My Black Moonlight Wife Says She Loves Me - Chapter 22

Ruan Nianning sat alone in the restaurant, gazing out at the dazzling city lights.

At nine o’clock on Changbin Avenue, the thick night sky slowly unfurled above, and countless lights gradually illuminated every corner of the city, shining as brilliantly as a crystal palace. Office buildings, shopping centers, and luxury residences stood shoulder to shoulder along both sides of Changbin Avenue, like mighty giants overlooking the bustling streets below, where pedestrians wove through the crowds like threads in a tapestry.

Ruan Nianning realized that marrying into the Huo Family had truly freed her from her former hectic life. When she was filming, she never had the time to enjoy a peaceful dinner alone, undisturbed.

She checked her phone. No missed calls, no new messages. It seemed Huo Jianan had completely lost interest in her.

After a moment’s thought, Ruan Nianning realized that wasn’t entirely true.

At least Huo Jianan had secured her the opportunity to film again, looked at her with tenderness, and smiled warmly at her.

They hadn’t shared any intimate contact for three days—no hand-holding, no kisses. Even when they slept in the same bed at night, they simply slept separately.

She no longer had to suppress her intense disgust and hatred to kiss the daughter of her enemy, forcing herself to smile and say she loved and liked her.

She should have felt relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Yet Ruan Nianning was surprised to find herself feeling neither relaxed nor joyful. A strange thought surfaced: Has Huo Jianan lost all interest in me?

But without Huo Jianan’s trust and reliance, how could she bring down the Huo Corporation and exact her revenge?

Ruan Nianning lifted her wine glass, idly swirling the crimson liquid. Just then, a phone rang, its sudden shrillness shattering the quiet of the private room.

She glanced at the phone on the table. The caller ID displayed only a string of numbers—a number Ruan Nianning knew by heart.

Her eyes lit up instantly. Setting down the glass, she snatched up the phone.

“Hello, Jianan.”

“Honey, are you done eating?”

“Yes, we’re just about to wrap up.”

“Are you planning anything else after dinner?”

“No, um, they’re going to a bar, but I’m heading home.”

“Great! I’ll wait for you.”

After hanging up, Ruan Nianning called the waiter for the bill. She put on her hat and mask, grabbed her bag, and left.

Leaving the relatively private VIP rooms, she turned into the long corridor. The restaurant was bustling at this hour, with indistinct sounds of laughter, chatter, and flirtatious banter drifting from the various private rooms. Some were likely business dinners, others gatherings with friends, and still others intimate dates between couples.

Ruan Nianning sent a message to her driver and hurried toward the elevator. Unexpectedly, she encountered someone in the hallway—a tall, thin man reeking of alcohol.

“Hey, isn’t that Sister Ning?” The man blocked her path, his drunken gaze raking over her with brazen familiarity. “Such a slender waist and long legs! That exposed calf of yours looks like jade—it must feel so smooth and delicate to the touch. Sister Ning, you’re newly married! I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you yet! Congratulations, congratulations!”

Ruan Nianning recognized him: Hu Hao, the son of Zou Guohua’s new wife’s sister. After failing the Art Entrance Examination, he’d become an extra, desperate to break into the entertainment industry and become famous. He’d repeatedly asked Zou Guohua to get Ruan Nianning to mentor him, but she had flatly refused every time.

Beyond her disdain for Zou Guohua and unwillingness to help him, there was a more fundamental reason: Hu Hao simply lacked any marketable qualities. His looks were mediocre at best, his acting skills nonexistent, and his ambition far exceeded his talent. He went around claiming to be Ruan Nianning’s relative, looking down on even the non-speaking extra roles. Yet despite all this, he fancied himself a ladies’ man, flaunting his 1.8-meter height and D-Class Alpha status as proof of his supposed charm. He flirted shamelessly with women everywhere, and had even once dared to set his sights on Ruan Nianning herself.

On set, Ruan Nianning never gave him a second glance. Now, meeting him in the hallway, she offered a cool “Oh, Liu Hao. What a coincidence.”

“Isn’t it just? I’m here dining with some industry veterans, and who do I run into but Sister Ning! Sister Ning, you’ve only gotten more beautiful since becoming the young mistress of a wealthy family.” As he spoke, he brazenly appraised the top-tier Omega.

Ruan Nianning suppressed her discomfort, her expression icy. “I have other matters to attend to. I won’t interrupt your gathering.” With that, she refused to give him another glance, grabbed her bag, and walked away.

Liu Hao watched her slender figure retreat, clad in pristine white like a blooming lily—delicate, graceful, and swaying with elegance. He waved dismissively. “Take care, Sister Ning.”

Once Ruan Nianning had entered the elevator and disappeared from sight, Liu Hao’s gaze darkened, his smile vanishing. He licked his parched lips and sneered, “What’s so special about her? She just married into a wealthy family!”

Ruan Nianning returned home and immediately went up to the third floor. From the spacious bedroom, she could hear the sounds of men and women talking and fighting. Pushing open the door, she found Huo Jianan sitting in her wheelchair, dressed in casual loungewear, watching TV with rapt attention.

It was a historical drama Ruan Nianning had starred in the previous year, where she played the world’s top female thief—a character renowned for both her beauty and martial arts prowess. The male lead was a noble prince with poor martial skills who, instead of enjoying his privileged status, preferred to roam the martial world, vowing to capture the female thief and bring her to justice.

