After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 41

When Sang Shi’an stepped out of her room, she found the Jian family gathered in the living room below. Besides Jian Chenyu, Jian Zhenyang and several other cousins of similar age were present. The main guests were in the front house, and none of the Jian elders were in sight, suggesting this gathering had been specifically arranged by the younger generation.

Jian Chenyu sat at the center of the sofa, listening to a younger cousin speak. Her pale eyes, like cold stars, showed no warmth toward her relatives, and her tightly pressed lips exuded an intimidating aura.

Sang Shi’an froze, staring from the balcony for a long moment before daring to recognize her.

Jian Chenyu had always treated her with gentle composure, and recently, she had even shown glimpses of the tenderness from their youth. Sang Shi’an had almost forgotten that Jian Chenyu had once been crowned “School Belle” precisely because of her aloof, unapproachable nature.

Unnoticed on the third floor, Sang Shi’an leaned casually against the sandalwood railing, arms crossed. She watched Jian Chenyu’s aloof demeanor for a while, then recalled how Chenyu had relentlessly pursued her at the start of the semester, only to later shower her with care. A wave of nostalgia washed over her.

So what if Jian Chenyu doesn’t like me now? Sang Shi’an thought. People make mistakes. I’ll just keep treating her until she comes to her senses.

Or… maybe I should slip the psychologist a bigger red envelope and get Jian Chenyu to see him too?

Sang Shi’an couldn’t help but chuckle at her own thoughts. Just as she was about to head downstairs to find someone, her gaze landed on Jian Zhenyang, who was sitting in an armchair. The smile instantly vanished from her lips.

His eyes were fixed on Jian Chenyu with a sinister intensity, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows.

Sang Shi’an had assumed Jian Zhenyang wouldn’t bother showing up today. She was surprised to see he never missed an opportunity to be repulsive.

She studied him for a few more moments before turning back to her room, locking the door behind her. She opened WeChat and found Wen Yansheng’s contact. Originally, she had added Wen Yansheng to expand her network, but after hearing Jian Chenyu mention Jian Zhenyang’s Huaxing IPO project, Sang Shi’an had privately consulted Wen Yansheng to avoid appearing ignorant.

Wen Yansheng’s credentials were easy to verify: a brilliant graduate of Oxford University with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. She had stirred up considerable turmoil in international financial circles without ever leaving any legal loopholes for regulatory bodies like the China Securities Regulatory Commission to exploit. Now teaching at Yuncheng University, she seemed to have retired from her former life, but this was merely a facade.

Sang Shi’an had subtly probed Wen Yansheng about her past. Wen Yansheng didn’t hide the truth: her parents had been implicated in a major financial scandal. Before the case could go to trial, they both died in a car accident, leaving the once-nationally ranked Mingjia Group directly in the hands of her stepmother.

Everyone with ambition has vulnerabilities. As Sang Shi’an reviewed Wen Yansheng’s meticulously detailed explanations, she had to admit she had been thoroughly captivated by her.

But right now, she couldn’t find anyone more suitable.

“Little one, I thought you’d call after the semester ended,” Wen Yansheng said, her voice tinged with amusement, as if she were outdoors.

Sang Shi’an felt the same nervousness she always did when talking to a teacher. “Sister Wen, are you busy? Should I call back later?”

“I just finished a public lesson that the school leaders observed. I’m heading back now, but I can talk freely here.” Wen Yansheng’s voice was followed by the sound of a car door closing before she asked, “Is this about Chen Yu again?”

“Those parasites in her family keep flaunting themselves in front of me. It’s so annoying,” Sang Shi’an said dismissively.

“I’ve already mentioned this to Chen Yu. She’s well aware. Little one, company matters aren’t as simple as you think.” Wen Yansheng’s tone wasn’t that of someone kindly helping a child with their troubles, but rather like a paid companion who hangs up the moment the time is up.

Sang Shi’an quickly stopped her. “I’m not like Jian Chenyu. I can do things she can’t.”

“Oh? What do you have in mind?”

Sang Shi’an casually recounted the incident at the Yanjing University lab and the subsequent visit to the police station. “…I stirred up trouble between my brother and Jian Zhenyang. Now that their relationship has soured, many companies that were planning to collaborate with Jian Zhenyang are adopting a wait-and-see approach.”

“Does this count as the opportunity you mentioned before, the one that would leave Jian Zhenyang with no way out?”

