Provoking the Obsessive, Cold, and Aloof CEO - Chapter 7

Ruan Taoran acted swiftly, sending a message before Ji Qingyun could:

Sister, text me when you get home, okay?

Sending the message first showed her concern.

Almost immediately after sending it, a reply arrived:

A message accompanied by a WeChat contact card:

Feng Shanshan from Phoenix Pearl Group. She’s a member of the organizing committee for the S Country New Designer Competition. I asked her to review your materials again.

Ruan Taoran paused, then typed: Sister, did you hear me just now?

Mm-hmm. Ji Qingyun’s reply was a single word.

Then another message followed: There’s a problem with Date’s summer collection designs. The set in your portfolio looked perfect, so I recommended it to Feng Shanshan.

Add her as a friend tomorrow and send her the design drafts.

Before Ruan Taoran could reply, Ji Qingyun sent another message, this time just four words: Sleep well, good night.

Ruan Taoran’s eyes widened slightly.

The spring collection… she had a set of designs in another portfolio. Had Ji Qingyun seen those too?

Date was currently the trendsetter in China’s jewelry industry and a globally renowned brand.

Having only just begun to make a name for herself, could her designs really be included in Date’s summer collection?

Ruan Taoran was nearly stunned by the news. She spent ages trying to formulate a reply, typing and deleting repeatedly, her hesitation dragging on.

Finally, six more words appeared on her screen: Don’t overthink it. Sleep.

Okay, good night, Sis, Ruan Taoran replied at last.

Her tone seemed calm, but she was so thrilled she wanted to spin around the room.

Ji Qingyun entered her apartment, removing her fluffy rabbit-eared jacket—the garment looked ridiculously childish. Instead of tossing it on the sofa, she took it to the bedroom, folded it neatly, and placed it in the closet.

She casually sent a message to her personal assistant, Han Yue: Schedule golf with Miss Feng for Wednesday afternoon next week. Clear my schedule.

Han Yue, who had been sprawled on her bed reading web novels, sat up abruptly, as if jolted back from the brink of death. She quickly checked Ji Qingyun’s itinerary and replied: Understood, President Ji.

As Ji Qingyun’s personal assistant, Han Yue was on call 24/7. The pay was excellent, and she was accustomed to being available at a moment’s notice.

Having worked for Ji Qingyun for five years, Han Yue understood her boss’s methods well. She never questioned why; Ji Qingyun never offered explanations. There was no room for debate—Han Yue simply followed instructions.

Han Yue pondered the situation, but couldn’t make sense of it. Miss Feng had invited Ji Qingyun to numerous dinners and cocktail parties, only to be consistently rejected.

What’s different this time? she wondered. Is it not about Miss Feng? Is it because of golf? Has he suddenly taken an interest in golf?

After a moment’s thought, Han Yue quickly browsed an online shopping platform and immediately ordered a set of golf clubs. She also signed herself up for golf lessons.

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not be defeated in a hundred battles, she thought. If the boss likes it, I’ll like it too. No harm in that.

The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains, illuminating a vase on the table. Camellias and cinerarias bloomed luxuriantly, their vibrant colors set against lush green foliage.

Ruan Taoran finished her morning run around the villa district and, as usual, sent Ji Qingyun a “good morning” message on WeChat.

The messages typically vanished into the void. Ruan Taoran tossed her phone aside and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

After applying her makeup, Ruan Taoran studied her reflection in the mirror.

Her light brown hair was braided and adorned with pearl hairpins. Her makeup was light and natural, giving her cheeks a delicate flush and her smile an approachable warmth.

She wore a pale yellow dress paired with a lace cardigan, but the outfit felt somewhat plain.

After a moment’s thought, she selected a pale camellia from the vase and fashioned it into a simple fresh flower brooch, pinning it to her cardigan.

Ruan Taoran’s meticulous grooming had the unintended consequence of dazzling Ruan Ruyue, who greeted her with barely concealed disdain.

Ruan Taoran, seemingly oblivious to the glares, settled into her seat and thanked the maid who brought her breakfast.