In short, it was a classic enemies-to-lovers story: two bitter rivals who eventually fell for each other, proving that even the fiercest adversaries could find true love.

“Honey, you’re back!”

“Yeah. Why aren’t you watching Long Night Clear Song?”

Huo Jianan: “Isn’t that the show you’re starring in? Of course I’m watching my wife’s dramas!”

Ruan Nianning’s lips curved into a smile. “Is it good?”

“Amazing! I’m only on episode three, and I’m already laughing my head off.”

Ruan Nianning’s heart stirred, and she couldn’t help but wonder again: what was going on with Huo Jianan? She had watched this drama at least eight or ten times, yet Huo Jianan’s current enthusiasm made it seem like she was seeing it for the first time.

Suppressing her doubts, Ruan Nianning took off her coat and went to take a shower.

When Ruan Nianning emerged from the bathroom, a glass of honey lemon water sat on the table.

The television was off, and Huo Jianan was sitting on the bed. Seeing Ruan Nianning look over, Huo Jianan smiled. “Honey, I made you some lemon water. It’ll help after drinking.”

Ruan Nianning paused slightly, nodded, and murmured, “Mm,” before walking over to pick up the glass and drink.

Her mouth felt dry after drinking and showering, making the lemon water perfect.

The water was warm, with a subtle sweetness balanced by a hint of tartness. As Ruan Nianning drank, she couldn’t quite describe the complex emotions swirling within her.

During the most grueling days of filming, when she’d return home covered in bruises, scrapes, and sprains, weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering scent of alcohol from social engagements, she had often longed for a loving partner to bring her a glass of warm milk or hot water.

Now, someone had finally done it. Yet, ironically, this person was the daughter of her enemy, and Ruan Nianning had married her solely for revenge.

The next day was the traditional homecoming visit to her parents. Huo Jianan had prepared everything in advance. “Honey, all the gifts for tomorrow’s homecoming visit are ready.”

Ruan Nianning’s mood soured at the mention. She reluctantly hummed in acknowledgment and set down the glass. “Don’t bring him too many gifts. We shouldn’t make it too easy for him.”

“I know, just some ordinary things. Honey, don’t worry about such trivial matters. It’s not worth letting it ruin your mood.”

Ruan Nianning glanced at her. The old Huo Jianan had a violent temper, smashing things whenever she was upset—anything within reach would be smashed to pieces.

At times like these, Nianning would remember being pinned against a wall, her belongings scattered across the floor. Books and homework spilled from her backpack, trampled and torn apart by those people. Her skirt had been ripped, her backpack slashed, and her hair hacked into a hideous mess.

She would freeze like a taut quail, eyes wide, her heart pounding uncontrollably. She wanted to run! She hated this barbaric violence, utterly despised the violent soul trapped within that disabled body.

But she needed revenge! She had to stay and get revenge!

At such moments, she would clench her fists, her face pale, desperately trying to calm Huo Jianan.

Now, the tables had turned, and Huo Jianan was the one comforting her.

Ruan Nianning said, almost unconsciously, “Jianan, you’re actually a pretty good person.”

Huo Jianan laughed, completely unconcerned. “I’ve always been a good person.”

Ruan Nianning’s heart skipped a beat, reinforcing her strange feeling that this person wasn’t the Huo Jianan she knew, but merely shared the same body. When she spoke, her snow-white, rosy lips curved into a playful and endearing smile.

Ruan Nianning lifted the covers and climbed into bed, suddenly leaning over to press a gentle, careful kiss against Huo Jianan’s lips.

Huo Jianan froze. Is Ruan Langlang back to her random kissing phase?

“Did you wash your hair?”

The mention of washing her hair lit up Huo Jianan’s face. “Finally! It feels so clean and my scalp feels so refreshed.”

Ruan Nianning’s lips curved into a smile. “How was your hospital checkup today? Is your head injury okay?”

“Fine. No problems.”

Ruan Nianning nodded. “I contacted Sister Luo today. We’re signing the contract tomorrow, and I’ll be joining the filming crew the day after.”

“That’s so soon?”

“The production’s been delayed. The director wants me on set as soon as possible. My flight to City D leaves at 9 a.m. the day after tomorrow.”

“Are you filming on location?”

“Some scenes will be shot on location, while others will be filmed on sets. Most of the filming will take place at the film studio and on green screen stages.”

Ruan Langlang was eager to start working, and Huo Jianan had no reason to stop her. She genuinely hoped that Ruan Langlang would find something she enjoyed doing beyond seeking revenge.

“I’ll take you to the airport the day after tomorrow morning.”

In the past, Ruan Nianning would have refused. She disliked Huo Jianan clinging to her all the time. Of course, Huo Jianan, who loved sleeping in, wouldn’t have suggested it anyway.

“Sure, but you’ll have to wake up early. Can you manage that?”

Huo Jianan playfully flicked Ruan Langlang’s nose and chuckled, “I actually woke up earlier than you today! Which little piggy was sleeping in this morning?”

The delicate, smooth sensation of her fingertip against Ruan Langlang’s skin felt like touching warm, creamy white jade or the softest silk—an indescribable tactile experience.

Realizing what she had just done, Huo Jianan’s face flushed crimson. She froze, stunned by her own audacity in flirting with Ruan Langlang.

