Chapter 5

As Ji Jing’s wife, she had never actually set foot in his company.

Their attitude toward marriage was indifferent, a relationship in name only. Even during her incessant demands for a divorce, the original Tang Ruan had never gone to Ji Jing’s company. She had always spoken to him from her lofty position at home.

In her memory, the only person from Ji Jing’s company who had ever met her was his assistant, and even that was months ago.

With this in mind, Tang Ruan hummed a tune as she browsed her walk-in closet. The original owner’s wardrobe was enormous—several times larger than the rented apartment Tang Ruan had lived in during her previous life. Such was the gap between the rich and the poor. Tang Ruan silently sighed to herself—being wealthy was truly wonderful.

She wanted to be wealthy too. In her past life, she had spent every day working multiple jobs. She wanted to earn as much money as possible, dreaming of a better life. While others clocked out and rested at home, she hustled to her next part-time job, often working until midnight. Her average sleep time was barely five to six hours.

Tang Ruan had taken on nearly every kind of part-time job as long as it wasn’t illegal.

Looking back, although exhausting, that period had been oddly fulfilling. She found joy in watching her bank balance grow, using it as motivation during her toughest moments.

If she hadn’t ended up in this novel, she might have eventually built up a small amount of wealth. Even without being transported into this story, she could have started living a slightly more comfortable life. Of course—

Becoming filthy rich was still a far-off dream.

But since she was here now, she might as well accept it. As the dream had advised, she decided to enjoy her life here. However, the part about staying married to the male lead? Tang Ruan had no intention of agreeing to that. She would enjoy the perks, but the divorce?

Absolutely happening.

Tang Ruan turned back to the closet. It was filled with every color and style imaginable. Several cabinets were dedicated solely to shoes and bags. After circling the room, she chose a creamy pink sleeveless dress with layered ruffles at the hem. It was light, airy, and ethereal—a style the original Tang Ruan rarely embraced at home.

After selecting her outfit, Tang Ruan applied a vibrant, youthful makeup look with warm orange tones. It made her appear four to five years younger. Once everything was ready, she smiled at her reflection, grabbed a pair of shoes and a bag, and headed out.

–

The weather outside was bright and sunny. Tang Ruan’s villa was in an exclusive area where no taxis could enter. This neighborhood was a cluster of luxury homes, a playground for the wealthy.

She glanced up at the blazing September sun, squinting slightly. The heat was intense, almost as if it were melting her makeup. Leisurely, she walked along the shaded spots beneath lush trees to avoid the sunlight.

As she strolled, a sudden honk came from behind her. Tang Ruan frowned, instinctively stepping aside, but the honking persisted. Turning around, she saw a flashy red sports car stop in front of her.

“Hey, pretty lady, where are you headed? Need a ride?”

Tang Ruan remained expressionless as she looked at the man inside. After a brief pause, she shook her head. “No, thank you.”

Ding Chenyi whistled, his eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. His tone was playful and a bit arrogant. “You won’t find any taxis around here.”

Tang Ruan chuckled dryly, raising an eyebrow. “So what?” With that, she ignored him and walked away.

Ding Chenyi narrowed his eyes, watching her elegant figure retreat. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. A woman refusing a ride from him? That was rare. But—

Her face… Why did it look so familiar?

Tang Ruan didn’t pay any attention to the car trailing her. She considered herself lucky when she managed to flag down a taxi near the neighborhood’s gate. Soon, she arrived at Ji Jing’s company—Ji Group.

Ji Jing’s company was a family business, though not entirely so. Tang Ruan knew from the novel that while it was passed down through Ji Jing’s family, distant relatives only held minor roles to get a slice of the pie.

Standing at the company’s entrance, Tang Ruan looked up at the towering building. It was said that the entire structure belonged to Ji Group, and only the most talented and capable individuals worked there. Despite the high-pressure work environment, people flocked to join due to the generous benefits.

She had learned all of this from the novel.

–

Taking a deep breath, she walked toward the entrance but was stopped by security.

“Hello, may I ask who you’re here to see? Please register your name.”

Tang Ruan smiled politely and completed the registration before stepping into the lobby.

The employees inside were all diligently at work. No one paid any attention to her, an outsider. Tang Ruan hesitated briefly before heading to the front desk.

“Hello.”

The receptionist, who had been engrossed in her work, looked up upon hearing Tang Ruan’s voice. Her eyes lit up as she took in Tang Ruan’s exquisite features and elegant makeup. Blinking, she asked, “Hello, who are you looking for?”

“I’m here to see your CEO.”

The receptionist froze. “…Do you have an appointment?”

Tang Ruan smiled faintly and pointed to herself, saying with a hint of amusement, “I don’t think I need an appointment to see him.”

The receptionist took a deep breath, her expression shifting subtly. Her eyes briefly flickered with disdain, though her professional demeanor remained intact. She explained, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but without an appointment, you won’t be able to meet our CEO.”

