The Marriage Harbor CH3
Chapter 3: Meeting the Elders
After sending the message, Jiang Bin immediately called her assistant.
“I’m visiting my parents-in-law tomorrow evening. In thirty minutes, I want to know the personal preferences of everyone in the Tang family.”
In Shanghai, being a social elite wasn't just a title. Behind every one of Jiang Bin’s connections was meticulous preparation and research. She never fought a battle she wasn't prepared for.
Friday arrived, overcast and sweltering with the peak of summer heat.
The air conditioning in Jiang Bin’s office was set to its lowest. She spent the morning in routine meetings with department directors, tracking project progress and personally calling major clients to coordinate wherever her presence was needed. During the lunch break, she summoned her assistants.
Jiang Bin’s assistant team consisted of four people.
Tao Xing, the legal assistant, appeared gentle and shy but she's a shark in negotiations. Jiang Bin had discovered her during a debate competition. She was twenty-four, the same age as Jiang Bin.
Li Yang, the administrative assistant, was Jiang Bin’s right hand. She coordinated all internal company affairs and some jokingly referred to her as Jiang Bin’s "Chief Steward".
Cheng Ying, the PR specialist and a renowned beauty, was currently away on a project.
The team's muscle was Zhou Yun, the only man. Sales and client relations were his strengths. At twenty-four, he was the only one in the group who wasn't single. Since he was a few months younger than Jiang Bin, everyone called him Xiao Zhou.
With Xiao Zhou and Cheng Ying away, Jiang Bin invited Tao Xing and Li Yang to lunch. She ordered several signature dishes from the neighboring restaurant, Xijiangyue.
Xijiangyue was one of Shanghai’s five-star Chinese restaurants, standing prominently on the banks of the Sangjiang River. Reservations were usually booked six months in advance, but the owner was close with Jiang Bin. Years ago, the owner’s mother had suffered a sudden heart attack and it was Jiang Bin who had arranged for the best cardiac surgeon in Shanghai to perform the bypass surgery, essentially saving her life. The owner remained eternally grateful so whenever Jiang Bin wanted to eat, her order was prioritized.
“Are the gifts ready?” she asked Li Yang.
“They’re already in your trunk.” Li Yang replied.
Jiang Bin nodded.
Tao Xing swallowed a piece of lobster and asked tentatively.
“Boss, how are you getting there this afternoon? Isn't President Tang coming to pick you up?”
Jiang Bin paused, taking a sip of soup.
“I’m going by myself.”
Tang Zhisong had sent a location pin, which suggested he had no intention of picking her up. They weren't familiar enough for traditional husband-and-wife gestures. Li Yang shot Tao Xing a look, signaling her to be quiet and Tao Xing shrugged, dropping the subject.
* * *
After sending the message, Jiang Bin immediately called her assistant.
“I’m visiting my parents-in-law tomorrow evening. In thirty minutes, I want to know the personal preferences of everyone in the Tang family.”
In Shanghai, being a social elite wasn't just a title. Behind every one of Jiang Bin’s connections was meticulous preparation and research. She never fought a battle she wasn't prepared for.
Friday arrived, overcast and sweltering with the peak of summer heat.
The air conditioning in Jiang Bin’s office was set to its lowest. She spent the morning in routine meetings with department directors, tracking project progress and personally calling major clients to coordinate wherever her presence was needed. During the lunch break, she summoned her assistants.
Jiang Bin’s assistant team consisted of four people.
Tao Xing, the legal assistant, appeared gentle and shy but she's a shark in negotiations. Jiang Bin had discovered her during a debate competition. She was twenty-four, the same age as Jiang Bin.
Li Yang, the administrative assistant, was Jiang Bin’s right hand. She coordinated all internal company affairs and some jokingly referred to her as Jiang Bin’s "Chief Steward".
Cheng Ying, the PR specialist and a renowned beauty, was currently away on a project.
The team's muscle was Zhou Yun, the only man. Sales and client relations were his strengths. At twenty-four, he was the only one in the group who wasn't single. Since he was a few months younger than Jiang Bin, everyone called him Xiao Zhou.
With Xiao Zhou and Cheng Ying away, Jiang Bin invited Tao Xing and Li Yang to lunch. She ordered several signature dishes from the neighboring restaurant, Xijiangyue.
