Chapter 29

Tang Ruan burst into laughter, her eyes curved with mirth. “Really?”

Ji Jing shot her a glare, not even bothering to argue.

The two leisurely ate the cake. Ji Jing, not fond of sweets, only took a couple of bites before setting it down.

Tang Ruan, however, continued eating at her own pace. Suddenly, she remembered something. “Oh, by the way, I transferred some allowance to Ji Ling today. Did you forget it’s the 25th? You didn’t send her anything.”

The mention of this annoyed Ji Jing, though he tried not to show it too much.

He cast a sidelong glance at Tang Ruan and, suppressing his irritation, asked through gritted teeth, “Did you tell her to use the money to treat some guy to dinner?”

Tang Ruan blinked innocently. “I didn’t.”

She looked at the visibly frustrated Ji Jing and stifled a laugh. Smiling, she said softly, “I just meant they could eat together, that’s all.”

Ji Jing curled his lips into a mocking smile.

Together?

What’s so great about eating together?

Tang Ruan had an excellent eye for reading people and knew how to press the right buttons. Seeing Ji Jing’s current demeanor, she quickly changed the subject. “You’ve been busy lately?”

“Mm.”

“Oh.” Tang Ruan glanced around the room and asked in a normal tone, “Am I disturbing you by coming here?”

Ji Jing raised his eyes slightly, giving her a meaningful look. Unfortunately, Tang Ruan didn’t pick up on it at all.

She continued speaking to herself. “Even if I am, it can’t be helped. I’ve been so bored at home. I didn’t drive today, so can I just stay here and read a book until you’re off work? Then we can go back together.”

She was clearly asking for Ji Jing’s approval.

Ji Jing nodded and succinctly replied, “As you wish.”

The next stretch of time in the office passed with the two of them busying themselves with their own tasks. Tang Ruan observed Ning Ming going in and out multiple times throughout the afternoon and couldn’t help but admire Ji Jing’s exceptional work ethic. No wonder the other board members and the family elder trusted him so much with the company.

Tang Ruan held a book in her hands, but her mind wasn’t on it.

From time to time, she glanced at Ji Jing. Occasionally, she’d fiddle with her phone. In short, she couldn’t settle down.

–

Ji Jing was, in fact, quite busy. The workload was already heavy, and it being Monday only made things worse. Ning Ming had walked in and out at least ten times that afternoon, each time bringing in project files that needed Ji Jing’s review.

The sunlight streamed through the clouds outside, brightening the office slightly. Though autumn had arrived, the weather remained pleasant.

Occasionally, Ji Jing would glance up at Tang Ruan. At first, she sat upright on the sofa, posture perfect. After about ten minutes, however, she seemed unable to maintain that position and shifted to leaning an arm on the sofa’s armrest while casually massaging her temples as she skimmed through her book.

Ji Jing caught the title of the book and silently smirked before returning to the mountain of files on his desk.

The quiet scratching of his pen filled the room—a faint sound that nonetheless echoed clearly in the stillness of the office.

After listening to the sound for a while, Tang Ruan started feeling drowsy. Normally, she would take a nap at home during the day, but she’d woken up early to help Cheng Mushi that morning and then spent the afternoon in Ji Jing’s office. Unsurprisingly, she began to feel sleepy.

Yet, falling asleep here didn’t seem appropriate.

She adjusted her sitting position, leaning slightly against the sofa, and made an effort to keep her eyes open and focus on the book.

But within minutes, exhaustion overtook her, and her eyelids grew too heavy. She thought she’d just close them for a moment… only to quickly drift into a deep sleep.

When Ji Jing next glanced up, Tang Ruan was lying on the sofa, fast asleep.

He paused, twirling the pen in his fingers before getting up and walking over to her. Standing by her side, he gazed down at her sleeping face. She was sound asleep, her position slightly awkward, and she shifted a bit as if trying to find comfort, neatly folding her hands to one side.

Ji Jing’s gaze trailed upward, landing on her delicately made-up face. Makeup enhanced her features, but Ji Jing thought she looked like a different person entirely without it—more petite, fair, and youthful.

He stared for a moment before heading into the lounge attached to his office. When he returned, he was carrying a blanket.

…

Later, when Ning Ming came in to report something, his footsteps softened instinctively.

After all, a “living Buddha” was asleep in the office.

–

When Tang Ruan woke up, it was already late. Dusk had fallen, and the unlit office was shrouded in darkness.

Her mind was still foggy as she blinked a few times, trying to remember where she was.

Looking down, she noticed the blanket draped over her and slowly sat up, clutching it. “Ji Jing?”

No response. The office was empty.