A long, heavy silence stretched from the other end of the line, so long that Sang Shi’an almost thought Wen Yansheng had hung up. Then, Wen Yansheng suddenly chuckled. “It does.”

Sang Shi’an: “Then…”

“Although Chen Yu’s father nominally controls the Jian Clan, his siblings all hold significant shares. His own stake is relatively small, leaving him severely constrained. When Chen Yu returned to the country, she intended to consolidate power, but her expertise lies elsewhere, and these people are, after all, her own flesh and bl00d.”

Wen Yansheng finally revealed the hidden truth. “Before I left for Cloud City, I even helped her devise a systematic plan. Rather than spending years, perhaps even a decade, eliminating her relatives one by one, it would be better for her to establish her own venture, leveraging her research breakthroughs.”

As she spoke, Wen Yansheng seemed to suddenly remember something. “Ah!” she exclaimed. “Your brother was also very interested in this. He specifically arranged numerous meetings with her to discuss it.”

Sang Shi’an paused. “My brother’s meetings with her were solely about that research?”

“Perhaps it was also about the arranged marriage? Unmarried men and women often need to date before marriage to foster feelings.”

“…You’re lying.”

Hearing Sang Shi’an’s muffled grumbling, Wen Yansheng finally chuckled again. “Older Sister isn’t entirely clear on the specifics, but their engagement was only mentioned in passing. If you want to seize the opportunity, there are still plenty of chances.”

Sang Shi’an retorted, “Who wants to—”

“The Jian Clan’s affairs have nothing to do with you,” Wen Yansheng interrupted. “I can’t help you with that.”

Sang Shi’an was so furious she wanted to bite someone.

“I @%??#…” she muttered incoherently before finally relenting. “You have to help me.”

Wen Yansheng stopped there, leaving the younger woman some dignity. “The Jian Clan’s market value is nearly a hundred billion yuan, with the Jian Family holding over thirty percent of the shares. The Old Master himself retains a small portion, while Jian Zhenyang’s family holds four percent. The Old Master’s other children collectively own fifteen percent. Excluding those who remain neutral or fully support Chen Yu, you’d need to acquire at least seven percent.”

Her tone was measured and unhurried, clearly indicating she had prepared for this call.

“This isn’t a small sum. Even with their current financial difficulties, they might not be willing to sell their shares. I’m still investigating why Jian Zhenyang insisted on listing Huaxing. Even if he intends to bleed the Jian Clan dry, he could have adopted more conciliatory methods.”

“Based on my experience, there’s likely more to this than meets the eye. If we can leverage it, we might be able to manipulate the situation.”

Wen Yansheng then brought up terms like “Offshore Company” and “Equity Manipulation,” which Sang Shi’an listened to with meticulous attention. Wen Yansheng truthfully explained all the investment and legal risks involved.

Just as Wen Yansheng was asking Sang Shi’an about the amount of capital she could contribute, a knock came at the door. Fearing the person outside might overhear, Sang Shi’an hastily ended the call.

She opened the door to find Jian Chenyu standing there.

“Why the surprised look? Were you secretly up to no good?” Jian Chenyu teased, noticing Sang Shi’an’s dilated pupils and smiling faintly.

“Yes, I stole all your gold bars hidden in here,” Sang Shi’an retorted, rolling her eyes before turning to send a WeChat message to Wen Yansheng.

2 billion RMB. Funds will be available after the New Year.

After the New Year, she would gain full control over her trust fund stocks. While she couldn’t immediately access such a large sum in cash, and the stocks couldn’t be liquidated, she could draw on years of accumulated dividends. Given Wen Yansheng’s experience, she likely already understood this.

“How heavy are those gold bars?” Jian Chenyu asked, shaking her head in amusement. “Did someone outside say you left the room and saw me with others?”

Sang Shi’an had noticed several cleaning staff earlier, so it wasn’t surprising they’d report her movements. She hummed in acknowledgment and casually settled onto the sofa. “You left me alone in the room for so long. Is it wrong to miss you?”

Though it was just a flirty remark, Sang Shi’an couldn’t help the heat rising in her ears as Jian Chenyu sat down beside her.

“Is that so?” Jian Chenyu twisted open a bottle of mineral water and took several long gulps, as if parched. “I thought you were eyeing something else you wanted to extort from me.”

