My Black Moonlight Wife Says She Loves Me - Chapter 25

That evening, Huo Jianan dined with Grandma Huo.

 

Butler He: “Madam, Xiao Man called today. She said she’ll be back the day after tomorrow.”

 

Grandma Huo: “Perfect timing. Xi’en’s flight back to Changbin arrives tomorrow night. Send someone to pick her up from the airport.”

 

Butler He: “Understood, Madam.”

 

Seeing her beloved granddaughter Huo Jianan eating with gusto, showing no signs of losing her appetite, Grandma Huo felt both relieved and curious. “Your wife’s away. Don’t you miss her?”

 

Huo Jianan savored the fragrant shredded chicken. “Of course I do. I’ll visit her on set in a few days, along with Wang Baobao.”

 

Grandma Huo paused, finally understanding. No wonder she’s so calm—she’s planning to chase after her soon.

 

Noticing Huo Jianan still focused on her meal, showing no visible excitement about Meng Xi’en’s return, Grandma Huo couldn’t resist repeating, “Your Sister Meng is coming back.”

 

Huo Jianan hummed in acknowledgment, continuing to eat. As she chewed, she pondered: Meng Xi’en was the mastermind behind Ruan Langlang’s revenge. When did they team up? Right now, Ruan Nianning is completely absorbed in filming, so she probably hasn’t allied with Meng Xi’en yet.

 

“Grandma, what was Sister Meng doing abroad this time?”

 

“We’re planning to acquire a company in Country F. Your Sister Meng has gone there to conduct preliminary investigations.”

 

Huo Jianan’s eyes darted around. She didn’t understand business acquisitions, but she knew her family was full of hidden wolves and tigers. Just as one “Ruan Langlang” had left, another “Meng Huhu” had arrived. Unable to confide in Grandma Huo, she resolved to keep a close watch.

 

“Grandma, Sister Meng is so capable and efficient. I want to join the company and learn from her first.”

 

Grandma Huo: “Didn’t you say you had something important to take care of first?”

 

“That won’t stop me from learning from Sister Meng. Besides, staying home all day would be so boring.”

 

Grandma Huo frowned, both expecting and slightly surprised.

 

She expected Jianan to jump from one idea to the next, having just mentioned an urgent matter before suddenly wanting to join the company.

 

What surprised her was hearing the word “boring” from her granddaughter, who was usually obsessed with video games.

 

Huo Jianan realized that with her daily rehabilitation sessions, upcoming set visits, and potential future commitments, a strict nine-to-five schedule with mandatory attendance would be impossible.

 

“But there’s one condition.”

 

Grandma Huo glanced at her sharply. “You’re setting conditions before I’ve even agreed? Speak up, what is it?”

 

“Can I skip attendance? Sometimes I can’t make it in so early, and other times I might need to leave for errands or take a few days off.”

 

Grandma Huo understood immediately: Huo Jianan planned to work sporadically, like fishing for three days and resting for two.

 

“You’re certainly laying all your cards on the table upfront.”

 

“Grandma, please let me work with Sister Meng. I want to be as impressive as she is, signing important documents and contracts.”

 

Though Huo Jianan lacked business acumen, she wasn’t naive. She knew that Meng Xi’en’s scheme to seize the Huo Family’s assets would require legitimate paperwork. By keeping a close watch, she could prevent Meng Xi’en from exploiting any loopholes.

 

Grandma Huo’s expression shifted when she heard Jianan’s last remark, giving her granddaughter a meaningful look. She couldn’t tell if Jianan’s motives stemmed from youthful jealousy and competitiveness, a genuine desire to participate in company management, or some deeper, hidden reason.

 

“Alright,” Grandma Huo said solemnly. “If you want to learn from Xi’en, go ahead. I’ve watched Xi’en grow up; she truly cares for you like a younger sister. I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.”

 

The next day, while Huo Jianan was undergoing rehabilitation therapy at the hospital, she received a call from Wang Baobao.