When Ruan Feng appeared in his suit with the sapphire cufflinks, Ruan Taoran couldn’t help but smile.

“Uncle, the weather forecast predicts strong winds tonight. Remember to take a warm coat to work.”

“Jiang City’s spring temperatures fluctuate wildly. As the saying goes, ‘Layer up in spring, cool down in autumn.’ You should be careful.”

“I heard you cough twice yesterday, so I had the kitchen prepare a monk fruit, water chestnut, and snow lotus soup. It’s already packed—take a cup to the office.”

With remarkable attentiveness, she handed Ruan Feng a napkin as he finished his breakfast.

Ruan Feng’s eyes softened with a smile. “Ranran is always so thoughtful.”

The harmonious scene between uncle and niece prompted Rao Man to kick Ruan Feng under the table.

Ruan Feng recoiled slightly, his smile freezing. Without acknowledging Rao Man, he stood abruptly. “I’m done eating.”

He couldn’t understand why Rao Man was so upset. He hadn’t given Ruan Taoran any real power or agreed to let her join the company.

He had simply been a little kinder to her.

Ruan Taoran was docile and obedient, never competing or vying for attention. Yet Rao Man remained dissatisfied.

In this household, Ruan Taoran was the only one who brought her peace of mind.

Ruan Feng’s attitude felt like a bone lodged in Rao Man’s throat. She feared he might one day be drugged or bewitched, abandoning his children for that wild girl.

Seeing Ruan Feng leave, Rao Man’s eyes flickered as she softened her tone. “Ranran, do you have plans today?”

“Yes, I need to go out,” Ruan Taoran nodded, offering no further details.

“What could you possibly have to do?” Ruan Ruyue scoffed, her fork clattering loudly against her plate. “Dressing up so prettily doesn’t make you a golden phoenix.”

Ruan Taoran ignored Ruan Ruyue, who was draped in jewelry. The diamond necklace around her neck alone, a new Date design, cost six figures. Not to mention her high-end dress, the bracelets on her wrists…

Ruan Taoran’s indifference infuriated Ruan Ruyue. “I’m talking to you, Sister! Is this how you respond?”

“Big Sister, I’m listening,” Ruan Taoran said calmly, a faint smile playing on her lips, showing no sign of annoyance.

Her smile was warm and radiant, her eyes sparkling like polished obsidian, perfectly complementing her vibrant spring attire and lending her a fresh, dewy beauty.

The term “Big Sister” grated on Ruan Ruyue’s nerves. Seeing Taoran’s smile only fueled her anger. She was about to lash out when Rao Man intervened.

Rao Man smiled sweetly and asked, “Is there something so urgent that it can’t wait?”

“Your aunt wants you to meet someone today.”

Ruan Taoran blinked, feigning surprise, and asked sweetly, “Who is it?”

“The third son of the Liu family, Liu Yuming. He’s about your age,” Rao Man replied. “With your parents gone, shouldn’t I be looking out for you?”

Rao Man’s solution was to marry Ruan Taoran off.

A married daughter is like spilled water—gone forever. Once Taoran was out of Ruan Feng’s sight, he’d forget about her in a few days.

Rao Man knew her husband’s nature better than anyone. Ruan Feng had never truly cared for Ruan Taoran.

“Thank you for your concern, Aunt,” Ruan Taoran said with a smile. “But I really do have an appointment today.”

“I’m going out later too, and there won’t be a driver available for you,” Ruan Ruyue scoffed.

“That’s fine, I’ll just take a taxi. It’s not far,” Ruan Taoran replied, wiping her mouth as she stood up. “I’m full. I’ll be going now.”

Despite Ruan Ruyue’s harsh tone, Ruan Taoran remained unfazed. She even hummed a little tune as she left, making sure to grab a bottle of peach-flavored sparkling water from the refrigerator.

Butler Zhou opened the door for Ruan Taoran and was surprised to see her hand him a rose.

Ruan Taoran had plucked it from the flowerbed by the entrance as she came out. “It’s Friday, so your daughter will be visiting, right? This is for the little one.”

