What camera angle? What kiss? Tang Yang’s gaze froze.
Jiang Shiyan’s long finger hooked under her chin, tilting it up slightly. His face wore a “darling, you’re asking for a kiss” expression as he smiled charmingly. Then, he lowered his head and kissed her directly.
Tang Yang’s ears suddenly burned, but her small hands pushing against his chest lacked strength.
Jiang Shiyan had only meant to tease her. Seeing her trying to act calm despite being embarrassed, he paused with his lips on hers, his palm gently pressing her slender back towards him.
This gesture was both sensual and flirtatious.
Under the open sky, the applause and laughter from the media area grew louder. Hearing the shrill whistles, Tang Yang wanted to hide her face.
She turned her head slightly and met Jiang Shiyan’s deep, smiling eyes. Instantly, she wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it…
After the commotion of broadcasting a kiss, Director Tang, with a face as red as blood, looked at the great Jiang and said in a particularly serious tone, “Although there are no colleagues from Huishang here, I still have an image to maintain. As your girlfriend, I’m warning you to consult with me before any sudden actions in the future.”
How could Yang Yang be so uniquely adorable even when embarrassed?
Jiang Shiyan pinched her puffed cheeks and said with a smile, “Darling, you’re beautiful no matter what, even if you lose face.”
Tang Yang maintained a stern expression and corrected him, “I can’t lose face.”
Jiang Shiyan nodded, “Mm-hmm. I was kidding, it wasn’t broadcast. They wouldn’t dare without my approval.”
“Ah?” Tang Yang froze for a moment, then stiffly patted her chest, seeming relieved. “That’s good, that’s good it wasn’t broadcast.” She thought about how she, Tang Yang, had been so proper for many years. If she were to trend on social media for kissing Jiang Shiyan on a live broadcast, she would probably… well, it didn’t seem to matter much.
Jiang Shiyan had been observing her the whole time. Seeing her reaction, he asked, “Disappointed?”
“No,” Tang Yang shook her head. Someone handed her back the ordinary USB drive after the police check. She took it and thanked them.
Jiang Shiyan held back a laugh and said, “No need to be disappointed. I lied earlier, it was broadcast.”
Tang Yang froze on the spot.
Jiang Shiyan sat on the low platform in front of her, smiling smugly yet affectionately.
Tang Yang lovingly took one of Jiang Shiyan’s hands, and he wore an expression that said, “No need for such formalities, but if you want to kiss, go ahead.”
One second, two seconds, three seconds.
Tang Yang bit down, pretending to glare at him fiercely: “Biting a pig’s trotter.”
“Oh my, that hurts so much.” Jiang Shiyan exaggeratedly played along, his heart and eyes completely satisfied as he pulled his little girlfriend into his arms and cuddled her.
As the sun set in the west, the relevant agencies’ investigation work was in full swing.
In front of Jiang Shiyan, Tang Yang was like a three-year-old, enjoying their meaningless banter. But when staff came to consult about details, Tang Yang stood backlit, her hand unconsciously lightly stroking her abdomen as she answered concisely and clearly.
Tang Yang spoke at a steady pace, carrying a convincing and sunny warmth.
Jiang Shiyan held her hand and looked up at her, unable to help thinking: if Tang Yang were a bit more selfish, a bit weaker, she wouldn’t have put herself and Little Jiang in such a dangerous situation. He even wanted to ask if she could resign and focus on the pregnancy, saying he would support her. He could afford it, he was willing to support her for life. But then, she probably wouldn’t be Yang Yang anymore.
If supporting her for life was difficult, Jiang Shiyan smiled, then he would love her for life.
For safety considerations, after liaising with the person in charge of the Jiujiang special case, Tang Yang agreed to have her photo blurred and use an alias on the official Central Broadcasting media.
After taking care of everything, Jiang Shiyan and Tang Yang walked towards the parking lot.
Jiang Shiyan suddenly stopped, asking her with his eyes: The matters between Huishang and Jiujiang aren’t clear yet, wouldn’t your role as a victim make them feel more guilty?
