RMM -Chapter 355 Side Story: Liang Bo’an (Part 1)

The second time Liang Bo’an encountered Qi Ran was in his third year living in a southern city.

That day, Liang Bo’an seemed unusually low-spirited, something everyone around him could clearly sense.

“Is today some important day? Mr. Liang actually left work early.”

After Liang Bo’an left, a young woman whispered to the person beside her, curiosity written all over her face.

Indeed, Mr. Liang was widely recognized as a workaholic—always working overtime, never skipping work, no, he had even never taken a single day off… cough, of course, for a CEO, the concept of taking leave seemed almost meaningless.

Anyway, this ultra-dedicated CEO was like a modern-day labor model. The idea that he would ever “skip work” felt bizarre no matter how you looked at it.

“Shh, just do your own work. Why be so curious?” answered a slightly older woman nearby, lowering her voice while gossiping a bit. “Haven’t you noticed the boss is in a bad mood?”

Liang Bo’an had always been the focus of attention for every woman in the company, and even the slightest change in his behavior could spark gossip.

It was perfectly normal. He was handsome and single—who wouldn’t pay attention to such a superior boss? When he first arrived, countless young women considered him their dream lover; admirers came in waves.

But over time, these women gave up such notions. When they saw newcomers fall for the boss at first sight, they would kindly advise, “Girl, that’s a truly untouchable flower. Unless you’re a goddess descending from the heavens, ordinary mortals have no chance. Better wake up and focus on your work, don’t waste time on unrealistic daydreams.”

If you wondered why these women became so wise and open-minded, it was all thanks to Liang Bo’an.

After coming here, Liang Bo’an completely changed his old style. The faint smile that used to grace his handsome, rakish face disappeared. The sparkling light in his almond-shaped eyes seemed to fade, leaving only silence and indifference.

Consequently, his aura changed as well—not the warm spring breeze of before, but icy and detached.

In just a turn of time, he had transformed from a sly, elegant fox into a cold, heartless block of ice.

Indeed, a diamond-level bachelor like him, with wealth and looks in equal measure, initially attracted countless women. Some genuinely liked him; others had ulterior motives.

Not even considering his wealth and status, his appearance and charisma alone were enough to captivate anyone. Falling for him wasn’t difficult. Moreover, he was a prominent CEO, noble and wealthy. Being noticed by him was like ascending to the top in one step. Which woman wouldn’t be tempted?

However, Liang Bo’an seemed surrounded by a wall of ice. Approach him and a wave of coldness would sweep over you. Besides work, trying to talk to him was incredibly difficult.

Still, many women dared to take the risk. The result was always the same: no matter how talented or beautiful they were, in his presence they were as invisible as air. Schemes and strategies meant nothing; he remained indifferent, without exception.

Eventually, the women realized that this man, as beautiful as a peach blossom, was cold not only in appearance but also in heart. No one could reach him, not even his eyes.

So what could they do? This era had no shortage of smart women. If something was impossible to attain, why force it? Since he didn’t notice them, there was no need to cling desperately.

By then, everyone understood: Liang Bo’an was a flower on the highest peak, untouchable. Ordinary people had no destiny to enjoy him—admire from afar and that was enough.

Liang Bo’an spent these three years immersed in work, day after day, focusing solely on his job. Other things seemed not to exist.

Yes, he was physically here, but many things had been left behind in City B three years ago. They could fade but could never return to him.

Fortunately, when he left City B, he had come to terms with it: “If it’s meant to be mine, I’ll have it; if not, it isn’t my fate. Don’t force what’s not meant to be.”

Thus, although the past years had been lonely, they weren’t miserable. Over time, the deep and shallow scars in his heart began to heal. At least, remembering Su Ruo no longer made him feel a painful suffocation.

By his third year, he could finally allow himself some leisure—perhaps “daring” would be a better word. In the past, he never allowed himself downtime, because idle moments would make his mind wander to thoughts he shouldn’t think, causing his heart to ache. Only constant busyness could numb him.

Now, recalling Su Ruo’s image and laughter no longer caused sharp pain—perhaps he had finally let go.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. After all these years of emotional bondage, he could finally release it. That was good… at least, Ruo Ruo had never needed his love.

Yet today, a small incident occurred, stirring up the emotions he had barely managed to calm.

Every time he called Feng Weijia, he would ask about Su Ruo’s current situation. It had become a habit. There were no other intentions—he simply wanted to hear that she was well, as if guaranteeing her happiness through someone else’s words.

Feng Weijia had been in high spirits today, had a bit of alcohol, not drunk, but tipsy enough. When Liang Bo’an asked about Su Ruo, he babbled on without restraint.

He said that these days, it was hard to see Su Ruo because she had long followed her husband to the military. Yet she looked incredibly happy. Every time they met her, she seemed like she had fallen into a honey jar, radiating sweetness from the inside out.

He also mentioned a recent gathering: Su Ruo brought her family, and Xi Yuechen remained as imposing and cold as ever, exuding overwhelming dominance, yet he was attentive and gentle with Su Ruo. They looked made for each other, a model couple. Their son Xi Zi was growing handsome, increasingly resembling his father. Even at a young age, he had a commanding presence. No wonder he was Xi Yuechen’s son—truly outstanding. Any future children would have to match him. Moreover, Su Ruo and Xi Yuechen were enviable. Even if they didn’t speak, others could see their happiness at a glance. People envied them, and some were stirred to seek stability for themselves…

Feng Weijia’s words flowed like an open floodgate, speaking happily, completely unaware of how Liang Bo’an on the other end of the line might feel.

In truth, Liang Bo’an didn’t feel much—he simply listened quietly, with a slight pang in his heart, manageable nonetheless.

He thought, “This is fine. Let it be. Perhaps one day, I can truly smile at Su Ruo’s happiness—from the bottom of my heart.”

Still, he couldn’t deny it—right now, it was hard. The person he had protected for so many years was slipping further away.

After hanging up, Liang Bo’an could no longer focus on documents. Even his familiar office felt oppressive, vast and empty.

Carrying a heavy mood, he left work early, thinking of what he could do. His sudden early departure caused quite a stir among his staff.

Never mind that the workaholic CEO was skipping work—the aura he emitted was strange. People looked at each other, wondering why their boss seemed slightly lost and distracted. Was it an illusion? Surely, it had to be.

After leaving the company, Liang Bo’an drove straight to a bar. Sometimes, when bored, he would come here to pass time, making him a regular.

“Mr. Liang, welcome! Same as usual?”

He chose the quietest corner. Just as he sat down, a waiter approached.

“Yes.”

Liang Bo’an nodded, saying nothing more.

However, he did not expect that here he would reunite with an old acquaintance—a meeting that would soon turn his life upside down.