Chapter Thirty-Nine: Unable to Keep Up the Act Any Longer

Inside the conference room at Vast Sea.

Jian Yanzhi listened to the imperious voice coming through the receiver, nearly laughing from anger; he could almost picture the expression on Ruan Mianmian’s face as she spoke. “Fine, whatever you want. Is there anything else?” he asked.

Ruan Mianmian was caught off guard by his sudden acquiescence. “I’ll let you know if I think of anything else. For now, no,” she replied casually. She heard Jian Yanzhi say “hold on” to someone nearby, followed by the soft shuffle of footsteps.

Once the sounds faded and quiet settled in, Jian Yanzhi’s voice resumed, “Alright, I’ll arrange a new office for you. Just come by tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Ruan Mianmian hastily hung up. She was still unaccustomed to Jian Yanzhi’s abrupt change in attitude.

On the other end, Jian Yanzhi had deliberately stepped out of the meeting room to speak with her, but before he could say much, the line went dead. He glanced at his phone, stunned for a couple of seconds to see she’d already hung up.

Ruan Mianmian rarely called him, respecting his wish not to be disturbed. She’d always abided by that, hoping to please him. But this time, for reasons unknown, Jian Yanzhi felt a surge of inexplicable dissatisfaction and disappointment.

Back in the conference room, the staff were shocked by their general manager interrupting such an important meeting just to take a call. At work, Jian Yanzhi was known for his meticulous professionalism, never allowing personal affairs to interfere.

This was a crucial meeting concerning the expansion of cooperation channels and other vital matters. “Looks like the call was from Miss Song, right?” one employee ventured.

“Must be. There’s no one else close to him. Seeing how anxious he was, I’m honestly jealous,” another chimed in.

These murmurs ceased instantly when Jian Yanzhi pushed open the conference room door. Everyone exchanged sly glances.

“Tomorrow, a new director will be joining us. After the meeting, please make preparations for the reception,” Jian Yanzhi said, smiling as he resumed his seat.

“A new director?” Shock flashed across their faces as all eyes turned to Shen Ting, who had been acting director for some time. Everyone had assumed she would be the new official director.

No one expected Jian Yanzhi to appoint someone else.

Shen Ting’s expression stiffened momentarily as she caught the mixed looks of pride and sympathy from her colleagues, leaving her deeply uncomfortable. But not wanting to lose face, she forced a smile. “With a new director in place, I’ll finally get some rest. If anyone is heading out for good food after work, be sure to invite me!”

“Of course!” “Absolutely!” Her cheerful humility left no room for further comment, and everyone echoed her sentiment. Jian Yanzhi nodded quietly, clearly appreciative of Shen Ting.

Having settled the matter, Jian Yanzhi’s demeanor turned serious. “Let’s continue the meeting.”

...

Meanwhile, Ruan Mianmian was curled up in her apartment, restlessly nibbling snacks and watching TV. The place lacked the lively crowds of Starfish Bay; she didn’t even have a confidant here.

She felt helpless and indignant, full of grievances with no one to confide in.

Just then, the doorbell rang, startling her.

Who could be visiting at this hour?

With curiosity, Ruan Mianmian approached the door and glanced through the peephole. Outside stood a striking woman in a short skirt, looking around expectantly.

Who else but Cheng Wan?

“What is she doing here?” Ruan Mianmian was visibly reluctant, but ultimately opened the door.

She stepped forward, blocking the entry, unwilling to let Cheng Wan in immediately. “Why are you here?” Ruan Mianmian asked.

Cheng Wan looked excited, reaching for Ruan Mianmian’s hand with a smile. “Mianmian, you’re really back! I thought Jian Yanzhi was teasing me.”

Ruan Mianmian withdrew her hand, her face distant. “Did Jian Yanzhi send you?”

Cheng Wan’s hand froze mid-air. “Mianmian, what’s wrong? Don’t you recognize me anymore?”

She did—she’d recognize Cheng Wan even if she were reduced to ashes. Truth be told, the original owner’s tragic fate owed much to this very woman.

So Ruan Mianmian had no desire to be deceived again. Knowing Cheng Wan’s ill intentions, she naturally wanted to keep her distance.

“If you have something to say, say it,” Ruan Mianmian replied impatiently.

Perhaps stung by her attitude, Cheng Wan’s smile faded, though her gaze remained gentle and seemingly harmless. “It’s nothing, really. Jian Yanzhi said you were back and asked me to spend time with you. We used to be together all the time. When you left the hospital without a word, I was so worried,” Cheng Wan said.

“Oh?” Ruan Mianmian’s eyes glinted with cold amusement. “Let’s be honest. Were we ever really friends? We were just companions of convenience. From now on, let’s not keep in touch. Goodbye.”

With that, she retreated into her apartment, intent on closing the door.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Wan grew agitated. “Mianmian, what are you doing? We’re best friends! Are you saying you don’t want to be friends anymore?”

She held the door, forcing Ruan Mianmian to pause. With a cold face, Ruan Mianmian nodded. “That’s right. We’re not friends anymore.”

“You!” Cheng Wan’s eyes widened in shock, more surprised than angry. Since Ruan Mianmian had awakened in the hospital, it was as if she’d become a different person.

“What about me?” Ruan Mianmian, out of patience, pried Cheng Wan’s hand from the door and pushed her back two steps. Clapping her hands, she announced, “Cheng Wan, don’t think I’m as foolish as before. I know exactly what you’re up to. If you’re smart, stay away from me. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Having said this, Ruan Mianmian watched Cheng Wan’s dramatic expression with a sense of exhilaration, feeling she had finally avenged the original owner.

“Bang!” The door slammed shut.

Cheng Wan glared furiously at the door, teeth clenched. “You think I care to see you? Who do you think you are! Just a worthless leech, what’s there to be proud of!”

She no longer cared for appearances, cursing at the door. Behind it, Ruan Mianmian couldn’t help but smile coldly.

See? The facade couldn’t last.