Chapter 27: The Jiang Family's Schemes and the Desire for Reconciliation with Lu Fan

The Jiang family was a typical example of bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Whenever Third Master Qin lost his temper, even Old Master Jiang would tremble.

Jiang’s father hurriedly stepped forward to appease him. “It’s all a misunderstanding, Third Master. It’s not that we fear my son-in-law cheating us. What if the old lady were to be poisoned? That would be an irreparable loss.”

“Son-in-law? Mr. Jiang, you change your tune quickly. Didn’t you just say he divorced your daughter? That he was a coward?”

Jiang’s father immediately contradicted himself. “Ah, I misspoke again. I was just worried and confused. This is still the cooling-off period. How could he not be part of the Jiang family? It’s all that troublemaker from the Shen family stirring up trouble.”

He intended to shift the blame eastward, unaware that Shen Qianye had already seized the opportunity to escape!

Cursing silently in his heart, he forced a smile and walked over to Lu Fan. “Xiaofan, we’re all family here. Maybe I was a bit harsh on you before, but from now on…”

Lu Fan never expected any mercy from the Jiang family. In truth, his nature was cold and indifferent; he simply did not care. In the past, he had endured everything for the sake of gratitude, but not anymore.

With a calm expression, he interrupted, “Mr. Jiang, you must be joking. What right do I have to call myself family with you? A divorce is a divorce.”

That sentence was a slap to Jiang’s father’s face and also dealt a blow to Jiang Ruxue.

Without another word, Lu Fan walked straight over to the deeply regretful Old Lady Jiang. There was a trace of guilt in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I only have one Rejuvenation Pill left. It was meant as a sincere birthday gift, but I didn’t expect it to turn out like this.”

Old Lady Jiang’s eyes were red as she patted Lu Fan’s arm. “Good child, grandma knows you have a kind heart. It’s the Jiang family who has wronged you.”

Seeing her like that, Lu Fan felt a pang of unease.

“Grandma, although the Rejuvenation Pill is gone, I promise you this: as long as it’s within my ability, I will fulfill your wishes.”

Others scoffed inwardly. Lu Fan was neither wealthy nor influential; what was the value of his promise? His only valuable pill was gone—what could he possibly offer?

Even he himself relied on Third Master Qin. Such bravado was truly overestimating himself!

Of course, though everyone looked down on him, none dared to say it in front of Third Master Qin.

Only Lin Ziyu, who knew Lu Fan’s background, understood that this birthday gift was far more potent than the finest Rejuvenation Pill!

Heavens! Lu Fan was far too kind to these Jiang family members.

What if Jiang Ruxue demanded he remarry her because of this? This foolish boy might end up entangling himself further.

Old Lady Jiang grasped his hand. “Your intention is enough for me. Now, everyone here is a guest—let’s enjoy a simple meal together.”

Lu Fan intended to leave but was held back by the old lady’s grip. He couldn’t afford to insult the birthday celebrant.

Third Master Qin restrained himself and followed Old Master Jiang to the main table.

The biggest winner was Old Madam Qin, who secretly pulled Lin Ziyu aside.

“You little devil, how do you know that was the genuine top-grade Rejuvenation Pill?”

Lin Ziyu winked. “Because Lu Fan doesn’t lie, so I believe him.”

“You got such a huge favor for free. Tell me, what do you want?”

Lin Ziyu had deliberately done this big favor for the Qin family, and Old Madam Qin was not foolish.

Resting her head on Old Madam Qin’s shoulder, Lin Ziyu said, “I only ask the ancestors to bless my Lin family.”

Old Madam Qin pinched her nose. “You little smart one, the Qin family will remember this favor.”

“In that case, I won’t be polite.” Lin Ziyu stuck out her tongue.

As she had told Lu Fan earlier, with the Qin family as backing, the Lin family would stand firm for generations—all thanks to her little junior apprentice brother.

In high spirits, Lin Ziyu glanced at the foolish Jiang family, who had wasted such a rare treasure.

She wondered how much they would regret it when they eventually learned Lu Fan’s true identity.

Thanks to Old Lady Jiang, it was the first time in five years since Lu Fan joined the family that he sat at the main table.

Jiang Ruxue sat by his side, trying to speak several times but unsure how to begin.

In the past, Lu Fan would have picked out her favorite dishes, but today he did not.

He neither cozyed up to Third Master Qin nor paid attention to the Jiang family; the only thing he did was toast his grandmother.

It seemed that, apart from grandma, nothing else in the Jiang family mattered to him.

Jiang Ruxue wanted to apologize to him, but seeing his attitude, she sulked silently.

After the meal, Lu Fan proposed to leave, but Third Master Qin hurried after him.

After today’s events, he was even more certain of Lu Fan’s extraordinary background.

Unlike the fools in the Jiang family, he would not let such a big catch slip away.

No sooner had they left than Old Master Jiang took Jiang Ruxue to her room.

“Tell me honestly, what do you think of Lu Fan and Shen Qianye?”

Jiang Ruxue was flustered. “Grandfather, what do you mean?”

“What else could I mean? Don’t you see? We all underestimated Lu Fan. Today, Third Master Qin personally backed him, and even that stubborn girl from the Lin family is desperately clinging to him. Now, she’s relying on Lu Fan to treat her father! As for Shen Qianye…”

At the mere mention of that name, Old Master Jiang’s tone shifted sharply.

“We thought an alliance with the Shen family would suppress the Lin family, but today she gifted the top-grade Rejuvenation Pill to Old Madam Qin, essentially currying favor. Naturally, the Qin family will support them. Shen Qianye embarrassed himself at the banquet and is utterly unreliable. Even if you marry into that family, you won’t maximize your benefits. So, what I want is for you to reconcile with Lu Fan.”

Jiang Ruxue’s face turned pale. “Grandfather, Father, you insisted on our divorce before, and now you want us to reconcile. What exactly do you think I am?”

“Xue’er, your father and I both do this for you, for the Jiang family. Who could have guessed Shen Qianye was so useless that Lu Fan overshadowed him? Now, even Third Master Qin depends on Lu Fan. With such an advantage, why not make good use of it?”

Listening to her elders’ persuasion, Jiang Ruxue found it laughable.

“Before Shen Qianye returned, you all persuaded me the same way. Don’t forget, Lu Fan treats Third Master Qin with acupuncture every seven days. If he fails to heal him, will you urge me to divorce again?”

She finally saw through it all. Their talk of “for her happiness” was plainly for their own interests.

“…This…”

Jiang’s father looked at Old Master Jiang. “Xue’er is right. What if Lu Fan ends up killing someone while treating them?”

“Then we wait and see. Don’t jump to conclusions. We’ll keep in touch with the Shen family. Anyway, Lu Fan promised your grandmother a condition—we’ll hold him to that. He won’t be able to avoid remarrying you!”