RAHHSFL - Chapter 92
Chapter 92
The aroma of food, instead of sunlight, was what woke Ruan Nan.
She rolled over in bed, sniffing the air, and tried to sit up, but found she lacked the strength.
Something soft and fluffy brushed against her nose, making her itch.
"Achoo!"
She sneezed, opening her eyes to find Qin Juran teasing her with a fluffy cat toy.
"What are you doing~," she mumbled, turning her face away from Qin Juran.
Qin Juran, already dressed, seeing Ruan Nan naked under the covers, continued to tease her, brushing the toy against her cheeks and ears. Ruan Nan, ticklish, instinctively reached out to grab it.
Qin Juran laughed, and Ruan Nan, seeing her playful mood, rolled over, burying her face in the pillow.
"Time to get up, baby~"
"I’m sleepy."
"But it’s already noon. Were you… that tired last night?”
Ruan Nan turned around, glaring at Qin Juran, her face flushed, looking even more delicate in the midday sun. She grabbed a nearby piece of "clothing" and threw it at Qin Juran.
"Look what you did! It’s ruined!"
Qin Juran looked at the bunny ear lingerie, the same one Ruan Nan had sent her from America, the same one Ruan Nan herself had worn last night.
And the same one that had met its demise at Qin Juran's hands.
Qin Juran lifted the sheer lace with the cat toy. "Isn't this supposed to be disposable?"
She emphasized the word "disposable," the suggestive tone and gesture making Ruan Nan blush even deeper, turning her face away from Qin Juran.
Besides, she really had no energy left.
The bedsheets and carpet were a mess. President Qin had shown Chairman Ruan exactly what she was like when jealous.
Qin Juran, no longer teasing her, walked over to the bed, scooped Ruan Nan up, blanket and all, and carried her.
"What are you doing~?" Ruan Nan asked, her voice undeniably whiny.
Qin Juran chuckled. "Nothing. Just taking you for a bath."
Qin Juran, ever the responsible older sister, unlike Ruan Nan’s passionate approach the night before, made sure Ruan Nan was properly dressed, covering any visible marks.
Everyone would simply assume Chairman Ruan was tired from working late on a project.
President Qin, ever the caring girlfriend, even held Ruan Nan's hand as they walked, afraid she might fall.
They arrived at the office after lunch. Qin Xiaoyu, the girl Ruan Nan had been working with, had been hoping to join Ju Nan, but after last night's incident, it was unlikely Qin Juran would allow it.
Qin Juran called a meeting with Feng Qing and other department heads. There was a government-funded cultural advertising project up for bid. Securing it would significantly boost Ju Nan's influence.
Qin Juran and the entire team were eager to win the bid. Combined with the "Choices" theme she had proposed, which was now in its early planning stages, everyone had been working overtime, determined to succeed.
At 5:00 PM, the meeting finally ended. Ruan Nan, who had been waiting outside, approached Qin Juran, who looked at her in surprise. "If you had something to discuss, why didn’t you come in?"
"You were in a meeting~," Ruan Nan said sheepishly.
Qin Juran looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Or perhaps Chairman Ruan’s 'business' wasn't important enough to interrupt a meeting?”
Ruan Nan pursed her lips, following Qin Juran and Feng Qing into the office.
Qin Juran uploaded and organized the meeting documents, then made a call to a client. Seeing Ruan Nan and Feng Qing still standing there, Ruan Nan about to speak, Qin Juran turned to Feng Qing. "So, what's your assessment?"
Feng Qing quickly nodded. "She’s good, President Qin. Decent traffic on social media, although there’s some evidence of bought followers, which is common for newcomers trying to gain visibility.”
"And her talent?"
"No problem there. After all, Chairman Ruan approved her."
Ruan Nan was still trying to figure out who they were talking about when Qin Juran turned to Feng Qing. "Sign her. Put her in the influencer management department. Give her two themes, and if she performs well, she can move up.”
She looked at Ruan Nan, raising her chin. "Your girl. I’ve signed her."
Ruan Nan paused, walking over to Qin Juran, her eyes wide with surprise. "Ju Ju, you signed her? You’re not angry anymore?"
