Chapter 114: A Sudden Declaration of Love
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As they were talking, suddenly there was a commotion behind them.
“Are those really people from Chenxing Group?”
“Not sure, but let’s wait and see.”
“Does Zhou Kai from Kaiyue Group have that much influence? He actually invited someone from Chenxing to celebrate?”
“You’ll know once you see.”
During this brief discussion, Zhou Kai anxiously hurried up the spiral staircase to the second floor, treating it as if his ancestor was waiting there.
At the entrance to the lounge stood three or four bodyguards dressed in black, all wearing sunglasses, exuding an imposing aura.
The scene was quite spectacular; nearly everyone in the hall had their attention drawn there, eager to see who would appear.
At this moment, A Kuan leaned toward Ruan Mianmian and said softly, “Brother Ruan, you’re doomed.”
“Hm?”
“Really, you’re doomed.”
“...”
Ruan Mianmian shot him a sideways glance and continued, “I think you don’t want to live anymore.”
A Kuan made a shushing gesture, then quietly slipped back to his original spot.
But after A Kuan’s words, Ruan Mianmian’s heartbeat quickened slightly. At that moment, the door to the second-floor lounge swung open.
Out came a man in formal attire, someone who looked nothing like Jiang Ce.
Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips: “...”
Isn’t that Zhou Ming?
The executive manager of Chenxing Group! The very Zhou Ming who almost signed a share transfer agreement with her last time!
“A Kuan!”
Ruan Mianmian grit her teeth and looked back at A Kuan, who was already doubled over laughing from his successful prank.
“Just kidding, Brother Ruan, don’t take it too seriously.”
Faced with A Kuan’s mischievous grin, Ruan Mianmian glared at him.
She had really thought Jiang Ce would come—this big fuss for nothing but Zhou Ming.
Wait a minute.
Zhou Kai and Zhou Ming?
Could it be some melodramatic kinship from the underworld?
Ruan Mianmian turned to A Kuan, “Do Zhou Ming and Zhou Kai have any relationship?”
“They’re probably cousins.”
“Really?”
“Of course not. Brother Ruan, you can’t just assume two people are brothers because of their surname.”
Ruan Mianmian’s eyes flashed fiercely, “I think you really don’t want to live!”
A Kuan bit his lip, barely holding back laughter. Seeing Ruan Mianmian’s suspicious look, he pointed behind her.
Ruan Mianmian immediately felt a bad premonition.
“Who exactly doesn’t want to live?”
A lazy voice, thick with displeasure, sounded behind her.
That familiar voice...
Ruan Mianmian awkwardly turned to see Jiang Ce standing calmly behind her, dressed in a sharp black tailored suit, exuding noble restraint, a faint smile playing on his lips.
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His gaze looked dangerous.
“Uh... I’m going to the restroom.”
Ruan Mianmian tried to slip away.
Jiang Ce grabbed her wrist, leaning close to whisper in her ear, “I saw you chatting happily with someone just now. Why run off as soon as I show up?”
“Someone else? There was no one else.”
Ruan Mianmian feigned ignorance.
“Tsk!”
Jiang Ce clicked his tongue impatiently, then lazily added, “Lying doubles the punishment.”
“...”
Ruan Mianmian blinked innocently. Behind her, A Kuan declared, “Urgent need to pee,” then dashed off.
That heartless guy!
Ruan Mianmian cursed silently, then looked at Jiang Ce softly, “We’re friends, after all. It’s normal to chat a bit when we meet.”
“Hmm, that’s quite normal.”
Jiang Ce’s tone was casual, almost indifferent. He continued, “But that reason doesn’t convince me. Try another one.”
Like talking to a brick wall!
Taking advantage of the moment, Ruan Mianmian pinched Jiang Ce’s palm, saying, “Don’t be so greedy.”
Jiang Ce held her fingers gently, asking softly, “Hmm? Who’s greedy?”