 

“Dada, Grey Rabbit’s girlfriend’s flower shop is opening today. Everyone’s going to show their support and offer congratulations. Want to come along?” Wang Baobao rattled on before Huo Jianan could even reply. “No outsiders—just Grey Rabbit, Zhenzhen, and Softie. You know them all. We’ll send a flower basket, have some tea, and play a few rounds of games. Remember how badly we played last time when we teamed up? I told them you’ve gotten clumsy, but they didn’t believe me. They said they’d only believe it if they saw you play in person.”

 

Huo Jianan: “……” Wasn’t it embarrassing enough to fail in front of you? Now I have to embarrass myself in front of even more people?

 

“That’s probably not a good idea. No need for a demonstration, right? Maybe my cerebellum isn’t fully developed, and my coordination is off.”

 

“How can you say that? If you don’t show them what you’ve got, they’ll think I’m just badmouthing you. I’m coming to pick you up right now.”

 

“I’m not at home. I’m at the hospital.”

 

“At the hospital? Are you getting your head checked again? You really need a thorough examination. Look at what happened after that fall—your cerebellum’s acting up! How are we supposed to team up in games now?”

 

Huo Jianan: “……”

 

“Then wait there. I’ll come to the hospital to pick you up right now.”

 

“No need. Just send me the flower shop’s location. I’ll have the driver take me.”

 

“You’ll come straight here, right? Do I even need to ask, Miss Huo? You can’t even show your face without dawdling for an hour and rehearsing it in your head a dozen times! Just stay put at the hospital—don’t run off! If you go home, I’ll chase you there myself. I’m coming right now.”

 

“Yes,” Huo Jianan replied, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her voice. “Come ahead. I won’t run. Besides, I can’t run anyway. I’m in orthopedics.”

 

Wang Baobao arrived at the hospital and headed straight to the orthopedics department. He pushed open the door and called out, “Dada! Dada!”

 

Behind the desk, Jiang Shumin looked up. Noticing someone had entered, she asked, “May I help you?”

 

Her skin was as pale as snow, her nose delicately sculpted, and her eyes bright and gentle. Even the strands of hair that draped over her shoulders seemed soft and supple. Despite wearing a white coat, she lacked the sharp, stern demeanor often associated with doctors.

 

Wang Baobao’s heart skipped a beat. He froze for three seconds before his pulse began to race. He took a step back, glanced at the department information board, and confirmed it was Orthopedics Department 3. The board listed the doctor’s information: Jiang Shumin, female, Omega.

 

He leaned back in. “Are you Doctor Jiang?”

 

“I am.” Jiang Shumin gave him a quick once-over. “Do you have an appointment?”

 

“I… I’m not here for a consultation. I’m looking for someone—Da, Huo Jianan.”

 

“You’re looking for Miss Huo? She’s in the restroom. She should be back soon.”

 

Wang Baobao, suddenly less eager to find Huo Jianan, blushed and asked, “I remember Doctor Zhang used to treat her leg. When did Doctor Jiang take over?”

 

“Doctor Zhang has immigrated abroad. I’m Miss Huo’s primary physician now.”

 

“I see. Then I’ll be in your care from now on, Doctor Jiang. I’m Huo Jianan’s best friend, her ride-or-die. My name is Wang Baobao, Bao as in ‘treasure.’ But everyone calls me Bao as in ‘protect.'”

 

Jiang Shumin was about to reply when Huo Jianan’s voice rang out from behind them. “Baobao, you’re here?”

 

In the parking lot, Wang Baobao insisted on taking Huo Jianan in her car. Butler He, concerned for Miss Huo’s safety, had the driver follow in the Rolls-Royce.

 

As soon as they were in the car, Wang Baobao began to grumble, “Couldn’t you have shown up a few minutes later? Didn’t you see I was talking to Doctor Jiang?”

 

“How was I supposed to know you’d arrive at that exact moment? My previous doctor moved abroad, so Doctor Jiang took over my case.”

 

“When did she take over?”

 

“Just recently, after I fell.”

