Provoking the Obsessive, Cold, and Aloof CEO - Chapter 22

“Liu Yuming is such a good boy. He just wanted to treat you to dinner, and you ended up at the police station?”

 

“Ranran, it’s time to settle down. Girls your age are already getting married.”

 

“Your parents are gone, so it’s up to us elders to worry about these things.”

 

Rao Man began her incessant nagging at the dinner table, praising Liu Yuming and lamenting the failed date.

 

Even Ruan Feng grew weary of it. “Can’t we just eat in peace? After a long day at work, I can’t even enjoy a quiet meal.”

 

“Eat your own food. I wasn’t talking to you,” Rao Man retorted, equally annoyed. “You never lift a finger to help, and now you’re criticizing me?”

 

“They always say ‘establish a family and build a career.’ You’ve got the career part covered, so it’s time to start a family.”

 

“My older sister isn’t married yet. I’m not in a rush,” Ruan Taoran replied calmly.

 

The atmosphere seemed to freeze for a moment, but Rao Man had her own explanation: “Your sister is a good-for-nothing. She needs another two years at home to learn. You’re different.”

 

Ruan Taoran didn’t argue with her. Instead, she ladled a bowl of chicken soup for Ruan Feng. “Uncle, this soup is excellent. It’s good for your stomach and spleen. Please try it.”

 

“Alright, alright, let’s drop this talk about settling down and starting a family. There’s no rush. Let’s eat first.” Ruan Feng picked up his spoon, took a sip, and let out a soft sigh.

 

Ruan Ruyue’s eyes darkened as she shot a cold glare at Ruan Taoran. That little brat! Always pulling these little tricks. And Ruan Feng always falls for it.

 

She quickly signaled to Rao Man, who picked up on the cue and cautiously ventured, “About Liu Yuming…”

 

“I said, no more talk about settling down and starting a family. Let’s eat first,” Ruan Feng interrupted sharply, his face etched with impatience.

 

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Rao Man quickly changed tack. “I was referring to Ranran calling the police…”

 

“Ranran already explained. They had a minor argument, and the Xingyue City security guards misunderstood and called the police. It wasn’t Ranran who called them. It was just a misunderstanding, and it’s been resolved now, hasn’t it?” Ruan Feng’s tone was sharp.

 

“But…” Rao Man didn’t dare raise her voice when Ruan Feng was angry. “The Liu Family and we have business dealings. Won’t they be upset?”

 

Seeing that Ruan Feng didn’t interrupt again, she continued, “Regardless, Ranran should apologize to the Liu Family.”

 

“That way, if they’re upset, it won’t affect our business. We can still be friends when we meet next time, right?”

 

Instead of speaking from her own perspective, she subtly framed her words from the company’s perspective.

 

As expected, Ruan Feng listened when she spoke so diplomatically. “You’re right.”

 

“Then should we invite the Liu couple out for dinner?” Ruan Feng mused.

 

“That’s not necessary,” Rao Man said with a smile. “You’re so busy—how could you possibly have time to worry about such trivial matters? Let the younger generation handle it themselves.”

 

Seeing Ruan Feng still looked unconvinced, Rao Man continued, “I’ve already arranged for Liu Yuming to take Ranran to work tomorrow morning.”

 

“Since it’s just a misunderstanding, they can have breakfast together and clear things up properly.”

 

“Getting to know each other better might even lead to a good friendship, which could benefit the company’s business.”

 

Ruan Feng had been impatient with the matter from the start. Hearing that he wouldn’t have to get involved, he nodded in agreement. “You’ve handled this quite well.”

 

Without consulting Ruan Taoran, he declared, “Ranran, this is how we’ll handle it. Talk to him properly tomorrow—it was just a misunderstanding. He wasn’t even detained for long, just had a cup of tea. There’s no reason to be upset. Just soften your tone.”

 

A sweet smile lingered on Ruan Taoran’s lips. “Understood, Uncle. Don’t worry about it. Get some rest.”

 

She had no intention of letting family matters trouble her. She’d long seen through Ruan Feng’s limited affection for her gentle and considerate nature—he would never truly act in her best interest.

 

In fact, she suspected she wouldn’t even see Liu Yuming tomorrow.

 

That night, Ruan Taoran slept soundly. She woke early to the cuckoo’s call outside her window.

 

After changing, she went for her morning run and sent Ji Qingyun a photo as usual.

 

The cherry blossoms in Jiang City are almost gone. The weather is beautiful today.

