Chapter 38: Family Banquet

When Jiang Yue returned home with Cheng Jun, the Jiang family had abandoned the Western-style meal they had originally planned, and the entire family had moved out onto the lawn.

They set up a stove and lit a bonfire, preparing all sorts of grilled skewers and delicacies, accompanied by red wine and champagne.

I once experienced this myself, during Jiang Zi’s birthday party last year.

It was an even grander affair than this, attended by many of Jiang Zi’s colleagues—celebrity actors and actresses—as well as several of Jiang Jianbo’s business associates.

But that time, I didn't even have the opportunity to sit at the table.

Dai Rong, fearing I would embarrass the Jiang family, told Jiang Yue to send me off to a side room.

As my wife, Jiang Yue didn't speak up for me at all; in fact, she agreed that I should go to the side room.

I remember that incident vividly. It isn’t that I’m holding a grudge, but rather that I felt my dignity being ruthlessly trampled by them.

Naturally, I didn't stay. I spent some time alone in the side room, listening to their joyous atmosphere, feeling like an outsider from beginning to end.

I left without telling Jiang Yue.

The next day, she threw away all my belongings from my room, claiming I had caused her to lose face, and told me to get out.

That wasn't the first time she had told me to "get out."

It was truly hurtful, but I loved her, so I had to apologize to get her to cool down.

Throughout our marriage, she would yell at me and fly into a rage whenever she pleased, telling me to get out whenever things didn't go her way.

I had long since grown tired of such a life and had even brought up the idea of divorce, but every time, she would insist that if there was to be a divorce, she would be the one to initiate it.

It dragged on until now. If I had divorced her earlier, perhaps I wouldn't have died.

But then again, there are no "ifs."

Tonight’s dinner was small, with only the Jiang parents, the two sisters, Jiang Yue and Jiang Zi, and the addition of Cheng Jun.

The chef grilled nearby, the night breeze whipped up smoke from the stove, and as flames licked the grill, the air filled with the scent of a lively hearth.

A bonfire, grilled food, red wine, and a family laughing and talking happily together.

This kind of cozy life—it is truly wonderful.

It is the life I yearned for, yet never possessed.

I truly envy Cheng Jun; the moment he returned, he stepped into the life I had always dreamt of.

He poured the wine, toasted Jiang Jianbo and Dai Rong one by one, and clinked glasses with Jiang Yue.

Finally, he raised his glass and looked at Jiang Zi, who was sitting opposite him, with a smile.

"Jiang Zi, it’s been a long time. We should have a drink together."

Jiang Zi ignored him. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward; Cheng Jun’s hand began to tremble slightly as he held it up.

Jiang Zi, however, acted as if she hadn't heard a thing, staring blankly at the bonfire while mindlessly eating her skewer.

Jiang Yue gave a soft cough. "Jiang Zi, Cheng Jun is talking to you."

Only then did Jiang Zi snap out of it. She flashed a fake smile at Cheng Jun.

"Mr. Cheng, this is our family dinner. What are you doing here?"

That brat Jiang Zi has such a thorny tongue, but I thought her retort was brilliant.

It seems she doesn't just lash out at me; even Cheng Jun isn't spared.

Wait, that’s not right. I often heard Jiang Yue say that Jiang Zi and Cheng Jun got along quite well.

Yet, the expression and look in Jiang Zi’s eyes right now were filled with pure disdain.

Cheng Jun’s face stiffened instantly.

Jiang Yue immediately intervened, her voice cold. "Jiang Zi, is that any way to talk? You’re a grown woman now; why are you so inconsiderate?"

Jiang Zi shrugged. "Was I wrong? This is a family dinner. Why did you bring him? Is he part of our family?"

"Jiang Zi, you... how can you be so unreasonable!" Jiang Yue’s eyes widened in anger.

Dai Rong spoke up then: "Jiang Zi, you really shouldn't say such things. Cheng Jun is your sister’s good friend; isn't it normal for him to come over for dinner?"

Jiang Zi scoffed. "A friend? Then can I bring friends to our family dinners too? I can assume that’s allowed, right?"

Jiang Jianbo, who had been silent until now, suddenly slammed his hand on the table. "Are you two done yet? If you’re going to eat, then eat properly. None of you have any manners."

Jiang Zi shot a look of contempt at Cheng Jun and said nothing more.

Jiang Yue glared at Jiang Zi, then turned and whispered to Cheng Jun, "I’m sorry, Brother Jun. Jiang Zi didn't mean anything by it; that’s just her personality. Don't take it to heart."

What is this?

What did she say to me in the past? How did she treat me?

Why haven't I ever seen you, Jiang Yue, defend me like this?

Cheng Jun poured more wine, raised his glass, and looked at Jiang Zi. "Jiang Zi, I know you must be angry because I left without saying goodbye seven years ago. I truly had my reasons."

"But now that I’m back, I will surely treat Yue Yue, your parents, and you with double the care."

"You don't have to drink this, but I must."

With that, he tilted his head back and downed the drink in one gulp.

Jiang Zi still looked disgusted. "One glass isn't enough; at least a whole bottle."

"Enough!"

Jiang Yue slammed her hand on the table.

The tableware rattled. "I’m asking you, Jiang Zi, what has gotten into you today? Can you stop being so sarcastic? Who are you putting on this act for?"

Jiang Zi stared straight at Jiang Yue, her tone cold. "Fine. Since you want to talk about it, Sister, let’s hash it out today."

"I know you’ve always had Cheng Jun in your heart. The only reason you married Chu Jianghe was because he looked a bit like Cheng Jun. But how have you treated him over these past few years? And how has he treated you?"

"Furthermore, how many times have you brought him home all these years? You could count them on one hand, couldn't you?"

"Back then, I didn't know his situation, so I misunderstood him. I always thought he was just after our family’s money, so I looked down on him and was always cold..."

"But in reality? He loved you! He is such an outstanding man—what right did you have to treat him with such coldness?"

"Even if you didn't love him, you shouldn't have given him hope!"

"You gave him hope, only to lead him to despair."

"Sister, I have always looked up to you as my role model. Since we were children, you were better than me at everything—academics, social grace, everything. I’ve always tried to learn from you."

"I admit I’m not perfect; I’m headstrong and have a bad temper. But hand on heart, should you really be meeting this man while still married to Chu Jianghe, and being so intimate with him?"

"Is that right?"