 

“But that was several days ago! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

 

Huo Jianan: “……”

 

Seeing Huo Jianan’s silence, Wang Baobao was secretly startled. Recalling his earlier words, he inwardly cursed himself and hurriedly explained, “Dada, don’t be angry. I didn’t mean it that way. I wasn’t blaming you. It just slipped out. There was no other meaning behind it. Please don’t take it to heart.”

 

It seemed everyone around the original Huo Jianan knew how sensitive she was.

 

Noticing Wang Baobao’s tense, defensive posture, Huo Jianan smiled. “It’s fine. It was just a casual remark. I didn’t feel offended at all. Why would I be angry?”

 

“You’re really not angry?” Wang Baobao remained skeptical. Dada’s personality seemed to have changed.

 

In the past, she would have relentlessly harped on the phrase “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” She would have erupted in a hysterical, uncontrollable rage, screaming, “How was I supposed to know you wanted to know I switched doctors?! Did you ever tell me to tell you if I switched doctors?! You’re insane!”

 

She might even have tried to grab the steering wheel or jump out of the moving car.

 

Wang Baobao had experienced both of these terrifying scenarios firsthand. The sheer terror of those moments still haunted him.

 

A single, unintentional remark had driven Huo Jianan mad. In her frenzy, she lost all reason, becoming like a crazed, spiky durian, suddenly exploding, killing herself and leaving others wounded.

 

Wang Baobao had considered ending their friendship countless times. Yet, after each episode, Huo Jianan would sincerely ask him to team up again, pleading, “We’re the golden duo! You wouldn’t abandon me, would you?”

 

Wang Baobao’s heart softened. How could he abandon Huo Jianan, just as Xu Da couldn’t abandon him?

 

And so, over the past two years, despite several attempts to leave, he never truly left.

 

Huo Jianan turned to him, smiling. “Why would I be angry? You were just venting. Is it worth getting upset over?”

 

Seeing her genuine smile, Wang Baobao finally relaxed, visibly loosening up. “Dada, you’ve changed.”

 

“How so?” Having transmigrated here just a few days ago, Huo Jianan had already heard several people remark on how she’d changed, how she was different.

 

“You’re much calmer now. You don’t dwell on things so much anymore. In other words, you’re emotionally stable. I was genuinely afraid you’d smash my car earlier.”

 

“Do you think I’m that reckless? Smashing a car is too dangerous. I want to keep living the good life.”

 

“Exactly! Just stay like this, keep it up, and we’ll keep living the good life.”

 

Huo Jianan chuckled. “By the way, do you have a crush on Doctor Jiang?”

 

Wang Baobao was caught off guard, his face flushing crimson to the tips of his ears. He stiffened his neck. “What if I do? Doctor Jiang is beautiful, gentle, and has this cool, aloof aura—exactly my type.”

 

“Sure, ‘a fair maiden is sought after.’ Doctor Jiang is a good person, very patient with her patients.” Huo Jianan sighed. “Too bad she already has a girlfriend.”

 

“A girlfriend?”

 

“Yeah, her girlfriend came to pick her up from the hospital last time.” Huo Jianan didn’t mention that the girlfriend was tall, stunningly beautiful, and clearly the kind of alpha that Omegas fawn over.

 

Wang Baobao’s shoulders slumped instantly, the light draining from his eyes. “Right, how could such a beautiful Omega not have a girlfriend?”

 

Huo Jianan comforted him, “Don’t worry, you’ll meet your True Destiny Maiden someday.”

 

“Didn’t you used to call me fat? You said I’d never find an Omega who liked me because they all prefer handsome, well-built Alphas, just like female birds are drawn to males with bright, vibrant plumage.”

 

Huo Jianan was stunned. Did the original Huo Jianan really say such blunt truths?

 

“You’re not fat, just a little… round, like Yang Guifei.”

 

Wang Baobao’s lips instantly pursed, on the verge of tears. “Isn’t that just calling me fat? Everyone knows ‘Yang’s plumpness and Zhao’s slenderness’! I want to be thin too! But I can’t lose weight. My parents are fat, my grandparents are fat—it’s just in my genes. What can I do?”

 

Huo Jianan tentatively suggested, “Then why not follow your grandfather and father’s example and find a wife who’s a bit on the heavier side?”