 

Ruan Taoran didn’t wait for Ji Qingyun’s reply, knowing that due to the time difference, Ji Qingyun would still be asleep.

 

Back home, after showering and putting on makeup, Ruan Taoran went downstairs for breakfast. Suddenly, she heard Rao Man’s startled exclamation on the phone: “What?!”

 

Her tone was not just surprised but also anxious. “What’s going on? They really took him to the police station?”

 

“What is it this time?”

 

“Don’t panic, don’t panic. I’ll have Lao Liu ask around. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”

 

“It’s trending on social media?”

 

“Quickly get someone to suppress the heat. If this news spreads, the child’s reputation will be ruined!”

 

Ruan Feng overheard her phone call and frowned slightly. “What’s all the commotion so early in the morning?”

 

“Shh!” Rao Man gestured for silence and continued her call, her voice reassuring. “It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s probably just a minor misunderstanding. We can resolve it.”

 

After offering more reassurances, Rao Man finally hung up and sighed as she looked at her breakfast.

 

“What’s wrong? Can’t get a mahjong game together today, or did you lose money cutting jade rough?” Ruan Feng asked calmly.

 

In his eyes, Rao Man’s life revolved around these things: mahjong, shopping, buying jewelry, gossiping with other women, and discussing trivial matters.

 

“I can’t get a game together…” Rao Man seemed still dazed. “Liu Yuming was arrested. His mother has no mood to play mahjong with us now.”

 

“Didn’t they clarify the situation yesterday and release him? It was just a misunderstanding,” Ruan Feng said, puzzled.

 

“It’s not about last night,” Rao Man said, glancing at Ruan Taoran before continuing. “They’re saying he hired a prostitute and things went wrong—someone died.”

 

“The Liu Family paid off the victim’s family before, so I don’t know why they suddenly went to the police.”

 

“The evidence is airtight. The lawyer pinned Liu Yuming down immediately, and he was arrested this morning.”

 

“It’s all over social media now—people are saying the rich second-generation treats human life like dirt.”

 

Ruan Taoran quietly ate her breakfast, acting as if none of this concerned her. But when she heard the last sentence, she couldn’t resist pulling out her phone to check.

 

The Liu Family was already trying to suppress the news, but it was still trending in the top ten. Clicking on the link revealed Liu Yuming’s face.

 

Below were angry comments:

 

This guy’s face screams “spoiled brat.” He’s definitely no good.

 

How terrifying! I thought rich kids just ate, drank, and maybe skirted the law. How could they be so brazenly lawless?

 

Get used to it. They have connections everywhere.

 

If they have connections everywhere, how did this even get leaked? Who had the guts to expose them?

 

With Liu Yuming arrested, there was no morning breakfast together or rides to work.

 

Finally rid of that clingy leech, Ruan Taoran felt lighthearted as she cheerfully headed to work.

 

In Seraphine’s office, whispers and gossip about this morning’s explosive news filled the air.

 

Ruan Taoran stood in the break room, eavesdropping. She confirmed that the news had spread widely, and even the Liu Family’s far-reaching influence couldn’t suppress public opinion.

 

Fortunately, the Liu Family didn’t have an only child, so the elderly couple wouldn’t have to work overtime at their age.

 

Ruan Taoran felt no sympathy for them. They had raised such a terrible son and now had to bear the consequences.

 

Liu Yuming was utterly despicable, disrespecting women and believing he could buy their affections with money. He was truly disgusting.

 

It was baffling how Ruan Ruyue could be friends with someone like him.

 

Returning from the break room, Ruan Ruyue placed Wan Xingchun’s cup on the desk. “Sister Chun Chun, I noticed your voice was hoarse this morning, so I brewed you some pangdahai.”

 

“Thank you,” Wan Xingchun replied, slightly flustered but accepting the drink. “It’s probably just the changing seasons. It’s nothing serious.”

 

After spending a day together, Wan Xingchun had grown fond of Ruan Taoran’s easygoing and likable nature.

 

Yesterday, she had addressed her formally as “Miss Ruan,” but by this morning, she was already calling her “Ranran” with natural familiarity.

 

Wan Xingchun closed her design notebook. “Ranran, since you don’t have much to do here, feel free to go wherever you want. I’ll approve your leave. You don’t even need to come to work.”

 

With the rest of the team on temporary assignments, only Wan Xingchun and Ruan Taoran remained idle.

 

Wan Xingchun couldn’t understand why Ruan Taoran was even working here; it seemed pointless.

