The Breakup Didn’t Stop Me From Owning the World - Chapter 3

Lan Muyu adjusted her posture, leaning lazily against the wall as she idly twirled the ends of her hair between her fingertips, watching Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou through the massive revolving glass partition.

Fortunately, the Fu family had booked the entire floor, leaving the other banquet halls empty. Most guests had already arrived, so there was hardly anyone outside.

Not far away, Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou seemed to have reached an impasse in their conversation. Jiang Qianrou turned to leave, with Fu Yao following closely behind, still speaking urgently. Their argument carried them from one end of the glass partition to the other before they finally came to a stop.

A mocking smile curled at Lan Muyu’s lips. Who would have thought these two, currently caught in an awkward pre-reconciliation phase, would be rolling around in bed together sweetly just a year later, right in front of her?

She stepped out from the corner silently, taking advantage of the moment when the two began pushing and shoving again to slip quickly behind a large decorative pillar, concealing herself in the shadows.

With deliberate slowness, she retrieved her phone from her small purse, switched to the camera function, and zoomed in. Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou soon appeared on the screen.

Lan Muyu watched their interaction with relish, just about to mutter, “Is this all you’ve got after a long separation?” when Fu Yao impressively seized the moment—grabbing Jiang Qianrou’s hands. Jiang Qianrou, however, struggled to pull away.

Another prolonged tug-of-war ensued. Jiang Qianrou seemed to be avoiding something, while Fu Yao patiently coaxed her again and again, even making a vow with her hands.

By the time Lan Muyu’s arm grew sore from holding up her phone, Fu Yao abruptly yanked Jiang Qianrou closer and planted a swift kiss on her lips.

Wow!

Lan Muyu raised an eyebrow, eyes gleaming with amusement, feeling not the slightest hint of betrayal—only a desire for the two to put on more of a show. At the same time, she couldn’t help but scorn her past self’s dramatic reaction when she had stumbled upon them in bed.

What was there to make a scene about? Wouldn’t it have been better to just film it and sell it as adult content?

With a title like Award-Winning Actress Seduces Female Screenwriter, she could’ve made a fortune.

After all, Lan Muyu had just recalled something crucial: the timeline of her rebirth coincided with the moment she had already cut ties with her family—and abandoned her fiancée sister.

Hmm… A slight chill crept up her spine.

But a girl’s gotta eat. Filming this and collecting a little interest from Fu Yao first wasn’t too much to ask, was it?

Just as Lan Muyu finished mentally berating her past self, the two lovebirds in the distance finally broke apart. The high-definition camera captured every detail—even the glistening strand of saliva connecting their lips as they separated.

Fu Yao, who had once captured Lan Muyu’s heart in her past life and earned the title of Best Actress, was undeniably stunning. Her proactive advances and earnest vows quickly soothed Jiang Qianrou’s resistance.

After whispering a few more words, Fu Yao watched as Jiang Qianrou lowered her head. Hand in hand, the two walked back toward the banquet hall.

With the show over, Lan Muyu turned away, saving the video while stealing one last glance at the screen before locking it—only to—

“I’m so sorry, miss! Are you alright? Really, I apologize!”

Yes, sometimes overconfidence leads to disaster. The consequence of not watching where she was going? Lan Muyu collided with a waiter carrying a tray of champagne.

The dress that had remained untouched by spilled drinks in the banquet hall finally met its fate as a glass of champagne soaked its hem.

Perhaps the waiter’s apology was too earnest, but their commotion quickly drew the attention of others.

Seeing Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou drawing nearer, inevitably drawn to the scene, Lan Muyu waved the waiter off with a hurried “It’s fine” before turning and darting toward the nearest emergency stairwell.

Fortunately, the banquet hall was on the third floor. Clutching her phone, Lan Muyu rushed downstairs, the click of her heels echoing through the stairwell. The first floor was livelier, with a newlywed couple greeting guests. She exhaled in relief and, as she passed the bride, flashed a smile and congratulated her: “You look stunning, miss! Wishing you a happy marriage and a lifetime of love!”

The bride smiled back. “You too—watch your step—”

Before she could finish, Lan Muyu had already dashed out the hotel doors—only to be halted by a curtain of rain.

Yuncheng was in the middle of the rainy season, often plagued by thunderstorms. Lan Muyu glanced down at her champagne-stained skirt. If she charged into the downpour now, the delicate fabric would cling to her…

A gust of wind sent a shiver through her. Then her eyes lit up at the sight of a luxury car rolling to a stop nearby. The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.

Seizing the moment, Lan Muyu swiftly positioned herself by the door, tilting slightly as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Miss, if you could just—ah!”

Before she could finish, a slender hand shot out from inside the car, yanking her forward and throwing her unceremoniously onto the seat.

Before Lan Muyu could process what had happened, a familiar voice rang out: “Close the door. Head back to Boyue Huating.”

How could she not recognize that voice?

The last time she’d heard it, the speaker had been tenderly blaming herself for failing to protect her, calling her name with such gentleness.