Fortunately, Ruan Langlang didn’t seem to notice the transgression. She rolled over onto her back, like a little wolf cub playfully tumbling with its belly exposed, squinted her eyes, and grunted, “You’re the pig.”

After a while, when Ruan Langlang had fallen into a deep sleep, Huo Jianan climbed out of bed, transferred to her wheelchair, and quietly wheeled herself into the bathroom, gently closing the door behind her.

In the deserted bathroom late at night, she retrieved the vials of experimental medicine. Following Doctor Jiang’s instructions from earlier that day, she injected a small dose into each of her legs.

Ten minutes later, the drug began to take effect. Her previously numb legs started to tingle. Soon, a tearing pain gripped her muscles, as if they were being relentlessly stretched and torn apart. The muscles twisted and contorted under the agonizing strain.

Huo Jianan trembled violently, her teeth grinding together. She gripped the wheelchair armrests tightly, enduring the pain in silence.

Just as she was about to collapse from the wheelchair, she remembered Doctor Jiang’s words. Bending down with great effort, she began massaging her legs. Her hands pressed against the searing pain, but the relief was minimal. Huo Jianan’s hands shook as she mechanically massaged her legs, her movements stiff and robotic.

In her mind, she repeated over and over: Huo Jianan, you can do this! You will stand again! You will!

An hour later, Huo Jianan collapsed weakly into her wheelchair, gasping for breath.

In the silent bathroom, her ragged breathing was starkly audible, like that of a warrior who had survived a fierce battle. Though she had lived, she was utterly drained, lacking even the strength to sit up. She could only lie back on the battlefield, desperately sucking in air.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Huo Jianan finally regained some strength. She opened the door, propelled her wheelchair out, and quietly returned to bed.

The next morning, the alarm clock’s shrill ring instantly jolted Huo Jianan awake from her deep slumber. She reached for her phone and silenced the alarm.

She had injected herself with medication late the previous night. Whether it was exhaustion from the pain or some other reason, she had fallen asleep almost immediately upon lying down, sinking into a profound, dreamless sleep.

For the past few nights since transmigrating, Huo Jianan had struggled to sleep soundly. Even turning over in bed required tremendous effort, forcing her to minimize her movements. This made for restless nights, as she could only drift off when sheer exhaustion finally overwhelmed her.

But last night, she had fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Huo Jianan expertly got out of bed, washed up, brushed her hair, and dressed. Only after completing her morning routine did she go to wake Ruan Langlang.

“Honey, wake up. It’s time to get up.”

Ruan Nianning groggily opened her eyes. She couldn’t explain what had been happening to her lately. For three consecutive days, she had been sleeping incredibly deeply. While staying up late the previous two nights might have excused it, she had gone to bed early last night and still slept like the dead.

Ruan Nianning found it baffling. Years of irregular filming schedules had compromised her sleep quality. Moreover, with someone lying beside her, she would normally wake at the slightest movement. Yet she had slept straight through the night again, needing Huo Jianan to rouse her.

She slowly pushed herself up, her slender back leaning against the headboard. Still half-asleep, she exuded a languid charm. Her beautiful eyes were hazy, soft strands of hair lay scattered across her chest, and the strap of her nightgown had slipped off her shoulder, revealing a snowy expanse of skin and a glimpse of her cleavage.

The unexpected, sensual scene caught Huo Jianan off guard. She quickly averted her gaze. “I’ll go wait for you in the study. We can go downstairs together.”

Ruan Nianning, completely unaware that she was exposed, called out to Huo Jianan as she saw her about to leave in her wheelchair, “Jianan.”

Her voice was still raspy from sleep. Ruan Nianning cleared her throat. “What did you put in yesterday’s lemonade?”

Huo Jianan turned her wheelchair around, confused. “Just lemonade.”

“It tasted really good,” Ruan Nianning said, careful not to reveal her suspicion that Huo Jianan might have added something to make her sleep so deeply.

Huo Jianan smiled. “I added a little honey—just a touch. It won’t make you gain weight. It’s good for your skin, calms your nerves, and helps you sleep.”

Relief washed over Ruan Nianning. She nodded. “That explains why I slept so soundly. I almost couldn’t wake up again.”

Huo Jianan chuckled. “Don’t blame the lemonade. You’re just a sleepy little piglet.”

Before she could finish, a pillow smacked her.

Zou Guohua had woken up early, and his wife, Xu Yimei, was already up, applying makeup and fussing over her outfit. Seeing his wife’s slow pace, Zou Guohua rushed to wake up Zou Xiaojing. “Get up! Your sister will be home soon! Miss Huo is coming too!”

Zou Xiaojing was the eldest daughter of Zou Guohua and his new wife, nineteen years old and only six years younger than Ruan Nianning. She had originally had a younger sister, but the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.

This was another reason Ruan Nianning harbored such deep resentment toward her father. When her mother passed away and her father remarried, she had assumed the child in her stepmother’s womb was their first. It wasn’t until Zou Xiaojing appeared that she learned her father had been having an affair for years, with a child from another woman already several years old.

When Zou Xiaojing first heard Ruan Nianning was coming, she snorted dismissively and didn’t even bother to move. “So what if she’s coming? What’s the big deal?” But when she heard Miss Huo was coming too, she shot up from under the covers. “Huo Jianan is coming too?”

“Don’t call her by her first name! Address her as Miss Huo! She’s your sister’s new wife, of course she’ll be coming home with her!”