 

“It’s fine,” Ruan Taoran said with a bright smile. “I’d just be bored at home anyway. Think of it as a fun outing.”

 

Of course it had meaning. She hadn’t managed to speak to Chen Huan yesterday, but she had this morning. She refused to believe she’d remain invisible forever.

 

“Then could you help me organize these old booklets and file them?” Wan Xingchun gestured to several large boxes stacked nearby.

 

The boxes had clearly been sitting there for some time, their surfaces coated in dust.

 

Wan Xingchun felt awkward having Ruan Taoran sitting around with nothing to do, so she gave her this task.

 

Ruan Taoran readily agreed, standing up. “Sure, I’ve got plenty of time.”

 

Seeing her reach for a box, Wan Xingchun quickly added, “Let’s carry them down together.”

 

“No need, they’re not heavy,” Ruan Taoran replied, already lifting the top box.

 

The box was so large it completely obscured her slender frame. Having sat undisturbed for so long, dust billowed up as she moved it.

 

By the time Ruan Taoran set the box down, her hands were covered in grime and her face was smudged with dust, but her eyes still sparkled brightly, and her smile remained radiant.

 

“Sister Chun Chun, is there another one? Should I bring that one down too?”

 

After receiving Wan Xingchun’s confirmation, Ruan Taoran rolled up her sleeves and eagerly moved on to the next box, her eyes showing no hint of reluctance.

 

“You seem quite happy about this,” Wan Xingchun remarked, her lips curving into a smile as she handed Ruan Taoran a wet wipe to wipe off the dust.

 

“The archives must contain plenty of excellent case studies from previous years,” Ruan Taoran replied with a cheerful smile. “This is a great learning opportunity!”

 

What was wrong with doing some work? She wasn’t some pampered Eldest Miss who had never lifted a finger. Carrying a couple of boxes wouldn’t kill her.

 

Just as she opened the first box, Ruan Taoran’s phone buzzed.

 

Normally, she would ignore it, but this was a notification from her “Special Attention” contact—a message from Ji Qingyun.

 

Flight to Auckland tomorrow at 9 AM. Han Yue will take you to the airport.

 

Ruan Taoran paused, realizing this meant she was being summoned to Auckland the next day.

 

I have work, she replied.

 

The message had barely been sent when two words flashed back: Take leave.

 

The curt, decisive tone left no room for argument.

 

President Ji… Ruan Taoran’s eyes narrowed. She instantly understood: President Ji knew about her blind date.

 

Having dealt with Liu Yuming, President Ji was still unsatisfied and wanted to bring her right under his nose.

 

Ruan Taoran’s fingers paused mid-tap. When she had leveraged Ji Qingyun’s influence, she hadn’t anticipated such swift and decisive action. The consequences seemed rather severe.

 

Two more words flashed across the screen: Can’t?

 

It was phrased as a question, but it clearly wasn’t one. Even through the screen, Ruan Taoran could imagine Ji Qingyun’s tone—authoritative, yet icy.

 

She strongly suspected that if she said “no,” Ji Qingyun would smash Seraphine and declare, “Now you have no job. Problem solved.”

 

Okay, okay, okay! Of course I can! I was just stunned by the good news, Ruan Taoran quickly replied.

 

No need to trouble Han Yue. Just send me the flight number, I’ll go myself. She added a large smiley face to emphasize that she wasn’t being forced—she genuinely wanted to see her sister.

 

Private jet. No flight number. Han Yue will take you there, Ji Qingyun’s response was characteristically terse.

 

Then how many days’ worth of clothes should I pack? Ruan Taoran tried to probe for more information.

 

No need to pack. Just buy new ones.

 

Ruan Taoran: “……” So, how many days should I request off?

 

The domineering CEO truly had no idea about the struggles of salaried workers needing to submit leave requests.

 

Wan Xingchun was organizing her files. Noticing Ruan Taoran’s hesitation as she kept replying to messages, she looked up and asked, “Ranran, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

 

“Yes… well…” Ruan Taoran stammered, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Could I request some time off?”

 

Just moments ago, she had boasted about having plenty of free time. Now, the situation had completely changed, leaving her feeling awkward.

 

“If you have something to take care of, go ahead. How long will you need? A day? Just handle your business and go home. No need to come to work today,” Wan Xingchun said generously.

 

Ruan Taoran paused, then tentatively asked, “How about… I request three days for now?”

 

She wasn’t sure if three days would be enough, and she didn’t dare ask Ji Qingyun, sensing a heavy atmosphere in her messages.