Being Raised in Captivity by the Former Canary - Chapter 21

Rose petals floated on the milky-white bathwater, clustered around Quan Ruo’an’s submerged body. She lay half-submerged in the warm water, her mind still hazy from the lingering effects of alcohol.

 

Suddenly, the bathroom door was pulled open.

 

By the time Quan Ruo’an lazily lifted her eyelids, a completely naked woman was standing beside the bathtub.

 

When their eyes met—Quan Ruo’an’s gaze filled with hostility—she instantly sobered up. She scrambled to sit up, bracing herself against the tub’s edge, but as soon as she rose, a warm palm pressed down on her shoulder.

 

The droplets of warm water on her shoulder merged with the lines of Jiang Jixue’s palm. Sensing the smooth, delicate skin beneath her hand, Jiang Jixue smiled. She leaned closer, her hair brushing the water’s surface, and looked directly into Quan Ruo’an’s face. “Bathing alone takes too long. Let’s do it together, hmm?”

 

Though her tone was questioning, her eyes held unwavering certainty, and her movements didn’t pause for a moment. She stepped into the bathtub with a fluid motion.

 

“…Eh!” Quan Ruo’an jerked her head away, but her gaze inadvertently swept over the neatly trimmed forest landscape below. Her cheeks flushed crimson in the steamy air, so red they seemed about to bleed.

 

Yet her body couldn’t help but make room for the newcomer.

 

In the mist-shrouded, enclosed space, Jiang Jixue’s clear, cool voice sounded even more ethereal, as if she were delivering a divine decree from the heavens.

 

“The bathtub is large. You don’t need to huddle so tightly.”

 

As she spoke, Jiang Jixue lifted her gaze, her eyes burning into Quan Ruo’an’s. With her other hand, she scooped up warm water and poured it over her bare, fragrant shoulder.

 

“I’m done washing,” Quan Ruo’an said, her eyes lowered.

 

“Elder Sister, why don’t you soak a little longer and wait for me to come out with you? I showered over there before coming here,” Jiang Jixue said, her tone even and unyielding, as if she were simply stating a fact.

 

Only their shoulders, collarbones, and the faint curves of their figures were visible above the water.

 

Hearing Jiang Jixue’s words, Quan Ruo’an gradually relaxed, no longer as stiff as before. At least now she could meet Jiang Jixue’s gaze.

 

It wasn’t that she was afraid to look; it was just that the combination of being an adult and a former lover made it difficult to be honest without things escalating.

 

The bathroom was so quiet that the sound of water rippling with each movement could be heard clearly.

 

Jiang Jixue splashed a token amount of water over herself, and immediately, a subtle current began to stir beneath the surface of the bathtub. As she swam closer, layers of warm water surged toward Quan Ruo’an’s lower abdomen.

 

Quan Ruo’an inhaled sharply, her body reacting strangely to the rhythmic pulses of the water.

 

Water droplets clung to Jiang Jixue’s face as she draped her wet arm across Quan Ruo’an’s shoulder, slowly encircling her neck. Her fingertips, still warm, rhythmically tapped the back of Quan Ruo’an’s neck in a teasing manner.

 

Quan Ruo’an swallowed hard, her gaze flickering evasively.

 

“Xiao Xue…”

 

Suddenly, something soft pressed against her ear. As Jiang Jixue swam closer, Quan Ruo’an had no choice but to spread her legs, creating space for her.

 

Now, her legs were “forced” to encircle Jiang Jixue.

 

“Elder Sister…” Jiang Jixue whispered, her breath warm and fragrant against Quan Ruo’an’s ear, her voice tinged with hurt. “I’ve missed you so much…”

 

Quan Ruo’an hesitated before lifting her hand from the water to gently stroke Jiang Jixue’s back. The exposed skin felt as smooth as mutton-fat jade, already growing cold.

 

“You’ve been in the water too long. Let’s get out now,” Quan Ruo’an said softly, her eyelashes glistening with droplets, her slightly parted lips tinted a seductive honey-gold by the warm light.

 

“No!” Jiang Jixue gripped Quan Ruo’an’s wrist and guided his hand down her body until it reached her inner thigh.

