The Marriage Harbor CH10
Chapter 10: Boss, Are You Going On A Date?
The Jiang Group finished work at 6:00 PM. Just minutes after clocking out, Jiang Bin sent the location of Xijiangyue to Tang Zhisong.
[I’ll be there by 6:30. Does that work for you?]
Tang Zhisong’s reply was almost immediate: [That works.]
Jiang Bin checked the time, packed her things and then took the elevator down to the first floor. Having never driven herself, she always had Uncle Liu pick her up at the main lobby. Before getting into the car, she spotted Tao Xing waiting by the entrance.
Jiang Bin handed her laptop bag to Uncle Liu and stepped out, hands tucked into her blazer pockets.
"Tao Xing, are you waiting for someone?"
Tao Xing, who had been in a professional suit just moments ago, was now a different person entirely. Her hair was down, her glasses were gone, and her makeup was flawlessly done. Dressed in Dior and carrying a classic Chanel bag, she looked every bit like a woman prepared for a date.
Tao Xing looked slightly flustered to run into her.
"Boss! I’m actually off to dinner with that date I mentioned."
When she mentioned they were heading to the seafood buffet across from Xijiangyue, Jiang Bin offered a rare, casual invitation to head out together. However, Tao Xing’s shy grin gave her away before she even spoke.
"He’s coming to pick me up," she admitted.
Jiang Bin nodded, letting the matter go with a simple, "Alright then. Stay safe."
As Jiang Bin turned to leave, Tao Xing suddenly processed the "go together" remark and chased after her.
"Boss, do you have a business function at Xijiangyue tonight?"
A function?
This was her first private dinner with Tang Zhisong but compared to Tao Xing’s genuine date, it certainly felt like a business commitment.
"Something like that." Jiang Bin replied with a casual shrug.
Just then, Jiang Bin noticed a tall, thin young man walking toward them, seemingly looking for Tao Xing.
When the young man saw Jiang Bin standing next to Tao Xing, he looked visibly surprised and immediately stepped forward to greet her.
"Hello, President Jiang." Qin Mian said, greeting her with a respectful tone and a polite handshake.
When she asked how he knew her, he explained his deference simply. As an employee at Ningsheng Tech, he naturally recognized his boss’s wife.
"I see." Jiang Bin nodded, her smile turning knowing as her gaze lingered on the two of them.
"Well, don't let me keep you."
* * *
At Xijiangyue, the manager personally came to attend to her. Jiang Bin had booked a private room overlooking the river. When she entered, Tang Zhisong was already there.
He wore a deep violet-blue shirt that sharpened the lines of his pale features, paired with dark, well-tailored trousers. His silhouette was lean and poised. He stood by the glass window, one hand in his pocket as he talked on the phone. His tone was level and his expression held a trace of polite amusement, giving him a sophisticated, disarming presence.
He wore a deep violet-blue shirt that sharpened the lines of his pale features, paired with dark, well-tailored trousers. His silhouette was lean and poised. He stood by the window with one hand in his pocket, his voice low and resonant as he spoke into his phone. There was a faint, composed curve to his expression, giving him a refined, disarming aura.
Aesthetics aside, his appearance was flawless. Truly, the man was an effortless exercise in understated elegance.
At the sound of footsteps, Tang Zhisong turned. Seeing Jiang Bin, he brought his call to a swift close, offering a brief apology to follow up later before hanging up.
"How long have you been waiting?" Jiang Bin asked, her gaze drifting casually elsewhere.
"I just arrived." He replied, giving her his full attention.
Tang Zhisong stepped forward to pull out a chair for her, waiting until she was settled before moving to his own seat. As she offered a quiet word of thanks, he presented her with a bouquet of Juliet roses.
"I hope you like them," he said.
Jiang Bin recognized them instantly. Known as the "Rose of Kings," these were a rarity where a single bloom could fetch an exorbitant price. The petals still shimmered with dewdrops, a sign they had likely arrived via air freight only hours ago. Between the dense, architectural layers and the rich, shifting colors, the display was nothing short of stunning.
"They are beautiful. Thank you." Jiang Bin said sincerely.
Remembering his pollen allergy, she intentionally placed them by the window to take home later.
The manager personally took their orders and brought out various snacks and tea. Although it was a Chinese restaurant, they also offered Western dishes and Jiang Bin ordered a steak. Because she had called ahead, the manager had specifically kept a chef back just for the two of them.
Before the food arrived, a ready-made topic presented itself.
"Does your company have an employee named Qin Mian?"
Tang Zhisong wiped his hands with a warm towel and shook his head.
"Doesn't ring a bell. Why?"
Without a lead, the conversation stalled. Jiang Bin massaged her temples.
"One of my assistants is on a blind date with an employee from your company. I wanted to check his background to see if he’s reliable."
Ningsheng Tech’s salaries were unrivaled in the country. Employees enjoyed not only excellent pay but also fantastic benefits, including medical insurance that covered family members. Consequently, the software engineers at Ningsheng were highly sought after in the dating market.
