RAHHSFL - Chapter 65
Chapter 65
With the Spring Festival just around the corner, the streets and alleys were filled with the traditional festive atmosphere. Qin Juran walked along a high-end shopping street, where uniform, sophisticated neon lights cut through the cold night. Colorful cars sped past, merging into a silent torrent.
Qin Juran wrapped her coat tighter, her high heels clicking against the frigid pavement.
Her phone vibrated. Qin Juran answered, "How did it go, CEO Qin?"
It was Ruan Nan.
Qin Juran stopped walking, holding the phone in silence for a moment. "Not so well, Ah Ruan. I didn't perform very well, probably didn't clinch it."
Ruan Nan paused. "It's okay, Ju Ju. We're just starting out. Since it's such a big corporation, their requirements are bound to be stricter. Nothing happens overnight. Really, it's okay, Ju Ju."
Her voice was deliberately lowered; she was likely with her family.
Family.
Qin Juran's mind wandered for a moment. "Ah Ruan, but this really is a good opportunity."
"One that might not come again in a lifetime."
Qin Juran stood by the street as snow began to fall unexpectedly. The snowflakes landed on her coat and instantly vanished. She reached out to catch them, feeling only a coolness in her palm, seeing nothing.
After a long silence, Ruan Nan asked, "Ju Ju, who is the CEO of this group? Did you meet them? Did they say what the problem was?"
"Chengmao Group. Qin Yuan. The main issue was my lack of maturity and experience. It's okay, Ah Ruan. The moment I was rejected, I just felt like it would take a longer time, that you'd have to wait for me much longer. But hearing your voice makes me think I'm overthinking it again."
Qin Juran rarely expressed her feelings so openly; whenever she did, it meant she was genuinely troubled. Ruan Nan listened on the phone, waiting until Qin Juran reached her car. "CEO Qin, like you said, no matter what, I'll be with you."
"Okay."
Sitting in her car, watching the snow flutter past the window, Qin Juran recalled the almost awkward meeting.
In the original novel, Qin Juran hadn't known that Qin Yuan was her biological father. The clichéd "baby swap" trope of the typical romance novel had given Qin Juran this "father," who would later become a powerful backer for her rise as the innocent, pure lotus flower.
Later, Qin Juran would join Fan Chuan's company, endure two rounds of dramatic, tearful love-hate breakups, and then be found by her biological father, transforming into a wealthy heiress.
But Qin Juran had already rejected Fan Chuan and cut off all contact with him. Why would this world still, by some strange twist of fate, bring Qin Yuan into the picture?
Qin Juran hadn't turned on the heater. The cold air condensed on the car windows, creating a hazy fog. The fog grew, as if enveloping her, blurring the outside world, making everything seem dreamlike.
Why, even after so much had changed, did the predestined plot points still emerge? Would the settings of this world really change because of their actions?
From nearly joining Fan Chuan's company to Qin Yuan's sudden appearance, Qin Juran felt a strange force at play, throwing elements of the original novel's world at her. She didn't know if she could avoid them all.
Qin Juran unconsciously tightened her grip on the steering wheel.
The moment she heard "Qin Yuan," she had dropped her coffee cup, shattering it. She had wanted to make an excuse and leave but feared arousing Qin Yuan's suspicion, so she followed Mr. Wang into the private room.
The man wore a three-piece business suit. He was tall and wore gold-rimmed glasses. Despite not wearing a tie, he exuded a CEO's aura.
He looked up, their eyes meeting. Qin Juran felt it was a near half-minute staring contest.
Qin Juran's eyes and brows strongly resembled Qin Yuan's.
Especially accentuated by the gold-rimmed glasses, Qin Juran noticed Qin Yuan's throat bob momentarily.
Did he know?
Qin Juran didn't speak much, trying to compose herself as she sat down. Besides the company project, Qin Yuan asked about Qin Juran's academic background. With his resources, finding this information would be child's play, so Qin Juran had nothing to hide.