 

When Quan Ruo’an realized his fingertips had touched something intimate, he instinctively tried to pull his hand back.

 

The fiery heat from their earlier drunkenness seemed to surge back, making his heart race as if it were on fire.

 

Jiang Jixue tightened her grip, trapping his hand firmly in her palm.

 

She breathed softly into his ear, repeating gently and tenderly, “Elder Sister, I miss you so much… I miss you so much…”

 

With one hand supporting Quan Ruo’an’s thigh, she used her other to guide his hand deeper into the water.

 

To avoid slipping further down the bathtub wall, Quan Ruo’an had no choice but to wrap his arm around Jiang Jixue’s neck.

 

Inadvertently, his fingertips brushed against a hard scar beside her soft skin.

 

Quan Ruo’an couldn’t remember how they ended up in bed, but he recalled Xiao Xue’s meticulous and daring guidance, her initiative.

 

The shy little flower no longer concealed her desires.

 

She was bold, captivating, like a dodder vine entwining him, pulling them both into an abyss filled with their mingled breaths.

 

Outside the window, the rain pattered softly, dense and continuous.

 

Overnight, spring bamboo shoots burst through the earth. The wind and rain poured down until dawn, leaving only fallen petals scattered across the ground when they awoke the next morning.

 

The first rays of dawn pierced through layers of clouds, falling upon the pillow where their dark hair lay intertwined.

 

Jiang Jixue opened her eyes first. Seeing her hand resting on the waist of the person beside her, she smiled contentedly.

 

Finally, I’ve claimed her.

 

A distinct red scratch mark marred Quan Ruo’an’s neck—a souvenir from their passionate encounter the night before.

 

Under the influence of alcohol, Quan Ruo’an’s movements and voice had become even more languid and seductive. She had moved like a lithe serpent, slithering into Jiang Jixue’s body, her icy tail sweeping through every inch of her being, leaving behind a sticky trail.

 

The pleasure of their lovemaking lingered in Jiang Jixue’s mind, a sensation she savored repeatedly. She sat up, finally exhaling a sigh that had been held captive within her.

 

Her gaze settled on the woman beside her, who lay with only her profile visible. Reaching for her phone, she leaned down, framing both their faces in the screen. Click.

 

A trophy to remember this by. Heh.

 

Quan Ruo’an was awakened by the sound of the shower. As soon as she woke, she noticed a peculiar ache and heaviness in her wrist. When memories of the previous night flooded back, a wave of longing washed over her.

 

She admitted to herself that she was a person driven by desire. Jiang Jixue was the one who matched her perfectly in that regard. They had made love so often that even after leaving R City and settling into a small rented apartment in H City, she would still hallucinate Jiang Jixue’s breathy moans in her ear every night. Eventually, she simply used those phantom sounds to pleasure herself, over and over…

 

Quan Ruo’an realized that what had happened last night was real, and she stopped brooding over it. What’s done is done, she thought.

 

Just then, the shower stopped, and the bathroom door opened. Jiang Jixue emerged, draped in a bath towel. Her voice and gaze were calm as she asked, “Awake? Did you sleep well last night?”

 

Quan Ruo’an pulled back the corner of the blanket slightly and replied honestly, “Aside from some soreness in my palm and wrist, I slept okay.”

 

“There’s ointment. Apply some,” Jiang Jixue said, preoccupied with drying her hair and the remaining water droplets on her body. Ignoring whether anyone else was in the room, she yanked the towel up and strode over to the bedside with her long legs.

 

Only then did Quan Ruo’an clearly see the faint red marks on Jiang Jixue’s chest.

 

“My chest hurts so much because you suckled for so long last night,” Jiang Jixue said, a faint fragrance drifting from her as she sat down beside Quan Ruo’an, the bed dipping slightly under her weight. She held a piece of lingerie in her hand.

 

Jiang Jixue often mixed a hint of grievance into her otherwise cold, flat statements, like someone trying to feign softness despite lacking genuine emotion—a contradictory person.

 

Quan Ruo’an choked on her words, and it took her a long moment to finally stammer, “…I’m sorry.”

