Chapter 81: You've Been Acting Strange Lately

“So what’s wrong with this?” Ruan Mianmian took a look at herself: a black A-line skirt, paired with a white blouse with puffed princess sleeves, and slender-heeled sandals on her feet—a simple yet elegant and lively ensemble.

She thought she looked perfectly fine.

Was she supposed to prepare an evening gown just for a family dinner?

Absolutely unnecessary, wasn’t it?

“I think this is just right. It’s not overly formal, but it’s still polite. Isn’t this exactly how you dress for a family gathering?” Ruan Mianmian spun around twice on the spot, her skirt swirling gracefully with her movements, and even the smile on her face seemed to shine brighter.

Jian Yanzhi was stunned for a moment, a hint of amazement flickering in his eyes.

“Then let’s go as you are. Let’s head over.” Without waiting for her response, Jian Yanzhi took her by the hand and strode toward the door.

“Wait!” Ruan Mianmian pulled her hand free and steadied herself, saying, “I can walk by myself.”

With that, she marched out of the office in big strides.

Jian Yanzhi’s fingertips felt suddenly empty. He frowned at her retreating figure.

Once, Ruan Mianmian would cling to him on the street as if she couldn’t bear to be apart for even a moment. But now, everything had changed.

A faint smile curved Jian Yanzhi’s lips as he followed after her.

Once in the car, Ruan Mianmian touched up her makeup in the mirror and asked, “Is Song Chenxi coming too?”

The car instantly fell silent, and Jian Yanzhi’s expression grew somewhat awkward.

“Why would she come?” His tone made it sound as though this matter had nothing to do with Song Chenxi.

Ruan Mianmian shot him a suspicious glance.

She remembered that in the book, when the old man’s birthday banquet arrived, Jian Yanzhi was supposed to bring Song Chenxi to officially introduce her to his family.

But judging by his response now, that didn’t seem to be the case.

Curious, Ruan Mianmian asked, “What’s going on between you and Song Chenxi? You haven’t seen her much lately, have you?”

A flash of irritation crossed Jian Yanzhi’s eyes. He replied vaguely, “Didn’t you used to dislike her? Why do you keep bringing her up now?”

“Hm?”

“I never disliked her.”

She was different from the original Ruan Mianmian, who had to compete with Song Chenxi for Jian Yanzhi. For her, Song Chenxi wasn’t even relevant.

Jian Yanzhi’s expression stiffened, and he said coolly, “Ruan Mianmian, you’ve been acting very strange lately.”

His words made her feel suddenly guilty.

“Strange how? If anything, you’re the one acting strange,” Ruan Mianmian muttered, but Jian Yanzhi didn’t argue further, and the car lapsed into silence.

Half an hour later, the two of them arrived punctually at the entrance to the Jian family’s villa, nestled among the mountains.

This place was as exclusive as Starfish Bay—every inch of land here was worth a fortune.

Not only was the environment beautiful, but the security system was also top-notch. Many successful people chose to live here; it was a famous wealthy district in Jiangcheng.

Ruan Mianmian glanced at the luxurious buildings around her and couldn’t help but click her tongue. Truly, only the very rich could afford to live here.

Suddenly, something occurred to her.

She asked, “Isn’t the old man supposed to be in Lan City?”

“Only now you think to ask?” Jian Yanzhi gave her a sidelong look before explaining, “Grandfather hasn’t been well, so last month I brought him here from Lan City to recuperate. With his birthday coming up, we decided to hold the celebration in Jiangcheng.”

So that was why.

Ruan Mianmian nodded in understanding. Seeing Jian Yanzhi’s nonchalant demeanor, she couldn’t help but smile.

“What are you smiling at?” Jian Yanzhi asked.

Ruan Mianmian replied, “Aside from letting him rest here, I bet you’re also hoping to use this as a chance to make an impression, aren’t you?”

Jian Yanzhi had come to Jiangcheng to start his own business. Though he had support from the main branch, his ventures here were still in their infancy.

What better way to showcase his charm than by hosting a birthday banquet and inviting successful entrepreneurs and promising young talents?

No doubt, the old man wanted to seize the opportunity to help Jian Yanzhi expand his network.

Jian Yanzhi’s lips curled in a faint smile. “Whatever grandfather is planning, I only need to make sure his birthday celebration goes well.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

Ruan Mianmian shook her head, then headed into the community.

Jian Yanzhi must have already told the staff that guests would be coming today, because as soon as they reached the door, a servant came out to greet them.

“Miss Ruan, welcome!”

“Hello.”

The servant took Ruan Mianmian’s bag and, with great care, produced a pair of slippers for her to wear.

“Thank you, thank you!” Ruan Mianmian said with a bright smile.

“No need to be so polite, Miss Ruan. Please, come inside.” The housekeeper led Ruan Mianmian into the living room with a smile, while Jian Yanzhi, left standing behind, was treated almost as an afterthought. He quietly changed his shoes and slipped in after them.

“Sister Wang, where’s grandfather?” Jian Yanzhi asked the servant after entering.

The woman called Sister Wang replied with a cheerful smile, “He should be in the study. I’ll go let him know you’ve arrived.”

With that, she went inside.

“Have a seat,” Jian Yanzhi said to Ruan Mianmian, unbuttoning his suit jacket and taking it off.

He was wearing a crisp white shirt underneath, giving him a sharp and commanding look. On him, even the simplest clothes looked elegant, as if he were born to be a model.

But why was she looking at him with such appreciation?

Ruan Mianmian, sitting on the sofa, quickly averted her gaze. Jian Yanzhi sat down next to her—so close, in fact, that there was barely any space between them.

…

What was his problem?

Ruan Mianmian glanced at him—he was even sitting on her skirt.

But he didn’t seem to notice.

She reached out and poked his elbow with her fingertip, reminding him, “Move over. You’re sitting on my skirt.”

Jian Yanzhi shot her a sidelong glance, and for some reason, there was a trace of displeasure in his eyes.

It was almost as if he had done it on purpose.

But thankfully, he didn’t insist and quietly shifted away from her.

“Let me see—where’s my dear Ruan girl? Where is she?” A hearty voice, full of surprise and vigor, echoed from a corner of the room.

Ruan Mianmian stood up first and turned toward the voice.

She saw Sister Wang helping an elderly man out—a small, white-haired grandfather, still hale and hearty.

“Grandpa Jian, I’m here!” Ruan Mianmian called, coming over to greet him. Though she didn’t have many memories of spending time with the old man, he’d always talked fondly of her.

What’s more, Grandpa Jian and her own grandfather had once been comrades-in-arms, and had remained close friends for many years.

For the sake of that friendship, Ruan Mianmian was naturally affectionate.

“Oh my! How you’ve grown, little Ruan! I still remember the first time I met you—you were just a tiny little thing, and now, in the blink of an eye, you’ve become a beautiful young lady!”

Jian Xiu was generous with his praise, his eyes lighting up with laughter as he looked at her.

With Sister Wang’s help, Ruan Mianmian supported the old man to the sofa.

“Well, I’m about the same age as him now—both of us are in our twenties, definitely not little kids anymore!” she said, pointing at Jian Yanzhi beside her as she spoke.