This was none other than Li Ruonan—the very person she’d been searching for since her rebirth!

Lan Muyu froze for a few seconds, barely registering as someone lifted her dangling foot into the car before the door shut. The driver returned to his seat, and the car started moving.

Then, a voice laced with amusement came from above her: “Since Miss Lan seems so fond of clinging to my leg, why the hurry to break off our engagement?”

Lan Muyu’s arms, which had been bracing to push herself up, went limp again. She decided to play dead, pretending she hadn’t heard.

Wanting to find Li Ruonan was one thing—actually finding her was another. She hadn’t figured out how to face her yet, especially since Li Ruonan had died because of her in their past life.

As Lan Muyu agonized over what to say, a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck.

“How long do you plan to lie there?” A hand pinched her nape, hauling her up like a scruffed kitten.

“Ow—ah! That hurts, let go!”

Li Ruonan released her, then plucked a tissue from the side, wiped her hand, and tossed it into the car’s trash bin.

Was this really the same person who had once kissed a bloodstained photo of her?

Lan Muyu pouted. “Am I that dirty?”

Li Ruonan’s gaze shifted from the newly opened notebook, once again landing on Lan Muyu. Her eyes swept over the champagne-stained hem of the dress, undisguised disdain flashing in her eyes before she turned back to look at the rain outside the window.

Lan Muyu followed Li Ruonan’s gaze downward and saw the faint yellow wine stain on the now half-dry white dress. Her eyes flickered mischievously, and she clutched the back of her neck, groaning dramatically:

“Ahhh, it hurts—did my neck bones get dislocated?”

Li Ruonan frowned at her skeptically, only to hear Lan Muyu continue, “Maybe you snapped a tendon. I can’t move—it hurts so much.”

Li Ruonan’s brows furrowed deeper as she turned and leaned closer. “Let me see.”

Lan Muyu stubbornly kept her hands pressed to her neck, her voice growing weaker. “I’m fine, really… I’m… fine.”

Li Ruonan, unsettled by Lan Muyu’s act, couldn’t be sure of her own strength. While she hadn’t meant to injure her, it was possible she’d left bruises. Anxious, she insisted, “Stop fooling around. Let me check.”

“You… you really want to see?”

“Yes.”

“Then… lean a little closer. I… can’t move.”

Li Ruonan tilted her head as instructed, watching as Lan Muyu’s fingers finally left her neck, revealing smooth, flawless skin—only for Lan Muyu to suddenly flip up her wine-stained skirt and rub it hard against Li Ruonan’s clothes.

Li Ruonan: “…”

“There, now you’re dirty too.” Lan Muyu blinked playfully, grinning with triumph in her eyes.

Utterly… infuriating.

A vein pulsed at Li Ruonan’s temple. She shot Lan Muyu a glare before turning back to her documents.

Lan Muyu rested her head against the seat, admiring Li Ruonan’s focused expression. The gloomy sky outside cast a cold pallor over Li Ruonan’s skin, her sharp, upturned phoenix eyes exuding an alluring charm—yet her icy demeanor kept others at bay.

But Lan Muyu was different. She idly struck up conversation: “By the way, how did you know I was at Tingyu Intercontinental?”

“Is your whereabouts really that hard to track?” Li Ruonan pulled out her phone, opened Weibo, and tapped on the trending hashtag: Lan Muyu Joins Tianhao Entertainment, which featured photos of her entering the hotel.

Lan Muyu fell silent for a few seconds. In her past life, the news had exploded the moment she signed with Tianhao. But if it had been leaked after signing, that would be one thing—yet she’d barely stepped into the hotel before it went viral. Could it mean that Fu Yao, too, had believed in their so-called love?

Lan Muyu couldn’t wait to see the Fu family’s expressions when she rejected them.

It would be spectacular.

But before she could revel in the thought, Li Ruonan’s cold voice cut in: “You’re a celebrity. Don’t you know to wear a mask?”

“Masks ruin makeup. A big CEO like you wouldn’t understand.” Lan Muyu checked her reflection on her phone screen—still flawless despite the Fu family drama and the car ride. As expected of her.

Li Ruonan scoffed. “Childish.”

“I’m an adult. I’ve graduated college.”

“Oh?” Li Ruonan smirked, her gaze drifting pointedly to Lan Muyu’s stained skirt. “Right, all grown up and meeting the parents. After years apart, Miss Lan’s taste has certainly… evolved.”

“I—”

Lan Muyu didn’t know how to refute. Should she say she had just played a trick on the Fu family and intended to cut ties with Fu Yao?

But given her current state, she looked more like someone who had been kicked out.

She fell silent for a few seconds before suddenly spotting a loophole in Li Ruonan’s words: “How did you know I went to see the Fu family? Did you… did you…” also get reborn?

Li Ruonan cut her off: “Didn’t you hint at your parents a few days ago? They were worried about you. I happened to have business in Yuncheng, so they asked me to check on you.”

