Chapter 138: What Day Is It Today

And so, Fang Xiaoyan settled into Starfish Bay.

Jiang Ce hired specialized domestic staff to attend to her daily needs and, with Li Zheng’s assistance, found a psychiatrist specializing in mental health to treat her.

During the day, Fang Xiaoyan was constantly busy running between hospitals, leaving Ruan Mianmian with few opportunities to cross paths with her.

By the end of the month, the date for Old Master Jian’s birthday banquet had officially arrived.

Jian Yanzhi, perhaps fearing that Ruan Mianmian might forget, had originally prepared a formal invitation to deliver to her. However, after drawing a blank at the apartment he had previously arranged for her at the company, he realized with a start that he didn't even know where she currently lived.

After much hesitation, Jian Yanzhi decided to call her.

That day, Ruan Mianmian was in the courtyard with A-Kuan, setting up a barbecue grill. With Jiang Ce away, it was Ruan Mianmian’s chance to be the boss.

"Are the ingredients ready?"

"Don't you worry, Brother Ruan! With Old Zhang here, why would we ever need to lift a finger?"

No sooner had A-Kuan finished speaking than Old Zhang brought out tables and chairs into the shade of the courtyard, placing the prepared ingredients on the table.

"As expected, Old Zhang is the most reliable person in Starfish Bay!" Ruan Mianmian exclaimed. Just then, a ringtone sounded nearby.

A-Kuan prompted, "Brother Ruan, isn't that your phone ringing?"

Ruan Mianmian turned to look and found her phone, which she had left on the edge of a flower bed, lighting up and ringing incessantly. She walked over, picked it up, and paused when she saw the name "Jian Yanzhi" displayed clearly on the screen. She hadn't spoken to him since she resigned.

Ruan Mianmian answered, "Yes? Is something the matter?"

Jian Yanzhi’s breathing stilled. "Have you forgotten what day it is?"

What day? Oh no! Old Master Jian’s birthday!

Ruan Mianmian hurriedly replied, "I remember, how could I possibly forget!"

"That’s good. Grandfather misses you. Come over early tonight. By the way, tell me your address; I’ll come to pick you up beforehand."

Ruan Mianmian glanced back at the barbecue and said slowly, "No need to pick me up. I know the place; I’ll just drive there myself."

There was silence on the other end. Ruan Mianmian thought he had hung up, but a quick glance at the screen confirmed the call was still connected.

Then, Jian Yanzhi’s cold voice sounded again: "Can’t you tell that I’m asking where you are living right now?"

"Uh..."

Ruan Mianmian felt a wave of awkwardness and didn't know how to respond.

Jian Yanzhi followed up, "What? Still don't intend to tell me?"

"It’s not that. I just feel there’s no need for you to pick me up, that’s all." Ruan Mianmian laughed dismissively.

Jian Yanzhi gave an "oh" and then said, "Then come early."

"Right..."

Before Ruan Mianmian could finish, the sound of the call being disconnected echoed in her ear.

"Wow, this guy is really something!" Ruan Mianmian grumbled at the phone.

A-Kuan leaned in and asked, "Who was that?"

Ruan Mianmian tossed the phone into his arms and urged, "Keep grilling! I have to head out later. No, wait, I need to eat something first; can’t let all this work go to waste."

As she spoke, she couldn't wait any longer and ordered the charcoal to be lit.

A-Kuan, still dazed, asked, "Where are you going later?"

"None of your business. Hurry up and get ready." Ruan Mianmian clearly didn't want to elaborate.

A sudden thought struck A-Kuan. "Brother Ruan, you aren't going to see that kid from the Jian family, are you?"

*Clatter—*

The tongs fell from Ruan Mianmian’s hand onto the ground.

A-Kuan quickly pressed his lips together; it seemed he had guessed right.

Ruan Mianmian rolled her eyes. "You should know what to say and what not to say."

A-Kuan covered his mouth, crouched down in front of her, and said, "Fine, but you have to take me with you."

"Why should I?"

A-Kuan threatened, "Otherwise, I’m going to tell the Boss!"

"Tsk! You think I don't know what you're thinking?" Ruan Mianmian continued, "Even if I let you go, you’d just be there to spy for Jiang Ce, wouldn't you?"

"How could you say that!" A-Kuan thumped his chest. "I’m just trying to protect you!"

"Heh heh heh—" Ruan Mianmian gave him a fake laugh and shook her head. "No way!"

A-Kuan saw that threats didn't work and tried a softer approach. "Brother Ruan, please take me! I’ll be your driver. You don't like driving yourself, right? I can do it for you! Mmph—"

Ruan Mianmian grabbed a piece of lettuce from the table and shoved it into A-Kuan’s mouth.

"Enough. Even if you talked until the sky fell, I’m not taking you."

With that, Ruan Mianmian put her things down, took the phone from A-Kuan’s hand, and walked toward the house.

A-Kuan watched her go, stunned. He nibbled at his fingertip, his expression one of disbelief. *What on earth is Brother Ruan going to do? Why so mysterious?*

Ruan Mianmian returned to her room and stood before her wardrobe. It was a formal occasion, and there would likely be many guests. She couldn't dress too ostentatiously, but she couldn't afford to be discourteous either. She needed something formal yet not overly elaborate.

She pulled out several long dresses but felt they were all too casual. Finally, after comparing them, she chose a black, knee-length dress—simple, elegant, and tasteful.

*That’s the one!*

After selecting her outfit, she prepared to bathe and apply a light, refined makeup. Everything would be ready soon.

Once A-Kuan and the others finished grilling some meat, they came up to call her. Ruan Mianmian was still at her vanity; she had finished everything except her lipstick.

She returned to the shaded area of the courtyard and saw that they had set aside some food for her on an exquisite plate.

"Brother Ruan, we saved this for you."

"So much? I can’t eat all this!"

Ruan Mianmian picked up a glistening, grilled chicken wing. The aroma of the meat instantly whetted her appetite. "You don't need to save this much for me; I’ll just have a few skewers."

As she ate the wing, she redistributed the untouched food from her plate to the others.

"Leaving already?" A-Kuan called out from behind, clearly surprised by her haste.

Ruan Mianmian waved a hand casually and headed toward the garage.