Qin Yuan didn't give her a definitive answer, saying he would consider it. Qin Juran, however, said that after their conversation, she felt her project wasn't a good match for his company, thanked him for his time, but didn't want to waste his resources.
Mr. Wang was taken aback. Seeing Qin Yuan's expression darken, he tactfully excused himself from the room.
The gold trim of the marble coffee table in the upscale room reflected the light. The aroma of imported, hand-ground coffee beans screamed luxury.
Qin Yuan pushed his glasses up with his middle finger. "If I'm not mistaken, this is your first time dealing with such a large investment?"
"Yes," Qin Juran replied softly.
"Are you afraid the investment amount is too high to manage? Or do you find this investment strange, afraid I have ulterior motives?"
Qin Juran curled her lips, using her coffee cup to avoid his gaze. "Mr. Qin, you think too much. Your time is extremely valuable in the industry. It's been my honor to meet with you today. However, we are from different worlds. If I'm not mistaken, after today's meeting, we won't have any further interaction."
Qin Yuan rubbed the armrest of the leather sofa and after a while, said, "You didn't follow the path of most college students. Instead, you dared to start your own business. Doesn't that mean you want to enter this world in the future?"
Qin Juran smiled. "I have aspirations, but I don't expect instant success. Or to leap to the top through some unnatural opportunity."
A faint smile played behind Qin Yuan's gold-rimmed glasses.
Qin Juran was all too familiar with this smile.
The self-satisfied smirk of a successful person who believes he's made a correct assessment. In their eyes, their nod or shake of the head could decide someone else's life.
"You're very capable," Qin Yuan said.
"Thank you for your praise, Mr. Qin. I wish you continued success in your future endeavors." Qin Juran stood up and politely extended her hand.
Qin Yuan glanced at her outstretched hand, his lips curving almost imperceptibly. He stood up, gave a slight nod, but didn't shake her hand. At the door, Mr. Wang respectfully opened it. The sky outside had darkened. A long, black Bentley Mulsanne waited silently in the night.
"How is your family, Miss Qin?"
Qin Juran almost stumbled. She steadied herself, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Qin. My family is harmonious, my parents are healthy. Everything is fine."
Someone held an umbrella over Qin Yuan's head. He gestured, and another person quickly opened an umbrella for Qin Juran.
"To have grown into such a capable person in that kind of family environment is truly remarkable.”
Qin Juran's hand stiffened. She took the umbrella, closed it, and handed it back. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she said, "Mr. Qin, you seem a bit too interested in my personal life. But since you asked, I'll be frank. I don't feel burdened or inferior because of my family or parents. On the contrary, without their love and support, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Qin Juran smiled playfully, adding, "Perhaps even growing up in a family like Mr. Qin's wouldn't necessarily guarantee the same happiness."
Qin Yuan's expression darkened instantly. The lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses gleamed in the light. In a low voice, he asked, "Is Miss Qin looking down on me?"
Qin Juran shook her head. "I wouldn't dare. I just think Mr. Qin's own daughter must be even more outstanding.”
Mr. Wang froze. Qin Juran saw Qin Yuan's face momentarily stiffen. In the darkness, he slowly reached out and took the umbrella himself, the surrounding people tactfully backing away.
After a moment, Qin Yuan said, "I once had a daughter, the same age as you."
Qin Juran caught the word "once" and stared at Qin Yuan with wide eyes.
Qin Yuan nodded, his throat bobbing in the darkness. His suited figure appeared especially somber in the night. "She passed away from illness. Seven years ago."
...
Qin Juran couldn't speak, standing frozen in the night, like Qin Yuan's umbrella.
From today's conversation, Qin Yuan clearly knew that Qin Juran was his biological daughter. Yet, Qin Haotian showed no sign of knowing that Qin Juran wasn't his biological child.
So, it seemed Qin Yuan hadn't told them that their biological daughter, the one they'd been swapped with, was no longer alive.
