Chapter 112: The Second Encounter

“Protect me?”

Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but laugh, teasing, “Does he think this is some blockbuster movie? Having someone come to protect me?”

A-Kuan said, “The boss never fails to care about you. Just remember his kindness.”

This was a typical “Jiang Ce flattery,” ready to flatter their boss at the slightest opportunity, even if the boss wasn’t present, they were willing to do so with relish.

Ruan Mianmian took the chance to close the door behind her and then said to A-Kuan, “Then why are you still wearing a uniform? Do you need to disguise yourself to protect me?”

A-Kuan grinned, “Of course, we’re professionals.”

“Professionals in comedy, maybe?”

Ruan Mianmian gave him a sidelong glance before saying, “Time’s running short. I’ll go change first, you rest here for a bit.”

“No way,” A-Kuan quickly stood up and explained, “I’m just here to give you a heads-up. I still have to go downstairs pretending to be a waiter. Anyway, I’ll be in the banquet hall, you’ll see me then.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

“Got it.”

After A-Kuan left, Ruan Mianmian hurriedly changed her clothes and casually pinned up her long hair into a stylishly messy bun.

She looked fresh and sweet, the black long dress lending a hint of allure, and every flicker of her eyes exuded charm.

Looking at the clear and elegant reflection in the mirror, Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but curl her lips into a satisfied smile before stepping out.

Jian Yanzhi sent a message, asking how her preparations were going.

Seeing the time was almost right, Ruan Mianmian didn’t reply but directly knocked on the door across the hall.

The door opened, and leaning against the frame, Ruan Mianmian asked lazily, “Shall we go?”

“Okay.”

Jian Yanzhi stepped out and closed the door behind him.

The wedding banquet was held in the second-floor ballroom of the Wanbaoli Hotel. By now, many talented youths and guests from various partner groups had gathered.

The scene was bustling, like a gathering of stars.

If Ruan Mianmian didn’t know she was attending a wedding banquet, she might have thought it was some kind of social mixer.

Elegant piano music poured from the slender fingers of the performer on stage as Ruan Mianmian and Jian Yanzhi slowly entered the hall.

Han Hai Group had surged forward in recent years to become an industry leader, so Jian Yanzhi’s appearance was not unfamiliar to many.

The moment he appeared, his naturally heroic aura drew the eyes of most in the room.

“Oh! President Jian is here. Sorry we didn’t come to greet you earlier, please forgive us.”

At that moment, a somewhat hefty and clumsy figure with shifty eyes appeared before Jian Yanzhi and Ruan Mianmian.

Ruan Mianmian glanced at him and saw a sly, sneaky look—just the type of villain one finds in novels.

Unpleasant without reason.

“President Zhou, you’re too kind. Today is your wedding; we’re the ones who arrived just in time. We should be the ones apologizing.”

Jian Yanzhi politely exchanged pleasantries with the man.

Ruan Mianmian silently looked away; this was the infamous Zhou Kai, CEO of Kaiyue, known for marrying multiple times a year.

She had no interest; as long as Jian Yanzhi spoke, that was enough.

Unexpectedly, the next moment Zhou Kai’s lecherous gaze swept over Ruan Mianmian, lingering greedily on her slender waist.

“This is?”

Zhou Kai’s eyes moved to her face, his expression one of surprise.

What a striking girl!

Ruan Mianmian’s expression stiffened, her eyes cold as snow as they swept over him.

Zhou Kai’s smile deepened; unexpectedly, she was a feisty one.

Interesting!

His interest in Ruan Mianmian was now plainly evident on his face.

At that moment, Jian Yanzhi suddenly grabbed Ruan Mianmian’s wrist and pulled her behind his broad chest, cutting off Zhou Kai’s gaze.

Seeing Jian Yanzhi’s obvious coldness, Zhou Kai quickly chuckled.

“President Jian, please come inside. Many of my friends would like to meet this new rising star of Jiang City.”

Zhou Kai led Jian Yanzhi into the hall but couldn’t help sneaking glances at Ruan Mianmian’s face.

Ruan Mianmian was brimming with anger. If Zhou Kai dared to continue his shameless gaze, she couldn’t guarantee what she might do.

Unexpectedly, Jian Yanzhi suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He looked coldly at Zhou Kai, who showed no sign of caution, and said sharply, “President Zhou, a friendly reminder: today is your special day, so don’t entertain any improper thoughts.”

Zhou Kai awkwardly paused, then laughed, “Just joking, President Jian. Don’t take it to heart. Well, you two enjoy yourselves. I’ll go entertain some guests.”

He found an excuse and left.

Jian Yanzhi glanced back at Ruan Mianmian, seeing her face cold, he knew she must be feeling uneasy.

“That’s just how he is. Don’t take it personally. With me here, he definitely won’t dare to do anything to you.”

Jian Yanzhi vowed sincerely, his eyes earnest as he looked at her.

Unexpectedly, Ruan Mianmian lowered her eyes, let out a cold laugh to herself, and said, “Forget it. Don’t think a few empty words count as a warning. If he dares to do that again, I won’t be so polite.”

With that, she shook off Jian Yanzhi’s hand and walked toward the nearby lounge area.

On the dining table by the lounge were various desserts, fruits, and drinks for guests to help themselves.

Ruan Mianmian held a glass, but had poured half a cup of lemon juice into it, making it look like champagne.

Jian Yanzhi followed, chuckling softly.

He said, “You don’t drink, and no one’s forcing you, so why do this?”

Ruan Mianmian ignored him and said, “I see some friends. I’m going to say hi. Feel free to do your own thing.”

With that, she walked away.

Jian Yanzhi stood there, stunned. He had no idea Ruan Mianmian had any friends.

Before, he could exchange a few words with her at night, but now, even that contact was gone.

Driven by curiosity, his feet unconsciously followed her.

Ahead, Ruan Mianmian held her glass, chatting and laughing as she clinked cups with a man.

The man’s back was turned to Jian Yanzhi, so his face was unclear, but Ruan Mianmian’s expressions were perfectly visible.

Her eyes were sometimes sly, sometimes lively; her posture relaxed and graceful. She was like a completely different person than when she was with him.

Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips slightly and smiled at the man before her, saying, “I never expected to run into you here. This is our second meeting today.”

Zhong Yu smiled gently, looking warm and harmless. He nodded, “Yes, it seems Miss Ruan and I have fate.”

Ruan Mianmian smiled softly.

In her heart, she marveled at how handsome all the supporting characters in this story were—completely to her taste.