 

Jiang Jixue’s fingers moved to Quan Ruo’an’s hand resting on the blanket, gently grasping the hollow of her palm and stroking it with tender care. “It’s alright. After all, I made your hand hurt too, didn’t I? Elder Sister, if you really want to comfort me, you could sign that document.”

 

Her voice was coaxing and persuasive as she leaned in to embrace the equally naked figure on the bed, their bodies pressing tightly together.

 

“I want to do more for you. You helped me when I was at my lowest, and I want to repay you.”

 

Quan Ruo’an didn’t push her away. “Xiao Xue, this isn’t the same thing.”

 

“Mmm~” Jiang Jixue drawled, her voice lingering. “I don’t care. Once Azalea Snow is over, I’m going to Italy. I’ll stay there for a month or so, giving you plenty of time to think things through and sort out your own affairs.”

 

The warm breath from her lips was soft and gentle, her voice so tender it seemed almost ethereal. Quan Ruo’an placed her hands on Jiang Jixue’s shoulders and gently pushed her away, her voice tinged with surprise. “What are you going there for?”

 

Jiang Jixue’s smile widened, radiant and bright. “For you. I’ve contacted Teacher Hongfeng there. I’m going to study jewelry design under her.”

 

“Jiang Jixue!” Quan Ruo’an’s expression darkened with thinly veiled anger. The harsh words that had been on the tip of his tongue softened into, “I really don’t understand your behavior right now.”

 

Jiang Jixue’s faint smile remained unchanged as she gently stroked Quan Ruo’an’s cheek, her eyes radiating sincere devotion. “Elder Sister, my birthday is right after I return from Italy. I truly hope to receive a gift signed with your name. Going to Italy is also a gift from me to you. I hope we won’t let each other down. After all… in R City, we’re the only ones who truly understand and depend on each other.”

 

After speaking these words, she withdrew her hand, leaving behind only the lingering warmth and a faint tremor on the skin she had touched.

 

Quan Ruo’an stared at her flawless, innocent face, speechless.

 

This is blatant coercion and manipulation!

 

She’s becoming more and more twisted!

 

All her actions, strung together, paint the picture of a deranged psychopath!

 

Jiang Jixue chuckled softly, tapped the tip of his nose, and slowly stood up. She dressed in her underwear right in front of him.

 

As she left the room, she casually tossed a medicated patch onto the bed.

 

As if she had prepared it in advance.

 

Quan Ruo’an glanced at the patch beside him, his eyelid twitching involuntarily.

 

“Tingqin, I could have managed on my own. It’s really troubling you to come with me.”

 

“I’d rather accompany you. I’ve been there before, so I’m more familiar with the place.”

 

Jiang Jixue smiled helplessly and said nothing more.

 

“You know, you shouldn’t make such big decisions alone. Going abroad to study jewelry design is a major step—you should have told me first. I only found out from Teacher Hongfeng, and luckily I didn’t miss your flight.” Yue Tingqin sighed in relief.

 

“Well, you would have caught up eventually, right?” Jiang Jixue retorted.

 

“Ha ha ha, true enough. But what if you got robbed blind before I arrived?”

 

“……”

 

The two continued chatting and laughing as they boarded the plane.

 

Meanwhile, Quan Ruo’an received an invitation to a drinking party hosted by Hara.

 

To avoid gossip spreading like wildfire and to prevent old troubles from his past life as Quan Ruo’an from resurfacing, he declined.

 

At ten o’clock that evening, after showering, he emerged and continued to study the contract he had left on the table, his hand still bandaged.

 

Jiang Jixue’s parting words echoed in Quan Ruo’an’s mind, as if another self were compelling her. The two voices were indistinguishable.

 

She knew signing the contract would lead to irreversible consequences, yet she couldn’t refuse.

 

The water bar’s display case was stocked with her usual brand of slim cigarettes.

 

Quan Ruo’an set down the document folder, rose, and retrieved a pack from the counter. She tore it open and took out a box.

 

A crimson spark flared in the darkness, expanding briefly before retreating and shrinking.

 

Smoke curled from the woman’s slightly parted lips and nostrils.

 

Beneath the night sky, the long-haired woman stood on the balcony, her eyes filled with melancholy, betraying hidden thoughts.

