ORCBRB – Chapter 80
Chapter 80
On the twenty-ninth of the twelfth lunar month, the last day before New Year's Eve, the entire Jian Corporation had already begun its holiday break. When Jian Zhenyang came looking for her, Jian Cenyu was on a video call with Sang Shi'an.
When Jian Zhenyang returned to Jian Corporation from the securities commission, the company was nearly unable to fund the pharmaceutical reform project because it had fronted a large sum for Huaxing. This caused panic among the senior management and sent Jian Zhenyang's standing on the board of directors plummeting.
At the same time, Jian Cenyu produced a sum large enough to fill the gap, turning the tide for Jian Corporation and reaping both fame and fortune.
While visiting Old Master Jian today, Jian Zhenyang learned that after he was taken away by the securities commission, the old master had given Jian Cenyu one percent of Jian Corporation's shares to stabilize the stock market in order to protect Huaxing's stock price.
So, taking advantage of the fact that Jian Cenyu was also at the old residence, he stormed up to the third floor and knocked on her door.
Jian Cenyu ended the video call and opened the door, only to be met with an accusation: “Did you embezzle Grandfather's money?”
“It's on the company's books. If you have questions, you can go to the finance department.” Jian Cenyu glanced down at her watch. “Vice President Wang should still be on a flight to Paris right now. He won't be able to take your call for another three hours.”
Jian Zhenyang sneered, quickly grasping the key point. He blocked the door with his hand. “This isn't the office. Don't give me that corporate runaround. After pulling something like this, are you really not afraid I'll tell Grandfather during the New Year?”
“Do you think I care much about a happy family reunion for the New Year?” Faced with Jian Zhenyang's cold stare, Jian Cenyu's expression remained unchanged. “You've sold Jian Corporation shares before. You, better than anyone, should know how difficult it is to cash out under the noses of so many shareholders and investors without affecting the stock price. I'm not as capable, so I only recently managed to sell them all. Is there a problem?”
The commotion from their argument was quickly relayed to the elders by Jian Zhenming, who had followed Jian Zhenyang to watch the show. A large group of family members followed Old Master Jian upstairs. Jian Zhenyang was about to say more, but when he saw them arrive, he frowned deeply and looked at Jian Zhenming, who was helping Old Master Jian.
He did intend to use the old master to threaten Jian Cenyu, but it was only a verbal jab. What was done was done, and he didn't want the matter to be broadcast to everyone.
Jian Cenyu might be reprimanded, but his own situation as a failure wouldn't be any better. Jian Zhenyang knew very well that in this patriarchal family, he was Old Master Jian's first grandson, but not the only one.
A dark look flashed in Jian Zhenyang's eyes as he looked at his own brother. He then turned to help the old master. “Grandfather, why did you come over?”
Old Master Jian, dressed in a hand-embroidered Tang suit, spoke in a still-powerful voice, “You two have barely been here and you're already arguing. Are you trying to ruin my New Year's peace?”
Jian Cenyu and Jian Zhenyang lowered their heads in unison. “We're sorry, Grandfather.”
Old Master Jian's sharp gaze swept over them. “So, what were you arguing about just now?”
Jian Zhenyang was reluctant to tell the truth. “I was just asking her about the business association.”
Jian Zhenming immediately spoke up, “Brother, what are you covering for her for? Have you forgotten how she colluded with an outsider to make you lose hundreds of millions?”
Jian Zhenyang felt like killing Jian Zhenming. He had just bought back Sang Shiyue's shares in Huaxing and wanted to keep it quiet. If the old master found out he had that much private money and asked about its source, how would he answer?
Jian Zhenyang frowned fiercely and glared at Jian Zhenming in front of everyone. “What's this about losing money? The securities commission's investigation was perfectly legal. Huaxing's stock price has finally stabilized. Don't bring up such things in front of Grandfather during the New Year.”
Jian Zhenming had finally found an opportunity and was unwilling to let it go. “Brother—”
Old Master Jian cut Jian Zhenming off. “That's enough. Stop spouting such baseless nonsense. When your brother was taken for investigation, your second uncle was taken as well. Cenyu wouldn't go so far as to harm your second uncle. Don't spread such unfounded rumors in the future, lest you become a laughingstock.”
Jian Zhenming's second uncle was Jian Cenyu's father, Jian Zhihuan.