Zou Xiaojing’s eyes lit up as she leaped out of bed, shouting, “Mom! Where’s the new dress you bought me? Where did you put it?”

The black Rolls-Royce glided slowly into the modest but well-maintained residential complex. The few residents chatting in small groups were immediately drawn to the luxury car. Several passersby stopped to watch.

“Wow! A Rolls-Royce! The Spirit of Ecstasy! And it’s even got illuminated glass!”

“Real money right there!”

“Whose family is it?”

Zou Guohua and his wife, Xu Yimei, had been waiting downstairs in front of their apartment building. As soon as the car arrived, both their faces lit up like blooming flowers.

Xu Yimei: “Guohua, your daughter made a great match! The Huo Family is the most prestigious wealthy family in Changbin! They’re influential figures! They’ll definitely help you out as their father-in-law in the future. Just a flick of their wrist and all our worries will vanish!”

“Shh! Don’t say that later! You know Ningning’s temper!” Zou Guohua didn’t tell his wife that Miss Huo had intervened to persuade Ruan Nianning to even return home for this visit.

“What’s there to be afraid of? Even if she flies to the heavens, even if a sparrow becomes a phoenix, you’re still her father!” Xu Yimei refused to believe that the Huo Family wouldn’t give them some face, as long as Zou Guohua shamelessly asked.

The Rolls-Royce pulled up to the apartment entrance. Ruan Nianning, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, stepped out first.

The nanny van following behind also stopped. Butler He and Xiao Tao emerged, hurried to the other side of the Rolls-Royce, opened the door, and set up a ramp-like slope against the car.

The Rolls-Royce had been specially modified to accommodate Huo Jianan’s mobility issues. As expected, she smoothly maneuvered her wheelchair down the ramp from the car. Dressed in a high-end suit, her hair neatly styled and a delicate brooch pinned to her chest, she had also complied with Ruan Nianning’s request to wear a hat and mask.

Onlookers whispered among themselves:

“Look! The rich lady’s getting out!”

“Oh my! Is she disabled?”

“That outfit must cost at least a hundred thousand yuan.”

“I recognize that man next to her! Zou Guohua! Could he be a wealthy relative of theirs?”

“This is real money! A Rolls-Royce! Even the servants ride in Alphards!”

Huo Jianan ignored the murmurs, accepting the stares with composure. Such attention was inevitable when venturing out. Besides, she was indeed disabled; the onlookers weren’t exaggerating or distorting the truth. It was only natural that their eyes lingered on her.

Zou Guohua had already pressed the elevator button with obsequious eagerness. “Miss Huo, Ningning, the elevator’s here.”

Judging by their demeanor, they intended to wait for the Huo family and Ruan Nianning to board before joining them.

Ruan Nianning, wearing sunglasses, showed no expression as she said coldly, “You go up first. We’ll take the next one.”

It was clear she disliked Zou Guohua and Xu Yimei and wanted to avoid being too close to them, especially sharing an elevator.

Since it was a homecoming visit, Huo Jianan didn’t want to embarrass them. She smiled politely and said, “Please go ahead. We have a lot of people and gifts; we might not all fit in one elevator.”

Xu Yimei, impressed by the wealthy young lady’s grace and refinement, beamed. “Alright, alright, we’ll go first. Seventeenth floor, see you on the seventeenth floor!”

Ruan Nianning pushed Xu Yimei into the elevator. Butler He and Xiao Tao followed with the gifts, and Butler He pressed the button for the seventeenth floor.

As expected, Zou Guohua and Xu Yimei were waiting on the seventeenth floor. As soon as Huo Jianan and her group stepped out, they eagerly ushered their distinguished guests inside.

“Our home is small, Miss Huo, please excuse the cramped space,” Zou Guohua said, having learned such polite greetings from his years running a business. “Please, come in.”

Huo Jianan estimated the apartment to be a three-bedroom unit, roughly 120 square meters. The living room was spotless, with gleaming windows, new carpets and sofas, and a pot of auspicious butterfly orchids on the table.

Ruan Nianning removed her sunglasses and mask, her expression cold as she entered, showing no intention of speaking to Zou Guohua’s family.

Huo Jianan said, “I apologize for the delay. As Nianning’s father, we should have visited a few days ago. Unfortunately, I was injured and only recovered yesterday, hence the delay.”

She gestured to Butler He and Xiao Tao to place the gifts on the table.

Xu Yimei’s eyes lit up at the sight of the lavish gifts—gold jewelry, premium cigarettes and liquor, luxury cosmetics, and bird’s nest gift boxes. “You shouldn’t have brought so much!” she exclaimed, her eyes crinkling with delight.

Seeing his daughter’s frosty demeanor, Zou Guohua hastily greeted Miss Huo with forced enthusiasm. “Xiaojing, come greet your sister and Miss Huo!”

Zou Xiaojing rushed out of her room, clearly trying to appear fashionable and sexy. At only nineteen, her overly mature makeup didn’t quite suit her.

Her eyes sparkled at the sight of Huo Jianan. “Hello, Miss Huo!” she chirped cheerfully.

Huo Jianan nodded politely. “You must be the younger sister. Nice to meet you.”

“My name is Zou Xiaojing,” she said, her eyes sparkling like the characters in her name. “Everyone in my family says my eyes are big and bright.”