“You underestimate me,” Sang Shi’an retorted, nudging Jian Chenyu’s shoe with her foot. “Is that extortion? I’m merely giving you opportunities to win me over.”

Jian Chenyu pointed at her twice before leaning back against the sofa.

“Is it really that funny?” Sang Shi’an leaned closer, trying to gauge her reaction.

As she drew near, she caught a whiff of another woman’s perfume on Jian Chenyu. Her nose twitched. “Such a cheap scent. Who were you with just now?”

Jian Chenyu tilted her head and sniffed the right shoulder Sang Shi’an had just smelled. “Is there?”

Sang Shi’an glanced up at her before lowering her head again, her nose brushing lightly against Jian Chenyu’s collarbone. She then casually leaned back, as if nothing had happened. “I told you, the perfume was cheap. It faded almost immediately.”

Jian Chenyu narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze sweeping over Sang Shi’an. Unfortunately, Sang Shi’an had already lowered her head to check her phone, obscuring the expression in her eyes. It was impossible to tell whether her earlier action had been deliberate or accidental.

Xu Taotao, who had recently broken up with her boyfriend and was now in a new relationship, had been flooding their group chat with relationship advice, which conveniently diverted Sang Shi’an’s awkwardness.

After exchanging a few messages, Jian Chenyu received a call from Jian Zhiheng, asking her to come downstairs and greet the guests.

Sang Shi’an glanced at the eight-centimeter heels Jian Chenyu was wearing, inwardly grumbling about why she had to dress so beautifully. Is she going to collect perfume scents like stamps tonight?

She stood up. “I’ll come with you.”

“It’ll be boring down there right now,” Jian Chenyu replied. “I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

Sang Shi’an insisted, “Who knows if you’ll be attracting attention down there? I need to keep an eye on you for my brother.”

A flicker of amusement vanished from Jian Chenyu’s eyes as she feigned reluctance. “Alright then.”

Sang Shi’an ate her meal without tasting a thing. At first, she was mistaken for one of Jian Chenyu’s distant cousins, but after correcting the misunderstanding once, she noticed a significant increase in people approaching her to greet the Sang Family.

Fortunately, she managed to maintain a sliver of clarity, remembering the drunken incident when she had used her Cat Cat Account to interact with Jian Chenyu. Now, knowing her true feelings, she feared confessing while blacked out. She firmly guarded her boundaries, allowing Jian Chenyu to half-coax, half-guide her back to her room to rest.

To care for her, Jian Chenyu excused herself from the social engagements.

As Sang Shi’an was laid on the bed, she inhaled Jian Chenyu’s still-clean perfume, drifting closer and murmuring, “Jian Chenyu, your heart is beating so fast.”

It wasn’t a flirtatious remark, but rather a simple observation.

Jian Chenyu’s entire body tensed, the waistline of her long dress tightening with each breath.

In the dimly lit room, Sang Shi’an’s expression remained hidden.

Sang Shi’an looped her arms around Jian Chenyu’s neck, leaning against the headboard. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths already mingling.

Jian Chenyu dared not move, but Sang Shi’an seemed genuinely drunk, her lips tracing every inch of Jian Chenyu’s skin, from cheek to collarbone, each touch igniting a fire.

When her lips lingered at Jian Chenyu’s chest, Jian Chenyu suddenly snapped back to reality and pushed Sang Shi’an away.

Sang Shi’an’s head hit the pillow, jolting her into partial lucidity. “Ugh… that hurt.”

Jian Chenyu switched on the bedside lamp and said stiffly, “An’an, you’re drunk.”

They sat in silence for a moment. Sang Shi’an slowly sat up, her movements reminiscent of a child who had misbehaved. She tentatively hooked her pinky finger around Jian Chenyu’s and whispered, “Sister Chenyu?”

Jian Chenyu’s tense body relaxed. She turned to check Sang Shi’an’s head. “Did you hit it hard?”

“No, but I’m dizzy and so thirsty,” Sang Shi’an mumbled, her speech slurring with intoxication.

Jian Chenyu studied her for a moment before rising. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Sang Shi’an replied.

Twenty minutes passed, and Jian Chenyu still hadn’t returned. Sang Shi’an suspected she had been called away by relatives to discuss marriage arrangements again. She logged into her Cat Cat Account and began to spiral.

Has Older Sister finished visiting the relatives? Why hasn’t she messaged me tonight? Is she really on a date with her arranged marriage partner?

