Accidentally Marked My Ex’s Crush, the Ice-Cold Goddess O - Chapter 49: Mother Came

Chapter 49: Mother Came

Because she didn’t know why Fu Ruanyi was in such a bad mood early in the morning, Jiang Ci stayed proper and honest throughout the meeting, not saying a single extra word, afraid of making her angry again.

At around eleven in the morning, the meeting ended.

Fu Ruanyi closed her files, picked them up, and left. As she neared the meeting room door, Jiang Ci faintly heard her calmly instruct her assistant to prepare some high-end clothes or something.

Jiang Ci waited until Fu Ruanyi left, then rested her right fist on the table, leaning forward slightly to ease the soreness in her waist. During the meeting, to maintain her posture, she didn’t dare slouch and kept sitting up straight.

After all, her image outside represented the Jiang family’s image.

Especially in front of someone like Fu Ruanyi, who came from a family with strict standards, she naturally had to be more careful.

While her colleagues packed up their files, the earlier tense and serious meeting atmosphere lifted, and they let out a sigh of relief. Noticing Jiang Ci was still there, they quickly straightened up.

Jiang Ci didn’t say anything.

Work always came with pressure.

In the evening, after finishing a pre-surgery meeting, Gu Feiran returned to her office. This time, she didn’t see that person but instead saw someone else who rarely came here.

“Sister, why are you here?” Gu Feiran asked as she approached.

Fu Ruanyi sat with her arms crossed and legs crossed, looking sarcastic. “I came to see if that Dr. Jiang from the Jiang family has assimilated Little Aunt and you too.”

Gu Feiran smiled, took out her key, and opened the door. “You’re so busy, and you came to the hospital at night just for this?”

Fu Ruanyi stood up and followed her in, arms still crossed, with a designer bag hanging from her elbow. “Of course not. I came to ask if you know Jiang Ci from the Jiang family.”

Gu Feiran picked up a patient’s chart and flipped through it. “Why are you asking about her?”

Fu Ruanyi sat on a sofa against the wall and said, “Nothing, just suddenly curious.”

That morning at the company, she saw Jiang Ci wearing the same outfit she and Xiao Ran had bought. It annoyed her, but she didn’t think much of it. When she smelled the same perfume, she thought it was just a coincidence. There was no way they were connected.

With Xiao Ran’s taste, even if she were blind for thousands of years, she wouldn’t fall for Jiang Ci. But thinking deeper, it was different.

Little Aunt Jiang and Jiang Ci had a good relationship, and her relationship with Little Aunt was decent too. If Jiang Ci came to the hospital to see Little Aunt, she might run into Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran was so beautiful, an S-class omega.Jiang Ci, a disabled alpha, would surely be smitten by her.

Outsiders didn’t know Xiao Ran was also part of the Fu family. Even Little Aunt, who had been with Jiang’s Little Aunt for so long, didn’t tell her, let alone Jiang Ci—she definitely didn’t know.

Xiao Ran had never been in love and was very innocent.

Jiang Ci was cunning. If she tricked Xiao Ran with nonsense, Fu Ruanyi would make sure she regretted it.

Worried, Fu Ruanyi warned, “If you see that Jiang Ci, stay away. She’s not a good person.”

Gu Feiran clicked her pen, leaned over the desk to sign her name at the bottom, and said, “The Fu family and Jiang family are working together recently, and Jiang Ci is in charge on their side. Sister, did you have an unpleasant time with her?”

Fu Ruanyi’s face turned cold. “She does her job well enough, and I’m satisfied with that. It’s just her as a person—I find her more and more annoying.”

Gu Feiran finished signing, poured a glass of water, and handed it to her. “Got it. Thanks for coming by.”

“Hmm.” Fu Ruanyi took the glass and sipped, her mood improving a lot. Xiao Ran was still the best in their family.

Jiang Ci had to work late and messaged Dr. Gu in advance, saying she couldn’t pick her up after work.

Gu Feiran replied, “Got it.”

After finishing work, Gu Feiran packed up and left. She and Fu Ruanyi walked out separately, one after the other.

Fu Ruanyi walked ahead, followed by an assistant and a bodyguard, exuding a strong presence.

Gu Feiran followed at a distance.

As they walked, just after leaving the hall, Fu Ruanyi stopped. Her assistant and bodyguard blocked the view, and Gu Feiran thought her sister was waiting for her, so she quickened her pace.

But at the entrance, she saw Little Aunt and Dr. Jiang standing face-to-face with Fu Ruanyi.

Liu Xiting gave an awkward laugh. “Xiao, Xiao Ruan.”

