RAHHSFL - Chapter 75

Chapter 75

At 8:30 a.m., Qin Juran finally got through to Lin Wei.

Lin Wei’s voice was groggy, as if he’d just woken up.

"Did I wake you?" Qin Juran asked.

Lin Wei rubbed his eyes, grumbling, "I was up until the wee hours fighting trolls in your comments section. Just fell asleep.”

Qin Juran pursed her lips. "You started that fight yourself?”

Lin Wei was confused. "No."

Qin Juran frowned. "Who did you ask to do it?"

"Zhou Ziqing, Wang Yuan Yuan, those two high school buddies we went skiing with, and a few other people you don't know. Basically, everyone I could mobilize. We’re calling this 'Operation 008.' You owe me a meal afterward.”

"..."

"Is that all?"

"Isn't that enough?" Lin Wei bolted upright in bed. "Just wait, I’ll call up my elementary and junior high classmates too. I went to three different elementary schools and was in three different classes in junior high. I’ll show you..."

Lin Wei continued to ramble, but Qin Juran had already realized he wasn't responsible. After listening to him recount his extensive network of contacts, she remained silent. Lin Wei, sensing something was off, quickly asked, "What's wrong, Qin Juran? Are you jealous that I'm so popular? Don't worry, I mobilized them all to help you!"

Qin Juran ignored his teasing. "Thank you, Lin Wei."

"W-why are you being so formal? Did my comments actually work?"

Qin Juran silently shook her head and repeated sincerely, "Thank you."

Qin Juran hung up. Ruan Nan emerged from the bedroom. She had also contacted Zhou Ziqing. They had indeed bought promotional slots and asked their friends to help manage the comments, but they hadn't launched an all-out attack on Xia Jin's accounts.

And frankly, they didn't have the resources to do so.

Qin Juran and Ruan Nan exchanged a look. "Could it be your uncle?" Qin Juran asked.

Ruan Nan shook her head. "I thought about that too, but knowing him, if he did it, he would’ve told me."

They sat in silence, lost in thought. Qin Juran knew about Ruan Nan's family, their business, their background. Ruan Nan, however, only knew about Ju Tavern and Qin Juran's parents.

They sat on the sofa, pondering for a long time. Ruan Nan considered several possibilities, even entertaining absurd ideas like Fan Chuan or Secretary Yan being involved.

Qin Juran leaned forward, her hands clasped together, then picked up her phone, walked onto the balcony, and dialed a number.

"Hello, Mr. Wang, this is Qin Juran. Do you remember me?"

"Miss Qin, of course. You're calling to speak to CEO Qin, I presume?"

"Yes."

Mr. Wang chuckled. "Miss Qin, I'll give you CEO Qin's number. You can call him directly before nine o'clock.”

"Is that convenient?" Qin Juran asked, slightly puzzled.

"Of course. CEO Qin instructed me to do so."

Qin Juran's grip on the phone tightened. She thanked him and hung up.

After five or six minutes on the balcony, she returned inside. Ruan Nan was working on a new article. Qin Juran walked up behind her and hugged her.

The faint scent of her perfume and the soft fabric of her sweater against Ruan Nan's back sent shivers down her spine. Ruan Nan leaned back, resting against Qin Juran.

"Did you find out?"

Qin Juran nuzzled against Ruan Nan's ear. "Yes."

"Who was it?"

"Ah Ruan, come with me to A City today, okay? After today, everything will be clear."

Even without a direct answer, Ruan Nan knew Qin Juran had a plan. She lifted her head and kissed Qin Juran softly. "Okay."

Qin Juran messaged Qin Haotian, saying they were driving back and would arrive around four in the afternoon. Qin Haotian was delighted and immediately asked what his daughter wanted to eat.

Qin Juran thought for a moment before replying: "Dad, what dishes did that CEO seem to enjoy when he visited us? Could you prepare those again? I need to take them with me in a food container around eight o'clock, like the time we packed food for Ah Ruan.”

Qin Haotian, sensing a business opportunity, readily agreed.

They monitored their account data throughout the drive. Xia Jin had only recently branched out on her own and hadn't established many accounts yet. Now, all her accounts across various platforms had vanished, and the comments on Qin Juran’s videos were overwhelmingly supportive.

