Chapter 18: Master Yan Could Never Fail to Recognize His Own Wife

Jiang Ci You saw him as well.

Truth be told, in the past three years, Jiang Ci You had seldom seen him dressed. That was why Old Lady Bo was so shocked upon seeing him. It wasn’t just because of his noble status, but because his entire temperament had changed. He had transformed from a playboy into an aloof and refined gentleman—a change she was completely unaccustomed to.

A young man with gold-rimmed glasses at Bo Jin Xiu’s side spoke up, “Rong City truly is a land blessed by fate—where polygamy is permitted. No wonder our Crown Prince was so reluctant to leave three years ago, unwilling to return to the capital.”

Others laughed, “Xue, you dare tease the Crown Prince? Don’t forget, we’ve come all the way from the capital just to work for him.”

“But I must admit, the customs here are indeed unique. I envy that Mr. Yan—one beauty of the nation, one delicate flower. Such fortune is enough to make anyone jealous.”

The lobby manager was growing increasingly troubled, glancing at the two women before him who remained silent.

Xia Ling bit her lip, refusing to speak as crowds gathered around them. Soon, she would be hosting the prime-time show, making her a household name—she couldn’t afford such a stain on her reputation.

She knew Jiang Ci You’s temperament well. Back in school, Jiang Ci You never competed with her, always letting her have her way—whether it was beautiful clothes, handbags, scholarships, or study abroad spots. Xia Ling had taken much from her, including Yan Feng, who eventually drove her mad. But so what? Yan Feng had been with her for three years, and Jiang Ci You knew everything, yet never intervened. Jiang Ci You wasn’t as strong-willed as she appeared. Her striking beauty often misled others into thinking she was lofty and competitive, but in truth, she was more indifferent than anyone else—perhaps even disdainful of competition.

Xia Ling hoped Jiang Ci You would withdraw on her own. But things did not go as she expected. Jiang Ci You watched Xia Ling with a half-smile, neither speaking nor yielding, as if waiting for Xia Ling to make the first move.

As the impasse lingered, a man beside Bo Jin Xiu suddenly spoke, “Crown Prince, I recall that at Old Lady Bo’s seventieth birthday banquet, it was Mr. Yan and Mrs. Yan who attended. You must know who the real Mrs. Yan is.”

All eyes turned toward Bo Jin Xiu, including Jiang Ci You and Xia Ling.

Xia Ling’s heart skipped a beat. So, this was the Crown Prince of the capital circle, Bo Jin Xiu, the very man she was hoping to interview. Anxiety surged in her chest.

Yan Feng had indeed mentioned that he and Jiang Ci You attended that birthday banquet together. But he also said there were a hundred tables, with only two reserved for Rong City—small fry compared to the elite families and politicians present. With so many guests, surely Bo Jin Xiu wouldn’t remember who was who? Yet Jiang Ci You’s beauty was unforgettable—a single glance would suffice. Uncertainty gnawed at her. If her identity was exposed in front of him, the exclusive interview would surely go to Jiang Ci You.

Jiang Ci You also looked at Bo Jin Xiu. Considering their three years together, a small favor at such a moment shouldn’t be too much to ask.

The manager had already moved to Bo Jin Xiu’s side, clearly waiting for him to identify the real Mrs. Yan.

Bo Jin Xiu glanced at Jiang Ci You and replied coolly, “I don’t know any Mr. or Mrs. Yan. If you want to know who the real Mrs. Yan is, call Mr. Yan and let him identify her himself. Surely he wouldn’t fail to recognize his own wife.”

“Yes, yes, thank goodness for your guidance, Crown Prince. I’ll call Mr. Yan right away,” the manager responded.

Jiang Ci You’s heart sank. She noticed Bo Jin Xiu’s brows furrow slightly—he had done it on purpose.

The video call was quickly connected.

“Manager Zhao, what’s the matter?” Yan Feng’s voice came through the phone.

Manager Zhao greeted him, “Sorry to bother you, Mr. Yan. You said Mrs. Yan would be coming today, but now there are two Mrs. Yans. Could you tell us which one is your wife?”

He directed his camera at both Jiang Ci You and Xia Ling.

Yan Feng frowned, surprised to see Jiang Ci You present. He assumed she had learned Xia Ling would be there and had come as well. She always competed with Xia Ling.

Without hesitation, Yan Feng said, “The one in white is my wife.”

Xia Ling was dressed in white today, while Jiang Ci You wore a pink tracksuit.

The manager smiled broadly, “Very well, Mr. Yan. We won’t disturb you further. Leave the rest to us—we’ll make sure Mrs. Yan is well taken care of.”

The call ended, and the place was abuzz with whispers. The lobby was already crowded with people, many of them socialites and ladies.

“If you can’t play the game, don’t come here—pretending to be someone else’s wife and getting exposed in public, what a disgrace.”

“She’s probably here to fish for men. Just look at that seductive face.”

“Maybe she’s Mr. Yan’s mistress, here to provoke the legitimate wife. Otherwise, why use Mr. Yan’s name and arrive on the same day as Mrs. Yan?”

Jiang Ci You and Yan Feng had actually held a wedding three years prior, inviting only a handful of relatives and friends from both sides. So, while people in Rong City knew Mr. Yan was married, they didn’t know who the bride was.

Amid the gossip, Jiang Ci You seemed unfazed.

Manager Zhao approached her, his tone far less courteous than before. “Miss, you are not a member here. Please leave immediately.”

Jiang Ci You showed no sign of embarrassment. She lazily pulled a card from her handbag. “If I sign up for a membership now, am I allowed in?”

The crowd fell silent.

The manager was caught off guard. “It’s possible, but our membership fee—”

“Two million. I know. Swipe the card.”

Many struggled to process what had just happened. The ladies who had mocked Jiang Ci You were left speechless. Most of them used their husbands’ or fathers’ memberships—not their own.

The manager’s attitude shifted instantly, his smile even brighter than before. He ignored Xia Ling, heading straight for the front desk, and personally escorted Jiang Ci You to the VIP room to process her membership.

The young men around Bo Jin Xiu grew even more interested.

“That card—isn’t it the Leopard Black Gold Card? Only five hundred issued globally, accepted by all major banks, with complimentary VIP services at every seven-star hotel worldwide. It’s a mark of status.”

“I recall the Crown Prince owns one as well. Fewer than twenty people in China possess it, all of extraordinary background.”

“Who is this Miss Jiang, really?”

Those who had ridiculed Jiang Ci You now stared wide-eyed. Two million wasn’t remarkable, but owning that Black Gold Card was. Ordinary wealth wouldn’t suffice—the issuing institution’s criteria were extremely strict. Even in royal families worldwide, no more than three members hold one.

Miss Jiang possessed it—what kind of background did she have?

Jiang Ci You herself was unaware. The card was her salary card, gifted by her senior. The annual dividends from QUEEN were deposited there, totaling eight hundred million already. Two million meant nothing to her.