“...”
She was scared.
Ruan Mianmian put on a docile expression, pleading silently.
Jiang Ce’s lips curved slightly, his eyes warning, “If you dare do this again, I’ll...”
“You’ll what?”
His gaze deepened, “You’ll find out.”
Ruan Mianmian fluttered her lashes, masking her unease, and quickly changed the subject.
She asked, “Since you’re here, why did you let Zhou Ming stand in for you? Why not make a grand appearance yourself?”
“Grand appearance?”
His look seemed to ask, Am I that shallow?
Jiang Ce continued to explain, “I still have some unfinished business in Jiangcheng. I don’t want to reveal my true identity yet.”
Nothing to hide.
Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips suspiciously, “What’s with the mystery?”
“Secret.”
Jiang Ce’s words were concise.
Ruan Mianmian didn’t bother to pry. She was thirsty and asked the waiter for a glass of champagne.
Jiang Ce snatched it away, lazily saying, “You’ve already had two drinks tonight. No more.”
Ruan Mianmian explained, “I’m drinking lemon juice!”
Jiang Ce sneered, “Except for the first glass, which one wasn’t alcohol?”
Ah! Caught.
Ruan Mianmian laughed awkwardly and asked, “When exactly did you arrive?”
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How did you find out about such a secretive matter?
Jiang Ce smiled faintly and whispered, “Wherever you are, my gaze never lingers on others or anything else.”
“Oh~”
That sudden declaration of affection.
Jiang Ce raised an eyebrow, “Don’t like it?”
“How dare I!”
Hearing this, a satisfied smile blossomed on his face.
Just then, tonight’s host, Zhou Kai, broke away from the crowd, took the microphone, and stood in the center of the hall.
“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my wedding. Although tonight is a thank-you banquet, most guests are my family and friends, so let’s be informal. I’d like to propose a toast to everyone here.”
“Congratulations!”
Zhou Kai exchanged polite words on stage, greeted by a chorus of blessings from below.
Ruan Mianmian followed the sound and finally saw the bride standing beside Zhou Kai, her expression joyful.
The bride appeared to be in her twenties, wearing a dark red strapless gown, elegant in posture, with a charming smile.
“Kiss, kiss!”
A noisy yet strangely synchronized cheer arose from the audience as the newlyweds kissed amid laughter.
Faced with this discordant scene, Ruan Mianmian just wanted to look away.
A sleazy man in his fifties holding a young woman in her twenties—this spectacle was difficult to witness.
“Want to take a break?”
Jiang Ce suggested, looking at Ruan Mianmian.
Ruan Mianmian glanced at him, “Just leave right away?”
“The lounge in the corner on the second floor has been reserved by me. If you’re bored, we can rest there.”
Ruan Mianmian raised an eyebrow, “Alright.”
They weren’t the main focus tonight anyway; leaving now wouldn’t matter.
Everyone’s attention was on the bride and groom in the center of the stage. Ruan Mianmian and Jiang Ce quietly ascended the spiral staircase to the second floor, unnoticed.
Just as they reached the second floor, a young man in a suit brushed past Ruan Mianmian.
At that moment, he looked back at her with surprise, as if trying to confirm something.
But the glance was fleeting.
By the time Ruan Mianmian looked back, he was already descending the stairs briskly.
Jiang Ce noticed her gaze and asked, “What is it?”
“Nothing, just felt his look was a bit strange.”
Ruan Mianmian shook her head and said, “Forget it, let’s go rest.”
“Okay.”
Before entering, Jiang Ce signaled the bodyguards at the door to keep an eye out.
Then he followed Ruan Mianmian into the lounge.
Ruan Mianmian sat on the sofa, with exquisite tea snacks and drinks arranged on the coffee table before her. She hadn’t eaten dinner and was indeed a bit hungry.
Seeing her interest in the refreshments, Jiang Ce sent a message to A Kuan, who remained in the hall.