My Black Moonlight Wife Says She Loves Me - Chapter 26

After showering, Huo Jianan routinely injected her legs with the experimental serum. She lay on the bed, enduring the searing pain in her legs. When the agony became unbearable, she massaged her legs for relief.

 

The tuberose plant still sat on the windowsill. As night deepened, its fragrance intensified, filling the room with its intoxicating aroma.

 

Huo Jianan gazed at the tuberose, its snow-white, slender petals radiating an ethereal elegance. Surrounded by the rich floral scent, she felt no discomfort; instead, she found herself inexplicably recalling the passionate kiss she had shared with Ruan Nianning the day before she left for filming.

 

It had been her first kiss…

 

As Huo Jianan savored the memory of that soft, sweet kiss, the pain in her legs seemed to recede.

 

While she was lost in reverie, massaging her legs, her phone rang. Huo Jianan glanced at the screen—Ruan Langlang was initiating a video call.

 

Startled, Huo Jianan quickly sat up, grabbed a few tissues to wipe the sweat from her forehead, hastily smoothed her hair, and finally pulled the blanket up to cover her chest. Realizing that the caller was her wife, she lowered the blanket slightly to reveal a hint of her snow-white skin, lest she appear too formal.

 

With these preparations complete, she hurriedly swiped the screen to answer the video call.

 

On the screen, Ruan Langlang appeared to be in a hotel room, wearing a loose-fitting shirt with her chestnut-brown wavy hair casually draped over her shoulders.

 

Huo Jianan had just greeted her with “Hi, honey,” and was about to speak when Ruan Nianning cut her off, her expression hardening. “Why did it take you so long to answer?”

 

“Well… I was a bit slow. I took a while to pick up.”

 

Ruan Nianning’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the flicker of panic in Huo Jianan’s eyes. Noticing her breathlessness, she demanded bluntly, “What were you doing just now?”

 

“Nothing much. I just took a shower, and then I did some exercises on the bed afterward.”

 

Damn it! My legs are killing me, Huo Jianan thought, gritting her teeth to speak while forcing a smile for her wife.

 

At this hour, Huo Jianan isn’t in her study playing games? She’s skipping her games to go to bed? Exercising? And doing it on the bed?

 

“What kind of exercises?”

 

“Just… you know… um… I thought my arms were getting too muscular, so I wanted to slim them down a bit.”

 

Lying and not even bothering with a decent excuse? Does Huo Jianan think I’m an idiot or a three-year-old?

 

Ruan Nianning’s expression turned icy, her face freezing over, her eyes radiating a chilling coldness. “Move the camera around. Give me a 360-degree view. I miss our cozy room and want to take a good look around.”

 

Huo Jianan couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. Ruan Langlang wasn’t interested in seeing the room; she just wanted to check if Huo Jianan was hiding someone inside.

 

Huo Jianan switched the camera to a 360-degree view, rotating it around the room and leaving no corner unexamined. Seeing that the area beside the bed was spotless, showing no signs of anyone having lain there, Ruan Nianning’s expression visibly softened.

 

Then, she noticed the tuberose on the windowsill in the frame and asked, “How did a tuberose get here?”

 

“I bought it. Wang Baobao came to visit me today, and we went to a friend’s girlfriend’s newly opened flower shop. I saw this flower—it blooms so beautifully and smells wonderful—so I bought a pot.”

 

Whether it was Huo Jianan’s imagination or not, she thought she saw Ruan Langlang’s cheeks flush. Suddenly, it dawned on her that her wife’s pheromone scent was exactly this fragrance.

 

“Um,” Huo Jianan coughed awkwardly. “Are you comfortable at the hotel? If you’re not, we can switch to a more upscale one. We’ll cover the extra cost ourselves.”

 

“It’s fine here. Sister Song and the other leads are staying here too. No need to change.”

 

“What about the food? I heard they’re just serving boxed lunches. Aren’t they too greasy and unhealthy?”

 

“The few of us eat separately. The food’s decent enough.”

 

Huo Jianan stared at her wife on the phone screen, suddenly at a loss for words. Having never had a girlfriend or wife in her previous life, she had no idea how to chat with her wife.

 

“Oh, Xiao Man came back today,” she finally managed to say.

 

Just as she finished speaking, Xiao Man knocked on the door from outside. “Miss, I’m here to move the flowers downstairs.”

 

Huo Jianan pulled the blanket higher. “Come in.”

 

Xiao Man had been puzzled to find her mistress back in her room before 1 p.m., instead of playing games in the study. Now, overhearing the video call, she chuckled inwardly, realizing Miss Huo was eager to video chat with the Young Mistress.