 

Her black hair danced in the breeze as she finished the cigarette. Quan Ruo’an casually tossed the butt into a nearby trash can and returned to the sofa.

 

Her hand, still bandaged, trembled slightly as she gripped the pen, but when she began to write, her strokes regained their usual bold, steady flair.

 

Her flamboyant signature landed with a flourish within the designated space for the second party.

 

Being kept by her… perhaps that would be a kind of happiness. Quan Ruo’an lit another cigarette, a faint smile playing on her lips as Jiang Jixue’s cold yet endearing face drifted into her thoughts.

 

During the month Xiao Xue was in Italy, Jiang Jixue’s trial was scheduled to begin.

 

If the case could be resolved smoothly, she could recover the funds step by step and get back on her feet without relying on Xiao Xue’s help.

 

Italy was six hours behind China. While the architecture in the streets and alleys exuded a grand, classical charm, the intermittent stench of urine made one want to pinch their nose while walking.

 

Jiang Jixue received the photo of the contract signed by Quan Ruo’an while strolling through an art-filled neighborhood.

 

Golden sunlight streamed into the narrow alleyway. Jiang Jixue abruptly stopped, grabbing Yue Tingqin’s sleeve. “Tingqin, I’m tired. Let’s sit down and rest at a café first.”

 

Yue Tingqin immediately noticed the undisguised joy in Jiang Jixue’s eyes regarding the contract. For some reason, she felt a faint sense of unease, but she still managed a smile. “Alright, let’s go.”

 

A café happened to be right on their left.

 

Seated at a table with steaming cappuccinos before them, Jiang Jixue smiled down at her phone, repeatedly zooming in and out on the contract photo, examining it over and over.

 

She sent a voice message, her tone rising with barely concealed excitement and joy.

 

“Thank you! This is the best gift I’ve ever received. Elder Sister, wait for me to come home!”

 

“Elder Sister?” Yue Tingqin, sitting across from her, looked up and asked.

 

“Yes. Tingqin, she’s back.”

 

Yue Tingqin’s mind froze for a few seconds, her head spinning with countless “she”s.

 

“Wh… what?” Her voice trembled as the words escaped her lips.

 

“Queen, Quan Ruo’an,” she declared to her friend across the table, unable to suppress her smile. “Tingqin, I’m going to be her chief designer.”

 

“No wonder! No wonder you suddenly said you wanted to work in the jewelry industry…”

 

“It wasn’t sudden at all. I decided this long ago. For a year after graduation, I actually worked as a marketing intern at Queen. But before I could get a permanent position, the company ran into trouble. Now I guess I’m just picking up where I left off?”

 

“So that’s how it is… I haven’t been around these past few years, so I don’t know much about what’s been happening with you.” Yue Tingqin heard her own voice sounding distant and unreal.

 

“It’s all in the past,” Jiang Jixue said, taking a sip of her coffee. “Even though we missed those years together, we’re still friends now, aren’t we?”

 

“Mm… still friends.”

 

Yue Tingqin fell ill on his third day in Italy and had to return home early.

 

Jiang Jixue stayed behind alone. After several days of working with the designer Teacher Hongfeng had introduced her to, she discovered that the designer had once created a jewelry collection for Queen. This made learning the craft even more enjoyable and effortless.

 

After spending half a month there, a new exhibition opportunity arose back home. Since Jiang Jixue was abroad, she had no choice but to entrust the matter to the person at home.

 

Quan Ruo’an had just returned from court when Jiang Jixue called.

 

“Elder Sister, how have you been lately?” Jiang Jixue’s voice, like a cold winter wind, swept crisply into his ear.

 

“I’m doing well. What about you?” Quan Ruo’an stood by the window, a faint smile unconsciously curving his lips.

 

Since the contract had been finalized, their conversations had become tacitly relaxed and casual.

 

“I’m doing well too. Hmm… the museum’s moving company is coming this afternoon to move the paintings. Could you keep an eye on them for me?”

 

“A new exhibition?” Quan Ruo’an asked.

 

“Yes, they’re being transported to H City,” Jiang Jixue’s voice came through the phone. “Remember to tell them the paintings are in the second-to-last room on the second floor. Don’t let them enter the very last room. I’ve already sent them the inventory list. You just need to make sure they don’t move the wrong ones.”