Seeing Jiang Bin’s concern, Tang Zhisong took out his phone.
"Hold on, I’ll ask someone."
While the internal system contained every employee's resume, those records were never disclosed unless necessary for an internal audit. Even as CEO, Tang Zhisong wouldn't abuse that power. Instead, he sent a formal message to the HR department. The HR Director replied quickly.
"He’s a recent graduate with a Master’s degree, went permanent this year. His last performance review was a B. He’s an outgoing young man with a good reputation among his peers."
In different industries, salary levels varied wildly. A 400,000 annual salary at Ningsheng was just the starting point for a fresh graduate software engineer but at Jiang Group Real Estate, that would be the pay of a middle-management leader. This meant that as long as Qin Mian worked hard at Ningsheng, reaching a million-dollar salary in a few years wouldn't be difficult.
No wonder Li Yang called him a "growth stock." Yesterday, Li Yang had even joked about holding a mixer with Ningsheng Tech to solve the single status of the women in their group.
"Are there many single software engineers at your company?" Jiang Bin asked.
Such matters were never within Tang Zhisong’s purview.
"I’m not sure. Why do you ask?" He looked at her with a clear, steady gaze.
"Our administration department suggested holding a joint social event between our two companies. In your industry, there must be many single men. Since working overtime is routine, they probably don't have time to date. A mixer could be an option."Jiang Bin explained.
Such events weren't uncommon between local companies.
Tang Zhisong was speechless for a moment. Their first private dinner was actually being spent solving employee relationship issues. He eventually nodded.
"I’ll have it arranged."
He sent another message to the HR Director. The request was accepted immediately.
The topic ended there and they both drank their tea. Fortunately, the dishes began to arrive shortly after. The steak Jiang Bin ordered was served early but she didn't touch it. She forgot her knife skills weren't great. In the past, whenever she ate with her cousin, he would always cut her steak for her.
"The negotiations with Changjing Film are almost wrapped up. Thank you for your help again." Jiang Bin offered a small smile as she updated him on the negotiations.
"Are you planning to enter the film and television industry?" He asked.
"I’ve seen a few scripts and plan to make some investments." She nodded.
Though Tang Zhisong had no expertise in the film industry and no intention of meddling, their conversation flowed sporadically. Throughout the exchange, he noticed her wine was nearly gone, yet her steak remained untouched.
She ordered it, but has no appetite?
After a moment’s hesitation, he set down his cutlery and wiped his hands. Without a word, he pulled her plate toward him. Had it been anyone else, he would have remained indifferent, but Jiang Bin was his wife. Cutting her steak was perfectly acceptable.
Jiang Bin watched his elegant, composed movements as she took a quiet sip of red wine. Even his hands were impeccable. They featured defined knuckles and long, strong fingers that are pristine. They were the hands of a man born to privilege.
As he slid the neatly cut pieces back in front of her, he noticed that as soon as he cut a piece, she would eat it. So, it wasn't that she lacked an appetite. She was simply waiting for him to cut it. Tang Zhisong slowly looked up, meeting her eyes with a searching gaze.
Jiang Bin continued eating and drinking as if nothing were out of the ordinary, not giving him a single glance. An undercurrent pulsed between them, yet neither spoke.
* * *
After dinner, Tang Zhisong went straight to the airport. Since it was still early, Jiang Bin went back to the office to work for a while. She placed the bouquet of Juliet roses in the most prominent spot on her desk so she could see them every day.
The next day, Ningsheng Tech contacted Li Yang and both sides began preparing for the mixer. Jiang Bin didn't involve herself in the details.
On Saturday, Jiang Bin worked as usual. Once President Qin of the Changjing Group decided to transfer the film division, he was eager to wash his hands of it. He introduced Jiang Bin to many producers and investors in the industry. Those producers treated Jiang Bin like an amateur, assuming that a young socialite wouldn't know the ways of the world and lacked depth. They tried to dazzle her, boasting about their projects as if they were masterpieces.
Jiang Bin arranged a time to meet them. Initially, they thought they would be meeting her individually but when they arrived, they realized all their competitors were there as well. The "porridge" was limited. How much one got depended entirely on their ability.
Jiang Bin gathered everyone together and watched them attack and expose one another’s flaws. By the end of the two-hour meeting, she had thoroughly understood both the people and the projects. She kept her eye on two of them.
By Sunday afternoon, she saw two missed calls from her mother-in-law and immediately called back.
"Mom, is something the matter?"
"Bingbing, I couldn't get through earlier. I’m already downstairs at your place. Where are you? Are you not back yet?" Madam Tang asked.
During afternoon tea the previous day, Madam Tang had run into Jiang Bin’s stepmother, Chen Ling. It was then she discovered that Jiang Bin’s nickname was "Bingbing". Her son was constantly tied up with work and living out of a suitcase. She feared that if she didn’t make an effort to connect them, her daughter-in-law might eventually drift away.
Jiang Bin immediately sharpened her focus.
