Chapter 140: What Kind of Person Do You Take Me For?

"Mianmian, you've arrived?"

As soon as Ruan Mianmian stepped into the house, she heard a resonant, hearty greeting. True to the saying that happy occasions bring a glow, the old man looked to be in excellent spirits.

"Grandpa Jian, happy birthday!"

Ruan Mianmian had brought the tea she had prepared well in advance. Knowing he was a true tea connoisseur, she had selected a high-quality blend that she was sure would suit his refined palate.

"This is your birthday gift!"

"Look at you, child, acting all grown up. You've come to attend my birthday banquet, yet you still bring gifts? It should be me giving you something."

Old Man Jian pulled Ruan Mianmian over, beaming as he spoke. She leaned in close and whispered, "It’s nothing expensive, just some tea. I know you’ll love it!"

A smile blossomed on the old man’s face. "Ruan, you’re always so thoughtful, remembering that I love tea."

Jian Yanzhi prompted from behind, "Grandpa, let’s sit down to talk."

"Yes, yes, of course."

The old man led Ruan Mianmian toward the inner room. Any outsider watching would surely have mistaken her for his own granddaughter. Ruan Mianmian noticed that there were quite a few guests, all dressed to the nines, making the already opulent hall look even more magnificent.

"Grandpa, the guests have mostly arrived. Shall we move to the banquet hall?" Jian Yanzhi asked, stepping up to the old man.

Ruan Mianmian raised an eyebrow, surprised that there was a dedicated banquet hall here; it was truly extravagant.

"Very well. Since the guests are all here, let’s head to the banquet hall."

The banquet hall at the Group Mountain Villa had been prepared for today's grand feast. Ruan Mianmian and Jian Yanzhi accompanied the old man, walking leisurely toward the hall. As they neared the entrance, a melodic piano piece began to drift through the air.

It was "Für Elise," the old man's favorite. It was said that when Jian Yanzhi’s grandmother was alive, this was the piece she loved most. The old man’s eyes lit up, and with a smile, he quickened his pace.

The doors swung open to reveal a grand piano in the middle of the spacious hall, where a graceful figure sat, her fingers dancing across the keys. The crowd stood still for a moment.

"That is..." The old man squinted at the figure, hesitating. "Is that Qingfei?"

Ruan Mianmian took a look and confirmed it was indeed Zhao Qingfei. She hadn't expected her to go to such lengths; it was quite a performance.

Jian Yanzhi leaned in and whispered, "Yes, Grandpa. This must be a surprise Qingfei prepared for you."

"Splendid, simply splendid."

With a satisfied smile, the old man walked deeper into the room. As the piece concluded to a round of applause, Zhao Qingfei gathered her skirts and trotted over to Old Man Jian, subtly nudging Ruan Mianmian out of her previous spot.

Ruan Mianmian stumbled backward, but Jian Yanzhi’s hand was quick to catch her waist. Her waist was slender and firm to the touch. He shot her a look of concern, but Ruan Mianmian simply shook her head and stepped away to create some distance.

Zhao Qingfei clung to the old man’s arm, brimming with excitement. "Grandpa, I learned this specially for your birthday! Did you like it?"

"I did, I certainly did." The old man patted her hand and laughed. "Qingfei, you are so thoughtful. I accept this gift with pleasure."

"I’m just glad you don’t think I’m too clumsy. I practiced for such a long time to get it perfect! Look, my fingers are all red." She pouted, seeking attention and praise.

"Oh! They really are red. You should go rest now." The old man added with a laugh, "No more working hard today. Go and rest, and let the rest of you youngsters enjoy the dancing and the food."

"Yes, Grandpa!" Zhao Qingfei emphasized the title, her voice loud and clear, as if she were afraid others wouldn't recognize her status.

Ruan Mianmian, sensing their clashing auras, chose not to crowd them.

"Where is Ruan? She disappeared in the blink of an eye." The old man suddenly remembered her and began scanning the room.

Jian Yanzhi looked back, pulled her to his side, and said, "Grandpa, she’s right here."

"Good, good. Don't go losing her." The old man teased, then turned to Jian Yanzhi. "Yanzhi, Mianmian has been your playmate since you were children. You must take good care of her today."

"Don't worry, Grandpa," Jian Yanzhi agreed with a nod.

Soon after, the old man went off to chat with other elderly friends and relatives. Ruan Mianmian stood in a corner, nursing a glass of champagne and staring blankly into space, feeling rather bored.

"If I hadn't come to find you, were you planning to bore yourself to death?" Jian Yanzhi’s cold, low voice sounded beside her.

Ruan Mianmian blinked, looked up at him, and smiled. "Perhaps I just enjoy standing in corners alone?"

"Hmph."

Jian Yanzhi let out a cold snort but didn't say anything else, remaining quietly by her side as if he were there solely to keep her company.

Ruan Mianmian suddenly gestured toward a certain direction and asked, "Who is that handsome guy?"

Jian Yanzhi glanced over and said indifferently, "My cousin, Chen Yue."

"Cousin? Since when do you have a cousin?" Ruan Mianmian’s eyes widened in suspicion. She then asked, "What's his relationship to Zhao Qingfei?"

"He's her brother." Jian Yanzhi nodded, then looked at Ruan Mianmian with a smile. "You seem to know everything."

Ruan Mianmian rolled her eyes at him. "That guy is just too good-looking. I think he looks much better than Zhao Qingfei. It’s hard to believe they’re siblings."

Jian Yanzhi replied, "They aren't blood relatives, so why would they look alike?"

Ruan Mianmian paused, remembering that his aunt’s family was a blended one. That meant this handsome man was Jian Yanzhi’s biological cousin, but Zhao Qingfei was the daughter of his aunt's current husband.

"Still, I feel like I've seen your cousin somewhere before." She rubbed her chin, unable to place where.

Jian Yanzhi looked at her, his voice chilling. "You aren't planning on going over to flirt and get his contact information, are you?"

"What kind of person do you take me for?" Ruan Mianmian retorted, rolling her eyes. "I really do recognize him; I’m not just trying to make small talk."

Jian Yanzhi curled his lips and beckoned to Chen Yue. The young man, who seemed isolated from the world with his headphones on, looked over in confusion. He then removed his headphones and walked slowly toward them.

"Brother, you wanted me?"

The young man had delicate features, thin lips, and a high bridge of nose. His face was refined, and his voice was surprisingly pleasant. It was rare to find a young man of such quality.

"Yes, let me introduce you." Jian Yanzhi glanced at Ruan Mianmian and said, "My friend, Ruan Mianmian."

Chen Yue looked between the two of them, seemingly confused by this sudden introduction.

"Nice to meet you, Mianmian. I'm Chen Yue."

A flash of realization hit Ruan Mianmian. "Are you that member of the popular idol group... what was it... OS?"