Chapter Eighty-Three: What? They've Broken Up?

After that, Nuan Mianmian didn’t reply, but soon her phone rang.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t I already tell you—”

“It’s me.”

That cool, low, alluring male voice—who could it be but Jiang Ce? Nuan Mianmian instinctively moved the phone away and glanced at the screen. She hadn’t had a chance to check before, and had assumed it was Akun calling.

“Mm,” she responded, then fell silent.

No sound came from the other end, only the hollow rush of wind.

“Who are you talking to?” A sudden question startled her.

Jian Yanzhi had seen her standing there, phone pressed to her ear but saying nothing, and came over to ask. Nuan Mianmian looked up at him, then said nothing and walked outside with her phone.

Ignored like air, Jian Yanzhi was left wondering, What’s going on now? He’d only stepped away for a moment.

Nuan Mianmian wandered beneath a large banyan tree in the courtyard, circling restlessly. Jian Yanzhi didn’t chase after her, only peered out from the doorway, so she lowered her voice and asked, “Have you taken care of everything?”

“Yes, it’s done.”

The swift reply told her Jiang Ce had been listening all along, simply silent.

“When are you coming back?” Jiang Ce couldn’t help but ask.

Nuan Mianmian laughed softly. “I don’t know yet. I still have to stay for dinner.”

Silence fell on the other end, and somehow, Nuan Mianmian could even sense the air pressure drop.

“I’ll come pick you up.”

Jiang Ce’s tone was resolute, not negotiating but informing her.

“That’s not necessary, is it?”

“It is.”

“Hehe, fine.”

Nuan Mianmian pressed her lips together, a sly smile flickering in her eyes.

“Then come get me after everything wraps up tonight,” she said. She didn’t want Jian Yanzhi to drive her home, or she’d end up back at her apartment, which she absolutely didn’t want.

Jiang Ce gave a brief assent, and the call ended.

When Nuan Mianmian returned to the living room, Jian Yanzhi was still waiting in his previous seat. As soon as she stepped in, his gaze locked onto her, clearly waiting.

“Who were you on the phone with?” Jian Yanzhi asked.

Nuan Mianmian replied, “Do I need to report to you who I call?”

He hadn’t meant it that way. Jian Yanzhi pressed his lips together and continued, “I just wondered. I’ve never heard you mention having any close friends around here, so I was curious.”

“Don’t be curious,” Nuan Mianmian said. Especially not about her affairs—she couldn’t afford that.

She settled onto the sofa furthest from Jian Yanzhi. It was only one o’clock, with the dinner still hours away.

“What did you call me over so early for? Grandpa Jian’s gone to rest, and I’m bored out of my mind.”

She frowned, complaining to him.

Jian Yanzhi arched his brow slightly. “But I’m here to keep you company, aren’t I?”

You used to love sticking to me.

Nuan Mianmian rolled her eyes dramatically, her disdain clear without words.

“Then I’d rather be bored alone.”

Jian Yanzhi sighed, frustrated by her words.

“Mianmian, are you still angry with me?”

Angry? About what?

She looked up. “Did you take the wrong medicine? What reason do I have to be angry with you?”

“I broke up with Song Chenxi.”

He suddenly blurted it out, leaving Nuan Mianmian utterly shocked.

“What? Broke up?”

“Yes.”

A hint of expectation flashed in Jian Yanzhi’s eyes as he looked at her. “So if you were angry with me because of Song Chenxi, you don’t need to be anymore.”

He thought he’d made it clear—surely she understood?

But besides surprise, Nuan Mianmian’s eyes held a touch of contempt.

“Jian Yanzhi, are you serious? You broke up with... Song Chenxi?” She couldn’t fathom how the feelings between the protagonists could be so fragile. A disagreement, and suddenly they were over? What would the fans watch now?

Jian Yanzhi’s gaze was steady. He repeated, “Yes. I realized I don’t actually like her that much. Maybe I never understood my own feelings from the start. Do you understand?”

He looked at her, but Nuan Mianmian shook her head vigorously.

“No! Why should I understand?”

She shot him a contemptuous glance. “You really are something. Break up just like that? You two are the official pair, for goodness’ sake!”

“Official pair?”

He was confused. “What do you mean? Do you want me to stay with her?”

“Uh...” Nuan Mianmian fell silent. How could she explain? Her hesitation took on a different meaning in Jian Yanzhi’s eyes.

Jian Yanzhi smiled softly, lips pressed together. He got up and walked over, gently patting her head as he said warmly, “Just think about what I said.”

“???”

Nuan Mianmian’s expression was one of utter confusion. What was this about? Why such intimate gestures?

She slapped his hand away, annoyed. “What are you touching me for? Don’t you have your own hair?”

“Alright.”

Jian Yanzhi’s face showed indulgence, his manner gentle as he withdrew his hand.

Suddenly, Nuan Mianmian had a sense—no, an instinct—that Jian Yanzhi was developing some inexplicable interest in her.

God! Please, no!

She protested inwardly. Immediately she stood up, though her head only reached Jian Yanzhi’s shoulder, her presence was undiminished.

“Jian Yanzhi, what on earth are you thinking? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me?”

She stared at him, utterly astonished, feeling as if she’d just heard a bad joke.

“Does it seem unbelievable?”

Unbelievable, indeed!

“I think it’s unbelievable too, but I admit—I’m drawn to you.”

Drawn to her? Ridiculous!

“You—”

Nuan Mianmian opened her mouth, but couldn’t find the words. Her mind was spinning into chaos.

What kind of absurd, melodramatic plot was this?

Jian Yanzhi assumed her agitation was excitement. “You don’t need to answer now. Just think about what I said. I’ll wait for your reply.”

“No need. I can answer you right now.”

She couldn’t stand it another second.

Jian Yanzhi’s lips curled with inexplicable confidence. “I knew you had feelings for me.”

Nonsense!

Nuan Mianmian looked him up and down, unceremoniously. “Are you out of your mind? Where did you get the idea that I have feelings for you?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Absolutely not!” she declared firmly. “I told you long ago—I don’t like you anymore. Besides, I already have someone in my heart, and I’m sorry, but it’s not you!”

Jian Yanzhi’s smile faded before it could bloom, crushed by her words.

“Mianmian, I know you’ve always held a grudge about the past, but I’ve broken up with Song Chenxi now. Can’t we just talk properly?”