"Mom, wait a moment. I’m coming back right now."
After sending the entry code to Madam Tang, Jiang Bin packed her laptop and prepared to head home. Even though the roads weren't congested, she didn't call for her driver and decided to just walk.
Fifteen minutes later, she crossed the river and returned to her penthouse. Madam Tang was already there with people tidying the place. A chef was cooking in the kitchen, and rows of garment racks stood in the living room. Over a dozen evening gowns were carefully covered in protective film, each one showing exceptional taste.
Jiang Bin was genuinely surprised.
"Mom, sorry I'm back so late."
Madam Tang walked over from the kitchen island. Noticing that Jiang Bin looked a bit drained, she greeted her with a warm expression.
"Why be so polite with me?" Seeing the faint sweat on her daughter-in-law's brow, she handed over a glass of water.
"Why are you still working through the weekend? You should give yourself at least one day to rest."
Jiang Bin took a drink and gave a small, appreciative nod.
"There have been a lot of projects lately. Mom, I’ll go change first."
After a quick shower to wash away the sweat, she changed into simple loungewear and tied her hair up. The steam had left her face with a soft, rosy glow. In these casual clothes, the sharp edges of her usual demeanor vanished, replaced by an approachable warmth that made her look like the girl-next-door.
Madam Tang realized she loved seeing Jiang Bin in casual clothes. She looked ethereal and incredibly beautiful. She wished she could just take this pleasing daughter-in-law home. Her son was truly blind. Madam Tang felt a surge of anxiety.
"Bingbing, the custom-tailored pieces will take more time, so I bought these for you to wear in the meantime. We can try them on one by one after we eat."
"No, Mom. Let's do it now." Jiang Bin said as she walked over. Lunch would take a while anyway and she knew it was better to try on fitted gowns before a meal. A full stomach might make it difficult.
Madam Tang couldn't wait either. There was a sitting room next to the main living area, and the private butler Madam Tang brought had already prepared an area for the fitting. She took the gowns into the adjacent dressing room one by one to personally help Jiang Bin with the change.
The first was a strapless gown with a large floral print. The skirt was voluminous, and the small violet-blue flowers were individually embroidered. The waist was fitted perfectly, highlighting her graceful curves. With her hair loosely tied up, Jiang Bin had a unique, refined charm.
When Jiang Bin stepped out, Madam Tang was momentarily stunned. She recovered quickly, snapping several photos in rapid succession. As Jiang Bin stood before the full-length mirror, Madam Tang was already mentally photoshopping her son in a suit into the frame, imagining their wedding portraits.
With their looks, their future baby would be magnificent!
Thinking about the fact that they were still living separately, Madam Tang cursed her son as a rascal in her heart.
Jiang Bin tried on five or six dresses, each style bringing out a different side of her. Some were bold and sharp, others gentle and refined, and some fresh and ethereal. She could now choose the right gown for any occasion. Madam Tang had truly solved a major problem for her.
Madam Tang picked the best angles and sent the photos to Tang Zhisong.
[How about it? Isn't your wife beautiful?]
* * *
While it was noon in Shanghai, the previous day had yet to end in San Francisco.
At 9:00 PM, Tang Zhisong was still in the R&D area, locked in a meeting with several directors. By the time the session wrapped up an hour later, the night had grown deep.
On the way back to his villa, he finally took out his phone. Five or six images had been sent, their thumbnails vaguely showing Jiang Bin's silhouette. He tapped on one.
It was a sapphire-blue strapless gown. The color was rich and sophisticated, the lines simple and smooth. The skirt featured a special design that seemed to shimmer with gold. Above the bodice was a layer of thin gossamer embroidered with violet-blue phoenixes, a traditional symbol of a harmonious marriage. It left her porcelain-white skin and delicate collarbones only partially visible.
She held her slightly curled long hair in her arms. Her features were as exquisite as a fine ink painting, her eyes calm and clear yet holding a sharp, cold edge. The gown perfectly hid her professional aura within a cloak of elegance.
He had to admit. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
He swiped up, browsing through the photos one by one. Though the styles varied, each was stunningly impactful. Finally, his gaze fell on the question at the bottom: "Isn't your wife beautiful?"
Tang Zhisong knitted his brows. To him, the words "very beautiful" felt too superficial to describe the impact of the images. After a moment, he replied:
[Quite good. It suits her well.]
Madam Tang kept glancing at her phone throughout lunch. After waiting over an hour for a reply, she felt as if she had been anticipating a grand finale only to be met with a dud. Those six words left her fuming.
Would it kill him to give a direct compliment? She was such a straightforward person, and even his father, though a bit slow, was never this reserved. What on earth had she eaten during pregnancy to give birth to a son with such deep thoughts?
Madam Tang felt hopeless.
Refusing to give up, she replied:
[There are many more. Want to see?]
Madam Tang sent a wide shot of all the gowns in the living room, but pointedly didn't include Jiang Bin. She was hinting that there were over a dozen more styles beyond the first five.
