Chapter 33: The Truth on the Verge of Revelation

Jiang Zao put down the potato she was peeling and washing, wiped her hands, and went to the doorway to greet them. What she saw was Zhou Lichuan sitting awkwardly on the shoe-changing bench, struggling to switch his shoes, while Zhou Jiayan stood beside him, pouting and refusing to budge.

Noticing the siblings seemed displeased, Jiang Zao quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Did you two have a fight?”

Du Bin, who stood just inside the entryway, didn’t dare speak. He only nodded at Jiang Zao, confirming her guess.

Jiang Zao felt a bit helpless. By now, she had more or less figured out Zhou Jiayan’s temperament. Zhou Lichuan, aside from his usual unconditional pampering, would occasionally scold her sternly. A girl who’d grown up spoiled simply couldn’t tolerate that, so it was only natural she’d talk back. With siblings like these, quarrels were hardly surprising.

Jiang Zao stepped forward to help Zhou Lichuan change his shoes, putting the discarded leather pair in the shoe cabinet to lighten Aunt Hui’s workload.

She didn’t expect this simple gesture would earn Zhou Jiayan’s disapproval.

“You’re not a servant. Just do what’s your responsibility; you’re almost kneeling on the ground just to change his shoes. I really don’t know what you see in him.”

Zhou Lichuan snapped, “Zhou Jiayan. Will you ever stop?”

Zhou Jiayan rolled her eyes and turned away.

Jiang Zao straightened up, glanced around, and replied shamelessly, “I see that your brother is rich.”

Zhou Jiayan looked at her in disbelief. “How can you say that!”

Jiang Zao shrugged and, under Zhou Jiayan’s angry glare, pulled Zhou Lichuan away to wash their hands.

The moment the bathroom door closed, Jiang Zao was pressed against the wall, her lips sealed in a fierce kiss.

It was truly strange—Zhou Lichuan couldn’t see, yet every time he kissed her, he never missed, as if he had some innate talent.

When the lingering kiss finally ended, Jiang Zao drew back her tongue, a silvery thread briefly connecting their lips before she quickly wiped it away.

Zhou Lichuan’s deep voice sounded above her, “Fortunately, I am rich.”

Jiang Zao stifled a laugh, pushed at his chest, and guided his hand under the faucet to wash.

She was encircled by this tall man, trapped between his burning body and the cold sink. She squeezed out some soap and carefully washed his much larger hands.

“That’s why you have to do your best—don’t go bankrupt, or I’ll kick you out and find someone even richer.”

Zhou Lichuan’s firm chest pressed down, his chin resting on her shoulder, his voice nearly bubbling, “Then I’ll make sure to squander everything, so in our next, next, next life, you’ll have to marry someone else.”

Jiang Zao ducked away from his breath, laughing. “Your voice is so greasy—hahaha.”

After washing his hands, Zhou Lichuan flicked some water in the direction of her laughter, making Jiang Zao giggle even more.

When they finished and came out, Zhou Jiayan had already washed her hands and was sitting on the sofa eating grapes, while Du Bin stood quietly in a corner behind her.

Jiang Zao called out, “Du Bin, find a seat for yourself. No need to be so formal at home.”

Du Bin thanked her and obediently sat on a small stool by the sofa.

Jiang Zao shook her head gently. She still wasn’t used to the hidden social hierarchies in wealthy families. That she could act so freely was all thanks to Zhou Lichuan’s disregard for such conventions.

After settling Zhou Lichuan, Jiang Zao returned to the kitchen to help Meng Qiaoyuan.

“Zhou Jiayan’s here? I heard her voice.”

Jiang Zao nodded. “Zhou Lichuan brought her back. Looks like the siblings had a fight. Do your brothers and sisters quarrel too?”

Meng Qiaoyuan straightened up to think. “When we were kids, yes. But as adults, there’s no time together, so no more arguments.”

Jiang Zao declared, “Then you must be very close.”

Meng Qiaoyuan resumed chopping vegetables. “I’d donate an organ for them without hesitation.”

Jiang Zao was about to say something else, but was cut off by Meng Qiaoyuan’s next remark.

“But don’t expect me to cook for them.”

Jiang Zao glanced at the bean sprouts she’d almost finished washing and was momentarily speechless.

Dinner was lively.

Zhou Jiayan loved spicy food. Jiang Zao always enjoyed fish. Zhou Lichuan, after eating two pieces, wouldn’t let Jiang Zao pick out the bones for him anymore, and only ate side dishes or other stir-fries made by Aunt Hui. Du Bin, undemanding about food, ate two big bowls of rice thanks to Jiang Zao’s enthusiastic encouragement. Aunt Hui watched the group of young people with satisfaction before returning to her room.

After the meal, everyone complimented Meng Qiaoyuan’s cooking. Jiang Zao toasted her with a soda instead of wine, formally asking to be her apprentice.

When the merriment faded, Meng Qiaoyuan stopped Jiang Zao, who was about to help clean up, and said to Zhou Lichuan, “I have something to discuss. Let’s chat in the living room. Let’s let Aunt Hui wash the dishes tonight and all listen together.”

In the whole house, only Zhou Jiayan was unaware that Meng Qiaoyuan was working undercover. Jiang Zao explained briefly, and the young lady exclaimed, “Mission Impossible! You’re playing for real!”

Once everyone was seated, Meng Qiaoyuan began, “Mr. Zhou reminded me a while ago—Lin Rui is… lecherous.”

Jiang Zao shivered. In her few brief interactions with Lin Rui, she’d already felt his unsettling gaze.

“Did he harass you?” Jiang Zao grabbed Meng Qiaoyuan’s hand.

Meng Qiaoyuan shook her head. “He doesn’t dare—my family isn’t insignificant. If he tried anything, he’d risk his life.”

Zhou Lichuan, sensing something from their childhood familiarity, asked, “What did he make you do?”

Meng Qiaoyuan patted Jiang Zao’s hand in return. “Lin Rui threatened me, told me to bring Zaozao out to meet him alone, or else… he’d come after me. I’m not really afraid, but I’ve never seen him so desperate before. If I keep refusing, I’m worried he might actually do something extreme.”

Zhou Jiayan muttered from the side, “That’s already extreme. If you have a recording, you could call the police and have him arrested.”

Jiang Zao glanced at Zhou Jiayan but said nothing.

Zhou Lichuan’s handsome brows drew together. His eyes, always blank and dull from blindness, now, with his brows furrowed, gave him a menacing air.

Meng Qiaoyuan noticed and almost didn’t dare continue.

Zhou Lichuan’s voice dropped low. “Some things may involve our elders’ private matters… Zaozao, may I speak?”

Jiang Zao realized what he meant, thought for a moment, and nodded. “The departed are gone. Speak freely.”

“Zaozao’s mother may have had a past with Zhou Kuan. There might… even have been a child.”

Zhou Jiayan’s hair stood on end. “My eldest brother?”

Jiang Zao shivered. “So Zhou Kuan’s been fixated on me because…”

Zhou Lichuan’s voice turned icy. “Either he thinks you’re his daughter, or… he sees you as your mother. Judging from all his actions, I’d say the latter is far more likely.”