CEO's Ugly Flash-Marriage Wife Hides So Many Identities
Chapter 289 Hidden Depths

Chapter 289: Chapter 289 Hidden Depths

Mrs. Song tugged at her lips and said, "Mr. Jiang is quite humble, referring to a partner as an employee."

Jiang Jinfeng was somewhat of a celebrity, so naturally, he had interacted with people of all ranks and could instantly discern their intentions.

Mrs. Song’s disdainful smirk when he claimed to be an employee elicited a sigh in Jiang Jinfeng’s heart:

People are always like this, judging others by their standards.

They also like to look down from above and dismiss others as insignificant.

Jinfeng smiled and said, "It’s not really about being low-key. I can’t just go around yelling, ’I’m a partner, I’m rich, I have status,’ right?"

Mrs. Song’s face stiffened, catching the implication in Jiang Jinfeng’s words.

She forced a smile, "Youth is an asset indeed. Have some tea, Mr. Jiang."

Jiang Jinfeng gave a devilish smile, pinched the small teacup with his thumb and forefinger, bowed his head to observe the color and scent, then brought it to his nose and lips to savor the aroma with closed eyes and a look of deep contemplation. He then tilted his head back and exclaimed, "What exquisite tea!"

Mrs. Song was taken aback by his tea tasting.

Most young people nowadays don’t understand tea art, let alone etiquette.

But he seemed to understand quite well.

She couldn’t help but take another look at Jiang Jinfeng. "Mr. Jiang, you seem like a man with hidden depths. Who else is in your family?"

"Auntie, thank you for the high regard, but I’m just an ordinary person," Jiang Jinfeng smiled. "My ancestors were craftsmen, and now my grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles are all craftsmen."

Mrs. Song was taken aback again, then smiled meaningfully. "Craftsmen, is it?"

"Yes," Jiang Jinfeng nodded, returning her meaningful gaze.

Song Muyu wanted to say something but was stopped by Jiang Jinfeng with a glance.

On the side, Song Xun coldly swept a look at Song Muyu.

Song Muyu met Song Xun’s gaze, then quickly looked away.

"What percentage of shares do you own in your studio?" Mrs. Song asked again.

"Mom!" Song Muyu was anxious now. Even though she was good friends with Jiang Jinfeng, she didn’t want her mother to ask such unrestrained questions.

Mrs. Song was unfazed. "It’s just a question. Can’t I even ask?"

Jiang Jinfeng smiled. "Of course, you can ask whatever you want, Auntie."

"How many shares do you have?" Mrs. Song pressed on.

Jiang Jinfeng sighed inwardly. Mrs. Song seemed gentle, but she was like a persistent plaster that peeled away your skin once stuck.

If he didn’t answer, she probably wouldn’t let it go.

So, he smiled and said, "There are four partners in our studio, each holding twenty-five percent."

Mrs. Song was taken aback again. "The same amount of shares for everyone? Who makes the decisions? How are major issues resolved?"

"The boss makes the final decisions, but she usually doesn’t handle the management," Jiang Jinfeng explained further.

"So your boss is hands-off?" Mrs. Song remarked.

"Mom, Jinfeng’s boss is a very nice person," Song Muyu interjected, not wanting her mother to continue probing.

Mrs. Song glanced at Song Muyu and ignored her, continuing to question Jiang Jinfeng, "If it’s twenty-five percent each and all are partners, why is there still talk of a ’boss’?"

"Because there are too many seemingly strong but actually weak merchants out there, especially those merchants’ wives who always want our studio to give them discounts," Jiang Jinfeng sipped his tea, set down the cup, and then looked at Mrs. Song.

Her complexion changed, turning somewhat unpleasant.

’Reputedly strong but actually weak’ seemed like a veiled reference to the Song family.

Jiang Jinfeng was oblivious to Mrs. Song’s discomfort and continued, "Our studio mainly serves stars, socialites, and wealthy ladies. It’s also because I have many friends that people often come to me for VIP treatment or discounts."

Mrs. Song was startled, her eyes flickered, and her expression changed once more. "There’s nothing wrong with asking for a discount card."

