RAHHSFL - Chapter 77
Chapter 77
Ruan Nan and Qin Juran left the cemetery. Qin Juran opened the car door for her, and after Ruan Nan got in, she got in as well.
It wasn't Tomb-Sweeping Day, so there were few cars at the cemetery entrance. The sun was high in the sky, mostly obscured by clouds, its rays trying to break through.
Qin Juran didn't start the car immediately. After a moment, Ruan Nan spoke softly. "I'm okay now."
Qin Juran nodded. "Ah Ruan, did you always come here alone before?"
Ruan Nan paused. "I only ever wanted to come alone."
"Ah Ruan, from now on, every year on this day, I'll come with you."
Ruan Nan glanced out the window, then looked back at Qin Juran. "Will you be by my side every year from now on?"
Ruan Nan had never seriously asked Qin Juran about the future, not even on the night they were together in Switzerland.
Life wasn’t a romance novel or a drama. Temptation, betrayal, fading passion over time – in this fast-paced era, amidst the clamor of life, even the smallest reason could break apart two people who had once vowed to be together forever.
Qin Juran had never made such a promise to Ruan Nan before.
She didn't like breaking promises.
And she wouldn’t make such a commitment to a girl without absolute certainty.
The air in the car felt thick with unspoken emotions. Qin Juran looked into Ruan Nan’s eyes. "I will."
"Ah Ruan, I will."
The black Range Rover drove eastward, leaving a trail of exhaust fumes that quickly dissipated in the cold winter air.
About an hour later, a black Porsche arrived. A slightly overweight, middle-aged man in a black suit got out, his driver close behind.
The man walked into the cemetery, pausing at the sight of the two bouquets of white chrysanthemums, then looked at the smiling face in the black and white photo.
He stood there for a long time, despite the winter chill, sweat beading on his forehead as if he were being questioned, scrutinized by the woman in the photo, asking if he had taken good care of their daughter.
After a while, Ruan Huyue took out a handkerchief, wiped his brow, and placed a large bouquet of yellow and white chrysanthemums at the grave. As he straightened up, his driver, Xiao Liu, noticed he seemed to have aged ten years in that instant.
He had indeed aged.
Qin Juran and Ruan Nan returned to S City that evening. School would start in less than half a month, and once it did, Ruan Nan would finalize her arrangements for a semester-long exchange program abroad. The previous exchange program during the winter break had been cancelled because of the competition. Qin Juran, worried that Ruan Nan might secretly stay for her again, sat with her and helped her fill out the application forms.
Qin Juran gave up their small studio space and rented a larger one, using the remaining profits for initial setup. The government offered support for university startups, and the registration process, from paperwork to official approval, took about two weeks.
Without consulting Ruan Nan, Qin Juran named the company "Ju Nan Cultural Media Co., Ltd."
Ruan Nan tilted her head, staring at the name. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Qin Juran, seeing her staring at the company logo, ruffled her hair and said with mock seriousness, "Yes, there's some personal bias in that name. No need to be too touched, wifey."
"..."
With the infrastructure in place, Qin Juran began recruiting. Her past life experience, coupled with the university's backing, attracted many applicants. Lacking the funds to hire established influencers, she signed two smaller creators, hoping to nurture them into bigger names.
Qin Juran, with her own impressive credentials, set appropriate budgets for each department, wearing multiple hats as she oversaw the company's development. Huang Ying, hearing about the new company, immediately applied for a position in the finance department. With her grades and qualifications, she could have easily landed a job at a financial firm.
Qin Juran was slightly puzzled. "You really want to work here?"
Huang Ying: "Ju Ju, are you afraid I'll embezzle funds? Does our company even have any profit to embezzle?"
"..." Okay, she knew Huang Ying meant well. No need to get offended.
Lin Wei, hearing about Qin Juran’s company, lamented his decision to study abroad, saying he could have been a vice president. Zhou Ziqing, though not offering much direct help, recommended a few good candidates for the company.