Does Older Sister not want me anymore? The thought of her dating someone else makes me so jealous I could go crazy.

……

She sent countless messages until the screen was filled with her own rambling thoughts. Finally, Sang Shi’an calmed down, her mind ice-cold as she reviewed the messages she had sent.

Then she froze in horror.

Wait, did I really send these messages that sound like they were written by someone about to slit their wrists and jump off a building?

Sang Shi’an covered her eyes, desperately refusing to admit she had sent them. Seizing the opportunity while the messages were still within the withdrawal period, she began frantically deleting the evidence with trembling hands.

As long as Older Sister doesn’t marry someone else, I’ll be good and do whatever she wants.

Withdraw.

Never mind, I can’t bear it. It’s better if Older Sister does whatever she wants to me.

Withdraw again.

I’m about to go mad with jealousy. I want to lock Older Sister up and do whatever I want to her.

This one absolutely could not—

A new message popped up:

Jian Chenyu: Don’t let your imagination run wild. There’s no date.

Sang Shi’an: ……

Immediately following was a second message: Seeing how much Cat Cat cares about me makes me so happy.

The door swung open, and Jian Chenyu entered carrying two steaming bowls of hangover soup.

The window in the room wasn’t fully closed. When Sang Shi’an saw Jian Chenyu, she was startled into a coughing fit.

Jian Chenyu set down the soup and, without a word, wrapped her arm around Sang Shi’an’s back, gently patting her. With her other hand, she covered the back of Sang Shi’an’s icy hand.

The cold hand gradually warmed beneath Jian Chenyu’s palm. Perhaps due to overwhelming guilt and unease, Sang Shi’an’s hand trembled slightly, and her coughing persisted.

Jian Chenyu closed the window. When she returned, Sang Shi’an was still coughing. She felt Jian Chenyu’s hand tighten its grip.

Forcing down her embarrassment, Sang Shi’an glanced at Jian Chenyu. Seeing her expression was perfectly normal, she relaxed slightly.

Of course, Sang Shi’an thought. Jian Chenyu has always treated me differently from Cat Cat. How could she possibly extend the feelings she has for Cat Cat to me?

Gathering her composure, Sang Shi’an said obediently, “I’m not cold. I just choked a little.”

Jian Chenyu explained, “I ran into my grandfather earlier. He gave me another lecture, so I got back late.”

Sang Shi’an whipped her head around to glare at Jian Chenyu, her eyes wide with anger. “What did he want from you this time?”

Jian Chenyu opened her mouth to explain, but Sang Shi’an impatiently waved her off. “Never mind. It’s probably something I don’t want to hear anyway.”

In these big families, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease. The elders rarely favor the most capable and independent one.

Sang Shi’an swayed as she tried to get out of bed to put on her shoes. Jian Chenyu quickly grabbed her arm. “Drink the hangover soup first.”

“No,” Sang Shi’an snapped, shaking off her grip.

Jian Chenyu pressed her shoulders and gently guided her back down. “I’m the one who was wronged, not you. Is this how you show you care—by taking it out on me?”

Sang Shi’an froze, as if her lifeline had been severed. “…Who said I care about you?”

She pointed to the hangover soup on the opposite table. “I want that.”

Jian Chenyu brought it over. Sang Shi’an pointed to the other bowl. “Bring yours too.”

Jian Chenyu didn’t know what she was planning, but she complied. Before taking a sip, Sang Shi’an clinked her bowl against Jian Chenyu’s. “Cheers.”

Jian Chenyu: ……

With someone to drink with, Sang Shi’an didn’t act up again, even with the spicy ginger flavor.

After finishing her drink, she started rummaging through the bedside table. “Got any candy?”

Jian Chenyu got up and left the room again, returning with a handful of candies she’d pilfered from one of her nieces or nephews.

They were mostly plum and mint-flavored candies. Sang Shi’an peeled off the wrappers of two, then spat them out, her interest waning.

“Those birthday gifts I had my brother return to you during those four years… did you throw them away?” Sang Shi’an asked casually.

Jian Chenyu froze, caught off guard by the question. For a moment, she couldn’t think of the most appropriate response.

Sang Shi’an bit her lip. “…You really threw them away?”

Jian Chenyu nodded, speaking with feigned seriousness. “Well, yeah. I wasn’t even talking to you anymore. Sending the gifts was already going above and beyond out of respect for our families’ relationship. Why would I keep those upsetting things? It would be weirder if I hadn’t thrown them away.”