Tang Yang looked up at him, using her pinky to scratch his palm: The Huishang and Jiujiang matter will proceed as it should. She was more worried that Huishang’s higher-ups would directly admit to interfering with this special case, or even admit to kidnapping her to divert public attention. The entanglement between Huishang’s higher-ups and Jiujiang was not just about this year’s special case but might involve many previous years.
The two were so in sync that they could communicate just by looking at each other.
The evening breeze was warm, his hand was hot, the sunset on Tang Yang’s heart turned into honey, and she lowered her head and suddenly smiled.
Jiang Shiyan asked, “What are you smiling about?”
Tang Yang: “I’m not telling you.”
Jiang Shiyan leaned down threateningly: “Are you going to tell me or not?”
Tang Yang bit back a smile: “I’m not telling you.”
Jiang Shiyan’s hand explored her ticklish spot: “Are you going to tell me or not!”
Tang Yang suddenly shook off his hand and walked quickly forward.
Jiang Shiyan was also quick.
Tang Yang was quicker.
Jiang Shiyan was about to catch up with her.
Tang Yang ran.
Jiang Shiyan also ran.
Suddenly, it became a race!
Jiang Shiyan intentionally let her win, but also worried about the child in her belly.
Tang Yang wanted to let him catch up, but also mindful of her belly.
The two, with divided attention, ran to the car and collapsed into the back seat. Tang Yang, panting, scolded him in a coquettish voice: “You idiot.”
Jiang Shiyan mouthed an insult back at her.
Tang Yang put on an affected smile: “Say that again.”
Jiang Shiyan, with a smug air: “My wife is especially beautiful!”
The two continued to banter back and forth in the car, light-hearted and happy. When the car arrived at the Jiang family villa, they had to face what needed to be faced—
The family doctor was already waiting in the living room, Tang’s father was still in the mountains, and Tang’s mother, who was usually away, had arrived at the Jiang house.
Just as Tang Yang was about to greet the elders, she was pushed toward the doctor by Mrs. Jiang and Mrs. Tang for an examination.
When Tang Yang was kidnapped, she inhaled a small amount of ether, but fortunately, it didn’t have much impact on the fetus.
No one looked at the gender, but when they received the health report showing all the fetal indicators were normal, everyone relaxed. Later, when the family doctor instructed that “rest and recuperation are needed,” both mothers politely saw the doctor off.
“Click,” the door closed.
The raised corners of Mrs. Tang’s and Mrs. Jiang’s mouths simultaneously flattened.
Tang Yang and Jiang Shiyan sat on one sofa, while the three elders sat on another. As the two groups’ gazes met, Tang Yang and Jiang Shiyan felt nervous, while the elders maintained stern faces without speaking.
In the silence, Jiang Shiyan squeezed Tang Yang’s hand and took the initiative: “The whole thing is my fault. Yang Yang had symptoms very early on, but I didn’t understand anything at that time and thought it was just her stomach acting up, so I didn’t pay attention…”
Tang Yang looked at Mrs. Jiang, and then at her mother. Her eyes were wide open for half a minute, and when the sour feeling came, her voice was slightly hoarse, but her words showed responsibility: “This matter is on me. I went for a check-up on Thursday and foolishly thought of giving everyone a surprise on the weekend. Then so many things happened. It was my rash decision. When I came to my senses in Jiujiang, I regretted it,” Tang Yang’s voice choked up as she continued, “They confined me in a room without windows, and yesterday or the day before, my stomach suddenly hurt…”
As Tang Yang squeezed out a tear, both mothers’ hearts ached, and they quickly gathered around her, all words of reproach forgotten.
Both Mrs. Tang and Mrs. Jiang were softhearted people. Jiang Shiyan knew that Yang Yang’s crying had an element of playing pitiful, but he still felt incredibly distressed.