"Yes, but there’s no resisting the crowd," Jiang Jinfeng replied with a faint smile, continuing, "Whether it’s VIP treatment or discounts, both go against the company’s interests. So I claim to be just an employee, that way, it’s easier to handle things."

Mrs. Song looked at him with surprised eyes. "Oh, is that so? I wonder if Shuyi and I are influential enough to ask for a discount membership card?"

Jiang Jinfeng burst into laughter. "Auntie, you are so distinguished, a discount card wouldn’t be fitting for you. You should at least be a supreme VIP."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Song detected the subtext in Jiang Jinfeng’s words.

He was indirectly refusing her.

Mrs. Song forced a smile, slightly sarcastic. "I’m just an ordinary person after all."

Jiang Jinfeng pretended not to notice and smoothly continued, "Auntie, you are anything but ordinary. You have such a strong presence. If Liancheng came to know you were using a discount card, they might think the Song Family is in financial trouble."

Mrs. Song felt as though she had been hit in the heart, the subtext of financial trouble meaning bankruptcy.

She suddenly became vigilant; the honor of the Song Family came first.

Mrs. Song smiled lightly, "The Song Family is doing well; we won’t be experiencing financial difficulties anytime soon."

"It wouldn’t have seemed this way if we hadn’t gotten engaged to the Shen Family. But since the engagement, rumors arose, and now everyone is saying the Song Family might be in trouble," Jiang Jinfeng replied as naturally as ever.

"How could that be?" Mrs. Song immediately retorted sharply, "Our Song Family is doing fine."

"Mom, the reality is that these rumors do exist," Song Xun surprisingly chimed in, "People in Liancheng are now saying that our family’s business is getting worse."

Mrs. Song was taken aback, embarrassed in the presence of Shen Shuyi and Jiang Jinfeng.

She gave Song Xun a warning look.

At this moment, Shen Shuyi spoke up, "Auntie, I’ve also heard some of the rumors. Liancheng is rife with gossip which is disadvantageous to the Song Family. But as our two families are united through marriage, our status in Liancheng is solid. You don’t have to worry about what others say. What’s important is that Song Xun and I are doing well; nothing else matters."

"Right! Exactly!" Mrs. Song nodded eagerly. "Shuyi is right, as long as you two are happy, nothing else matters."

Jiang Jinfeng gave Song Xun a meaningful glance.

Song Xun glanced back at him.

"Song Xun, did you hear that?" said Mrs. Song to Song Xun, "Shuyi is so sensible!"

Song Xun seemed as if he hadn’t heard, his attitude indifferent.

Shen Shuyi felt a wave of awkwardness.

Mrs. Song awkwardly changed the subject. "Mr. Jiang, I was just teasing you earlier. When Shuyi and I visit your studio, we are there to support your work and look after your business; we certainly would never ask for a discount."

Jiang Jinfeng immediately replied with a smile, "Auntie, you’re truly considerate of us younger ones. Jinfeng is grateful, Auntie. Next time you come to our place for styling, I’ll make sure someone makes you look your best."

So no VIP card, after all.

Mrs. Song smiled with narrowed eyes, choosing not to pursue the matter further.

Shen Shuyi seemed quite excited. "Mr. Jiang, it’s generally difficult to book a stylist at your studio. I’ve tried before, but it was during the arts festival, and I couldn’t get an appointment."

"Miss Shen, next time you visit, just mention my name, and they’ll give you VIP treatment," Jiang Jinfeng promised Shen Shuyi readily.

"Then let me thank you in advance, Mr. Jiang," Shen Shuyi said with a smile of gratitude.

"You are too polite, Miss Shen."

Mrs. Song frowned again.

She had a feeling that this Jiang Jinfeng was a very complicated man.

At that moment, she turned to Song Muyu, "Muyu, have you had any collaborations with Mr. Jiang’s studio?"

Song Muyu was taken aback and shook her head. "No."

"Is that right?" Mrs. Song looked at the clothes on her. "Your outfit seems like it could be from their studio."