Chapter 18: Reasons for Excellence

Uncle Zhong was already in his seventies or eighties, his words leaking air and indistinct, his thoughts jumping wildly, sentences disjointed and riddled with grammatical flaws. Yet he possessed a singular talent: relentless repetition. He could weave together a tapestry of stories that were utterly unrelated, illogical, their chronology hopelessly muddled, and repeat them over and over in high-level self-consistency. After enduring his rambling monologue, Xiao Kaitian found his understanding of himself clarified yet again.

First, there was his sister, Jiang Churan. As her name implied, she was not Xiao Zhengze's biological daughter. Jiang Churan originally belonged to a collateral branch of the Jiang family, the clan of Jiang Linyun. After her parents passed away early, she was fostered in the Jiang household as an insignificant presence.

Such situations were common in great families. Han and Tang clans prized propagation and lineage, yet their branches were sharply defined. Many noble families established foundations to support fallen collateral lines—political tools, in a sense, for the main line to dispense beneficence. When one branch thrived, the others must also be given a share.

Jiang Churan was one such beneficiary, a figure who might have been casually dispatched, but during a visit of Xiao Zhengze and his wife to her family, they encountered Jiang Churan, and everything changed. At that time, the couple were desperately seeking a child. Both were entering middle age, the issue of heirs unresolved despite countless efforts, their travels circling the globe many times, but still nothing.

When science failed, they turned to faith. Xiao Zhengze, moved by some intuition, took a great liking to Jiang Churan, and the couple decided to adopt her. Influenced by the hope that virtuous deeds would bring blessings, they wished early for a child.

Coincidentally, not long after adopting Jiang Churan, Xiao Zhengze's wife became pregnant. The problem that had consumed so much of their energy was solved with surprising ease. Thus, the Xiao family showered Jiang Churan with endless kindness, even transferring a portion of Xiao Corporation shares into her name early on.

Thereafter, Jiang Churan's status in the Xiao home soared, and the Jiang family was pleased—after all, she was still of Jiang blood. So, the position of the eldest daughter, Jiang Churan, in the Xiao family was secured, and after Xiao Kaitian was born, the family's regard for her grew even stronger. In the eyes of Xiao Zhengze, his wife, and many outsiders, this nominal sister was educated to the standard of a crown prince's consort.

Simply put, this sister was, in fact, Xiao Kaitian's childhood betrothed.

The generational and ethical implications seemed peculiar, but stranger things occurred in great families. Jiang Churan and Xiao Kaitian shared no direct blood ties—not even within five degrees, but many times removed. Both the Xiao and Jiang families accepted this arrangement without objection.

On the Xiao side, it was chiefly because Jiang Churan was so exceptional. Raised with elite education from a young age, her accolades from aristocratic schools piled high. She entered Xiao Corporation early, familiarizing herself with various business processes, coming and going freely from Xiao Zhengze's office, exuding the air of a future mistress.

Unfortunately, as Xiao Kaitian grew, his parents' wish to bind the two together gradually faded. The reason was that Xiao Kaitian could not accept it—he stubbornly saw Jiang Churan only as his sister.

Xiao Kaitian was always different; he had his own views on matters of love. Moreover, as he matured, those who admired and pursued him increased in number. The name "Xiao Kaitian" became the most talked-about phrase in the upper circles of Beijing.

It could be said that the line of socialites wanting to marry Xiao Kaitian could circle the Fifth Ring Road of Beijing.

With more competitors, gossip naturally followed. The issue of Jiang Churan and Xiao Kaitian's generational ethics was openly discussed; after all, they were "siblings." Over time, Xiao Zhengze and his wife lost interest, and Jiang Churan was, in effect, marginalized.

The reason for Xiao Kaitian's popularity and the legion of would-be brides stemmed from his undeniable advantages.

He was handsome! The Xiao family, one of Beijing's Eight Great Clans, had deep roots. Generations of selective breeding ensured excellence. Xiao Zhengze's wife, Jiang Linyun, was a peerless beauty, and their union produced Xiao Kaitian, whose looks were naturally outstanding. Human beings, after all, are guided first by sensory intuition; appearance is the basis of many judgments. This was Xiao Kaitian's first advantage.

He was wealthy! Xiao Corporation was not the leading group in Han and Tang, but ranked among the top. This was due to the Xiao family's deliberate restraint, balancing economic clout with military and political influence. Were it not for this moderation, led by Xiao Zhengze, Xiao Corporation would rival any other family. Even as a second-tier among the elite, it was impressive enough.

But none of these were the real reasons for Xiao Kaitian's desirability. The most urgent, compelling reason was—he was simple-minded!

The title "Beijing’s Number One Young Master," or more commonly "Beijing's Number One Fool," was not earned lightly. It was the result of years of accumulation. As the late-born son of Xiao Zhengze, current head of Xiao Corporation, he carried immense hopes. It was only a matter of time before Xiao Zhengze passed on, and the next generation's power would undoubtedly fall into Xiao Kaitian's hands. To become his main wife would mean inheriting the true legacy of the Xiao family.

At that point, who would care about Xiao Kaitian's looks, his wealth? Even his competence would no longer matter—a fool, after all.

Thus, many wished to marry Xiao Kaitian. Every year, on his birthday or during New Year's festivities, the threshold of his home was worn down by visitors, needing constant repairs.

This was the charisma of a successful man, the envy of all.

Amidst these tangled roots, Xiao Zhengze and his wife were exhausted by the situation. Xiao Kaitian’s cluelessness did not mean they were unaware; their strategy was to delay as much as possible. But invisibly, Jiang Churan’s once-promising status was now thoroughly marginalized.

At this point, Uncle Zhong couldn’t help but wipe his nose and say, “Honestly, I think the eldest miss and young master would make a fine match.” The conclusion of a non-blood-related "sibling romance" was acceptable, but Xiao Kaitian could not help but shudder.

This farce finally came to an end in the year Xiao Kaitian graduated high school, with the powerful intervention of Zhao Qixi!