Chapter 121: I Can Hardly Breathe

Ruan Mianmian had not appeared in the Hanhai design department for three consecutive days. Combined with Jian Yanzhi's volatile moods during this period, the staff quickly reached a consensus: the Design Director had quit. Just when everyone expected Ruan Mianmian to take a stand and go head-to-head with Wang Yue from the design department, the situation took a sudden turn, leaving those who were waiting for a spectacle feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

Xiang Nuan was especially affected. She had expected to finally rise to power, but Ruan Mianmian had actually left.

"Director! *Crying face*, how could you really leave?"
"I don't want to go back to the front desk to watch the water dispenser!"
"Take me with you! Why leave me all alone!"

Early that morning, Ruan Mianmian was bombarded with messages from Xiang Nuan. Though there were many, the sentiment was essentially the same.

"I am coming over today."

Seeing Ruan Mianmian’s reply, Xiang Nuan was so happy she nearly screamed on the spot. She quickly asked, "Are you coming back to work?"

Ruan Mianmian stared at the phone screen, shook her head to herself, and replied: "To pack my things."

With that, she put down her phone and began preparing her outfit for the day. She had risen early, which struck A-Kuan as particularly unusual.

"Huh? Brother Ruan, you're up so early today."

Ruan Mianmian pretended not to hear the teasing in his tone, nodded coldly, and replied, "I have to go out."

"Going out? Am I still the driver? Or has the Boss already taken my place?"

Ruan Mianmian glared at him and answered, "Yes, you are the driver. No one is stealing your job."

"Got it!" A-Kuan went off to prepare, full of delight.

On the way to the company, Ruan Mianmian received a call. Seeing the name "Wu Ketian" flashing on the screen, Ruan Mianmian felt a headache coming on. She had been so busy these past few days that she had forgotten to ask about Ketian’s younger brother. She quickly answered the phone. "Ketian?"

"Mianmian." Wu Ketian’s voice was filled with smiles; Ruan Mianmian could tell immediately that she was in a very good mood.

"How is Xiao Jing? I’ve been so busy lately that I completely forgot to ask."

Wu Ketian laughed. "The doctor says Xiao Jing is recovering well. His stress tests are getting better each time. The doctor says there’s a very high chance he will wake up soon!"

"That is wonderful news." Ruan Mianmian offered her sincere blessings.

Wu Ketian then asked, "Mianmian, I heard you left Hanhai?"

"You heard?" Ruan Mianmian was somewhat surprised, but she realized that since Wu Ketian was in the company's internal group chat, she must have seen the discussions. Ruan Mianmian continued, "But don't worry, I've already spoken to the HR department. Your resume is excellent; they will carefully consider you for other positions. Just focus on taking care of your brother for now."

"That’s not what I meant," Wu Ketian said, chuckling with a hint of shyness. "Actually, I don't care about staying at Hanhai. To me, you are the more important choice, so I intend to follow in your footsteps."

"Huh?" Ruan Mianmian was quite surprised. She laughed, "You want to follow my footsteps? But I don't have any concrete plans yet."

"Why not start your own business? I’ll be your employee—I guarantee I’ll be an employee you’re satisfied with!" Wu Ketian offered her suggestion, taking the opportunity to recommend herself.

Ruan Mianmian replied, "What you’re saying actually makes some sense. I’ll give it some serious thought later, haha."

"Okay," Wu Ketian nodded, then added with a serious tone, "Mianmian, thank you. I’ve already prepared myself to work for you for the rest of my life, so no matter where you go, you must take me with you."

"Oh, please! You are highly educated and knowledgeable; wouldn't it be a waste to work for me?" Ruan Mianmian teased. "But since you have no heart to stay at Hanhai, why don't you just focus on taking care of your brother for now? When I’m settled, I’ll reach out to you."

"Alright, it’s a deal."

After hanging up, Ruan Mianmian sighed to herself. It seemed that a small, initial change had sent the story in a completely different direction. In this lifetime, there appeared to be no connection left between Wu Ketian and Jian Yanzhi.

Watching through the rearview mirror as a bright smile spread across Ruan Mianmian’s face, A-Kuan asked, "Brother Ruan, who were you on the phone with? Why are you smiling so happily?"

"Is that any of your business?" Ruan Mianmian pouted with a haughty air.

"Yes, yes, of course it’s our Boss’s business," A-Kuan said, raising his eyebrows in imitation of Ruan Mianmian’s smug expression.

The two bantered all the way to the Hanhai Group building. A-Kuan dutifully got out of the car, opened the back door, gestured for her to step out, and smiled at her, "Sister-in-law, please."

Hearing this title, Ruan Mianmian’s ankle went weak as she stepped onto the pavement. She shot A-Kuan a look and said, "Don't call me Sister-in-law. You're making me sound old."

A-Kuan frowned, clearly disapproving, but he didn't say anything further as he followed Ruan Mianmian into the Hanhai building.

The design department was different today. Everyone had a look of curiosity on their faces, casting glances toward the innermost office. But no one dared to be too obvious, sneaking peeks as if afraid of being caught.

Jian Yanzhi sat expressionless at Ruan Mianmian’s desk. Beside him, Xiang Nuan had turned into a statue, stiff and afraid to move a muscle. She watched as Jian Yanzhi sat there in silence, occasionally opening a drawer to glance inside. If not for the perplexed look that crossed his face when he saw the drawers stuffed full of snacks, Xiang Nuan would have thought a cold, robotic mannequin was sitting next to her.

"Director! Come back quickly! I can’t breathe!"

Upon seeing Xiang Nuan’s message, Ruan Mianmian immediately replied with a question mark. Xiang Nuan sent over a surreptitious photo taken from an odd angle. In the photo, the elegant man in a sharp black suit sat ramrod straight, busy with something in his hands. Ruan Mianmian recognized the angle immediately—it was her desk in the design department.

"What is going on?" Why was Jian Yanzhi sitting at her desk? Could he be intentionally waiting for her? But then, she hadn't told him she was coming back to collect her things today.

Xiang Nuan: "I don't know! I can't breathe anymore!"

Reading Xiang Nuan’s reply, Ruan Mianmian could feel her intense resistance. By this time, Ruan Mianmian and A-Kuan had already boarded the elevator and were heading upstairs. Originally, Ruan Mianmian had intended to go to the 32nd floor first, as she had spent more time there and most of her personal belongings were stored there. However, because of Jian Yanzhi, she headed straight for the 17th floor.