I Am Already A Queen

Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Thought The Gift Was For Her

With the terrifying roar of the machine bearing down on them at breakneck speed, terror completely overpowered their greed. Scrambling frantically, they threw themselves sideways onto the gravel shoulder.

A split-second later, the superbike blasted past them like a black lightning bolt, the fierce gust of wind nearly knocking them off their feet. Had they delayed their jump by even a fraction of a second, the outcome would have been fatal.

By 9:00 PM, Qiao Meixia pulled up to the primary Jiang Family Residence. She parked her superbike neatly inside the spacious multi-car garage and made her way through the main entrance. However, just as she crossed the edge of the grand foyer, a sharp, piercing voice echoed from the central living room.

”Qiao Meixia! Where on earth have you been gallivanting off to for the past two days? What kind of lowlife scum have you been hanging around with this time?!” Feng Lan shrieked, bounding over and thrusting an accusing finger directly at Qiao Meixia’s face.

Qiao Meixia’s dark eyes flickered with a dangerous coldness at the sharp word scum.

”Your father-in-law and mother-in-law.” Qiao Meixia stated flatly.

”What?” Feng Lan froze in her tracks, completely caught off guard by the clipped response. ”What on earth is that supposed to mean?!”

”The lowlife scums you were just referring to.” Qiao Meixia replied deadpan.

”You... you insolent—!” Feng Lan stammered, her face turning red as she found herself entirely rendered speechless.

”Feel free to call and verify with them directly.” Qiao Meixia added passively.

Without sparing another glance for her fuming mother, Qiao Meixia turned on her heel and glided toward the grand staircase. As she ascended toward the second floor, she immediately ran into Jiang Yanna, who was standing near the landing.

Jiang Yanna let out a sudden, awkward cough the moment her eyes met Qiao Meixia’s stoic gaze. Having overheard her mother’s loud shouting from downstairs, she had subtly crept out of her bedroom to spy on the commotion, never expecting Qiao Meixia to come marching upstairs so quickly.

Having absolutely nothing to say to her, Qiao Meixia casually brushed past her without breaking her stride, heading straight into her private room and shutting the door behind her.

Defeated, Jiang Yanna made her way downstairs to the living room.

”Mom, are you alright?” Jiang Yanna asked softly, observing her mother standing frozen in the middle of the room with a strangely pale complexion.

”Yanna... it seems that girl spent the entire weekend over at your grandparents’ ancestral estate.” Feng Lan said, her voice trembling slightly.

”Oh... I see. But why do you look so visibly shaken, Mom?” Jiang Yanna inquired, stepping closer.

”I foolishly asked her, ’What kind of lowlife scum have you been hanging around with this time?’—and she blatantly replied, ’My father-in-law and mother-in-law!’ If your grandparents ever find out that I inadvertently referred to them as scum, they will thoroughly skin me alive!” Feng Lan confessed in sheer panic.

”Mom, please don’t worry yourself over it.” Jiang Yanna offered smoothly, patting her mother’s arm in a comforting manner. ”No one will say a single word to Grandpa and Grandma. They will remain completely in the dark about this whole misunderstanding.”

”Are you certain? What if that girl deliberately runs to them to file a complaint?” Feng Lan asked nervously, her brow furrowed with anxiety.

”Mom, you ought to have realised it by now.” Jiang Yanna reassured her with a gentle, soothing smile. ”Sister Meixia is naturally quiet and detached. She is not the type of person who likes to stir up drama or carry tales. She definitely would not say anything to them.”

”Yes... Yes, you are entirely right.” Feng Lan breathed a massive sigh of relief, the tension draining from her shoulders. She affectionately patted Jiang Yanna’s head, her eyes filled with pride. ”You truly are my darling sweet angel. You always know precisely what to say to ease my mind.”

”Of course I do. After all, I am your beloved daughter.” Jiang Yanna smiled sweetly, looping her arm intimately through Feng Lan’s.

Jiang Suhan stepped into the foyer moments later, catching the tail end of the interaction between mother and daughter.

”Eldest Brother, you are back!” Jiang Yanna was the first to spot him standing near the entrance.

”Welcome home, Suhan.” Feng Lan greeted him softly.