Xijiangyue was one of Shanghai’s five-star Chinese restaurants, standing prominently on the banks of the Sangjiang River. Reservations were usually booked six months in advance, but the owner was close with Jiang Bin. Years ago, the owner’s mother had suffered a sudden heart attack and it was Jiang Bin who had arranged for the best cardiac surgeon in Shanghai to perform the bypass surgery, essentially saving her life. The owner remained eternally grateful so whenever Jiang Bin wanted to eat, her order was prioritized.
“Are the gifts ready?” she asked Li Yang.
“They’re already in your trunk.” Li Yang replied.
Jiang Bin nodded.
Tao Xing swallowed a piece of lobster and asked tentatively.
“Boss, how are you getting there this afternoon? Isn't President Tang coming to pick you up?”
Jiang Bin paused, taking a sip of soup.
“I’m going by myself.”
Tang Zhisong had sent a location pin, which suggested he had no intention of picking her up. They weren't familiar enough for traditional husband-and-wife gestures. Li Yang shot Tao Xing a look, signaling her to be quiet and Tao Xing shrugged, dropping the subject.
* * *
Jiang Bin departed at 5:00 PM sharp. Her driver pulled into the Tang Estate.
The old-fashioned iron gates swung open slowly. The car drove past the central landscaping and stopped in front of the villa on the right. As Jiang Bin stepped out, she glanced at the villa on the left. Her grandparents had brought her to visit Old Master Tang when she was a child. Though she wasn't close to Tang Zhisong, she had seen him at various stages of their lives.
Upon exiting the car, Jiang Bin spotted a tall, upright figure standing by the flower bed on a call.
Today, he wore a crisp white shirt. One hand held the phone while the other loosely draped a suit jacket over his arm. He possessed a superior physique and a quiet imposing aura. The flickering sunset filtered through the branches, casting dappled light across his shoulders. Hearing her arrival, he turned. The dim light met his dark eyes, lending his poised figure a touch of cold detachment.
He wasn't wearing his glasses today. His features looked more defined and striking than their last meeting.
Tang Zhisong nodded to her while hanging up the phone and walking over.
"Thank you for coming," he said, a polite and expressionless formality.
"It’s only right."
Jiang Bin signaled her driver to hand the gifts to Tang Zhisong’s chief assistant. Keeping a distance of three paces, the two walked inside together in silence.
They crossed the stone path to the front entrance where the doors stood open. A housekeeper greeted them warmly. Inside, Jiang Bin scanned the room. A circle of people sat on the sofas. Not only were Tang Zhisong’s parents there, but his grandparents, uncle, and aunt had also arrived.
As they changed their shoes simultaneously, Jiang Bin noticed Tang Zhisong’s elbow move slightly.
A veteran of the corporate world, Jiang Bin understood the cue immediately. She naturally reached out and looped her arm through his. She didn't grip tightly, nor did she touch the bare skin of his wrist. Through the fabric of his sleeve, they maintained a "close" posture and walked toward the Tang family with dazzling smiles.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Second Uncle, Second Aunt." Tang Zhisong greeted them with a gentle smile, showing none of the sharpness he displayed to the outside world.
Jiang Bin greeted them alongside him, then subtly withdrew her hand as she approached his parents.
"Dad, Mom." she greeted, the words flowing with perfect ease.
Tang Zhisong gave her a brief, unreadable look.
She wore an elegant, sleeveless apricot-white dress that fell below the knees, adorned with a custom diamond necklace. Her dark hair was pinned up neatly, revealing a pale, oval face. She looked gentle and intellegent, the exact look elders loved most. Her eyelashes were exceptionally long and when she smiled, it was as if starlight were falling into her eyes.
Madam Tang was delighted by the address. She immediately took Jiang Bin’s hand and led her to the main sofa, nudging her husband to the opposite side so Jiang Bin could sit between the grandparents.
Old Master Tang was the happiest of all. His old comrade-in-arms had been gone for years and seeing their wish finally fulfilled brought tears to his eyes.
“Binbin, this is your home now. If anything happens, tell Grandpa. If you’re mistreated, I’ll stand up for you.”