Mrs. Jiang remembered the time when Tang Yang was constantly vomiting, and Mrs. Tang recalled the phone call from her in-laws. Faced with their dear daughter who had truly suffered and was now crying, the two mothers eagerly asked about everything, calling her “Tangtang” this and “Tangtang” that, treating her like a precious treasure.
Even the usually serious Mr. Jiang held his phone and read a few awkward jokes to Tang Yang.
Jiang Shiyan suspected he had two mothers-in-law and two fathers-in-law. Feeling a moment of exhaustion, he noticed Tang Yang hadn’t changed her shoes yet, so he went to the entryway to fetch slippers and crouched down to help her change.
This was normal at home, but now at the Jiang house, Tang Yang felt embarrassed. Seeing that Mrs. Jiang and Mr. Jiang were acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary, Tang Yang didn’t want to make a fuss.
Mrs. Tang, however, gave Jiang Shiyan a few extra glances. This son-in-law had a good temper and, a good personality, and was mature, responsible, and considerate. Very good, very good indeed.
Later, when Tang Yang’s tears had stopped, Mrs. Jiang asked a few more questions about Jiujiang.
Tang Yang answered, “It should still take some time to wrap up.”
Mrs. Jiang hesitated: “Then for your leave…”
Tang Yang obediently said, “I’ll take another week off and go back at the beginning of August. I called on my way back, and the head office has already approved it.”
Tang Yang mentioned the head office, not the secretariat of the branch. The amount of information contained in this was too great, and neither mother asked further.
After discussing the wedding matters in bits and pieces, the housekeeper brought the late-night snack to the dining room.
Tang Yang drank three bowls of sour plum soup in a row. Mrs. Jiang watched with delight: “Your mother and I went to look at more baby clothes yesterday!”
The last meeting at Tang Yang’s house was rushed, but the two families had already gone shopping once. Since that day, Mrs. Jiang has been having her secretary polish the acquisition contract. Yesterday, she finally changed the legal representative information for the registered business of that mother and baby mall. Mrs. Jiang asked Tang Yang with a smile, “Do you prefer a boy or a girl?”
Mrs. Tang had always liked granddaughters, but she interjected, “Of course, a boy.” Mrs. Tang spoke in a lilting tone, “Boys mature later, like your Jiang Shiyan. They get clearer-headed as they grow older. Girls mature early, which is good, but they become less capable as they grow up.” Mrs. Tang hinted, “Just like some people who knowingly carry a child yet act recklessly. Fortunately, nothing happened, otherwise…”
Mrs. Tang trailed off.
Tang Yang found it amusing and leaned over to plant a kiss on Mrs. Tang’s cheek.
Mrs. Tang wiped her face with disdain, “How old are you now? Not minding your image in front of your mother-in-law.”
Everyone laughed.
Mrs. Jiang and Mrs. Tang were already close friends who played mahjong together. After Mrs. Tang expressed her preference, Mrs. Jiang reluctantly agreed, “I like boys too.” She said, “Not that I favor boys over girls, but maybe I’m more experienced with raising boys?” Mrs. Jiang joked about her daughter, “I even raised Yanan with a boyish temperament.”
Mr. Jiang always listened to Mrs. Jiang.
Tang Yang, however, was sincere. Resting her chin on her hand with bright eyes, she said, “Of course, a boy. The boys are great. They can openly climb roofs, catch fish in rivers, sneak out to internet cafes to play games…”
Met with several gazes, Tang Yang quickly changed her tone, “These are bad behaviors. I’ll teach him not to do these things.” Tang Yang daydreamed, “Imagine a little boy, fair and soft and handsome, wearing a little suit and playing the piano…”
More importantly, Tang Yang secretly glanced to the side, at a little boy like Jiang Shiyan.
Everyone had expressed their preference, and it was Jiang Shiyan’s turn.
“Of course, we want a little girl,” Jiang Shiyan blurted out while rolling a thousand-layer pastry in matcha powder for Tang Yang. “Boys are too mischievous, playing all day long, not studying properly, not doing homework, only knowing how to play games…”
Jiang Shiyan looked like he favored girls over boys. Tang Yang blinked at her boyfriend, while Mrs. Jiang reached over and pinched Jiang Shiyan’s arm.