Tang Ruan frowned and checked her phone, noticing it was already 7 p.m. Without thinking much, she grabbed her phone and headed for the door. Could Ji Jing have left her here while she was asleep? No way. As annoying as he found her, Ji Jing wasn’t that heartless, right?

She shook her head. Probably not. Ji Jing might not talk much, but he wasn’t mean-spirited.

Her mind bubbled with all sorts of thoughts as she shuffled toward the door. In her distraction, she didn’t notice it opening—and promptly bumped into a solid, warm chest.

She let out a startled “Ah!”

Ji Jing, having just opened the door, was pushed a step back. He lowered his head to look at her, the hallway light illuminating both their faces as they locked eyes.

“You’re awake?” His tone was calm, devoid of any particular emotion.

Tang Ruan blinked, nodded, and asked, “How did I fall asleep?”

Ji Jing didn’t answer.

Tang Ruan looked at him and chuckled. “I thought you’d left.”

Ji Jing paused before letting out a faint laugh, his words carrying a teasing undertone. “What, do you think I’d just leave you here?”

Without missing a beat, Tang Ruan replied, “Go home, leave me here to sleep in your office while you relax comfortably at home.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He shot her a sidelong glance and let out a faint snort. “Ungrateful.”

Tang Ruan laughed. Somehow, her earlier unease dissipated, replaced by a comforting warmth.

Her mind briefly wandered to the times in her life when she’d woken up only to find herself abandoned—by parents, by relatives. Even though she’d grown up and learned to brush such memories aside, the feelings of sadness and loneliness lingered in the back of her mind.

But not this time.

Ji Jing glanced at the soft smile on her face and said quietly, “Get ready. We’re heading back.”

“Okay.”

Tang Ruan didn’t ask why he hadn’t woken her up; it felt unnecessary. If Ji Jing didn’t want to say, she wouldn’t pry.

–

The night deepened. The autumn wind was strong, and even inside the car, you could feel the chill from outside. Fallen leaves blanketed the streets as gusts of wind rustled the trees.

Tang Ruan felt much more refreshed after her nap. She turned to look at Ji Jing, who appeared to be resting, and cleared her throat. “Did you let Butler Li know we’ll be getting back late?”

“Mm.”

Butler Li had called earlier, asking if they would return home for dinner.

Tang Ruan let out a casual “Oh,” and after some thought, said, “Should we eat out instead? It’s already so late; it wouldn’t be fair to have Butler Li prepare something now.”

Hearing this, Ji Jing glanced at her. “What do you want to eat?”

“That place.” Without hesitation, Tang Ruan pointed toward a brightly lit restaurant outside the window. From inside the car, she could vaguely make out people waiting at the entrance. Business seemed to be booming.

Following her gaze, Ji Jing frowned slightly. “Hotpot?”

“Yeah.” Tang Ruan smiled. “It’s almost winter—perfect for hotpot.”

Ji Jing said nothing.

Realizing it might not be a good idea, Tang Ruan awkwardly added, “Uh, never mind. Let’s just go home. There seem to be a lot of people there anyway.”

Ji Jing remained silent for a moment, making no comment.

Tang Ruan lowered her head and started playing with her phone, mumbling as she did, “We can go next time. It’s too crowded there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes,” Tang Ruan replied quickly. “Let’s just head home. I’m feeling a bit tired now that I think about it.”

Ji Jing ignored her, chuckled lightly, and instructed the driver, “Pull over at the curb.”

“Understood.”

When the car stopped, Ji Jing looked at her and said, “Get out.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

Alright. Since President Ji wanted hotpot, she’d go along for the meal and enjoy it.

–

The hotpot restaurant was indeed packed, with several groups still waiting for their turn.

Tang Ruan walked up to inquire and found out there were over twenty tables ahead of them. She hesitated, then looked at Ji Jing. “Maybe we shouldn’t wait. I’m kind of hungry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mm-hmm.” Tang Ruan pointed to a restaurant nearby, speaking softly, “Let’s eat there. It’s less crowded.”

Ji Jing glanced at the restaurant she indicated, paused for a moment, and asked, “Do you really want hotpot?”

“Huh?” Tang Ruan feigned indifference. “It’s not a big deal. We can save hotpot for another time. Ji Ling mentioned there’s a great hotpot place near her school. Maybe I’ll go there on Wednesday.”

Ji Jing’s tone turned slightly sour. “You’re really planning to attend their sports meet?”

His comment sounded offhand, but Tang Ruan didn’t notice anything unusual in his tone. She nodded earnestly. “I already promised Ji Ling, so I have to go. Besides, I don’t have much to do at home.”