 

“…Okay.”

 

“Love you, Ruo’an.”

 

Jiang Jixue hung up reluctantly, the smile still stiff on her lips. She let out a long sigh, mentally savoring the name “Ruo’an” over and over.

 

Finally, she could call her that openly.

 

It’s good to be a woman with money.

 

That afternoon, Quan Ruo’an indeed waited for the moving company’s truck.

 

Following Jiang Jixue’s instructions, she led them to the designated room on the second floor.

 

The room contained only two four-tiered shelves; otherwise, it was empty. Large paintings lay on the floor, while smaller ones were stacked on the shelves. This was Quan Ruo’an’s first time entering the room, and she couldn’t help but be stunned by the magnificent, vibrant artworks.

 

Half the paintings were framed, while the other half remained in their original oil painting frames. Some were vibrant and dreamlike, while others were heavy and oppressive.

 

Regardless, they were all exceptional works.

 

Quan Ruo’an’s gaze casually landed on a painting, and she immediately deciphered its symbolism.

 

For instance, a tall, vertical canvas depicted a jewel-encrusted crown gleaming against a sallow yellow background. The crown rested on the head of a woman whose face was veiled by a red cloth.

 

In the local religious culture, red cloth was traditionally draped over statues of deities.

 

The painting was titled “Queen.”

 

Quan Ruo’an suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to see if the face beneath that red cloth was her own.

 

“Your wife must be an artist,” the middle-aged woman from the moving company said, handing her a checklist. “These paintings are truly beautiful.”

 

Same-s3x marriage had long ceased to be a novelty.

 

Quan Ruo’an glanced at the list, which detailed the titles of the artworks. “Yes, they are indeed beautiful,” she replied.

 

“How wonderful! Seeing these paintings every day must bring you so much joy…”

 

After speaking, the woman and her husband began moving the paintings in the order listed.

 

Quan Ruo’an silently added to herself: She didn’t see those beautiful paintings every day.

 

During their time together, Xiao Xue always flattered her by catering to her interests—s3x, jewelry, fashion, and food.

 

Apart from that one private photo session with ulterior motives, Quan Ruo’an had never seen her paint.

 

That “private photo” still remained in their rented apartment in H City.

 

It was the only item she had brought from R City besides her clothes.

 

How blind and arrogant I was back then…

 

Thinking I could get away with anything because I was beautiful and wealthy.

 

Quan Ruo’an rubbed her temples, thinking that Xiao Xue’s return from Italy would coincide with her twenty-sixth birthday.

 

She pondered what gift to give her.

 

Except for one year when they had a falling out and she skipped Xiao Xue’s birthday, she had always given her a high-end item or piece of clothing as a birthday gift every year during their contract period.

 

But now, Xiao Xue had spread her wings and no longer needed Quan Ruo’an to deliver these gifts.

 

Quan Ruo’an frowned, lost in thought.

 

What was it that Xiao Xue had always yearned for?

 

A sudden realization struck Quan Ruo’an, sending shivers down his spine.

 

The moving company had already left, leaving him alone in the vast house.

 

Quan Ruo’an opened the chat history on his phone and scrolled back to the first day they had added each other as friends.

 

Jixue: Every time I step out of the shower, naked, and sit on the edge of the bed staring blankly ahead, I feel a strange daze. It’s like you should be kneeling in front of me, Elder Sister.

 

Jixue: We never used to do this before. You always refused to use your mouth.

 

Jixue: Could you help me tonight?

 

Quan Ruo’an’s gaze lingered on these three lines, his mind racing.

 

Not enough.

 

Far from enough.

 

And reeking of vulgarity, as cheap as it gets.

 

Quan Ruo’an wasn’t so destitute that she couldn’t afford a proper gift and had to resort to offering herself as compensation.

 

However… such a gesture could serve as an additional gift, but never the primary one.

 

Unconsciously, subtly, Quan Ruo’an’s firm resolve against being swayed by beauty began to waver.

