Chapter 53

After watching the car drive away, Tang Ruan turned to head inside. As she stepped in, she ran into a familiar colleague—Peipei, a young woman who had joined An Xun Studio earlier that year. The two were of similar age, so they addressed each other informally.

“Ruan Ruan,” Peipei’s eyes widened as she pointed outside. “Was that… a friend dropping you off?”

Tang Ruan smiled and shook her head. “No, that was my husband.”

“What!!!” Peipei exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. “Ruan Ruan, you’re married?!”

“Yes,” Tang Ruan replied with a laugh. “I got married before I graduated.”

It had been during her final semester of college. Back then, Ji Jing’s grandfather had chosen an auspicious date, and she and Ji Jing had gotten their marriage certificate. It had been over half a year since then.

Peipei was speechless, staring at Tang Ruan in shock.

“I can’t believe you’re married already,” Peipei said, pointing at herself and sighing dramatically. “I’m older than you by half a year, and I don’t even have a boyfriend yet.”

Tang Ruan chuckled, her eyes curving in amusement. “You’re still young. There’s no need to rush. Who knows? You might meet someone you like tomorrow.”

The two laughed and joked as they entered the studio. An Xun and Xu Ya were already inside. Seeing them in such high spirits, An Xun curiously asked, “What’s so funny?”

Peipei glanced at Tang Ruan, unsure if she should spill the beans.

Tang Ruan, however, didn’t mind and casually said, “We were talking about my husband. Peipei says she wants to find a boyfriend.”

“What!!!”

Xu Ya was stunned, her eyes wide as she stared at Tang Ruan. “You’re married, Ruan Ruan?”

“Yes, it’s been over half a year,” Tang Ruan replied, setting down her bag and taking a seat. “Surprised?”

Xu Ya’s gaze fell to Tang Ruan’s hands. They were bare—no rings, nothing.

Noticing Xu Ya’s attention, Tang Ruan smiled and explained, “Rings aren’t convenient when doing makeup, so I don’t usually wear them.”

Besides, the original owner of her body had chosen a very extravagant ring—one far too ostentatious. The diamond on their wedding ring was enormous, rare, and exceptionally dazzling. Tang Ruan had seen it at home and quietly locked it away in the safe.

Xu Ya nodded and smiled, then asked, “What does your husband do? Why did you get married so quickly? You’ve only just graduated.”

“We’ve known each other since we were kids. We got married in our senior year.”

Xu Ya was speechless.

She was about to ask more when An Xun interrupted. Clearing his throat, he redirected the conversation. “Let’s leave personal matters aside for now. I already knew Ruan Ruan was married. Let’s discuss the makeup details for the Tang Dynasty project. I’ll walk you through the concepts.”

“Alright.”

The group quickly immersed themselves in work.

–

When Ji Jing drove Tang Ruan’s car to the company, he happened to run into Gu Tian, who was there to see him.

Gu Tian stared at the car for a long while before blurting out, “Ji Jing, is the company going bankrupt?”

Clapping a hand on Ji Jing’s shoulder like a concerned brother, he said, “Even if it’s bankruptcy, you don’t have to drive such a beat-up car. Just say the word, and I’ll get you a new one.”

Ji Jing ignored him, parked the car, and gave him a calm look. “It’s Tang Ruan’s car.”

Gu Tian choked on his words, then pointed at the car. “You let Tang Ruan drive this? Isn’t that too stingy?”

He started ranting, “Not to criticize, but even if you don’t love your wife, you shouldn’t treat her like this. At least provide her with the best food and gear. A young, beautiful woman married you, and—”

Before he could finish, Ji Jing cut him off. “Are you done?”

Gu Tian fell silent, coughed, and scratched his nose. “So why does Tang Ruan like this car now?”

Ji Jing gave a brief explanation. “She needs it for work. The cars at home aren’t suitable.”

Gu Tian nodded in understanding. “Got it.”

“What do you need?”

Gu Tian smiled and followed Ji Jing into the elevator, shifting to a more serious tone as he started discussing work.

“Didn’t you say before that you were interested in investing in The Tang Dynasty? I’m here to discuss it with you,” Gu Tian said.

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow. “Let’s talk in the office.”

Although Ji Corporation had some involvement in the film and television industry, it wasn’t a significant focus. Gu Tian’s company, on the other hand, was a major player in the industry, producing high-quality projects that were well-received by audiences and fans alike. Most of the works they invested in or produced were considered premium and had strong viewer appeal.

Previously, Ji Jing had never been particularly interested in the entertainment industry. However, he had recently noticed Tang Ruan’s enthusiasm for it. Wanting to understand it better—and considering a potential investment in the drama—didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Gu Tian had even brought a proposal with him, and the two began discussing it in Ji Jing’s office.

–

By the end of the morning, Tang Ruan found herself awed by An Xun’s extensive knowledge. An Xun’s depth of understanding, especially in traditional Tang Dynasty makeup, was something that could only come from years of accumulated expertise.

At lunchtime, while the three of them were eating together, Xu Ya turned to Tang Ruan and asked, “Surprised, aren’t you?”

Tang Ruan nodded. “Very. An Xun knows so much—it must have taken a lot of time to learn all of this.”

An Xun smiled. “I read whenever I have free time. Since it’s something I’m passionate about, I’m willing to invest the effort to learn.”