Jiang Bin’s social graces were flawless.
“Zhisong and I are doing very well, Grandpa. Don’t worry, I won't be mistreated. But if I am, I’ll definitely come to you.”
Hearing her call him "Zhisong", Tang Zhisong’s handsome eyebrows twitched slightly. He turned to the kitchen to prepare fruit for them.
Tang Zhisong hadn't realized Jiang Bin was such a social butterfly. Within thirty minutes, she had his grandparents, his mother, and his aunt completely charmed. She had already coordinated a spa date at a top-tier luxury club for his mother and aunt. Even in the middle of the chatter, she managed to slip in a question about the latest shipping route changes at the Tang family’s port, showing respect to his usually taciturn father.
If Mr. Tang had held any lingering dissatisfaction, seeing the family in such harmony left him with nothing to say.
Tang Zhisong played his part well, occasionally echoing her comments while cutting fruit, making them appear like a devoted couple to please the elders.
Then came the gifts.
For the grandfather, who loved calligraphy and antiques, Jiang Bin presented a Shoushan stone seal that her own grandfather had used during his lifetime. The old man was deeply moved.
For the grandmother, who had been a famous beauty in her youth, Jiang Bin gave a privately commissioned Song brocade bag from her personal collection. The old lady loved it.
To her mother-in-law, she gave a limited-edition silk scarf. A royal collaboration piece with extremely limited stock that hadn't even hit the market yet. Socialites in Shanghai, including Jiang Bin's own stepmother, had been scrambling to reserve one. Thanks to her connection to the brand's East Asia director, Jiang Bin was able to obtained it ahead of time.
For her father-in-law, a tin of Jin Jun Mei. The king of black teas, of which only a few pounds are produced annually. Even the uncle and aunt received significant, thoughtful gifts. When a junior gives to a senior, the price shouldn't be excessively gaudy; the value lies in rarity and thoughtfulness.
The entire family was beyond satisfied.
* * *
Upon exiting the car, Jiang Bin spotted a tall, upright figure standing by the flower bed on a call.
Today, he wore a crisp white shirt. One hand held the phone while the other loosely draped a suit jacket over his arm. He possessed a superior physique and a quiet imposing aura. The flickering sunset filtered through the branches, casting dappled light across his shoulders. Hearing her arrival, he turned. The dim light met his dark eyes, lending his poised figure a touch of cold detachment.
He wasn't wearing his glasses today. His features looked more defined and striking than their last meeting.
Tang Zhisong nodded to her while hanging up the phone and walking over.
"Thank you for coming," he said, a polite and expressionless formality.
"It’s only right."
Jiang Bin signaled her driver to hand the gifts to Tang Zhisong’s chief assistant. Keeping a distance of three paces, the two walked inside together in silence.
They crossed the stone path to the front entrance where the doors stood open. A housekeeper greeted them warmly. Inside, Jiang Bin scanned the room. A circle of people sat on the sofas. Not only were Tang Zhisong’s parents there, but his grandparents, uncle, and aunt had also arrived.
As they changed their shoes simultaneously, Jiang Bin noticed Tang Zhisong’s elbow move slightly.
A veteran of the corporate world, Jiang Bin understood the cue immediately. She naturally reached out and looped her arm through his. She didn't grip tightly, nor did she touch the bare skin of his wrist. Through the fabric of his sleeve, they maintained a "close" posture and walked toward the Tang family with dazzling smiles.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Second Uncle, Second Aunt." Tang Zhisong greeted them with a gentle smile, showing none of the sharpness he displayed to the outside world.
Jiang Bin greeted them alongside him, then subtly withdrew her hand as she approached his parents.
"Dad, Mom." she greeted, the words flowing with perfect ease.
Tang Zhisong gave her a brief, unreadable look.
She wore an elegant, sleeveless apricot-white dress that fell below the knees, adorned with a custom diamond necklace. Her dark hair was pinned up neatly, revealing a pale, oval face. She looked gentle and intellegent, the exact look elders loved most. Her eyelashes were exceptionally long and when she smiled, it was as if starlight were falling into her eyes.
Madam Tang was delighted by the address. She immediately took Jiang Bin’s hand and led her to the main sofa, nudging her husband to the opposite side so Jiang Bin could sit between the grandparents.