 

The day after making her decision, she tracked down the Jade Jin Family, the former supplier of jade materials for Queen Jewelry. While Queen’s designs primarily featured gemstones, there had been a brief period when they also produced a jade series.

 

The Jade Jin Family had been one of their suppliers. Due to their frequent trips to Myanmar and other regions, the eldest daughter, Jin Yaoyao, was notoriously elusive.

 

Fortunately, Quan Ruo’an happened to catch her just before Grandmother Jin’s ninetieth birthday. The Jin family’s descendants had already returned early and were gathered in R City, eagerly awaiting the grand celebration.

 

Quan Ruo’an found Jin Yaoyao the day before Grandmother Jin’s ninetieth birthday.

 

“My grandmother still talks about you often,” Jin Yaoyao said. “Ever since she saw you and my brother chatting so warmly at the last family banquet, she’s been trying to pair you two up. She keeps asking me, ‘Has Young President Quan returned yet? Has Ruo’an come back?’ It’s enough to make my ears numb.”

 

“You should have just told the old lady that Young President Quan prefers women.”

 

“How could I? She’d see me, a thirty-two-year-old unmarried woman, right there! What if she tried to set us up?”

 

“That would be my honor.”

 

“Get lost. Don’t you know I’m an aromantic asexual?”

 

The two women followed the waiter toward their private room, chatting as they walked.

 

“The reason I contacted you, President Jin, was to ask for a piece of jade,” Quan Ruo’an said.

 

Jin Yaoyao simply asked, “Am I the first person President Quan has met in R City since returning?”

 

Excluding Xiao Xue, Hara, and Ruo Shui, who was still in prison, Jin Yaoyao was indeed the first business partner Quan Ruo’an had met publicly since her return.

 

“Yes,” Quan Ruo’an replied, organizing her thoughts. “I’ve been cooped up at home so long, I’m practically growing moss. It’s my beloved’s birthday soon, and I want to make her a pair of jade earrings.”

 

Xiao Xue possessed a cool, ethereal beauty, like a celestial being untouched by earthly concerns. Earrings crafted from cool, lustrous jade would be the perfect complement to her otherworldly grace.

 

“Someone you like? You haven’t confirmed your relationship yet? Tsk, that’s rare. Even without Jiang Shan, our President Quan still has that face and her refined aura. Is there anyone she can’t win over?” Jin Yaoyao rattled off, then added earnestly, “Unless the other person is a super-duper, steel-clad, straight woman.”

 

Quan Ruo’an’s eyes softened with a gentle smile. “She’s not straight. It’s just that we haven’t confirmed our relationship yet.”

 

Quan Ruo’an suddenly understood Jiang Jixue, who had been her “kept woman” since their junior year of college six years ago. When asked about their relationship, Jixue had never been able to bring herself to say the word “kept.”

 

Now, Quan Ruo’an found herself in the same position, being “kept” by a younger former lover. She couldn’t bring herself to say it either, resorting to vague evasions.

 

“Then I’ll need Young President Quan to show me a photo of her.”

 

Jin Yaoyao possessed not only exceptional talent with jade but also remarkable skill in assessing people to select the perfect materials. She could choose jade that harmonized with a person’s temperament and the most suitable style for carving.

 

Quan Ruo’an immediately retrieved a photo from her album and showed it to Jin Yaoyao.

 

When Jin Yaoyao saw the person in the photo, she suddenly smiled. “Now I understand why President Quan of Queen Jewelry, who dominates the jewelry world, chose jade as a gift. Her aura is indeed cool and aloof, like misty rain—cold yet moist. And I know her—Jiang Jixue, the beautiful painter from Azalea Snow.” Jin Yaoyao handed the phone back to her. “My cousin dragged me to this exhibition the day after I returned.”

 

“This world truly values subtlety and fate,” Quan Ruo’an said with a smile, though goosebumps had already risen on her arm beneath her sleeve.

 

“I hope President Jin will keep our relationship a secret,” Quan Ruo’an said, still worried that revealing their connection might negatively affect Xiao Xue.

 

“Of course. I’m actually looking forward to collaborating with President Quan again,” Jin Yaoyao replied. “Did you enjoy the Chinese lunch today? Since you came to see me first upon your return, consider that jade piece my welcome gift. I also hope you and your… beloved will be together forever. That should quickly dissuade my grandmother from trying to match our families.”