Qin Juran frowned. "Should I be furious, fire her, and blacklist her from the industry?"
"Well… then…” Ruan Nan was still processing this when Qin Juran leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "I’m still jealous. It’s safer to keep potential threats close, isn’t it?”
Ruan Nan knew she was just saying that, that she had signed the girl out of respect for Ruan Nan’s judgment. After all, Ruan Nan had approved her.
At least I won’t have to meet with her alone anymore, Ruan Nan thought to herself.
As she was about to return to her office, Qin Juran held out her hand to Feng Qing. "Car keys.”
Feng Qing paused. "Where are you going, President Qin? It's not time to leave yet. I can drive you.”
Qin Juran shook her head, taking the keys. She told Feng Qing she could leave on time and pulled Ruan Nan out of the office.
Ruan Nan didn't ask where they were going, assuming they were finally going to have that hot pot dinner they’d been planning for days. She relaxed in the car, thinking about what dipping sauces she wanted.
After a long drive, they arrived at a newly developed area outside the city center. Qin Juran parked the car. Ruan Nan opened her eyes, looking around at the apartment buildings. It wasn't as bustling as the city center, and there were no hot pot restaurants in sight.
A man in a suit approached them. Qin Juran shook his hand and opened the passenger door for Ruan Nan.
This was a newly built, upscale residential area, not as extravagant as traditional villas, its modern design reflecting a minimalist aesthetic.
Ruan Nan hadn't expected to come here. The smartly dressed real estate agent opened the door to a duplex apartment, its basic renovations complete.
The apartment was sparsely furnished, but the layout and basic fixtures were in place.
Ruan Nan remembered a phone conversation with Qin Juran, when they had fantasized about their future home.
Not just a house, but a home.
Now, Qin Juran, holding her hand, led her through the apartment as if she were already familiar with it. Upstairs, there was a large bedroom and a small bedroom.
The large bedroom had a massive bed, big enough for them to roll around comfortably. The room was empty except for the wiring for the lights, which Qin Juran had added to their current apartment as an afterthought. This time, she wanted to install them herself.
Because Ruan Nan was afraid of the dark, so perhaps on every night they were apart, she wanted Ruan Nan surrounded by lights Qin Juran had personally installed.
The small bedroom had a tiny bed, barely big enough for two people their size. Before Ruan Nan could ask, Qin Juran explained,
"Ah Ruan, this room is for when we have a fight. If we ever argue, you’ll probably storm off and sleep here. I’ll come with you. The bed is so small, we’ll have to cuddle, and even if you’re mad, we’ll make up in each other’s arms.”
She led her to the kitchen, its spacious layout clearly defined: cabinets, refrigerator, sink.
"You have a sensitive stomach. This cabinet is large. We can put a small table here for appliances, so you can heat up food. No more eating cold food late at night. And I’ll get long cabinets, so dad can cook for us when he visits."
She continued the tour. "The bathroom has a big bathtub. If you want to sleep in, I'll carry you in and bathe you. You don't have to stand, just close your eyes and keep sleeping.”
There was another room next to the bedroom, its door closed. The more gentle and calm Qin Juran's voice, the more Ruan Nan felt her eyes welling up. Qin Juran led her to the door.
"This room…" Qin Juran hesitated. "I’m afraid you’ll be upset if you see it now. But you can open it if you want."
Ruan Nan, a mix of emotions swirling within her, both touched and amused, gently squeezed Qin Juran’s ear and opened the door.
She froze, staring at the scene before her.
The room wasn't large, but the light was perfect, the setting sun streaming in through the balcony window, illuminating the decorations. The walls were covered in photos: some of Ruan Nan, some of her and her mother from when she was little, and many, many of her and Qin Juran.
From the first day Qin Juran arrived in this world, the candid photo taken outside the bar, their matching ankle tattoos, the band competition, Qin Juran presenting her with flowers, Ruan Nan struggling with her homework in her pajamas, Qin Juran curled up on her sofa with a cold…
Painting together, making soap, competing in the knowledge contest, the spotlight on their faces, Ruan Nan raising her hand, saying, “I can,” standing together in the snow, bundled in thick ski suits, the clear blue sky overhead…
On the small windowsill, a plant stand held countless sprigs of baby's breath, their colorful blossoms swaying in the gentle breeze, their fragrance filling the air.
