My Black Moonlight Wife Says She Loves Me - Chapter 17

Huo Jianan was overjoyed to be discharged from the hospital. The moment she stepped outside, she felt the fresh air fill her lungs with newfound freedom.

The bandages had been removed, revealing a bald patch on her head—a temporary eyesore. Doctor Zhou advised her to wait a few more days until the wound fully healed before washing her hair.

This was Huo Jianan’s first time seeing the Huo Family Villa: grand, majestic, and lavish without being ostentatious. She had never dared to dream of living in such a magnificent home. Overwhelmed with excitement, she silently calculated in her mind how many hundreds of millions it must have cost to purchase.

To accommodate Huo Jianan’s limited mobility, the three-story villa had been equipped with an elevator. She explored each floor with keen interest, and Butler He, noticing her enthusiasm, pushed her around in her wheelchair to see every corner of the estate.

The first floor housed the living room, conference hall, activity room, bar, and kitchen. The second floor contained Grandma Huo’s bedroom, study, piano room, and art studio. On the third floor, Sister Meng’s bedroom and study occupied the west wing, while Huo Jianan and Ruan Nianning’s bedroom and study were located in the east wing. A rooftop observation deck offered panoramic views, perfect for enjoying tea, conversation, and the scenery on clear days.

After over two decades of being a corporate drone, Huo Jianan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, This is what life is supposed to be!

“The study used to be on the third floor,” Butler He explained. “But after you moved back in, Madam worried it wasn’t spacious enough, so she had it moved to the second floor and converted this room into a study.”

Huo Jianan entered the study, which resembled more of a gaming room. A massive display screen dominated one wall, beneath which several gaming consoles were neatly arranged. A wall-mounted cabinet was meticulously organized with various game cartridges and peripherals, while collectible figurines lined the shelves. A sofa faced the screen, with two gaming controllers resting on the coffee table.

It seemed the original owner had been a true gaming enthusiast—and a remarkably tidy one at that. This must have been her favorite space, where she likely spent countless hours and poured considerable effort into its arrangement.

“Butler He,” Huo Jianan said, “please set up a small desk and chair against that wall over there.”

Huo Jianan wasn’t particularly fond of gaming. She’d pulled all-nighters playing with roommates during her student days, but after three years as a corporate drone, commuting daily from nine to six and working like a dog, her passion had waned considerably.

Reluctant to disturb the existing setup, Huo Jianan only asked Butler He to bring in a desk and chair. Hearing the young mistress’s request, Butler He paused briefly before replying, “Very well, Miss. I’ll have it done today.”

Afterward, Huo Jianan went to the bedroom.

On the night she first transmigrated, she discovered her legs were paralyzed, leaving her shocked and overwhelmed. Her emotions ran high, and she later collapsed from a brain hemorrhage, requiring emergency hospitalization. Today was the first time she could truly examine the bedroom she shared with Ruan Nianning.

The bedroom was vast, larger than her entire apartment in her previous life. It featured opulent European-style decor, with light-colored, textured wallpaper, a spacious king-sized bed, and an exquisite vanity. To one side of the vanity was a walk-in closet, adjacent to the bathroom. On the other side stood a comfortable sofa, next to a flower stand displaying a bouquet of fresh, vibrant pink roses. The curtains were drawn back in graceful arches, allowing the perfect sunlight to stream in from the spacious balcony outside, filling the room with a cheerful, sunlit ambiance.

Huo Jianan circled the expansive bedroom, finally stopping before the delicate white wooden door leading to the balcony. Even from here, she could glimpse the garden scenery through the intricately carved railings.

She was thoroughly pleased with the bedroom, if only it weren’t for that slightly awkward oil painting on the wall.

The painting hung on the wall beside the bed. It depicted a young woman in a white nightgown, the gown slipped down to her waist, leaving a slender, snow-white arm barely concealing her overflowing br3asts. Her eyes were closed as she leaned back slightly against the person behind her, her neck arched. The figure behind her, only half her face visible, gazed with half-lidded eyes, her expression one of sated adoration. A trace of fresh bl00d lingered at the corner of her lips, suggesting she had been licking or gently biting the nape of the woman in her arms.

Huo Jianan’s face flushed crimson. She wouldn’t have understood the painting before, but now, even she could recognize it as an act of marking—the most intimate act in the ABO world.

Butler He, noticing Miss Huo staring at the painting, asked nervously, “Miss, is something wrong? Has it not been properly maintained? Should we send it for professional restoration?”

Huo Jianan thought, Ruan Nianning lives with me, seeing this suggestive painting first thing every morning and last thing every night. She must curse her enemy’s daughter as vulgar countless times!

Better not provoke her disgust and hatred.

“Butler He, please take this painting to the art studio and store it away.”

Butler He was startled. “Miss, you paid a fortune for this painting. Are you sure you want to put it away?”

He remembered vividly how, a year ago, Miss Huo had spent a small fortune at an auction to acquire it. She had been ecstatic at the time, declaring that she would hang it in their bedroom when she married Miss Ruan!