Most of the comments focused on the video's content and Qin Juran’s talent. The two points Xia Jin had attacked in her video – Ju Tavern and Qin Juran’s relationship with Ruan Nan – were barely mentioned, buried deep within nested replies. The damage control had been incredibly effective.

This kind of damage control would have taken Qin Juran and Ruan Nan a lot of time and effort. But for Qin Yuan, it was a simple and swift operation, leaving no trace.

Around four in the afternoon, they arrived at Ju Tavern. After a quick meal, Qin Juran put on some makeup. The weather was getting warmer, so thick down jackets were no longer necessary. She wore a white turtleneck sweater, black slacks, and a red wool coat.

Ruan Nan, unsure who they were meeting but sensing it was a formal occasion based on Qin Juran’s attire, also dressed up in a shirt and a black pencil skirt.

Zuo Yanzhen, though not verbally expressing her joy at their return, showed it through her actions, bustling around and, before they left, subtly checking if Ruan Nan was wearing anything under her skirt.

Around seven in the evening, Qin Juran, carrying the food container Qin Haotian had prepared, got into the car. The meeting place was a sign near a bridge in A City. Qin Yuan was busy, so he could only give Qin Juran twenty minutes.

Not even enough time for a proper meeting at a café.

Ruan Nan and Qin Juran arrived ten minutes early. Ruan Nan, curious about the location, looked around. It didn't seem like a place for a business meeting. She wondered what Qin Juran was up to.

She didn't ask, just kept looking around curiously. Qin Juran found her quiet inquisitiveness endearing and pulled her close. "Alright, you'll find out soon. Afraid I'm going to sell you off?"

"Not entirely impossible~"

Qin Juran looked at her as if she'd said something absurd. "Ah Ruan, you think I would sell you for a measly fifteen million yuan?"

Ruan Nan, unsure why Qin Juran was being so serious, widened her eyes. "S-so you wouldn't?"

Qin Juran smiled, booping her nose. "Ah Ruan, you're so talented, so cute, so sweet..."

"I'd need more money."

They got out of the car. Qin Juran scanned their surroundings. They were just off the bridge, near a traffic circle. The area was quiet, with only a few cars parked nearby.

Qin Juran, holding Ruan Nan’s hand in one hand and the food container in the other, slowly walked along the dimly lit, empty road.

They had been on edge since returning from Switzerland. Only now, standing on familiar ground, the cool night air against their faces, did they finally feel a sense of relief.

They walked at a leisurely pace. Ruan Nan, seeing Qin Juran wasn’t in a hurry, didn't rush her either. Being with Qin Juran always gave her a sense of stability.

After passing through a long tunnel, Qin Juran stopped by the roadside. The dim streetlights illuminated them, and in the distance, a black car was parked.

Qin Juran paused.

She put her arm around Ruan Nan’s shoulders. "Ah Ruan, aren't you even going to ask why we're here?"

Ruan Nan hesitated. She had a feeling that Qin Juran's seemingly casual question was actually quite serious, that what was about to happen wouldn't be simple, and that perhaps even Qin Juran herself wasn't entirely sure of the outcome.

Ruan Nan shrugged, not wanting to add to the pressure. "I won't ask. Whatever it is, if you think it's right, then it probably is.”

"What if it's wrong?"

"Then we'll face it together. You're not getting rid of me that easily.”

Qin Juran looked at Ruan Nan, her beautiful features illuminated by the distant stars in the winter night, her expression playful yet determined.

Qin Juran suddenly smiled.

Like an older sister, like a cunning fox, but undeniably beautiful.

She smiled. "Ah Ruan, would you like to share a kiss with me here?"

Ruan Nan paused. They were standing by the side of the road. She didn't have time to scan their surroundings. She looked into Qin Juran's eyes, hesitated for a moment, then without a word, wrapped her arms around Qin Juran’s waist.

She leaned in, the warmth of her lips chasing away the winter chill. Qin Juran, holding the food container in one hand, gently stroked Ruan Nan’s back with the other.

After about half a minute, the headlights of the black car flashed on.

The bright lights of the Bentley illuminated them, and they broke apart. As Qin Juran pulled away, Ruan Nan heard her soft intake of breath.

Not letting go, Ruan Nan quickly stepped closer and took Qin Juran’s hand again.

