Provoking the Obsessive, Cold, and Aloof CEO - Chapter 17

By the time Ruan Taoran returned home, it was already eleven at night, but the Ruan family mansion was still brightly lit.

Before she even stepped inside, she could hear a cacophony of boisterous laughter and chatter.

In the living room, a dozen or so men and women dressed in dazzling attire were either playing drinking games or singing karaoke, the scene bordering on chaotic.

The most striking figure among them was Ruan Ruyue, who stood out in a custom-made sequined skirt from a luxury brand. Her hair was styled in cascading waves, and a dazzling diamond necklace adorned her neck. Her meticulously applied makeup was enhanced by a faint flush of intoxication, giving her eyes a slightly reddened, alluring glow.

Hearing the door open, Ruan Ruyue glanced over with amusement. “Father always praises you for being so well-behaved. Is coming home after eleven considered ‘well-behaved’?”

“Is this your little sister?” The young man beside Ruan Ruyue chuckled, clinking his glass against hers. “She’s nothing special.”

“Exactly! Father always praises her, but what’s there to praise?”

“Right? You’re far more beautiful, Ruyue. And you even beat her in the design competition, didn’t you?”

Ruan Ruyue, having won against Ruan Taoran once, had made sure everyone knew about it. Even those outside the design world had heard the news.

Having been away from the country for so long, Ruan Taoran didn’t recognize many of the men and women in Jiang City’s elite circles.

She paid no attention to their words. These people were close friends of Ruan Ruyue, and their tongues were sharp. Getting upset by their remarks would only harm herself.

Why waste energy on trash? Ruan Taoran looked down on them, her heart naturally broad and magnanimous.

She turned and headed upstairs to her room.

Her dismissive attitude infuriated Ruan Ruyue the most. “Ruan Taoran, do you have any manners at all?”

“I’m your elder sister. Coming home and not even greeting me? It’s an insult to the Ruan Family’s upbringing if word gets out.”

Ruan Taoran turned back, her eyebrows lifting slightly as she flashed a radiant smile. “Elder Sister.”

“Don’t call me that. It sounds disgusting.” Ruan Ruyue’s voice rose sharply. The term “Elder Sister” inexplicably angered her, making her sound like a vegetable vendor at a market.

“Then I won’t. You all enjoy yourselves. I’m going upstairs now.” Ruan Taoran’s lips curved into a smile as bright as the spring sunshine in March.

Her eyes were clear and pure, brimming with such cheerful energy that she seemed oblivious to Ruan Ruyue’s anger, her expression remaining serenely cheerful.

Provoked, Ruan Ruyue drained her glass in one gulp. “Ruan Taoran, are you doing this on purpose?”

She slammed the glass down, stood up, and pointed at Ruan Taoran, but someone beside her grabbed her arm. “Ruyue, calm down.”

“What, has that little fox spirit already bewitched you all? You’re defending her after just one meeting?” Ruan Ruyue’s voice dripped with resentment. “Are you all blind and heartless like my father, unable to see her true face?”

The force with which she smashed the glass sent shards flying. One piece grazed Ruan Taoran’s hand, drawing a thin line of bl00d.

Ruan Taoran instinctively flinched, feeling a sharp sting. She glanced down to see a crimson line seeping across the back of her hand.

“Ruyue, that’s not what we meant. She didn’t even say anything. There’s no need to get so worked up.”

“Exactly! We were having fun. Why bother with her? She’s ruining our good mood.”

Ruan Ruyue’s icy glare swept across the room, silencing everyone instantly. The atmosphere froze, the air thick with tension.

No one dared speak. They all knew Ruan Ruyue’s volatile temper. From their perspective, Ruan Taoran had simply returned and greeted them, and Ruan Ruyue had immediately erupted. Ruan Taoran, meanwhile, looked perfectly innocent, as if she hadn’t done anything wrong.

Having not witnessed the events of the past few days, they were unaware of Ruan Ruyue’s aversion to being called “Big Sister.” However, due to Ruan Feng’s insistence, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and accept it.

Hearing the title immediately reminded her of Ruan Feng’s protectiveness, igniting a simmering rage within her.

Ruan Taoran maintained her polite demeanor, gently wiping the bloodstain from the back of her hand with her fingertip. “Big Sister, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go upstairs to rest.”

“There is something, of course there is,” Ruan Ruyue retorted, rising to her feet and striding over to Ruan Taoran. She scrutinized her sister from head to toe, her fingers pinching the collar of Taoran’s jacket.

“A Rain Series blazer, custom-tailored from rare fabric. This piece is priceless, my dear sister. Where have you been gallivanting around?”

“Whose sugar daddy’s bed have you been warming, fooling around until now?”

“Do you think your ‘good girl’ act would hold up if Dad found out?”

Ruan Taoran wore a pale yellow dress beneath a charcoal-black blazer. The exquisite fabric and sharp tailoring exuded a cool, herbal fragrance.

Ruan Taoran brushed Ruyue’s hand away, her lashes trembling slightly. “Big Sister, this is none of your concern.”

Her voice was soft as she gathered the blazer around herself and took a step back.

“No relation? Of course it’s my business! I’m your older sister, and I have every right to discipline you.” Ruan Ruyue grabbed Ruan Taoran’s arm and yanked her toward the sofa.

With a sudden shove, she threw Taoran onto the cushions. “Sit right there. I’m calling Dad right now. Let’s see how you try to weasel your way out of this.”

“Ruyue, what about us?” One of Ruyue’s friends asked tentatively.

Ruyue had only invited them over tonight because Ruan Feng wasn’t coming home. They wouldn’t dare face him.

“You guys can leave now. Next week, MK is hosting a private event, and I’ll treat you all. Order whatever you want—it’s on me.” Ruan Ruyue was always generous with her money.