“Mom, what are you doing?” Jiang Shiyan frowned, then turned to see his little girlfriend’s smiling expression. He choked on his words and barely managed to say, “Boys and girls are the same.” Jiang Shiyan’s twisted expression showed a thousand dissatisfactions, but he reluctantly repeated, “Little boys are quite cute though, with their chubby paws, I mean, little chubby hands playing the piano…”
Tang Yang’s eyes curved in a smile, “Jiang Shiyan, you’re so good.”
Jiang Shiyan nodded slowly, thinking about a little devil with a boy’s face acting cute, rolling around, throwing tantrums, and competing with him for Yang Yang’s attention. He felt somewhat overwhelmed. And wearing a suit? Boys should be raised frugally; rags would do just fine.
Jiang Shiyan glanced at Yang Yang’s belly, his eyes full of complexity.
That night, Mrs. Tang drove home, while Tang Yang stayed at Jiang Shiyan’s house.
Mrs. Jiang had long prepared various nightgowns and clothes for her precious daughter-in-law, with pink and white items occupying most of Jiang Shiyan’s wardrobe.
During university, Tang Yang visited Jiang Shiyan’s bedroom a few times to deliver his student ID or school materials. The room had a black and white decor style, with a desk that held top-of-the-line… gaming equipment.
Tang Yang, after taking a shower, buried her head in his big bed and exclaimed, “Ah!” feeling that fate was both wonderful and incredible.
Jiang Shiyan half-embraced her while blow-drying her hair, and without warning, called out, “Yang Yang.”
Tang Yang, with her eyes half-closed, responded, “Hmm?”
Jiang Shiyan: “Shall we go to Putuo Temple to burn incense this weekend?”
“Sure,” Tang Yang found a comfortable position on his leg, “but what should we pray for?”
Bless us with a daughter, not a son. Bless Little Jiang to be a well-behaved little princess, not a little brat competing with him for Yang Yang’s attention.
Jiang Shiyan pinched his little girlfriend’s nose tip and lied with the utmost gentleness, “Of course, for a smooth pregnancy and the health and safety of mother and child.”
Yang Yang sat up happily and rewarded Big Dog Jiang with a kiss.
Over the next few days, Jiang Shiyan’s assistant helped them move or purchase necessary items, and Tang Yang moved into the Jiang family home to rest and nurture the pregnancy.
The night Tang Yang returned, they discussed the wedding. Tang Yang chose a lawn theme and said she didn’t want too many people, just close friends and family.
During this time, both Jiujiang and Huishang were in the spotlight, and Tang Yang’s position was sensitive. Both families were understanding. Jiang Shiyan took Tang Yang to be measured once and then left the other wedding details to the two mothers to worry about.
Jiang Shiyan particularly enjoyed Tang Yang’s time off.
When Tang Yang was in a good mood, she would go to the study and sort out the specific details of Jiujiang and Huishang’s loan situation, then write reports.
When Tang Yang was in an even better mood, she would go to Yixiu to accompany Jiang Shiyan at work. Jiang Shiyan wouldn’t tell Tang Yang about certain confidential business clauses, but Tang Yang could freely enter most areas of Yixiu.
From Tang Yang’s kidnapping to the Jiujiang special case, Yixiu had dominated top-tier traffic for nearly half a month. While staff were organizing materials to follow up on the trending topics, Tang Yang unexpectedly discovered that Qin Yue’s sister, Qin Jiao, was also at the Ecological Kingdom at that time and had met with Song Jing several times…
Informant.
The third party that helped Zhou Mo open a green channel during Zhou Mo’s investigation.
As soon as these two key phrases formed in her mind, Tang Yang became more and more convinced.
Qin Jiao is a top law school graduate with an unusually athletic build. When Tang Yang first met Qin Jiao at Cheng Siran’s rural gathering, Qin Jiao had just joined Jiujiang and had a crew cut.