Hearing this, Tang Ruan gave a soft smile and said, “Oh, I see.”

“Yes,” the receptionist replied, muttering under her breath, “If anyone could see our boss without an appointment, he’d be swamped. Every day, so many women come looking for him.”

Tang Ruan tilted her head thoughtfully, resting her hand on the counter as she asked with a sweet smile, “Do a lot of women come looking for your boss?”

“A lot.” The receptionist glanced at Tang Ruan, then added bluntly, “So don’t get any ideas. Our boss won’t see them.”

Tang Ruan couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s actually quite reassuring.”

She hadn’t expected Ji Jing to have such strong principles.

“And are any of those women prettier than me?” she asked, smiling mischievously.

The receptionist froze for a moment, evidently surprised by Tang Ruan’s boldness. She studied Tang Ruan carefully, and despite herself, she had to admit that this woman was indeed more attractive than the others who came looking for their boss. She had striking features, youthful energy, and wore an outfit that left an unforgettable impression.

“No,” the receptionist admitted.

Satisfied with the answer, Tang Ruan smiled.

“You’re very honest,” she said before pulling out her phone and dialing Ji Jing.

–

“Hello?” Ji Jing’s voice came through.

“Honey,” Tang Ruan said sweetly, “I’m downstairs in your company lobby. I came to see you, but the receptionist says I need an appointment.”

Ji Jing paused, stunned. He had already been surprised to see her calling, and now her soft, sweet tone left him momentarily dazed. Her voice was delicate and soothing—a stark contrast to how she usually spoke to him.

“Are you listening to me?” Tang Ruan sniffled theatrically. “Honey, your dear, sweet wife is calling for you.”

“No,” Ji Jing replied, sounding calm, though inwardly confused. He loosened his tie and said in a low voice, “I’ll have my assistant come down to get you.”

“That won’t do,” Tang Ruan cut him off, her tone suddenly even softer and more syrupy. “Honey, I want you to come get me yourself.”

Ji Jing: “…”

“Please?” she added, pouting as she spoke. In the astonished silence of the reception desk, she began to act even more pitiful. “I made such an effort to come all the way here, and now you’re asking your assistant to meet me? Do you think that’s appropriate? Am I not still your adorable and charming little wife?”

Ji Jing moved the phone an arm’s length away, his head throbbing. What had gotten into his previously cold and distant wife?

Before he could respond, Tang Ruan delivered the final blow, her voice trembling slightly as if on the verge of tears. “Can’t you come yourself? I miss you.”

Ji Jing let out a deep sigh, massaging his temple. Finally, through gritted teeth, he forced out, “Fine.”

–

When she hung up, the receptionist stared at Tang Ruan, utterly dumbfounded.

Had she just witnessed a world-class performance? The woman who had been calmly chatting with her a moment ago had transformed into someone else entirely—someone crying on the phone.

Tang Ruan tucked her phone away, the corners of her lips curving upward in a triumphant smile. She turned to the receptionist and asked softly, “Do you have a tissue?”

“Yes,” the receptionist said, handing her one.

“Do you have some water as well?”

“Yes,” she replied, offering a bottle of mineral water.

Under the receptionist’s curious gaze, Tang Ruan unscrewed the cap, poured a small amount onto the tissue until it was damp, and handed the bottle back. Then she folded the tissue carefully and tucked it away.

Just as the receptionist was about to ask something, the exclusive elevator doors opened with a soft ding. Everyone turned their heads to look. A moment later—

The woman in the cream-pink dress who had been standing calmly at the reception desk suddenly dashed forward, throwing herself into the arms of none other than their young, successful, and famously disciplined boss.

In front of the entire lobby, she clung to him, delivering a line that left everyone in shock.

“Honey.”

Ji Jing staggered back two steps from the force of her impact before catching his balance. Instinctively, his hands moved to support her waist. The faint scent of flowers drifted up from her, subtle and pleasant, likely from some high-end perfume.

His nerves immediately tensed, though Tang Ruan didn’t seem to notice. She draped her arms around his neck, her body soft and pliant as if she lacked any bones at all. When he tried to step back, she simply leaned closer, completely melting into his embrace.

“Honey, why did it take you so long to come down?” Tang Ruan pouted, her tone so saccharine it could give someone chills. “I’ve been waiting for you forever.”

She spoke as she retrieved the slightly damp tissue, pretending to dab at imaginary tears. “I even cried so much that the tissue got soaked.”

…?

…??

…???

Ji Jing: “…???”

The receptionist: “…”

The rest of the staff, frozen in place: “…”

Were they hallucinating?

Author’s Note:
Author: Tang Ruan truly possesses world-class acting skills.
Tang Ruan: Oh, you flatter me.
Ji Jing: I’ll just stand here and watch your performance.