She gestured toward the restaurant in front of them. “Let’s just eat here. Something simple, okay?”

Ji Jing suppressed his annoyance and muttered, “Fine. Whatever.”

In the end, they settled for a random meal and headed home afterward.

The less-crowded restaurant’s food was, unsurprisingly, lackluster.

Tang Ruan, who was usually not picky, barely ate a few bites before putting her chopsticks down. As for Ji Jing, who was much more particular, he only tasted each dish briefly before losing interest entirely.

Tang Ruan couldn’t understand how such an unappealing restaurant managed to stay in business.

–

When they returned home, Butler Li was still waiting in the living room.

“You’re back.”

Tang Ruan greeted him with a smile and asked, “Butler Li, is there any food left at home? I’m starving.”

Butler Li was taken aback. “Young Madam, didn’t you eat?”

“It wasn’t good.” She pouted playfully. “The food outside is awful. Is there anything left in the kitchen?”

Startled, Butler Li quickly replied, “Not much, but I can whip something up. What would you like to eat?”

Tang Ruan glanced at Ji Jing, intending to ask for his opinion, but he simply tossed out, “I don’t need anything,” before heading upstairs. She froze for a moment, exchanging a confused look with Butler Li. She couldn’t figure out why his mood had suddenly shifted.

…

In the kitchen, Butler Li couldn’t help but gossip. “Is the Young Master upset?”

While chopping vegetables, Tang Ruan shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Butler Li: “…”

“Is there anything that makes the young master angry?” Butler Li mused. “The young master usually has a good temper.”

Tang Ruan paused, thinking about Ji Jing’s sudden change in mood. It seemed to have started when they skipped the hotpot and went to the other restaurant instead.

Butler Li looked curious. “Did you figure it out?”

Tang Ruan nodded. “We originally planned to eat hotpot, but because the restaurant was too crowded, we switched to another place. Maybe he was upset about missing out on the hotpot.”

Butler Li: “…”

Their young master wasn’t exactly a fan of hotpot. It didn’t seem like the kind of thing that would upset him.

However, since Tang Ruan wasn’t inclined to elaborate, Butler Li didn’t press further.

“Need any help?”

Tang Ruan waved him off. “I’m just making fried rice. It’ll be quick.”

Eventually, she prepared two servings of fried rice and handed one to Butler Li. “You take this to Ji Jing.”

“Young Madam, why don’t you bring it to him yourself?” Butler Li suggested, clearly trying to play matchmaker.

Tang Ruan declined. “No, I don’t want to disturb him in the study. I’m hungry.”

Butler Li: “…”

At this rate, he doubted he’d live to see the Young Master and Young Madam grow closer, let alone give him a grandchild to fuss over.

Butler Li sighed deeply.

…

Tang Ruan served herself only a small bowl. It was already late at night, and she didn’t want to overeat.

Before long, Butler Li came downstairs and winked at Tang Ruan, saying, “When I took it up, the young master said he didn’t want to eat.”

“Really?” Tang Ruan asked.

Butler Li leaned in conspiratorially, “But when I mentioned it was prepared by the young madam, he asked me to leave it there.”

Tang Ruan smiled at that. “Thank you, Butler Li. I’ll head to my room to rest now.”

“Good night, young madam.”

“Good night.”

When Tang Ruan returned to her room, she glanced at her phone, but no messages had come in. She hesitated briefly before deciding not to knock on the study door. Instead, she contentedly went to take a bath and get ready for bed.

After all—

She didn’t feel particularly worried.

The next morning, their interactions showed no noticeable change. It was as if nothing had happened.

Tang Ruan did notice that Ji Jing’s mood seemed slightly better compared to when they had gotten out of the car the previous night. After breakfast, she went to the small attic to record several videos as backups.

In the blink of an eye, the day passed.

On Wednesday morning, Tang Ruan woke up at 6:30. After doing her makeup and changing clothes, she went downstairs. Seeing Ji Jing sitting in the living room surprised her. She turned to Butler Li. “I’m heading out now, so I won’t have breakfast at home.”

Butler Li exclaimed, “Oh, then I’ll pack something for you.”

After thinking about it, Tang Ruan nodded. “Okay, thank you.”

The entire time, Ji Jing didn’t say a word to her.

It wasn’t until Tang Ruan had taken the packed breakfast to the parking lot that Ji Jing opened the passenger door just as she settled into the car.

They exchanged a glance. Tang Ruan blinked and asked, “Is your driver not working today?”

Ji Jing chuckled lightly. “Ji Ling said she’s participating in an event and wants me to cheer her on.”

Tang Ruan: “…”