Zou Xiaojing smiled sweetly, gazing intently at Huo Jianan. She hadn’t expected Miss Huo, despite her disability, to be so stunningly beautiful! No wonder she was an S-Class Alpha—she was a hundred times more radiant in person than in her wedding photos!

Under Zou Xiaojing’s unabashed scrutiny, Huo Jianan coughed lightly and turned her head away.

Zou Guohua prompted from the side, “Xiaojing, this is your sister. Greet her properly.”

Zou Xiaojing reluctantly turned to Ruan Nianning and mumbled, “Sister.”

Xu Yimei served tea. Huo Jianan politely took a small sip, acknowledging it was decent tea, though not up to the standards of the Huo Family’s brew.

Ruan Nianning didn’t touch her cup. Instead, she subtly tugged at Huo Jianan’s sleeve beneath the table.

Understanding the signal, Huo Jianan smiled at Zou Guohua and Xu Yimei. “We apologize, but we have other arrangements. We won’t impose any further today.”

“Of course, Miss Huo,” Zou Guohua replied. “You must be very busy. Please feel free to leave whenever you wish.”

Unexpectedly, Zou Xiaojing rushed forward. “Miss Huo, I’ll escort you and Sister downstairs!” With that, she eagerly began pushing Huo Jianan’s wheelchair.

Ruan Nianning’s face darkened instantly. She shoved Zou Xiaojing away. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I… I was just helping Miss Huo with her wheelchair,” Zou Xiaojing said, feigning innocence.

“No need. Jianan has always been my responsibility,” Ruan Nianning replied coldly, pushing the wheelchair forward and blocking Zou Xiaojing with her body. “She’s not used to strangers pushing her.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “strangers.”

Xu Yimei’s face flushed with anger at Ruan Nianning’s dismissive tone and for pushing her daughter aside. “Oh, so we’re strangers now? Even after coming back for the homecoming visit?”

Zou Guohua, fearing a scene between Ruan Nianning and Xu Yimei, quickly pulled Zou Xiaojing away. “You’ve never pushed a wheelchair before! What if you hurt Miss Huo? Don’t touch it!”

Huo Jianan gently patted Ruan Nianning’s hand on the wheelchair and smiled. “Perhaps Nianning didn’t explain clearly. I’m indeed not comfortable with anyone pushing me except her. To me, everyone else is a stranger. Please forgive my preference.”

“Yes, yes, of course we trust Ningning to push you safely. Take care, Miss Huo!” Zou Guohua seized the opportunity to smooth things over, and the family saw Huo Jianan and her entourage into the elevator with exaggerated politeness.

Xu Yimei completely ignored the universally disliked Ruan Nianning and turned to Huo Jianan with a beaming smile. “Miss Huo, please come visit again whenever you have time!”

Zou Xiaojing waved dramatically at Huo Jianan. “Miss Huo, I’m Zou Xiaojing! Let’s hang out sometime!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Ruan Nianning slammed the elevator doors shut, her face dark with anger.

The moment the elevator ascended, Zou Guohua turned to his daughter, Xiaojing, his face stern. “What nonsense were you spouting? Do you really think someone as distinguished as Miss Huo would want to hang out with you? Are you confusing her with your low-class boyfriends? And why did you try to push her wheelchair? Have you ever even done that before? What if you’d made her fall? She’s the Huo Family’s only heir—their sole successor!”

Xiaojing refused to back down. “What’s wrong with wanting to push her wheelchair? I was just being kind! Helping people with disabilities is a good thing! Why should Ruan Nianning be the only one allowed to help?”

Xu Yimei’s face darkened. “Look at your daughter’s attitude today! If she doesn’t want to come home, then she shouldn’t! Who does she think she is, giving us that sour look? If Miss Huo hadn’t been coming, who would even bother with her? Does she really think being a washed-up celebrity makes her special? Look at Miss Huo—she’s from a prestigious, wealthy family. People from that kind of background are just different—so refined!”

“Exactly! Miss Huo is a hundred times better than Ruan Nianning! She’s beautiful, elegant, and has such grace!”

The mother and daughter eagerly opened the gift boxes, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Even the boxes are gorgeous!”

“This is what true wealth looks like! They do things differently!”

“With Ruan Nianning’s stingy nature, these gifts must have come from the Huo Family!”

“Mom, Miss Huo is so wonderful! She’s so down-to-earth, beautiful, and wealthy!”

“Exactly! That’s true class, unlike that petty Ruan Nianning who always wears a sour face! You should work hard and try to marry into a wealthy family too.”

In the car, the stingy and graceless Ruan Nianning glared at Huo Jianan. “Why did you give them so much?”

“It’s nothing, just a few small gifts. It’s not a big deal.”

“I’d rather throw it to the dogs than give it to them!”

“It’s our homecoming visit. A family like ours can’t arrive empty-handed. People would say the Huo family is mistreating you.”

Seeing Ruan Nianning’s icy expression, Huo Jianan softened her tone and coaxed, “Don’t be angry, darling. We only get one homecoming visit.”

The car pulled up to a bubble tea shop. Huo Jianan suddenly instructed the driver, “Find a place to park.” She then tapped furiously on her phone.

The driver found a roadside parking spot. Ruan Nianning assumed they were getting out, but Huo Jianan remained motionless, showing no intention of leaving the car.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m waiting for someone. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

“Waiting for someone?” Ruan Nianning found this odd. This wasn’t the CBD, a high-end residential area, or a villa district. Her gamer friend Wang Baobao didn’t live around here either.

