“Ruoruo, what are you doing now?”
Right after lunch, He Wen called.
“Nothing much, why?”
“Nothing, just checking—your head is all better now, right?”
“I already told you two days ago that I’m fine. Stop nagging.”
Su Ruo replied with disdain. Ever since her fall, He Wen had been acting like it was her fault, feeling endlessly guilty, calling repeatedly to express remorse. She even offered to send supplements or compensation—whatever Su Ruo needed, she’d send it over in a heartbeat. Su Ruo got so annoyed that she used Xi Yuechen as a shield, claiming he wouldn’t let her take calls and that if He Wen had the guts, she should go argue with him instead. That worked—He Wen finally backed off. Just as Su Ruo was marveling at Xi Yuechen’s intimidating power, He Wen called again.
“Hehe, I’m just worried about you, but now you’re annoyed with me,” He Wen laughed awkwardly.
“I’m perfectly fine. I really can’t take this much concern. If you have something to say, say it now. Otherwise, don’t blame me for hanging up.”
“Hey, hey, slow down! I do have something. Today’s Lu Yue’s birthday, so we’re all getting together for some fun. And you’re the only one missing.”
Hearing that Su Ruo really intended to hang up, He Wen quickly explained.
“Lu Yue’s birthday? Today?”
“Yeah! What, your man won’t let you come out? Come on, it’s a happy occasion! What’s the fun if we’re not all there? Just act a little cute, throw a tiny tantrum—he’ll definitely let you come.”
He Wen assumed from Su Ruo’s tone that she wouldn’t come, so she hurried to persuade her and even offered tactics.
“Wow, you think you’re so smart. Why don’t you come and act cute for me instead? Alright, alright, I’ll ask and try to come. I’ll call you back later.”
After hanging up, Su Ruo didn’t immediately go find Xi Yuechen. Instead, she busied herself arranging the flowers she hadn’t finished placing earlier. She moved a few pots to the bedroom balcony and scattered the rest in the living room at different angles, with most clustered in the sun-drenched balcony. She admired her work—this arrangement really brightened up the whole house.
“Commander?” She peeked into the study and found that he wasn’t reading but working on the computer, brows tightly furrowed as if deep in thought over something important.
“Hmm? What is it?” Hearing her voice, Xi Yuechen looked up at her.
“Uh, well… Lu Yue—one of my friends—it’s his birthday today, and he just called to invite me over.”
Xi Yuechen rubbed his temples and was silent for a moment before saying, “Then go. Buy whatever you need. Do you have enough money?”
“I have money, thanks. I’ll get going then?” Please, like she’d ever need his money.
“Mm. Oh, and be careful—don’t be reckless again.”
“Got it. Lesson learned—I won’t fall again.”
Hearing his words, Su Ruo stuck out her tongue like she was making a promise. Just as she was about to leave, she remembered something and added, “Commander, I probably won’t be back to cook dinner tonight, so—”
“It’s fine, I’ll just make something simple. Go have fun.”
Hearing that, Su Ruo felt reassured. With a smile, she said goodbye and closed the door behind her.
Birthday? Xi Yuechen suddenly remembered that he was ten years older than Su Ruo. Ten years… Why did it suddenly make him feel so old?
After calling He Wen, Su Ruo changed clothes. As she was getting ready, she noticed a jade bracelet resting on her bedside table—a deep green, flawless piece. After a moment of hesitation, she walked over and put it on. It was a bit tight, so she used some hand soap to slip it on. Once in place, it fit her slender, fair wrist perfectly, looking absolutely stunning.
Shen Liang had given it to her yesterday, saying that their family didn’t have any priceless heirlooms to pass down, so this jade bracelet and a matching necklace were the best she could offer. She had prepared them long ago for her future daughter-in-law, and refusing them would be like rejecting her goodwill. Since it was put that way, Su Ruo couldn’t decline and accepted them.
Even though Shen Liang said they weren’t worth much, Su Ruo could tell at a glance that this was high-quality jade—definitely valuable. It also showed Shen Liang’s attitude toward her. Grateful, Su Ruo cherished the bracelet. She had initially planned to keep it stored away, but then she thought, her mother-in-law probably wanted to see her wear it. Besides, it was beautiful, so why not? As long as she was careful, it shouldn’t get damaged.
After getting ready and heading downstairs, He Wen hadn’t arrived yet. So, Su Ruo found a shady spot and waited leisurely.
“Ruoruo, get in the car!”
Before long, He Wen pulled up in her flashy sports car. Su Ruo couldn’t help but notice that everyone in their circle seemed obsessed with sports cars. Almost every single one of them had one, and even the car sitting at the Su family’s place for her was a sports car. Thinking about this, she felt a wave of helplessness.
“Hey, why don’t you drive your own car? Yours is even flashier than mine. Are you seriously making me your chauffeur all the time?”
He Wen had been envious of Su Ruo’s car for ages. In their group, not many people had made big money from entrepreneurship like Su Ruo, so they couldn’t afford such high-end rides. Every time He Wen saw it, she could only drool in jealousy.
“Don’t feel like driving it. I’m afraid being too flashy will get me struck by lightning.”
Su Ruo replied nonchalantly. Her car was certainly beautiful, but it was way too ostentatious for her taste.
“Oh wow, since when did you turn humble? Weren’t you the one who said to enjoy life to the fullest? Hmph.”