In the corner of the room, a small crib.
Like a princess's carriage, a canopy bed with a curved frame, two small bows tied to its posts.
Ruan Nan walked towards the crib, her steps light and cautious, as if afraid of waking a sleeping baby. "This… this is…"
Qin Juran stood before her. "Ah Ruan, the apartment comes with some furniture. I chose this crib. I’m not saying we have to use it right away, don’t feel any pressure. I just thought, maybe one day, maybe one day, we might have a lovely daughter..."
The gentle fragrance of the flowers filled the air. Ruan Nan looked up at Qin Juran, her eyes shimmering like pools of clear, innocent water. Qin Juran, looking at the young woman who still seemed like a child to her, took her hand.
"Ah Ruan, I’m sorry, I took the liberty of choosing this apartment. I'll try to decorate it like our current one. If you don't like it…”
"I like it.”
Before Qin Juran could finish, Ruan Nan hugged her tightly.
She wasn't wearing heels today. Her arms wrapped around Qin Juran’s waist, a firm, unwavering embrace.
The wind chimes on the balcony tinkled melodiously.
"Ah Ruan, from now on, we have our own home.”
Yes, from now on, we have a home that belongs to us.
Graduation ceremonies at S University were always a major event, each year bringing new and creative ideas, often trending online.
Regardless of the students’ experience, the university loved the attention.
This year, the task of creating a viral graduation ceremony fell on the shoulders of several departments, the "popular" finance department being the primary target.
Fortunately, Qin Juran, the campus beauty, young CEO, agreed to a university interview, sharing her unique student experiences, successfully fulfilling the department’s quota.
Whether they had previously liked, disliked, or been indifferent to her, everyone finally remembered Qin Juran fondly.
Because if she hadn’t, the entire graduating class might have been forced to create some sort of human art installation on the lawn.
Early on the morning of June 29th, Qin Juran, Ruan Nan, and Wang Yuan Yuan waited at the S City airport. About an hour later, a young man in flamboyant attire and sunglasses emerged from the arrivals gate.
He was about to rush over for a hug when he stopped, striking a dramatic pose. "Ladies, are you Chinese?"
Wang Yuan Yuan, recognizing Lin Wei instantly, grabbed his ear. "You think so? Come here, let me check.”
"Ow, ow, ow!"
Lin Wei hadn't expected Wang Yuan Yuan to be so violent after a year abroad. He cradled his ear, his British accent instantly disappearing. Qin Juran and Ruan Nan chuckled. "Get in the car. It’s almost time for our graduation photos.”
"Wait, why is Wang Yuan Yuan here for our graduation photos? Did you get a double degree or something?"
Wang Yuan Yuan put her hands on her hips. "Why are you so talkative after just a year in the UK?"
They got into the car, Feng Qing driving them to the university. They had been wearing coats, which they quickly removed upon arrival. Qin Juran tossed a set of clothes to Lin Wei from the trunk. "Change.”
Lin Wei stared at the clothes. "This… this is a school uniform? I haven't worn a uniform since elementary school.”
"Just change," Wang Yuan Yuan said, pushing his head.
Lin Wei changed and walked into the university, where every finance student wore the same outfit: boys in crisp shirts and trousers, girls in shirts, ties, and skirts.
A wave of youthful nostalgia filled the air.
Lin Wei had seen photos of Qin Juran at events, always dressed as a CEO in a suit. Now, seeing her in a playful skirt, he thought she looked a bit childish.
They exchanged a look, silently mocking each other.
Ruan Nan, however, looked stunning. Her light brown hair was tied in a bun, her slender figure accentuated by the playful skirt, looking like she belonged in a campus drama.
A junior from the publicity department followed her around with a camera, Qin Juran, not to be outdone, also taking photos with her phone.