Jian Zhenming clenched his fists tightly. Despite his unwillingness, he could only let it go.
Old Master Jian then looked at Jian Cenyu. “You've handled the business association matter well. But you've never managed a project before. Let Zhenyang help you, and things will go more smoothly.”
Jian Cenyu responded faintly in a business-like tone, “Because of the Huaxing stock market issue, many companies in the association wanted to take advantage of the situation and replace Jian Corporation. Although Jian Corporation is still leading, my lack of experience means I can't make decisions for the other companies.”
As the person in charge of the pharmaceutical reform project for Jian Corporation, she would inevitably have to deal with other companies and government leaders. Jian Cenyu was all but saying that the other partner companies were dissatisfied with Jian Zhenyang.
Old Master Jian wasn't very pleased and brought up another matter. “I hear you're still very close with the Sang family. You no longer have a marriage contract with them. They're outsiders, after all. How can they be as reliable as your own relatives?”
Jian Cenyu humbly accepted the advice. “Don't worry, Grandfather. I know what I'm doing.”
Only then did Old Master Jian not press the matter further. “It's good that you know what you're doing.”
After they left, Jian Cenyu felt a bit stifled in the large residence and went for a walk alone in the old house's garden. Sang Shi'an's call came in, the screen lighting up for a brief moment before disconnecting, not even lasting long enough for the ringtone to sound.
Jian Cenyu guessed Sang Shi'an's thoughts and called back, her voice mingling with the evening breeze. “Why did you hang up so quickly?”
The voice on the phone seemed to burn Sang Shi'an's ear. She said softly, “I was afraid of disturbing you.”
When facing Sang Shi'an, Jian Cenyu was becoming more and more honest about her feelings. “You're not disturbing me. Perhaps your call was just what I needed to be rescued?”
Sang Shi'an could tell Jian Cenyu was in a bad mood and asked, “Did they give you a hard time at the Jian residence again?”
Jian Cenyu said, “With everything that's happened recently, it was bound to come up during the New Year. But it's over now.”
It had only been half an hour since Jian Cenyu had hung up on her video call. Given Old Master Jian's tendency to dote on Jian Zhenyang, could everything really be settled so quickly? Sang Shi'an was a bit surprised. “It's all over? Would Jian Zhenyang let such a good opportunity go?”
Jian Cenyu chuckled lightly. “Yes, because something even more troublesome for him came up.”
Before Sang Shi'an could ask, she explained, “Jian Zhenyang has always seen me as his only competitor, but he overlooked the fact that Grandfather has other grandsons and granddaughters. Those people are gradually coming of age, and after seeing the benefits Jian Zhenyang received from the company, they're starting to get restless. The first to act is his own younger brother, Jian Zhenming.”
Jian Cenyu didn't need to explain the specifics. Sang Shi'an was silent for a moment, then smiled. “This way, your New Year can be a bit more pleasant.”
“Is it enough for just me to be pleasant?” Jian Cenyu laughed softly. “I thought you would ask when I'm going to visit your family.”
Sang Shi'an's thoughts were immediately led astray by Jian Cenyu. She asked in pleasant surprise, “Is that really okay?”
Jian Cenyu said, “Didn't you already arrange for me to visit your home to discuss business with your brother? It's not appropriate to visit leaders during the first few days of the New Year, as they need their own family reunions. Coincidentally, our family's relatives don't need—”
Sang Shi'an couldn't wait any longer and eagerly asked Jian Cenyu, “So which day is it?”
“The first day of the New Year. Mom has already arranged it with Auntie Ren.” As Jian Cenyu finished speaking, her gaze shifted, and she suddenly saw the two Jian Zhenyang brothers shoving each other at the garden entrance.
They were too far away for her to hear what they were saying. She only saw an exasperated Jian Zhenyang punch Jian Zhenming. When he tried to throw a second punch, Jian Zhenming pushed him back.
After exchanging a few curses, Jian Zhenyang was the first to leave.
Jian Zhenming straightened his clothes, noticed Jian Cenyu's unabashed gaze, and his brow furrowed before he quickly regained his composure and turned to leave.
The garden returned to tranquility. Jian Cenyu suddenly said to Sang Shi'an, “I miss you so much.”
Sang Shi'an's heart skipped a beat. Her lips parted slightly as she stood still for a moment, then the sound of her rushing downstairs could be heard. “You're at the Jian family's old residence, right? I'm coming to get you right now.”
