Chapter Twenty-Three: Grandfather's Passing

Back then, because of that misunderstanding, the doctor who had previously examined Tang Xue was disciplined. Tang Xue, being kind-hearted, thought that since she was pregnant, she wouldn’t pursue the matter further, considering it a blessing for her child. At that time, Tang Xue had no idea that somewhere in the world, Chen Rong was pregnant as well. She was wholly focused on welcoming the new life, hoping it would fulfill the wish she and her husband shared.

To keep Tang Xue in the dark and to placate Chen Rong, Ruan Jianwen was constantly traveling between the two cities. Initially, Ruan Jianwen intended to have Chen Rong terminate the pregnancy, but Chen Rong refused to let go of this golden opportunity to marry into wealth. She threatened Ruan Jianwen repeatedly: if her child wasn’t to be kept, then Tang Xue’s would not be either.

Helpless, Ruan Jianwen could only drag things out, and by the time Chen Rong gave birth to a son, he hadn’t managed to stop any of it. In the end, when Tang Xue was about to give birth, Chen Rong secretly approached her and revealed everything about her relationship with Ruan Jianwen, which resulted in a traumatic labor and severe hemorrhaging for Tang Xue.

Tang Xue barely survived, giving birth to Ruan Mianmian. Disheartened, she lost all hope in Ruan Jianwen. When Ruan Mianmian turned one month old, Tang Xue left a divorce agreement and disappeared, never to be seen again.

Soon after, Ruan Jianwen married Chen Rong, but sent Ruan Mianmian away to be raised by her grandfather. Reflecting on these events, Ruan Mianmian felt pity for her former self, even from a detached perspective. Now that she had broken away from her family, she wished her stepmother would leave her alone.

“If you have something to say, just say it over the phone.” Ruan Mianmian’s tone was cold and firm; she had no desire to return home.

Unexpectedly, the voice on the other end—Ruan Jianwen—let out a heavy sigh. Hearing this, Ruan Mianmian suddenly recalled something ominous.

According to the timeline in the novel, Ruan Mianmian’s grandfather... was about to pass away!

“Did something happen to Grandpa?” Ruan Mianmian asked suddenly.

Ruan Jianwen’s voice faltered, then he spoke with difficulty: “Your grandfather passed away this morning. Come back for the funeral.”

The phone slipped from Ruan Mianmian’s hand and fell to the floor. She stood there, stunned.

“How could this happen?” Ruan Mianmian remembered that after the kidnapping incident, she had been injured badly. Since Jian Yan paid her no mind, she was brought back to Lan City by members of the Ruan family. Her grandfather, upon hearing about the kidnapping, fainted several times and was eventually hospitalized.

Later, she returned to Lan City and stayed by her grandfather’s side, accompanying him through the final days of his life.

But now, the timeline had shifted ahead! Her grandfather was already gone...

Panic-stricken, Ruan Mianmian rushed out without even putting on her shoes. Jiang Ce had received the news as well and, fearing that she might not be able to handle it emotionally, came to find her.

“Jiang Ce, I need to go back to Lan City! Please help me,” Ruan Mianmian pleaded.

Jiang Ce nodded, straightened her up, and said, “Don’t worry, Shen Qing and the others are already making arrangements. Go pack your things, I’ll take you back soon.”

Ruan Mianmian was momentarily baffled. “You’re coming with me?”

“Yes,” Jiang Ce replied, saying no more.

While gathering her things in her room, Ruan Mianmian suddenly realized: how did Jiang Ce know about everything happening in Lan City?

Fortunately, her grandfather had helped Jiang Ce many times before. It made sense for him to come and pay his respects.

Her grandfather had passed away that morning, yet Ruan Jianwen only just notified her. Clearly, there was something suspicious going on, and with time pressing, Jiang Ce arranged for a private helicopter to fly directly to Lan City.

At eight o’clock in the evening, the Ruan family residence in Lan City.

The house had finally settled into quiet after a day of commotion, but tension filled the living room, as though a storm was brewing.

“Aunt, why did you call Ruan Mianmian back? She’s going to fight for the inheritance!”

Inside the room, a young woman in her early twenties, dressed fashionably, complained to her elegant aunt.

“Do you think I wanted her back to upset myself? I’d rather she die somewhere else. It’s that useless Ruan Jianwen, always thinking about his incompetent daughter,” Chen Rong said, fussing with her pearl necklace in annoyance. If not for the guests coming to pay their respects, she wouldn’t have worn such cheap pearls.

“Uncle is just as bad. Cousin didn’t even come back. Why is it so urgent to bring Ruan Mianmian home? I really don’t understand his thinking,” Chen Jiayan protested.

“Enough, stop complaining. You rely entirely on the Ruan family for your livelihood. Don’t gossip in front of your uncle,” Chen Rong retorted impatiently, looking at her niece.

Chen Jiayan rolled her eyes silently. If her aunt hadn’t seduced a married man, she wouldn’t be a wealthy lady now. Since she’s rich, she should help her poor relatives.

Chen Jiayan was the daughter of Chen Rong’s brother and had lived with the Ruan family for years, idle and without a proper job. Chen Rong had managed to get her a clerical position in the family business, but on her first day, she offended the department manager with her arrogance and was promptly sent home. Yet she shamelessly mocked Ruan Mianmian, forgetting that no matter how useless, Mianmian was Ruan Jianwen’s biological daughter—far superior to Chen Jiayan, who was only a distant relative.

Chen Rong resented her own inability to produce more children. If she had, there’d be no place for Ruan Mianmian when it came to dividing the inheritance.

“If only you’d amount to something, I wouldn’t have to put up with your uncle because of you,” Chen Rong glanced at Chen Jiayan, then slowly left the room.

Chen Jiayan snorted quietly. “If you amounted to something, you wouldn’t need my help.”

Despite her words, she put on a smile and hurried after Chen Rong.

In the Ruan family’s grand hall, Ruan Jianwen sat with a somber face on the sofa, smoke curling from his cigarette. He had never smoked or drank before, but now both were ever-present companions.

Chen Rong wrinkled her nose and sat beside him. “Mianmian still isn’t back. Could something have happened?”

Ruan Jianwen glared at her, prompting her to fall silent.

Chen Jiayan followed, echoing Chen Rong’s concern, “I heard from friends in Jiangcheng that Mianmian had a falling out with Young Master Jian. Maybe she’s so upset that she doesn’t even want to come home?”

Ruan Jianwen’s expression darkened further. “This is Mianmian’s grandfather’s funeral. She won’t miss it. Let’s just wait.”

Seeing his mood, Chen Jiayan dared not say more.

Suddenly, a mechanical roar rose from the courtyard, like helicopters hovering overhead in a drama. The commotion drew everyone’s attention; Ruan Jianwen stood and went outside, with the others following.

“What’s going on? Is that Ruan Mianmian?” Chen Jiayan exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.