Jian Chenyu moved her lips, but could only agree with Sang Shi’an’s words. “Mm.”

“I saw those crystal high heels you got for my eighteenth birthday. They cost over 300,000 yuan, and you just threw them away like that. The Jian Family has so many connections—couldn’t you have just picked another ‘sister’?” Sang Shi’an glared at Jian Chenyu, her eyes filled with reproach. “You’re such a spendthrift.”

Jian Chenyu: ……

Jian Chenyu nodded, his head throbbing. “Yes, I should have just given them to another ‘sister’ and never seen you again for the rest of my life.”

Sang Shi’an blinked slowly. “You’re so clever.”

“You’re even cleverer, knowing exactly how to rub salt into the wound of those four years.”

Sang Shi’an couldn’t help but laugh. She almost covered her face, then remembered her makeup and restrained herself, clearing her throat and asking seriously, “My birthday’s in less than ten days. How are you planning to celebrate it?”

Jian Chenyu set down his porcelain bowl, his posture relaxed. “For your twentieth birthday, I’ll get you a cake and put twenty candles on it.”

Sang Shi’an: “So I get to make twenty wishes?”

Jian Chenyu shook his head. “Just candles.”

“That’s so boring.” Sang Shi’an rolled over. “Then I’m not celebrating with you guys. I’m throwing a party and getting Su Ningyue to invite all the male celebrities from her sister’s company.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “male,” clearly hinting at ulterior motives.

Jian Chenyu poked Sang Shi’an’s forehead. “Are you choosing a concubine?”

Then she grabbed Sang Shi’an’s arm. “You’re sober enough now. Let’s go home.”

Sang Shi’an glanced at her phone and refused. “It’s already eleven. You’ve been drinking too. You wouldn’t want to drag the driver out of bed to take us home, would you?”

Jian Chenyu froze.

“Your grandfather’s drivers are all getting on in years. We shouldn’t disturb them,” Sang Shi’an said, pulling her hand away and patting the bed. “I’m too dizzy to ride in a car right now—I’d just throw up. Let’s just stay here for the night.”

Jian Chenyu’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked down at Sang Shi’an.

First she wanted alcohol, then candy, and now she’s rambling about nonsense. So this was all just a stalling tactic.

Jian Chenyu sighed helplessly. “They don’t have your usual skincare products here, An’an. Even the makeup remover isn’t the kind you use. You’ll be uncomfortable.”

Sang Shi’an stubbornly insisted, “But I’m really dizzy, and my stomach hurts so much. I can’t ride in a car right now.”

Jian Chenyu lowered her head and smiled. “An’an, you’re being so willful.”

Sang Shi’an gently tugged at the corner of Jian Chenyu’s coat. “But you’ll always indulge me, right?”

Jian Chenyu’s heart skipped a beat. She lowered her gaze, silently studying Sang Shi’an.

Sang Shi’an had been exceptionally beautiful since childhood, especially after drinking, when a delicate pink flush would bloom around her eyes. When she pleaded with such a pitiful expression, it was nearly impossible to refuse her.

Jian Chenyu closed her eyes briefly, then rested her hand on Sang Shi’an’s head. Bending down, she pulled the younger woman into her arms. “Go ahead and tease me, then.”

Sang Shi’an closed her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering rapidly. She tightened her grip around Jian Chenyu, a flicker of triumph flashing in her eyes.

Jian Chenyu didn’t push her away, which only emboldened the tipsy Sang Shi’an. Still embraced, Sang Shi’an tilted her head back and pressed her lips against Jian Chenyu’s lower lip, drawing it into her mouth.

Warm, soft, and sweet.

Sang Shi’an’s eyelashes trembled even faster.

Just as she was about to kiss Jian Chenyu’s upper lip, Jian Chenyu froze, then abruptly pushed her away.

Sang Shi’an tilted her head, gazing at Jian Chenyu with innocent confusion.

Jian Chenyu’s hands clenched into fists, her usually neat long hair now disheveled and spilling across her chest.

Before she could speak, Sang Shi’an called out, “Brother?”

Her gaze slowly focused, as if she had suddenly sobered. “I’m sorry,” she said, her eyes filled with apology. “I mistook you for someone else.”

You won’t be mad, right?