She was curious about who Huo Jianan was waiting for.

Just a few minutes later, Xiao Tao knocked on the car window, her cheeks flushed and slightly breathless from running. She handed in two cups of milk tea. “Miss, your milk tea.”

Huo Jianan took the cups, handing one to Ruan Nianning. “Wife, don’t be mad anymore. Have some milk tea, my treat.”

Ruan Nianning hesitated. “Why? You’re offering me milk tea? Are you trying to sabotage me again?”

“So, are you going to drink it or not?”

“If you’re paying, why wouldn’t I?” Ruan Nianning snatched the milk tea, jammed in the straw, and began gulping it down. Under the strict supervision of her manager and assistant, she hadn’t had milk tea in years. In fact, they rarely let her eat her fill of anything. The first sip was surprisingly exhilarating—the blend of sugar, fat, and creamy milk made her taste buds dance. This is what it means to live!

She took several more greedy gulps, draining half the cup, and felt her mood lift considerably.

“How is it? Good?”

“Mm, it’s been ages since I had this,” Ruan Nianning mumbled, savoring the chewy pearls while scolding with a stern face, “Don’t you dare tempt me with milk tea again!”

Huo Jianan stole a glance at Ruan Langlang, whose eyes were nearly squinting with delight, and chuckled inwardly. “Alright, darling. It’s just one cup, now and then. It won’t ruin your figure.”

Ruan Nianning was in high spirits, having completely forgotten her earlier unpleasant encounter with Zou Guohua and his family. Leaning back comfortably, she suddenly recalled Zou Xiaojing’s eagerness to push her wheelchair. At the time, she had simply disliked Xiaojing’s attempt to get close. But now, looking back, she realized that beyond her disdain for Zou Guohua, his wife, and their daughter, she felt a strange possessiveness: This woman in the wheelchair is my wife. No one else can have her!

Gazing at the fair-skinned, petite, and graceful beauty beside her—who even drank with such refined elegance—Ruan Nianning had an epiphany: I’m actually quite possessive about my food.

After lunch, Ruan Nianning left to meet with her agent. Securing a role in a new project, especially one where she’d be acting opposite her close friend, Actress Song, filled her with excitement. She playfully lifted Huo Jianan’s chin, teasing her like a cat. “Jianan, be a good girl and stay home. Have fun playing games.”

Huo Jianan, the pet cat, obediently nodded in her wife’s palm. “Okay, darling. Come back early, okay?”

Shortly after Ruan Nianning left, Huo Jianan, who had no interest in games, called Butler He and went out as well, continuing her rehabilitation training at the hospital.

She returned home drenched in sweat, panting from exhaustion. After showering and changing, she settled into the study.

She searched online for information about the Huo Family, specifically news related to them.

The only results were reports about her wedding with Ruan Nianning. Every media outlet marveled at the lavish ceremony: a renowned host officiated, nearly all prominent figures from politics and business attended, and several A-list celebrities were also present to offer their blessings.

Huo Jianan scrolled through the photos of the wedding.

Ruan Nianning looked breathtaking in her snow-white wedding gown. Her slender back, delicate collarbones, graceful swan-like neck, and regal, aloof demeanor radiated elegance and poise. Huo Jianan studied one photo closely. Even though the bride’s smile wasn’t particularly radiant, it was still enough to captivate all who saw it.

With a click of the mouse, Huo Jianan saved the photo.

She began searching for Huo Zhujun again, hoping to uncover old news reports that might shed light on what had happened back then.

Unfortunately, there was almost no information about Huo Zhujun online. The only mention was in connection to Huo Jianan, identifying her as Huo Zhujun’s daughter. The article briefly mentioned that Huo Zhujun was the sole daughter of Xu Weiyi, the current head of the Huo Family, and the late Miss Huo Songzhi. Described as a wealthy family heiress with a passion for art, she had traveled abroad alone at a young age to study painting and had remained living overseas ever since.

As Huo Jianan continued browsing, she stumbled upon a three-year-old news article celebrating the Huo Corporation’s successful acquisition of a foreign company—a deal that had made headlines at the time.

The accompanying photo showed Grandma Huo and Meng Xi’en standing side by side. Grandma Huo stood in front, with Meng Xi’en slightly behind and to her left, both smiling at the camera. They exuded the aura of successful business leaders, their heads practically glowing with achievement.

Huo Jianan’s envious gaze nearly overflowed. After a few seconds, she scrolled down, her eyes suddenly catching a line of text:

“As proven by history, Old Master Huo’s decision to entrust the vast Huo Family fortune to his second son’s wife, Xu Weiyi, was the most correct one.”

Huo Songnian, the eldest son of the Huo Family, was known for his extravagant lifestyle and notorious reputation as a playboy. When Old Master Huo entrusted the family fortune to his daughter-in-law, Xu Weiyi, Huo Songnian threw a tantrum that nearly caused Xu Weiyi to miscarry. After assuming control, Xu Weiyi completely separated the second branch of the family from the first, allowing each to pursue their own ambitions.

The first branch of the Huo Family, lacking business acumen, gradually declined, their assets dwindling daily. In contrast, the second branch, under Xu Weiyi’s capable leadership, flourished. Decades later, when people spoke of the Huo Family of Changbin, they referred to the second branch led by Xu Weiyi.