He Wen didn’t believe her one bit. She figured Su Ruo was just tired of driving it. Ugh, having money was such a luxury.
“By the way, what should we get Lu Yue as a gift?” Su Ruo suddenly remembered the main topic.
“My dear lady, what gift? He lacks nothing except money. You, a rich woman, should just give him a big red envelope—that’s the best gift.”
That made sense. What could people like them possibly lack? Giving money was the simplest and most practical choice. Thinking about this, Su Ruo also remembered she needed to change her password. Might as well take care of it today.
After leaving the bank, Su Ruo was a bit dazed. She knew she had money, but she hadn’t expected to have this much. Adding up the balances on her three cards, the total was close to nine figures. Well, considering Mu You was a veritable money-making machine, who knew how much it raked in daily? Still… it was a lot.
“He Wen, how much are you giving?” She figured it was best to clarify—she didn’t want her red envelope to be out of place.
“Usually, it’s five figures. You decide, but it should be around that amount.”
Lu Yue’s birthday celebration was being held at Mu You, with the entire second-floor bar reserved. Su Ruo simply gave him a 70% discount and made the drinks free. Mu You wouldn’t miss a day’s revenue anyway, and it was a nice favor to extend. Not to mention, even aside from their past friendship, she might need his help someday.
There were a lot of guests this time. In addition to the ones who had gathered at Mu You last time, there were plenty of unfamiliar faces. Su Ruo understood that these newcomers were either Lu Yue’s closer acquaintances or people who usually had a more distant relationship with him but had come to join the fun today.
For those who eagerly approached her to chat, she responded with a polite smile. He Wen, too, occasionally exchanged a few words, though his tone was distant. When faced with a few obviously ingratiating smiles, Su Ruo merely smiled back. She understood that they weren’t flattering her—they were trying to cozy up to her background, her parents, and her family.
“Oh, look who finally decided to show up! You two ladies sure love making a grand entrance, always keeping people waiting.”
Seeing Su Ruo and He Wen approach, Lu Yue walked up with a mock-displeased look.
“Oh, come on. The fact that my dear sister even showed up today is a great honor for you, and yet you’re complaining? Here, your red envelope.”
He Wen completely ignored Lu Yue’s grumbling, tossing him the red envelope before heading straight to the bar, where Duan Wei, Jiang Sheng’an, Xi Yuehui, and Su Heng were already waiting, all watching with amused smiles.
Su Ruo chuckled at Lu Yue. “I was just off preparing your red envelope. Congrats, another year older.”
As expected, Lu Yue’s face instantly darkened. “What are you so smug about? In a few months, you’ll be following in my footsteps. And for women, aging is way worse than for men. Once you’re old, you have nothing left.”
“Haha, sure. Well, even if I lose everything, at least I’ll still have money.” Su Ruo smiled sweetly, unfazed.
Seeing Lu Yue momentarily speechless, Su Ruo happily strolled toward the bar.
“Oh, by the way, aside from the red envelope, I gave you a 70% discount tonight, and the drinks are free. How’s that for a birthday gift?”
Lu Yue immediately perked up. “Hahaha! Now that’s why Ruoruo is the best! You’re a true tycoon—so generous!”
Su Ruo just snorted and walked off without looking back.
“Alright, everyone, thank you all for coming tonight. I, Lu Yue, am deeply grateful! So let’s all let loose and have a great time. Drinks are on the house—unlimited!”
At those words, the crowd erupted in cheers, some even whistling in excitement, making for a lively scene.
Just as Su Ruo sat down at the bar, she heard Lu Yue’s voice again. Turning around, she saw him standing on the central stage, microphone in hand, making his announcement.
Su Ruo smiled wryly. Typical Lu Yue, always good at taking credit for others’ generosity.
“Ruoruo, did you give him some kind of crazy discount? Look how smug he is. Hmph, acting all high and mighty!”
Duan Wei scoffed and leaned over to ask. The others overheard and all turned to look at Su Ruo, waiting for an answer.
“I gave him a 70% discount, and the drinks are free,” Su Ruo said, swirling the orange juice in her glass.
“Wow, that’s practically free! Since when did you, Su the Penny-Pincher, become so generous?”
Ye Huaiming, who had been sipping his drink nearby, teased her with a laugh. Duan Wei nodded in agreement.
“I suddenly felt like doing a good deed, is that so wrong? I’ll give you all the same deal next time.” Su Ruo took a sip of her drink, smiling.
“Now that’s more like it.”
Following the voice, Su Ruo saw that it was Wen Shaoning speaking. His handsome face wore a gentle smile, making him seem as warm as a spring breeze.
“Sis, if they’re getting a 70% discount, does that mean I get it for free?”
Su Heng asked excitedly.
“Yeah! We’re family, so ours should be totally free!” Xi Yuehui chimed in, grinning.
“Hmph, we’ll see how you behave.”
Su Ruo snorted lightly and continued sipping her orange juice, clearly enjoying herself.
By now, the party had hit full swing. The atmosphere was lively, but also deafeningly noisy. The din gave Su Ruo a bit of a headache, so she waved them off, got up, and walked outside, stepping out of Mu You.
Standing at the entrance, she admired the city lights flickering to life as night fell. Then, she suddenly heard a familiar voice. Curious, she turned her head—and froze.
…It was him.
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