Tang Zhisong held his phone, looking at the message. He was impressed but found it hard to comment. Not knowing how to reply, he rested the phone on his lap and took off his glasses. He wiped the non-prescription lenses with a cloth and looked out the window. The night wind in San Francisco was cool, whistling through the branches. The streetlights flashed past the car, casting flickering shadows across his handsome face.
Just then, the phone buzzed again. Tang Zhisong tapped the message. Two words jumped out:
[Dream on.]
Want to see? Dream on.
Tang Zhisong let out an exasperated chuckle. Slightly shaking his head, he turned off the phone and didn't reply again.
* * *
During lunch, Jiang Bin noticed that Madam Tang seemed a bit distracted. Seeing her mother-in-law huffing with a look of lingering indignation toward the end of the meal, she couldn't help but ask.
"Mom, is something wrong?"
"It’s nothing," Madam Tang replied, quickly suppressing her annoyance with a bright smile. She didn't want to ruin the mood by mentioning her son's lackluster reply.
"After we finish this salad, let's keep trying them on."
The private butler took over a hundred photos for Jiang Bin, eventually sending them all to her. That evening, when she finally had a moment to relax, Jiang Bin went through them one by one. She picked nine photos for a grid, placing a photo of her and her mother-in-law in the center, and posted it to her Moments with the caption: [Thank you, Mom.]
Jiang Bin rarely posted on her Moments, and even when she did, it was usually work-related. This rare personal post was a significant exception. A way of returning the warmth Madam Tang had shown her by offering the public acknowledgment and heartfelt gratitude she knew would mean the most to her mother-in-law.
Madam Tang was, of course, the first to like it.
[Our Bingbing is the most beautiful!]
In less than a minute, hundreds of likes flooded in, followed by a wave of elaborate compliments.
When Jiang Bin first added Tang Zhisong on WeChat, she found his Moments entirely empty. Since he was a high-end client who seemingly had no interest in social media, she had restricted his access to "Chat Only", effectively hiding her private feed from his view. She did this partly to avoid bothering him but primarily because they simply weren't close.
Even after getting married, their interactions remained so sparse that it never crossed her mind that her own husband was still on her blocked list. Thus, when Jiang Bin posted to her Moments, she didn't realize Tang Zhisong was unable to see it.
The only person she had intentionally blocked from the post was Mu Lingshu. Because her relationship with her mother was strained, she didn't want to give her any reason to overthink things. Uncle Lu was a perceptive man and wouldn't mention it to her either. Jiang Bin had long since moved past the stage of using childish behavior to provoke her mother for affection. She and her mother maintained their relationship largely to avoid causing each other any unnecessary trouble.
Jiang Bin and Tang Zhisong were the most talked-about figures in Shanghai, so even a simple post on her Moments was enough to cause a stir. Based on the background of the photos, it was immediately clear the shoot had taken place at Jiang Bin’s home. This implied that Madam Tang had gone out of her way to visit and look after her daughter-in-law, a gesture that spoke volumes. It was obvious that Madam Tang adored her and that their relationship was incredibly harmonious, creating a scene that invited a great deal of envy.
* * *
Tang Zhisong woke up at six as usual. An hour later, while eating breakfast, he finally checked the influx of messages that had arrived overnight. He didn't reply to most of them but one particular thread caught his eye.
It was from his childhood friend, Cheng Yanjun. A fellow scion of a wealthy family and of German-Chinese descent, Cheng Yanjun was a stark contrast to Tang Zhisong. While Tang Zhisong had built his own empire, Cheng Yanjun focused on investing his family’s capital, finding significant success while indulging his true passion: collecting limited-edition supercars.
Having seen the post through a mutual contact, Cheng Yanjun had forwarded a series of screenshots to Tang Zhisong with a brief comment: [Aunt Ming gets along really well with your wife.]
Madam Tang’s maiden name was Song Mingyi and to those close to the family, she was simply Aunt Ming.
The screenshots displayed the full nine-photo grid. Although the thumbnails were too small to see Jiang Bin clearly, Tang Zhisong immediately recognized the dresses. The very ones his mother had refused to show him just the day before.
He didn't reply. Instead, he exited the chat and immediately opened Jiang Bin’s WeChat profile.
He was met with a blank wall.
Tang Zhisong fell into a long silence. For the first time in his life, he had gone to check someone’s Moments only to find himself blocked. It was a feeling he couldn't quite describe.
Translator's Notes:
The Jiang Group finished work at 6:00 PM. Just minutes after clocking out, Jiang Bin sent the location of Xijiangyue to Tang Zhisong.
[I’ll be there by 6:30. Does that work for you?]
Tang Zhisong’s reply was almost immediate: [That works.]
Jiang Bin checked the time, packed her things and then took the elevator down to the first floor. Having never driven herself, she always had Uncle Liu pick her up at the main lobby. Before getting into the car, she spotted Tao Xing waiting by the entrance.