Huo Jianan was caught off guard by this revelation of a wealthy family’s power struggle. Beyond surprise, she felt admiration. So Grandma really is that formidable—a queen-level figure in the business world.

Ruan Nianning and her manager, Sister Luo, were enjoying coffee and a pleasant conversation.

Sister Luo: “I never imagined your wealthy wife would agree to let you film. This is the Huo Family, the most prestigious and influential clan in Changbin! Even if your wife approved, how could Grandma Xu possibly agree? She’s a legendary figure who dominates the business world!”

Her words were filled with both awe and admiration for Xu Weiyi. How many female Omegas in the world could achieve such a monumental career?

“Jianan persuaded her grandma,” Ruan Nianning said. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. To be honest, I never expected this. I thought I’d missed my chance to work with Sister Song this time.”

“The original female lead ran into some trouble, leaving the role vacant,” Sister Luo explained. “And just in time, your in-laws agreed to let you take the part. That’s what they mean when they say, ‘What’s meant for you will always find its way to you.'”

Ruan Nianning smiled faintly, savoring the last line. She raised her cup and took a small sip. The rich aroma of coffee filled her mouth, slightly bitter at first, but leaving a lingering fragrance.

What is it that will ultimately be mine? she wondered.

Successful revenge? Or the love I once dreamed of?

If I succeed in my revenge, the despicable acts I’ll commit will make me unworthy of forgiveness. I’ll likely end up in hell. And those destined for hell don’t deserve the kind of love I once longed for.

Sister Luo briskly gathered the contracts. “Speaking of which, your wealthy wife truly dotes on you! Take my advice: once this drama wraps up, settle down and have a couple of babies. Your wealth and status aren’t going anywhere.”

Ruan Nianning chuckled. “Sister Luo, why don’t you marry into a wealthy family too?”

“I wish I had the fate for that,” Sister Luo said, handing her a thick stack of scripts. “Here’s the script. It’s a bit late, but I’m sure you can familiarize yourself with it quickly.”

Ruan Nianning took the scripts and casually flipped through them. Suddenly remembering someone’s only requirement for filming, she looked up and asked, “There aren’t any explicit scenes, are there?”

Sister Luo chuckled. “Of course not. You know I’d never take on a project like that for you. Besides, Song Shiyu has already reviewed the script. You know Sister Song’s principles, don’t you?”

Ruan Nianning nodded in satisfaction. “No need to send a car to pick me up at the airport tomorrow. We’ll meet there directly.”

By the time she returned to the Huo Family mansion, the city lights were already twinkling. As she walked upstairs, she ran into Xiao Tao.

“Xiao Tao, what has Miss been doing this afternoon?”

“Miss went out for a while this afternoon and then went to her study after returning. She’s still in there now.”

Ruan Nianning didn’t think much of it, assuming Huo Jianan was probably playing games again. Seeing Xiao Tao about to go downstairs, Ruan Nianning stopped her. “Xiao Tao, does Miss have any other sisters? Twin sisters, perhaps?”

Xiao Tao giggled. “Young Mistress, why would you suddenly think that? How could Miss have a twin sister? She’s the Old Madam’s only granddaughter.”

“I was talking to a friend about a foreign film today,” Ruan Nianning said. “It had twin brothers, and I suddenly had this thought.”

“No, Miss,” Xiao Tao replied. “But if you had a twin sister, imagine how interesting it would be to have two identical people sitting at the dining table!”

Ruan Nianning chuckled in agreement. “Yes, that would be quite interesting indeed.”

As Ruan Nianning passed the study, she was surprised not to hear the usual thunderous and exhilarating gaming sounds. She pushed the door open slightly and peeked inside. The familiar figure wasn’t on the sofa. Her gaze shifted and landed on Huo Jianan at the desk, brow furrowed slightly as she stared intently at the screen.

Aside from gaming, Ruan Nianning had never seen Huo Jianan so engrossed in anything else.

Curiosity piqued, Ruan Nianning asked, “Jianan, what are you looking at?”

Huo Jianan, who had been researching the Huo Family online, startled at the sound and hastily closed the webpage. “Wife, you’re back! Why are you standing at the door scaring me like that?”

Ruan Nianning opened the door and stepped inside. “What were you doing?”

“Just browsing,” Huo Jianan replied, her mind racing. She glanced at the wall lined with gaming merchandise. “Checking out the new figurines.”

Ruan Nianning nodded, realizing Huo Jianan’s inexplicable passion for these figurines.

“Honey, since you’re traveling tomorrow, I had Xiao Tao pack your usual toiletries for you. I didn’t choose your clothes, though, since I wasn’t sure what you’d want to bring. It’s 20 degrees in City D, much warmer than Changbin, so I think you should pack some light jackets and summer clothes.”

Ruan Nianning was slightly taken aback, not expecting Huo Jianan to proactively pack for her.

“How did you know it’s 20 degrees there?”

“You always check the weather forecast when traveling,” Huo Jianan replied with a smile. “Did you finalize the deal with your agent?”

“Yes, the contract’s signed, and they gave me the script.”

Huo Jianan was genuinely happy for her. “Now you can relax and get a good night’s sleep. You’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

Ruan Nianning’s gaze slowly traveled from Huo Jianan’s elegant, alluring lips to her soft, bright eyes, which were filled with warmth and laughter.

“Jianan, you’ve changed.”

Huo Jianan’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure, asking with a smile, “How so?”

“You’re like an older sister now.”