 

Quan Ruo’an smiled sincerely. “Thank you.”

 

“One last favor, President Quan?” Jin Yaoyao asked. “I’d like to invite you to my grandmother’s family banquet tomorrow.”

 

“But I haven’t prepared any congratulatory gifts,” Quan Ruo’an said, sounding genuinely troubled. The upper class moved in tight circles, and she felt it wasn’t the right time for her to be in the spotlight.

 

“It’s just a family banquet!” Jin Yaoyao emphasized, sensing her hesitation. “Don’t worry about gifts. It’s just twenty of us gathering for a meal.”

 

“So I’d be the only outsider there?”

 

Jin Yaoyao: “Exactly.”

 

Quan Ruo’an: “……”

 

In the end, she agreed.

 

Back home, Jin Yaoyao asked Jiang Jixue for her exact birthday to ensure there was enough time for the material selection and polishing process. She promised to send photos of suitable materials via WeChat for Quan Ruo’an to choose personally.

 

Quan Ruo’an owed Jin Yaoyao a significant favor. As soon as she returned home, she called Jiang Jixue. Using the walk-in closet still required the owner’s permission.

 

Standing before the walk-in closet, surrounded by its dazzling array of clothes and accessories, Quan Ruo’an felt no flicker of desire. Things she had once possessed, even after losing them, held no allure when they reappeared before her.

 

Despite her indifference to luxury brands, the gravity of tomorrow’s occasion required her to meticulously dress herself, transforming into a presentable version of herself.

 

“Ruo’an?” During her moment of aloofness, the call had already connected, and a crisp, clear voice as cold as snow water answered.

 

Ever since that parking garage incident, when she had deliberately called her name with a hint of slyness, every subsequent phone call had begun with an affectionate “Ruo’an.”

 

“Xiao Xue. I’m attending a banquet tomorrow and wanted to borrow your wardrobe. Is that alright?”

 

During the brief silence, Quan Ruo’an could almost picture Jiang Jixue’s furrowed brow and troubled expression.

 

“Whose banquet is it? Will people we used to know be there?” Jiang Jixue bit her lip. “They won’t try to force you to bring a date, will they…?”

 

After all this time, she’s still worried about that?

 

Quan Ruo’an couldn’t help but smile as she patiently explained, “It’s a family banquet hosted by my former raw material suppliers. Their grandmother is turning ninety tomorrow, and since we haven’t seen each other in ages, she wanted to catch up. Hmm… I haven’t received any instructions to bring a date. There will only be about twenty people in total.”

 

Quan Ruo’an could sense the relief in Jiang Jixue’s voice. She heard her take a deep breath and say, “Alright, be careful and don’t drink too much.”

 

“Mm,” Quan Ruo’an murmured, clutching the phone and waiting quietly for what would come next. As she had anticipated, the sound of melting snowflakes gradually seeped into her ear through the receiver. “Feel free to use the walk-in closet. Many of the items there exist because of you.”

 

Many exist because of me?

 

No, everything in this villa existed because of her.

 

After Jiang Jixue finished speaking, she let out a long, relieved breath.

 

A designer friend of Jiang Jixue had once remarked that her actions resembled mourning a “widow” who was no longer “in this world.”

 

The call ended. Quan Ruo’an stared at the room full of clothes, feeling a surreal sense of detachment, as if she were in another world.

 

Her heart had already been tightly wrapped by a dense tangle of emotions.

 

No longer veiled in ambiguity, they were gradually piercing through the fog.

 

On the day of the birthday banquet, Quan Ruo’an wore a black mermaid-cut gown with a slit, draped with a black double-breasted blazer. Her long hair was slicked back with gel, revealing her full, smooth forehead. She accessorized with a pair of shimmering tassel earrings and ten-centimeter heels.

 

Her mere presence radiated an invisible aura that stretched hundreds of meters, her brilliance and confidence as striking as a queen’s.

 

This year, Grandmother Jin’s birthday banquet wasn’t held at a hotel or villa. Considering it a family affair, they hired a professional chef from a five-star hotel to prepare the meal at home. Jin Yaoyao even sent a chauffeur to pick her up and ensure she didn’t have to lift a finger.