 

Xiao Man tiptoed to the windowsill, picked up the tuberose pot, and left.

 

As soon as Xiao Man was gone, Huo Jianan felt like she’d grasped a lifeline—a topic to discuss. She recounted to Ruan Langlang all the chatter Xiao Man had shared about her trip home.

 

“She made the rural banquet sound so amazing, especially the beef. Now I really want to try it too!”

 

Ruan Nianning’s lips curved into a smile. “Why don’t you invite that chef over to cook for you a few times?”

 

“No, better not. Master Lu cooks well enough as it is. If I switch chefs just to try something new, he might think I’m trying to fire him. What’s the point?”

 

Ruan Nianning smiled warmly and suddenly looked directly at Huo Jianan.

 

Huo Jianan blushed visibly, her snow-white skin flushing pink. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

 

“Jiannan, you’re truly a good person.”

 

A faint blush spread across Huo Jianan’s fair cheeks, her beautiful eyes filled with a shy smile. “I’ve always been a good person.”

 

After hanging up, Huo Jianan felt the pain in her leg subside as the medication wore off. Unable to sleep, she sat up and continued massaging her leg.

 

So Ruan Langlang finally admits I’m a good person, she thought.

 

As she rubbed her leg, Huo Jianan sighed softly. And isn’t Ruan Langlang far from being a truly bad person herself?

 

With that thought, she picked up her phone and sent Ruan Langlang a message: “Wife, you’re a wonderful person too. You must be exhausted from filming. Good night.”

 

Ruan Nianning, who was about to shower, heard the notification and picked up her phone. When she saw the message, she froze, her eyes suddenly reddening.

 

I came here for revenge, infiltrating Huo Jianan’s life and plotting to bring down the Huo Family. How could I possibly be a good person?

 

A mist clouded Ruan Nianning’s vision.

 

“I’m not a good person,” Ruan Nianning typed, then quickly deleted the words, leaving only two: “Good night.”

 

Huo Jianan slept soundly that night, lulled by her wife’s goodnight message, and woke refreshed at dawn. When she went downstairs for breakfast, she found Meng Xi’en already at the table.

 

Meng Xi’en’s flight had landed in Changbin at 12:30 a.m., and she likely hadn’t gotten home until around 2 a.m.

 

Huo Jianan glanced at the clock—it was now 8 a.m. Had Meng Xi’en not slept properly? Her sleek, long hair was neatly styled, her makeup flawless, and she looked remarkably energetic.

 

“Jiannan’s up,” Meng Xi’en remarked, surprised to see Huo Jianan in the dining room at this hour.

 

Butler He chuckled. “Miss Meng, you wouldn’t know this, but Miss hasn’t slept in since she got married.”

 

Meng Xi’en was taken aback. “I never thought a night owl like you would become an early riser.” Noticing Huo Jianan was alone, she asked, “Where’s Nianning? Didn’t she come down with you?”

 

Butler He replied, “The Young Mistress left to film a drama a few days ago.”

 

Meng Xi’en’s eyes widened slightly. She smiled and asked Huo Jianan, “You agreed to this? You’re willing to let your wife leave?”

 

Huo Jianan shrugged. “The production team needed a lead actress urgently, so they asked her. She really wanted to go, so I let her. I can visit her on set later.”

 

“You’re undeniably good to your wife,” Meng Xi’en said, “but I wonder if she treats you as well?”

 

Huo Jianan, looking at the woman who would later conspire with her wife against her, laughed heartily. “Of course! Nianning is wonderful to me. We’re the happiest couple in the world.”

 

She added deliberately, “No one can ever separate us.”

 

This was meant for Meng Xi’en’s ears: My wife and I are as inseparable as a fortress. Don’t even think about trying to get to her through me.

 

Meng Xi’en remained noncommittal, taking a sip of her coffee. Suddenly, she patted Huo Jianan’s shoulder. “I have a gift for you!”

 

She rose and went upstairs, returning moments later with a box in her hands.

 

“Look! Do you like it? It’s the Global Platinum Edition of Mission of Glory, the limited edition you’ve always wanted. Only 100 sets were ever made, randomly given to game users back then.

 

I know you’ve been longing for this. I happened to get one during my trip to Country F—brand new, from S Corporation’s own archives!

 

What do you think? Were you surprised? Are you happy?!”

 

Meng Xi’en was clearly thrilled and proud to present this gift. The original Huo Jianan had been obsessed with the game; receiving this would have made her jump for joy, her excitement boundless.

