Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 543 - 527 Premeditated Kidnapping (2)

"Auntie." Hua Jun held onto her frail shoulders, speaking earnestly to comfort her: "You must hold on. You’re not left with nothing. You still have your grandson—he is your closest kin."

"That’s right, Yanyan." Ye Binyi’s pale lips moved slightly, and her heart, which had turned to ashes, lit up once more. She subconsciously grabbed Hua Jun’s hand. "Yanyan is Jinghuai’s bloodline, a child of our Jiang Family."

"Ah Jun, it was you who reminded me." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"How could Yanyan be controlled by that vixen? I’ll bring him back." Thinking about her time in the hospital, and the memorial service for Jinghuai when Yanyan hadn’t shown up, Ye Binyi’s heart ached intensely.

But then she thought again: He’s just a small child—what does he understand?

It must be that heartless woman, Tian Sangsang. She must have stopped Yanyan from coming. Not letting him attend Jinghuai’s memorial service was bad enough, but she even hid the news of her hospitalization from Yanyan, preventing him from visiting her.

Otherwise, why wouldn’t Yanyan come see her?

He’s so well-behaved and sensible. If he knew his beloved grandmother was hospitalized, there’s no way he wouldn’t come.

Ye Binyi let out a quiet sigh, unknowingly tightening her grip on Hua Jun’s hand: "But that woman, Tian Sangsang, clings to Yanyan so tightly. She’s deliberately preventing him from having any contact with us."

"Then why not have Sangsang return? Since she married Jinghuai, she’s the daughter-in-law of the Jiang Family. She’s not just herself anymore; she bears the responsibility of our Jiang Family. I believe, Auntie, if you explain this to her sincerely and with reason, she’ll come back."

Ye Binyi sneered inwardly, thinking Hua Jun is far too kind and way too naïve. That vixen Tian Sangsang only cares about herself; what does she know about the responsibilities of the Jiang Family? She clings to her son, she refuses to support the elders; and if she won’t support the elders, why doesn’t she get a divorce? There’s no woman as shameless as her!

Hua Jun lowered her gaze, a flash of cold hostility passing through her eyes. Why should she have everything—a husband, and now two children—while others deserve separation and loss?

**

The next day, Jin Zhi came to start work at Yipin Xiangju.

Early in the morning, just past seven, Tian Sangsang arrived late, yawning and supporting her swollen waist.

These days are full of early risers, and the streets were already bustling with people coming and going.

As soon as she spotted the shop entrance, she saw Jin Zhi standing there, completely upright.

"Boss." Jin Zhi glanced at her with a touch of worry, noticing her sleepy eyes despite her pregnancy.

"How long have you been here?" Tian Sangsang asked kindly, feeling a twinge of surprise.

The red-light district is quite a distance from here. Jin Zhi had managed to come so early—whether walking or by car—it reflected her good attitude. Tian Sangsang silently noted this.

"I just got here. You’re the one who’s up early, Boss."

Jin Zhi said, "You’re in such a late stage of pregnancy, you should sleep in a bit longer."

Tian Sangsang didn’t comment and silently took out the keys to unlock the door. With the pregnancy being advanced, she thought exercising more was better.

"Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Jin Zhi didn’t expect the question, paused, and replied blankly, "I did. I ate before coming."

**

In the following days, Jin Zhi followed Tian Sangsang around learning everything.

Whatever Tian Sangsang asked her to do, Jin Zhi did. Her hands were quick and capable.

Sometimes, without Tian Sangsang’s instructions, she would fetch water and cloth to wipe down the coffee table, counters, and other areas.

She wasn’t lazy.

Her memory was excellent—when Tian Sangsang first explained the product attributes, Jin Zhi jotted notes in a small notebook, but later she didn’t need it anymore.

Tian Sangsang also trained her in bookkeeping. She could record daily transactions very clearly.

Whether it was due to how hard-won this job was or other reasons, Jin Zhi devoted herself earnestly to learning and working hard.

She was a driven learner.

The arrival of a new employee undoubtedly stirred interest among the regular customers.

Jin Zhi treated them all politely, which made them quite fond of her.

Tian Sangsang noticed that Jin Zhi wasn’t shy at all; she was calm and confident.

Before long, Jin Zhi acclimated to the shop’s operations. Though the commute was far, she seemed willing to persevere. The workplace was clean and relaxed, and bit by bit, she even grew fond of skincare products. By interacting with various people, she learned a lot and found her mood had brightened considerably.

While these things brought joy, amidst them lingered a faint melancholy—she hadn’t seen Mr. Zhao in days.

That day, around noon, just before closing, Tian Sangsang called Jin Zhi over.

"Boss, any instructions?"

She was perfectly fine, except her formal politeness was almost excessive. Tian Sangsang often felt as though she were living in Republic-era China.

"From now on, just call me Sangsang Jie—Sister Sangsang. I’m only two years older than you."

But Jin Zhi couldn’t bring herself to do it.

In her eyes, the boss and customers were her livelihood; she wouldn’t dare get too familiar. This attitude shaped her actions over time.

Seeing her nervous caution, Tian Sangsang chose not to insist.

"I heard from Zhao Chun that your home is very far. Do you walk here every day?"

Jin Zhi nodded nervously, dipping her head low: "I walk."

"Is that affecting your work?" Tian Sangsang asked, seemingly pondering something.

Jin Zhi panicked, softly biting her lip: "Boss, don’t worry. I wake up early every day. It won’t affect my schedule."

"That’s not what I meant," Tian Sangsang said. "If you’re willing, you can move in with me. I usually live in a courtyard house; it’s empty most of the time anyway."

With a bang, Jin Zhi’s mind nearly exploded. She raised her eyes, a flicker of light shining in them only to dim again. Tian Sangsang could see her hesitation and added, "I won’t charge you rent. Think of it as being included in your job. If you want, you can cook your own meals there. For utility bills, I’ll just deduct a bit from your pay. As a young woman living alone, it’s not very safe. This street is lively and full of familiar faces—nothing unexpected will happen."

Jin Zhi’s eyes welled up, yet she bit her lip and stayed silent.

Why couldn’t she just make up her mind? Tian Sangsang shook her head helplessly. Right then, Zhao Chun arrived with Meng Shuyan in tow. Spotting this "big sister," Meng Shuyan looked at her with curiosity.

It was Jin Zhi’s first time seeing such an adorable child, and she responded to him with a warm smile.

"This is Sister Jin Zhi," Tian Sangsang said, placing her hand on her son’s head. She particularly enjoyed this gesture, never fearful of stunting his growth.

"Sister Jin Zhi," Meng Shuyan said obediently, relishing his mom’s touch as he greeted her.

Jin Zhi smiled lightly and responded with a soft, "Mm-hm."

"He’s my son," Tian Sangsang explained.

Jin Zhi suddenly understood.

That was the third time Jin Zhi had seen Zhao Chun, but she left soon after. Tian Sangsang turned to Zhao Chun and said, "Boss Zhao, I’d like to trouble you with something."

Zhao Chun replied, "Empress Dowager, feel free to say it."

Tian Sangsang let out a wry chuckle: "I just asked Jin Zhi to move in with me. She didn’t agree, but she didn’t refuse either. I think she’s finding it hard to take the initiative, so I need to make the first move. Could you help her move?"

Zhao Chun recoiled in mock terror, taking a few steps back: "You’re not getting some sneaky ideas, are you?"

Tian Sangsang answered casually, "No tricks this time. You’re the only strong man around here."