Chapter Thirty: Five More Days

The news of her grandfather’s passing had come so suddenly that Ruan Mianmian hadn’t had time to deal with Shen Ting. Now, as she remembered, the three-day deadline Shen Ting had given her had already passed!

Her expression changed drastically, and at that moment, Jiang Ce happened to glance her way.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Ce noticed the shift in her demeanor.

Ruan Mianmian forced an awkward smile, her face stiffening. She absolutely could not let Jiang Ce know about this, so she simply shook her head.

She said, “It’s nothing! I need to take a call.”

With that, she clutched her phone and hurried away, glancing over her shoulder as she ran, as if afraid Jiang Ce might follow.

Finding a quiet corner, Ruan Mianmian stopped, took a deep breath, and answered the call.

“Ruan Mianmian, have you forgotten our agreement?” Shen Ting’s voice came through.

Though Shen Ting’s tone sounded calm, Ruan Mianmian knew it was only a facade. If Shen Ting disliked even a word of what she said, she could turn hostile at a moment’s notice.

Suppressing her displeasure, Ruan Mianmian replied, “I’m in Lan City now. Something has come up on my end. I need a few more days, but don’t worry, I won’t go back on my word.”

“As if you’d dare,” Shen Ting sneered, then agreed, “Since that’s the case, I’ll give you five more days. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”

Hearing this, Ruan Mianmian didn’t feel much relief—if anything, a strange sense of unease settled over her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Shen Ting was not someone so easily persuaded. What trick was she playing at?

“Alright,” Ruan Mianmian agreed for now, then added, “Keep my things safe. I don’t want anyone else finding out.”

Shen Ting gave a cold chuckle. “That I can do. But I’m curious—what made you change your mind? Willing to pay so much just to get back that USB drive?”

At the mention of its contents, Ruan Mianmian’s face went pale.

“That’s none of your business. When the time comes, just take the money and leave. I don’t want trouble, and you’d best behave yourself as well.”

Without giving Shen Ting a chance to say more, Ruan Mianmian hung up immediately.

As for the real reason, she couldn’t possibly admit it was the foolishness of her predecessor. In everyone else’s eyes, they were the same person, and now she had to bear the consequences of everything the original had done.

All she could do was cut her losses as quickly as possible.

Jiang Ce hadn’t left. He stood in the same spot, quietly watching her, his gaze resting solely on Ruan Mianmian, as if she were the only person in his world.

Cradling her phone, Ruan Mianmian felt a faint sense of loss, hoping that in Jiang Ce’s eyes, she would always be the one.

...

Her grandfather’s funeral concluded quickly. Huai Cui Cemetery was the most prestigious resting place in Lan City, renowned for its auspicious location. Ruan Jianwen, ever conscious of the family’s reputation, would never dream of slighting his father.

After returning from the cemetery, Ruan Mianmian followed the others back to the Ruan family home.

Perhaps it was because Ruan Chenhan had mentioned Jiang Ce’s identity, but even Ruan Jianwen now treated him with an added measure of respect. It was clear the others were eager to win Jiang Ce over.

Unfortunately, Jiang Ce’s expression remained icy, unmoved by their overtures.

Ruan Mianmian felt a surge of irritation, especially seeing them fawn and flatter—she simply couldn’t be bothered to watch.

Once inside the house, Ruan Chenhan hurried over to Jiang Ce with a box in his hands.

“Master Jiang, I’ve heard you’re fond of collecting jade. Our family happens to have a few pieces. Would you do us the honor of taking a look?”

Ruan Chenhan smiled obsequiously as he offered the box to Jiang Ce, eager to please.

Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. She saw right through Ruan Chenhan’s motives. All this talk about asking for advice was merely a pretext to test Jiang Ce’s attitude—if he accepted the gift, their relationship would be cemented.

Jiang Ce merely glanced at the box, his gaze indifferent. Ruan Mianmian felt a flash of amusement—clearly, Jiang Ce wasn’t impressed.

Ruan Chenhan looked awkward, his pride pricked. Despite Jiang Ce’s status, after so many attempts at friendliness, Jiang Ce remained unmoved, which was hard to stomach.

“Master Jiang? What do you think?” Ruan Chenhan asked again, seeing Jiang Ce’s silence.

Just then, Jiang Ce looked up and asked, “Last time, I sent someone to bid for this jade at Moonlight Manor, but they returned empty-handed. I didn’t expect you to win it, Young Master Ruan.”

At the mention of Moonlight Manor, Ruan Mianmian bit her lip. Wasn’t the owner in the novel none other than Jiang Ce himself?

She then heard Ruan Chenhan laugh, “My apologies. I’ve always enjoyed studying jade. I had no idea I was bidding against you, Master Jiang. If you like this piece, please accept it as a gift!”

Ruan Chenhan tried to appear generous, but inwardly, Ruan Mianmian was nearly doubled over with laughter.

According to the novel, Jiang Ce’s interest in jade had nothing to do with personal preference. He believed one should be as steadfast as stone—unyielding, immune to distracting emotions.

Somehow, word had gotten out that Jiang Ce was a collector, and those seeking his favor all tried to approach him by gifting stones.

Jiang Ce did not nod at Ruan Chenhan’s offer, but said plainly, “A gentleman does not covet what others love. This is fine jade—keep it for yourself, Young Master Ruan.”

A clear refusal.

Ruan Chenhan laughed awkwardly, “No trouble, no trouble.”

Finding it all tedious, Ruan Mianmian stood and left the hall, returning to her room on the second floor to pack a few things.

Previously, while working at Hanhai Group, she had lived in a company-assigned apartment. Since breaking things off with Jian Yanzhi, she hadn’t returned once.

There was nothing left there for her to miss, nor did she want to go back and move her things. She might as well take this opportunity to pack up her clothes at home and bring them to Starfish Bay!

“Good grief! What kind of taste did my predecessor have?”

Opening the wardrobe, Ruan Mianmian stared at the gaudy array of clothing, her interest instantly fading.

She had to admit, her predecessor had gone to great lengths to maintain her image. Even her clothes and shoes were extravagantly ostentatious.

“Forget it, I’ll just go shopping myself.” Ruan Mianmian had her own private stash of money—she was hardly short on funds. Better to get a whole new wardrobe.

With that thought, she closed the wardrobe. Unexpectedly, a faint breath behind her made her heart skip. She turned around—and found herself looking straight into Jiang Ce’s dark eyes.

“When did you come upstairs?”