Huo Jianan showed no hesitation or regret. “Yes, put it away.”

Moments later, Ruan Nianning entered the room. “Sorry, I was on a call that ran longer than expected.” She took the wheelchair from Butler He. “I’ll push her. Butler He, Jianan is being discharged today, and there’s a lot to do. Go take care of the other tasks.”

Huo Jianan added, “That’s right. Grandma said we should have a celebratory dinner tonight. Tell the kitchen to prepare extra dishes. With the Young Mistress here, Butler He, what are you worried about?”

Butler He smiled. “Very well, then. I’ll get back to work.”

After Butler He left, Ruan Nianning asked warmly, “Jianan, do you want to play some games? Shall we go play?”

Huo Jianan shook her head. “No, gaming is too taxing. I’m afraid of the noise.”

Ruan Nianning’s eyes flickered with surprise, the shock vanishing as quickly as it appeared. She said calmly, “Alright, how about we take a walk in the garden?”

“Sounds lovely. Let’s go to the garden.”

As Ruan Nianning pushed Huo Jianan out of the bedroom and toward the elevator, they encountered a young maid in the hallway. The girl was just emerging from Meng Xi’en’s study on the west side, carrying a duster and a vacuum cleaner.

“Good morning, Miss,” the maid greeted them.

Huo Jianan nodded. This must be the girl specifically assigned to clean Meng Xi’en’s quarters. She wanted to greet her, but she didn’t recognize her.

Ruan Nianning noticed Huo Jianan sitting stiffly in her wheelchair, maintaining a social smile but remaining silent. Unlike her usual self, who always struck up a conversation, she decided to greet the girl herself. “Xiao Tao, you’ve grown even more beautiful since I last saw you.” Her gaze deliberately swept over Huo Jianan, observing her reaction.

As expected, Huo Jianan’s eyes lit up, and she naturally chimed in, “Xiao Tao.”

Ruan Nianning’s heart skipped a beat. This woman clearly didn’t recognize Xiao Tao—a maid who had served the Huo family for four or five years.

The two women boarded the elevator and descended to the ground floor.

The November air was already quite chilly, the vegetation withered. The white magnolia trees in the Huo Family Villa stood bare, while the garden’s shrubs and lawn remained lush and green. Crossing the lawn, they reached a glass sunroom nestled in a corner of the garden, where vibrant flowers bloomed in full splendor, their colors dazzling. Roses, in particular, bloomed in a dazzling array of hues.

Inside the greenhouse stood a table and several chairs, providing a cozy spot for the owner to admire the flowers and enjoy tea.

Ruan Nianning sat gracefully in a chair, her slender legs crossed elegantly. She watched Huo Jianan maneuver her wheelchair, her smile unwavering as Huo Jianan enthusiastically admired the flowers—flowers Ruan Nianning had seen hundreds, even thousands, of times, their novelty long worn off.

Her gaze remained fixed on Huo Jianan, her smile unwavering, but her heart churned with tumultuous waves.

This person was so different from the Huo Jianan she had known for two years. Many mannerisms—the way she scratched her head, the gentle tilt of her head when she smiled, her soothing tone of voice, and her comfortable pace of speech—none of these had ever been present in the Huo Jianan she remembered.

After a moment’s thought, Ruan Nianning spoke up, “Jianan, I’m having dinner with some friends tomorrow night. I won’t be home for dinner.”

Huo Jianan lowered her head to stroke a beautiful rose Ruan Nianning didn’t recognize. This variety was unlike any she had ever seen before, its large, opulent blooms radiating an air of refined elegance—clearly a rare and precious specimen.

Without turning her head, Huo Jianan remained absorbed in admiring the unfamiliar flower, her voice cheerful, “That sounds lovely. Where are you going? If it’s good, we should try it sometime too!”

Ruan Nianning raised an eyebrow, the phrase “like a completely different person” suddenly flashing through her mind.

When Huo Jianan heard that Ruan Nianning was going out to dinner with friends, she would become agitated and frantic, demanding, “Who are they? Men or women? Alphas, Betas, or Omegas? Do you really have to go?”

This version seemed much more focused on the food.

Ruan Nianning smiled. “Alright, if the food is good, we’ll come here together next time.”

To celebrate Huo Jianan’s discharge from the hospital, the dinner was indeed exceptionally lavish. Huo Jianan, who had spent her previous life as a working-class wage slave, was once again awestruck.

Grandma Huo had returned home early from the company today, sitting regally at the head of the table. Her naturally silver-white hair framed her face, and her elegant attire was made of exquisite, high-end materials. Seated in her position, she exuded the aura of a stern, shrewd, and capable matriarch.

“Let’s raise our glasses to celebrate Nannan’s recovery and discharge from the hospital.”

Grandma Huo and Ruan Nianning’s glasses held red wine, while Huo Jianan’s contained fruit juice.

