Chapter 73: Bo Jinshu Meets the Parents

Jiang Xiaoxiao wiped away her tears and tentatively asked, “Your Highness, why are you so concerned about my foster mother’s case?”

Could it be because of Jiang Ciyou? Did Jiang Ciyou want Yin Ruyun to be released? But Jiang Xiaoxiao quickly dismissed the idea. Jiang Ciyou had barely even seen Yin Ruyun in person. By the time Jiang Xiaoxiao returned to the Jiang family, Yin Ruyun was already in prison. They hadn’t even acknowledged each other, let alone exchanged a single word. There couldn’t possibly be any bond between them. Besides, Jiang Ciyou must harbor resentment in her heart as well. Because of Yin Ruyun, Jiang Ciyou had suffered greatly too, bearing the stigma of being the daughter of a murderer and enduring much criticism. She surely wouldn’t want any connection to Yin Ruyun.

Bo Jinxi’s expression was indifferent. “Your foster mother once worked as a live-in housekeeper for the Shen family in the capital for three years. The family was quite fond of her, and they wish to help her. I have some ties with the Shen family, and now I’m simply fulfilling a request.”

In an instant, Jiang Xiaoxiao understood. Yin Ruyun truly had once worked as a housekeeper to make ends meet, and the Shen family in the capital had been the best household she’d ever worked for. Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered that at the time, she was just about to start high school. Because Zhao Dacheng frequently abused her, Yin Ruyun kept her close, and they went to the capital together. Without a household registration, she could only attend a private school. The Shen family had helped her transfer to a local private high school, and thanks to the generous salary they paid Yin Ruyun, Jiang Xiaoxiao was able to attend that prestigious school. But in her third year, she made a mistake and returned to Rongcheng in disgrace. Yin Ruyun had no choice but to resign and return with her.

So that was how it was. As long as Jiang Ciyou wasn’t involved, everything was negotiable.

Jiang Xiaoxiao said, “But filing an appeal and overturning a case is no easy feat.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll clear the way for you,” Bo Jinxi replied.

Jiang Xiaoxiao felt reassured. “My foster mother’s imprisonment has always been my greatest regret. If Your Highness is willing to help me resolve it, I’m deeply grateful. Actually, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I was already preparing to appeal on her behalf, though it’s a difficult road. Now that you’re helping, I feel much more at ease.”

She made a straightforward decision to appeal for Yin Ruyun. Of course, this was the result of weighing the pros and cons. There were certainly downsides. If she appealed for Yin Ruyun, Yao Shulan would surely be displeased. Moreover, her past growing environment would be brought to light, and inevitably some people would mock her. But at this point, she no longer cared.

Because this matter would tie her and Bo Jinxi together. With a shared goal, they would inevitably have to discuss and plan together, face challenges side by side, perhaps even share meals and days together; surely their relationship would deepen. She could also restore her image in Bo Jinxi’s eyes. Besides, even if Yin Ruyun were released, she would have little to do with her in the future. Jiang Ciyou was her biological daughter, and her life should naturally be Jiang Ciyou’s responsibility. In fact, this would cause Jiang Ciyou a great deal of trouble. Why shouldn’t she go ahead? As for Yao Shulan, a little coquetry or a few tears might be enough to smooth things over.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was in high spirits. She had only come to Bo Jinxi today to make her presence felt, and she hadn’t expected such a windfall. She struck while the iron was hot. “It’s already noon. Why don’t we have lunch together? We can talk more about the case.”

When she entered, she’d noticed the meal set out on the table, untouched. Would His Highness invite her to eat with him? She saw there were exactly two place settings.

But Bo Jinxi said, “There’s no rush over the appeal. We can discuss it slowly in the future. It’s getting late, Miss Jiang, please see yourself out.”

He pointed toward the door—a clear dismissal.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was a little disappointed, but she knew there was no need to rush things between her and Bo Jinxi. After all, Jiang Ciyou still stood between them. But time was on her side. She was determined to win him over.

After Jiang Xiaoxiao left, Jiang Ciyou emerged from the bedroom. She sat down at the dining table and sighed softly. “A honey trap really is effective.”

Bo Jinxi came over, slightly disgruntled. “Shouldn’t you compensate me for emotional damages?”

Jiang Ciyou laughed. “You make it sound like I told you to sell yourself.”

Bo Jinxi smiled faintly.

The two of them sat down to lunch and chatted idly.

“After Jiang Xiaoxiao embarrassed the Jiang family so badly last night, Jiang Jinhui is already quite displeased with her. Her only support now is Yao Shulan. If she really goes ahead and appeals for Yin Ruyun, it’s like stabbing Yao Shulan in the heart. This move to sow discord is rather clever,” Jiang Ciyou observed.

Bo Jinxi fixed his gaze on her. “It seems I’d better not cross you. You’re pretty vengeful.”

He too could see that this was a ploy to drive a wedge between Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yao Shulan. Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn’t stupid—she knew that appealing for Yin Ruyun would certainly infuriate Yao Shulan. But Jiang Ciyou had seen through her greed and delusions regarding Bo Jinxi, and used it to make her lose her head.

Jiang Ciyou hooked her little finger under Bo Jinxi’s chin. “Don’t worry, I’d never use that trick on you.”

But Bo Jinxi suddenly grabbed her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “For me, your beauty is all the trick you’ll ever need. That’s the only one I fall for.”

After lunch, Jiang Ciyou, playfully resisting, ended up taking a nap there. In truth, there was scarcely any time to sleep at all. Her handsome companion was indeed young and vigorous.

At two o’clock, after showering, she received a new outfit from the boutique. Dressed from head to toe in fresh clothes, she made her way to the TV station.

The primetime news was broadcast live. It wasn’t until seven-thirty that Jiang Ciyou left the television building.

Bo Jinxi’s car was already waiting outside. Jiang Ciyou got in and settled into the passenger seat.

A quarter of an hour later, the car pulled into the courtyard of the Yan family villa. After getting out, Bo Jinxi didn’t head inside immediately but instead opened the trunk, pulling out a large assortment of items.

Jiang Ciyou was surprised. “What are you doing?”

Bo Jinxi replied, “It’s my first time meeting the family. I can’t come empty-handed.”

Jiang Ciyou couldn’t help but laugh. Did he really think of this as meeting the parents? Had he forgotten this had once been her marital home? But she said nothing and helped him carry the gifts inside.

Feng Yuping saw their car coming and hurried out to greet them. “Xiao You, you’re finally here!”

Jiang Ciyou called out, “Mom,” then introduced, “This is Bo Jinxi.”

Feng Yuping was all warmth and hospitality. “I’ve heard so much about the Prince’s reputation, but today is the first time we’ve met.”

“Aunt Feng, please just call me Ashu,” he replied, handing over the gifts. “This is our company’s newly developed ‘Golden Mask’—it rejuvenates the skin. But Aunt Feng, you’re so youthful, I fear you’ll have no need of it.”