Qin Yuan, in a suit, emerged from the back seat of the Bentley Mulsanne.

He stood in the shadows, his face grim.

Qin Juran and Ruan Nan walked towards him, stopping half a step away. After a moment of silence, Qin Yuan finally spoke. "So, that video yesterday, the one I thought was slandering you, spreading rumors... it was true?"

Qin Juran raised their joined hands. "As you can see.”

Qin Yuan looked as if he’d been dealt a blow he’d never experienced in the business world, his expression darkening. "So you’re here to tell me that everything I did for you, my belief in your talent, was a mistake?”

"I'm just telling you the truth. If you think it’s a mistake, you can stop at any time.”

"You think this is right?" Qin Yuan’s sharp gaze swept over them.

"Why would it be wrong?"

Qin Juran lifted her chin, meeting his gaze unflinchingly.

Qin Yuan let out a humorless laugh, as if suddenly understanding. "That couple knows. They told you.”

"It has nothing to do with them. But I do know.”

As soon as Qin Juran spoke, their eyes locked. In those strikingly similar gazes, there wasn’t the usual emotion of a long-lost father and daughter reuniting, but a complex, unspoken battle.

Qin Yuan looked at the young woman before him, a stranger in many ways. After a long moment, his voice softened slightly. "Ranran, are you blaming me?"

His use of "Ranran," coupled with their earlier conversation, provided enough information. Ruan Nan's eyes widened. As she looked at Qin Juran, Qin Juran subtly tightened her grip on her hand. "I've never blamed you, Mr. Qin.”

"Or perhaps I should say, Father of Qin Juran.”

Her words, spoken softly, hung in the air, seemingly insignificant, yet they struck both of them like a physical blow.

Qin Yuan looked at Qin Juran. He had imagined countless times how she would react when he revealed her true identity, when she learned she was the heiress to the renowned Chengmao Group.

He hadn't expected her first words to be "Father of Qin Juran.”

"You knew... all along?"

Qin Juran remained silent.

For the first time, Qin Yuan felt that choosing this location for their meeting had been a mistake.

Above them, the bridge was a stream of headlights, the neon lights cutting through the night, then blurring into a hazy glow. Qin Yuan took a deep breath.

"I didn't expect you to know beforehand. That was my oversight.” He looked up, a flicker of emotion crossing his face before he regained his composure. "Ranran, it was wrong of me not to contact you all these years. It's natural for you to resent us. Tell me, what do you want?"

Qin Juran didn't know if it was because he was used to being a CEO, or if he simply assumed they would be swayed by his power and resources. She smiled faintly in the darkness. "Mr. Qin, honestly, I've never blamed you. The hospital was responsible for the mix-up. You were also a victim. My family has treated me well, so I have no reason to blame you.”

"As for what I want..."

Qin Juran raised their joined hands. "I came to see you today, firstly, to express my gratitude. Your help was a lifeline for us. If there’s ever anything I can do in return, please don't hesitate to ask.”

"Secondly..."

"My adoptive parents and brother don't know about this. They’ve loved and cherished me for twenty years. They’re proud of me. I don’t want to shock them with this news. And I have no interest in Chengmao Group's internal affairs. So, I hope you can keep this secret, Mr. Qin, and not disturb my family.”

Ruan Nan looked at Qin Juran. Not telling Qin Haotian and his wife was understandable, but Qin Juran’s attitude towards Qin Yuan seemed a bit harsh.

As expected, Qin Yuan stepped forward, scoffing. "You keep saying 'adoptive parents.' Have you ever considered my feelings?"

Qin Juran nodded. "I have. That’s why I came to thank you personally, Mr. Qin. And I even brought you food.” She gestured towards the food container.

Qin Juran released Ruan Nan's hand and walked over to Qin Yuan, offering him the food container.

He didn't take it.

Not surprising. Qin Juran walked over to the car and placed the container on the roof.

"Mr. Qin, I’ve said what I needed to say. You’re an intelligent man. There’s no need to waste your time on me. Perhaps we can cooperate in the future.”

Qin Juran took Ruan Nan's hand and turned to leave.

"Stop!"

Qin Yuan's voice was laced with anger. "You're my daughter! By blood and by law, you’re family! How can you think I would leave my own daughter toiling away in obscurity at a small restaurant?"