Old Master Tang was the happiest of all. His old comrade-in-arms had been gone for years and seeing their wish finally fulfilled brought tears to his eyes.
“Binbin, this is your home now. If anything happens, tell Grandpa. If you’re mistreated, I’ll stand up for you.”
Jiang Bin’s social graces were flawless.
“Zhisong and I are doing very well, Grandpa. Don’t worry, I won't be mistreated. But if I am, I’ll definitely come to you.”
Hearing her call him "Zhisong", Tang Zhisong’s handsome eyebrows twitched slightly. He turned to the kitchen to prepare fruit for them.
Tang Zhisong hadn't realized Jiang Bin was such a social butterfly. Within thirty minutes, she had his grandparents, his mother, and his aunt completely charmed. She had already coordinated a spa date at a top-tier luxury club for his mother and aunt. Even in the middle of the chatter, she managed to slip in a question about the latest shipping route changes at the Tang family’s port, showing respect to his usually taciturn father.
If Mr. Tang had held any lingering dissatisfaction, seeing the family in such harmony left him with nothing to say.
Tang Zhisong played his part well, occasionally echoing her comments while cutting fruit, making them appear like a devoted couple to please the elders.
Then came the gifts.
For the grandfather, who loved calligraphy and antiques, Jiang Bin presented a Shoushan stone seal that her own grandfather had used during his lifetime. The old man was deeply moved.
For the grandmother, who had been a famous beauty in her youth, Jiang Bin gave a privately commissioned Song brocade bag from her personal collection. The old lady loved it.
To her mother-in-law, she gave a limited-edition silk scarf. A royal collaboration piece with extremely limited stock that hadn't even hit the market yet. Socialites in Shanghai, including Jiang Bin's own stepmother, had been scrambling to reserve one. Thanks to her connection to the brand's East Asia director, Jiang Bin was able to obtained it ahead of time.
For her father-in-law, a tin of Jin Jun Mei. The king of black teas, of which only a few pounds are produced annually. Even the uncle and aunt received significant, thoughtful gifts. When a junior gives to a senior, the price shouldn't be excessively gaudy; the value lies in rarity and thoughtfulness.
The entire family was beyond satisfied.
* * *
After dinner, Mr. Tang personally escorted the grandparents back to their wing. Madam Tang stayed behind to talk to the couple. Sitting at the kitchen island, she presented Jiang Bin with an emerald necklace she had prepared and then asked about their wedding plans.
Jiang Bin cast a neutral glance toward Tang Zhisong. He was looking down at his phone, replying to messages without looking at her.
Madam Tang, well aware of her son's temperament, let out a frustrated laugh.
"Fine, don't look at him. What do you think, Binbin? We can do whatever you want."
Jiang Bin already knew what Tang Zhisong was thinking. Furthermore, she currently had no energy to stage a performance-based wedding.
She declined gracefully.
"Mom, I'll let you know after I consult with my parents."
Madam Tang recalled Jiang Chengxiao’s attitude toward her. A wedding would likely be a source of conflict and if her biological parents didn't attend, Jiang Bin would lose face. With that in mind, Madam Tang didn't push. It was better to wait until Jiang Bin settled things within the Jiang Group.
Madam Tang took Jiang Bin’s hand.
"Your grandfather was right. This is your home now so move in soon. I’ll make sure you have nourishing soup every day."
Jiang Bin mentally filtered out the last part but agreed with a straight face.
As their hands rested together, the large diamond wedding ring on Madam Tang’s finger caught the light. A wedding could wait, but a ring was a necessary symbol.
Madam Tang turned to her son.
"Get Binbin a wedding ring."
Tang Zhisong shifted his gaze from his phone to their joined hands. Jiang Bin’s hands were exceptionally pale, slender, and completely bare of jewelry.
He nodded.
"Alright."
* * *
Jiang Bin cast a neutral glance toward Tang Zhisong. He was looking down at his phone, replying to messages without looking at her.
Madam Tang, well aware of her son's temperament, let out a frustrated laugh.
"Fine, don't look at him. What do you think, Binbin? We can do whatever you want."
Jiang Bin already knew what Tang Zhisong was thinking. Furthermore, she currently had no energy to stage a performance-based wedding.
