I Am My Own Substitute Wife - Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Xia Caiwei’s Return

Translator: Lonelytree

Jiang Niansheng asked, “Where did you hear that from?”

“Do you think I’m lying to you?” Ye Ziya said contemptuously, “We can just wait and see.”

Jiang Niansheng hid her emotions and answered indifferently, “So what if she’s back? I’m still Mrs. Sheng.”

“You haven’t seen how good Sheng Hanye is to her. No one can take her place, not even you!”

Jiang Niansheng turned her head to look at Sheng Hanye who was surrounded by the crowd. His slender fingers were holding a wine glass. He had a handsome face and a tall figure. The custom-made suit accentuated his muscular body. He was aloof and noble. The man had his own halo. He would be the most dazzling one no matter where he went.

What kind of woman would be pampered by Sheng Hanye? She must have saved the universe in her previous life to earn that good karma.

“Sister-in-law!” Sheng Miaomiao ran over holding her skirt up. “Why are you hiding here alone?”

“I’m not used to such occasions. So I stay here.”

Ye Ziya said in a flattering manner, “Miss Sheng, I haven’t seen you for a while, and you’ve become more beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Sheng Miaomiao said, “What were you discussing with my sister-in-law?”

“Nothing, just something casual.”

Sheng Miaomiao held Jiang Niansheng’s hand. “In that case, please excuse us because I have something to talk to my sister-in-law in private.”

Ye Ziya was insulted but she could only stomp her feet indignantly.

“Miaomiao,” Jiang Niansheng asked curiously, “You appear to like me very much, why is that?” Sheng Miaomiao was the only person in the Sheng family to treat her nicely.

“You are my brother’s sister-in-law. Do you expect me to like Ye Ziya instead?” Sheng Miaomiao curled her lips. “Fortunately, she is not my sister-in-law or I’d throw up every day.”

“By the way, do I really look like your friend?”

Sheng Miaomiao was a little flustered. “Erm… you can say that. But sister-in-law, you are more friendly.”

She was about to ask some more when she heard a low voice call out. “Jiang Niansheng.”

Sheng Hanye was looking at her. This meant that everyone else turned to look at her too.

“Come here.” He beckoned with his finger as if he was calling for a cat or dog.

Jiang Niansheng walked to his side. “What’s the matter?”

“Drink for me.” Sheng Hanye’s breath reeked of alcohol. “I’m a little drunk.”

“Wait. You want me to drink on your behalf? Are you even a man?”

“You’ll find out if I’m a man when we get home.”

Jiang Niansheng shook her head. “I don’t drink, and I am not interested to find out about the other thing either.” She was about to leave when Sheng Hanye grabbed her waist and forced the wine cup into her hand. He really wouldn’t miss any chance to order her around.

Someone asked, “CEO Sheng, this is…”

“Is this CEO Sheng’s new wife?”

Sheng Hanye replied evenly, “No, she’s my new secretary.”

Jiang Niansheng felt strangely empty when he acknowledged her as his secretary. She smiled and raised her glass. “Nice to meet everyone.” 

Sheng Hanye placed his finger on her waist and pressed it gently.

The banquet was very lively.

At that moment, a car stopped at the entrance of the hotel.

A pair of silver high heels stepped on the ground and the woman got out.

‘Nan City, I am back!

And this time, I don’t intend to leave. No matter what, I’d have to stay to accompany Sheng Hanye.’

Xia Caiwei went straight to the top floor.

There were several security guards and waiters in front of the grand entrance of the banquet hall.

Xia Caiwei was stopped. “Hello, Madam. Do you have an invitation?”

“I’m here to look for someone,” Xia Caiwei said. “Please…”

“Sorry, no entry without an invitation.”

“But I’m looking for Sheng Hanye.”

The guard replied, “We only receive invited guests. Plus why do you think CEO Sheng will meet you?”

Xia Caiwei took out her phone. ‘It looks like I’ve been away for too long that Nan City has forgotten who I am.’

…

Jiang Niansheng could not remember how many glasses of red wine she had drunk. The wine went to her head. She heard a phone ring and turned to see Sheng Hanye take out his phone.

His cold side profile softened. Jiang Niansheng saw the caller id, Caiwei.

Sheng Hanye let go of her waist and turned to answer the phone, but Jiang Niansheng stopped him.

“Why can’t you answer the phone right here?” She asked, “You pushed me to take the drinks for you and you’re going to abandon me?”

“Are you demanding that I stay?”

“How would I dare?”

Sheng Hanye ignored her and was about to accept the call when he heard Xia Caiwei’s voice from the door. “Hanye!”

He was stunned. He lowered his hands and lifted his head.

Xia Caiwei met his gaze and smiled gently.

Sheng Hanye did not hesitate to leave Jiang Niansheng behind. He walked toward Xia Caiwei with big strides.

‘Well, I’d expect him to run to his lover.’ Jiang Niansheng turned to look at the woman at the door.

She had waist-length black hair and wore a white chiffon dress. From afar, she looked like a quintessential lady of a rich family.

Jiang Niansheng lowered her head to look at the white evening dress she was wearing. The hatred for white intensified!

Everyone saw Sheng Hanye walk towards the door. People guessed the woman’s identity but a few people’s expressions shifted.

“Xia Caiwei is back…” Sheng Miaomiao gasped. “She has recovered from her injuries?”

Si Cang was also dumbfounded. “It’s been a long time.”

Even Gu Yanzhou, who had always been steady, frowned. “I didn’t hear the news of Xia Caiwei’s return. What’s going on?”

“Doesn’t this feel like how it was three years ago?”

Gu Yanzhou looked at Jiang Niansheng and nodded. “Yes. It feels like time is moving backward…”

Three years ago, Wen Wan was burned to death and Xia Caiwei was injured in the fire. The latter was sent abroad to recuperate. It was at that moment everyone knew the woman in Sheng Hanye’s heart was Wen Wan and not Xia Caiwei!

When the guards saw Sheng Hanye, they bowed and retreated.

“Caiwei?” Sheng Hanye stood in front of her. “Why are you here?”

Xia Caiwei rushed over and buried her head in his embrace. “I missed you too much, so I came back to see you in secret. Hanye, will you blame me?”

“You should have discussed it with me.”

“But I know you won’t agree.” Xia Caiwei hugged him tightly, “Hanye, the doctor said that my legs have recovered and I can walk and run without any problems. The psychiatrist also said that I can now live a normal life since I’ve walked out of that incident.”

Sheng Hanye pursed his lips. “But you can’t dance anymore.”

“At least I’m still alive. That is good enough.”

His hand paused for a moment before finally landing on her back. He patted her lightly. “Welcome back then.”

Xia Caiwei smiled. “I knew you won’t blame me.”

She stood on tiptoe and hooked her arms around his neck. She wanted to kiss him and show everyone the weight of her position!

But…. Sheng Hanye avoided her.