Chapter 36: It Is All Jiang Ze's Merit

The plane touched down at a private estate. Grandmother was settled directly into the manor, sparing her the need to stay in a hospital.

At first, Shen Suining had been somewhat anxious about this arrangement, but after seeing the medical team Jiang Ji had assembled, her worries completely vanished. Jiang Ji had even equipped the manor with the most advanced medical instruments, filling Shen Suining with gratitude.

Once Grandmother was settled and the doctors had finished their examination, confirming that everything was in order, the tension Shen Suining had carried throughout the journey finally dissipated. Emerging from her grandmother's room, she thanked Jiang Ji with heartfelt sincerity. Everything—the professional treatment and the care her grandmother was receiving—was all thanks to him.

Jiang Ji gently pulled Shen Suining into his arms and said, "This is only what I should do."

Shen Suining shook her head. That wasn't the right way to put it; in this world, nothing is ever owed. However, Jiang Ji didn't let her finish. "Suisui, you have to give me a chance to show Grandmother what I’m capable of. Otherwise, how is this grandson-in-law supposed to earn her approval?"

He spoke with such genuine warmth that it left Shen Suining feeling flustered. Although she had already explained the situation regarding herself, Jiang Ji, and Jiang Yinuo to her grandmother, it was clear that the old woman hadn't accepted it. Grandmother still clung to the belief that Jiang Yinuo was her biological granddaughter—otherwise, she would never have insisted that Shen Suining undergo a paternity test with the child. Shen Suining could easily foresee that as long as Grandmother believed the child was hers, she would never agree to a divorce from Jiang Runlang.

At the thought of this, Shen Suining felt deeply distressed. Her heavy heart did not go unnoticed by Jiang Ji, who watched her with concern. He took her hand and led her toward the master bedroom. Once inside, he asked softly, "What’s wrong? What are you thinking about, Suisui?"

Shen Suining shook her head, not wanting to share her inner turmoil. Seeing this, Jiang Ji didn't force the issue, though his eyes drooped into a pitiful, wounded expression. He looked at her, his tone tinged with grievance: "Suisui still doesn't see me as one of her own, does she?"

Shen Suining’s lips parted slightly; she truly couldn't handle seeing him like this. By all accounts—whether from the Jiang family or Ye Pianpian—Jiang Ji was a formidable, untouchable figure. How was it that in front of her, he often acted like a big, defenseless dog that could be bullied at will?

Seeing her staring at him in surprise, Jiang Ji pressed his advantage. "It’s alright, Suisui. I can wait. I’ll wait until you accept me and truly see me as one of your own."

But paired with his expression, the words felt insincere. Shen Suining was soft-natured by default and easily swayed. Jiang Ji had already done so much for her; she couldn't bring herself to heartlessly refuse him anything.

"I don't think of you as an outsider," she murmured. "I just didn't want you to worry along with me."

Jiang Ji knew she had softened toward him once again. Suppressing the urge to smile, he pinched her cheek and said, "But Suisui, haven't you considered that being able to do anything for you is my greatest happiness? I take it as a joy."

Shen Suining bit her lip, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. She truly couldn't understand why he would be so deeply devoted to her. Just as she was about to ask, Jiang Ji prompted, "So, can you tell me now? What were you thinking about earlier?"

Finally, she voiced her fear. "I'm worried that Grandmother won't agree to the divorce."

At these words, Jiang Ji was genuinely displeased. If it weren't for the fact that she was Shen Suining's grandmother—an elderly woman—he might have struggled to contain his temper. As it was, he had no choice but to endure.

"I understand," Jiang Ji said. "In the eyes of the older generation, marriage is meant to last a lifetime."

Shen Suining was surprised by his response; she had expected him to grow dark-faced at the mention of her marriage. She couldn't resist leaning in to get a closer look at his expression. Her adorable curiosity made Jiang Ji chuckle.

He intentionally put on a stern face. "What? Is Suisui worried that I hold a grudge against Grandmother?"

Shen Suining playfully nodded. "Yes, I was worried that if you were unhappy, you might stop her treatment."

"Is that how you think of me?" Now, Jiang Ji was truly offended.

Shen Suining immediately shook her head vigorously. "No, no! I was just joking!"

Jiang Ji remained stony-faced, instantly filling Shen Suining with regret. A joke is only a joke if both parties find it amusing, and she had clearly crossed a line.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say something to upset you," she said, bowing her head. She could have kicked herself. *Shen Suining, do you have no heart? He has done so much for you, and you say something like that—isn't that just meant to break his heart?*

Jiang Ji sighed silently, reached out, and tilted her chin up so she would look at him. "Suisui, you don't need to apologize. I’m not angry."

But his words only made her feel guiltier. She knew this was his indulgence, but she couldn't allow herself to be unprincipled and reckless just because of it.

The next moment, she heard him say, "Actually, I'm a little happy. The fact that you can joke with me shows that you’re opening your heart to me. Suisui, I’m very glad."

Overwhelmed, she finally asked the question that had been burning within her. "Jiang Ji, did we really know each other before? Why are you so..." *Why do you love me so much?*

She couldn't even bring herself to finish the sentence. She had absolutely no memory of ever meeting him.

Jiang Ji did not hold back; he answered her question directly. "It’s a bit sad to say, but when you were dancing at the school anniversary, I was sitting in the audience."

Shen Suining was stunned. How could that be? She hadn't noticed him at all. She had only seen Jiang Runlang on stage.

"It was love at first sight," Jiang Ji said.