Chapter 26

Ji Jing stared at his own message and thought: What the hell is wrong with me?

He quickly retracted it and sent: “Never mind.”

Tang Ruan: “…?”

While chatting with Ji Ling, Tang Ruan turned her head and asked, “Is my makeup bad today?”

“Not at all!” Ji Ling shook her head vehemently, showering her with exaggerated compliments. “I think you look amazing! Younger than me, your skin looks brighter, your lipstick is gorgeous, your hair is perfect, your outfit’s even better—everything’s on point. You look flawless from head to toe!”

Tang Ruan was speechless.

She chuckled and reached out to pinch Ji Ling’s cheek. “You’re too cute.”

Ji Ling blinked. “What’s wrong? Who said your makeup looks bad? I’ll go scold them!”

Tang Ruan sighed softly. “Your brother. He randomly messaged me just now to say my makeup looks bad.”

Ji Ling: “…”

Recalling the comments under her social media post, Ji Ling couldn’t help but laugh. Now she was sure—her brother definitely had feelings for Tang Ruan. He just didn’t realize it himself. Or maybe he had, but didn’t know how to act on them.

Thinking about Ji Jing’s blunt words, Ji Ling could only shake her head. If he tries to woo her like this, he’ll be single forever.

What kind of man calls a woman’s makeup ugly?

Ji Ling glanced at Tang Ruan, who showed no obvious reaction aside from mild annoyance at the comment.

Clearing her throat, Ji Ling offered reassurance. “My brother’s a typical clueless man. Don’t mind him, Sister-in-law. Men are just like that. How about I take you on a campus tour?”

Tang Ruan checked the time and shook her head. “It’ll be rush hour soon. Maybe next time. I’ll come back, and you can show me around then.”

“Deal.”

With that, Tang Ruan didn’t linger much longer and headed to the parking lot to drive home.

—

Meanwhile, after the ribbon-cutting event, Ning Ming approached Ji Jing.

“President Ji,” he asked quietly, “should I arrange for Secretary Liu to accompany you to the evening banquet?”

Ji Jing had several assistants and secretaries, but only Ning Ming and another male assistant dealt with him directly. The secretaries were mainly for attending formal events as companions when needed.

Ji Jing, however, was notoriously particular about cleanliness and personal boundaries.

Without looking up, Ji Jing rubbed his thumb along his phone, then spoke after a moment’s pause. “No need. I have someone.”

Ning Ming was startled. “A female companion?”

Ji Jing shot him a cold glance.

Ning Ming cleared his throat awkwardly. He wasn’t being skeptical—he had worked for Ji Jing for seven or eight years and had never seen him bring a woman to any social event.

Ji Jing walked away with his phone, ignoring him.

…

When Tang Ruan saw Ji Jing’s name on her phone, she hesitated briefly before answering.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

She was momentarily surprised before replying calmly, “Driving home. Why?”

Her voice was as cool and distant as ever—so different from the warmth and playfulness she displayed when acting. The contrast annoyed Ji Jing ever so slightly.

“Do I need a reason to call you?”

Tang Ruan was briefly at a loss for words. What was wrong with him? After a pause, she chuckled lightly. “I thought you called just to tell me my makeup looked bad today.” Then, softening her tone, she added, “But of course, you’re my husband. You can call me anytime you want.”

Ji Jing let out a soft chuckle. “Do you have any plans tonight?”

“No.”

“Come with me to a banquet.” His tone softened into a question.

Tang Ruan blinked. She hadn’t expected him to ask her for something like this. After a brief pause, she answered, “Alright.”

It was the first time he’d invited her to an event. Since she was playing the role of his wife, she didn’t mind agreeing.

—

When Tang Ruan drove home later that evening, Ji Jing was already there.

She blinked in surprise. “Weren’t we meeting at the banquet?”

She had planned to return home only to freshen up and change into appropriate attire. Since he had already criticized her makeup, she wanted to redo it. It was only five o’clock—plenty of time before the seven o’clock banquet.

For an event like this, looking too casual wouldn’t do. As Ji Jing’s wife and, by extension, a representative of Ji Group, she had to look presentable.