Lan Muyu nodded blankly. In her past life, Li Ruonan might have come to see her too. But since she hadn’t escaped the hotel, Li Ruonan must have assumed she was living happily and left without concern.

And her parents had always trusted Li Ruonan, believing she was content in Yuncheng—so much so that when she later encountered trouble, Li Ruonan blamed herself so deeply?

Lan Muyu thought for a moment and asked, “What if I wasn’t doing well?”

“I’d tie you up and drag you home, locking you away so you could never see her again.”

Lan Muyu’s lips twitched involuntarily. Illegal confinement—President Li, do you realize you’re breaking the law?

After a stretch of silence, Lan Muyu, unwilling to let the quiet linger, asked, “Since you’ve come all the way to Yuncheng, how about I be your tour guide?”

“No need.”

“Come on, I’m very considerate! As a special favor, I’ll only charge you 10,000 a day.”

Li Ruonan refused again: “I have work.”

“Work? You don’t have to work all day, do you? I’ll give you a 20% discount for a night tour of Yuncheng?”

Li Ruonan stared at Lan Muyu as if she’d seen a ghost, “Do celebrities have to take on side jobs?”

“A side gig—exclusively for you. Isn’t that a pleasant surprise?”

“You might as well say it’s a side gig exclusively for my money. That would be more accurate.”

Unexpectedly, Lan Muyu pondered for a few seconds and agreed: “You have a point.”

“Didn’t you just win an award? Are you that short on money?”

“I stopped asking my family for money after graduation. A fresh graduate in an unfamiliar city—do you think it’s easy?” Lan Muyu sighed, watching Li Ruonan’s expression while lamenting, “Homeless, starving, exposed to the elements…”

“Oh. Serves you right.”

Lan Muyu nearly retorted but realized Li Ruonan wasn’t wrong. She had brought this on herself. Clasping her hands together, she whined, “Hey, considering we’ve known each other since childhood, shouldn’t a big-shot CEO like you sponsor me a little?”

“You’re not worth much by the pound.” Li Ruonan thought for a moment. “Compile a list of your strengths into a document. I’ll see if you’re worth anything.”

Lan Muyu turned away in a huff, crossing her arms and sulking. “I’m tired. Don’t bother me.”

A finger poked her back. She shrugged it off, ignoring it.

A few seconds later, Li Ruonan held out a bank card. “Here. Take it.”

Lan Muyu slowly turned around, a smirk tugging at her lips. “This… this is so embarrassing!”

Though her words feigned reluctance, her hand was far more honest—she snatched the card before Li Ruonan could change her mind.

—Unaware of the faint smile that curved Li Ruonan’s lips as she turned away.

A ringtone shattered the silence between them, easing Lan Muyu’s awkwardness. But when she saw the caller’s name, her finger froze.

It was Fu Yao.

The phone rang for a long time. Li Ruonan glanced over and remarked, “Oh? Your girlfriend’s calling.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Lan Muyu whispered in explanation.

“Oh, fiancée then.”

“She’s not my fiancée.”

Li Ruonan suddenly understood, but before the word ‘wife’ could escape her lips, Lan Muyu quickly added, “We broke up.”

“Broke up?”

“Yeah.” Lan Muyu deleted the contact from her phone right in front of Li Ruonan and emphasized, “I dumped her.”

“I know. You also got wine thrown at you and were kicked out.”

Lan Muyu struggled to keep her composure, forcing a smile as she insisted, “I really was the one who ended it.”

“Oh.”

Lan Muyu opened WeChat and showed Li Ruonan the 99+ unread messages, smirking challengingly. They were all from Fu Yao:

Lan Muyu, where did you go? Tongtong said you threw wine at my brother?

Lan Muyu, hurry back and apologize.

…

Where are you?

I heard your clothes got wet. Do you need me to come find you?

…

Why aren’t you answering? I’m so worried.

Lan Muyu leisurely snapped a photo of her damp skirt and sent it over: I’m just changing my dress and will be right back. Please apologize to Grandma for me.

After a moment’s thought, she added another message, My phone’s about to die. Don’t lose the contract.

Then she promptly turned off her phone and turned to look at Li Ruonan.

Perhaps Lan Muyu’s gaze was too intense—Li Ruonan typed out a string of words only to delete them, repeating the process several times before finally slamming her laptop shut and turning to face Lan Muyu.

Lan Muyu smiled sweetly. “Done with your work?”

“No.”

“Then keep going. I’ll be quiet, promise I won’t disturb you.”

“How am I supposed to focus with you staring at me like that?” Li Ruonan pinched the bridge of her nose. “Where do you want to get off?”

Get… get off?

Li Ruonan was the one who dragged her into the car, and now she wanted to send her away? As if it were that easy.

“I’m going home with you,” Lan Muyu blurted out.

“Xiao Zhang, take us to this add—what did you say?”

Lan Muyu pouted, blinking up at Li Ruonan. “I want… to go home with you.”