Chapter 86: My Good Fortune Is Yet to Come

Seeing how exhausted Xu An'an was, struggling to stay alert despite her fatigue, Jiang Li couldn't help but chuckle softly. He drew her closer into his embrace and whispered, "Sleep without worry. Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you."

As if his words reached her, Xu An'an's furrowed brows relaxed. She nestled deeper into his arms, a gentle smile blooming at her lips.

The feeling of being protected—it was truly wonderful.

Once Xu An'an was sound asleep, Jiang Li shifted slightly and reached for his phone on the bedside table. Careful not to let the screen's glow disturb her, he dimmed the brightness. With one hand, he sent a message to Assistant Wang, instructing him to cause some trouble for the "intruder" in the next room.

Only after setting everything in motion did Jiang Li settle back, holding Xu An'an close as he drifted into sleep himself. Warm and soft, she was a delight.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu, who had just snuck into Xu An'an's room, crept about like a thief, finally choosing to hide inside the wardrobe. He wondered where Xu An'an could have gone—she wasn't in her room. Remembering Ning Xiyue's suggestion that Xu An'an might be secretly meeting Jiang Li, suspicion gnawed at him. Could she be next door?

The sound of the door rattled. Jiang Yu held his breath, nerves taut. But the noise came and went—a brief disturbance. Was he imagining things? The intermittent sounds, sometimes as if someone was entering, sometimes not, tormented him, driving him nearly mad.

He endured until dawn before escaping, exhausted.

...

When Xu An'an awoke, it was already noon. Sunlight poured through the window, warm and golden, leaving her slightly dazed.

After a moment, she sat up, confusedly raking her fingers through her tousled hair.

Where was Jiang Li? Wasn't there filming scheduled today? Why hadn't anyone woken her? Was she still dreaming?

The door clicked open. Instinctively, Xu An'an dove back under the covers, peeking out to see Jiang Li entering with lunch. He shut the door with a gentle kick.

He set the meal on the table and teased, "Still not getting up? Want me to feed you?"

"You're even more pampered than the fat cat."

Xu An'an poked her head out and rolled her eyes at Jiang Li, who was cradling the plump feline.

How was she pampered? "Wasn't there filming this morning?"

"If you don't get up, there's no recording," he replied.

"What?" Xu An'an paused, staring at him. "Are you joking? How could the show be canceled just because I didn't get up?"

Did he really think she was a gullible child?

Jiang Li perched on the window seat, feeding the fat cat snacks. "If I don't get up, there's no recording. We'll wait until the afternoon, when the sun isn't so harsh."

Xu An'an nodded; that sounded more reasonable.

She was dressed in a white camisole and hot shorts, her fair legs exposed, dainty feet pressed into the soft carpet.

She quipped, "The director is lucky to have you."

"Why not say you're the lucky one?"

"My luck is still ahead," she retorted, echoing a line from Empresses in the Palace, not noticing Jiang Li's expression darkening.

He put down the fat cat and leaned against the bathroom door. "What do you mean by that?"

"What do you mean, what do I mean?" Xu An'an washed her face, examining herself in the mirror. The red marks on her face had faded. A few more days of ointment and they would be gone entirely.

The medicine seemed to have skincare benefits—her complexion was smoother, her dark circles lighter, almost poreless!

Excited by the discovery, Xu An'an hurried to show Jiang Li, her face close to his. "Look, isn't my skin much better?"

"If this product goes to market, it'll sell like crazy!" Xu An'an began scheming aloud. "Let's make it a luxury brand. Those rich ladies have money but lack good skincare. What do you think? Interested?"

Her radiant smile, so close and dazzling, almost made Jiang Li lose control. He had to push her gently away. "Don't change the subject."

Xu An'an pouted and left the bathroom, her hunger gnawing at her.

"I'm serious. I don't have capital, but I can contribute however I can. If you succeed, it'll be a huge advantage for you."

She knew Jiang Li wasn't yet the master of the Jiang family—only one step away. But how far that step was, no one could guess the old patriarch's intentions.

Everyone with hope was striving to prove themselves.

For Jiang Li, this skincare venture could be the icing on the cake.

He pulled up a chair and sat beside Xu An'an. Meeting her bright, expectant eyes, the words of refusal died on his lips. "I'll give you a chance—if you research the market thoroughly and present a proposal that can persuade me."

Since Jiang Li was willing to allow it, Xu An'an seized the opportunity. She had recently interviewed a retired university professor whose son worked in the field—not a famous brand, but affordable and decent quality.

"No problem!"

Seeing her enthusiasm, Jiang Li decided to let her pursue it; after all, he could support her if needed.

After lunch, Xu An'an stood to stretch and moved to the window, looking down.

She spotted Jiang Yu and Ning Xiyue in a secluded corner, tugging at each other.

Bold, those two.

Jiang Li joined her. "Your fiancé is quite devoted—but not to you."

At first, Xu An'an had been hurt by this, for all her genuine efforts had been wasted. Now, numbness had replaced her pain, to the point of indifference.

"It's simple: a shameless woman and a dog, together forever."

"A tortoise and a green bean—perfect match."

"In short, they're made for each other. Let them be chained together for life. If they don't trouble others, that's their good deed."

Jiang Li's gaze flickered as Xu An'an rattled off a string of remarks. He reached out and gently tousled her hair.

Xu An'an turned. "What are you doing? Don't tell me you're trying to comfort me?"

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, noncommittal. "I'm curious: how did you meet Jiang Yu? How did you come to like him? Did he suddenly turn so unfaithful?"

Xu An'an had to admit she'd been deceived by Jiang Yu's carefully crafted façade, believing she had met a gentleman.

In reality, she'd stepped in dog shit.

Seeing Jiang Li's genuine curiosity, Xu An'an's eyes sparkled mischievously. "For fairness, shouldn't you tell me first? You've met so many women—was there ever one who left a lasting impression, a love you couldn't have?"

"If you're willing to share, so am I. I'll show you my scars."