Ji Jing, seated on the sofa with a laptop in front of him, raised his eyes briefly. “I left an important document here.”

Hearing that, Tang Ruan responded with a soft “Oh,” and refrained from asking further questions.

“I’ll go change clothes first.”

“Mm.”

As soon as she headed upstairs, Butler Li emerged quietly from the side and addressed Ji Jing, “Young Master.”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow, turning his gaze toward him.

Butler Li cleared his throat. “If there was something you left behind, you could have asked us to bring it to you. There was no need for a trip home.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He glanced at Butler Li, noting the ambiguous smile lingering on his face. “You wouldn’t have found it.”

“Nonsense!” Butler Li looked genuinely affronted. “There’s nothing in this house I couldn’t locate!”

His tone was righteous, filled with professional pride. “I’ve been managing this household for so long—I know exactly where everything is!”

Butler Li did not tolerate any challenge to his competence, not even from the Young Master himself.

Ji Jing remained silent for a moment before replying, “It’s in the safe.”

“Oh.” Butler Li relaxed visibly. “That explains it.” He gave Ji Jing a suspicious look and asked curiously, “Why would there be a document in the safe?”

Ji Jing lowered his eyelids, his voice flat as he replied, “Business secrets.”

–

In the room, Tang Ruan had applied a more refined and elegant makeup look suitable for the evening’s event, trading youthful charm for a mature, classic, and cool aesthetic. The transformation shifted her entire demeanor.

Since Ji Jing had mentioned that there was no need to be too extravagant, Tang Ruan selected a timeless polka-dot maxi dress. It was simple yet graceful, with a sweeping skirt that exuded elegance and refinement.

There was another reason for choosing a long dress—it concealed her legs. The only drawback was that it was a sleeveless design, leaving her arms and collarbones exposed.

Standing before the mirror, Tang Ruan admired her reflection. The dress suited her perfectly. She even styled her hair into loose waves, letting it fall to cover part of her back.

As she descended the stairs, the sound of her footsteps drew the attention of the two men below, who turned to look at her simultaneously.

Ji Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the stunning figure before him. His gaze traveled from head to toe, lingering momentarily on her bare shoulders before settling back on her serene face. She wore a faint smile, her head gently lowered as she descended.

Butler Li blinked in astonishment before exclaiming, “Young Madam looks absolutely beautiful today!”

Tang Ruan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Really?”

“Of course!” Butler Li shot a glance at Ji Jing. “Right, Young Master? Young Madam looks stunning!”

Ji Jing frowned, his eyes returning to the exposed skin of her arms. His voice was low as he asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

Tang Ruan, still annoyed from earlier when he criticized her makeup, snapped back without hesitation, “What do you want me to wear, a down jacket?”

Ji Jing: “…”

He decided to stay silent.

–

The couple set off for the banquet. Despite some traffic, they arrived on time.

Tang Ruan, seated closer to the car door and keeping her distance from Ji Jing, gazed out the window, uninterested in interacting with him. Her thoughts remained elsewhere.

The driver announced, “Young Master, Young Madam, we’ve arrived.”

As soon as Tang Ruan stepped out, the chilly breeze of the mountainside night wrapped around her. It swept across her bare skin, making her shiver involuntarily.

She had taken a coat but left it inside the car.

Ji Jing gave her a brief glance and said, “Let’s go.”

He handed the invitation to the security at the entrance and led her inside.

The interior was abuzz with conversations, clinking glasses, and the soft melody of background music.

“Hold my arm.”

Tang Ruan paused, looking at the outstretched arm in front of her. She hesitated before lightly resting her hand on it. Since they had come together, she might as well play her role properly.

When they stepped in, someone immediately called out, “President Ji is here!”

Heads turned. All eyes focused on them. Upon seeing Tang Ruan, the room fell silent for a brief moment.

“Who’s that with President Ji? A new secretary? Or a date?”

“She’s beautiful! Stunning, really.”

“I’ve never seen President Ji bring someone like her before. Who is she? Anyone know?”

“No idea.”

The murmurs filled the room.