Tang Ruan smiled back and said earnestly, “I need to learn from you.”

The three chatted away, the atmosphere warm and friendly.

…

When it was time to leave work, Tang Ruan didn’t have a car, so Ji Jing came to pick her up again.

As soon as she got in the car, Ji Jing asked, “Do you want to go out for dinner?”

Xi Zijin had just returned. He’d been away for months, expanding the business in other markets, and hadn’t had a chance to meet Tang Ruan yet. That afternoon, when he mentioned his return in their group chat, Gu Tian had suggested getting together for dinner and casually asked if Tang Ruan wanted to join.

Ji Jing had asked her about it, but at the time, Tang Ruan said she’d think about it.

While she was familiar with Gu Tian and reasonably comfortable with Ding Zerui, Xi Zijin was different. From what she remembered, Xi Zijin was a man whose intellect and temperament rivaled Ji Jing’s. He was shrewd and perceptive—neither as naïve as Gu Tian nor as straightforward as Ding Zerui. She worried that Xi Zijin might notice something different about her right away.

That wasn’t her primary concern, though. What bothered her more was that a dinner with four men seemed like an odd setting for her to join. She felt it might make their conversation less comfortable, as they might hold back with her there. It seemed more fitting for the four of them to meet alone, and she could join another time.

After thinking it over, Tang Ruan turned to Ji Jing and said, “You four should gather without me. I don’t think it’s the right occasion for me to go.”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow and glanced at her. “It’s up to you. There’s nothing inappropriate about it.”

Tang Ruan smiled. “I still think I’ll sit this one out. Just drop me off at home.”

“Alright.”

Ji Jing didn’t press her and said softly, “Next time, then.”

“Mm-hmm.”

After dropping her off at home, Ji Jing changed into a fresh set of clothes and headed out. Tang Ruan wasn’t particularly worried about him and didn’t feel any unease.

–

When Ji Ling found out Tang Ruan hadn’t gone to dinner, she bombarded her with messages:

Ji Ling: Little sister-in-law, why didn’t you go?! Let me tell you, Gu Tian is always a bad influence on my brother! He keeps dragging him to bars!

Tang Ruan: It’s no big deal. It’s normal for them to go to a bar and hang out.

Ji Ling: No, no, little sister-in-law, you shouldn’t trust my brother so much.

Tang Ruan: Should I call him, then?

Ji Ling: …How about we go to a bar too? I’ll come pick you up—I’m home today!

Tang Ruan hesitated. Ji Ling’s excitement about the bar suddenly made sense—it wasn’t about her brother at all. She just wanted to go herself.

Tang Ruan: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Bars can be chaotic.

Ji Ling: Not this one! I know the bar where my brother and his friends always gather. Let’s just go there, okay? Little sister-in-law, come with me. I’m feeling down today. Please keep me company?

Truthfully, Tang Ruan was soft-hearted. She found it hard to resist when others acted sweet or pitiful toward her, especially when it was a girl like Ji Ling.

Ji Ling seemed genuinely upset, spamming Tang Ruan with sad-faced emojis.

After thinking for a moment, Tang Ruan informed Butler Li, “You don’t need to prepare dinner tonight. I’ll be going out with Ling Ling.”

“Understood,” Butler Li replied. “Will Miss Ling be staying over tonight?”

“She probably will,” Tang Ruan said after some thought. “Please prepare her room.”

“Of course.”

After arranging everything, Tang Ruan called Ji Ling and picked her up halfway.

At home, Ji Ling was so excited that she hugged her mother before happily asking the driver to take her out.

–

The bar they went to was known for its privacy. While it was bustling with people, everyone there was either wealthy or influential—this wasn’t the kind of bar just anyone could enter.

The bar’s first floor was an open hall, while the second and third floors offered more private rooms. Above that were exclusive, personalized suites for certain patrons.

When Tang Ruan and Ji Ling arrived, they entered discreetly.

Tang Ruan wasn’t a fan of the atmosphere on the first floor. She frowned slightly as she glanced around before turning to Ji Ling. “Let’s be clear—you can’t drink alcohol.”

Ji Ling pouted. “…Can I have a little fruit wine?”

Tang Ruan hesitated before conceding. “Fine, but you can’t move more than five meters away from me.”

Ji Ling laughed and clung to Tang Ruan’s arm, playfully teasing, “Sister-in-law, you don’t have to be so strict. Nothing bad will happen here.”

“Absolutely not,” Tang Ruan insisted, her tone resolute. “I won’t feel at ease.”

Ji Ling burst into laughter as she gazed at her sister-in-law, an unexpected warmth spreading through her heart. Growing up, she rarely had anyone looking after her. Although her family was wealthy, her parents were often too busy to spend time with her, let alone offer any guidance or discipline.

Now, being looked after like this, she felt oddly happy. It was proof that someone cared about her, giving her a unique sense of security she had never experienced before.

Ji Ling laughed and clung to Tang Ruan’s arm, agreeing sweetly, “Alright, alright, I’ll stay with you, no drinking.”

Tang Ruan hesitated. “…”

“Should we go find my brother and the others?” Ji Ling suggested.

Tang Ruan was debating the idea. If Ji Jing suddenly saw them here, would he be upset? Just as the thought crossed her mind, a familiar voice sounded behind her. “Ah Jing, your wife and sister are here!”