 

During the drive, the chauffeur glanced at the elegant woman in the back seat through the rearview mirror and said humbly, “Miss Quan, you are a distinguished guest. Our grandmother has been thinking of you.”

 

Quan Ruo’an smiled politely. “Please thank her for her concern. I’ll see her soon.”

 

Upon arriving at the Jin Family’s ancestral mansion, where generations had lived, the butler greeted her at the entrance and led her inside.

 

Stepping through the grand doorway and traversing the long foyer, the opulent and majestic living room came into view. A sweeping glance revealed the entire Jin Family gathered—standing, sitting, and milling about. Most of them were familiar faces from previous gatherings; there were indeed no outsiders present. As Quan Ruo’an entered, every gaze turned toward her.

 

Jin Yaoyao walked over and grabbed Quan Ruo’an’s wrist, turning to her and saying, “Grandmother is on the third floor. Let me take you up there first.”

 

After nodding to everyone present, Quan Ruo’an allowed Jin Yaoyao to lead her to the elevator. They rode it up to the third floor.

 

During the brief elevator ride, Jin Yaoyao said, “My grandmother knows about what happened with Queen. She’s very worried about you, thinking you must have suffered terribly all these years without any support. Please forgive her if she says anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

 

“I understand,” Quan Ruo’an replied, giving her a reassuring look.

 

What could the old woman possibly say? she thought. She’ll just think I’ve gone from a pampered heiress to being completely vulnerable, and that I should quickly marry into their family for security and happiness in my later years.

 

Though the concern from strangers warmed her heart for a moment, it was still tinged with ulterior motives.

 

Quan Ruo’an put on his usual social smile and, accompanied by the radiant Jin Yaoyao, pushed open the door to the third-floor bedroom.

 

The spacious chamber was filled with the lingering scent of sandalwood incense, and two large vases, each over a meter tall, stood on either side of the entrance.

 

“Grandmother, look who I’ve brought!” Jin Yaoyao lowered her typically loud, clear voice as she stepped lightly and slowly into the room.

 

Quan Ruo’an followed behind her, moving with equal care.

 

The elderly woman turned her wheelchair, her pupils clouded with a milky gray haze. When she recognized the person standing beside Jin Yaoyao, her trembling fingers rose, pointing at the woman with disbelief.

 

“You… you’re Quan, Quan, Quan…” The old woman’s memory had grown frail, her thoughts flickering between forgotten moments and fleeting recollections.

 

Quan Ruo’an stepped forward and gently took the elderly woman’s hand. “Grandmother, I’m Ruo’an. Quan Ruo’an.”

 

The old woman stared blankly for a long moment before repeatedly patting the back of Quan Ruo’an’s hand, her voice breaking into a tearful lament.

 

“Poor child,” the old woman said, her cloudy gaze settling on Ruo’an’s radiant face. “I’ve heard about your family. Your mother endured so much to raise you, only to leave you all alone… My poor child, have you been managing financially these past few years? Why didn’t you come to me sooner?” Her eyes lingered on the dark circles under Ruo’an’s eyes and the way her hair was pulled back so tightly. “Are you not sleeping well? And why is your hair styled so severely?”

 

“Grandmother, please don’t worry about me,” Ruo’an replied, her voice gentle. “I’ve been doing just fine. I’m sleeping well—what you’re seeing is just my eye makeup.”

 

Quan Ruo’an maintained a faint smile throughout the conversation.

 

“Ruo’an, you’re not getting any younger,” the old woman continued. “Why not just move in with us? We have a full staff—butlers, maids, drivers. You need someone to take care of you, so your mother can rest peacefully in the afterlife…”

 

By the time Ruo’an returned from the Jin Family, it was past midnight.

 

She stumbled weakly through the door.

 

As soon as she switched on the light, she saw a woman sitting unexpectedly on the living room sofa.

 

The woman’s long, wavy hair cascaded down her back. Her pale, luminous arms were crossed over her chest as she frowned slightly at Ruo’an.

 

Her first words were, “Ruo’an, you’re drunk, just as I suspected.”