"I don't care if you're throwing a tantrum or trying to negotiate. I'm giving you one month. Go and explain things to them. In one month, I will go to your university and handle the paperwork. You will study abroad in your fourth year. When you return, I will give you a company, a platform to showcase your talents and gain experience.”

His tone was unquestionable, leaving no room for argument. Ruan Nan frowned, her grip on Qin Juran’s hand tightening. Only now did she understand why Qin Juran had been so resolute in her refusal.

Qin Juran gave Ruan Nan’s hand a reassuring squeeze, then turned to Qin Yuan. "Just because I said I didn't blame you, you think you can control everything, Mr. Qin?"

Her voice was calm, her breath misting in the cold night air, her face pale in the dim light.

"I said the hospital was responsible, that you were also a victim, but perhaps I forgot to remind you that it's been seven years since you learned I was your daughter.”

"You knew when that girl passed away. With your resources, Mr. Qin, finding me in A City wouldn't have been difficult.”

"So, when you discovered your biological daughter grew up in an ordinary family, received an ordinary education, and wasn't even a top student, for whatever reason, you backed off. I don't know how long you observed me from afar, but you only noticed me again when I gained some fame at S University, when my competition results and company were both showing promise.”

"And as far as I know, your son and younger daughter grew up abroad. No matter how much influence you have, no matter what prestigious schools you sent them to, you can't change the fact that your son served time for school bullying and your daughter suffers from moderate depression.”

"I’m guessing that only now, after all this time, have I finally become a worthwhile investment in your eyes, a stock worth buying, haven't I?"

Qin Juran's words were sharp, her gaze piercing as she stared at Qin Yuan, as if passing judgment.

Ruan Nan also looked at the man. Even in middle age, he was undeniably handsome, his posture impeccable, his three-piece suit exuding an air of composure and authority.

But this cold, successful man, who could close multi-million dollar deals with a single word, didn’t seem like a father figure, someone approachable or warm.

Ruan Nan was familiar with his gaze; Qin Juran sometimes had a similar look in her eyes.

But Qin Juran's gaze wasn't cold, or rather, it was never cold towards her.

Ruan Nan tightened her grip on Qin Juran's hand in the cold wind. Qin Juran squeezed back, silently and firmly.

"So I want to ask, CEO Qin, can you accept that your daughter is gay?"

Qin Yuan stood frozen. Qin Juran, without another word, put her arm around Ruan Nan and turned to leave, retracing their steps.

The heater in the car was on full blast as they drove back. Neither of them spoke. Ruan Nan focused on driving. Halfway there, the car hit a patch of ice and skidded, crashing into a roadside marker. Fortunately, the road was relatively empty.

Qin Juran called the insurance company. As they waited by the roadside, people leaving nearby restaurants glanced at them curiously. The neon lights of the shops flickered around them. The car was badly damaged and had to be towed away.

Their noses were red from the cold. Qin Juran seemed dazed. The insurance agent asked her twice if she had any questions, but she didn’t seem to hear. Ruan Nan stepped in and said everything was fine.

They took a taxi to Ju Tavern. Ruan Nan paid the fare via WeChat. Qin Juran took her hand, and they walked inside. Seeing Qin Juran’s state, Qin Haotian rushed over. "How did it go, Ranran? Did he like the food? What did he say?"

Qin Juran, perhaps still numb from the cold, managed a weak smile. "It was good, Dad."

There were still customers in the restaurant. Hearing the commotion, Zuo Yanzhen came out. Ever perceptive, she immediately sensed something was wrong. "What's wrong, Ranran? Did someone bully you? Nan Nan, what happened?"

Qin Juran shook her head, wanting to go upstairs. Ruan Nan, also worried, tugged on her sleeve. Suddenly, everything seemed to spin – the noise and chatter from the restaurant, the familiar décor, the warm, comforting atmosphere.

Qin Juran reached out and hugged Qin Haotian, Zuo Yanzhen, and Ruan Nan. Understanding, Ruan Nan also put her arms around Qin Juran and Zuo Yanzhen.

Qin Haotian hesitated for a moment, then, ignoring the curious glances from the customers, wrapped his arms around his wife and daughters, a protective embrace.

"Dad," Qin Juran said, "we'll always be a family."

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