 

“No way! I want someone like Doctor Jiang! Slim, slender, aloof, yet gentle!”

 

Huo Jianan sighed. Is this the legendary phenomenon where the more unattainable something is, the more you desire it?

 

The flower shop was much larger than Huo Jianan had imagined. The entrance and outer room were filled with various flowers, while the center housed a DIY area where customers could learn flower arranging and dried flower making for free. A side area offered coffee and drinks for customers to relax and chat. Further inside was a small game room, the owner’s private space.

 

Grey Rabbit was a cool girl, and her girlfriend, the flower shop owner, was a gentle and adorable “sweetie” named White Rabbit.

 

Zhenzhen, with her voluptuous figure and twin ponytails, was particularly busty—a fact she proudly declared to be “100% genuine.”

 

Softie, whose full name was Magic Fairy Castle Pure Soft Girl, had bright pink hair and makeup so heavy it obscured her eyes. At first glance, she seemed anything but “pure.”

 

“Dada, Wang Baobao said you were the one playing during our last team-up. Is that true?”

 

“I can’t believe you’d be such a terrible player!”

 

“You’re Dada! Dada, whose movements are so smooth no one can match them!”

 

Left with no choice under their relentless pressure, Huo Jianan reluctantly picked up the controller and, against her better judgment, joined them for five grueling matches…

 

After five rounds, everyone except Huo Jianan and Wang Baobao fell into a long silence.

 

“It’s over! Dada’s really washed up!”

 

“Her positioning is absolutely terrible!”

 

“Our team is doomed to lose every match!”

 

Huo Jianan, drenched in sweat, sighed, “I’m really done for. Dada’s too old to play anymore.”

 

Zhenzhen: “What do you mean? Can’t eat anymore? Does Dada have a stomach problem?”

 

Softie: “Ugh, she just means she’s terrible at the game now. She’s washed up.”

 

Wang Baobao patted Grey Rabbit. “I told you she was clumsy! It’s not her fault, though. She hit her head and messed up her cerebellum.”

 

Huo Jianan: “……”

 

In the room, the four of them started a 2v2 match, playing with wild enthusiasm. Huo Jianan drove her wheelchair slowly through the flower shop, admiring the various roses, lilies, tulips, and carnations…

 

As she moved through the vibrant colors, a cluster of green, upright stems resembling narcissus caught her eye.

 

Slender, white buds, like wheat ears, already had a few half-opened flowers. The leaves were long and snow-white, their elegant shape reminiscent of a lady’s long, trailing gown.

 

Huo Jianan caught a faint, familiar scent in the air—the pheromone of Ruan Nianning.

 

Her eyes lit up, and she turned to the flower shop owner. “Excuse me, what kind of flower is this?”

 

“This is a Tuberose. Its fragrance is stronger than jasmine or gardenia, and it intensifies as evening approaches.”

 

So that’s why it’s called Tuberose, Huo Jianan thought.

 

She bought a potted Tuberose, and Boss White Rabbit carefully explained the daily care instructions, emphasizing, “It thrives in warm, sunny locations.”

 

Huo Jianan carried the Tuberose home. As soon as she entered, she encountered a round-faced young girl with rosy cheeks and dark skin, who exclaimed excitedly, “Miss! I’m back!”

 

Could this be Xiao Man? Huo Jianan wondered.

 

Indeed, Butler He confirmed, “Xiao Man, you’ve been away for quite some time. Is everything settled at home?”

 

“Everything’s settled. My mother asked me to thank Miss, Madam, and Butler Zhou.”

 

“No need to thank me. Just thank Miss and Madam.”

 

Noticing the potted flower in Miss Huo’s arms, Xiao Man stepped forward to take it. “Miss, what kind of flower is this? It’s so elegant.”

 

“This is a Tuberose. Its fragrance becomes stronger at night.”

 

“Isn’t that Night-Blooming Jasmine? You shouldn’t keep it in the bedroom.”

 

“It’s not Night-Blooming Jasmine,” Huo Jianan corrected, seeing Xiao Man carrying the flower toward the Flower Room. “They’re different flowers. I was planning to keep it in my bedroom.”

