Chapter 109: What Talk of Holding the Scales Even?

Jiang Xiaoxiao’s complexion looked atrocious.

"Jiang Ciyou, don't push your luck."

"When have I pushed you? Those were your own words."

Jiang Xiaoxiao’s face, previously a pale shade of green, turned completely dark. She never imagined that Jiang Ciyou would actually know the designer from QUEEN. And it wasn't just the designer; the person she had just spoken to on the phone was likely someone even more formidable. However, there was no way Jiang Xiaoxiao would actually kneel in front of so many people.

"I was just joking, you actually took it seriously," Jiang Xiaoxiao scoffed.

Jiang Ciyou said nothing, merely smiling silently.

Across the table, Jiang Jinhui stood up. He personally poured a glass of juice for Jiang Ciyou. "Xiaoyou, you know people at QUEEN; why didn't you ever tell your father?"

Jiang Ciyou did not speak, nor did she touch the juice. Jiang Jinhui felt a moment of awkwardness, but he didn't seem to mind, returning to his seat as he muttered to himself, "Right, you were in the design circle, and you were quite famous there. You won so many awards; it’s no surprise you know a few impressive people."

Jiang Ciyou naturally knew what Jiang Jinhui was getting at. She spoke coldly, "Mr. Jiang, I have already retired from the design circle."

The use of "Mr. Jiang" drew a sharp, clear line between them. Jiang Jinhui’s expression darkened, but he did not lash out. He maintained a smile, speaking in a conciliatory tone, "Xiaoyou, Dad knows you are still angry with me. I was wrong. I am officially apologizing to you. Won't you forgive your father this one time?"

Jiang Ciyou’s voice was calm, devoid of any visible emotion. "Forgive you, so that I can represent the company in Paris on behalf of 'Qing Ben Jia Ren,' right?"

Jiang Jinhui’s intentions were ruthlessly laid bare by Jiang Ciyou, as if a veil had been torn away. The smile on his face stiffened. Though he felt a surge of anger, he tried his best to restrain it. "Hasn't it always been like this in previous years?"

Jiang Ciyou remained silent.

Jiang Jinhui continued his coaxing. "Besides, the Jiang family company is your company too, isn't it? You are my daughter; you will have a share of the Jiang family’s assets in the future. Helping the Jiang family now is just helping yourself."

This design competition was too important for the company. The Jiang family had built their fortune on clothing, and the brand "Qing Ben Jia Ren" had once been incredibly popular. But ever since Jiang Ciyou stopped designing for them, the brand’s reputation had plummeted. Its market share had shrunk year by year, and it was now less than a fifth of what it had been in its heyday. If things continued this way, the brand would truly be phased out by the market. Furthermore, although Jiang Ciyou had stopped designing for the company over the past few years, she had still entered the competitions on its behalf, and her entries always won awards. These were crucial opportunities for "Qing Ben Jia Ren" to recover its standing and boost its profile. If Jiang Ciyou refused to participate this year, it would be a devastating blow to the brand.

Jiang Ciyou curled her lips. Jiang Jinhui hadn't said things like this back then. On the surface, he acted as if she were still the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, but behind her back, he told Yao Shulan that all company shares would go to Jiang Xiaoxiao in the future. To him, she was just another mouth to feed in the Jiang household. At the time, she hadn't wanted to fight for the inheritance, thinking that his behavior was acceptable enough. But looking back now, the only reason he hadn't kicked her out of the house was that he saw value in her.

Jiang Ciyou had once harbored grand illusions about family affection, so whenever they did something, she would find excuses for them and deceive herself. But after the charm wore off, she became completely clear-headed. Jiang Jinhui was just a businessman—a shrewd businessman who could calculate even familial love down to the last cent.

"Fine. Since you say I have a share in the Jiang family’s assets, how many shares do you intend to give me?" Jiang Ciyou’s tone was casual, and a smile played on her lips. She spoke lightly, yet her words were impossible to ignore.

Jiang Xiaoxiao immediately snapped, "Jiang Ciyou, have you no shame? Just because you haven't changed your surname, you actually think you're a member of our Jiang family? Let me tell you, I am the only daughter of the Jiang family. The Jiang family’s assets and property are all mine; don't think you'll get a single penny!"

Jiang Xiaoxiao was aggressive, but Jiang Jinhui told her to shut up. When he first learned that Jiang Ciyou was not his biological daughter, he had intended to pass the business to Jiang Xiaoxiao. But three years had passed. He had seen through Jiang Xiaoxiao’s lack of talent and character; if the business were left in her hands, it would surely go bankrupt within three years. Thus, he had already made other plans. After all, he had raised Jiang Ciyou himself. Even if she wasn't his biological daughter, she was loyal, affectionate, and incredibly talented. Furthermore, the Jiang enterprise desperately needed her right now.

Jiang Jinhui said, "How about this: I’ll give you five percent of the company’s shares. If you agree to represent the company in Paris, I will transfer the shares to your name immediately."

Jiang Jinhui put on the face of a doting father. "Xiaoyou, although you aren't our biological daughter, we raised you with our own hands, and we have deep feelings for you. In our hearts, there is no difference between you and Xiaoxiao. We will definitely treat you both equally from now on. Let’s not dwell on the past, alright?"

Before Jiang Ciyou could speak, Feng Yuping, who had just finished her phone call, walked back with a sway of her hips. She pulled out a chair and remarked nonchalantly, "Five percent? I recall that when Jiang Xiaoxiao returned, you and your wife transferred twenty percent of the shares to her."

"How is it that there’s only five percent left for Xiaoyou? There’s a significant difference between five percent and twenty percent. In that case, how can you talk about treating them equally?"

Feng Yuping’s sarcastic tone made the atmosphere incredibly awkward. Yan Chengye tugged at her arm. "Could you say a little less?" She had been invited by Jiang Jinhui to help mend the father-daughter relationship, but with these words, she was only stirring up trouble.

Jiang Jinhui’s expression was ghastly. Jiang Ciyou, on the other hand, remained nonchalant, as lazy as a cat watching a show.

Jiang Ciyou spoke calmly. "I don't want the shares, and I won't be going to Paris to compete."

Jiang Jinhui panicked. He gritted his teeth and steeled himself. "You and Xiaoxiao will each hold twenty percent of the company’s shares, how about that? If you compete for the company and win an award, I’ll also give you the position of Design Department Director."

Jiang Ciyou agreed readily. "Fine."

Jiang Xiaoxiao lost her composure completely. "Dad, how can you do this? She’s just some stray from the outside—are you really going to give her half of our family’s assets?"

"Look at her just now; isn't she just threatening you? Does she really think the Jiang family would go bankrupt without her?"