Despite being three years older than Huo Jianan, Ruan Nianning felt that Huo Jianan was the one acting like the elder sister. How else could she explain that doting look in her eyes?

At that moment, Xiao Tao came upstairs and announced, “Miss, Young Mistress, Madam has returned and dinner is served.”

Ruan Nianning pushed Huo Jianan downstairs to the dining room. During the meal, the conversation turned to Ruan Nianning’s upcoming film shoot, which was scheduled to begin the next day. Grandma Huo’s displeasure was evident. “So soon? You’ve only been married a few days. People might think our Huo family is desperate for your wife to start working to support the household.”

Ruan Nianning calmly ate her meal, her eyes fixed on her plate, as if she hadn’t heard Grandma Huo’s words.

Huo Jianan forced a smile. “Haha, Grandma, you’re such a tease! Nianning is just rushing to put out a fire. Everyone else is already on set, and she’s the only one missing. We need to be efficient and not hold up the entire team, right? Besides, the sooner Nianning finishes filming, the sooner she can come home.”

Grandma Huo retorted, “I only said one thing, and you’ve already given me a whole speech. You really dote on your wife, don’t you? Afraid she’ll suffer even the slightest inconvenience.”

“Grandma, how can you say that? What kind of family is the Huo Family? And with you spoiling us so much, who would dare make her suffer?”

Grandma Huo chuckled indulgently. “That silver tongue of yours. Fine, this is between you two. I won’t interfere further. As long as you’re happy, do as you please.”

“Thank you, Grandma,” Huo Jianan said, busily serving her grandmother. “Have some vegetables.” Of course, she didn’t forget Ruan Langlang either. “Honey, you eat too.” Once Ruan Langlang leaves for filming, I’ll finally be able to breathe freely, she thought.

That evening, while Ruan Nianning was leisurely washing her hair, bathing, and soaking in the tub, Huo Jianan injected herself with another dose in each leg.

She lay on the bed, groaning in pain, gritting her teeth to endure it while massaging her aching legs.

An hour later, the pain gradually subsided. Huo Jianan lay weakly on the bed, panting softly.

After her bath, Ruan Nianning emerged, her hair dried and wearing a low-cut burgundy silk robe.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, her waist was slender enough to encircle with one hand, and her long, slender, snow-white legs padded softly across the thick carpet as she approached like a feline predator.

Huo Jianan glanced up, startled by Ruan Nianning’s intense gaze, and flinched. She quickly grabbed the TV remote, intending to resume watching the historical drama where Ruan Nianning played a female thief.

Snap! The remote was snatched away, and the TV screen went dark.

“Why watch TV when the real thing is right here?”

Huo Jianan felt her chin being lifted, forcing her to meet the burning gaze of the woman before her.

Her beautiful eyes sparkled with a captivating radiance, exuding infinite charm and allure. Huo Jianan suddenly understood the meaning of “bright eyes that captivate with every glance.”

“Am I not as beautiful in person as I am on TV, hmm?”

Huo Jianan’s heart skipped a beat. Oh my god, how could the original owner of this body resist being seduced by his wife every day?

If I were a man, I’d probably be exhausted to death in just a few days.

Clutching the blanket tightly, Huo Jianan stammered, “Beautiful… gorgeous… stunningly…”

Before she could finish, Ruan Nianning leaned down and kissed her, pinning the immobile Huo Jianan to the bed.

Even after the kiss, Ruan Langlang refused to release her, pressing close against her chest. Her slender fingers traced Huo Jianan’s lips. “We’re filming tomorrow. Aren’t you going to kiss me?”

Huo Jianan: !!!

What do I do? I’ve never kissed anyone first in my entire life!

Ruan Nianning initiated another kiss, this time far gentler. She parted Huo Jianan’s lips, teasing and exploring with delicate movements. A faint, sweet floral fragrance bloomed between their mouths.

It smelled like jasmine.

The scent seemed to possess a fatal allure. Huo Jianan found herself craving more, gradually kissing Ruan Langlang back, her lips and tongue entwining with hers, desperate to savor the intoxicating floral essence.

The playful smile vanished from Ruan Nianning’s lips.

In the quiet bedroom, the sound of their passionate kiss filled the air.

The kiss deepened, the floral scent of Ruan Nianning’s breath washing over Huo Jianan’s face, mingling with her own until she could no longer distinguish between them.

Huo Jianan’s heart pounded wildly, her bl00d felt like it was about to boil, and the glands at the back of her neck throbbed faintly.

She didn’t understand what was happening to her, only that she wanted to cling to this intoxicating floral fragrance and never let it end.

“Hah…” Ruan Nianning gasped, pushing Huo Jianan away. Her face flushed crimson, she turned her head away, refusing to meet Huo Jianan’s gaze. “Let’s sleep,” she said, turning her back and settling down.

Huo Jianan, experiencing her first real kiss, was already blushing furiously. Remembering her audacity in initiating the kiss with Ruan Langlang, she stammered, “Sleep, sleep. You have a flight tomorrow.”

The bedside lamp went out, leaving only a small nightlight glowing in the corner near the bathroom.

Huo Jianan lay frozen in bed, her mind racing with the memory of their kiss and the intoxicating floral scent that had enveloped them.

As Huo Jianan racked her brain trying to identify the floral scent, a sudden realization struck her. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized it: the scent of Ruan Nianning’s pheromones.