When the acceptance letter from the foreign university arrived, Ruan Nan opened it in front of Qin Juran, who supervised her as she sent her confirmation.
Only after the flight and accommodation were booked did Qin Juran finally relax.
Ruan Nan glanced at her. "Is President Qin so eager for me to leave?"
Qin Juran nodded. "Ah Ruan, have you ever read those cheesy romance novels?"
Ruan Nan shook her head, looking at her incredulously. "Have you?"
President Qin coughed slightly, a little embarrassed. "I said 'when I was little,' didn't I?~ Based on my extensive experience, most domineering CEO novels have two typical plot lines. If the CEO and his wife are happily in love, the wife is virtuous and caring, never causing any trouble, then the CEO will inevitably take her for granted and start acting up. "
"But if the wife is independent and has her own aspirations, if the CEO offers her a job but she refuses, choosing instead to study abroad or pursue her own career, then the CEO becomes completely smitten, and they..."
Before Qin Juran could finish, Ruan Nan wrapped her arms around her. "Qin Juran, are you talking about yourself?"
"No, Ah Ruan. I’m just saying, whichever type you are, I'm completely smitten with you.”
Ruan Nan released her, scoffing playfully. "That's more like it."
"But there's actually a third scenario," Ruan Nan added, her expression smug.
Qin Juran considered it, suggesting a few common tropes, but Ruan Nan dismissed them all. President Qin, her pride slightly wounded, narrowed her eyes and walked towards her little wife. "If you won’t tell me, then I'll just have to make you.”
"Not telling," Ruan Nan said, enjoying this rare opportunity to tease Qin Juran.
They had just finished reviewing some documents. It was dinner time, and they were the only two left in the office.
Qin Juran’s office was on the north side, decorated in the style of a young, successful CEO. White furniture replaced the traditional black leather, a large desk, a wall of bookshelves, and the standard floor-to-ceiling windows with gray curtains Qin Juran had personally chosen.
Ruan Nan had asked her once why she chose that color for the curtains.
The office was warm. Qin Juran wore a long, white, belted shirt, sheer stockings, and black high-heeled boots. With her hair loose, she looked every bit the CEO as she sat at her desk.
Now she stood up, and not only that, but she started to approach.
Ruan Nan was dressed similarly, in a thin dress and easy-to-remove black ankle boots, finding the office too warm for anything more.
Qin Juran leaned in, her eyes seductive. "Ah Ruan, tell me."
After so long together, Ruan Nan knew exactly what her seductive girlfriend was thinking with just one look.
But they were in the office. What could Qin Juran possibly do? Had she given up on being a respectable CEO? Had she lost all sense of shame?
Ruan Nan straightened her back, trying to appear brave. "N-Not telling."
Qin Juran moved closer, and Ruan Nan stepped back, losing her balance and falling into Qin Juran’s chair. The chair was large and soft, and Ruan Nan sank into it. Qin Juran, instead of helping her up, straddled her.
The warm, orange light of the office illuminated them. The CEO, who just moments ago had been giving instructions to her employees, now sat with her shirt unbuttoned, gold-rimmed glasses perched on her nose, the fabric of her shirt pulled taut, revealing her stocking-clad legs.
Her long, slender legs, encased in black suede boots, even her heels seemed to exude desire.
Qin Juran casually reapplied her lipstick, then removed her glasses, her gaze smoldering.
Sitting right on top of her.
Ruan Nan swallowed hard, trying not to look at the curve of Qin Juran’s cleavage.
Qin Juran didn't move, as if reading her mind. She reached out and unbuttoned another button.
"Qin Juran, what are you doing? We’re in the office..."
Qin Juran didn't reply. One hand braced against the back of the chair, the other tilting Ruan Nan’s chin up for a kiss.
The kiss was soft and teasing, her slender arm curving gracefully around Ruan Nan.