Jiang Bin handed her laptop bag to Uncle Liu and stepped out, hands tucked into her blazer pockets.
"Tao Xing, are you waiting for someone?"
Tao Xing, who had been in a professional suit just moments ago, was now a different person entirely. Her hair was down, her glasses were gone, and her makeup was flawlessly done. Dressed in Dior and carrying a classic Chanel bag, she looked every bit like a woman prepared for a date.
Tao Xing looked slightly flustered to run into her.
"Boss! I’m actually off to dinner with that date I mentioned."
When she mentioned they were heading to the seafood buffet across from Xijiangyue, Jiang Bin offered a rare, casual invitation to head out together. However, Tao Xing’s shy grin gave her away before she even spoke.
"He’s coming to pick me up," she admitted.
Jiang Bin nodded, letting the matter go with a simple, "Alright then. Stay safe."
As Jiang Bin turned to leave, Tao Xing suddenly processed the "go together" remark and chased after her.
"Boss, do you have a business function at Xijiangyue tonight?"
A function?
This was her first private dinner with Tang Zhisong but compared to Tao Xing’s genuine date, it certainly felt like a business commitment.
"Something like that." Jiang Bin replied with a casual shrug.
Just then, Jiang Bin noticed a tall, thin young man walking toward them, seemingly looking for Tao Xing.
When the young man saw Jiang Bin standing next to Tao Xing, he looked visibly surprised and immediately stepped forward to greet her.
"Hello, President Jiang." Qin Mian said, greeting her with a respectful tone and a polite handshake.
When she asked how he knew her, he explained his deference simply. As an employee at Ningsheng Tech, he naturally recognized his boss’s wife.
"I see." Jiang Bin nodded, her smile turning knowing as her gaze lingered on the two of them.
"Well, don't let me keep you."
* * *
At Xijiangyue, the manager personally came to attend to her. Jiang Bin had booked a private room overlooking the river. When she entered, Tang Zhisong was already there.
He wore a deep violet-blue shirt that sharpened the lines of his pale features, paired with dark, well-tailored trousers. His silhouette was lean and poised. He stood by the glass window, one hand in his pocket as he talked on the phone. His tone was level and his expression held a trace of polite amusement, giving him a sophisticated, disarming presence.
He wore a deep violet-blue shirt that sharpened the lines of his pale features, paired with dark, well-tailored trousers. His silhouette was lean and poised. He stood by the window with one hand in his pocket, his voice low and resonant as he spoke into his phone. There was a faint, composed curve to his expression, giving him a refined, disarming aura.
Aesthetics aside, his appearance was flawless. Truly, the man was an effortless exercise in understated elegance.
At the sound of footsteps, Tang Zhisong turned. Seeing Jiang Bin, he brought his call to a swift close, offering a brief apology to follow up later before hanging up.
"How long have you been waiting?" Jiang Bin asked, her gaze drifting casually elsewhere.
"I just arrived." He replied, giving her his full attention.
Tang Zhisong stepped forward to pull out a chair for her, waiting until she was settled before moving to his own seat. As she offered a quiet word of thanks, he presented her with a bouquet of Juliet roses.
"I hope you like them," he said.
Jiang Bin recognized them instantly. Known as the "Rose of Kings," these were a rarity where a single bloom could fetch an exorbitant price. The petals still shimmered with dewdrops, a sign they had likely arrived via air freight only hours ago. Between the dense, architectural layers and the rich, shifting colors, the display was nothing short of stunning.
"They are beautiful. Thank you." Jiang Bin said sincerely.
Remembering his pollen allergy, she intentionally placed them by the window to take home later.
The manager personally took their orders and brought out various snacks and tea. Although it was a Chinese restaurant, they also offered Western dishes and Jiang Bin ordered a steak. Because she had called ahead, the manager had specifically kept a chef back just for the two of them.
Before the food arrived, a ready-made topic presented itself.
"Does your company have an employee named Qin Mian?"
Tang Zhisong wiped his hands with a warm towel and shook his head.
"Doesn't ring a bell. Why?"
Without a lead, the conversation stalled. Jiang Bin massaged her temples.
"One of my assistants is on a blind date with an employee from your company. I wanted to check his background to see if he’s reliable."
Ningsheng Tech’s salaries were unrivaled in the country. Employees enjoyed not only excellent pay but also fantastic benefits, including medical insurance that covered family members. Consequently, the software engineers at Ningsheng were highly sought after in the dating market.
Seeing Jiang Bin’s concern, Tang Zhisong took out his phone.
"Hold on, I’ll ask someone."
While the internal system contained every employee's resume, those records were never disclosed unless necessary for an internal audit. Even as CEO, Tang Zhisong wouldn't abuse that power. Instead, he sent a formal message to the HR department. The HR Director replied quickly.
"He’s a recent graduate with a Master’s degree, went permanent this year. His last performance review was a B. He’s an outgoing young man with a good reputation among his peers."