Fu Ruanyi smirked. “Little Aunt, what a coincidence.”

Not a coincidence at all.

Liu Xiting didn’t expect to run into Xiao Ruan here. After her surprise, she asked worriedly, “Why are you coming out of the hospital? Are you sick, feeling unwell, or here to see Xiao…”

Liu Xiting almost said if she was here to see Xiao Ran but stopped herself and changed her words. “Xiao Ruan, you’re not here for a visit, are you?”

Fu Ruanyi said, “No.”

Liu Xiting relaxed. “That’s good.”

She glanced at Jiang Lan beside her, gently putting an arm around her, and introduced, “This is Dr. Jiang.”

Fu Ruanyi looked at Jiang Lan. “I know her. I know every single person in the Jiang family, but you wouldn’t know that, Little Aunt, or you wouldn’t be with someone from the Jiang family.”

“Hey, you kid.” Liu Xiting shielded Jiang Lan.

Fu Ruanyi waved her hand. “Fine, as long as you’re happy, Little Aunt. I won’t interfere. Grandma said you, Mommy, and Mother need to come back for dinner this weekend. If you don’t, face the consequences.”

This included Xiao Ran, but she couldn’t say it in front of the Jiang family. She’d tell Xiao Ran later.

Liu Xiting said, “Alright, I got it. But isn’t your mother on a business trip abroad? Will she be back this weekend?”

Fu Ruanyi nodded. “She’ll be back. She lands Saturday morning at four or five and can make it for lunch.”

Liu Xiting said, “Hmm.”

With that settled, Fu Ruanyi didn’t linger and walked away in her high heels, looking aloof. As she left, Gu Feiran came out of the hall and stopped in front of them.

Liu Xiting’s mood shifted from winter to a warm spring. She smiled and said, “Dr. Gu.”

Xiao Ran was so much less stressful to see.

Gu Feiran greeted them. “Hello, Dr. Jiang.”

Jiang Lan smiled lightly. “Hmm, Dr. Gu, you’re off work?”

Gu Feiran said, “Yes, I’m done for today. I’ll head out and won’t disturb your date. Bye.”

They waved. “Bye.”

The driver pulled the car up to the hospital entrance. Gu Feiran got in and closed the back door.

Buzz, buzz. Little Aunt sent a message.

Fu Ruanyi heard and asked, “Who’s that?”

Gu Feiran opened WeChat and said honestly, “Little Aunt.”

Fu Ruanyi asked, “What did she say?”

Gu Feiran checked the message. Little Aunt wrote: Xiao Ran, you and Xiao Ci must not let Xiao Ruan find out, or you’re both done for. Remember, absolutely remember.

Gu Feiran typed a reply to Little Aunt while saying to her sister, “Nothing, just telling us to stay safe.”

WeChat message: Got it.

Fu Ruanyi thought of seeing Little Aunt and Jiang’s Little Aunt being lovey-dovey earlier and couldn’t help but complain. “What does Little Aunt see in Jiang’s Little Aunt that she protects her so much?”

Gu Feiran put away her phone, looked at her, and said, “Love is something only those in love can understand. Sister, why don’t you try dating? Maybe you’ll get why Little Aunt protects Dr. Jiang so much.”

Fu Ruanyi scoffed. “No way. Being single is great.”

Gu Feiran had said this before, but she still added, “Sister, love needs fate. If you only look at rank, pheromones, and family background, I doubt you’ll find a perfect match in all of Linjiang or even the country. You don’t have to follow Grandma’s old ideas. You already have so much—leave the rest to fate.”

Fu Ruanyi looked out the car window. “Got it, got it. You sound like Mom nagging.”

Gu Feiran chuckled. “Alright, no more nagging.”

Fu Ruanyi dropped Xiao Ran off at home. That night, they slept in the same bed. As soon as she lay down, Fu Ruanyi smelled the same perfume as Jiang Ci’s. In the middle of the night, she sat up, dragged Gu Feiran and the maid to change all the sheets and blankets, and sprayed new perfume.

She used nearly half a bottle, and the bedroom smelled overwhelming. Gu Feiran couldn’t help but cover her nose and cough.

Gu Feiran said, “Cough, cough, Sister.”

Fu Ruanyi stood by the bed in pajamas, hands on hips. “I got you new formal clothes and perfume, all in season. They’ll arrive in a few days. Also, all the bedding in the closet is being replaced with new ones.”

Gu Feiran turned on the air purifier and asked, “Those were just bought not long ago. Why change them again?”

