Jiang Xi’s head was spinning, and even speaking felt difficult, but his mind was still clear. He was aware of everything around him. Only after the worst of the nausea passed did he manage to whisper a few words:
“Qingli… the company’s yours for now…”
Grandpa Jiang had been watching anxiously, but deep down, his concern for Jiang Zheng hadn’t gone away. Upon hearing this, he quickly interjected:
“Qingli is still just a young girl—not even an adult yet! How can she handle something like this? Let Zheng help for now. Once you’re better, everything can go back to normal.”
Jiang Xi turned to look at his father, a sarcastic smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Grandpa Jiang’s face stiffened. Still, he pressed on with a self-righteous air:
“Zheng is more capable than Qingli, isn’t he? You’ve always cared most about the company. If something goes wrong while you’re recovering, won’t that be a loss for all of us?”
Jiang Xi didn’t bother responding. He simply looked to his long-time assistant.
The assistant had worked with Jiang Xi for years and knew exactly what that look meant.
He immediately spoke up:
“Sir, with all due respect, the incident today was caused by Jiang Zheng putting his interests above the company’s. Meanwhile, in a short amount of time, Young Miss Qingli has successfully revived one of our struggling branches. Her abilities are undeniable.
And as for her age, she’ll be of legal age in just six months. Besides, the chairman is only stepping back temporarily.”
Grandpa Jiang gritted his teeth, unwilling to give in. “But what about A-Zheng? He stayed behind in the country just to keep me company, this old, useless man! Are you seriously going to hand your nephew over to the police?! As his uncle?!”
It would’ve been better if he hadn’t brought it up—because the moment he did, Jiang Xi remembered the feeling of Jiang Zheng’s hands around his throat. His expression darkened further and he clenched his jaw. “Yes. I am.”
“You—!” Grandpa Jiang was furious, pointing a trembling finger at him.
But before he could say another word, Jiang Xi’s face twisted in pain as another violent wave of nausea surged up.
Qingli quickly stepped in to help, turning to the assistant and the butler. “Please take my grandpa outside. My dad’s not in any condition to handle stress. If this keeps up, he’s going to get worse.”
“Understood.” The assistant and butler nodded decisively, each taking one of Grandpa Jiang’s arms and escorting him out.
“Let go of me!” Grandpa Jiang said through gritted teeth. “That ungrateful bastard—Jiang Xi! A-Zheng is his nephew!”
Still, he couldn’t fight their combined strength. He was dragged out and sent home to the Jiang estate.
When they arrived, the butler tried to help him out of the car, but Grandpa Jiang angrily shrugged him off. His face was twisted with sorrow and rage as he muttered, “I never thought you’d be the type to take orders from a little girl.”
The butler followed with a forced smile, silently.
It was obvious to everyone that Jiang Qingli was going to be the future heir of the Jiang family. Who else should they listen to, if not her?
Qingli didn’t stay long at the hospital. Not long after Grandpa Jiang was taken home, Jiang Xi insisted she return to the company. She couldn’t refuse and had no choice but to leave. Before leaving, she said, “The caregiver will be here soon. I’ll come back after work to check on you.”
“No need. The company needs you… Get some rest too. If anything’s unclear, ask Assistant He,” Jiang Xi said with a wave of his hand. His head still ached, but he smiled despite the pain, comforted by his daughter’s concern.
Qingli didn’t say much else and left.
Assistant He walked her out, briefing her along the way on the progress of Jiang Xi’s most critical projects and where she should focus her attention.
Qingli listened intently.
Although she had worked as Jiang Xi’s secretary for a year before, she had already been away from the main office for three months, and now her role—and authority—were completely different.
She had to do this job flawlessly if she wanted to gain broad support. Only then would it be easier to truly take power when the time came.
Of course, that didn’t mean she wasn’t keeping a close eye on Jiang Xi.
After a long, busy day, she unexpectedly worked overtime. But around 8 PM, she returned to the hospital and stayed by Jiang Xi’s side.
Her actions touched even Jiang Xi, who always thought he didn’t care for these kinds of “empty gestures.”
Even with his head throbbing, he forced himself to ask her if she was having any difficulties at work.
His efforts moved Qingli—just a little.
To be honest, if not for everything Jiang Xi had done in the past, he could have almost passed for a decent father this past year.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late.
Qingli learned quickly. She’d already run companies before, so she adapted in no time.
Meanwhile, the outcome of Jiang Zheng’s assault case came out: since it was ruled a crime of passion and not premeditated, and because Jiang Xi wasn’t gravely injured or dead, the final sentence was four months in prison.
It wasn’t a harsh sentence, but it did leave a stain on Jiang Zheng’s record.
On the day of the ruling, Jiang Xi couldn’t attend due to health reasons. Qingli went instead. Jiang Zheng had specifically requested to speak with her alone.
Back when she was Jiang Xi’s secretary, she and Jiang Zheng rarely interacted, but she happened to have something to say to him anyway, so she agreed.
The young man in a prison uniform had stubble on his chin, dark circles under his eyes, cracked lips, and overgrown hair—he hadn’t yet been formally incarcerated, so his head hadn’t been shaved.
The moment he saw Qingli, his emotions surged—but he quickly tried to suppress them, forcing a casual tone. “Congrats. I heard you’ve taken over Uncle’s position.”
Qingli smiled modestly. “Not exactly. It’s only temporary.”
Jiang Zheng sneered. “Qingli, let me tell you a little secret. Your mom… she died because of Jiang Xi. A horrible death.”
He paused, staring hard at her face, like he wanted to see her break down.
But Qingli kept smiling.
He sucked in a breath, clearly agitated. “What, you don’t believe me? I’m telling the truth. Ask your grandma. Your mom gave up everything for him. And look how he treated you all these years! Sure, he’s been nice the last couple of years, but only because you’re smart. Qingli, he’s using me to sharpen your blade—but in the end, you’re just a tool to him.”
Qingli let out a soft chuckle. “If I’m just a tool to him, how do you know I’m not using him too?”
Jiang Zheng froze, the smug expression on his face stiffening. He looked at her in disbelief.
Qingli said quietly, “Honestly, I came to thank you. If you hadn’t pulled this stunt, it would’ve taken me years to get where I am now. So really, thank you, cousin. You finally did something right. And as your little cousin, I promise—I’ll make the most of it. I won’t let your sacrifice go to waste.”
Having said her piece, she stood up to leave.
Just as she stepped out of the visitation room, Jiang Zheng’s hoarse, furious roar followed behind her:
“QINGLI! Don’t kid yourself! I didn’t do this for you! Come back here! You think I won’t tell Uncle what you said?! He’ll never trust you again! Come back!!”
But aside from the officers holding him back, no one responded.
Jiang Zheng watched her walk away, his face twisted in rage, teeth clenched tight.
And in his eyes—only powerless fury and bitter defeat.
He had paved the way… for Jiang Qingli.
He had cleared the obstacles for her.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152