Jian Cenyu hadn't expected this reaction from Sang Shi'an and quickly stopped her. “You don't have to come, An'an.”
Sang Shi'an didn't stop. Sang Shiyue's voice could be heard from the other end of the phone. “Sang Shi'an, where are you going?”
“You really don't have to come. I just suddenly wanted to say that to you.” Jian Cenyu's voice was gentle as she coaxed Sang Shi'an. “Go back upstairs, okay? Dinner's almost ready. Talk with me a little longer.”
Sang Shi'an hesitantly agreed with an “mm,” and the sound of slippers going upstairs came through the phone. It wasn't until she was back in her room that she heard Jian Cenyu tease her, “I say one thing and you're already rushing over to pick me up. Aren't you afraid your parents will find out?”
Her voice carried a joyful laugh, very pleasant to the ear.
Sang Shi'an lay on her bed, slowly closing her eyes. “They'll find out sooner or later.”
Jian Cenyu said in a low voice, “You're not afraid of them finding out?”
“They'll find out sooner or later.” Perhaps because Sang Shiyue's attitude had been relatively mild, it gave Sang Shi'an some confidence. “I'm just in a relationship with a woman, and an outstanding woman like you at that. As long as it doesn't affect anyone else's interests, it's not like it's illegal, right? It's better than being schemed against in a marriage until there's nothing left of you, isn't it?”
Jian Cenyu agreed, “That's certainly true.”
Sang Shi'an rolled over and asked, “So, will you scheme against me?”
Jian Cenyu countered, “What do you think?”
“Who can say what the future holds.” Sang Shi'an rolled around on her bed. She had been fooling around with Jian Cenyu all last night, and there was still a strange sensation between her legs. Her pants felt a bit tight and sore, so she planned to change into a skirt later.
She had originally wanted to say that it wouldn't matter even if Jian Cenyu did scheme against her; she had more money than she knew what to do with, as long as her feelings weren't toyed with.
But on second thought, what if Jian Cenyu was talking about feelings?
Sang Shi'an said slowly, “If that day ever comes, I might hire someone to throw a sack over your head.”
Jian Cenyu: “What if I'm not willing?”
Sang Shi'an was so speechless at her question that she laughed out loud. “Do you know what 'throwing a sack over your head' means? It means kidnapping and imprisoning you. What does your willingness have to do with it? As long as I'm happy.”
“That sounds pretty good.” Jian Cenyu laughed along, but her voice turned serious. “But I won't do something like that. I'm not joking.”
The light but firm words were like a night breeze blowing into her heart, stirring up ripples.
After hanging up, Sang Shi'an went downstairs to wait for dinner, her mind restless. Sang Shiyue called her over. “What's wrong? Was that a call from you-know-who again?”
Although Jian Cenyu had tried her best to hide it on the phone, Sang Shi'an had still keenly sensed it. “Yeah, she's not in a good mood.”
Sang Shiyue comforted Sang Shi'an while dealing with work emails from abroad. “After Jian Cenyu went to study in the UK, I heard from Mom that she always spent the New Year in Australia with Auntie Luo. The Jian family is full of gossips. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so she still has a lot to endure. She's not as fragile as you think, so don't worry yourself sick.”
What started as a casual chat turned into a source of intense anxiety for Sang Shi'an after Sang Shiyue's words. She was anxious before dinner and all through it. At one point, Ren Li asked about her internship at Jian Corporation, but Sang Shi'an was too distracted to answer properly. It was Sang Shiyue who saved the day by talking about the recent situation at Jian Corporation, preventing any suspicion.
Sang Shiyue couldn't stand seeing Sang Shi'an in this state. There were no other guests at home today, but what would it look like if someone else saw her so distraught?
He went upstairs and knocked on Sang Shi'an's door.
After waiting for half a minute, Sang Shi'an didn't open the door. Sang Shiyue found it strange and was about to call her when the housekeeper cleaning the stairs saw him standing at Sang Shi'an's door and said with a smile, “Are you looking for Miss Sang? She just went out with her car keys.”
Sang Shiyue's head throbbed. Unconvinced, he went to the parking garage for a look. When he didn't see the Lamborghini, he returned with a grim face.