Butler Zhou paused, then reached out to accept the flower. “Thank you, Second Miss.”

Ruan Taoran didn’t dwell on it. After giving the rose to Butler Zhou, she hummed her way out the door.

The morning sunlight bathed her pale yellow dress, making her resemble a blooming sunflower. Her shadow danced playfully across the ground, as if skipping along beside her.

She was like the spring of March, or a nimble and adorable fawn.

Butler Zhou stared blankly for a moment before tucking the rose into his pocket, a smile involuntarily tugging at the corners of his lips.

It was strange, but speaking with the Second Miss and seeing her smile seemed to possess a magical quality, filling one with vitality and warming the heart.

Ruan Taoran genuinely wasn’t angry. She hadn’t given Ruan Ruyue’s words a second thought, her mind completely occupied with her upcoming meeting with Feng Shanshan.

She had sent Feng Shanshan her design proposal, and Feng Shanshan, intrigued, had scheduled an in-person meeting for today.

The thought of her design potentially becoming a new Date product filled her with such excitement that she had no time to dwell on Ruan Ruyue’s petty remarks.

The villa district was vast, and Ruan Taoran walked for quite a while before reaching the main gate, a light sheen of sweat forming on her forehead.

She lowered her head to enter her destination into the ride-hailing app and requested a car. However, ride-hailing services were scarce in this area, making it difficult to find a ride.

Switching between three ride-hailing apps and contemplating whether to offer a higher fare, a black Maybach glided to a stop in front of her.

The rear window lowered, and a voice as crisp and cold as colliding ice crystals drifted out: “I’m heading to Feng Corporation. It’s on my way. Get in.”

Her words were concise and left no room for refusal.

Ruan Taoran, of course, had no intention of refusing. She happily got into the car.

Inside, a sachet of gardenias hung, filling the air with their delicate fragrance.

As Ruan Taoran settled in, Ji Qingyun noticed the sweat on her forehead and frowned slightly.

Ruan Taoran’s cheeks flushed a faint pink, her thick lashes framing eyes that curved into a joyful smile. “Sister, I thought you didn’t live here?”

Ruan Taoran knew Ji Qingyun owned property in Longhua Tianyu. She had even asked about it in a recent message, to which Ji Qingyun replied that she rarely stayed there.

“Just passing through,” Ji Qingyun said casually, handing her a tissue. “Wipe your sweat.”

Ruan Taoran took the tissue, dabbed at the sweat on her forehead, folded it neatly, and tucked it into her bag.

“I’ll assign you a driver in a few days,” Ji Qingyun remarked casually.

“No need,” Ruan Taoran quickly declined.

Living at home and using an outside driver would be a slap in the face to Ruan Feng. She didn’t rely on Ruan Ruyue, but she still didn’t want to upset Ruan Feng.

She didn’t feel wronged at all. It was just a few extra steps and a slightly longer wait for a taxi. She wasn’t crippled; a little walk would do her good.

“If I don’t ask, you won’t tell me?” Ji Qingyun suddenly said.

“Huh?” Ruan Taoran blinked, gazing into those pale, glassy eyes. “There’s nothing… to tell you…”

Ruan Taoran realized Ji Qingyun had misunderstood.

She thought Ruan Taoran felt wronged for not having a driver but was enduring it silently.

In President Ji’s world, having to hail a taxi on foot was indeed a hardship.

But Ruan Taoran was a hardworking, impoverished student, used to such things.

Ruan Taoran’s eyes crinkled into a smile. “You’re so busy with work, I didn’t want to bother you.”

If she’s misunderstanding, might as well play along, Ruan Taoran thought, knowing exactly how to make people happy with her words.

“Besides, you came to pick me up, didn’t you?”

She’s not completely clueless after all, Ji Qingyun thought.

Ruan Taoran’s expression was cheerful, showing no sign of resentment. Instead, she seemed genuinely delighted that Ji Qingyun had come to fetch her.

Ji Qingyun had never met such a fool—someone who would endure such hardship just to avoid troubling her, worrying about her busy schedule.

Ruan Taoran truly adored her, her heart and eyes completely filled with her.