"So, Mr. Qin, do you have other children?"
Qin Yuan nodded. "I have a son and a daughter."
Qin Juran breathed a sigh of relief.
For Qin Haotian and his wife, regardless of whether they knew Qin Yuan or not, learning the truth, especially given their daughter’s death, would be devastating.
Qin Juran desperately wanted to ask Qin Yuan when he'd found out and why he hadn't contacted her, but she couldn't bring herself to ask.
"Qin Juran, this company project has great potential. Continue working on it, and we will meet again.”
The momentary sadness on Qin Yuan's face vanished, replaced by his usual stern composure. He didn't insist on seeing Qin Juran off, getting directly into the Bentley.
Qin Juran returned home to find Qin Haotian waiting at the door. As soon as the last customers left and the restaurant closed, he rushed over and asked, "How did it go, Ranran?"
Qin Juran's smile was strained. She shook her head. "Dad, it probably didn't go well."
Qin Haotian paused. "It's okay, it's okay. He was just asking. He probably wasn't serious. That CEO is so busy all the time, running all over the country. Just treat it as experience, what's that saying, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Zuo Yanzhen and Qin Julai also came to comfort her. Qin Juran said she was tired and wanted to rest. They all thought she was upset from the rejection and kept their voices down. They usually didn't go to bed until 11 p.m., but tonight, all was quiet outside her bedroom early on. She seemed to hear Qin Julai wanting to take a shower, only to be stopped by Qin Haotian, who told him not to disturb his sister.
Lying in bed, Qin Juran's mind raced all night. Later, Ruan Nan called, and they chatted online for a while before falling asleep.
Ruan Nan was supposed to come over the next day, but Ruan Huyue happened to be home and had several dinner engagements, which Ruan Nan couldn't easily decline.
Business at Ju Tavern was incredibly brisk these past few days. Qin Juran once again realized the significant impact her promotions had made. As the Spring Festival approached, Qin Haotian gave the servers time off. Qin Juran, unable to stand by idly, put on an apron, tied up her hair, and started helping out.
Some customers recognized Qin Juran and, after their meals, insisted their children take pictures with her, hoping to bask in the top student's good luck.
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Ruan Nan accompanied Ruan Huyue back to their hometown. Zuo Yanzhen's back was aching, and Qin Juran refused to let them continue working. The family put up a closed sign. Qin Juran checked her bank balance, grabbed Ruan Nan's Range Rover keys, and announced she was taking them shopping for new clothes.
"Ranran, we can just take the bus, or a taxi if needed. Using your classmate's car isn't very good," Zuo Yanzhen said uneasily, standing in front of the Range Rover.
"Mom, we'll probably be buying a lot of things. The bus isn't convenient. Let's drive."
The three of them got into the car, a little stiffly. The Range Rover was spacious, and Qin Julai couldn't hide his fascination. Looking in the rearview mirror at her simple, reserved parents, Qin Juran saw their apprehension. They were likely both nervous about being in a Range Rover for the first time and a little afraid of riding in a car driven by Qin Juran. They sat ramrod straight with their seatbelts fastened, a sight that made Qin Juran smile.
Qin Juran chose a mid-range shopping mall. Seeing Qin Haotian and Zuo Yanzhen hesitate, looking up at the building, she put an arm around each of them. "Come on, Mom and Dad, your daughter is making money now."
The family of four strolled through the mall for a while. They bought Zuo Yanzhen a red coat, Qin Haotian two fleece sweaters, and though he insisted he didn't need shoes, Qin Juran checked his size and picked out a pair for him.
Seeing how much his sister was spending, Qin Julai refused to accept anything for himself. Qin Juran ignored him and pulled him into a store, telling him to choose something. When he continued to demur, Qin Juran looked at him and said without hesitation, "If you don't dress nicely, how will any girl like you?"
Her voice wasn't loud, but Qin Julai practically jumped, pulling Qin Juran aside, his neck red. "Sis, what are you saying?"