”Eldest Brother, Mom mentioned that you were staying over at Grandpa and Grandma’s estate.” Jiang Yanna chimed in, a subtle pout forming on her lips. ”Why didn’t you inform Chinan and me beforehand? We could have easily accompanied you.”

”If you wish to visit Grandpa and Grandma, you are free to do so anytime on your own.” Jiang Suhan replied coolly. ”They would be more than delighted to receive your visit.”

Jiang Yanna fell into a quiet, awkward hush. Visit them by herself? Absolutely not. She thoroughly detested going to the ancestral residence. Old Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang were far too strict, relentlessly lecturing and correcting her conduct every single time she stepped through their doors.

”Did Meixia also remain at the estate for the past two days?” Feng Lan inquired, shifting the subject.

”Yes, she did.” Jiang Suhan confirmed with a simple nod.

”I see...” Feng Lan murmured, her eyes drifting downward toward the luxury boutique box and high-end shopping bags cradled in his arms. ”Did you happen to purchase some souvenirs for Yanna and me?”

Jiang Yanna’s eyes lit up instantly as well, her gaze locking onto the designer packaging.

”Thank you so much, Eldest Brother!” Jiang Yanna gushed, taking an eager step forward as she reached out to relieve him of the bags.

However, Jiang Suhan smoothly shifted his posture, pulling the items entirely out of her reach before her fingers could make contact.

”These are not for you.” Jiang Suhan stated plainly.

”What?” Jiang Yanna froze, her hand hanging awkwardly in mid-air. ”Then... who are they for?”

”Don’t tell me every single one of those items is meant for that girl?” Feng Lan’s eyes narrowed into sharp, critical slits.

”Yes. We bought all of these for her.” Jiang Suhan answered without hesitation. ”I am merely bringing them up to her room because Qiaoqiao could not transport them on her superbike.”

”’We’?” Jiang Yanna caught the plural pronoun immediately. ”Who else went with you?”

”Boqin and Fenfang.” Jiang Suhan stated smoothly.

Jiang Yanna was visibly caught off guard by the revelation, but she quickly forced her shocked expression into a sweet, supportive smile.

”It is truly wonderful to hear that they are all bonding so well.” Jiang Yanna commented gracefully.

”Why on earth did you feel the sudden urge to buy her clothes?” Feng Lan asked, her voice laced with scepticism.

”These are versatile daily outfits for her wardrobe.” Jiang Suhan explained, gently adjusting his hold on the shopping bags. He then lifted the sleek designer box in his other hand. ”And this holds a formal evening gown.”

”An evening gown?” Feng Lan scoffed, crossing her arms. ”What could she possibly need an evening gown for?”

”Mom, isn’t the family acknowledgement banquet scheduled for this upcoming weekend? This dress was selected specifically for that occasion.” Jiang Suhan clarified patiently.

Feng Lan went quiet, realisation hitting her. She had not given a single thought to arranging formal attire for Qiao Meixia’s official debut.

”Mom, if there is nothing else, may I head upstairs? I am quite exhausted and would like to rest.” Jiang Suhan stated, making his intentions clear.

”Go on... head upstairs.” Feng Lan dismissed him with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Watching his tall figure retreat up the grand staircase, Jiang Yanna turned to her mother with a downcast, sorrowful expression. ”Mom... Eldest Brother is truly so exceptionally good to Sister Meixia.”

Feng Lan instantly picked up on the hidden heartache in her daughter’s fragile voice. Her heart melted with deep sympathy for her favourite child.

”Do not let it dishearten you, my sweet girl.” Feng Lan comforted her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. ”Regardless of his actions, you still have your father, Chinan, and me completely in your corner.”

”Hmm... I know.” Jiang Yanna nodded submissively, leaning into her mother’s side.

Meanwhile, Jiang Suhan made his way down the second-floor corridor. Before heading to his own private suite, he paused directly outside Qiao Meixia’s room and raised his hand, knocking gently against the wooden panel.

Qiao Meixia, having just finished her evening shower and changed into comfortable loungewear, pulled the door open. She raised an eyebrow slightly, tilting her head to the side in quiet curiosity as she saw her elder brother standing in the hallway.

”Do you need something?” Qiao Meixia asked neutrally.

”Here you go.” Jiang Suhan said with a gentle smile, extending the box and shopping bags toward her.

***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***