The three clinked glasses, and Huo Jianan began to eat. There were large crabs, lobsters, thinly sliced meat of unknown origin but exquisite flavor, succulent fish, and a soup so delicious it was beyond description.

Grandma Huo’s granddaughter seemed to have a hearty appetite. The girl, who usually ate her meals as if enduring torture, now devoured everything with gusto, savoring each bite.

Grandma Huo smiled warmly. “Nannan, eat whatever you like.”

“Mm, I’m eating, Grandma. You should eat too.”

Huo Jianan picked up the serving chopsticks, intending to serve her grandmother, but hesitated, unsure what to choose. Just then, Ruan Nianning suggested, “Jianan, this seafood soup is excellent. It’s light, nourishing, and perfect for Grandma.”

“Yes, yes,” Huo Jianan agreed, setting down the chopsticks and picking up a spoon to serve her grandmother a bowl. “Grandma, please try it.”

Butler He hurried forward to take the bowl and place it before Grandma Huo.

Huo Jianan glanced gratefully at Ruan Langlang. “Wife, you should eat too. You’ve been working so hard taking care of me at the hospital these past few days.”

Grandma Huo glanced at the two of them before speaking slowly, “Nianning, now that you’ve married into the Huo family, you should announce your retirement from acting soon. Settle down at home, take care of Jianan, and start a family early.”

Huo Jianan’s heart sank. She shot a worried glance at Ruan Langlang, noticing the slight furrow in her brow—a clear sign of displeasure.

“Grandma, since you brought it up, I wanted to talk to you about something. Nianning and I are young, so there’s no rush to have children.”

“You want to enjoy being a couple for a few more years?” Grandma Huo asked.

“Exactly,” Huo Jianan said, forcing a sweet, ingratiating smile. “How do you understand me so well, Grandma?”

Grandma Huo chuckled. “Alright, I won’t interfere. Do as you please. Just wait a couple of years before having children.”

Huo Jianan: “……” She just said she wouldn’t interfere, but now she’s telling us to have kids in two years.

“Thank you, Grandma,” Huo Jianan said cautiously, stealing glances at her grandmother’s expression. “There’s one more thing I wanted to discuss.”

“Go on,” Grandma Huo said, slowly savoring the seafood porridge her granddaughter had served her. This seemed to be the first time in two years that her granddaughter had shown her any affection.

“I don’t think Nianning needs to retire from acting. She’s so talented! As long as she avoids overly explicit roles, I don’t see why she can’t continue acting…”

Before Huo Jianan could finish, Grandma Huo’s face darkened. “Absolutely not! Once she marries into the Huo Family, she can never act again.”

“Why not, Grandma? Acting isn’t illegal or immoral.”

“I said no, and that’s final!” Grandma Huo’s face turned ashen, her eyes blazing with elder’s authority. “If you bring this up again, the discussion is over!”

Huo Jianan froze, wanting to retort, but Butler He’s words flashed through her mind: Grandma’s heart is weak; we can’t upset her.

She swallowed her objections, forcing herself to remain silent.

Glancing sideways, she stole a look at Ruan Langlang, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange. Even in profile, her gaze was chillingly cold, terrifyingly so.

Huo Jianan’s heart shuddered. Oh no, Ruan Langlang hates me even more now!

If she really snaps, would she lose control and kill Grandma and me early? A double suicide?!

Cold sweat drenched Huo Jianan’s back. She resolved to try harder, determined to preserve her privileged life as the Huo Family’s heiress, with all its comforts and luxuries.

She glanced back at Grandma Huo, who was glaring at her with hawk-like intensity, her face etched with disappointment in her unworthy granddaughter.

Huo Jianan: “……”

This is so hard! Even as a wealthy heiress, I still have to walk on eggshells.

“Grandma, don’t be angry. It’s not a big deal. Getting upset over this isn’t worth it.”

Seeing her granddaughter finally relent, Grandma Huo’s expression softened. She lowered her head, silently took a few sips of porridge, and spoke again, “The Huo Family is a respectable household. How could we allow our daughter-in-law to flirt with others on screen, for the entire nation to see? This isn’t acting; it’s a slap in the face to the Huo Family.”

Ruan Nianning abruptly stood up. “I’m full. Enjoy your meal.”

Without another word, she turned and strode upstairs.

Butler He hurried after her. “Young Mistress, there are still dishes to be served.”

Grandma Huo sneered. “Let her go. Don’t bother her.”

Hearing this, Huo Jianan knew trouble was brewing. She quickly said, “Honey, are you feeling unwell? Go upstairs and rest. I’ll join you later.”

Ruan Nianning gave a noncommittal “hm” and continued upstairs.

Grandma Huo watched Ruan Nianning leave, then turned to her granddaughter with a cold smile. “You certainly dote on your wife.”

Huo Jianan: “……”

Help! Who understands the struggle of surviving between two Omegas?!

Grandma Huo: Did you see that? Your wife just gave me the cold shoulder!

Ruan Nianning: Did you see that? Grandma won’t let me film!

Huo Jianan: ……