234: Chapter 234 Auntie will speak to you about her!

Jiang Ye waited in the room, bored out of his mind.

Minutes and seconds ticked by. The chat between the mother and daughter was like they'd eaten Stride gum—it went on for an absurdly long time and simply wouldn't stop.

He scratched his head and meticulously checked every corner of the room to ensure there were no hidden cameras or anything of the sort—not that he was being overly cautious, he was just that bored.

Even after finishing all that, Lin Wanxing still hadn't returned.

Jiang Ye smacked his lips, his gaze falling on the conspicuous two-meter-wide bed in the room, and a sudden thought struck him.

Based on his understanding of Lin Wanxing, there was a 99.9% chance this woman wouldn't share a room with him; she would most likely go and book another one for herself in secret.

But... one still had to show the right attitude, didn't they?

After all, she was the first woman to seriously call him a "gentleman." What if she successfully brainwashed herself and actually agreed to stay?

If she really did stay... Jiang Ye rubbed his chin, picked up a quilt, and began to earnestly set up a raised "defense line" right in the middle of the large bed.

Friends who have been to school know that once the "38th Parallel" is drawn between desk-mates, crossing it means facing the "ballpoint pen tip" sanctions from the other person.

So... if Lin Wanxing fell fast asleep later and accidentally let a certain part of her body cross the line... there'd be nothing wrong with him "poking" her once, right?

Jiang Ye gave a cheeky grin, rolled the quilt into a long, sturdy "barrier," and carefully placed it in the center of the bed.

Hmm, the height of the bulge was just right, looking very secure and symbolizing an insurmountable boundary.

If they really did share the bed tonight, he could swap the quilt for pillows, and then swap those for socks before sleep... Tsk, perfect!

"Knock! Knock! Knock!"

Just as he was circling the bed, adjusting the curve of the quilt, there was a sudden knock at the door.

"Wanxing? Didn't I leave the door unlocked? Why are you knocking?"

The door was pushed open, and Lin Wanxing's slightly hesitant voice drifted in: "Jiang Ye, I..."

"I get it, don't worry, I've got it all arranged!"

Without even turning his head, Jiang Ye waved a hand, still hunched over the bed smoothing out the wrinkles in the quilt:

"See this? The 38th Parallel! I promise I won't touch you, so don't go out to book another room. I, Jiang Ye, am a man of my..."

"Ahem... Little Jiang..."

A slightly awkward middle-aged female voice sounded from behind him, interrupting his "display of sincerity."

"...?"

Jiang Ye's movements froze instantly. The smile on his face vanished, and by the time he turned around, he had already switched to his cold "overbearing ceo" expression.

Lin Wanxing stood at the door, facepalming in exasperation. Behind her was Zhao Yumei, whose expression was a complex mix of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and even a hint of distortion.

"Madam, this is Wanxing's and my room. What are you doing in here?"

"..."

Looking at the incredibly conspicuous "dividing line" on the large bed, Zhao Yumei felt a surge of anger flare up instantly.

If the young man in front of her didn't have such a powerful aura, she would have loved to slap this ungrateful money-losing commodity of a daughter right then and there!

"President Jiang," "million-dollar luxury car," "early twenties," "ex-girlfriend named Ye Qinghan," "twenty-million-dollar business"... what did these keywords mean when put together?

It meant a wealthy family! It meant a catch of a son-in-law! It meant the Lin family had climbed to high branches!

This was simply a pie falling from the sky. When one person achieves success, even their pets ascend... ahem, when one person achieves success, their parents ascend... Anyway! This was a damn chance to change the whole family's fate!

And this dead girl was still playing hard to get? She wouldn't even let him touch her?

That woman named Ye Qinghan was so arrogant she kissed him right in front of her, yet she was still putting on airs and acting like a pure maiden? Who was she doing this for?!

She had suppressed her anger in her own room and spent a long time trying to persuade her with earnest words, but it seemed she hadn't been harsh enough!

She should have scolded this money-losing commodity awake!

Zhao Yumei's thoughts raced. Forcing down her anger, she squeezed out an incredibly strained smile:

"Little Jiang... you don't have to do this. Auntie just gave Wanxing a good scolding... she's... she's just a bit stubborn and immature..."

As she spoke, she forcefully pushed Lin Wanxing, who was radiating an aura of "just let the world end":

"Wanxing! Say something! What did Mom tell you just now?!"

Seeing Lin Wanxing pursing her lips and staying silent, Zhao Yumei had no choice but to continue smoothing things over, laughing dryly:

"Little Jiang, Auntie is a hundred percent satisfied with you as a son-in-law! It's just our Wanxing—she's too introverted, never been in a relationship, and a bit inhibited... But don't you worry, Auntie has already educated her! She'll sleep with you today, she absolutely must!"

Jiang Ye's brow furrowed slightly, appearing somewhat displeased.

Seeing this reaction, Zhao Yumei's heart skipped a beat. Had she said something wrong again? Had she upset her son-in-law?

Just as she was about to make amends, she heard Jiang Ye give a light cough and point to the nearby sofa:

"Ahem... Auntie, please sit."

"Huh?"

Zhao Yumei was stunned for a moment, then it suddenly clicked.

He was being polite to her! And the form of address had changed from "Madam" to "Auntie"!!!

Her Ren and Du meridians were instantly cleared; she felt enlightened!

She understood!

Her son-in-law was right! When away from home, harmony should be the priority!

How to achieve harmony?

A couple's quarrel is settled at the foot of the bed!

She lunged to the bedside, grabbed the quilt that had been carefully rolled into the "38th Parallel," gave it a violent shake, and then a flourish!

With a whoosh, the defense line symbolizing "safe distance" collapsed instantly, and the quilt was spread messily across the bed.

"Oh, Little Jiang, look at you, why bother with this!"

Zhao Yumei stood with her hands on her hips, her tone decisive: "Auntie is making the call! You two get along well today and sleep in each other's arms! Feelings are developed through spending time together!"

Lin Wanxing: "..."

She slowly closed her eyes. Facing her mother's attitude—as if she couldn't wait to pack her up and deliver her personally—she waited quietly for the familiar bitterness, helplessness, and desolation.

But strangely, this time, those heavy negative emotions seemed to be running late.

Instead, a faint, inexplicable trace of... shyness? rose in her heart.

Lin Wanxing opened her eyes blankly, somewhat confused by her unusual reaction.

Jiang Ye glanced at his "girlfriend" with her complex expression. He figured that what this fiery mother-in-law said might not count; he'd likely still have to put in the effort himself.

"Auntie, why don't you head out first? I'll have a private talk with Wanxing. I'll take you all out for dinner tonight."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yumei nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes! Talk! Have a good talk! You young people should have a good, deep talk! We'll just order some takeout for lunch, we won't disturb you! You can talk for as long as you want!"

As she spoke, she gave Lin Wanxing another forceful, frustrated push, gritting her teeth and emphasizing each word:

"Wanxing! Did. You. Hear. Me? Have. A. Good. Talk!"

With that, she quickly left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

Only the two of them were left in the room, the air thick with an indescribable awkwardness.

Jiang Ye looked at Lin Wanxing, who was still standing there with her head bowed, and spoke tentatively:

"Wanxing, uh... don't feel pressured. Don't worry, I definitely won't touch you. I, Jiang Ye, am a grown man—I stick to my word, as sure as a spit or a phlegm!"

"..."

Lin Wanxing suppressed the strange ripple in her heart. She glanced at him expressionlessly, sat down on a chair by the window, and said faintly:

"Other men's words are like nails; with you, all that's left is spitting everywhere. I'll book a room for myself tonight, so don't you worry about it."