At 10:00 AM, the dean, department heads, and Secretary Yan arrived. Qin Juran and Ruan Nan joined their class for the photos. Although she had been in this world for a while, Qin Juran still hadn’t learned everyone's names.
But no one cared at this point. Upbeat music played over the loudspeakers as they gathered by the fountain in the main square, the English-style buildings a picturesque backdrop. They all smiled, the camera capturing their final moments as students.
They even saw Fan Chuan. He hadn’t been at school during his senior year and now looked older, even a bit sleazy.
If Ruan Nan had once been bothered by Qin Juran's past with Fan Chuan, now he was just a boy whose "destined male lead" status had been rewritten.
After the university-wide photos, they took a few more together. Secretary Yan, who had been lurking in the background, seeing no one acknowledging him, finally walked over to Qin Juran and Ruan Nan, asking for a photo.
Graduation meant goodbyes. The buzzing of cicadas signaled the end of summer. The campus was filled with students taking photos, confessing their love, and many, many tearful hugs.
Qin Juran and her friends had made a pact not to cry.
The end of one era meant the beginning of another. From tomorrow onwards, everything would be new and beautiful.
They packed their things. Qin Juran barely had any luggage. After helping Wang Yuan Yuan and Zhou Ziqing, Zhou Ziqing brushed the dust off his hands. "So, Qin Juran, I heard you’re treating us tonight?”
Qin Juran nodded. "A small gathering. No one’s allowed to miss it.”
Lin Wei perked up. "What are we eating? I’m craving authentic Chinese food. You have no idea how sick I am of seafood in the UK."
Qin Juran looked at him, a sincere smile on her face. "I've booked guesthouses for everyone in T City. We’re having… seafood.”
Everyone burst into laughter and cheers. T City was a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for a summer evening.
Qin Juran had arranged transportation, sending everyone there in the afternoon.
Ruan Nan tugged on Qin Juran's sleeve. "When did you book this?"
Qin Juran booped her nose. "While you were sleeping in."
At 7:00 PM, everyone had arrived, filling two beachfront villas. Tables and tents were set up on the beach, the entire stretch of coastline seemingly deserted, as if reserved just for them, a perfect setting for their farewell to university life.
Of course, it was because President Qin had paid handsomely for privacy.
Ruan Nan, tired from the day, went to the villa for a nap. Qin Juran helped set up outside. At 8:00 PM, Lin Wei, already acting drunk, even without any alcohol, sang folk songs on the beach in bright floral shorts.
Lin Wei, Wang Yuan Yuan, a few familiar classmates, and Ruan Nan's band were all there. Gu Xiaoxue, the sentimental one, started crying even before the graduating seniors, her eyes red and puffy.
Zhou Ziqing arrived late, seemingly lost. Feng Qing offered to go and get him, but Qin Juran sent Huang Ying instead.
When Huang Ying returned with Zhou Ziqing, everyone froze. He had a girl on his arm. He put his arm around her, introducing her. "Everyone, this is my girlfriend.”
After a moment of hesitation, Lin Wei and the others rushed over, playfully punching him. He had hidden it well, his relationship a secret until now.
Music blared from the villa, the lights reflecting off the ocean waves. Qin Juran pulled Huang Ying aside during a toast. "Sorry for sending you to pick him up. I didn’t know."
Huang Ying smiled. "It's okay.”
"I thought you had a crush on Zhou Ziqing," Qin Juran said, remembering the incident with the coat. But nothing had seemed to develop between them after that.
The music was loud, no one noticing their conversation. Huang Ying looked at Zhou Ziqing, who was being urged to do a "crossed arms" toast with his girlfriend, and smiled faintly. "I did. I had a crush on him. But I was too insecure then. And when I finally got over it, it was too late.”
She finished her drink, the scene before her blurring slightly.
She had once been an insecure girl from a modest background, always looking for small advantages. Qin Juran's confidence and opportunities had opened her eyes, showing her that even ordinary people could achieve great things. She was grateful for Qin Juran's influence.
And she was happy that such a wonderful girl had found happiness.
Although she didn't say it, Huang Ying knew she would always admire and cherish Qin Juran and Ruan Nan’s relationship.
