Chapter 42: Jiang Ciyou Had an Affair

During this period, the internet was abuzz with discussion about the real and fake heiresses. Stories circulated in all sorts of versions.

Initially, the matter of the Jiang family’s switched daughters was known only to a select few within their social circle. Now, it was common knowledge throughout the city of Rong.

Of course, the one most infuriated was Jiang Xiaoxiao. She had finally become a true and legitimate heiress of a wealthy family. Yet now, the entire city knew she had grown up in such a wretched household, that the mother who raised her was a murderer and her father a chronic gambler.

Although most online comments toward her were sympathetic and full of pity, she wanted none of it. She was born to stand above others—how dare these ordinary people presume to pity her?

Worse still, the internet was rife with claims that the Jiang parents favored the fake heiress they had raised for twenty years over their real daughter. That she, the biological child, had no status in the Jiang family and lived a miserable existence.

So, for her birthday, she invited nearly all the city’s elite and a host of media outlets. She wanted everyone to witness her status in the Jiang family, and Jiang Ciyou’s by comparison.

Thus, Jiang Ciyou’s attendance at the birthday celebration was non-negotiable.

“Mom, I really hope I can celebrate my birthday with my sister,” Jiang Xiaoxiao said, clinging to Yao Shulan’s arm with a coquettish pout.

Yao Shulan turned to Jiang Ciyou. “The news online has already had a significant impact on both our family and Xiaoxiao. You care only for your own reputation, ignoring how it affects hers. You’re already married, but have you considered how much this could hurt Xiaoxiao?”

How could any man from high society marry a child raised in such a family, no matter how noble her blood?

Jiang Ciyou finally understood. Yao Shulan believed that the news about the real and fake heiresses had been leaked by her.

Jiang Ciyou didn’t bother to explain. No matter what she said, Yao Shulan would never believe her and would only see it as another excuse.

Jiang Ciyou smiled lightly. “And so?”

“You must attend Xiaoxiao’s birthday this year. I don’t care how much you two bicker in private—on that day, you must put on a show of sisterly affection for me. Not just for Xiaoxiao’s future, but for the reputation of our family. Whether you like it or not, you owe this to Xiaoxiao and to us.”

That single word—owe—left Jiang Ciyou without a retort.

Sensing the tension, Jiang Jinhui stepped in to smooth things over. “Your mother really just wants you to come. She may sound harsh, but she means well. You haven’t celebrated your birthday at home in three years—let’s do it together this time.”

Jiang Ciyou smiled. “Alright, I’ll come. As long as my sister is happy, I’ll do whatever is needed.”

Jiang Jinhui patted her shoulder. “That’s my good girl.”

But Jiang Xiaoxiao, seeing the smile on Jiang Ciyou’s face, felt a faint sense of unease. Still, she refused to believe Jiang Ciyou could cause any trouble.

Jiang Ciyou’s weakness was Yao Shulan. As long as Yao Shulan was on her side, she would always have the upper hand.

No sooner had Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yao Shulan left than Bo Jinxi arrived.

“Sitting here daydreaming all alone?”

Jiang Ciyou looked up, a radiant smile blooming instantly. “I was thinking of you.”

Bo Jinxi had been harboring a quiet resentment these few days. He’d resisted the urge to contact her, and she hadn’t reached out either—not even a single message. He’d been staring at his phone day after day, and everyone at the company thought he was possessed.

But now, seeing that bright and beautiful face, all his grievances melted away, replaced only by a bittersweet helplessness.

He had no backbone; he surrendered.

His stern expression softened, though he still gave a light snort. “You talk a good game. If you missed me, you could have called.”

“You’re the busy prince—I didn’t dare disturb you lightly.”

He knew perfectly well it was just an excuse, but he couldn’t bear to expose her. He realized that if he hadn’t reached out to her this time, things between them might have ended for good. She’d shown not the slightest inclination to keep him.

Jiang Ciyou handed him the menu. “Order something. Dinner’s on me—I owe the prince an apology.”

“If apologies were enough, what would we need the police for?”

Jiang Ciyou shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes brimming with coy mischief. “Enough out of you.”

Bo Jinxi obediently took his seat.

The first round had ended in his utter defeat.

The prince, feared by all, had learned a truth: before this heartless woman, he could neither throw tantrums nor play hard to get. If he did, he’d only give others an opening, and then he’d have nowhere left to cry.

During dinner, Bo Jinxi spoke up. “I’ve been looking into Ms. Yin these past two days, and stumbled on something unexpected.”

Jiang Ciyou knew he was investigating Yin Ruyun to help clear her name. “What is it?”

Bo Jinxi took out his phone and showed her a video.

Jiang Ciyou was astonished. “How did you get this?”

She had always known Yin Ruyun hadn’t killed out of malice and had been searching for a way to appeal the case for years. But Jiang Xiaoxiao had refused to testify, and the neighbors’ fragmented recollections couldn’t prove Jiang Xiaoxiao had been at the scene.

Now, Bo Jinxi’s video—

It was footage from the night of the incident, showing Jiang Xiaoxiao fleeing the scene. The date and time stamp on the video matched the critical window after Zhao Dacheng’s death but before the police arrived.

With this video, it could be proven that Jiang Xiaoxiao was present when Zhao Dacheng died. She must have witnessed Zhao Dacheng assaulting Yin Ruyun. This would make it likely that Yin Ruyun’s actions could be deemed excessive self-defense rather than premeditated murder.

Jiang Ciyou asked, “How did you get this footage?”

“There’s a school across from Ms. Yin’s house, built three years ago. On the day of the incident, construction was ongoing, and facing their house was a parking lot. I tracked down a delivery truck parked there that day—the dashcam caught everything.”

Jiang Ciyou was deeply moved. Though Bo Jinxi made it sound simple, she knew how difficult it must have been to piece all this together.

She had always known Jiang Xiaoxiao was at the scene, but never had proof. Nor could she force Jiang Xiaoxiao to testify in court.

“Thank you. You’ve really helped me.”

She sent the video to her own phone, but didn’t want to dwell on the topic with him. So she changed the subject. “Now I owe you another favor. How should I repay you?”

Bo Jinxi frowned, displeased by her measured detachment. “But I like it when you owe me favors.”

Jiang Ciyou merely smiled and let it rest, and the two began their dinner.

After leaving earlier, Jiang Xiaoxiao returned. In front of Yao Shulan and Jiang Jinhui, she couldn’t give Jiang Ciyou a hard time, but she still meant to settle accounts with her for exposing her connection to Yin Ruyun.

When Jiang Xiaoxiao came back, she found Jiang Ciyou dining with a man. Sauce from the steak lingered on Jiang Ciyou’s lips. The man leaned over, using the excuse of wiping the sauce away, and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

Jiang Ciyou didn’t resist, smiling like spring in bloom.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was seated with her back to the man and could only see his figure from behind. But from his build, it was clear he wasn’t Yan Feng.

A surge of shock swept through Jiang Xiaoxiao.

Jiang Ciyou was having an affair!