more.

"I was wrong. Designer Tan is incredibly talented with unique creativity; the courtyard design is all thanks to her. Her work is vivid and possesses its own character; she will undoubtedly have a limitless future."

Jiang Zao pouted and turned to continue walking.

Zhou Lichuan took long strides to catch up with her.

Shen Xiaonan had been sitting in the living room resting. Hearing their exchange as they entered, a ripple of emotion stirred in her heart.

She had once asked Zhou Huai such a question.

And how had Zhou Huai answered back then?

"An excellent woman can only be an excellent wife. For the wife of a prominent family, personal career ability is the least important thing. Being able to properly handle social relations, communicate internally and externally, and settle household affairs is what matters most. If you want a smooth career, why get married at all?"

Shen Xiaonan set down her black tea. Jiang Zao was more fortunate than she was.