As Qin Juran leaned in, Ruan Nan’s breathing quickened. Although she knew the office windows were one-way, that people outside couldn't see in, the situation was both thrilling and embarrassing.
"Qin Juran..."
"What did you call me?"
"P-President Qin..."
Qin Juran smiled. "Correct. Today, I’m President Qin, Ah Ruan’s President Qin.”
"People outside will see..."
"Ah Ruan, didn't you ask why I chose these curtains for the office? Do you have your answer now?"
Ruan Nan’s eyes widened. Just as Qin Juran was about to get off the chair, someone knocked on the door.
Qin Juran hadn’t established many rules, saying that anyone could enter as long as the light was on and they knocked first.
Two knocks, and the door was about to open. Ruan Nan panicked, seeing Qin Juran like this. Qin Juran quickly slipped off her lap and crouched under the desk.
Xiao Zhang, the programmer, entered, holding his laptop. He saw the CEO's friend sitting in the CEO’s chair, an awkward smile on her face.
Noticing the half-drawn curtains and the half-empty glass of wine on the desk, he felt something was off, but he couldn’t quite place it. He pushed his glasses up his nose. "Miss Ruan, is CEO Qin not here?"
"Oh, um, she just stepped out for a moment."
"Stepped out?"
"Yes, stepped out."
Xiao Zhang was puzzled. "Miss Ruan, don't tease me. I’ve been sitting by the elevator all afternoon. I haven’t seen CEO Qin leave. We’re on the eighteenth floor. Does CEO Qin have some secret way of getting down...?"
Realizing he was rambling, he quickly stopped himself. "Um, never mind. There’s an article I need CEO Qin to review. Since she’s not here, I’ll come back tomorrow.”
Just as Ruan Nan was about to say that was fine, Qin Juran, under the desk, pinched her ankle. Ruan Nan gasped, almost crying out.
Xiao Zhang rushed over. "What's wrong, Miss Ruan? Are you feeling unwell?"
Ruan Nan quickly waved her hands. "I'm fine. You can go..."
Before she could finish, Qin Juran pinched her again.
Ruan Nan swallowed her words and changed tack. "Let me see. I've been working on that article.”
Xiao Zhang hesitantly handed her his phone. Ruan Nan read the article and suggested a few changes, but overall, it was very well-written, incorporating technical details in an engaging and accessible way.
"So, if I revise it according to your suggestions, I can publish it?"
"Yes."
"And CEO Qin...?"
Ruan Nan thought for a moment. "She usually respects my opinion. And I've been heavily involved in this series.”
Xiao Zhang relaxed. "That’s good, that’s good. You and CEO Qin have such a great relationship.”
He turned to leave, and just as Ruan Nan was about to bend down and give Qin Juran a piece of her mind, Xiao Zhang turned back. "Oh, Miss Ruan.”
"Yes?" Both Ruan Nan and Qin Juran froze.
Xiao Zhang pointed to his face. "Your lipstick is a bit smudged. It's on your face.”
"Oh, haha, I must’ve gotten it there while eating watermelon..." Ruan Nan chuckled awkwardly, waiting until he left before wiping her face with a wet wipe.
As the door closed, "President Qin" emerged from under the desk, looking as if nothing had happened. Ruan Nan glared at her, completely exasperated.
The next morning, as Qin Juran was about to leave for work, Ruan Nan said she needed to go somewhere with her. Qin Juran racked her brain, trying to figure out what occasion it could be. It wasn't either of their birthdays, and they didn’t have any meetings scheduled. Then she remembered the "third scenario" Ruan Nan had mentioned, and she had a feeling it was related.
She informed the office, not asking any questions, only if Ruan Nan needed her to dress formally. Ruan Nan said no, just to dress nicely.
Not formal, and not telling her where they were going.
Qin Juran decided not to overthink it and wore her everyday clothes. With universities about to reopen in three days, the city was bustling with people. Ruan Nan drove for over half an hour, stopping in front of a trust fund management company.
