RMM -Chapter 359 Side Story: Liang Bo’an (Part 5)

“Mr. Liang, I’ve heard of your great reputation for a long time. I didn’t expect to meet you here. May I ask if you have some grudge with my daughter?”

Seeing his daughter tense up the moment she heard Liang Bo’an speak, Qi Yuanze felt a wave of worry rise in his chest. At the same time, he was somewhat displeased by Liang Bo’an’s assertiveness, so he spoke up.

He smiled, but his aura was formidable. A rising star as strong as Liang Bo’an? If he even thought of bullying his daughter, that was out of the question!

“Mr. Qi, I’ve also long heard of your great reputation and have wanted to find an opportunity to pay my respects. Today’s meeting is purely coincidental,” Liang Bo’an said with a smile as he looked at Qi Yuanze, nodding slightly with a respectful attitude. “I didn’t expect this young lady to be your daughter.”

As Liang Bo’an spoke, his gaze casually flicked toward Qi Ran. The look in his eyes made Qi Ran feel somewhat embarrassed.

“My daughter has been spoiled since childhood and can be thoughtless at times. If she has offended you in any way, Mr. Liang, I hope you will forgive her.”

Qi Yuanze, a seasoned veteran of the business world, exuded an undeniable authority even while smiling. In the course of a few words, he had already taken control of the situation.

Liang Bo’an didn’t mind Qi Yuanze’s subtle hostility; he understood that the man was simply protective of his daughter and wanted to speak up for her. This was nothing to him. His years of proper upbringing had taught him patience and respect for elders, and he would never show rudeness without reason. Moreover, the real focus right now wasn’t Qi Yuanze—it was the little girl called Xiao Ci.

Suddenly, Liang Bo’an had a strong feeling that this little girl must have an extraordinary connection to him. He didn’t know why, but he was certain.

Until he had a clear answer, he would not leave.

“Mr. Qi, you jest. I met your daughter once, three years ago. I didn’t expect to meet her again today. There have been some questions bothering me for a long time, so I wanted to clarify them while the opportunity presented itself. If I come across as forward, I hope you won’t take offense—it is entirely my fault as a junior.”

Qi Yuanze raised an eyebrow as he watched Liang Bo’an smile politely. Silently, he admired the man—truly a rising star with extraordinary poise and education. In just a few sentences, he had turned the situation around. His courteous manner left nothing to criticize and deftly blocked Qi Yuanze’s own dissatisfaction.

Qi Yuanze silently approved of Liang Bo’an, but that didn’t let him relax—his daughter’s safety and well-being were his top priority.

“What exactly is the problem between Xiao Ran and Mr. Liang that’s kept him concerned for so long?”

Qi Yuanze did not yield, showing his resolute stance to protect his daughter. After all, he hadn’t failed to notice his daughter’s nervousness and defensiveness when facing Liang Bo’an earlier.

“Well…”

Liang Bo’an’s expression wavered. He glanced at Qi Ran, as if hesitant, struggling with what to say.

“Dad, I’ll talk to him.”

Qi Ran suddenly spoke, eyes fixed on Liang Bo’an, a trace of irritation in them.

“Xiao Ran…” Qi Yuanze frowned. She clearly resisted Liang Bo’an, yet now wanted to talk to him?

“Dad, it’s okay. I did indeed meet Mr. Liang once before… it’ll be good to clarify a few things in person.”

Qi Ran understood her father’s worry and masked her hesitation with a smile, her face betraying no abnormal emotion.

“Very well, I’ll wait for you.”

Seeing that his daughter had made up her mind, Qi Yuanze nodded without further objection.

“No need, Dad. I’m not a little girl. I know the way home. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

Qi Ran smiled mischievously, as she often did, brushing off her father’s advice.

“Mr. Qi, please rest assured. I will return your daughter intact, and I must also thank Miss Qi for giving me this face,” Liang Bo’an said at the right moment, smiling warmly. His elegance and charm, which had been left behind in City B, seemed to return to him.

Qi Ran’s two friends exchanged glances. In their minds, two words popped up: demonic—absolutely demonic. This man was already stunning with a neutral expression, but his smile made him even more astonishing.

He clearly was no ordinary man, and they couldn’t fathom how Qi Ran could have any connection to him.

“I hope this will resolve the questions that have troubled Mr. Liang for many years, so he need not dwell on them any longer.”

Qi Ran’s mouth curled into a mechanical smile, one that was playful but without warmth. Her eyes toward Liang Bo’an were full of detachment.

Liang Bo’an smiled calmly, ignoring her hostility.

The group descended the stairs together. At the doorway, Qi Yuanze reached out to pick up his grandson—but to his surprise, the usually affectionate little one moved away.

“Xiao Ci, come, Grandpa will take you home.”

Qi Yuanze paused, then smiled softly and coaxed his granddaughter with gentle kindness.

“No, I want to stay with Mommy.”

The usually quiet little girl finally spoke. Her face no longer held any trace of grievance; her voice was soft and crisp, yet no longer timid.

“Xiao Ci, listen. Mommy has something to say to this gentleman. Obey Grandpa, or your arm will hurt,”

Qi Ran gently coaxed her daughter, still worried about the injured arm and feeling guilty for letting her play outside. Luckily, the fall hadn’t been serious; a period in a cast would suffice. Otherwise, she would have been heartbroken.

Hearing this, Liang Bo’an’s gaze naturally drifted to Xiao Ci’s arm in a cast, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes.

“No, I want to stay with Mommy. My arm doesn’t hurt.”

The little girl’s voice was firm, and she shook her head a few times, resolute in not going home with her grandfather.

“Xiao Ci, listen!”

Qi Ran’s face turned serious, her voice firm. She clearly would not indulge her daughter’s wish.

“Yes, Xiao Ci. Listen to Mommy and go home with Grandpa. It’s time to sleep.”

Qi Yuanze assumed Qi Ran’s rare sternness was out of concern for Xiao Ci’s injury, so he joined in urging the girl gently.

Though he loved spoiling his granddaughter, he could distinguish when her well-being was at stake.

Only Liang Bo’an, watching Qi Ran’s stern expression, had a growing sense of intrigue. This woman clearly kept Xiao Ci at a distance, yet why?

A bold thought slowly formed in his mind.

“Miss Qi, why not let me hold the child? I’ll watch her. She’s so well-behaved, nothing will happen. Right, Xiao Ci?”

Liang Bo’an looked down at Xiao Ci nestled on Qi Ran’s shoulder. His voice was gentle, soft, and rare, and his expression was utterly tender.

For some reason, facing this little girl made Liang Bo’an’s heart melt completely. When had anyone ever seen him so gentle with a child?

“Mm-hmm, I’ll be good and obedient, not cause trouble. Mommy, I want to go too.”

Seeing Liang Bo’an speak so kindly, Xiao Ci’s eyes lit up. She smiled widely and eagerly agreed.

“No. You’re going back with Grandpa. Don’t cause trouble.”

Qi Ran’s expression was firm—she did not want Xiao Ci to follow them. She even forcibly handed Xiao Ci to her father.

“No! I don’t want to go back! I want to stay with Mommy and Uncle! I won’t go back! Mommy, if you don’t take me, I’ll never talk to you again! Mommy…”

Held by her grandfather, Xiao Ci immediately burst into tears, struggling to avoid him. Her tears flowed nonstop, and her cries were heart-wrenching.