In different industries, salary levels varied wildly. A 400,000 annual salary at Ningsheng was just the starting point for a fresh graduate software engineer but at Jiang Group Real Estate, that would be the pay of a middle-management leader. This meant that as long as Qin Mian worked hard at Ningsheng, reaching a million-dollar salary in a few years wouldn't be difficult.
No wonder Li Yang called him a "growth stock." Yesterday, Li Yang had even joked about holding a mixer with Ningsheng Tech to solve the single status of the women in their group.
"Are there many single software engineers at your company?" Jiang Bin asked.
Such matters were never within Tang Zhisong’s purview.
"I’m not sure. Why do you ask?" He looked at her with a clear, steady gaze.
"Our administration department suggested holding a joint social event between our two companies. In your industry, there must be many single men. Since working overtime is routine, they probably don't have time to date. A mixer could be an option."Jiang Bin explained.
Such events weren't uncommon between local companies.
Tang Zhisong was speechless for a moment. Their first private dinner was actually being spent solving employee relationship issues. He eventually nodded.
"I’ll have it arranged."
He sent another message to the HR Director. The request was accepted immediately.
The topic ended there and they both drank their tea. Fortunately, the dishes began to arrive shortly after. The steak Jiang Bin ordered was served early but she didn't touch it. She forgot her knife skills weren't great. In the past, whenever she ate with her cousin, he would always cut her steak for her.
"The negotiations with Changjing Film are almost wrapped up. Thank you for your help again." Jiang Bin offered a small smile as she updated him on the negotiations.
"Are you planning to enter the film and television industry?" He asked.
"I’ve seen a few scripts and plan to make some investments." She nodded.
Though Tang Zhisong had no expertise in the film industry and no intention of meddling, their conversation flowed sporadically. Throughout the exchange, he noticed her wine was nearly gone, yet her steak remained untouched.
She ordered it, but has no appetite?
After a moment’s hesitation, he set down his cutlery and wiped his hands. Without a word, he pulled her plate toward him. Had it been anyone else, he would have remained indifferent, but Jiang Bin was his wife. Cutting her steak was perfectly acceptable.
Jiang Bin watched his elegant, composed movements as she took a quiet sip of red wine. Even his hands were impeccable. They featured defined knuckles and long, strong fingers that are pristine. They were the hands of a man born to privilege.
As he slid the neatly cut pieces back in front of her, he noticed that as soon as he cut a piece, she would eat it. So, it wasn't that she lacked an appetite. She was simply waiting for him to cut it. Tang Zhisong slowly looked up, meeting her eyes with a searching gaze.
Jiang Bin continued eating and drinking as if nothing were out of the ordinary, not giving him a single glance. An undercurrent pulsed between them, yet neither spoke.
* * *
After dinner, Tang Zhisong went straight to the airport. Since it was still early, Jiang Bin went back to the office to work for a while. She placed the bouquet of Juliet roses in the most prominent spot on her desk so she could see them every day.
The next day, Ningsheng Tech contacted Li Yang and both sides began preparing for the mixer. Jiang Bin didn't involve herself in the details.
On Saturday, Jiang Bin worked as usual. Once President Qin of the Changjing Group decided to transfer the film division, he was eager to wash his hands of it. He introduced Jiang Bin to many producers and investors in the industry. Those producers treated Jiang Bin like an amateur, assuming that a young socialite wouldn't know the ways of the world and lacked depth. They tried to dazzle her, boasting about their projects as if they were masterpieces.
Jiang Bin arranged a time to meet them. Initially, they thought they would be meeting her individually but when they arrived, they realized all their competitors were there as well. The "porridge" was limited. How much one got depended entirely on their ability.
Jiang Bin gathered everyone together and watched them attack and expose one another’s flaws. By the end of the two-hour meeting, she had thoroughly understood both the people and the projects. She kept her eye on two of them.
By Sunday afternoon, she saw two missed calls from her mother-in-law and immediately called back.
"Mom, is something the matter?"
"Bingbing, I couldn't get through earlier. I’m already downstairs at your place. Where are you? Are you not back yet?" Madam Tang asked.
During afternoon tea the previous day, Madam Tang had run into Jiang Bin’s stepmother, Chen Ling. It was then she discovered that Jiang Bin’s nickname was "Bingbing". Her son was constantly tied up with work and living out of a suitcase. She feared that if she didn’t make an effort to connect them, her daughter-in-law might eventually drift away.
Jiang Bin immediately sharpened her focus.
"Mom, wait a moment. I’m coming back right now."
After sending the entry code to Madam Tang, Jiang Bin packed her laptop and prepared to head home. Even though the roads weren't congested, she didn't call for her driver and decided to just walk.
Fifteen minutes later, she crossed the river and returned to her penthouse. Madam Tang was already there with people tidying the place. A chef was cooking in the kitchen, and rows of garment racks stood in the living room. Over a dozen evening gowns were carefully covered in protective film, each one showing exceptional taste.
Jiang Bin was genuinely surprised.
"Mom, sorry I'm back so late."