Fu Ruanyi said, “Because I don’t like this smell.”

Because of the smell, they had to grab their things and move from the master bedroom to the guest room. The guest room didn’t have that scent, and Fu Ruanyi quickly fell asleep, satisfied.

On Friday night, Jiang Ci arranged to meet Chen Wei. Before arriving, she thought about it and sent a message to Dr. Gu.

Jiang Ci: I’m having dinner alone with a girl tonight.

Half an hour later, Gu Feiran replied: Reporting to me?

Jiang Ci: Up to you.

Gu Feiran: Hmm, got it.

Jiang Ci booked a restaurant and sent the location to Chen Wei. When she arrived, a waiter led her to the table, but…

When Jiang Ci got there, she saw someone else sitting with Chen Wei. Surprised, she paused but greeted first, “Aunt Chen, why are you here too?”

Aunt Chen, Chen Cuo, Chen Wei’s mother, was the woman who almost married Jiang Ci’s mother years ago.

In her fifties, she looked gentle and refined, with age adding charm and grace.

Chen Cuo gestured. “Sit first.”

Jiang Ci said okay and sat in the middle of the sofa.

Chen Wei leaned back in her chair, glaring at Jiang Ci with annoyance. “So Mommy was right. You really knew I’m her daughter. You’re quite clever, President Jiang.”

This damn woman investigated her. She’d wanted to sleep with her, but knowing Jiang Ci was like this, she shouldn’t have styled her hair long and black.

Ugh, she should rip off this white shirt and throw it in this woman’s face to vent.

Jiang Ci said, “I only found out after the banquet. We didn’t know each other, so I had to check.”

Chen Wei rolled her eyes. “Tch.”

So scheming.

Chen Cuo looked at Jiang Ci gently. “I can’t believe you’ve grown up so much. Last time I saw you, you and Xiao Ning were five or six, right? Now you’re twenty-five. Twenty years have passed. Time flies.”

Jiang Ci sighed. “I was young then, with few memories. I didn’t remember much about you, Aunt Chen. It was only later when Sister Jiang Xi mentioned you that I learned about your past with our Jiang family and my mother. Sorry.”

Chen Cuo said, “The older generation’s matters have nothing to do with you kids. Let the past be the past.”

Jiang Ci nodded. “Okay.”

The waiter came to take their order. Jiang Ci had booked for two, but with Aunt Chen here, she asked for the menu and added three more dishes.

Chen Cuo ate and chatted. “I heard your Jiang Group is working with the Fu and Qiao families. You’re doing well.”

Jiang Ci said modestly, “I was forced into it. No choice but to step up.”

Chen Cuo ate a piece of sliced steak. “Forced? I don’t think so. You took the initiative with the Fu family, and the Qiao family came to you. But you must see the Qiao family’s intentions.”

Jiang Ci played dumb. “What do you mean, Aunt Chen?”

Chen Cuo said bluntly, “The Fu family has always invested in AI. It makes sense you approached them. But your families are sworn enemies—everyone in the industry knows that. The Fu family agreed because your project is solid. Fu Ruanyi isn’t foolish. Why waste such a big opportunity?”

Jiang Ci slowed her eating.

Chen Cuo continued, “Your deal with the Fu family sets the tone for other companies. The Qiao family saw the Fu family set aside their feud for profit and immediately ignored their broken engagement to approach the Jiang Group. They want to show the world that if they can’t be family, they can be great partners. Whenever people mention the Jiang and Fu families, they’ll mention the Qiao family too, showing neither family is petty.”

Jiang Ci was genuinely shocked by Aunt Chen but smiled without denying it. “The Qiao family does have that intention.”

So annoying, talking about work again.

Chen Wei, listening nearby, got irritated. She shouldn’t have brought Mommy. After dinner, she’d slap Jiang Ci and leave.

Jiang Ci looked at Chen Cuo and set down her knife and fork. “Aunt Chen seems to know a lot about our three companies.”

Chen Cuo smiled lightly. “My biggest partner is the Qi Group, but knowing your allies and rivals is something every businessperson must learn. I think you’re far better than your mother and your sister Jiang Xi. You’re more suited for this position.”

Jiang Ci explained, “Maybe because I’ve lost so much, there’s nothing left to lose, so I stayed.”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Chen Wei waved her knife between their gazes. “This dinner was for me. Why are you two talking? Can you pay attention to me?”

Jiang Ci turned to her. “Actually, I asked you to dinner to talk about Aunt Chen, but I didn’t expect her to come herself.”

