Reborn-After-C90

Chapter 90: A Smile Disarms All

“Good evening, Old Master!”

The moment the woman saw Jiang Anbang, she greeted him enthusiastically.

Despite being highly valued by Jiang Shengtai, she had seen Jiang Anbang very few times. It was something that had always bothered her. After all, with the Old Master’s status, even exchanging a few words with him would make future dealings far easier.

However, Jiang Shengtai knew well how his father handled things. No matter how many people wished to meet him, Jiang Anbang would feign ignorance and refuse to introduce unimportant individuals to him. Cao Qiuyuan was no exception.

This time, the reason Cao Qiuyuan had come to the Jiang family was because Jiang Anbang’s car had broken down. Helpless, Jiang Shengtai had allowed her to drive the Old Master back. At the door, Cao Qiuyuan took the initiative, claiming she had brought an exquisite emerald Pixiu carving to present to the Old Master.

Unable to refuse, Jiang Shengtai reluctantly brought her inside.

The moment Jiang Anbang saw Cao Qiuyuan, the smile on his face disappeared instantly. Jiang Tiancheng’s expression also turned grim.

It was clear they both disliked Cao Qiuyuan.

In Jiang Anbang’s view, Cao Qiuyuan was someone who liked to play tricks and lacked sincerity. Jiang Tiancheng, for his part, disliked women with overly seductive appearances—especially those close to Jiang Shengtai.

“What are you doing here?” Jiang Tiancheng asked coldly, not caring about Jiang Shengtai’s presence.

“Jiang Shengtai’s car wouldn’t start, and he seemed in a rush, so I offered to give him a ride back,” Cao Qiuyuan said coquettishly. “Coincidentally, I came across a fine Pixiu carved from imperial jade, so I thought I’d bring it for Old Master Jiang to see. After all, you’re the best at identifying quality!”

“Is that how you talk to your Aunt Cao?” Jiang Shengtai scolded Jiang Tiancheng.

“I talk however I want. If you can’t stand it, you can leave tonight. We don’t welcome you!” Jiang Tiancheng shot back.

“You brat! You…” Jiang Shengtai’s face turned red with anger.

“Enough! Both of you, stop this nonsense. Don’t let outsiders laugh at us!” Jiang Anbang shouted, silencing the argument.

“Miss Cao, while I do appreciate jade, I’m not interested in all pieces—particularly not Pixiu. I’ve been in public service my whole life, and I have no interest in wealth symbols like that. You might as well take it back,” Jiang Anbang said politely yet distantly.

There’s a saying: One does not strike a smiling face.

Since Cao Qiuyuan had come bearing gifts with a smile, Jiang Anbang couldn’t embarrass her outright. Courtesy was called for.

Hearing this, a flash of resentment crossed Cao Qiuyuan’s eyes, but it disappeared quickly.

“Old Master, but this jade…” she began, her face turning awkward.

Jiang Shengtai stepped forward, cutting her off. “My father already said he isn’t interested. You should drop it and head home.”

Embarrassed at having her intentions laid bare, Cao Qiuyuan had no choice but to nod and leave the Jiang family compound, her enthusiasm dampened.

Once she had left, Jiang Anbang turned to Shen Fei with a smile.

“Apologies for the spectacle, young man. Ever since Tiancheng’s mother passed, these two act like sworn enemies whenever they meet, always finding the sharpest words to hurt each other.”

Jiang Shengtai glanced at Shen Fei and the Old Master, clearly holding something back. This was the first time he had seen his father treat a young man with such courtesy.

“Old Master, it’s natural for fathers and sons to quarrel. They’ll reconcile eventually—it’s just a matter of time. There’s no need to call it a spectacle,” Shen Fei said lightly, unwilling to get involved in the Jiang family’s internal conflicts.

“You’re right, young man!” Jiang Anbang nodded and smiled.

Then, he introduced Shen Fei to Jiang Shengtai.

“Shengtai, this is Shen Fei.”

“Shen Fei? The one who made Tiancheng buy four properties in Xiaohouting in one go?” Jiang Shengtai asked, clearly surprised.

“Uncle Jiang, it was just a coincidence,” Shen Fei said humbly.

However, Jiang Tiancheng reacted immediately, scoffing.

“A coincidence? Even I didn’t hear about Xiaohouting’s redevelopment plans, and you just happened to stumble upon it? Do you have someone feeding you insider information?”

The words were filled with suspicion and barbs.

After learning about Jiang Tiancheng’s purchase, Jiang Shengtai had investigated Shen Fei.

What he discovered shocked him—Shen Fei was once a gambling addict who had even borrowed from loan sharks!

Jiang Shengtai had intended to warn Jiang Tiancheng and the Old Master about Shen Fei’s background. Yet here Shen Fei was, sitting at the Jiang family’s dinner table, welcomed with smiles.

Noticing Jiang Shengtai’s hostility, Shen Fei’s expression turned sharp, his mood souring instantly. Any intention he had of helping Jiang Shengtai resolve future difficulties vanished without a trace.

“You call it coincidence? If you’re so capable, why didn’t you seize the opportunity yourself? Just because you missed out, you claim others got lucky. How far would you have gone without my grandfather’s reputation to prop you up?” Jiang Tiancheng snapped at Jiang Shengtai.

“Watch your mouth!” Jiang Shengtai shouted angrily.

“Enough!” Jiang Anbang intervened again.

“Shengtai, do you truly believe buying property right before the government announced its plans was just a coincidence?”

“Isn’t it? Dad, don’t tell me this kid figured it out on his own?” Jiang Shengtai retorted, his words harsh.

Before he could say more, Jiang Anbang interrupted him.

“Exactly! Shen Fei analyzed the opportunity himself. He keeps a close eye on the development trends in Shenzhen and has a sharp eye for opportunities. You couldn’t achieve even a tenth of his ability!”

Jiang Anbang’s words were deliberate. Beyond praising Shen Fei’s talents, he was trying to repair the rift between father and son.

At the same time, there was another reason—deep down, Jiang Anbang hoped Shen Fei wouldn’t hold Jiang Shengtai’s words against him.