Chapter 28

The super-handsome senior Ji Ling referred to had come up in a recent chat. Over the past few weeks, Tang Ruan had been growing closer to Ji Ling and found her lively, cheerful, and refreshingly down-to-earth despite coming from an influential family. Ji Ling had no trace of arrogance and was, in fact, quite friendly.

Because she often asked Tang Ruan for makeup tips, the two chatted nearly every day, occasionally swapping stories about university life.

The handsome senior was someone Ji Ling had gushed about before—tall, athletic, and charismatic. She had even sent Tang Ruan a photo and a short video clip of him playing basketball.

When Tang Ruan saw the footage, she had to admit, he really was handsome—full of youthful energy and charm. Even in a candid, spur-of-the-moment shot, he looked effortlessly attractive. Ji Ling had mentioned that he was a prominent figure on campus and an exceptional student.

That night, the two had stayed up half the night talking about him, with Tang Ruan even joking that she’d love to see him in person someday. She hadn’t expected that opportunity to come so soon.

Ji Ling’s voice continued to ring clearly in the room, reaching both Tang Ruan and Ji Jing.

Tang Ruan glanced up instinctively to gauge Ji Jing’s reaction. However, he remained unfazed, quietly eating his breakfast with impeccable poise—so composed and refined that his demeanor almost seemed irritatingly artificial.

Such a show-off.

Tang Ruan cleared her throat and refocused on the conversation. “What time does it start on Wednesday? I can come.”

Ji Ling giggled. “It starts around eight in the morning, but the handsome senior’s event is at ten. Sis-in-law, why don’t you stay a few days? The sports meet lasts three days, and we don’t have classes!”

University sports meets were informal—attendance wasn’t mandatory, and most students left after the opening ceremony. Many even used the break as an excuse to go home. Since Ji Ling lived in the same city, she usually spent weekends at home, but she planned to enjoy the full three-day event on campus this time.

Tang Ruan casually glanced at Ji Jing, who continued eating as if completely uninterested. She replied softly, “Sure, I’ll stay. Driving back and forth in one day is exhausting.”

“Yes! Come on, sis-in-law! I’ll show you all the best food spots!”

“Sounds good.”

–

After the call ended, Tang Ruan resumed eating at a leisurely pace, entirely unfazed.

She even felt the breakfast tasted unusually good that morning.

Butler Li often cooked for them. Although there were other staff members skilled in the kitchen, Ji Jing preferred his cooking. Since Butler Li enjoyed it and had little else to do besides supervising the household staff, he gladly took on the task.

Emerging from the kitchen, he asked, “Did the breakfast suit your taste today?”

Tang Ruan beamed. “It was delicious. Thank you, Butler Li.”

“No need to thank me, Young Madam,” he replied, then turned to Ji Jing. “Young Master, I tried a new recipe today. What did you think?”

Ji Jing took a sip of coffee and, with deliberate grace, wiped his long fingers with a napkin before replying, “Terrible.”

Butler Li blinked. “What was wrong? Please tell me so I can improve.”

Ji Jing stood up smoothly. “Indescribably bad.”

Looking dejected, Butler Li muttered, “But Young Madam said it was good.”

Ji Jing smirked faintly. “That’s her opinion, not mine.”

Butler Li: “…”

Tang Ruan suppressed a laugh, glancing at the butler with a twinkle in her eye. “Don’t worry. I really enjoyed it. I’d love to have it again tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

Ji Jing cast her a sidelong glance, scoffed lightly, and headed upstairs.

–

After breakfast, Tang Ruan went upstairs to change and apply makeup.

She was heading out to help Cheng Mushi with her makeup, so she chose a casual outfit—an oversized sweater paired with jeans, white sneakers, and a mini LV backpack. She had always loved that bag. There was a time when she had scrimped and saved for it, but when she finally had enough, she couldn’t bear to spend all her hard-earned money in one go.

Now, she finally owned it.

She still adored it, even if, in this household, it was just a trivial accessory.

Tang Ruan looked at herself in the mirror, very pleased with her outfit. However, she was surprised to see Ji Jing still in the living room when she headed downstairs.

Their eyes met, and Ji Jing was dressed in formal attire—black suit, white shirt, and a tie, looking impeccably sharp. He had his hands in his pockets and glanced over at her, pausing for a moment. “Are you going out?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Where to?”