 

Huo Jianan knew she had to show some enthusiasm. She recalled the glorious moment when she had scored first place in the middle school entrance exam—the only time she had ever achieved such a feat—and suddenly felt genuinely excited.

 

“I’m so happy! Overjoyed! I never expected this! I can’t believe it! Is it real? Is it really real?”

 

Seeing Huo Jianan’s childlike joy, Meng Xi’en grew even happier. “Of course it’s real! You’re holding it right now, aren’t you?”

 

“I’m going to put it away carefully and treasure it forever!”

 

Meng Xi’en slipped on her coat and grabbed her bag. “Jiannan, when I get back tonight, if it’s not too late, I’ll play games with you.”

 

Huo Jianan groaned inwardly. More gaming?!

 

“Oh, okay! Okay! Come back early, Sister Meng!”

 

“Mm-hmm.” Meng Xi’en smiled warmly, her eyes filled with the protective affection of an elder sister.

 

Huo Jianan carefully stored the game in the center spot of her gaming display cabinet.

 

Xiao Man: “Miss, Miss Meng is so good to you! She even thought to buy you a game while she was abroad. It feels like she’s been even kinder to you lately! She’s so busy at S Corporation, always working hard, yet she still wants to come home and play games with you. That’s something she never used to do before.”

 

The words slipped out before Xiao Man could stop herself, and she immediately panicked, her voice trembling. “B-but Miss, how can anyone say working isn’t busy? You’re always so busy playing games too! You’re never idle, so how could you be considered a ‘闲人’?”

 

Huo Jianan stared at her in silence.

 

The original Huo Jianan had been sensitive, suspicious, and prone to sudden mood swings, keeping everyone around her on edge. From Ruan Nianning to Wang Baobao to Xiao Man, everyone lived in constant fear of her unpredictable outbursts.

 

“I’m not upset,” Huo Jianan finally said. “You’re right, I’m busy playing games too, okay?”

 

Xiao Man finally relaxed. “Exactly! Who says gaming isn’t serious business? Didn’t you say it’s called ‘e-sports’ last time? Miss, you’re amazing! I’ve never seen anyone beat you at games, not even Miss Wang! She even said you’re the best!”

 

Huo Jianan forced a wry smile, thinking, You have no idea. Your Miss is now not only crippled in her legs but also in her hands. My teammates despise me.

 

“Xiao Man, how long have you been working for the Huo family?”

 

Xiao Man jumped in fright. “Miss, have I done something wrong? Please don’t fire me! I’ll work harder!”

 

Xiao Tao had said Miss Jianan had become more cheerful after getting married, but Xiao Man felt like she was even more unhinged than before. Now she was even thinking of firing her!

 

Seeing how frightened Xiao Tao was, Huo Jianan reassured her, “It’s okay, we were just chatting. I was just asking a question, I won’t fire you.”

 

Xiao Tao finally relaxed. “I’ve been here for two years, ever since Miss returned to the Huo Family.”

 

Just as I suspected! Huo Jianan thought.

 

Over the past few days, she had been organizing the original owner’s photos in her spare time. The earliest photos showed her living abroad, and judging by the backgrounds, her family’s living conditions were likely middle-class. Some photos featured her with Huo Zhujun, but most were landscapes she had taken. It wasn’t until two years ago that the photos shifted to this place—the Huo Family’s grand villa—and the mother-daughter photos disappeared entirely.

 

Huo Jianan guessed that Huo Zhujun had passed away. After her death, to ensure someone could care for the wheelchair-bound original owner, she was likely brought back to the Huo Family.

 

Seeing Huo Jianan’s silence, Xiao Tao tentatively asked, “Miss, what’s wrong? Are you missing your mommy? Next year, on Miss Zhujun’s death anniversary, you can visit her and talk to her.”

 

Huo Jianan: “……”

 

The original owner’s mother’s death anniversary?

 

“You’re right, Xiao Man. Remind me when the time comes.”

 

Xiao Man nodded vigorously. “Yes, Miss.”

 

“Good, just like that. Keep going, excellent.” At the hospital, Jiang Shumin guided Huo Jianan through her rehabilitation exercises.

 

After completing one set, Huo Jianan was panting heavily, drenched in sweat. Jiang Shumin poured her a glass of water. “Miss Huo, take a break first, then we’ll do the second set.”

 

“Thank you,” Huo Jianan said, accepting the glass. She looked up at Doctor Jiang, admiring her beauty. While Doctor Jiang’s features were undeniably attractive and her demeanor gentler than Ruan Langlang’s, Huo Jianan couldn’t help feeling that she still fell short of her friend.