She declined gracefully.
"Mom, I'll let you know after I consult with my parents."
Madam Tang recalled Jiang Chengxiao’s attitude toward her. A wedding would likely be a source of conflict and if her biological parents didn't attend, Jiang Bin would lose face. With that in mind, Madam Tang didn't push. It was better to wait until Jiang Bin settled things within the Jiang Group.
Madam Tang took Jiang Bin’s hand.
"Your grandfather was right. This is your home now so move in soon. I’ll make sure you have nourishing soup every day."
Jiang Bin mentally filtered out the last part but agreed with a straight face.
As their hands rested together, the large diamond wedding ring on Madam Tang’s finger caught the light. A wedding could wait, but a ring was a necessary symbol.
Madam Tang turned to her son.
"Get Binbin a wedding ring."
Tang Zhisong shifted his gaze from his phone to their joined hands. Jiang Bin’s hands were exceptionally pale, slender, and completely bare of jewelry.
He nodded.
"Alright."
* * *
Madam Tang insisted he drive Jiang Bin home. The moment they left the villa, they unconsciously put three paces between them. Neither said a word. There were probably no other married couples as distant as them.
Assuming Tang Zhisong didn't actually want to drive her, Jiang Bin turned to say goodbye at the parking area.
"No need to see me off, President Tang. I'll head back on my own."
Tang Zhisong stood with his hands in his pockets, watching her quietly.
From "Zhisong" back to "President Tang," she switched flawlessly. She didn't hesitate when it was time to cooperate, but she was clinical about maintaining boundaries when they were alone. She was indeed an excellent partner.
Tang Zhisong had heard people praise Jiang Bin’s exeptional analytical depth and social skills. Today, he had experienced it firsthand. He interpreted her refusal as a desire for space. Since she was so mindful of boundaries, he wouldn't overstep either.
As her driver pulled up, Tang Zhisong took a step back.
"Drive safely."
The car pulled away from the estate. The city scenery receded in her peripheral vision, the neon lights forming a blurred, surreal kaleidoscope.
To Jiang Bin, this had been nothing more than a business social. She leaned back in the seat, closing her eyes in exhaustion. Her gaze brushed over her ring finger. Madam Tang wanted him to buy a ring but she wondered if he actually would. Even if he did, it would likely be a random purchase to satisfy his mother.
Aside from business dealings, it seemed she and Tang Zhisong would only ever cross paths to appease their elders.
Translator's Notes:
Assuming Tang Zhisong didn't actually want to drive her, Jiang Bin turned to say goodbye at the parking area.
"No need to see me off, President Tang. I'll head back on my own."
Tang Zhisong stood with his hands in his pockets, watching her quietly.
From "Zhisong" back to "President Tang," she switched flawlessly. She didn't hesitate when it was time to cooperate, but she was clinical about maintaining boundaries when they were alone. She was indeed an excellent partner.
Tang Zhisong had heard people praise Jiang Bin’s exeptional analytical depth and social skills. Today, he had experienced it firsthand. He interpreted her refusal as a desire for space. Since she was so mindful of boundaries, he wouldn't overstep either.
As her driver pulled up, Tang Zhisong took a step back.
"Drive safely."
The car pulled away from the estate. The city scenery receded in her peripheral vision, the neon lights forming a blurred, surreal kaleidoscope.
To Jiang Bin, this had been nothing more than a business social. She leaned back in the seat, closing her eyes in exhaustion. Her gaze brushed over her ring finger. Madam Tang wanted him to buy a ring but she wondered if he actually would. Even if he did, it would likely be a random purchase to satisfy his mother.
Aside from business dealings, it seemed she and Tang Zhisong would only ever cross paths to appease their elders.
Translator's Notes:
- Xijiangyue (西江月): Likely a reference to a famous classic poem (Ci) title, signaling the restaurant is high-end, traditional, and culturally elite.
- Long-Sleeve Dancing (长袖善舞): An idiom used to describe someone who is highly skilled in social maneuvering and networking.
- Song Brocade (宋锦): One of China’s "Three Famous Brocades," historically used for royalty.
- Jin Jun Mei (金骏眉): One of the most expensive and rare black teas in the world.
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