When Ren Li saw him come in, she asked, “Were you looking for An'an? She just told me she was going to keep that girl from the Su family company. You know about the real and fake daughter situation with the Su family. I told her she might as well just bring the girl home. It'll be livelier with one more person.”
Sang Shiyue gave a stiff reply, thinking to himself, Your daughter is definitely not going to see her friend.
Meanwhile, Sang Shi'an drove for an hour and a half to reach the Jian family's old residence.
When Jian Cenyu received Sang Shi'an's call, she thought she was hearing things. “You really came?”
“I heard there's a conjunction of seven stars tonight, and you can only see it from high ground. I followed the navigation and happened to find myself quite close to you.” Sang Shi'an had already passed the security gate and parked her car outside the Jian residence. She opened the car door. “Coming out?”
Jian Cenyu's heart skipped a beat. She immediately grabbed her coat. “Wait for me.”
All of Old Master Jian's children and descendants were at the old residence. On her way downstairs, Jian Cenyu told Luo Wei that something urgent had come up at the company. She then slipped out through the back door, circled around the garden to the front courtyard, and sure enough, saw Sang Shi'an waiting for her under the moonlight.
Sang Shi'an had been staring at the closed main gate. When she saw Jian Cenyu running out from the side with her long hair disheveled, she smiled and teased, “Cenyu Jiejie, don't tell me you snuck out?”
Jian Cenyu caught her breath and got directly into the passenger seat.
By the time Sang Shi'an also got in, Jian Cenyu had composed herself and said calmly, “I told my mother something urgent came up at the company that I need to handle.”
Sang Shi'an burst out laughing. “Hahaha, Jian Cenyu, since when did you learn to lie? Don't you think we're like two high school students secretly dating?”
Jian Cenyu helped the person who had collapsed onto her shoulder from laughing sit up, saying helplessly, “High school students aren't of legal driving age.”
Sang Shi'an laughed for a while longer before starting the car.
Soon, the Jian family's old residence disappeared into the night.
After driving for some distance, Sang Shi'an asked, “Where do you want to go?”
Jian Cenyu pointed to the bright, clear moon outside the window. “Didn't you say you came specially to see the conjunction of seven stars?”
Sang Shi'an: ...
Jian Cenyu asked deliberately, “Or were you lying to me?”
Sang Shi'an thought to herself, Of course I was lying.
But if she admitted it, the purpose of driving all this way for a late-night rendezvous would be far too obvious. Sang Shi'an didn't want to let Jian Cenyu get too smug, so she bit the bullet and owned up to it. “I wasn't lying. I'm not familiar with the terrain around here, so I'm asking you where the high ground is.”
Jian Cenyu held back a laugh as she watched the stubborn Sang-kitty. The awkwardness radiating from Sang Shi'an was almost tangible, and it warmed her heart immensely.
This was something that could be resolved with a simple "I miss you," but Jian Cenyu was in no hurry to say it.
Jian Cenyu suggested, “The top of that mountain over there is flat and has convenient parking. How about I drive?”
Sang Shi'an pulled over, a reluctant expression on her face. She felt that this meeting wasn't going as she had imagined and didn't want to talk to Jian Cenyu.
Getting into the driver's seat, closing the door, fastening the seatbelt. Jian Cenyu stepped on the gas and asked, “I don't know much about stars. Can I wish on the conjunction of seven stars to gain control of Jian Corporation sooner?”
Sang Shi'an's tone became even more awkward, but thinking that Jian Cenyu was upset today because of her family, she didn't refute it. “I guess you can.”
Jian Cenyu chuckled softly and said, “Then I'll have to make a good wish.”
Sang Shi'an said no more. She received a WeChat message from Sang Shiyue, warning her not to stay out all night.
Sang Shi'an hadn't actually considered that. After replying with an "okay," she sullenly turned off her phone.
Twenty minutes later, the car came to a steady stop on another mountaintop.
A gentle night breeze blew under a sky with a bright moon and sparse stars.
Jian Cenyu glanced at the time. It was already 9:30 PM. She asked Sang Shi'an, “What time will the conjunction of seven stars appear?”
Sang Shi'an mumbled, “Soon, around this time.”
Jian Cenyu seemed to be looking forward to it. After getting the time, her gaze returned to the sky, not sparing Sang Shi'an a single glance.
After sitting quietly like this for ten minutes, Jian Cenyu was patient, but Sang Shi'an couldn't sit still any longer.