 

So this is Wang Baobao’s type, she thought—a clean, gentle, refined older woman.

 

Deciding to gossip on behalf of her friend, she asked, “Doctor Jiang, how long have you been dating your girlfriend? Are you classmates? When are you planning to get married?”

 

Jiang Shumin’s expression softened further. “We’re not classmates. She’s a friend of one of my classmates. We met at a dinner party about two years ago. As for marriage, she’s currently busy helping her family manage their business. We’ll talk about it in another two years, once she’s settled in.”

 

“Oh, that’s nice,” Huo Jianan replied. Not particularly gossipy herself, she didn’t press further after a few more exchanges.

 

Instead, Doctor Jiang asked, “I heard Miss Huo’s wife is the actress Ruan Nianning, is that right?”

 

“Yes, my wife is Ruan Nianning, the famous actress.”

 

“Why isn’t your wife here with you for rehabilitation?”

 

“I wanted to surprise my family, so I couldn’t tell her. She’s currently filming a new drama with Song Shiyu in Changbin.”

 

Doctor Jiang’s eyes lit up. “With Best Actress Song Shiyu?”

 

“Yes, they just started filming a historical drama.” Huo Jianan had never seen such a girlish expression on Doctor Jiang’s face before. She wondered if she was just a drama fan, a fan of someone specific, or yet another Song Ruan CP shipper.

 

As they were talking, Huo Jianan’s phone rang. It was Wang Baobao asking when she was going to the hospital for her checkup and offering to accompany her.

 

“I’m already at the hospital,” Huo Jianan replied. “I’ll be heading home in about half an hour.”

 

“What?! You’re already at the hospital?! Have you seen Doctor Jiang?”

 

Huo Jianan glanced at Jiang Shumin beside her. “Yes, I’ve seen her.”

 

“Stay put! I’m coming to pick you up right away!”

 

Huo Jianan shook her head. Wang Baobao was clearly still harboring ulterior motives.

 

Forty minutes later, Wang Baobao indeed appeared at the hospital. “Dada, I’m here to pick you up! Oh, Doctor Jiang is here too! Hello, Doctor Jiang, do you remember me?”

 

Huo Jianan watched as Wang Baobao’s eyes darted around the room, searching for Jiang Shumin the moment he entered. He was clearly here to see the doctor, yet he pretended to be picking her up.

 

“Hello, I recognize you, Miss Wang. We met yesterday.”

 

Wang Baobao’s eyes disappeared behind his wide smile, which persisted even in the elevator. “Did you see that? Doctor Jiang recognized me!”

 

Huo Jianan thought to herself, You just met yesterday and even spoke to her. Unless Doctor Jiang’s memory is failing, it would be hard for her not to recognize you.

 

“Doctor Jiang’s voice is so lovely! Not only is she gentle, but her voice is so soft and soothing. She’s absolutely perfect!”

 

Seeing Wang Baobao’s infatuated expression, Huo Jianan couldn’t help but remind him, “She has a girlfriend.”

 

“I know,” Wang Baobao replied cheerfully. “I’m just looking—stealing glances. Is that so wrong? I’m not staring rudely.”

 

In high spirits, Wang Baobao continued, “Dada, I rushed to the hospital today in my sports car, so I can’t give you a ride. I’ll just follow behind you.”

 

Huo Jianan looked at him curiously. “Why are you following me?”

 

“To go back to the Huo Family with you! I haven’t eaten yet, so we can have brunch together.”

 

Huo Jianan: “……”

 

Wang Baobao ate at the Huo Family with gusto, making himself completely at home. Butler He, seemingly accustomed to this, asked, “Miss Wang, would you like another bowl of rice?”

 

“Great! Another bowl, please! This meat is so fragrant and delicious, I could eat another bowl.”

 

Huo Jianan finally understood where Wang Baobao’s layers of fat came from.

 

After finishing his meal, Wang Baobao downed a pitcher of freshly squeezed juice and nudged Huo Jianan. “Come on, let’s play games! I’ll let you win today.”

 

As they entered the study, Wang Baobao was about to flop onto the sofa when he spotted the Mission of Glory Global Platinum Edition in the display cabinet. He instantly lit up. “Holy sh1t! When did you get this?! The Global Platinum Edition! How did you get it? How much did it cost?”

 

“Sister Meng gave it to me.”

 

“Holy sh1t! Why don’t I have a sister like that?! Seriously, your Sister Meng treats you better than many real sisters do!”

 

Huo Jianan’s lips twitched slightly. “Really?”

 

In the book, it was precisely this “good sister” who, in collusion with his “good wife,” betrayed him—the two people he trusted most—seizing the Huo Family’s assets and driving him to ruin.