At 11:00 PM, tired from the long day and the alcohol, even the most energetic among them were starting to fade. Wang Yuan Yuan offered to clean up, but Lin Wei, his speech slurred, stopped her.
"Don't move! Everyone, let’s get some sleep, then we’ll continue drinking at 3:00 AM! I'm setting an alarm. Anyone who doesn't show up at 3:00 has to chug a bottle!"
A few people mumbled in agreement, though it was unlikely anyone would actually wake up at 3:00 AM to continue the party.
Ruan Nan, exhausted, leaned against Qin Juran's shoulder before everyone had even left. Qin Juran carried her upstairs, telling her she would be back after helping with the cleanup.
Ruan Nan nodded, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
She wasn’t sure how long she slept when she heard someone calling her name. "Ah Ruan. Ah Ruan."
She opened her eyes. It was Qin Juran.
"What's wrong, Ju Ju?"
"Ah Ruan, get up. I’m taking you somewhere.” Ruan Nan, still groggy, sat up, pulling on Qin Juran. "Do we have to go now?"
"Yes, now.”
Qin Juran’s tone was serious, with a hint of mystery. Ruan Nan, looking down at her white shirt and skirt, asked, "Should I change?"
"No, you look beautiful.”
Qin Juran led her downstairs, carefully avoiding the sleeping figures in the living room, their faces hidden in the darkness.
They tiptoed out of the villa. The warm sea breeze greeted them. Ruan Nan's hair blew back, the temperature pleasant enough that Qin Juran wasn't worried about her catching a cold. She led Ruan Nan towards the beach.
As they walked, the lights from the villa grew dimmer, the sound of the waves louder. Qin Juran quickened her pace, until they were running.
Ruan Nan, in flat sandals, stumbled after a few steps, then, like Qin Juran, kicked off her shoes and ran barefoot on the sand.
The wind whipped through their hair. Qin Juran, in a simple white shirt and jeans, her shirt billowing around her, Ruan Nan laughing behind her. The cool waves lapped at their feet, the sand soft beneath their toes.
There were no lights on the beach, just a crescent moon and a few stars in the sky.
As if they’d reached their destination, Qin Juran stopped running, releasing Ruan Nan’s hand. She took a deep breath, stepping back, and suddenly, the entire beach lit up.
Countless tiny lights twinkled on the sand, white, pink, yellow, blue, purple, like fallen stars, each one blinking, as if greeting Ruan Nan, the entire coastline adorned with baby's breath.
The wind blew, the waves crashed, and Ruan Nan stood amidst the flowers and the starlight, staring at Qin Juran.
She stood barefoot, her long black hair whipping in the wind, her simple outfit, the ocean backdrop, her beauty pure and captivating.
Qin Juran, like a magician, pulled a small, square box from her pocket. She opened it, revealing a small diamond ring.
Its facets sparkled in the light, the silver band cradling a small, round diamond.
Qin Juran looked at Ruan Nan, taking her hand and slowly kneeling down.
She took a deep breath, her voice slightly trembling. "Ah Ruan, I might not be able to give you luxury or extravagance right now, but this is the most sincere ring I will ever give you.”
"Ah Ruan, the car accident was painful. When I first came to this world, I was scared. I didn't understand why this was happening to me. I didn't know if my life would be like that novel, forever entangled with someone I couldn't stand.”
"Then I realized I had a choice. And then, I realized that you had chosen me too."
"I don’t know how many worlds there are in the universe, or how many light-years it took for us to meet. I only know that you’re not just a supporting character in a novel. From the moment you appeared, you’ve been my whole world.”
Under the starlight, Qin Juran knelt on the beach, her white shirt outlining her figure, slender and beautiful. Her eyes shone brightly, her smile genuine and unrestrained.
Ruan Nan felt her vision blurring, tears welling up. She saw Qin Juran reach out and touch her ankle, the same one with the tattoo, "Gypsophila."
"Ah Ruan, your name is etched on my skin, and you’re etched in my heart."
Waaahhhh! So happy!! ðŸ˜❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks for translating!!