章 33: A Grandfather's Meddling

The dining room at the Jiang estate was alive with an air of tension and unease as Feng Ruoxi and Jiang Yukang sat at opposite ends of the long table, both maintaining a carefully constructed facade of polite indifference.

The sound of the door opening drew their attention, and in strode Jiang Zhiming, Jiang Yukang's grandfather, carrying a box filled with Feng Ruoxi's belongings. A small, amused smile played on the old man's lips as he took in the scene before him.

"Ah, I see the two lovebirds are already settling in," Jiang Zhiming said, his tone laced with a hint of teasing. He placed the box on the table and gestured towards it. "I've brought the rest of your things, my dear. I trust you'll find everything in order."

Feng Ruoxi inclined her head, her expression neutral. "Thank you, Elder Jiang. I appreciate you taking the time to gather my belongings."

Jiang Yukang's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze flickering between his grandfather and his betrothed. "Grandfather, I didn't expect you to join us for dinner."

Jiang Zhiming chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I couldn't very well let the two of you have all the fun, now could I?" He pulled out a chair and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the table. "Now, shall we discuss the arrangements for this marriage?"

Feng Ruoxi arched a brow, her tone laced with a touch of skepticism. "Arrangements? I was under the impression that the particulars had already been settled."

Jiang Zhiming waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, my dear. There are always details to be worked out. After all, this is a union between two powerful families. We must ensure that everything is done properly."

Jiang Yukang's expression remained impassive, but Feng Ruoxi could see the subtle tension in his shoulders. "Grandfather, I'm quite capable of handling the arrangements with Madam Jiang."

Jiang Zhiming chuckled, his gaze shifting to Feng Ruoxi. "I'm sure you are, my boy. But I'm afraid I can't help but be curious about the... dynamics of this relationship."

Feng Ruoxi met the old man's gaze evenly, her own lips curving into a faint, sardonic smile. "Dynamics, you say? Well, I suppose you could start by outlining the rules and expectations you have for this marriage."

Jiang Zhiming's brows rose in amusement. "Rules and expectations, you say? My dear, this is no mere business arrangement. This is a union of two hearts, a joining of two lives."

Feng Ruoxi's expression remained unperturbed. "Be that as it may, I believe it's important to establish clear boundaries and responsibilities from the outset. After all, we wouldn't want any... misunderstandings."

Jiang Yukang's jaw tightened, and Feng Ruoxi could see the subtle flash of annoyance in his eyes. "Madam Jiang has a point, Grandfather. Perhaps we should discuss the specifics of our arrangement."

Jiang Zhiming's gaze shifted between the two, his expression alight with barely contained mirth. "Very well, then. By all means, let's hear Madam Jiang's thoughts on the matter."

Feng Ruoxi took a sip of her tea, her movements unhurried and deliberate. "For starters, I expect to have my own space and autonomy within this household. I have no intention of being a mere ornament or a servant to be commanded."

Jiang Zhiming nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Reasonable enough. And what of the matter of children?"

Feng Ruoxi's brow arched slightly. "Children? I believe that's a discussion best left for Jiang Yukang and myself to have in private."

Jiang Yukang's gaze flickered with something akin to amusement. "Madam Jiang is quite right. That is a very personal matter."

Jiang Zhiming chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Of course, of course. I wouldn't dream of prying. However, as the head of this family, I do have a vested interest in the continuation of the Jiang lineage."

Feng Ruoxi's lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. "I'm sure you do, Elder Jiang. But I believe that's a concern best left to the younger generation to sort out."

Jiang Yukang's gaze met Feng Ruoxi's, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with a palpable tension. Jiang Zhiming observed the exchange, his expression one of open amusement.

"Well, it would seem the two of you have much to discuss," the old man said, rising from his seat. "I'll leave you to it, then. But do try to remember that the continuation of this family is of the utmost importance."

With a final nod, Jiang Zhiming took his leave, the sound of his footsteps fading into the distance. Feng Ruoxi and Jiang Yukang were left alone, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions.

After a moment, Jiang Yukang spoke, his voice low and measured. "You handled that rather... delicately, Madam Jiang."

Feng Ruoxi's lips quirked into a faint, sardonic smile. "I aim to please, Young Master Jiang. Though I must admit, your grandfather's interest in the continuation of the Jiang lineage was rather... pointed."

Jiang Yukang's gaze narrowed slightly. "My grandfather can be... overbearing at times. But I assure you, any decisions regarding children will be ours, and ours alone."

Feng Ruoxi inclined her head, her expression unreadable. "I'm glad to hear that, Young Master Jiang. After all, I have no intention of being a mere incubator for your family's legacy."

Jiang Yukang's lips curved into a faint, amused smile. "Rest assured, Madam Jiang, I have no desire to treat you as such. You are my equal in this marriage, whether you like it or not."

Feng Ruoxi arched a brow, a hint of challenge gleaming in her eyes. "We shall see, Young Master Jiang. We shall see."

The air between them crackled with a tension that was both exhilarating and unnerving, a delicate dance of wills and unspoken desires. Jiang Zhiming's departure had left them alone, and the stage was set for a battle of wits and wills that neither was willing to back down from.

As the evening drew to a close, Feng Ruoxi couldn't help but wonder what the future held. One thing was certain – with Jiang Yukang by her side, her life was about to become a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns. And she couldn't wait to see what surprises lay in store.

The silence that followed was palpable, punctuated only by the soft clink of silverware against china as they continued their meal. Feng Ruoxi couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about the man sitting across from her. Jiang Yukang was an enigma, a man whose aloof demeanor belied a sharp intelligence and a subtle strength that both intrigued and unsettled her.

As if sensing her gaze, Jiang Yukang raised his eyes to meet hers, one brow arched in silent question. "Is something the matter, Madam Jiang?"

Feng Ruoxi shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Not at all, Young Master Jiang. I was merely... contemplating the particulars of our arrangement."

Jiang Yukang's own lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. "Ah, yes. The arrangement. Tell me, Madam Jiang, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

Feng Ruoxi leaned back in her chair, her gaze never leaving his. "Well, as I've said, I expect a certain degree of autonomy and independence within this household. I have no desire to be a mere ornament or a pawn in your family's plans."

Jiang Yukang nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Understandable. And what of your other... expectations?"

Feng Ruoxi's brow arched, a hint of challenge gleaming in her eyes. "Oh, I have quite a few. But I believe those are matters best discussed in private, don't you agree?"

Jiang Yukang's gaze narrowed slightly, and Feng Ruoxi could see the faint flicker of interest in his eyes. "As you wish, Madam Jiang. I'm sure we'll have ample opportunity to discuss the specifics of our arrangement in the days to come."

The air between them crackled with an undercurrent of tension, a delicate dance of wills and unspoken desires. Feng Ruoxi felt a thrill of anticipation at the prospect of navigating this new and uncharted territory with Jiang Yukang.

As the evening drew to a close, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. One thing was certain – with Jiang Yukang by her side, her life was about to become a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns. And she couldn't wait to see what surprises lay in store.

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