Chapter 34: A Need for Legitimacy

"Pianpian, are you alright?" Shen Suining asked, her voice laced with worry.

The way Jiang Runlang had behaved the previous night had truly frightened her. She was genuinely terrified that he might do something to harm Ye Pianpian.

"I'm fine, don't worry, Suisui," Ye Pianpian reassured her. "After all, I am the eldest daughter of the Ye family; Jiang Runlang wouldn't dare do anything to me. Especially since my brother arrived just in time to find me, he was even more intimidated." Ye Pianpian let out a contemptuous scoff. "That coward Jiang Runlang looked like a mouse seeing a cat the moment he spotted my brother. He immediately took his people and left."

Only then did Shen Suining feel at ease. As long as Ye Pianpian was unharmed, that was all that mattered.

"Oh, Suisui, stop worrying about me," Ye Pianpian said. "What about you and your grandmother? Do you need my brother to think of a way to sneak her out?"

Shen Suining felt a warmth in her heart. She confided in Ye Pianpian about the events of the previous night, including the plan for Jiang Ji to take her grandmother abroad for medical treatment.

Upon hearing the details, Ye Pianpian was delighted. "That’s perfect! No matter how hard Jiang Runlang thinks, he would never guess that you and your grandmother were 'stolen' by Jiang Ji. Hahaha!"

Just imagining Jiang Runlang stomping his feet in rage, scouring the entire city of Ningcheng for a trace of Shen Suining, and his impotent fury made Ye Pianpian burst into laughter. She truly wanted to see the look on his face when he finally realized Jiang Ji was behind it—it would be a spectacular sight.

After a moment of thought, Ye Pianpian said, "Suisui, to ensure Jiang Runlang is properly deceived, I won't go with you and your grandmother this time. I'll stay here and wait for your good news."

Shen Suining understood her intention and thanked her sincerely.

The next morning, Shen Suining, accompanied by her grandmother, Jiang Ji, and Jiang Yinuo, boarded Jiang Ji’s private jet.

On the plane, Jiang Yinuo clung affectionately to Shen Suining, chirping away like a little sparrow. He enthusiastically described the place where he and Jiang Ji had lived. "Mommy, there’s a beautiful swan lake right in front of our house. Every time Dad and I went for a walk, we would imagine what it would be like to have you with us. Now that it’s finally coming true, I’m so happy!" he said with excitement.

Shen Suining was moved by his description, as if she could already see the flock of swans gliding gracefully across the water. It was easy to imagine how peaceful and wonderful such a scene would be.

The more Jiang Yinuo talked, the more excited he became. He looked at Shen Suining with anticipation and asked, "Mommy, we can all live together abroad, right?"

Whether it was abroad or at home, as long as he was with his mother, Jiang Yinuo was happy.

Shen Suining, however, was stumped by the question. Staying abroad would indeed be a good way to distance themselves from Jiang Runlang and the Jiang family. But it would also mean letting her mentor down once again. She couldn't bring herself to do that.

She gently stroked Jiang Yinuo’s cheek. "I'm sorry, Yinuo, but Mommy doesn't have any plans to live abroad for now."

Hearing this, Jiang Yinuo didn't seem disappointed. Instead, he said optimistically, "Then Dad and I will just live here in the country with you!"

Shen Suining felt her heart soften, and she couldn't help but kiss Jiang Yinuo on the cheek. The boy immediately turned shy, though he couldn't hide a hint of pride. He cupped his chubby cheeks and glanced over at Jiang Ji, his triumphant look impossible to miss.

Seeing this, Jiang Ji tapped his tongue against his cheek and said, "Yinuo, go see if your grandmother is awake."

Jiang Yinuo wrinkled his little nose and huffed. "Dad, you're jealous of me again! You're just trying to get rid of me so you can have Mommy all to yourself. You're so mean!"

Jiang Ji looked perfectly calm, showing not a hint of guilt at being called out. Although Jiang Yinuo grumbled, he obediently slid off Shen Suining's lap and ran toward the lounge.

"Run slowly, Yinuo," Shen Suining called out behind him.

"I will, Mommy!" he chirped back.

Once the boy was out of earshot, Jiang Ji stood up and sat directly beside Shen Suining. He wrapped a long arm around her, pulling her onto his lap before she could protest, and playfully nipped her chin.

"Suisui, I really am a bit jealous," he murmured.

Shen Suining felt a mix of exasperation and helplessness. She pushed against his shoulder and said, "Yinuo is your son." Getting jealous of his own son was simply ridiculous.

Jiang Ji nuzzled into the crook of her neck. "That doesn't stop him from being an eyesore."

Shen Suining scolded him lightly, "What kind of father are you?"

Jiang Ji replied with shameless charm, "Then teach me, Suisui. I listen to my wife."

Shen Suining’s face flushed instantly. "Don't just call me that!" She wasn't his wife yet!

Jiang Ji lifted his head from her neck, his gaze turning serious. "Suisui, I know you’re already preparing for the divorce. Once you have the papers, let’s get married, okay?"

Counting it up, this was the second time he had proposed to her. Shen Suining bit her lower lip, unable to give him an answer.

Jiang Ji reached up, his thumb grazing her lips in a gentle caress. Lowering his voice, he whispered in her ear as if coaxing her, "Suisui, I really need a title."

Just as she was feeling overwhelmed, Jiang Yinuo burst out of the lounge, shouting, "Mommy! Grandmother is awake!"

Hearing this, Shen Suining immediately brushed Jiang Ji’s hand away, stood up, and hurried toward the boy. Jiang Ji sighed, rubbing his brow. *That brat, he must be out to get me!*

Collecting himself, Jiang Ji stood up and followed them into the lounge.

Inside, Grandmother was lying on the bed with a heavy, troubled expression. When she heard Shen Suining enter, her eyes filled with even more concern. She opened her mouth, wanting to ask so many things, but as her gaze fell upon Jiang Yinuo standing beside Shen Suining, she swallowed her words.

Unaware of her anxiety, Jiang Yinuo leaned enthusiastically against the bedside and introduced himself, "Grandmother, I'm Jiang Yinuo, Mommy's son!"