Tang Ruan raised an eyebrow and smiled, looking up at him. “Husband.”

“Mm?”

“Did you need something from me today?” She glanced at the time on her wristwatch—it was already eight o’clock. Ji Jing’s workday started at nine, but he usually left for the office around 7:40 AM, as a boss…

He arrived earlier than his employees and stayed later.

Ji Jing studied the smile on her face, a hint of realization crossing his mind. “No, nothing. Where are you going? I’ll have the driver take you there.”

Tang Ruan smiled and didn’t refuse. “I’m going to the mall downtown to do Mushi’s makeup.”

“Mm. Alright, let’s go.”

The two got into the car, and there was no further conversation. After the driver dropped her off at the mall, Tang Ruan stepped out, and Ji Jing looked at her for a moment before instructing, “Come home early.”

With that, he left.

Tang Ruan watched the car drive away and couldn’t help but curve her lips into a small smile… Ji Jing was becoming more and more unusual.

–

Cheng Mushi’s event was actually a brand invitation. The people attending weren’t big celebrities—just minor figures—but there were quite a few fans gathered around, holding signs and cheering for their favorite stars.

When Tang Ruan arrived, Cheng Mushi looked like she had seen a savior and immediately grabbed her hand, sighing in relief. “Oh my God, you’re finally here.”

Tang Ruan smiled at her. “Were you waiting that desperately?”

“Not really, but everyone else is already getting ready,” Cheng Mushi whispered in her ear, “If this event gets good coverage, it could give me some popularity.”

Though she wasn’t chasing instant fame, now that she was in the industry, it was natural to want to become well-known.

“No rush, I’ll do your makeup.”

“Thanks, sorry to trouble you.”

Tang Ruan smiled, genuinely enjoying the chance to do makeup. She loved it, so even if it was tiring, it was still fulfilling.

The atmosphere around was busy, and being surrounded by people working hard always gave her energy and a sense of purpose.

Cheng Mushi even introduced Tang Ruan to a few other people. Though they weren’t close, she thought it would be a good idea for Tang Ruan to network in case she really pursued makeup professionally.

…

During class, Ji Ling had her eyes glued to her phone. Though her family was very wealthy, her parents were strict, and while they gave her a lot of money compared to others, it still didn’t seem quite enough.

After starting university, her brother Ji Jing took control of her allowance, giving her 5,000 yuan a month. He transferred the money on the 25th of each month, but today, it was already noon, and the transfer still hadn’t come through.

After waiting for a while, Ji Ling carefully sent Ji Jing a hinting message: [Brother, do you know what date it is today?]

Ji Jing was in a meeting with the managers, discussing the company’s year-end activities and plans for the upcoming year. He was very busy.

He glanced at his phone during a break, chuckled softly, and didn’t reply.

After lunch, Ji Ling still hadn’t received a response. She thought he might be too busy, so she sent a message to Tang Ruan instead: [Sis-in-law, how’s my brother been lately?]

Tang Ruan had just finished Mushi’s makeup and was standing with other fans watching. In a good mood, she replied: [He’s fine. Why?]

Ji Ling, now close enough to Tang Ruan that they talked about everything, didn’t hold back and directly typed: [My brother forgot to send me my allowance! He always sends it on the 25th, but it’s already noon, and I haven’t gotten it yet!!! It’s so unfair! If he doesn’t send it soon, I won’t have money for lunch!]

She could still manage to eat, but when the money didn’t come through on time, she felt uneasy, constantly wondering if she had done something wrong to upset her brother, leading him to withhold her allowance.

She remembered one time when she’d angered Ji Jing, and he had reduced her allowance by half that month. That had been during high school, and he had even thrown in a bunch of mock exams with a week’s deadline for her to finish them—an agonizing experience.

Since then, she had learned not to upset him.

She had no idea what she had done wrong today.

Tang Ruan read Ji Ling’s message, her eyes twinkling as she recalled the phone call from this morning. She fought back a laugh and replied: [How much does your brother give you every month?]

Ji Ling: [5,000.]

For someone from Ji Ling’s family, 5,000 was hardly a lot.

Tang Ruan raised an eyebrow and smiled before directly transferring 6,000 to her on WeChat with the message: [Use the extra 1,000 to buy a meal for that handsome senior!]

