Chapter Forty-Two: I Am Not Your Husband

“What’s wrong, Xiwen?” Zhang Yong followed Jiang Xiwen’s gaze to the photo and asked, “This is my old classmate, Tian Weidong.”

Jiang Xiwen smiled slightly. “So he’s your classmate, Uncle Zhang. I’ve been developing a system for Tianxing Computer School lately—I didn’t expect you to know Chairman Tian as well.”

“When we were in school, Old Tian and I were the closest,” Zhang Yong nodded, then asked, “Xiwen, did you just say you’re developing a system for them?”

“Yes, I’m working on it with Teacher Qi Huanchang—we’re planning to recommend it to Chairman Tian soon.” Jiang Xiwen offered a shy smile, then changed the subject. “Uncle Zhang, your house is so big—where’s the restroom? Sorry, I really need to go.”

“Haha, Xiwen, we’ve finished our talk anyway. Let’s head out together,” Zhang Yong replied, standing up and leaving the study with Jiang Xiwen.

When Zhang Yong heard Jiang Xiwen mention developing a system, he was especially surprised. Upon learning that he was working with a teacher, his amazement subsided somewhat. He had thought Jiang Xiwen might seize the opportunity to ask for his help in arranging a meeting with Tian Weidong to secure the business deal. Unexpectedly, the boy only mentioned it in passing and let it drop, which made Zhang Yong appreciate him even more.

But appreciation does not equate to true understanding. Even confidants have their secrets. For someone in Zhang Yong’s position as deputy mayor, it would be foolish to reveal anything to a child who was probing for information.

The moment Jiang Xiwen saw that photo, he knew Zhang Yong and Tian Weidong were good friends—otherwise, the picture wouldn’t be framed and placed alone on the desk. He had an urge to ask Zhang Yong to help him make contact with Tian Weidong, but he quickly rejected the idea of saying it outright.

Whether or not Zhang Yong would agree was one thing—even if he did, he’d probably want to see the system first. That would essentially tip off Fan Qiang: “I know you’re playing tricks—last time, the Tian Weidong you brought was a fake.” In that case, Zhang Yong would have to know his entire plan. If Zhang Yong was truly a good mayor and genuinely grateful for Jiang Xiwen saving Zhang Ya, he would do all he could to help—just a call to Tian Weidong would expose Fan Qiang’s scheme and resolve everything.

Yet, Jiang Xiwen didn’t dare trust Zhang Yong completely. The matter was complicated: Liu Dashan wanted to open a private school, had bribed Gong Xiang’s father, and as deputy mayor in charge of education, Zhang Yong was sure to be approached by Liu Dashan. Coincidentally, he’d seen Fan Qiang get into Liu Dashan’s Bluebird car that day—a suspicious sequence of events.

Still, Jiang Xiwen was certain that even if Zhang Yong knew Fan Qiang, he was unaware of the fake Tian Weidong incident. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have volunteered the name of the man in the photo. If he’d wanted to test Jiang Xiwen, he could have simply asked, “Do you know this man?” or something similar.

Therefore, Jiang Xiwen openly acknowledged knowing the man in the photo was Tian Weidong, then mentioned the system development and left it at that. If Zhang Yong wanted to help, he naturally would; if not, any request would be refused anyway.

Soon it was time for dinner. Jiang Xiwen was assigned a guest seat. Like the other rooms, the Zhang family’s dining room exuded one thing: dignity.

The eccentric, protocol-loving patriarch sat at the head of the table, flanked by Zhang Ya’s parents, while Zhang Ya herself sat across from Jiang Xiwen.

In gratitude to Jiang Xiwen, Zhang Yong added a little wine to the meal. Jiang Xiwen drank sparingly but handled himself with natural ease, showing no awkwardness. Initially, Zhang Ya’s mother had worried that the boy would speak out of turn, behaving like the “ruffian” she’d feared, but after several rounds of toasts, she saw him in a new light—cultured and well-mannered, nothing like the street tough she’d seen at the teahouse.

Jiang Xiwen’s goal in coming was to sound out Zhang Yong. As for Zhang Ya’s mother’s earlier worries, they were no longer of any concern to him. As long as she didn’t trouble him, he wouldn’t hold a grudge.

The happiest of all was Zhang Ya herself, who chattered nonstop, quickly forgetting all her mother’s lessons about ladylike behavior. Her mother tried to intervene several times, but Zhang Yong’s glances silenced her.

Throughout the meal, the old man said not a word, his expression calm as still water, eating quietly. Near the end, Jiang Xiwen suddenly turned to Zhang Yong and asked, “Uncle Zhang, has Liu Dashan from Zhengfeng Group ever come to visit you? Was it about the private school?”

The old man’s expression changed slightly; he eyed Jiang Xiwen with suspicion.

“How do you know that, Jiang Xiwen?” Zhang Ya exclaimed. “Liu Dashan is Liu Fan’s dad—they’re both annoying. My dad refused his gifts, but he keeps coming to our house.”

While listening to Zhang Ya, Jiang Xiwen watched both Zhang Yong and the old man closely. Their reactions differed: the old man’s was wary, Zhang Yong’s was startled—but both expressions vanished in a flash.

Satisfied, Jiang Xiwen quickly explained with a laugh, “Oh, I heard it from Gong Xiang—Liu Dashan visited his dad too, really annoying. Since I heard Uncle Zhang works in education, I just thought I’d ask.”

“Classmates shouldn’t gossip about each other’s families—it’s impolite,” Zhang Yong said, his tone stern for the first time, before relaxing into a smile. “Let’s not talk about this. Xiwen, as Zhang Ya’s father, let me thank you again for saving our daughter!” He raised his glass. “Xiaohuang…”

Zhang Ya’s mother still felt awkward around Jiang Xiwen but stood up as well, offering polite words. Soon the meal was over. Before Zhang Yong could speak, Zhang Ya eagerly offered to walk Jiang Xiwen out of the courtyard of Building 7.

“All right, class monitor’s mom, you can go back. I know my way,” Jiang Xiwen said.

“Why do you always have to talk in a way that infuriates people?” Zhang Ya replied, feigning annoyance but unable to hide her smile.

“Zhang Ya, come here, I have something to tell you.” Jiang Xiwen beckoned, and Zhang Ya approached, her face flushing as he leaned in—reminded, unconsciously, of their kiss that day.

“Please, don’t be so forward—I’m not used to it. I’m not your boyfriend; just act normal,” Jiang Xiwen whispered.

“You!” Zhang Ya cried, indignant. But Jiang Xiwen, expecting her reaction, darted out of the courtyard and quickly disappeared.

Zhang Ya was left standing there, muttering, “That little rascal, always talking nonsense. Why’d he say he’s not my boyfriend… Impossible, now’s the time to focus on studying. Zhang Ya, how can you let that little scoundrel get to you…”