Chapter Ninety-Two: Video Conference

"Shen Ting, have you ever considered that you could have a life entirely your own?" Ruan Mianmian’s words puzzled Shen Ting; she seemed not to grasp the meaning behind them.

"Isn’t my life already like this?" After everything she had endured, her heart was riddled with pain and torment. She could no longer fathom how to move forward with her days. Perhaps a muddled, hurried existence was the fate most suited to her. As she spoke, defeat filled her eyes.

Ruan Mianmian, whether out of sudden kindness or some other emotion, looked at Shen Ting and said earnestly, "I think you need to reevaluate yourself, including your feelings for Jiang Ce and the hatred you once held toward me. Perhaps you’ll come to understand other truths."

For example, she might realize that those intense emotions she once felt were nothing more than elusive, inexplicable surges of feeling—not representative of her true self.

Ruan Mianmian was uncertain whether her words would have any effect on Shen Ting. Later, they talked at length about their pasts, with a faint sense of catharsis lingering between them.

In truth, no one is born another’s nemesis. Ruan Mianmian never expected she would one day share laughter and conversation with Shen Ting.

That afternoon, just before the end of the workday, Ruan Mianmian received a text from an unfamiliar number. Its contents were as follows:

"You’re right. I won’t return to Lan City. I’m going to search for my true self. I hope, when we meet again, we can still laugh and talk as we did today."

There was no signature, but Ruan Mianmian easily guessed who it was.

After work, A Kuan appeared punctually outside the company, driving the familiar Land Rover, intercepting Ruan Mianmian as she exited the main gate.

"Ruan, how could you go to work without me? Aren’t I your designated driver?" A Kuan protested her solo venture.

"Alright, get in the car," she replied.

On the journey back to Starfish Bay, A Kuan was brimming with excitement, nearly displaying "I have a big surprise" across his face. Midway, he finally couldn’t hold back and grinned, "Ruan, I’ve got some news for you."

Ruan Mianmian’s tone was calm. "Shen Ting has left."

A Kuan stared at her in astonishment. "How did you know?"

She continued with indifference, "Not only do I know she’s gone, I know she didn’t return to Lan City. Isn’t that infuriating?"

Indeed, it was infuriating. A Kuan frowned, clearly unsettled by the unexpected turn of events. He then ventured, "Do you know where she’s gone?"

Ruan Mianmian turned to him and countered, "Do you like Shen Ting? If you want to confess, do it soon. Don’t wait until the tea grows cold and then regret it."

"What are you saying! I don’t like her! Not—not in that way. Not in the way between a man and a woman. We’re just friends!" He stressed the last two words.

Ruan Mianmian withdrew her gaze, uninterested. "Whether you like her or not, what does it matter to me?"

"Hey! Look at your attitude!" A Kuan grumbled, then sighed, "But honestly, I admire Ting now. I thought she’d follow Qing back to Lan City, but she’s actually signed up to teach in a poverty-stricken area."

"What? She’s going to teach?" Ruan Mianmian was surprised by this outcome and asked, "Why?"

A Kuan shook his head. "How would I know? Apparently, Ting made the decision suddenly. But she attended the renowned teachers’ college in Lan City for university, so I guess it’s her own choice."

Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips quietly—so that was the reason.

Shen Ting was a top student at a teachers’ college in Lan City, yet somehow ended up at Han Hai Group, working there for years. Remarkable, truly remarkable.

Ruan Mianmian sighed inwardly. Perhaps this decision was just as Shen Ting said in her message: she was setting out anew, with her original hopes, to find her true self.

In the end, it was for the best.

A strange sense of satisfaction welled up in Ruan Mianmian’s heart, though she couldn’t pinpoint its source. From her perspective, she hadn’t really hated Shen Ting that much. Rather than cold and rigid personas, Ruan Mianmian preferred lively, flesh-and-blood characters.

Upon returning to Starfish Bay, Ruan Mianmian went straight to Jiang Ce’s room.

He was seated on the sofa, laptop beside him, engrossed in his work. Ruan Mianmian pushed open the door and entered. Before Jiang Ce could react, she straddled his lap.

"A Cece, I missed you so much! Let me tell you, today I—"

"Phff—"

Her words were cut short by a faint chuckle—not from Jiang Ce, but an almost suppressed laughter, as if someone could barely hold it in.

Ruan Mianmian lifted her head and glanced around, then Jiang Ce’s calm voice sounded above her.

"I’m in a video conference."

Ruan Mianmian: "........................"

"Phff—hahahahaha!"

A burst of raucous laughter erupted from the computer. Ruan Mianmian’s back stiffened; mortified, she tumbled from Jiang Ce’s lap onto the floor.

She pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes wide with panic as she looked at Jiang Ce, as if asking, "What’s happening?"

Jiang Ce glanced nonchalantly at the computer. He had been staring at the screen, his eyes growing tired, so he’d set it aside—his Bluetooth earpiece ensured he could still hear everything clearly. He hadn’t anticipated Ruan Mianmian would seize the opportunity to burst in and stage a passionate embrace right in front of everyone.

The angle was perfect—no blind spots, a full panoramic view. The recipients had seen everything, clear as day.

Following Jiang Ce’s gaze, Ruan Mianmian instantly realized she’d come at the wrong time.

Just as she was about to make her escape, Jiang Ce’s calm voice stopped her. "You don’t have to leave."

He set the computer upright again and said blandly, "That’s all for today’s meeting."

"Alright, Cece~"

"......"

Hearing the teasing voices draw out his name from the other end, Ruan Mianmian wished the ground would swallow her whole.

Jiang Ce, meanwhile, remained unruffled, quietly switching off the video.

Ruan Mianmian sat on the floor like a chastened chick, hugging her knees and curling into a ball.

Jiang Ce couldn’t help but laugh. He leaned over, closing the distance, his gaze fixed on her. "Don’t sit on the floor."

He straightened, patting his thigh. "Come on, sit here!"

"......"

Ruan Mianmian felt an odd sense of déjà vu—why hadn’t she left yet? What was she still waiting for?

She stood, ready to slip out, but Jiang Ce was quick, catching her wrist.

With a gentle pull, she landed in his arms.

"What’s wrong? It’s rare to see you this happy. Did something happen?" Jiang Ce asked softly, his breath warm against her ear, making her shiver.

Ruan Mianmian drew back, smiling. "It’s nothing, really. I just learned something today that made me feel content."

Jiang Ce spoke calmly, "You know about Shen Ting, then?"