Qin Juran raised an eyebrow. "What do you think I'm saying?"
Yesterday, she'd seen the reflection in his glasses as he zoomed in on a photo, the magnified portion focused on a girl.
"Sis, don't..." He stammered, flustered. Qin Juran chuckled. "If you're going to pursue someone, do it properly. As long as it doesn't affect your studies, having someone you admire, both of you striving towards the same goal... when you look back later, you'll find this school romance to be the most innocent and beautiful memory."
Qin Juran's words were clear: it was okay to choose love, as long as it didn't jeopardize their futures.
"Sis, how do you know so much? Have you been in love?"
Qin Juran smiled, silently admitting it.
Qin Julai wanted to ask more, but Qin Haotian and Zuo Yanzhen returned, having chosen a few more items. Qin Juran picked out a simple coat for herself. With her good looks and figure, she could make any outfit look stylish.
She wondered if Ruan Nan had bought any new clothes.
They shopped until evening, and then Qin Juran took them to see a movie. Young couples in the cinema all held buckets of popcorn. Qin Haotian told them to wait and soon returned with a large bucket, not for his children, but for Zuo Yanzhen.
Qin Juran and Qin Julai laughed as Zuo Yanzhen accepted the popcorn while playfully scolding Qin Haotian for wasting money.
It was almost nine o'clock when the four of them emerged from the cinema laden with shopping bags. After driving home, Qin Juran messaged Ruan Nan, who had just returned from her dinner engagement.
Qin Haotian was busy cooking in the kitchen. Qin Juran asked Ruan Nan, "What did you eat tonight?"
"Private dining. Tiny portions of mostly raw food."
"Didn't eat well?"
"No."
"What time does your family go to bed?"
"Quite late. Why?"
Qin Juran didn't reply. After finishing dinner, she spoke to Qin Haotian, who readily agreed. Qin Juran went into the kitchen to help him, quickly preparing four small dishes – two hot, two cold, and a dessert.
Qin Haotian found the most delicate ceramic dishes, plated the food exquisitely, and even added garnishes.
"No need to go to so much trouble, Dad."
Qin Haotian wiped his hands on his apron. "What if Nan Nan invites you to her home, and her parents see? We can't look bad."
Qin Juran smiled, picked up the heavy food container, and turned back to look at Qin Haotian, who was hunched over, cleaning up. The kitchen light wasn't very bright. Qin Juran was suddenly reminded of the night she first met him, when she told him she liked girls, and he'd said girls liked desserts.
He’d told her to do what she wanted, that no matter what, her parents would always be there for her.
"What are you looking at?" Qin Haotian looked up.
"Dad, thank you," Qin Juran said softly, her throat tightening, as if something had clicked into place in that moment.
If the price of securing investment from Chengmao Group was losing this family, or making them feel inferior in front of Qin Yuan, creating a rift between them, she would rather not have it.
Qin Juran carried the food container outside. There weren't many taxis on the road on a winter night. She hadn't wanted to drive the Range Rover but, after waiting for ten minutes without hailing a cab, fearing the food would get cold, she went back and got the car.
After driving for over half an hour, Qin Juran arrived at an upscale villa complex in the new district. It was the address Ruan Nan had given her. The security was tight; without a pass, she couldn't even get through the main gate. She parked by the roadside and sent her location to Ruan Nan.
[Miss Ruan, your delivery has arrived. Your dedicated driver is waiting 24/7, ready to serve you.]
Ruan Nan sent back a surprised cat emoticon: [I'll be right down!!]
Qin Juran smiled, left the food container in the car, and got out to wait, unsure which gate Ruan Nan would emerge from.
After a while, she heard footsteps behind her. Just as she was about to turn around, someone covered her eyes from behind. Ruan Nan deepened her voice and asked, "Who are you waiting for, little one?"
Her hands were soft, and the warmth of her touch radiated through Qin Juran. She smiled and played along. "I'm waiting for a little kitty. I haven't seen her for so long."
