Lin Xu had also seen the trending topic and teased, "How does it feel to be slapped by your ex-wife? Heartbroken?"
It would be a lie to say he wasn't heartbroken, but more than that, he was happy.
Yes, Cheng Yuan's feeling at this moment was happiness. He had finally, finally seen her again. Even if he got beaten to death, he would be willing.
Cheng Yuan finally deigned to look up at them. "What do you think I should do to earn her forgiveness?"
Zhou Jin stared at the video and shook his head. "I don't think there's anything you can do to make Jiang Xiao forgive you. Didn't you see how cold her eyes were? She looked at you like you were a stranger. A Yuan, don't blame me for pouring cold water on you, but you and Jiang Xiao have no chance."
Cheng Yuan's face darkened. "Who says we have no chance?"
Xu Cong cleared his throat. "I wouldn't say completely no chance. There's still that one percent hope."
Cheng Yuan's face grew even darker.
Lin Xu crossed his legs and chimed in, "But since she's back, it means you still have hope. Whether it's one percent or ninety percent, just try your best, right?"
"First, you can't be as reckless as before."
Cheng Yuan wanted Jiang Xiao to forgive him more than anyone else. He would only do things she liked; he wouldn't do a single thing she hated.
They say two heads are better than one. The three of them took turns giving Cheng Yuan advice on how to win his wife back.
Zhou Jin said women like gifts, so give lots of gifts.
Xu Cong said women like surprises, so give lots of surprises.
Lin Xu said women like romance. Set off a fireworks display or something—Jiang Xiao would definitely be happy.
Cheng Yuan listened and noted everything down.
Lin Xu later added that winning someone back couldn't be rushed. It had to be gradual, like falling in love, slow and steady. Being too hasty would backfire.
Cheng Yuan also kept that in mind. He decided to take it slow.
The next day, he first arranged a cocktail party and specifically asked Jiang Yu to send an invitation to Jiang Xiao's studio.
When Assistant Xiao Zhou received the invitation, she immediately called Jiang Xiao.
"Sister Xiao Xiao, are you attending the cocktail party tonight?"
At that time, Jiang Xiao was at the hospital taking care of her mother. The two had chatted about many interesting things. Jiang Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, I'll go."
Xiao Zhou said, "Then I'll prepare the evening gown."
Jiang Xiao said, "Nothing too flashy. Keep it simple."
Xiao Zhou understood. "Got it."
Seeing Jiang Xiao so composed, Jiang's mother felt relieved. "I'm actually fine. You didn't have to come back."
"What? You don't want me to come back?"
"No." Jiang's mother took Jiang Xiao's hand. "I just don't want you to be unhappy."
She was worried that returning to the country would remind Jiang Xiao of the past.
"Don't worry." Jiang Xiao reassured her. "I've long forgotten about the past. Now I'm fully focused on work, and I'm happy every day."
Jiang's mother could see that. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Xiao Xiao, I'm so glad you're like this."
"But I'm not happy," Jiang Xiao said. "You need to get better quickly and be discharged, then I'll be happy."
With Jiang Xiao back, most of Jiang's mother's worries disappeared. A better mood naturally led to better health. She smiled. "Okay."
As they were chatting, Jiang's father pushed the door open and walked in. Jiang Xiao was still the same as before, acting spoiled the moment she saw him.
"Dad, where have you been? You're late."
Jiang's father handed her her favorite dessert. "I had my assistant queue up to buy it. It's still warm. Try some."
"Dad, you're so good to me." Jiang Xiao said.
"Silly girl." Jiang's father patted her head. "You're my daughter. Who else would I be good to if not you?"
Jiang Xiao threw herself into her father's arms, choked up. "Dad, I'm sorry."
Jiang's father smiled. "What are you sorry for? As long as you're well, Mom and Dad are happy."
The three of them happily ate the dessert, Jiang Xiao's laughter never stopping—until a knock came, and then she saw the uninvited guest.
It was Cheng Yuan.
Cheng Yuan entered with a fruit basket and respectfully said, "Dad, Mom, Xiao Xiao."
The smiles on their faces instantly froze. Jiang's father said coldly, "President Cheng, I think you've addressed us incorrectly. There are no parents of yours here."
Cheng Yuan corrected himself, "Sorry, Uncle, Auntie."
Jiang's father said, "Is there something President Cheng needs?"
"I came to see Auntie," Cheng Yuan said, setting down the fruit basket. "I've wanted to come for a long time, but I've been busy. Today I happened to be free. Auntie, how are you feeling?"
"How I'm feeling is none of President Cheng's concern," Jiang's father said, looking at him coldly. "After all, we're not close."
Hearing "not close" again, Cheng Yuan's heart clenched painfully. He forced a smile and asked, "Can I have a word with Xiao Xiao?"
Jiang Xiao had nothing to say. She refused, "President Cheng and I have nothing to talk about."