Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Downfall of the Chen Family

Are we truly going to cross that line?
The question flickered through Ruan Mianmian’s mind with surprising seriousness, yet she felt that even if something were to happen between them, now was hardly the right moment.
Fortunately, Jiang Ce didn’t seem to have any such designs. After teasing her, he simply shifted to the side and lay down beside her.
Ruan Mianmian’s lashes quivered. She couldn’t help but open her eyes for a peek, only to find Jiang Ce lying quietly next to her, eyes closed, his face graced with a contentment and peace she had never seen before.
After these days of close contact, Ruan Mianmian had started to notice things she hadn’t before.
The Jiang Ce in her book was always shrouded in hatred and violence, every appearance accompanied by chaos, as though he wouldn’t rest until he tore the heavens asunder.
Yet, as she encountered the private side of Jiang Ce, she realized he was just an ordinary man, possessed of all the emotions one might expect—far more than the simple, vengeful villain she had imagined.
He too experienced joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
At times, Ruan Mianmian even wondered whether the Jiang Ce before her was truly the same as the villain in the book, or if they merely shared a name. She felt in her heart that they were not the same man.
Lost in these thoughts, Ruan Mianmian drifted into a reverie.
Perhaps sensing her gaze lingering on his face, Jiang Ce opened his eyes.
Her delicate features were just inches away; if he leaned in, he could catch that unique fragrance she carried—a scent he couldn’t quite name, yet one he found utterly intoxicating.
The night passed lightly. With such a powerful presence beside her, Ruan Mianmian hardly slept at all; her body remained tense, so much so that when morning came, she awoke to an ache in her limbs.
Jiang Ce was up before her, already washed and dressed by the time she rose.
As the maid came to summon them for breakfast, Ruan Mianmian had just finished getting ready.
Downstairs in the dining room, Ruan Jianwen and the others were already seated. All eyes turned as Ruan Mianmian and Jiang Ce walked in together.
Chen Jiayan’s eyes were filled with disdain as she shot pointed looks at Chen Rong, whose own expression was one of deep displeasure.
In the past, only the younger generation waited for their elders at the table. Who could have imagined that today, so many people would be waiting on Ruan Mianmian alone to begin?
Not even her own cherished son had ever enjoyed such a privilege, yet Ruan Jianwen said nothing, leaving Chen Rong unable to protest.
“All right, let’s eat,” Ruan Jianwen said as the two arrived, signaling the meal to begin.

Chen Rong was far from pleased, her expression as stiff as her mood. She pressed her lips together stubbornly, refusing to pick up her chopsticks.
Ruan Mianmian ignored her, serving soup for herself and Jiang Ce, then sipping it as though oblivious to the tension at the table.
Chen Rong’s breath came unevenly with anger, so Chen Jiayan hurriedly nudged her with a meaningful glance.
“Auntie, we should eat. We’ll need energy to receive the guests later,” Chen Jiayan said, quickly serving Chen Rong a bowl of rice and passing it over.
Seeing Ruan Jianwen’s gaze upon her, Chen Rong could do nothing but roll her eyes and reluctantly pick up her chopsticks.
The meal was a miserable affair for everyone—except Ruan Mianmian, who, carefree as ever, paid no mind to Chen Rong and her ilk, eating with a rare sense of ease.
After breakfast, Ruan Mianmian and Jiang Ce left for Kangle Funeral Home together, leaving the others fuming with helpless frustration.
Chen Jiayan, in particular, was green with jealousy when she saw Ruan Mianmian’s Maybach. She had spent years humbling herself in the Ruan household, and all Chen Rong had ever bought her was a modest car worth only a hundred thousand or so.
The comparison made her feel utterly impoverished.

When everyone finally gathered at the funeral home, the official ceremony had yet to begin. Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but look around.
Jiang Ce’s eyes were calm as he asked, “What are you searching for?”
Ruan Mianmian lowered her voice, “In theory, Ruan Chenhan should be here today. I’m just surprised he hasn’t shown up.”
Jiang Ce frowned slightly, recalling that Ruan Chenhan was Ruan Mianmian’s brother and Chen Rong’s son. The siblings had never been close, so why was she concerned about him now?
Noting Jiang Ce’s expression, Ruan Mianmian quickly explained,
“Don’t get any ideas. I’d be glad if he never showed up again. It’s just that Chen Rong has always cared about Ruan Chenhan’s status as the family’s eldest son. I can’t believe she would let him miss such an important occasion.”
Jiang Ce’s lips curled faintly, but he said nothing more.
Finding him dull, Ruan Mianmian rolled her eyes at him. This blockhead—he truly couldn’t be bothered to say a word more.

Just then, a commotion broke out not far off, as if something dramatic had happened. Ruan Mianmian immediately edged closer for a look.
She saw a man in his fifties demanding to see Chen Rong, but the security guards barred his way. He now sat outside the main entrance, wailing and creating a scene.
Standing on tiptoe, Ruan Mianmian took in his appearance: he was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back, yet his demeanor was haggard, as though he’d suffered some mental blow—his whole spirit seemed drained.

Jiang Ce glanced his way, then turned his attention to his phone as it vibrated. It was a message from Shen Qing.
[Boss, it’s done.]
Jiang Ce gave a cold, satisfied smile and swept his gaze over the bustling crowd, his eyes icy.
Those who dared insult someone under his protection would pay dearly. For the Chen family, bankruptcy was a mercy.

As Ruan Mianmian slipped away from the crowd, she caught sight of Jiang Ce’s frigid expression and frowned, puzzled by his mood.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?” she asked suspiciously.
Jiang Ce glanced at her but offered no explanation, only saying mysteriously, “You’ll know soon enough.”
Oh? Playing at mystery? That was unlike him.
Still, Ruan Mianmian decided not to press further.

Before long, Chen Rong hurried over, her round face darkening at the sight of the man.
“What are you doing here? Don’t you know what day it is? How dare you cause a scene!” she shouted.
At last, Chen Sheng had managed to see her, and he rushed forward, with security now reluctant to intervene.
He blurted out, “You have the nerve to ask me that? Have you considered the mess you’ve made? Our company—because of you—has been ruined!”
“What?”
Chen Rong’s face paled, her confusion evident. “What do you mean? What do you mean, ruined?”
“The company’s bankrupt! Overnight, all our suppliers and sales channels cut ties! We’ve lost everything!”
Chen Sheng glared at her, seething. “Tell me—just who have you angered? What did you do to bring our family to ruin in a single night?”