Chen Wei’s face turned cold. “…”

Chen Wei said, “Jiang Ci, I’m a normal omega with rare rose-scented pheromones. You’re lucky I, an alpha like you, even invited you to dinner. And you’re ignoring me?”

Chen Cuo frowned and warned, “Xiao Wei.”

Chen Wei realized she spoke too freely and shut up. She wanted to apologize but couldn’t say it to Jiang Ci. She just kept eating, pretending nothing happened.

Chen Cuo spoke for her. “President Jiang, sorry. Xiao Wei speaks without thinking. Don’t take it to heart.”

Jiang Ci said, “No worries. At our first meeting, Miss Chen didn’t mind me and even asked for my WeChat.”

Chen Wei jumped in. “You know it.”

Big sister doesn’t just add anyone’s WeChat.

After dinner, they left the restaurant. Chen Wei, tired of their work talk, went to the parking lot and got in the car.

Chen Cuo and Jiang Ci walked side by side, chatting. “Are your mother and mommy together now?”

Jiang Ci said, “Yes, but I don’t know where. Last time, Mommy sent me some photos with Mother. They looked like they were in the country.”

Chen Cuo looked ahead, her tone light with a hint of emotion. “Your mother and mommy love each other deeply.”

Jiang Ci said, “They love each other, but not us three sisters. Or rather, their love for us isn’t as deep. After growing up and getting married, your partner is the one who stays with you for life. Kids aren’t always around, but your partner is.”

Chen Cuo suddenly smiled, turned to Jiang Ci, and said, “I didn’t expect you to think like that. I thought you’d say they weren’t good mothers.”

Jiang Ci said, “Doesn’t matter, as long as they’re healthy and safe.”

They said goodbye and parted. Jiang Ci drove to the hospital to pick up Dr. Gu. It was a surgery day, so she must be exhausted.

Jiang Ci arrived at the hospital and met her in the hall past ten.

Dr. Gu had her bag slung over her shoulder, her eyes unfocused, looking drained from work.

Jiang Ci asked with concern, “Dr. Gu, you okay?”

Gu Feiran said, “Still alive.”

Jiang Ci pressed her lips together, took the bag from her shoulder, and helped her into the car. Before the car started, Dr. Gu tilted her head and fell asleep, her loose hair covering half her face.

At the parking lot, Jiang Ci didn’t wait for Dr. Gu to wake up like last time. She woke her and helped her upstairs to the apartment.

Sleeping in the car wasn’t as good as washing up and resting properly.

Gu Feiran came out after a shower, did minimal skincare, slipped into bed, and fell into a deep sleep.

Jiang Ci stepped lightly, turned off the light, and slept on the other side. Sleeping in a bed for a long time was much more comfortable than a couch.

The next morning, before the alarm at six, Gu Feiran’s phone rang. She grabbed it from the pillow, answered with her eyes closed, “Hello, hospital?”

“Nope, it’s Mom,” the voice said.

Gu Feiran mumbled, eyes still shut. “What time is it, Mom? Why call so early?”

Gu Mushi glanced at her watch. “It’s 6:17:23 a.m. I’m calling to tell my baby that Mom’s back from her business trip today!”

Gu Feiran said, “Sister told me. Congrats on a safe landing.”

Gu Mushi grinned, hand on her suitcase handle. “Not only am I back, I’m at your doorstep right now. Don’t you want to come see Mom?”

“Hmm, want to see,” Gu Feiran said half-heartedly.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

Gu Feiran jolted awake, sat up in bed, and said clearly, “Mom, where did you say you are?”

Knock, knock, knock. The sound came through the phone.

Gu Mushi said, “At your doorstep, of course. First thing after landing, I came to see my baby. Don’t you miss me? Mom missed both you and your sister!”

Gu Feiran panicked, looked at Jiang Ci sleeping soundly beside her, jumped out of bed, grabbed her clothes and shoes, and stuffed them in the closet. “I—I miss you. Mom, wait, I’ll put on some clothes and open the door right away.”

Gu Mushi said, “Okay—”

Before she finished, the call ended.

Gu Mushi looked at her phone, happily saying, “Xiao Ran must miss me so much she can’t wait to see me.”

“Wake up, Jiang Ci, wake up.” Gu Feiran rushed out of the closet, tidying up while calling her.

Jiang Ci, woken up, lay on the pillow, groggy. “What’s up? Is it morning, or did the alarm go off?”

Gu Feiran said, “My mom’s here, at the door.”

“Your mom…” Jiang Ci didn’t finish, instantly awake, sitting up. “Your mom’s here?”

Gu, Gu Mushi, Teacher Gu is here?