She unbuckled her seatbelt, straddled Jian Cenyu, and grabbed her collar, kissing her fiercely.
It was a kiss meant to vent her frustration, their lips and tongues pushing and tangling, a mix of kissing and biting that seemed quite ferocious.
Sang Shi'an had come all this way for her and was now kissing her like this. Before long, Jian Cenyu found herself unable to handle such passion and couldn't help but wrap her arms around Sang Shi'an's waist to respond.
When Sang Shi'an noticed, she bit Jian Cenyu's lower lip and, amidst their intertwined gasps, issued a warning: “Don't move.”
By the moonlight filtering through the window, Jian Cenyu could see a faint blush around Sang Shi'an's made-up eyes. She asked softly, “Are you angry?”
Sang Shi'an, sitting on Jian Cenyu's lap, remained stubborn. “What, do I need a reason to kiss you now?”
“No.”
Sang Shi'an tilted her head up. Under the shroud of the mountaintop night, Jian Cenyu's face seemed to be covered by a hazy veil, but the eyes gazing at her were exceptionally gentle.
Sang Shi'an suddenly felt something was off. “...Why are you looking at me like that?”
“If my wish tonight was really to gain power sooner, I should be at the old residence right now, staying by my grandfather's side at all times to avoid being tattled on again, not out here in the middle of nowhere with you in the wind.”
Jian Cenyu's hands around Sang Shi'an's waist pressed forward, holding her even tighter. “But I can't help it. The temptation of my girlfriend driving over an hour to find me is too great. I just couldn't resist.”
Sang Shi'an: ...
Only then did Sang Shi'an realize she had been played. She silently propped herself up and opened the car door to run.
Jian Cenyu had anticipated this and had already locked the doors. She pulled her back. “Where are you running? You kiss me so fiercely and then try to run without a word?”
“...Who told you to deliberately ignore me when we were driving here?”
“I'm not familiar with the roads here. What if I took a wrong turn by not paying enough attention to the navigation?” Jian Cenyu mimicked Sang Shi'an's usual coquettish tone, drawing out her words. “An'an, my lips really hurt.”
“...I didn't do it on purpose.” Sang Shi'an was so embarrassed she wished she could disappear on the spot. She cupped Jian Cenyu's face and gave her a series of light pecks. “I was wrong, okay?”
Jian Cenyu met Sang Shi'an's gaze, but her question was different: “Do you have to go home later?”
“Yes, my brother just sent me a special message to warn me, so your time is limited.” Once Sang Shi'an understood Jian Cenyu's intentions, she immediately became bold and righteous. “So if you don't comfort yourself soon, I'm going to leave!”
Jian Cenyu was at a loss for whether to laugh or cry. After a moment of silence, she suddenly leaned in. “Are you sure you want me to comfort myself?”
Forced to lean back by her suddenly close face, but with her waist held firmly by Jian Cenyu, Sang Shi'an swallowed nervously, her lips slightly parted. She said drily, “Cenyu Jiejie, I-I-I like you.”
Jian Cenyu wasn't buying it. She lowered her head and bit Sang Shi'an's neck.
The tips of her teeth grazed the skin, carrying a scorching heat. Sang Shi'an felt as if she had been caught by the neck by a fierce beast and didn't dare to move.
The pressure of Jian Cenyu's bite gradually lessened, and then her soft tongue licked the spot, the suction growing tighter. Worried about leaving a mark, Sang Shi'an took a deep breath. “Don't...”
Jian Cenyu's movements stopped. She leaned close to Sang Shi'an's ear and whispered a few words.
Sang Shi'an's face instantly turned beet red. “No, this car is too cramped.”
“It's fine, just don't move around too much.” Her parted legs made it easy for Jian Cenyu to remove her stockings. The car's heater was turned up, and only then did Sang Shi'an remember what Jian Cenyu had once said about wanting to undress her in a car.
At the time, Sang Shi'an hadn't taken it seriously. It would be difficult for Jian Cenyu to find such an opportunity in the city.
But now, they were in the wilderness, under the cover of a dark and windy night.
Especially since she had changed into a skirt before leaving.
The moment fingers slipped under her skirt, Sang Shi'an heard Jian Cenyu's long-premeditated voice in her ear: “The moment I saw you at the old residence, I wanted to do this.”
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