Chapter Twenty-Four: Display of Power

The night, accompanied by a gentle breeze, bestowed a sense of tranquil harmony upon all. The sky, like a vast curtain, was dyed in black and scattered with stars as embellishments. Beneath the night wind, the imposing silhouette of the helicopter was shrouded in darkness, its form barely discernible, yet the mechanical roar shook the soul.

Ruan Mianmian descended from the helicopter, supported by Jiang Ce, and together they walked step by step toward the gathering. Their figures were closely entwined, hinting at an unusual intimacy; the striking silhouettes of a handsome man and a beautiful woman etched themselves into the eyes of all present.

“Who’s that with Mianmian?” Chen Rong stared in astonishment at the approaching pair, unable to fathom such an extraordinary entrance for Ruan Mianmian.

Chen Jiayan bit her lip reluctantly and replied, “Could it be Young Master Jian?”

Chen Rong’s expression darkened, annoyance flickering across her face. How could Ruan Mianmian be so fortunate? Had she really won over the heir of the Jian family? That would certainly not bode well for them.

Chen Jiayan, her gaze filled with jealousy, stared at Ruan Mianmian, the shadows of her heart surging to the surface. Why did Ruan Mianmian always get the best? Had she not severed ties with Young Master Jian? Why would he use a helicopter to bring her back?

Buffeted by the wind and the deafening noise behind them, Ruan Mianmian and Jiang Ce paid no attention to the commotion around them, eager only to move forward and allow the helicopter to depart.

Soon, the sound behind them faded into the distance, and nestled in Jiang Ce’s embrace, Ruan Mianmian looked up.

She smiled sweetly at Jiang Ce and whispered, “Thank you.”

Jiang Ce remained unmoved, silently putting some distance between them and withdrawing his gaze.

Ruan Mianmian rolled her eyes inwardly, raging: We’ve already kissed, and now you act so cold? Scoundrel!

Yet a sudden figure brought her back to reality.

“Mianmian, you’re home!” Ruan Jianwen’s voice brimmed with delight, showing that he still cherished his daughter dearly.

Alas, Ruan Mianmian was unmoved. Her face cold, she questioned, “Grandfather was gravely ill—why didn’t you inform me sooner? I never even got to see him one last time!”

Ruan Jianwen moved his lips but said nothing, guilt and remorse overflowing in his eyes.

“It’s enough,” Chen Rong interjected with displeasure. “It was you who insisted on running away from home. If you truly cared to visit your grandfather, you could have returned at any time.”

Only Chen Jiayan’s attention lingered on the man beside Ruan Mianmian. At first, she assumed it was Jian Yanzhi, but as they drew closer, she realized it wasn’t him. Just as she was about to sneer, her smile froze. The man accompanying Ruan Mianmian was every bit as impressive as Jian Yanzhi.

His appearance was bold and unrestrained, with a face that was both rebellious and cool, almost otherworldly, like a fallen angel or a god, exuding a fatal allure. Moreover, Jiang Ce’s entire bearing radiated noble elegance; it was obvious he was no ordinary man. His clothing and accessories, even his watch, bespoke extraordinary wealth.

How could Ruan Mianmian be so lucky? If Jian Yanzhi was gone, now this striking man had appeared. Chen Jiayan’s eyes burned with jealousy.

At the same time, Ruan Mianmian noticed Chen Jiayan’s gaze—hungry and predatory, like a wolf spotting a rabbit. An inexplicable urge to protect her territory rose within her.

Ruan Mianmian stepped forward to shield Jiang Ce from Chen Jiayan’s eyes, forgetting to account for his height. Even standing in front of him, his handsome face was still fully exposed.

Damn! she swore inwardly, instantly regretting not wearing heels tonight.

But today’s focus was elsewhere; Chen Jiayan was not the one she needed to confront. She turned her gaze to Ruan Jianwen and said,

“Where is Grandfather? I want to see him.”

Ruan Jianwen led her to the mourning hall, a room arranged with solemn elegance. At the center stood an incense table, upon it a black-and-white photograph of her grandfather, smiling warmly.

The Ruan family, a prominent clan in Lan City, had always acted with decorum; even the mourning hall reflected a return to simplicity.

Mianmian, now merged with all the memories and experiences of her former self, found that upon seeing her grandfather’s photograph, every scene seemed to come alive, swirling in her mind.

Her eyes instantly brimmed with tears. Kneeling reverently, she bowed three times before the photograph.

Grandfather, though I am not truly Ruan Mianmian, I share her feelings in this moment. Thank you for your constant care and love. I regret not seeing you one last time; I hope you can forgive me.

If such an incredible thing as entering a novel can happen to me, perhaps I may wish for more. If there is a heaven or reincarnation, I hope you find happiness and peace.

Ruan Mianmian whispered these words in her heart, sincere and heartfelt.

Ruan Jianwen, witnessing the scene, was overwhelmed, recalling his father's dying words. He suddenly felt his life had been a failure. His father's only regret was not seeing Mianmian married with a good home—his own failure both as a son and as a father.

He silently vowed to pay more attention to Mianmian and shoulder his responsibilities as her father.

“When is the formal memorial ceremony?” Ruan Mianmian asked, holding back tears.

“Tomorrow morning at nine, at the Kangle Funeral Parlor. Everything is ready,” Ruan Jianwen replied.

“Very well.”

Not wishing to disturb her grandfather’s peace, Ruan Mianmian followed the group back to the living room.

While Ruan Mianmian had been inside paying her respects, Chen Jiayan was whispering something to Chen Rong outside, causing Chen Rong’s gaze to remain fixed on Jiang Ce.

Ruan Mianmian grew increasingly irritated.

Unexpectedly, Chen Rong stepped forward with a mocking smile. “Mianmian, you’re quite something. Having just left the Jian family heir, you return to pay respects and immediately latch onto another. Why not introduce him to us?”

Chen Rong’s words were nasty, and Ruan Mianmian, incensed, was about to retort when Jiang Ce blocked her path.

“Why are you stopping me?” she glared at Jiang Ce.

But Jiang Ce said nothing. He turned to Chen Rong and spoke coldly, “You would do well to watch your tongue.”

Chen Rong’s expression soured, and she retorted, “What, do you think you can throw your weight around in our Ruan family?”

Seeing Jiang Ce insulted, Ruan Mianmian’s rage erupted. She rushed forward and shouted at Chen Rong,

“So you know this is the Ruan family? A homewrecker like you—where do you get the nerve to criticize me?”