Ji Ling: [… My brother will definitely scold me.]

Tang Ruan: [Don’t worry, just don’t ask him for money again. I’ll talk to him at the company later.]

Ji Ling: [Thanks, sis-in-law!!! I love you!!!]

Tang Ruan couldn’t hold back her laughter.

She thought about Ji Jing’s mood this morning and silently curved her lips into a smile, putting her phone away. She planned to visit his company later—it had been a while since she last went.

–

After the meeting, Ji Jing returned to his office.

He glanced at Ning Ming, who had followed him in, and loosened his tie slightly, lowering his voice to ask, “Did Ji Ling call you?”

“No.” Ning Ming was a bit surprised. “Miss usually doesn’t call.”

Ji Jing instinctively frowned and glanced at his phone. After pondering briefly, he said, “Got it. Organize the meeting notes and send them to me this afternoon.”

“Yes.”

After Ning Ming left, Ji Jing sent a message back to Ji Ling: [And then?]

Ji Ling replied: [There’s no ‘then’! Brother, focus on your work. I’m out with my classmates.]

Ji Jing: [… ?]

After sending the message, Ji Ling didn’t reply again. Ji Jing looked at the screen, his lips twitching slightly, and still transferred her some money—though instead of 5,000, it was only 3,000. However, the transfer was promptly declined, with a note: [Brother, sister-in-law already sent me 6,000. I have enough for this month.]

Ji Jing: [You asked her for money?]

Ji Ling: [She said she’d tell you. I just mentioned that you forgot to send me my allowance.]

Ji Jing: [So, you tricked her into sending you 6,000?]

Ji Ling: [I didn’t trick her! The extra 1,000 is for me to treat my handsome senior to dinner, as per sister-in-law’s suggestion.]

Ji Jing read that and let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Treating another man to dinner?

Hah.

–

Tang Ruan left the event venue relatively early. Thanks to her stellar performance at the company last time, this time she had no trouble accessing Ji Jing’s exclusive elevator and arriving at his office floor.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Ning Ming.

“Miss Tang, what brings you here?” Ning Ming asked in surprise. “Are you looking for President Ji?”

Tang Ruan nodded and pointed. “Is he in?”

“He’s in the office.”

“Is it a busy day for you all?”

Ning Ming, startled by her casual tone, thought for a moment before replying, “Not too busy, actually.” He added softly, “Shall I escort you in?”

“No need, no need.” Tang Ruan waved her hand dismissively. Without the slightest formality, she said, “I’ll head in myself, no problem, right?”

“Of course.”

Tang Ruan smiled, carrying the items in her hand, and walked further inside, making a point to soften her footsteps. She knocked on the door, and after hearing a response, she entered.

The first thing she saw was the man engrossed in his work. Ji Jing was holding a pen, annotating some documents with a focused expression.

Tang Ruan stood at the door and observed for a moment before coughing lightly and changing her tone. “Husband.”

Ji Jing: “…”

His hand faltered, and the signature went askew. He looked up at the sudden intruder, momentarily caught off guard.

“What are you doing here?”

Tang Ruan smiled sweetly at him, her voice soft as she said, “Can’t I come to see my husband?”

Ji Jing: “…”

He remained silent, unwilling to respond.

Tang Ruan chuckled, placing the items she was holding to one side. “Are you tired? I specially bought cake and coffee for you. Want some?”

“No.” Ji Jing coldly refused. “I don’t eat sweets.”

Tang Ruan: “… Really?”

“Mm.”

Tang Ruan pursed her lips but didn’t move the items away. Instead, she placed them directly on the desk, sat across from Ji Jing, and started unpacking them. Without saying a word, she began eating, occasionally exclaiming, “This cake is so delicious! I went all the way to the north district to get it. Are you sure you don’t want to try a bite?”

Ji Jing’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as his gaze shifted from the documents to her lips, which were opening and closing as she ate. His eyes darkened. “No.”

Tang Ruan laughed inwardly but nodded seriously. “That’s a shame.”

She set her fork down and leaned over the desk, feigning a pitiful tone as she whimpered, “I knew it. You don’t care about me at all. You won’t even eat the cake I bought just for you. I’m so young, my parents are gone, and now my husband doesn’t love me, either. He won’t even eat the cake I—”

Before she could finish, a gritted voice interrupted her: “I’ll eat it.”