Chapter 726 - 486: Carrot and Stick

"I haven’t actually asked her about that. When I get the chance, I’ll find out what she really thinks. Ningning has always been a girl with a mind of her own." Jiangg Ruxue feigned ignorance, even though she was aware of the current state of their relationship.

Essentially, Chen Yuan’s wishes didn’t necessarily align perfectly with his family’s.

She couldn’t afford to offend either side.

"Isn’t that the truth? Ningning is a wonderful child, and Chairman Jiang is very pleased with her. He even discussed it with the young master’s adoptive parents a few days ago. They want to move things forward. Whether it’s an engagement or something else, whatever Yaoyao gets, Ningning will get too. They’ll both be treated as equals. Even if she changes her mind before the wedding, that’s fine. Her happiness is what’s most important."

"Huh? Does Ningning know about this?"

"She was told. At the rehabilitation center."

"If Ningning isn’t willing, then won’t all this be for nothing? That would be a disservice to Chairman Jiang’s kind intentions... An engagement is something you have to announce to all your friends and family."

"It doesn’t matter. Appearances are a minor detail. Their happiness is what’s important."

"I understand. I’ll be sure to ask her what she thinks when I get the chance," Jiangg Ruxue said with a nod. "When the time comes, if I have any requests, I hope I can count on Chairman Jiang’s cooperation. It’s all for the sake of ensuring the wedding proceeds smoothly."

"From what you’re saying, Madam Jiangg, it sounds like you’re fairly confident?" Zhou Cha’s eyes lit up.

"Somewhat, but I don’t dare overstate it right now."

"Very well. You can contact me if you need anything. I’ll have to trouble you with this matter then, Madam Jiangg."

As she spoke, Zhou Cha offered a faint smile.

She suddenly picked up the briefcase beside her, pulled out a document, and placed it on the desk under Jiangg Ruxue’s quizzical gaze.

"I’ve long heard of Madam Jiangg’s achievements in the business world and have always admired them. I’m very sorry to hear about your recent stumble... Now that you’re out, Madam Jiangg, I wonder what your plans are?"

"I don’t have any at the moment." Jiangg Ruxue waited for her to continue.

"For years, I’ve wanted to start a light luxury brand, but unfortunately, I’m not skilled in marketing and promotion. The specific operations also require an expert’s oversight. After much thought, I believe there’s no better partner than you, Madam Jiangg. If you’re interested, you can take a look at my partnership proposal. Funding is absolutely not an issue."

"I’d be partnering with you, Secretary Zhou?" She was suddenly taken aback.

"That’s right."

’Offering a partnership to a recently bankrupt business owner... That’s unheard of.’

Jiangg Ruxue knew without even having to think; this wasn’t a partnership, it was a grand gesture of goodwill.

This was what it meant to come from a wealthy family—they were generous, and even their casual gestures were extravagant.

After flipping through a few pages of the document, Jiangg Ruxue was secretly shocked by the substantial funding detailed within.

"Pardon me for asking," she said, collecting herself, "is this Chairman Jiang’s idea?"

"No, this is my own." Zhou Cha smiled, showing no hint that she was lying.

"I see."

"Well, I won’t stay any longer and disturb your rest, Madam Jiangg. I’ll take my leave now."

With that, Zhou Cha wasted no more words. She picked up her bag, stood, and shook hands with Jiangg Ruxue.

She walked out of the room with a composed stride.

Jiangg Ruxue was left alone in the office, still unable to fully process the meeting.

’It was the simplest kind of overt plot: an offer she couldn’t refuse. If she accepted, she’d be bound to the Jiang family. The luxury brand was obviously just a pretext, a way to keep her occupied and under control. And in Zhou Cha, she had met someone who was her equal.’

But Jiangg Ruxue was no longer the woman she once was, the one who put profit above all else.

She was willing to accept these strings in exchange for the trust of the great ship that was the Jiang family.

In other words, it was also for the good of her two daughters.

Besides, the funding was truly substantial. She had no reason to refuse.

Just as she was thinking,

a prison guard pushed open the door and walked in.

"Ms. Jiangg," the guard said suddenly, no longer addressing her by her inmate number. In a level voice, he added, "You don’t need to return to your cell block. Your things have already been packed. You’ve been moved to a different room. I’ll take you there."

"Ah."

Jiangg Ruxue suppressed her excitement and quickly nodded.