At that time, Tang Yang only thought her personality was cool and admired her a bit more, even adding her to a WeChat group to chat frequently.
Given the special status of Tang Yang’s grandfather, Tang Yang had a basic understanding of these matters. Thinking about it now, the Qin family’s prominent background ensured Qin Jiao’s basic safety. The identity of a legal advisor could be affiliated with multiple companies, allowing her to observe and listen from all directions. Even that WeChat group might have been to probe her attitude. And that crew cut was probably left from pre-insertion training.
Jiang Shiyan had ordered all footage of Song Jing and any special agents to be deleted. Tang Yang saw these original images when the staff were editing the footage.
She kept this knowledge to herself, smilingly distributing the fruit boxes that were brought in to everyone, and gently reminding them, “The server room is hot, remember to take breaks,” before leaving.
During Tang Yang’s leave, Ao Siqie called her several times. The kid was probably hiding somewhere, whispering that Huishang’s top management, including Vice President Qin and Fan Linlang, had been taken away for questioning, and she was worried about Tang Yang.
Tang Yang deliberately scared the kid: “I’m now in a completely unfamiliar place, with my freedom restricted. Wherever I go, someone knows or is watching. Even as I’m talking to you on the phone now, I’m being stared at by a pair of eyes…”
Ao Siqie was almost scared to tears but bravely said, “Director Tang, tell me what I should do. I’ve eaten so many of your Cutie candies, I’ll rescue you.” The child’s lips trembled, “I’ll, I’ll climb mountains of knives and dive into seas of fire, I’ll, I’ll, I’ll…”
Tang Yang burst out laughing, “I’m at Jiang Shiyan’s house, resting during pregnancy.”
Ao Siqie: “???”
Tang Yang waved at the guinea pig staring at her with big black eyes and said with a smile, “Vegetable, come here.”
Qin Yue was also called Tang Yang a few times.
This rich beauty’s mouth was like a machine gun, rattling off complaints: “You don’t know, the higher-ups at the Disciplinary Committee are fine, but some of the clerks below are nasty. They kept asking about my asset situation, even wanting details of my salary and expenses down to the second. I have bags worth seven figures, meals worth five figures, and my black card is just for my dog to play with. How am I supposed to know where every cent of my salary went?”
Tang Yang imagined Miss Qin’s impatient face and asked, trying not to laugh, “Did the clerk want to hit you?”
Qin Yue thought for a moment and shook her head seriously, “I don’t think so. She asked if I had any brothers at home, or even cousins would do.”
Tang Yang burst into laughter.
Qin Yue continued to complain: “And then there’s Fan Linlang, she’s something. She acts like she’s never been called in for questioning before, portraying the Disciplinary Committee as some kind of monster. She puts on this innocent act, saying the Disciplinary Committee told her not to say anything, that they’re monitoring her calls, tracking her movements. Even when she bought a 288 yuan Dior lipstick, a 468 yuan Yang Shulin, and some 1000 yuan Coach items, they had to know about it.”
Qin Yue couldn’t help but rant more: “You know what kind of person Fan Linlang is? She can insert herself into any conversation to brag about her visit to the Disciplinary Committee. For when colleagues are having lunch, she’d say, ‘Did you know, that day when I was invited to the Disciplinary Committee, they also had green pepper and potato strips for lunch…’ Or when another colleague bought a watch as a gift for her boyfriend, she’d say, ‘Did you know, that day when I was called in for questioning, the person interrogating me was wearing this same watch…’ Even when Ao Siqie brought me a bucket of tea from her family’s tea farm, that busybody Fan could stop Ao Siqie and say, ‘Oh, what kind of tea is this? Green tea? The day the Disciplinary Committee called me in…'”
Tang Yang laughed uncontrollably.
“I’m impressed,” Qin Yue shook her head, feeling deflated. “You need to come back and take charge,” Qin Yue thought carefully, “Several times when she was in the middle of her story, Ao Siqie and I passed by and mentioned your name, and she became timid as soon as she heard it… Do you have some dirt on her?”