Chapter 1: She's Just a Substitute for His Ex-Wife

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The Mingyuan Group, situated in An City, started off as a cutlery manufacturer. After the new CEO took over, the corporation expanded its operations, becoming a large conglomerate that included cutlery, art, entertainment, and fashion. Despite its expansion, Mingyuan Group's core concentration remained on cutlery. Among their offerings were some very collectible sets, some of which were displayed in international exhibitions. One remarkable set, known as the Underglaze Multicolored Porcelain, was considered a great artistic treasure and was worth a lot more than money. This valued collection was held in the Mingyuan Group headquarters and served as the company's crown gem.

Mr. Zhou, a Chinese businessman from the UK, had long wanted to introduce Mythril Eagle's tableware to his home country. He made multiple journeys to China, trying to meet with Jiang Qianyu, the president of the Mingyuan Group, but was repeatedly turned down owing to Jiang Qianyu's claims of being too busy.

Undeterred, Mr. Zhou showed genuine perseverance. Unable to communicate directly with Jiang Qianyu, he befriended Director Lian, who had a good rapport with Jiang. Mr. Zhou was eventually able to meet with Jiang Qianyu because of this link.

To Mr. Zhou's amazement, the forceful and decisive President Jiang turned out to be incredibly young—and very gorgeous. Despite Jiang Qianyu's youth, Mr. Zhou did not undervalue him. Jiang, dressed smartly in a tailored suit, oozed professionalism from head to toe, demonstrating unshakeable maturity beyond his years. He spoke minimally, but Director Lian's presence eased the conversation. Nonetheless, Mr. Zhou was uneasy throughout the meeting, periodically breaking out in a nervous sweat in front of the young but powerful Jiang Qianyu.

Mr. Zhou exhibited his sincerity clearly during their dinner encounter, which was guided by the skilled Director Lian. Finally, Jiang Qianyu gave his approval, allowing Mr. Zhou to breathe a sigh of relief.

After learning that despite being young, Mr. Jiang was already married, Mr. Zhou lifted his glass to Jiang Qianyu and said, "It is an honor to partner with you, Mr. Jiang. If there is time in the future, I'd like to invite both Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Jiang to visit us in the UK, where my wife and I can extend our hospitality."

Director Lian quietly tugged on Mr. Zhou's garments beneath the table, but it was too late; Jiang Qianyu had heard his comments. Jiang Qianyu, who had already lifted his wineglass, took a brief halt upon hearing this. He slowly turned to face Mr. Zhou, his eyes harsh and cold.

However, this expression didn't last long. Jiang Qianyu sipped his glass of wine and carefully pulled the napkin from his collar, saying, "It's getting late tonight. Let us wrap things up here for the time being."

Even when Jiang Qianyu's figure vanished, Mr. Zhou was perplexed. He couldn't understand why Mr. Jiang seemed so unhappy after their excellent talk. Nearby, Director Lian groaned and gently reprimanded him: "Honestly, what made you bring up Mrs. Jiang out of nowhere?"

Confused, Mr. Zhou inquired, "What's the harm in mentioning Mrs. Jiang? Why can't we talk about her? Isn't Mr. Jiang already married?"

"Hasn't anyone told you that Mrs. Jiang has passed away?"

Mr. Zhou went silent.

Director Lian sighed again, "Mrs. Jiang has been dead for three years. Despite our CEO's stern exterior, which appears unaffected by anything, Mrs. Jiang remains his taboo—a subject not to be spoken. Well, it's partly my fault; I should have notified you beforehand."

Jiang Qianyu got into his car, lay back against the seat, and closed his eyes, seeking relief. His brows were slightly wrinkled, and his countenance was tight, emanating an uncomfortable mood reminiscent of approaching storm clouds. The driver dared not ask any questions while driving silently towards Clear Sea Manor, a well-known residential enclave in An City.

Jiang Qianyu got out of the car and took the elevator from the garage to the upper floor. Noticing that the lights inside were still on, he descended from the elevator, casually flung off his suit jacket onto the sofa, and unfastened his tie with an aggressive movement.

Yuzhen appeared from the kitchen with freshly prepared porridge and approached him, saying, "I heard there was a discussion today with a British-Chinese businessman regarding a possible partnership. How did it go?"

Jiang Qianyu did not answer quickly, instead scanning the table indifferently. "What did you make?"

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