"Does your little kitty have any special features?" Ruan Nan asked softly from behind.
Qin Juran thought for a moment. "She has a soft meow, a soft body, she's always warm, but strangely, only her tongue is cold."
?
Ruan Nan tilted her head, about to furrow her brow and test if her tongue was cold. Before she could utter, "No, it's not," Qin Juran pulled Ruan Nan's hands away, turned, cupped her face, and gently captured her lips, her tongue deftly slipping inside.
The soft kiss carried a hint of the winter chill and the longing of their time apart. Qin Juran deepened the kiss, leaving Ruan Nan breathless.
Qin Juran released her, licking her lips, savoring the lingering sweetness. Ruan Nan, her hair in a bun, wearing a puffy down jacket, her face flushed from the kiss, playfully punched Qin Juran's shoulder.
Qin Juran smiled. "Not cold anymore.”
She took Ruan Nan's hand, saying Qin Haotian had made her some delicious food and asked if there was anywhere nearby they could eat.
"The restaurants around here don't seem to allow takeout," Ruan Nan shook her head. The closest place was her home, but with Ruan Huyue there, she hesitated, not suggesting they eat there.
Qin Juran understood. "Eat in the car then?"
Ruan Nan happily nodded.
Ruan Nan got into the back seat of the Range Rover. Qin Juran retrieved the food container from the front. In the dim light of the back seat, Ruan Nan's eyes lit up when she saw the food.
Each small bowl was exquisitely presented, decorated with painted designs, looking incredibly appetizing under the light.
Qin Juran opened the chopsticks for her. Ruan Nan took a bite of lotus root, the crisp texture exploding on her palate.
Qin Juran took out the milky dessert Qin Haotian had specially made. Ruan Nan loved it, as expected.
In the car, Ruan Nan took a bite for herself, and then Qin Juran fed her a spoonful. Soon, their cheeks were puffed out like little hamsters.
"Aren't you eating?" Ruan Nan asked, her mouth full.
"I already ate.”
The car was warm. They ate and chatted about Qin Yuan. Ruan Nan didn't express any suspicions. In her eyes, Qin Juran was a walking advertisement; any good opportunity was likely to find her.
As long as Qin Juran was willing, it was just a matter of time.
The lights of the villa complex were hazy, illuminating a bright area in the distance. Qin Juran looked ahead as Ruan Nan lowered her head slightly. "Sorry, Ju Ju, even though you're here, I still can't invite you to my house."
"Your brother is there?"
Ruan Nan nodded. Qin Juran had hit her younger brother that time, and Ruan Huyue had been there too. A meeting would likely be awkward.
"Ju Ju, I envy you having parents like your uncle. I think I still need some time here.”
Ruan Nan's implication was that she wasn't ready to come out to Ruan Huyue. Qin Juran understood the significance of this for parents; Qin Haotian's acceptance was, after all, rare.
Qin Juran reached out and stroked Ruan Nan's hair. "It's okay. We have a long, long time ahead of us.”
Ruan Nan nodded. They got out of the car. Qin Juran held Ruan Nan's hand. "Walk you to the door?"
Ruan Nan shook her head. "The gate's right there. I can go in myself."
"Then I won't see you again tomorrow. One more kiss?"
Ruan Nan smiled, stood on tiptoe, and wrapped her arms around Qin Juran's neck. Her breath still carried the sweet scent of the dessert. The security guard's light swept over them. Qin Juran bent down, holding Ruan Nan as they dodged the light, a thrill of stolen kisses at the doorstep passing between them.
The tall Range Rover stood beside them. A car slowly approached the main gate in the distance. Seeing the Range Rover, it slowed down, then, upon recognizing Ruan Nan, turned off its headlights.
Neither Qin Juran nor Ruan Nan noticed the car behind them. Only after Qin Juran watched Ruan Nan enter the gate, got back into the car, and started the engine, did the woman in the gray Mercedes slowly roll up her window.
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