Chapter 11: A Gift? None!

Trash, a man living off women. A coward who hides behind women! One after another, these labels were first affixed to him by Su Tianming. In the past two years, they spread throughout Maple Leaf City, making him the laughingstock of the town. Before, although he was resentful, he could only endure it with forced patience. But now, he was not the man he used to be. Why should he continue to endure?

Yet, he had no interest in verbal sparring, games that amounted to nothing more than childish quarrels. If he could settle matters with action, why waste words? Jiang Hao’s gaze sharpened as he prepared to act.

But Su Qingli quickly grabbed his arm, her face anxious. “Let’s go! Grandmother’s banquet is about to begin!” Without waiting for his reply, she dragged him through the main gates of the Su family’s manor.

The Su family had been established in Maple Leaf City for a hundred years. Though they didn’t quite reach the heights of the great clans, their legacy ran deep, and everything in the main house was of exceptional quality. The living room was already bustling, filled with guests and the clinking of glasses, lively and festive.

Su Qingli led Jiang Hao to a quiet corner, her brows furrowed, her face full of regret. “Why did you confront Su Tianming head-on? Wasn’t that just inviting trouble?” she scolded. “You know how petty he is—he never lets anything go. You embarrassed him in public; he won’t forgive you! Try to stay out of his way during the banquet, so he doesn't cause you trouble!”

Jiang Hao responded with a scornful laugh, coldly mocking, “Su Qingli, in the two years I’ve been married into the Su family, when have I not hidden in a corner at every banquet? Oh, wait—sometimes I’m not even allowed the corner, because your family treats me like a dog, locking me away in the bathroom! And you, apart from your hollow words of comfort, what have you ever done for me? As for trouble, are you worried I’ll cause trouble, or that I’ll cause trouble for you? Don’t you know the answer yourself?”

With that, Jiang Hao turned away and found a secluded spot to sit, eating and drinking as he pleased, no longer the humble figure he once was. Su Qingli stared at his back, tears slipping down her cheeks, unable to control them. Her heart was filled with guilt. For the first time, she realized how much Jiang Hao had given for her—while she had done so little for him. How could she possibly make it up to him now? Su Qingli was lost in a haze of confusion.

Her bewilderment didn’t last long, for the banquet soon began. Since it was a seventieth birthday celebration, the ritual of gift-giving and congratulations was essential. Families like the Su’s valued hierarchy above all, and even birthday blessings followed a strict order.

Madam Su, despite her seventy years, sat radiant at the head of the room, beaming as her three sons offered their congratulations. Then it was the turn of the eldest grandson, Su Tianming. He brought forth an exquisite brocade box, presenting it respectfully before Madam Su, his face full of pride as he smiled, “Grandmother, your grandson wishes you happiness as boundless as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains! I’ve also found a gift for you—please see if you like it!”

At this moment, Madam Su’s eyes grew brighter and brighter as she looked into the box, until she could no longer remain seated and exclaimed in surprise, “Is this... a thousand-year-old wild ginseng?”

“Indeed, it is!” Su Tianming nodded proudly, trying to appear humble. “Grandmother, I spent more than half a year searching across the country and paid two million for this wild ginseng! It’s for you, to strengthen your health, prolong your years, and keep you well!”

For the elderly, nothing is more frightening than death. Wild ginseng of such rarity is a treasure for longevity. Moreover, a thousand-year-old wild ginseng could save a life in critical moments. This gift was perfectly tailored to Madam Su’s desires, and she called out in delight, “Good grandson! Truly my good grandson! All my love for you has not been in vain!” Her laughter rang out.

The guests were equally astonished, whispering among themselves. “My goodness, Tianming really outdid himself! No wonder the old lady loves him best.” “Who wouldn’t? That’s a thousand-year-old wild ginseng; anyone would be thrilled!” “Looks like the Su family will fall into Tianming’s hands in the future—we’d do well to get close to him now, while we still can!”

The effect of the wild ginseng changed everyone’s view of Su Tianming. Only one person snorted in disdain when he saw the so-called thousand-year-old wild ginseng. That was Jiang Hao.

With all the praise filling the air, Su Tianming, pleased with himself, caught sight of Jiang Hao’s sneer. His face immediately darkened. After a moment, a sly smile appeared. He raised his voice deliberately and addressed Jiang Hao, “Jiang Hao, though you married into the Su family, you are still Grandmother’s junior. May I ask what gift you’ve prepared for her?”

Su Tianming looked Jiang Hao up and down, his tone mocking, “But looking at you—empty-handed as ever—did you not prepare anything at all?”

Jiang Hao had not come to celebrate, so naturally he hadn’t prepared a gift. He simply shrugged, unabashed, “As you said, I haven’t.”