Chapter 36: I've Truly Fallen Under Your Spell

Recalling those unbearable memories, a place in Jiang Ci You's heart still bled. She closed her eyes, her gaze settling on Jiang Xiao Xiao’s photograph.

She was the sole heir to the Jiang Group, holding a respectable position in the company—so why would she apply for a secretary assistant at BJ? It must be because of Bo Jin Xiu.

A faint smile tugged at her lips. The Jiang family was prominent in Rong City, but before the nation's wealthiest and most powerful families, they were barely considered a minor household. Jiang Xiao Xiao's ambition was certainly grand.

The office door was pushed open. Bo Jin Xiu's tall figure appeared at the threshold. He was impeccably dressed, yet looked weary from travel.

Jiang Ci You did not rise. Her stern little face softened instantly, blossoming into a radiant smile. “You’re back?”

Bo Jin Xiu watched the woman curled up in his office chair, relaxed and lazy like a cat. Her bright, bold smile seemed to illuminate the entire room.

He walked over and scooped her up in his arms. Jiang Ci You had no choice but to cling to his waist. After her initial surprise, she laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did you miss me that much?”

His gaze was deep as he stared at the enchanting woman before him. His hand lingered at her waist, savoring the delicate softness; longing reached its peak. Three days apart felt like an eternity.

“I must be addicted to you.”

Jiang Ci You stayed in Bo Jin Xiu’s office for quite a while.

In the afternoon, she received a phone call. It was Jiang Jin Hui.

“You You, come home for dinner tonight. You haven’t been back in so long—Dad misses you.”

Those words—Dad misses you—made her nose sting with emotion.

Truth be told, Jiang Jin Hui had always treated her well. When Yao Shu Lan insisted on expelling her from the family and severing ties, Jiang Jin Hui stood in her way. At the banquet where Jiang Xiao Xiao was formally acknowledged, he publicly declared that Jiang Ci You would always be the eldest daughter of the Jiang family.

“All right, I’ll come home tonight.”

Jiang Ci You stood up, grabbed her bag, and walked over to Bo Jin Xiu. He was engrossed in paperwork. Despite his seemingly idle, handsome face, when he worked, there was an indescribable charm.

She approached, resting a hand on his shoulder, and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I’m heading out. Don’t wait for me tonight.”

She had barely straightened up when Bo Jin Xiu pulled her back, drawing her into his arms for a deep, passionate kiss.

That was his way: proper when he wished to be, utterly reckless when the mood struck. Though they were in the office and Gao Cen could walk in at any moment, he paid it no mind.

“Where are you going?” he asked after finally letting her go.

Jiang Ci You lay in his embrace, soft as a kitten, but her eyes glinted sly as a little fox.

“It’s a secret.”

She rose gracefully, as if a butterfly spreading its wings, leaving behind a lingering fragrance as she vanished amid the flowers.

As evening approached, Jiang Ci You arrived at the Jiang family villa. Aunt Yu, the housekeeper, was delighted to see her, ushering her warmly inside.

“Miss, you’re finally back! Master said you were coming tonight, so I made your favorite durian milk buns. Eat plenty later.”

Aunt Yu had watched Jiang Ci You grow up, their bond deep and genuine. After the incident, Aunt Yu felt helpless but cared deeply. Though Jiang Ci You was still the eldest daughter in name, she rarely returned—only every few months. Aunt Yu could only make her childhood favorites when she happened to visit.

“Thank you, Aunt Yu.” Warmth flooded Jiang Ci You’s heart.

“Aunt Yu, what did you make that smells so awful in the kitchen?”

Jiang Xiao Xiao descended the stairs, looking down at Aunt Yu and Jiang Ci You with disdain.

Aunt Yu hurried to explain, “Second Miss, I made some durian milk buns for the eldest miss. I’ve cleaned the kitchen carefully—there’s no odor.”

“Eldest miss? She’s the daughter of a murderer—how is she the Jiang family’s eldest miss? Aunt Yu, remember, there’s only one miss in this family, and that’s me. Do you hear?”

Aunt Yu’s face darkened. At seventy, she’d raised two generations of the Jiang family and was respected by the master. Yet since the second miss returned, she’d been treated like a servant.

Aunt Yu kept silent, and Jiang Xiao Xiao commanded, “Aunt Yu, throw away those stinky things. From now on, no durian is allowed in this house.”

Aunt Yu’s voice trembled. “But those are the—are Miss Ci You’s favorites.”

“Aunt Yu, do you want to keep your job? Believe me, I’ll send you back to your hometown tomorrow if you don’t listen.”

Aunt Yu’s wrinkled eyes brimmed with tears, her lips quivering. She looked helplessly and apologetically at Jiang Ci You. “Miss…”

Jiang Ci You leaned close and whispered, “Put them in my car.”

Aunt Yu nodded and left.

Jiang Xiao Xiao strode over, her expression arrogant. “I heard you were suspended from the television station?”

Jiang Ci You smiled faintly. “My sister is quite concerned about me.”

“Your scandal’s been trending for days—I couldn’t miss it. Jiang Ci You, don’t think you’re still the Jiang family’s eldest miss. Lost your job, so now you’re back playing the innocent to win sympathy and favors?”

“They’re my parents, not yours. You’re the daughter of a murderer. You don’t deserve the spotlight—you belong in the shadows.”

Jiang Ci You’s expression didn’t change; her smile deepened.

“If others say that, so be it. But why does my sister always call me the daughter of a murderer? Compared to me, whom they barely know, you’re the daughter raised by Yin Ru Yun for twenty years. Your bond should be deeper.”

Mentioning Yin Ru Yun changed Jiang Xiao Xiao’s expression at once.

“She’s a murderer and a child trafficker. She ruined my bright future. She doesn’t deserve to be my mother.”

“So you refused to testify in court, letting her conviction shift from excessive self-defense to intentional homicide—life imprisonment?”

Jiang Xiao Xiao’s face turned pale. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” With that, Jiang Ci You brushed past her, heading upstairs.

Jiang Xiao Xiao chased after her, blocking her way. “Jiang Ci You, explain yourself. What do you know?”

Jiang Ci You had indeed uncovered some things.

The night Yin Ru Yun killed, Jiang Xiao Xiao was actually present. Neighbors reported seeing the victim, Zhao Da Qing, assaulting Yin Ru Yun and her daughter—and called the police.

But by the time officers arrived, only Yin Ru Yun remained, with Zhao Da Qing dead from a fruit knife to the heart.

Yin Ru Yun was charged with intentional homicide. Yet if the neighbors’ account was true, it was likely a case of excessive self-defense.

But throughout the trial, Jiang Xiao Xiao never appeared to defend Yin Ru Yun.

Jiang Xiao Xiao’s face was ashen, clearly flustered. She feared Jiang Ci You knew something. But on reflection, she convinced herself it was impossible.

If Jiang Ci You really knew, she wouldn’t have stayed silent for three years.

Perhaps she hated herself just as much.