Chapter 86: I No Longer Care

“A belated apology is the most worthless thing of all.”
Jian Yanzhi apologizing to her was something Ruan Mianmian had not anticipated, but she no longer cared.
Besides, in a sense, the original owner of this body had brought it upon herself; it had little to do with anyone else.
Ruan Mianmian gazed into the distant darkness and said quietly, “It doesn’t matter to me anymore, so you shouldn’t take it to heart either.”
With that, she turned and walked back inside, the enticing aroma of food already reaching her.
But Jian Yanzhi seemed nailed to the spot, unmoving for a long time.
After she left, a bitter smile crept onto his lips.
He murmured, “But it matters to me. Only now do I realize just how much it matters to me.”

—

Inside, at the dinner table.
The old gentleman was all smiles, his joy unmistakable.
Many younger family members had come to visit today, and seeing Ruan Mianmian—the granddaughter of an old comrade—brought him even more delight.
“Come, come, it’s rare for everyone to be together—let’s have a toast!”
He was in high spirits, insisting on toasting everyone.
Jian Yanzhi helplessly pressed down his grandfather’s wrist and said, “Grandfather, you’re still on medication. You shouldn’t drink.”
“That’s right, your health comes first.”
The old man’s expression soured immediately, like a child denied a treat.
“You’re all just here to tie my hands and feet.”
Jian Yanzhi grinned. “Grandfather, don’t try to talk your way out of it. Why don’t you let Mianmian say whether you can drink or not?”
As he spoke, he exchanged a look with Ruan Mianmian.
Everyone could see how much affection the old gentleman had for her.
Though she was only the granddaughter of his old comrade, in his eyes, she was a deeply cherished junior.
Ruan Mianmian caught Jian Yanzhi’s hint and smiled at the old man.
“Grandpa Jian, alcohol tastes terrible. Why not skip it and have some nourishing soup with me instead?”
Saying this, she got up, ladled a bowl of soup, and set it before the old gentleman.
“Come, let’s toast with our soup.”
She raised her bowl to clink gently against his, and laughter and cheer filled the room.
“Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you, Ruan girl.”

The old man laughed and set his wine glass aside, lifting his soup bowl to drink with Ruan Mianmian.
The others were surprised to see how obedient he was, and they looked at Ruan Mianmian with newfound respect.
“Grandpa Jian dotes on Miss Ruan most—he listens to everything you say.”
A scholarly gentleman in his forties or fifties smiled at her.
Ruan Mianmian glanced at him. Jian Yanzhi had introduced him earlier; he was some relative—perhaps the old man’s uncle or elder cousin—she couldn’t quite remember.
“You flatter me. I’m the only outsider here. Grandpa Jian is just giving me face so I won’t feel embarrassed in front of all the uncles and aunts.”
Laughter erupted at her tactful and charming words.
A junior so lovely, clever, and considerate—no one could help but like her.
Zhao Qingfei sat silently, eating without tasting, feeling invisible beside Ruan Mianmian.
Her fingers gripped her chopsticks until they turned white, a storm of jealousy and frustration brewing inside.

As the night wore on, Jian Yanzhi’s cheeks were tinged with a light flush. Since the old man couldn’t drink, entertaining the relatives fell to him alone.
Ruan Mianmian, meanwhile, focused on her food, exchanging a few words with the old man from time to time, but mostly eating heartily.
While most at the table balanced food and drink, Ruan Mianmian alone enjoyed a complete and satisfying meal.
“Ruan girl, do you like the food here?”
The old man smiled at her.
“It’s delicious!” she replied, patting her full belly with satisfaction. “This trip was definitely worth it!”
He laughed heartily, clearly delighted by her, and said,
“You always know how to make this old man happy. I’ve been recuperating here lately and it’s dreadfully dull. You must visit often—I’ll make sure they cook all your favorites.”
“Gladly!” Ruan Mianmian agreed without hesitation.

As the gathering broke up, many relatives would be staying the night. The old man, seeing how late it was, caught Ruan Mianmian’s hand.
“It’s so late, why don’t you stay as well? There are plenty of guest rooms.”

At once, Zhao Qingfei looked over, her reluctance plain to see.
But Ruan Mianmian had no intention of staying.
“It’s alright, Grandpa Jian. I’ve already imposed for a whole day. I should head home and let you all catch up.”
No matter what, she was an outsider here. She would feel awkward staying, and, truthfully, she didn’t want to.
Jian Yanzhi stepped in at the right moment. “Don’t worry, Grandfather, I’ll see her home safely.”
The old man frowned. “You’ve had quite a bit to drink tonight. You can’t drive.”
Jian Yanzhi smiled. “Grandfather, we do have a driver.”
“Of course!” the old man exclaimed, relieved. “Have the driver take her home, and you go along.”
He gave Jian Yanzhi a meaningful look, urging him to be attentive.
Jian Yanzhi responded with a subtle smile—clearly, his grandfather had some intentions tonight.
Ruan Mianmian would have refused—Jiang Ce was coming to pick her up—but she said nothing before so many people, lest she invite endless questions.
It would be easier to explain to Jian Yanzhi outside.
“Grandpa Jian, I’ll be off then. Please rest well.”
“Alright, take care on the road!”
“I will.”
Jian Yanzhi picked up her handbag, and they walked out side by side.
Watching them leave, the old man smiled knowingly.
“If Ruan girl could marry Yanzhi and become my granddaughter-in-law, I would have no regrets.”

Once outside, Ruan Mianmian took her handbag back from Jian Yanzhi.
He caught her by the arm and paused. “Wait here a moment—I’ll ask the driver to bring the car around.”
“No need,” she declined. “You don’t need to see me off. You’ve had enough to drink—go back and rest.”
Jian Yanzhi smiled. “Are you worrying about me?”
Ruan Mianmian pressed her forehead, speechless. She couldn’t help thinking: I do admire your active imagination.