Chapter Eight: The Final Bargaining Chip

Once again, it was Jian Yanzhi—why bring him up out of nowhere?

Nuan Mianmian silently grumbled to herself, but she knew that she had to give Jiang Ce a proper explanation about Jian Yanzhi. Otherwise, Jiang Ce would never believe her. After all, the original Nuan Mianmian had been so infatuated with Jian Yanzhi, even risking her own life to test him. Such obsession couldn’t simply vanish overnight. It wasn’t just Jiang Ce—anyone would have their doubts.

Still, Nuan Mianmian had her own way of handling things. In television dramas, when faced with such inexplicable situations, the protagonist often conveniently loses their memory. Why couldn’t she borrow that trick?

With this thought, Nuan Mianmian lifted her head and asked directly, “Jian Yanzhi? Who is that? I don’t recall ever knowing someone by that name.”

Jiang Ce was momentarily speechless. Truth be told, he genuinely didn’t know the purpose of Nuan Mianmian’s visit, and he found it increasingly difficult to decipher her thoughts.

After her words, Nuan Mianmian quickly observed Jiang Ce’s reaction. He didn’t speak, but the coldness in his gaze deepened—clearly, her excuse failed to fool him.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before her ruse unraveled. Nuan Mianmian was prepared for that; she just wanted to evade the subject of Jian Yanzhi for now. As the saying goes, time reveals true hearts, and she would prove to Jiang Ce with her actions that everything she said today was real.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Seeing Jiang Ce’s silence, Nuan Mianmian kept quiet as well. Fortunately, Jiang Ce’s family doctor entered at that moment.

Li Zheng seemed unaware that Nuan Mianmian was there; upon seeing her, his expression showed surprise, but he said nothing further and simply placed the prepared medication on the bedside table.

“These medicines will help your wounds heal. From tomorrow, take them with your three meals. I’ve already portioned out the doses,” Li Zheng explained briefly, his gaze darting toward Nuan Mianmian with a hint of teasing.

Nuan Mianmian stood quietly to the side, studying Li Zheng. She knew he was Jiang Ce’s family doctor, one of his few friends. Compared to Jiang Ce’s icy demeanor, Li Zheng was like the leader of the “atmosphere group” in the book—despite his usually serious appearance, he was approachable and possessed a good sense of humor.

Nuan Mianmian schemed inwardly: if she could win Li Zheng over and gain his support, wouldn’t Jiang Ce be as good as caught in her net?

Li Zheng, noticing Nuan Mianmian sizing him up, grew curious. It was rare to see a woman in Starfish Bay, even more so in Jiang Ce’s bedroom. It seemed the thousand-year-old iron tree had finally blossomed.

Li Zheng discreetly withdrew his gaze and winked at Jiang Ce.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Ce’s expression grew even darker. Li Zheng was taken aback, then smiled. Apparently, Jiang Ce treasured this girl—he’d barely glanced at her twice, and Jiang Ce’s jealousy was ready to boil over.

“Well, I’ve explained everything I needed to. I’ll head back for today,” Li Zheng said briskly, packing up his things and preparing to leave.

But just then, Nuan Mianmian rose and called out, “Wait!”

Li Zheng turned hurriedly, meeting the chill in Jiang Ce’s eyes that seemed about to freeze him. Anxiously, he looked back at Nuan Mianmian and asked, “Yes? Miss Nuan, is there something else I can do for you?”

Nuan Mianmian stepped forward, extending her hand with a smile. “It’s nothing—I just haven’t thanked you yet for saving my life. Thank you for your help today.”

So that was it.

Li Zheng’s tense features relaxed, but instead of shaking her hand, he quietly placed his own behind his back and offered a polite smile. Was he joking? With Jiang Ce watching, he wouldn’t dare shake hands with Nuan Mianmian. Didn’t she see Jiang Ce’s glacial expression as if he could devour someone?

Seeing Li Zheng hide his hand, Nuan Mianmian’s smile faltered. It seemed winning over Jiang Ce’s people wouldn’t be easy after all...

Li Zheng left, and Nuan Mianmian felt a bit disappointed at failing to strike up a friendship with him. To her surprise, Jiang Ce misinterpreted her reaction.

Nuan Mianmian looked up, startled. For some reason, Jiang Ce’s expression was even worse than before!

She moved closer to the bedside and asked, “Why do you look so upset? Are you feeling unwell?”

Jiang Ce: ... Clearly, it’s you who’s infuriating me!

“Go and rest. Tomorrow I’ll have someone send you home,” Jiang Ce suddenly said coldly, not sparing her a glance.

His tone was always frosty, but Nuan Mianmian sensed a subtle shift—he seemed to dislike her even more now.

What should she do?

Frowning, Nuan Mianmian simply sat down on the floor, startling Jiang Ce.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Ce asked in a deep voice, his brows furrowed in reproach.

“I don’t want to go back!” Nuan Mianmian couldn’t find a good excuse, so she pressed on, “Let me stay here for a few days to lay low, all right? I promise not to bother you. I just don’t want to go back.”

Going back meant facing Jian Yanzhi’s crowd, who would only bully and mock her. How could it compare to staying here? Even if Jiang Ce was cold as ice, at least the food and drink were good, and the living conditions were excellent.

She’d have to be mad not to choose this.

Confusion flickered in Jiang Ce’s eyes. He asked, “Why?”

Did Jian Yanzhi hurt you? Or was it the recent kidnapping that made you lose faith in him? Is it because you broke up with your family and followed Jian Yanzhi—did he break your heart?

A bitter smile crossed Jiang Ce’s face. So, Nuan Mianmian, you finally remembered me?

Nuan Mianmian, head lowered, didn’t see the struggle in Jiang Ce’s gaze. She was racking her brain, searching for the right words to persuade him, to ensure she could stay.

Wait!

Suddenly, inspiration struck. She remembered someone who might be useful.

Eyes shining, Nuan Mianmian looked up at Jiang Ce and asked, “Jiang Ce, have you forgotten the promise you made to my grandfather?”

Jiang Ce’s pupils contracted, his body shifting away from the headboard as he stared at her. “So, this is your last bargaining chip?”

Bargaining chip?

Did Jiang Ce really see this as a transaction? Was he so eager to cast her off?

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Nuan Mianmian felt a pang of sorrow. Perhaps after merging with the real Nuan Mianmian’s memories, she was growing more empathetic.

Only now, her feelings weren’t for Jian Yanzhi—they were for Jiang Ce.

She bit her lip and whispered, “If you let me stay, then as you wish, I’ll use my grandfather’s kindness to you as my final bargaining chip.”