Qin Juran stared at the building, puzzled. Ruan Nan didn't say anything, just got out of the car and sent a message on WeChat. Two men in suits came out to greet them.
"It’s been a while, Miss Ruan. You look even more radiant now.”
Ruan Nan shook his hand and introduced them. "Qin Juran, CEO of Ju Nan Cultural Media. Juran, this is Mr. Gao, a well-known fund manager.”
A suspicion began to form in Qin Juran's mind. She shook Mr. Gao's hand. Ruan Nan asked, "Mr. Gao, is everything finalized?"
Mr. Gao nodded. "Everything was completed in A City. I specially arranged to use our S City office for this meeting with you, Miss Ruan. Thank you for your and your father’s continued trust over the years.”
Ruan Nan nodded and led Qin Juran inside.
As they sat down and Ruan Nan laid out the documents for "Ju Nan Cultural Media," it finally clicked for Qin Juran. "You’re investing in my company?"
Ruan Nan shook her head. "Not investing. Investing."
"Where did you get the money?"
Qin Juran looked at Mr. Gao. Ruan Nan nodded, and Mr. Gao explained, "Miss Qin, before her passing, Miss Ruan's mother established a private trust for her. Our firm has been managing it. Miss Ruan now wishes to use these funds to invest in your company.”
"How much?"
"Ten million yuan."
Qin Juran froze. Ten million might not be a significant amount for Ruan Huyue, but for Ruan Nan, it was her entire inheritance, her mother’s last gift, her safety net.
Qin Juran grabbed the documents and hid them behind her back, standing up and looking at Ruan Nan, flustered. "Ah Ruan, I can't accept this."
Ruan Nan also stood up, her expression serious. "Ju Ju, I said, this is an investment, not a handout. I'll be investing in your company, acquiring shares, and becoming a member of the board, all through proper legal channels.”
"What if the company doesn't perform well, what if it doesn't make a profit?"
"Ju Ju, no company is guaranteed to always be profitable, especially in the early stages. Don't argue. I know what this initial investment means for the company.”
Their voices rose as they spoke, drawing curious glances from those around them. Qin Juran, noticing Mr. Gao still waiting patiently, pulled Ruan Nan aside. "Let's step outside for a moment," she said, leading her out of the building.
Once outside, Qin Juran released her hand. "Ah Ruan, this isn't a small amount of money for you."
Ruan Nan nodded. "I know, and I won't be investing it all at once. Five million for the first round, then more later if needed, or if the company runs into trouble, I can use it as a safety net.”
"Ah Ruan, running a company isn't like a classroom simulation. There will be all sorts of problems, and you won't..."
"Yes, I won't," Ruan Nan interrupted, looking up at her.
Cars whizzed past on the street corner. The traffic light changed, and pedestrians crossed the street in groups. The rich aroma of coffee drifted out from a nearby café, accompanied by a Cantonese song Ruan Nan often played in the car.
Ruan Nan looked at Qin Juran. "Because I won't be able to handle those things, you'll have to deal with all the difficult and complicated problems, worry about everything, do everything yourself. I won't be able to help much."
"Ah Ruan, that's not what I meant..."
Ruan Nan shook her head slightly. "I know. I’m just saying, because you’re the one who can do all this, I want to support you in my own way. Ju Ju, you know I always feel insecure. I worry that if your company becomes really successful, if you become like those CEOs who are always busy and traveling, I wouldn't know what to do. "
"So I want to be a part of your future, in this way. "
Qin Juran was both touched and amused. "That won't happen, Ah Ruan. I’ve always envisioned you in the company’s future, waiting for things to stabilize..."
Ruan Nan shook her head again, taking Qin Juran's hand. "Ju Ju, I know you're smart, and I believe you can succeed in anything you set your mind to."
"But this time, I want you to listen to me, okay?"
Aw~ 🥺 Just accept it, Qin Juran, and take responsibility. Let your wife feel secure.
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