Madam Tang walked over from the kitchen island. Noticing that Jiang Bin looked a bit drained, she greeted her with a warm expression.
"Why be so polite with me?" Seeing the faint sweat on her daughter-in-law's brow, she handed over a glass of water.
"Why are you still working through the weekend? You should give yourself at least one day to rest."
Jiang Bin took a drink and gave a small, appreciative nod.
"There have been a lot of projects lately. Mom, I’ll go change first."
After a quick shower to wash away the sweat, she changed into simple loungewear and tied her hair up. The steam had left her face with a soft, rosy glow. In these casual clothes, the sharp edges of her usual demeanor vanished, replaced by an approachable warmth that made her look like the girl-next-door.
Madam Tang realized she loved seeing Jiang Bin in casual clothes. She looked ethereal and incredibly beautiful. She wished she could just take this pleasing daughter-in-law home. Her son was truly blind. Madam Tang felt a surge of anxiety.
"Bingbing, the custom-tailored pieces will take more time, so I bought these for you to wear in the meantime. We can try them on one by one after we eat."
"No, Mom. Let's do it now." Jiang Bin said as she walked over. Lunch would take a while anyway and she knew it was better to try on fitted gowns before a meal. A full stomach might make it difficult.
Madam Tang couldn't wait either. There was a sitting room next to the main living area, and the private butler Madam Tang brought had already prepared an area for the fitting. She took the gowns into the adjacent dressing room one by one to personally help Jiang Bin with the change.
The first was a strapless gown with a large floral print. The skirt was voluminous, and the small violet-blue flowers were individually embroidered. The waist was fitted perfectly, highlighting her graceful curves. With her hair loosely tied up, Jiang Bin had a unique, refined charm.
When Jiang Bin stepped out, Madam Tang was momentarily stunned. She recovered quickly, snapping several photos in rapid succession. As Jiang Bin stood before the full-length mirror, Madam Tang was already mentally photoshopping her son in a suit into the frame, imagining their wedding portraits.
With their looks, their future baby would be magnificent!
Thinking about the fact that they were still living separately, Madam Tang cursed her son as a rascal in her heart.
Jiang Bin tried on five or six dresses, each style bringing out a different side of her. Some were bold and sharp, others gentle and refined, and some fresh and ethereal. She could now choose the right gown for any occasion. Madam Tang had truly solved a major problem for her.
Madam Tang picked the best angles and sent the photos to Tang Zhisong.
[How about it? Isn't your wife beautiful?]
* * *
While it was noon in Shanghai, the previous day had yet to end in San Francisco.
At 9:00 PM, Tang Zhisong was still in the R&D area, locked in a meeting with several directors. By the time the session wrapped up an hour later, the night had grown deep.
On the way back to his villa, he finally took out his phone. Five or six images had been sent, their thumbnails vaguely showing Jiang Bin's silhouette. He tapped on one.
It was a sapphire-blue strapless gown. The color was rich and sophisticated, the lines simple and smooth. The skirt featured a special design that seemed to shimmer with gold. Above the bodice was a layer of thin gossamer embroidered with violet-blue phoenixes, a traditional symbol of a harmonious marriage. It left her porcelain-white skin and delicate collarbones only partially visible.
She held her slightly curled long hair in her arms. Her features were as exquisite as a fine ink painting, her eyes calm and clear yet holding a sharp, cold edge. The gown perfectly hid her professional aura within a cloak of elegance.
He had to admit. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
He swiped up, browsing through the photos one by one. Though the styles varied, each was stunningly impactful. Finally, his gaze fell on the question at the bottom: "Isn't your wife beautiful?"
Tang Zhisong knitted his brows. To him, the words "very beautiful" felt too superficial to describe the impact of the images. After a moment, he replied:
[Quite good. It suits her well.]
Madam Tang kept glancing at her phone throughout lunch. After waiting over an hour for a reply, she felt as if she had been anticipating a grand finale only to be met with a dud. Those six words left her fuming.
Would it kill him to give a direct compliment? She was such a straightforward person, and even his father, though a bit slow, was never this reserved. What on earth had she eaten during pregnancy to give birth to a son with such deep thoughts?
Madam Tang felt hopeless.
Refusing to give up, she replied:
[There are many more. Want to see?]
Madam Tang sent a wide shot of all the gowns in the living room, but pointedly didn't include Jiang Bin. She was hinting that there were over a dozen more styles beyond the first five.
Tang Zhisong held his phone, looking at the message. He was impressed but found it hard to comment. Not knowing how to reply, he rested the phone on his lap and took off his glasses. He wiped the non-prescription lenses with a cloth and looked out the window. The night wind in San Francisco was cool, whistling through the branches. The streetlights flashed past the car, casting flickering shadows across his handsome face.
Just then, the phone buzzed again. Tang Zhisong tapped the message. Two words jumped out:
[Dream on.]
Want to see? Dream on.
Tang Zhisong let out an exasperated chuckle. Slightly shaking his head, he turned off the phone and didn't reply again.