Ji Jing led Tang Ruan to greet a few familiar faces. Soon, Gu Tian and Ding Zerui approached them, grinning as they addressed her.

“Sister-in-law!”

“Sister-in-law, have you ever considered joining the entertainment industry? With your looks, it’d be a shame not to.” Gu Tian, ever persistent, made his pitch again.

Tang Ruan smiled lightly, her lips curving subtly. “I don’t have any acting skills.”

“Who cares about that?” Gu Tian waved dismissively. “In this industry, looks alone are enough to make it.”

Tang Ruan chuckled softly but didn’t outright refuse. She had no desire to join the entertainment world, but it wouldn’t be polite to reject Gu Tian outright at a social event. She opened her mouth to offer a noncommittal reply when Ji Jing’s cold laughter interrupted her.

“You think we’re short on money?”

Gu Tian was speechless.

He choked back his irritation and grumbled inwardly, Fine, fine, you’re rich, you’re the wealthiest, you’re incredible.

Tang Ruan smiled faintly and explained, “I’m just not interested.”

What Gu Tian said wasn’t wrong—plenty of people in the entertainment industry relied solely on their looks. But it was precisely because of this that there were so many subpar dramas nowadays. Tang Ruan would sometimes watch them out of boredom and cringe at the lack of acting skills that could ruin an entire production.

In her heart, if someone chose to become an actor and enter the industry, they should respect their craft and take responsibility for their roles. Since she had no passion for acting and lacked the skills, it was better to decline early on.

Gu Tian chuckled and didn’t press the matter further, though he insisted on complimenting her. “Even if you’re not going into the entertainment industry, Sister-in-law, I have to say—you look stunning today.”

Ji Jing listened and felt an inexplicable sense of discomfort.

He shot Gu Tian a sideways glance. “You’re full of flattery.”

Gu Tian raised his eyebrows and grinned. “I’m just stating the truth.”

The group continued chatting for a while before Ji Jing suggested Tang Ruan rest as he left to discuss business matters.

–

The banquet hall was crowded, and as soon as Tang Ruan walked away, several women and men gathered around Ji Jing.

She glanced over but pursed her lips and found a seat on a nearby sofa.

Feeling out of place in this unfamiliar setting, Tang Ruan realized she didn’t know anyone. She sighed and pulled out her phone from her clutch, intending to distract herself. The moment she unlocked it, a flood of messages appeared.

Cheng Mushi: Tang Ruan! Are you attending a banquet today??

Tang Ruan: ??? Are you here too?

Cheng Mushi: No, I’m not qualified for that. I saw some industry actors posting photos and wondered who you were…

Tang Ruan: Oh.

Cheng Mushi: Be careful! I’m telling you, there are plenty of players at these events.

Tang Ruan: Got it.

No sooner had she sent the reply than someone approached her.

Since no one outside Ji Jing’s circle knew her identity, the other attendees assumed she was just another one of his dates.

“Hello.”

Tang Ruan looked up, frowning. “Hello. Do you need something?”

The man grinned, rubbed his rounded belly, and nodded. “You’re quite beautiful. Are you in the industry? What’s your name? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

Tang Ruan’s expression flattened. She scrutinized him—beer belly, balding head, lecherous eyes, and short stature. He embodied everything she found distasteful.

Her eyes openly displayed her displeasure as she leaned back slightly. In a calm but firm tone, she said, “I’m sorry, no.”

The man, unfazed, moved closer with a sleazy smile. “Ah, so you must be President Ji’s date?”

“Mm.”

Tang Ruan’s brows drew together. “Sir, please mind your manners.”

The man let out a mocking laugh, his gaze drifting to the bare skin of her neck and shoulders, his eyes growing increasingly vulgar.

Tang Ruan’s expression froze. Without a moment’s hesitation, she rose from the sofa, ready to leave.

This was a business event, and most attendees were Ji Jing’s professional contacts. She didn’t want to cause a scene. Avoiding trouble seemed the best option.

However, as soon as she turned, the man reached out to grab her. Before he could touch her, a sharp cry of pain rang out—

“Ah!”

Then came a voice she knew well, cold and filled with menace.

“You dare touch her?”