Chapter 21: Grandfather Will Be Your Strongest Backing

The words of the venerable Jiang struck Jiang Li like a thunderclap on a clear day, leaving her mind utterly blank. After a dizzy spell, she nearly fainted. The pain—heart-wrenching and unbearable—felt as if countless ants were gnawing at her very heart.

“My… sob… my Youyou!” Jiang Li cried out in agony before losing consciousness once more.

Elder Jiang Zhenting watched his granddaughter with deep concern and quickly summoned the family doctor.

At that moment, Xie Yun arrived, dressed in a fresh outfit. Her bloodstained face and hands had been carefully cleaned. Still graceful and elegant, she wore a sky-blue qipao that epitomized the dignity of a noble lady.

“Chairman Jiang!” Just like in her days as secretary, Xie Yun greeted Jiang Zhenting with utmost respect.

Seeing Xie Yun’s capable demeanor and composed appearance, Elder Jiang’s face filled with guilt. “All these years, you stayed single to care for Xiao Li. You’ve worked so hard.”

Tears welled in Xie Yun’s eyes. “It’s nothing. But you’re getting older—please take care of your health.”

“Good. But Secretary Xie, my son’s family met with a tragedy. What is your perspective?”

Bowing her head humbly, Xie Yun replied, “President Jiang is kind-hearted, and so is Ms. Lin Dan. Young Master Jiang Che is accomplished despite his youth. None of them seem to have made enemies.”

“Go on,” Jiang Zhenting said, his expression one of appreciation as he looked at the composed Xie Yun.

“This plane crash seems less like an accident and more like a deliberate murder plot. When two parties fight, a third benefits. So, who would most hope to see Jiang Corporation leaderless and seize the opportunity?”

Xie Yun’s words prompted Jiang Zhenting to narrow his eyes as he studied her. “If you say who benefits most, Secretary Xie, would it be you and Xiao Li?”

Flustered, Xie Yun denied it. “Never! Chairman Jiang, you can investigate. If I ever had such intentions, I wouldn’t have avoided coming to Jiang City all these years.”

Jiang Zhenting nodded. “I trust your character. Even if you were cornered with no way out, you wouldn’t take that path.”

“Yes. Since I promised you, Chairman, to stay away from here, I won’t cause any trouble for President Jiang.”

“Very well. Then, in your opinion, who is most likely behind this plane incident?”

***

Lowering her eyebrows in thought, Xie Yun said, “So far, I can’t confirm if it involves the Jiang Jintao family, but I will investigate thoroughly and uncover the truth.”

Elder Jiang nodded. “Thank you, Secretary Xie. I haven’t come to see you and Xiao Li all these years, yet you remain trustworthy as always.”

Xie Yun inclined her head. “I will never forget that after graduating, it was President Jiang who personally promoted me to work at Jiang Corporation. Even as a secretary, I restrain myself—listening more, speaking less, working meticulously and seriously.”

Jiang Zhenting nodded again. At that moment, Jiang Li regained consciousness, her eyes heavy with fatigue as she looked at Elder Jiang.

“Grandpa, can you give me a few people? I want to find Chen Shaojie—I need to force him to tell me where Youyou is. I want to…” Before she could finish, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she staggered backward.

Hearing Jiang Li’s words, Jiang Zhenting steadied himself with his cane and stood. Dressed in a white Zhongshan suit, his gaze bore a hint of weariness as he looked at her.

“Don’t ask if it’s possible. In this family, you are the heir of Jiang Corporation. Whatever you wish to do, do it boldly. From now on, I will have Assistant Lin Fan and your mother, Secretary Xie Yun, assist you.”

Jiang Zhenting’s words confused Jiang Li. She glanced at Lin Fan, a man in his forties, then at her mother.

“Grandpa, do you mean to have my mother serve as secretary? Does that mean you only recognize me, the granddaughter, and not my mother?”

Xie Yun was about to object but was interrupted by Jiang Zhenting. “Yes. If it ever became public that there’s an illegitimate daughter or that Secretary Xie is your mother, it would cause unnecessary trouble. So, for now, I want to keep it confidential. Only then can the person who harmed your biological father be exposed.”

“Grandpa, I understand. Rest assured, my mother and I will work hard at Jiang Corporation, uncover the truth quickly, and improve ourselves.”

“Good. Xiao Li, remember, Jiang Corporation will be yours. I’m giving you one month. After one month, I will hold a shareholders' meeting to announce the transfer of assets. Your time is limited—just one month—so you must strengthen yourself and earn the respect of others.”

“Yes, Grandpa. I will work hard this month. But may I use all the resources under Jiang Corporation to search for my daughter and deal with those I must?”

“Of course. Without ruthlessness, a man is no man; without toughness, a woman’s position is unstable. Xiao Li, remember, I am your strongest backing. The Jiang conglomerate’s assets, worth trillions, are at your disposal. Assistant Lin Fan, Steward Zhang, and your mother will assist you. Also, one of my prized protégés, Ji Han from the Minsheng Hospital, will come to help you in a month.”

“Ji Han? The surgeon from Yun City People’s Hospital?”

***

Jiang Li felt a pang of guilt. Was Ji Han really her university classmate? If so, he had helped her many times before. She hadn’t realized he was also her grandfather’s favored disciple.

Speaking of protégés, Jiang Li nodded at her grandfather, her thoughts drifting to Qin Mu.

“Grandpa, thank you for everything. Dr. Ji Han has been a great help—I welcome his assistance. But you also have another protégé named Qin Mu. If I take control of the corporation, I want to handle some matters personally. If I err, I hope you’ll guide me. Qin Mu is the one I hate most.”

Elder Jiang’s deep eyes were bloodshot. He looked meaningfully at his granddaughter.

“Very well. I am willing to bet everything on you. Consider this month a time to hone your skills. No matter right or wrong, I will support you wholeheartedly.”

“Thank you, Grandpa!” Jiang Li forced a faint smile on her pale face, though it was painfully strained. At this moment, she knew her smile was full of suffering.

But to rally herself and avenge her daughter, she had to become strong first.

“Zhang, bring me some food. I need to eat and recover quickly to do what I must.”

“Yes, Miss. I’ll get it right away! By the way, these jewelry pieces, clothes, and bags were prepared by Elder Jiang. He arranges two sets every quarter. Min, if anything doesn’t fit, let us know immediately—we’ll take care of it.”

Jiang Li nodded. “Thank you, Steward Zhang. But my mother…”

Her mother, Xie Yun, approached calmly. “Xiao Li, don’t hesitate. Do what you want and what you must. I’m always behind you supporting you. Elder Jiang has already prepared a room and clothes for me. For now, we must endure humiliation and learn new skills. Also, when you’re outside, just call me Secretary Xie.”

Jiang Li blinked back tears as she looked at her mother, feeling a mix of emotions.

Then Elder Jiang took a deep breath and said, “Endure just one month. After that, I will give you both a satisfactory answer.”