 

“Why are you being so sarcastic? Of course, it’s true!”

 

As Wang Baobao went to choose a game, Huo Jianan had an idea. “Let’s play the game Sister Meng and I used to play together.”

 

“Admit it, you’re close to Sister Meng. Here, let’s play this.”

 

It was a game similar to Resident Evil, supporting two-player mode.

 

After a few rounds, Wang Baobao looked disgusted. “You’re terrible! Why is switching weapons so hard for you? Fine, let’s play something simpler, like Bubble Bobble.”

 

“No, I want to play this.” If she were playing games with Meng Xi’en tonight, they’d likely play this one. She needed to practice.

 

Another few rounds later, Wang Baobao couldn’t take it anymore. “Your shooting is way too slow! The zombies would eat you alive! I’m done. I’m leaving.”

 

“Then go. I’ll play by myself.”

 

Wang Baobao grinned mysteriously. “How about we hit a bar tonight? Your wife’s away, so no one will stop us. Zhenzhen, a friend of mine, opened a new place just two months ago. It’s the most luxurious bar in Changbin, they say it has everything. You’ve never been to a bar, and I haven’t been to this one either. I’ll show you around tonight.”

 

Huo Jianan disliked the noisy, crowded atmosphere of bars. She shook her head. “No way. Don’t try to corrupt me. I’m still a pure baby.”

 

Wang Baobao burst out laughing. “Pfft!”

 

As Wang Baobao was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and stopped in his tracks. “Dada, will you still be going to the hospital?”

 

“Yes, I go almost every day.”

 

“Every day? What for? Holy sh1t! Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for Doctor Jiang too? Listen, you already have a wife! You can’t have your cake and eat it too!”

 

“What are you thinking? I’m doing rehabilitation therapy with Doctor Jiang. She says with this new treatment plan, there’s a chance I might be able to stand again.”

 

“Really?!” Wang Baobao froze in surprise. “Dada, you might be able to stand again?!”

 

“Doctor Jiang says if I stick with it for a few months, there’s a good chance I will.” Huo Jianan couldn’t help but feel overjoyed at the thought. She desperately missed the life of a healthy person, with all four limbs intact and the freedom to move as she pleased.

 

“I’m only telling you this because you’re a good friend. Besides Butler He, you’re the only one who knows. Don’t tell anyone else—not even my family knows. I want to surprise them.”

 

Wang Baobao’s heroic spirit surged, and he immediately agreed, “Alright! I definitely won’t say a word! What’s the point of a surprise if I spoil it?” He insisted on accompanying Huo Jianan to the hospital, handling transportation and staying with her during rehabilitation.

 

“I get up really early. I’m at the hospital before 10 AM.”

 

“That early?” Wang Baobao’s lips twitched. After a moment’s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and declared, “For Goddess Jiang, I’ll wake up early!”

 

Huo Jianan sighed. “Doctor Jiang has a girlfriend. They’ve been together for two years, and they plan to marry in another two years once her girlfriend’s career stabilizes.”

 

“Let her marry whoever she wants. I’ll still see her. I’m not trying to be a third party. I just want to steal a few glances at her each day, exchange a few words, and be a devoted admirer. Is that so wrong?”

 

Huo Jianan: “…Fine. A devoted admirer.”

 

Huo Corporation Headquarters.

 

When Meng Xi’en appeared in her impeccably tailored suit, many female employees’ eyes lit up, their gazes fixed on their CEO with starry-eyed admiration.

 

“Look, look! President Meng is back!”

 

“It’s been over a week since we last saw President Meng. I need to cleanse my eyes!”

 

“President Meng is so beautiful! She’s practically the Alpha of my dreams—gorgeous, with a perfect figure, wealthy, and never involved in scandals.”

 

“Too bad she doesn’t have the Huo surname. If she did, she’d be the rightful heir.”

 

“So what if she doesn’t have the Huo surname? She’s already second only to the emperor, a top-tier Alpha. If you don’t want her, I’ll take her!”

 

“Get in line! We were hired before you, so we’re ahead of you.”

 

Meng Xi’en stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows on the 50th floor of the building. The view was spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of Changbin. Possessing such a position and wealth was a dream for many.

 

Meng Xi’en gazed blankly into the distance. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a diagonal ray across her tall, slender figure. Half her face was bathed in sunlight, while the other half was shadowed. Her deep, unfathomable gaze and furrowed brow suggested she was lost in thought.

 

Has Ruan Nianning gone to film? Hmm, it’s better she’s not in Changbin.