“Ruyue, you’re so generous! We’ll head out then. Have someone clean up before your dad gets back.”

“Looks like we’re missing out on some drama! Ruyue, don’t forget to tell me all about it tomorrow.”

“And your sister… she’s so tacky, trying to hook up with a sugar daddy. It’s pathetic.”

Hearing Ruyue’s offer of free drinks, food, and entertainment, the friends’ faces lit up with smiles, and they eagerly agreed with her.

Ruan Ruyue had always reveled in being the center of attention. A smug arrogance crept into her expression. “Exactly. I’m not tacky like her.”

As she spoke, Ruan Ruyue unclasped the diamond necklace from her neck and tossed it to the girl beside her. “Here, you take it. You’re in charge of finding cars to get everyone home.”

“Okay!” The girl’s smile instantly widened. “Thank you, Ruyue!”

Ruan Ruyue had bought the necklace just last month and had only worn it twice. She had begged her father, Ruan Feng, to bid for it at an overseas auction, and it was worth a small fortune.

Ruan Taoran watched silently, her eyes calm and detached.

Most of Ruan Ruyue’s friends were just sycophants and hangers-on, drawn by her wealth. Ruan Ruyue, blinded by their flattery, genuinely believed they were her true friends.

After everyone left, the housekeeper and butler sprang into action, quickly clearing away the mess in the living room.

Once the cleanup was nearly finished, Ruan Ruyue changed out of her bright miniskirt into comfortable loungewear before calling Ruan Feng.

Whatever sweet words she used to coax him worked like a charm. Within half an hour, the sound of a car horn announced Ruan Feng’s return.

Ruan Ruyue greeted him with a radiant smile, wrapping her arms around his arm. “Daddy, you’re finally home!”

Ruan Feng had been working tirelessly on a major project these past few days, his eyes heavy with fatigue and dark circles beneath his eyelids.

Ruan Feng frowned slightly. “Didn’t you say you were sick?”

His next words carried a hint of displeasure: “You’re back from drinking outside? You reek of alcohol.”

Ruan Feng disapproved of Ruan Ruyue going out to drink. In his view, young women should be well-behaved, focusing on painting, playing music, or dancing, and then marry a good man.

“I didn’t go out, Dad. I had a little insomnia tonight, so I drank a small glass before bed—just one glass,” Ruan Ruyue said, knowing exactly how to handle the situation. She often used this tactic.

She pressed close to Ruan Feng, wrapped her arm around his, and swayed gently. “Dad, don’t be mad. I’m usually so well-behaved. I just couldn’t sleep tonight. You’re the best, Dad. Please don’t be angry with me when I’m having trouble sleeping.”

“Insomnia?” Ruan Feng’s tone softened instantly. “I’ll have your mother schedule an appointment with a doctor. Trouble sleeping can be a serious issue.”

Ruan Taoran listened with a calm expression. She wasn’t surprised at all. This had been the pattern since childhood: no matter what mistake Ruan Ruyue made, a few sweet words and a bit of flattery would make Ruan Feng overlook everything, and the matter would be dropped.

“It’s nothing, Dad. A minor thing. Don’t worry about it. I’ll see a doctor myself,” Ruan Ruyue said with a smile.

Ruan Feng continued, “So, you called me back just because you couldn’t sleep?”

“That’s not it…” Ruan Ruyue paused, seeming hesitant. “I was afraid someone might overhear and spread our family’s dirty laundry.”

As she spoke, she tilted her chin slightly toward Ruan Taoran.

Ruan Feng finally noticed Ruan Taoran. “Ranran, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Uncle, have some water first. You’ve been so busy these past few days. You must be exhausted.” Ruan Taoran handed him the cup.

The water was lukewarm, just right for drinking, with a hint of honey. It was clear she had put thought into it. Her eyes, fixed on Ruan Feng, sparkled with a radiant smile, brimming with genuine concern.

“Ranran is always so thoughtful,” Ruan Feng sighed, took the cup, drank half of it, and handed it back to her.

“Dad, she’s just trying to butter you up,” Ruan Ruyue huffed, her dissatisfaction evident.

Ruan Feng couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. Whenever Ruan Taoran was involved, Rao Man and Ruan Ruyue always acted this way, their tangled emotions throwing the household into chaos.

He didn’t want to dwell on this issue. “You mentioned family secrets earlier. What secrets?”

“It’s her!” Ruan Ruyue perked up. “I couldn’t sleep well last night. Around eleven, I heard the door open and saw her sneaking back in.”

“Coming home after 11 PM after who knows what kind of shenanigans is bad enough, but wearing some sugar daddy’s suit on top of it?”

“If this gets out, what will become of the Ruan Family’s reputation? How am I ever going to get married?”

Ruan Feng’s gaze also fell on Ruan Taoran. The ink-black suit was clearly not hers, hanging loosely on her frame.

“That’s not what happened, Uncle…” Ruan Taoran began to explain.

But Ruan Ruyue cut her off. “Dad, I know this Rain Series suit. They’re all custom-made, with the client’s name embroidered on the lining.”

“Make her take it off and show you the lining. Let’s see whose name is on it,” Ruan Ruyue pressed relentlessly.

She knew Ruan Feng was a traditional man. If she could prove Ruan Taoran had been out carousing, he would surely disapprove of her.

In this household, if Ruan Feng stopped protecting Ruan Taoran, Ruan Ruyue would have a thousand ways to deal with her.

Ruan Taoran’s eyelashes fluttered as she clutched the suit tighter, her movements timid.

Ruan Ruyue’s conviction grew. Raising her voice, she taunted, “What’s this? You had the nerve to sleep around, but not the guts to take off a jacket? Feeling ashamed now?”