 

Butler He intervened, “Miss, you have trouble sleeping. It’s best not to keep flowers like this in your bedroom. If you like it, you can keep it there during the day and move it to the Flower Room at night.”

 

“Alright,” Huo Jianan agreed cheerfully.

 

Xiao Man placed the flower on the windowsill in the bedroom. She was more lively than Xiao Tao and younger too. When she spoke of her father’s passing, her eyes reddened, but her tone brightened as she described the countryside banquet. “The cook’s wife is my childhood friend, and she gave us a discount! Their food was so delicious—especially the beef! The seasoning was amazing! Even my Second Great-Uncle came to the banquet. My mom said more people showed up than at my cousin’s wedding. After everything was over, I was about to come back here when I got sick with a fever—40 degrees Celsius! It was the first time I’d ever had such a high fever. My head was spinning…”

 

Xiao Man chattered incessantly.

 

Huo Jianan figured this was how she and the original owner of the body had always interacted, so she let her talk.

 

As Huo Jianan admired the tuberose on the windowsill, her mind inexplicably drifted to Ruan Langlang.

 

Without Ruan Langlang’s usual antics last night, Huo Jianan had the entire king-sized bed to herself, yet she found it surprisingly difficult to fall asleep.

 

She gently stroked the snow-white petals, her thoughts wandering elsewhere.

 

What could Ruan Langlang be doing right now?

 

On the film set, a fight scene had just wrapped up. Song Shiyu, clad in pristine white robes, sheathed her sword.

 

“Cut! That’s a wrap for the day!” the director called out.

 

Hearing the announcement, Ruan Nianning, dressed in a lavish pink gown befitting a wealthy family’s young mistress, smiled at Song Shiyu. “Sister Song, your action scenes are incredible! This flowing white robe gives you such an ethereal, otherworldly aura—like a celestial being descended to earth, a flower blooming on a distant peak.”

 

“You’re just teasing me again,” Song Shiyu retorted. “We’ve known each other long enough for you to stop flattering me. But this heavy, ornate pink gown suits you perfectly—it captures the cold, alluring presence of a wealthy family’s young mistress.”

 

“Ha ha ha, you’re laughing at me too,” Ruan Nianning giggled, her pearl hair ornaments trembling with each movement. “This costume is only for today’s scene. I won’t need it again.”

 

“How could that be? You still have several flashback scenes to film. Aren’t you wearing this outfit for those?”

 

“If you hadn’t reminded me, I would have forgotten. At most, I’ll wear it once more to finish those flashback scenes. Besides, someone doesn’t like me in pink.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“She says I’m too dazzling and it hurts her eyes.”

 

“That must be Jiannan, right? I think she’s the one being dazzled by you,” Song Shiyu said with a smile. “Compared to pink, you look even more elegant in high-quality red or black.”

 

At that moment, an assistant approached and took the prop sword from Actress Song’s hand. Song Shiyu turned to Ruan Nianning. “Nianning, let’s go remove our makeup together?”

 

“Sure, let’s go.” Ruan Nianning grabbed her phone from the low table. Seeing a new message, she quickly opened it, then set the phone down with a hint of disappointment.

 

“Waiting for a message from someone?”

 

“No one in particular. Just checking.”

 

“Hasn’t Jiannan texted you?”

 

Ruan Nianning froze. “How did you know?”

 

“I also know that your relationship with Jiannan has been getting better since you got married.”

 

Ruan Nianning was completely stunned. “Sister Song, are you some kind of psychic?”

 

Song Shiyu chuckled. “I’m not psychic, but I just know.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

Song Shiyu’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “You used to look at her messages with a hint of impatience. Now you’ve changed—you actually look forward to them.”

 

Ruan Nianning’s face flushed. “When was I ever impatient? I don’t look forward to them! It’s better if she doesn’t text me at all—it’s annoying! It interrupts my filming.”

 

“Alright, alright. If she’s not texting you, then you text her. You’re her wife, after all. Isn’t it perfectly normal to text her?”