Chapter 85: Apology

Your brother?

In an instant, Ruan Mianmian recalled that in the original novel, Jian Yanzhi seemed to have a cousin—a girl named Fei something.

Yes, Zhao Qingfei!

This cousin had never gotten along with the original Ruan Mianmian since childhood, often bullying her whenever no one was around.

Apparently, some habits never change with age.

Ruan Mianmian folded her arms, fixing Zhao Qingfei with a cold sneer. “My name is none of your concern. Move aside!”

“I won’t!”

Ruan Mianmian noticed that everyone else was clustered around the old master, laughing and chatting, oblivious to what was happening here.

So this was why Zhao Qingfei dared to make such a scene?

Ruan Mianmian found it all rather amusing. Without even glancing at Zhao Qingfei, she stepped directly onto Zhao Qingfei’s outstretched foot, striding forward.

“Ah—!” Zhao Qingfei shrieked and hurriedly withdrew her foot.

The others were startled by this sudden cry and turned to look.

At that moment, Ruan Mianmian’s acting skills came fully into play. She staggered and, taking advantage of the movement, landed on the ground with a thud.

“Ouch! That hurts!”

Zhao Qingfei: …What hurts you?

Everyone else: ??? What just happened?

Jian Yanzhi quickly crossed the distance to Ruan Mianmian, helping her up and asking, “Are you all right? Did something happen?”

Ruan Mianmian cast a pitiful glance at Zhao Qingfei and whispered, “It's nothing. I don’t think she did it on purpose.”

???

What was going on?

At her words, Jian Yanzhi immediately shot a glare at Zhao Qingfei, and even the old master looked at Zhao Qingfei with clear displeasure.

Zhao Qingfei, ignoring the pain in her own foot, protested loudly, “Ruan Mianmian, what are you saying? You stepped on my foot! You did it on purpose!”

“I…” Ruan Mianmian hesitated, then lowered her eyes and said softly, “Forget it. Let’s say it’s my fault. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

With these words, the others became even more convinced that Zhao Qingfei had done something improper.

The old master, supported by a servant, walked over and asked in a deep voice, “What happened here?”

Though he was asking, his expression already showed reproach.

Zhao Qingfei cried, “Grandfather! She stepped on me—she did it on purpose!”

Jian Yanzhi, supporting Ruan Mianmian, asked coldly, “Why would she step on your foot for no reason?”

“I just stuck my foot out to block her, and then she just stepped…” Zhao Qingfei’s words trailed off abruptly as everyone immediately understood.

She’d tried to trip Ruan Mianmian but ended up being stepped on herself, causing Ruan Mianmian to slip.

Jian Yanzhi’s face darkened as he reprimanded Zhao Qingfei, “Qingfei, you used to bully Mianmian all the time as a child. How is it that you still don’t know how to respect others?”

“What? You bullied Mianmian when you were little?” The old master’s expression grew even sterner as he stared at Zhao Qingfei.

Zhao Qingfei was at a loss for words, finally understanding what it felt like to shoot herself in the foot.

“I didn’t!” she insisted stubbornly.

Ruan Mianmian remained silent, her head bowed as if she were terribly wronged.

The old master sighed and said, “You girl! You never give anyone peace of mind!”

After admonishing Zhao Qingfei, he turned to Ruan Mianmian, his tone gentle, “Did you hurt yourself when you fell, child?”

Ruan Mianmian quickly hid her smile, looked up with a pitiful expression, and replied, “I’m fine, Grandpa Jian, don’t worry. I’m sure she didn’t do it on purpose.”

Again with that line!

Zhao Qingfei was fuming.

The old master’s face softened with satisfaction, and he looked back at Zhao Qingfei. “Look at her—she’s still speaking up for you even now. Apologize to her at once!”

“I have to apologize to her?” Zhao Qingfei was incredulous, her face full of reluctance.

Ruan Mianmian, fully immersed in her act, waved her hand. “Forget it, forget it. I did fall, but it’s nothing serious. No need to apologize.”

To her surprise, the old master’s attitude only became firmer.

“How can you not apologize? You must! If you don’t apologize to her, you can go home. I won’t bother with you anymore!”

At these words, Zhao Qingfei’s expression changed.

She had only come here with her brother because her grandfather’s birthday was approaching. If she had to go back, she’d have to face all the mess at home again—a thought that gave her a headache, making the apology seem trivial in comparison.

“Fine, fine, I’ll apologize,” Zhao Qingfei muttered resentfully, glaring at Ruan Mianmian, who only raised an eyebrow, her satisfaction obvious.

Grinding her teeth, Zhao Qingfei said, “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have been in your way and made you fall. Please forgive me.”

The old master quickly added in a gentle tone, “Mianmian, forgive her. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

Ruan Mianmian nodded cheerfully. “I already said she couldn’t have meant it. But I accept your apology. Thank you for your concern, Grandpa Jian.”

“Good girl.”

Watching the affectionate scene before her, Zhao Qingfei’s eyes reddened with anger. She withdrew and returned to her own room.

“Hmph! I’m not his real granddaughter, but Ruan Mianmian is? I’ve called him ‘Grandpa’ for so many years, but I still can’t compare to an outsider! That old fool—he’s infuriating!” Zhao Qingfei was beside herself with rage, yet she didn’t dare make a sound, forced to stew in her own room.

Ruan Mianmian, claiming she needed some air, wandered alone into the garden.

Unexpectedly, Jian Yanzhi followed her out. When he saw her, he chuckled softly.

He asked, “Feeling better now?”

Ruan Mianmian raised an eyebrow. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

Jian Yanzhi replied, “That terrible acting of yours might fool the old master, but not me.”

What?

He’d seen through her?

Yet he hadn’t exposed her just now; why mention it now?

Ruan Mianmian merely said, “Oh.”

Jian Yanzhi pressed his fingers to his forehead in exasperation. “No need for that attitude. I wasn’t planning to expose you.”

“Then you needn’t bother. I’m not afraid anyway.”

Jian Yanzhi said, “I know you don’t like her. She isn’t exactly likable, but after all, she’s called me ‘cousin’ for so many years. If you can let it go for the sake of appearances, just leave it at that.”

Ruan Mianmian sneered, “Are you pleading for her? Don’t worry, I’m not so petty. As long as she doesn’t provoke me, I won’t trouble her.”

After she spoke, Jian Yanzhi suddenly looked at her with a meaningful gaze—a look that left Ruan Mianmian puzzled.

“What’s with that look?” she asked.

Jian Yanzhi replied quietly, “Nothing. It’s just… you seem very different since the kidnapping.”

“Tch.”

Ruan Mianmian scoffed in disdain. “If you’d walked through the gates of hell, wouldn’t you change? I’m not who I used to be. The Ruan Mianmian who was madly in love with you is long gone.”

She really was gone.

Jian Yanzhi fell silent, an undercurrent flickering in his eyes. He looked at Ruan Mianmian with sudden seriousness and said, “I’m sorry, Mianmian.”