Chapter 76: I Think I’ve Made Him Angry

“Ketian, let me tell you, this man here is actually the boss of Chenxing Group. When your brother recovers, why not let him work at Chenxing?” Ruan Mianmian blinked, a hint of mischief shining in her eyes.

Wu Ketian’s gaze slowly filled with astonishment. “Chenxing Group? Surely not the same Chenxing that’s a Fortune 500 listed company? Oh my god! Is that for real?” She covered her mouth, struggling to articulate her shock.

If Hanhai was the leading enterprise in Jiangcheng, then Chenxing’s fame was on par with the founding forebears of the industry. In Lan City, and even Jiangcheng, there was not a soul unfamiliar with the illustrious Chenxing Group.

Chenxing Group had built its fortune in real estate, then became one of the earliest pioneers in aviation construction. Its entertainment agency was second to none in the country, with business ventures spanning nearly every field.

In short, it was a company not easily rivaled by any ordinary enterprise.

Wu Ketian looked at Jiang Ce with a face full of respect, forcing a slightly awkward smile. “I’m sorry, forgive my untrained eye. I truly didn’t realize earlier.”

In truth, it wasn’t that she couldn’t see the commanding aura about Jiang Ce—she simply hadn’t dared to presume.

“It’s nothing, Miss Wu, you needn’t worry about it,” Jiang Ce replied coolly.

As his words faded, Ruan Mianmian shot him a look, signaling with her eyes that he ought to be more positive.

A smile flickered in Jiang Ce’s eyes. He couldn’t quite fathom why Ruan Mianmian was so certain about the future of someone still lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Not to mention that, with the current standing of Chenxing Group, few dared provoke them—and even if someone did, he would not be intimidated.

But seeing how interested she was, he refrained from saying anything discouraging.

Fortunately, it was already getting late. After chatting and laughing with Wu Ketian for a while, Ruan Mianmian didn’t bring up anything further.

“Ketian, it’s almost midnight, we should get going.”

“Alright.” Wu Ketian smiled as she accompanied them to the door of the hospital room.

“I won’t see you off any farther—take care on the way.”

“Go on, get back inside. We’re leaving now.” Ruan Mianmian waved at her, then left side by side with Jiang Ce.

Wu Ketian watched their retreating figures, how perfectly they matched, and couldn’t help biting her lip, her face alight with joy.

Jiang Ce went to fetch the car while Ruan Mianmian waited at the hospital entrance.

Suddenly, a shadow fell across her, enveloping her completely.

“Miss, can I add you on WeChat?” a cheerful young man’s voice asked.

Ruan Mianmian looked up to see a sunny boy of about twenty, dressed in sporty clothes and a baseball cap, his smile bright and pure.

It was actually the first time she’d been approached like this.

After a moment’s hesitation, she took out her phone.

Once they’d exchanged contact information, the boy sped off on his skateboard, disappearing in a flash.

A car horn blared abruptly. Ruan Mianmian quickly tucked away her phone and hopped down the steps in a few brisk strides.

She opened the door and got in, but Jiang Ce made no move to start the engine.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.

She followed his gaze—there was a throng of people ahead, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She had no idea what he was so focused on.

Then Jiang Ce’s cold voice sounded: “Who was that?”

“What?”

He turned to look at her, brows slightly raised, a hint of impatience in his demeanor.

Ruan Mianmian pressed her lips together and smiled. “It was nothing, he just asked me something.”

Jiang Ce’s gaze flicked toward the phone in her hand, making her shift uneasily in her seat.

Tidying her hair, Ruan Mianmian tried to sound calm, “What? Is there something on my face?”

Jiang Ce shot her a sidelong glance, then withdrew his gaze, falling into silence.

The car finally started. Trees lined the wide road, the city lights casting shifting patterns across his profile through the window.

From her angle, she could see the sharp lines of his jaw, his lips pressed tight—it was clear he wasn’t in a good mood.

Ruan Mianmian had a vague feeling she’d gone too far this time.

She’d only wanted to tease Jiang Ce, never expecting him to be so petty as to take offense.

“The scenery here is actually quite nice…” she ventured awkwardly, but there was no response.

She glanced at him again. “Don’t you think so, Jiang Ce?”

“…”

Silence met her once more.

Fine.

Ruan Mianmian sensibly kept quiet.

When they returned to Starfish Bay, Jiang Ce went straight to his room without a word, leaving Ruan Mianmian standing by the door, immediately regretting her actions.

A Kuan sidled up, curiosity gleaming. “Ruan, what’s up with the boss?”

Ruan Mianmian rubbed her nose, embarrassed. “I think I might have made him mad.”

“What?” A Kuan was astonished. “Impossible! The boss would never get mad at you! What did you do?”

What did she do? She’d just replied to a message from the cute guy who’d approached her…

Ruan Mianmian pressed her lips together, deciding to say nothing.

Seeing her evasiveness, A Kuan’s curiosity grew stronger.

“Ruan, what exactly did you do that’s got you so guilty?”

Ruan Mianmian frowned. “Guilty? Is it that obvious?”

A Kuan stroked his chin and nodded emphatically.

“…”

Fine.

Ruan Mianmian touched her cheek and gave a soft laugh. “It’s nothing, stop prying.”

A Kuan was such a blabbermouth—she couldn’t risk telling him anything.

“You go on. I’m heading to my room,” Ruan Mianmian said, hoping to send him away, but A Kuan just burst out laughing.

“I’ve never seen you look so guilty, Ruan! It’s killing me! What did you do?”

“Are you looking for a beating?” she threatened, raising a hand. Just then, she caught sight of a figure in the distance and paused, stunned.

A Kuan turned to look as well, and spotted Shen Qing walking toward them.

“Hey? Qing is back?” A Kuan muttered, drawing a sidelong look from Ruan Mianmian.

It seemed Shen Qing had just returned today. Judging by his demeanor, he was probably here to see her.

Or so she guessed.

“Ruan, can I talk to you?” Shen Qing looked apologetic, his expression far from pleasant.

Ruan Mianmian nodded. “Let’s go to the lounge downstairs.”

When they reached the lounge, everyone else had made themselves scarce.

They sat opposite each other on the sofa, the atmosphere momentarily tense.

Ruan Mianmian asked, “What did you want to talk about? Is it something you want to say, or did Shen Ting send you with a message?”

Shen Qing lowered his head, looking awkward. He spoke softly, “Ruan, I’m really sorry. I never thought she’d do something like that. As her brother, I bear some responsibility, so I wanted to apologize on her behalf.”

“Shen Qing, we’ve known each other for a long time. Everyone should take responsibility for their own actions—you don’t need to apologize for her,” Ruan Mianmian replied candidly. “She is her own person, and you are yours. I won’t judge you as one. As far as I’m concerned, you have nothing to apologize for.”

Shen Qing looked up at her, gratitude shining in his eyes.