Chapter Sixty-Seven: Naturally, I Was Sleeping

"Why can't I be here?" Jiang Ce narrowed his dark eyes, a hint of danger flickering within them as he fixed his gaze on Jian Yan. They had crossed paths many times before, though most encounters saw Jiang Ce lurking in the shadows while Jian Yan was exposed to the light. If one were to recall a more formal occasion, it would be the time Ruan Mianmian arranged a meeting at a Western restaurant to discuss a contract—that was the first time Jian Yan truly saw Jiang Ce.

"Where is Ruan Mianmian?" Jian Yan's face was taut, rage erupting in his eyes. In contrast, Jiang Ce seemed more composed than before, a leisurely smile playing on his lips as he leaned lazily against the doorframe, eyes fixed on Jian Yan.

"She's sleeping, of course," Jiang Ce replied.

Jian Yan's fists clenched tight in an instant. Jiang Ce glanced at him, contempt flickering in his eyes, and said coolly, "Would you mind cleaning up?"

The breakfast Jian Yan had brought was scattered across the floor—soy milk spilled everywhere, the mess on the ground mirroring his mood. Yet Jiang Ce's smile remained, and before Jian Yan could react, he closed the door first.

Turning away, Jiang Ce's smile vanished completely. He glanced coldly at the empty door, a glacial sharpness in his eyes. Picking up his phone from the table, he called A-Kuan.

"Send some breakfast over—get her favorites."

"Alright!"

In high spirits, Jiang Ce hung up and headed toward the bedroom, assuming Ruan Mianmian would still be asleep. To his surprise, she was already sitting up, her phone pressed to her ear.

"What's gotten into you this early? You called just to yell at me?" Ruan Mianmian, irritated at being woken by the ringtone, answered Jian Yan's call, only to be met with a barrage of scolding.

"I called specifically to scold you!" Jian Yan snapped, "Ruan Mianmian, how old are you? How can you so casually let another man stay overnight? Have you no shame?"

Ruan Mianmian's face turned livid at his words, and she raised her voice sharply.

"Jian Yan, who do you think you are? Do you have any right to meddle in my affairs? I can let whoever I please stay overnight—it's none of your business!"

Her temper ignited, she hung up abruptly and tossed her phone aside in frustration.

Jiang Ce stood at the bedroom door, not intruding, but seeing Ruan Mianmian so upset, he couldn't remain indifferent.

"Are you... alright?" Jiang Ce asked gently, as if unaware of what had transpired.

Ruan Mianmian's brows were knit tightly together. She covered her weary face and shook her head slowly.

"Go wash up first," Jiang Ce suggested.

"Mm." Ruan Mianmian shifted off the bed and headed out, but Jiang Ce quickly stopped her, glancing down at her pale toes, troubled.

"Can't you break your habit of not wearing slippers?"

It was summer, but the air conditioning was always on and the floors were cold—not good for her health. As he spoke, he fetched her slippers, crouched down, and slipped them onto her feet.

Ruan Mianmian's expression softened. "Thank you," she murmured.

"Alright, go on," Jiang Ce said, stepping aside.

Ruan Mianmian entered the bathroom, but her discarded phone soon rang again. Jiang Ce picked it up, saw Jian Yan's name flashing on the screen, and decisively declined the call, immediately adding the number to the blacklist.

From that moment, the world fell silent.

Satisfied, Jiang Ce placed the phone back where it belonged and returned to the living room to await A-Kuan's arrival.

When Ruan Mianmian finished washing and emerged from the bathroom, she was startled to see steaming soy milk and breakfast laid out on the table.

"You bought this?" She found it odd—when had he gone out to buy it, and so quickly?

"Come eat," Jiang Ce replied, offering no further explanation as he passed by her and entered the bathroom.

Ruan Mianmian wasn't embarrassed; she simply settled onto the sofa and began to eat heartily. The soy milk today suited her taste perfectly. She never liked it sweet, preferring that clear, slightly bitter flavor. If sugar was added, she lost interest. Today’s soy milk was just right—not too sweet, not too bland, simply perfect.

By the time Jiang Ce emerged, Ruan Mianmian's cup was nearly empty.

"Is it good?" Jiang Ce glanced at the soy milk in her hand, silently noting her preference.

Ruan Mianmian nodded, "It's really nice. I like it a lot. You should try some."

"Mm."

Breakfast drifted by in leisurely ease. Ruan Mianmian had to get to work, so she tidied up quickly.

But as she prepared to leave, she found herself in a quandary. Her car was still parked in the company garage, and Jian Yan, who had promised to pick her up, hadn't appeared. Not only that, he'd called just to berate her.

Ruan Mianmian found it strange—how did he know someone had stayed over? And last night’s call from Song Chenxi was odd as well—how did Song Chenxi know about her and Jian Yan’s whereabouts?

Ruan Mianmian was utterly baffled.

Jiang Ce finished clearing away the trash and looked at her. "Wait for me; I'll drive you to work."

"Alright," she agreed.

Jiang Ce dropped her off outside Hanhai Group. It was rush hour, with crowds streaming past. The flashy Maybach that pulled up drew everyone's attention; people paused and stared.

"Alright, you can head back," Ruan Mianmian said with a sweet smile, stepping out of the car. Watching as it eased into the flow of traffic, she made her way to the lobby.

"Wow! Did you see that guy just now? He was so handsome—I could die!"

"Right? That devilish look is so rare!"

"And that sweet-looking girl must be his girlfriend. Their looks are off the charts—they’re so well-matched!"

Hearing the chatter around her, Ruan Mianmian’s lips curled into a smile. She strode gracefully in her heels into the Hanhai building.

"Good morning, Director!"

"Hello."

Ruan Mianmian responded graciously to the lively greetings all around. Ever since her position changed, her status in the company had risen rapidly.

Zhou Miao, hearing the commotion, hurried out of the office.

"Director, Wu Ketian has finished the onboarding process. I’ve asked her to wait for you in your office on the thirty-second floor."

"Already done?"

Wu Ketian certainly was enthusiastic.

Ruan Mianmian nodded. "Alright, get back to work."

With that, she took the elevator up to the thirty-second floor.