* * *
During lunch, Jiang Bin noticed that Madam Tang seemed a bit distracted. Seeing her mother-in-law huffing with a look of lingering indignation toward the end of the meal, she couldn't help but ask.
"Mom, is something wrong?"
"It’s nothing," Madam Tang replied, quickly suppressing her annoyance with a bright smile. She didn't want to ruin the mood by mentioning her son's lackluster reply.
"After we finish this salad, let's keep trying them on."
The private butler took over a hundred photos for Jiang Bin, eventually sending them all to her. That evening, when she finally had a moment to relax, Jiang Bin went through them one by one. She picked nine photos for a grid, placing a photo of her and her mother-in-law in the center, and posted it to her Moments with the caption: [Thank you, Mom.]
Jiang Bin rarely posted on her Moments, and even when she did, it was usually work-related. This rare personal post was a significant exception. A way of returning the warmth Madam Tang had shown her by offering the public acknowledgment and heartfelt gratitude she knew would mean the most to her mother-in-law.
Madam Tang was, of course, the first to like it.
[Our Bingbing is the most beautiful!]
In less than a minute, hundreds of likes flooded in, followed by a wave of elaborate compliments.
When Jiang Bin first added Tang Zhisong on WeChat, she found his Moments entirely empty. Since he was a high-end client who seemingly had no interest in social media, she had restricted his access to "Chat Only", effectively hiding her private feed from his view. She did this partly to avoid bothering him but primarily because they simply weren't close.
Even after getting married, their interactions remained so sparse that it never crossed her mind that her own husband was still on her blocked list. Thus, when Jiang Bin posted to her Moments, she didn't realize Tang Zhisong was unable to see it.
The only person she had intentionally blocked from the post was Mu Lingshu. Because her relationship with her mother was strained, she didn't want to give her any reason to overthink things. Uncle Lu was a perceptive man and wouldn't mention it to her either. Jiang Bin had long since moved past the stage of using childish behavior to provoke her mother for affection. She and her mother maintained their relationship largely to avoid causing each other any unnecessary trouble.
Jiang Bin and Tang Zhisong were the most talked-about figures in Shanghai, so even a simple post on her Moments was enough to cause a stir. Based on the background of the photos, it was immediately clear the shoot had taken place at Jiang Bin’s home. This implied that Madam Tang had gone out of her way to visit and look after her daughter-in-law, a gesture that spoke volumes. It was obvious that Madam Tang adored her and that their relationship was incredibly harmonious, creating a scene that invited a great deal of envy.
* * *
Tang Zhisong woke up at six as usual. An hour later, while eating breakfast, he finally checked the influx of messages that had arrived overnight. He didn't reply to most of them but one particular thread caught his eye.
It was from his childhood friend, Cheng Yanjun. A fellow scion of a wealthy family and of German-Chinese descent, Cheng Yanjun was a stark contrast to Tang Zhisong. While Tang Zhisong had built his own empire, Cheng Yanjun focused on investing his family’s capital, finding significant success while indulging his true passion: collecting limited-edition supercars.
Having seen the post through a mutual contact, Cheng Yanjun had forwarded a series of screenshots to Tang Zhisong with a brief comment: [Aunt Ming gets along really well with your wife.]
Madam Tang’s maiden name was Song Mingyi and to those close to the family, she was simply Aunt Ming.
The screenshots displayed the full nine-photo grid. Although the thumbnails were too small to see Jiang Bin clearly, Tang Zhisong immediately recognized the dresses. The very ones his mother had refused to show him just the day before.
He didn't reply. Instead, he exited the chat and immediately opened Jiang Bin’s WeChat profile.
He was met with a blank wall.
Tang Zhisong fell into a long silence. For the first time in his life, he had gone to check someone’s Moments only to find himself blocked. It was a feeling he couldn't quite describe.
Translator's Notes:
- "Porridge": It's probably from a chinese idiom "粥少僧多" (zhōu shǎo sēng duō / "The porridge is little, but the monks are many"). It represents a situation where many competitors are fighting over a limited resource, in this case, lucrative film projects.
- Binbin vs. Bingbing: As explained on the translator's note in Chapter 2, while Binbin (彬彬) is the standard, social nickname derived directly from her given name Jiang Bin (江彬), the more intimate Bingbing (冰冰) is a childhood nickname mostly used by those who have a slightly closer relationship with her. The character for 'Bing' means "Ice" which is an affectionate nod to Jiang Bin's cool, professional exterior.
- "R&D": Research & Development. An R&D meeting is a structured gathering focused on creating new knowledge, products, services, or technologies, or improving existing ones. These meetings are central to a company's innovation strategy, aiming to keep the business competitive by solving technical or scientific uncertainties.
- "Growth Stock" (潜力股): A common metaphor used in dating to describe a man who may not be wealthy yet but has high career potential.
- "Moments" (朋友圈): The social feed on WeChat.
(Schedule: No official schedule yet but I'll try to post atleast 2 chapters every 5 days.)
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