Volume One, Chapter Two: How Did She Know!

"Why is Sister Xu in such a hurry? Did something happen?"

"The Jiang family has made it onto the liquidation list! Jiang Yingli must have come back to ask Sister Xu for help!"

"Yingli always kept a low profile, but I never thought she’d end up on the list too."

"Who could have known? I heard the Jiangs used to be big capitalists—when the country was founded, they donated eighty percent of their assets just to avoid confiscation."

"Shh! Sister Xu is back!"

The crowd quickly dispersed. Sister Xu entered the office with a man in tow, and the scattered heads pressed together again.

"Why did Sister Xu bring the King of Hell here?"

"Yeah, do you think Yingli's going to get scolded?"

"Probably not scolded—at worst, she’ll be dismissed."

But the scene they imagined did not unfold in the office. The so-called King of Hell was beaming at Jiang Yingli with obsequious enthusiasm.

"Comrade Jiang, I heard you’re planning to donate all of the Jiang family’s assets?"

"Yes, about one million, but I hope the organization and the state can give me a certificate and a commendation."

"You all know the situation at my home. After the donation, I wish to go to the countryside as an educated youth and help build the rural areas!"

A certificate and a commendation were not hard to arrange, but letting someone on the liquidation list become an educated youth in the countryside was a different matter.

The stern-faced official frowned in thought.

A million was no small sum. If this could be published in the papers, even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be commended. It had been a long time since they’d received such recognition.

Jiang Yingli’s background was unique: the Jiang family were red capitalists, and the liquidation had not yet begun. There was still room to maneuver.

Weighing the pros and cons, he nodded decisively. "Very well! But for the entire donation process, I want someone from the reporting team to follow up."

Jiang Yingli agreed and suggested they go to the Jiang residence to inventory the assets that very afternoon.

With liquidation imminent, it was best to donate early and put her mind at ease.

After being treated to a lunch in the canteen, the team brought cameras and followed her to the Jiang home.

At the door, one of the reporters lifted a microphone and asked, "Comrade Jiang, may I ask what made you decide to donate all the Jiang family’s wealth?"

Jiang Yingli smiled gently, but her words inspired all who heard them.

"My grandfather fought in the War of Resistance. He understood the hardships facing our country and dedicated his life to public welfare. As his granddaughter, I should follow his example!"

With that, she took out her keys and unlocked the door.

Jiang Jingguo, hearing the commotion, quickly stood up to ask where she’d been, but his attention was immediately caught by the two officials behind her. He swallowed his words.

He worked at a newspaper himself and knew full well that at moments like this, one had to display a positive image.

"Yingli, this is...?" His eyes behind the glasses were full of questions.

"Oh, I’m donating the Jiang family’s assets to the organization. The country needs us!"

Jiang Jingguo’s ears rang, and he wondered if he’d misheard.

Donating?

Watching them head toward the study, reality sank in—Jiang Yingli wasn’t lying! She really was giving away all the Jiang family’s assets!

No! He couldn’t let them into the basement! There was hardly anything left down there!

Normally, Jiang Yingli paid no attention to the family’s possessions, so over the years he’d nearly emptied out the basement without her ever noticing. Why was she suddenly acting out and talking about donations today?

"Yingli, why didn’t you tell me about the donation? I am a member of the Jiang family too, after all."

Jiang Yingli turned, her gaze playful. "Brother, haven’t you also kept things from me?"

Jiang Jingguo’s face changed colors like a palette, shifting rapidly in a fascinating display.

With a provocative smile, Jiang Yingli grasped the study’s door handle, ready to push it open.

"Wait—the two comrades should take a seat first. I need to speak with her privately."

Jiang Jingguo spoke urgently. The reporters, recognizing him as the manager of the Zhonglong News Agency, were happy to oblige and turned off their cameras, settling onto the sofa.

After serving two cups of coffee, Jiang Jingguo pulled Jiang Yingli into the study, his tone turning harsh. "Jiang Yingli, what do you know?"

Her eyes swept the bookshelves before finally landing on his face. She clutched her chest in anguish, her eyes reddening.

"Brother! Why didn’t you tell me the Jiang family was on the liquidation list? I’m part of this family too!"

Jiang Jingguo exhaled in relief. So, she didn’t know!

The secret that he was not a true Jiang had long since been carried to the afterlife by those who knew. How could she possibly find out?

He himself had only learned the truth when those men had come to the door. The Jiangs took him in simply because they had no son and wanted him to carry on the family name. Their kindness had always been calculated.

Relaxing, he returned to his usual refined demeanor and spoke warmly, "You just got back to the country, little sister, and you don’t understand the situation here. I didn’t want you to worry for nothing."

"Brother, how could it be nothing? I’m part of this family, and I should do my part for the Jiangs!" Jiang Yingli declared, her fists clenched with determination.

Then she took his hand. "Brother, I’ve discussed it with the leaders. Once we donate the money, we’ll go to the countryside as educated youth! It’ll all be fine once this is over!"

A flicker of distaste passed over Jiang Jingguo’s face. What farm work could Jiang Yingli possibly do? In the end, everything would fall on his shoulders.

Still, he looked deeply moved and finally refused, "Little sister, I can endure hardship, but you can’t! If the money is gone, what will we live on?"

"Brother! If we’re being liquidated, will we have anything to eat or use? Do you want to be paraded through the streets, live in a cowshed, or work the land with dignity?"

"You—"

Of course Jiang Jingguo knew being an educated youth was better, but what he wanted was not to go to the countryside penniless but to escape to Hong Kong and remain a wealthy young master!

Jiang Yingli relished his frustrated yet speechless expression, patting him on the shoulder.

"Don’t worry, brother, I won’t let them drag you through the streets for public humiliation!"

As if! She wanted Jiang Jingguo to be famous across the entire country!

She let go and turned to open the study door, but Jiang Jingguo pressed her hand down.

Jiang Yingli played her part, looking suspicious.

"Brother, why are you stopping me? Are you hiding something from me? Are you not really a Jiang? Did you smuggle out and sell the family’s assets? Or do you have a lover outside waiting for your money?"

With each accusation, Jiang Jingguo’s face darkened, until it was as black as charcoal.

Even Jiang Yingli could hear his heart pounding, a sure sign of his guilt.

With nerves like these, he wanted to go to Hong Kong? He’d just be sending himself to his doom with all that money!

Jiang Jingguo eyed her warily. How did she happen to mention every single thing he’d done?

Did she know, or was she just fishing for a reaction?

Jiang Yingli suddenly turned her head; he didn’t have time to compose himself, and she caught every fleeting emotion.

"Brother, what’s with that look? Don’t tell me I’m right? You have someone outside? It’s Gu Man, isn’t it! I knew it!"

Before he could protest, she’d already brought up Gu Man.

"I only suspected before, but today Gu Man was seen at the overseas Chinese store with a man. They were laughing and chatting, and he even wanted to buy her an amethyst necklace!"

As soon as she finished, she clapped a hand over her mouth as if she’d said too much, her bright eyes darting mischievously.