After Divorcing the Beautiful Richest Woman, She Fell in Love (GL) - Chapter 35

It’s perfectly normal for a couple to argue; no matter how good the relationship is, everyone has moments of inexplicable irritability. During those times, you’re annoyed by anyone you see, and your partner—whom you see constantly—naturally bears the brunt of it.

Perhaps having had similar experiences himself, Jian Shenyao didn’t press the issue further. When one is frustrated, the person who appears most frequently is bound to be the unluckiest.

After a moment of silence, Jian Shenyao spoke, still feeling a bit awkward: “Living apart like this can only be a temporary transition.”

Seeing that he seemed to believe her, Jian Xiyan lowered her eyes and responded, “I know.”

“In your current condition, you’ll need a long time to recuperate even after you’re discharged. It’s inconvenient to have no one around to take care of you. Besides, the media is watching, and there are plenty of people who catch at shadows. If this were to be dug up and blown out of proportion, wouldn’t it be adding insult to injury?”

This was indeed a problem. Jian Xiyan’s plans had been disrupted by the accident, forcing her to reconsider many things; the arrangement to announce the divorce would have to be delayed.

Jian Shenyao was relatively satisfied with Lin Feiruo’s performance during this period, and he had learned from Yu Shuyi that it was Feiruo who had talked Xiaomin through her emotional distress. In his eyes, having Lin Feiruo take care of Jian Xiyan was the most appropriate choice.

“Since the argument was over the Qinghe project, take this time to let go and rest, and smooth things over with Feiruo. Work is important, but marriage is also very important.”

Jian Xiyan raised her eyes slightly. She could hear that the focus wasn’t on her relationship with Lin Feiruo, but on the Qinghe project.

“There are still many issues with the project that need follow-up. Even if Director He can grant me a few extra days of leeway, it shouldn’t be dragged out too long.”

“Xiyan, during that dinner, I already explained your situation to Director He. He’s very concerned and worried about you; he originally wanted to visit, but he was afraid of attracting too much unnecessary attention.”

Jian Shenyao added: “President Bu is also quite concerned. He’s called me several times to check on you. As for visiting, I think we should arrange that for after you return home.”

She truly did need to find an opportunity to communicate with Director He personally, but Jian Xiyan hadn’t expected Bu Shenglong to be so attentive to her situation. They hadn’t been in much contact since returning from Tara Island.

“Did President Bu say anything else?”

Jian Shenyao shook his head: “Nothing much, just genuine concern for your injuries. Xiyan, you really should consider my suggestion.”

Jian Xiyan didn’t want to discuss it for the moment, but since her Second Uncle had mentioned it twice, she had to respond directly: “I’ve only recently taken full charge, and now the Qinghe project has run into trouble. If I let go completely now, not only will the shareholders and employees be disappointed in me… it will be much harder for me to return in the future.”

This “return” referred not just to the Jian Group, but to the business world at large. On the battlefield, there is bloodless slaughter every day; if she were absent for too long, she might not find her place again.

“Then what about your injury? You can’t exactly push a hospital bed to the office every day.”

Jian Xiyan was powerless to argue with that; she was indeed seriously injured.

“Give me three months. Second Uncle, give me three more months.”

It takes a hundred days to heal bone and sinew; Jian Xiyan’s injury might not even be fully healed in a hundred days, but it would certainly be enough for basic recovery.

Jian Shenyao saw how stubborn she was and knew he couldn’t persuade her: “In any case, prioritize your health. Do not force yourself. I will explain things to the Board.”

“Thank you, Second Uncle.”

“Since you don’t want to let go of the Qinghe project, have Liqing follow up and report to you at any time. Once you’ve made a decision, tell me, and I’ll help you keep an eye on things.”

The Qinghe project had originally been handed over by Jian Shenyao to Jian Xiyan, so his oversight would be based on a thorough understanding of the project, which was much more effective than letting the business departments figure it out themselves. This was currently the best choice Jian Xiyan could make.

On her way back to the hospital today, Lin Feiruo bought some appetizing snacks, intending to share them with Jian Xiyan. Although patients couldn’t really eat these, even just a taste might give Jian Xiyan a little more flavor in her life.

“Look what I bought!”

Lin Feiruo raised her hand as she entered, waving the bag. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized Jian Shenyao was also there.

“Second Uncle?”

Jian Shenyao’s attitude was much softer than a few days ago. He clearly saw the packaging but only frowned slightly: “Xiyan can’t eat those for now.”

“I won’t give her anything haphazardly.” Lin Feiruo set the bag further away.

“Feiruo, we were just discussing this—we want you to move back.”

Lin Feiruo’s back stiffened. We? Move back?

Obviously, “we” referred to him and Jian Xiyan. Jian Xiyan was about to be discharged; she knew that. But neither of them had mentioned the future arrangements, and Jian Xiyan had never said anything about her moving back.

Jian Xiyan lowered her eyes, weighing the situation. Lin Feiruo’s recent performance showed she wasn’t so resistant to cooperating, and she hadn’t brought up any further benefits for Yan Shan. Could continued cooperation be considered?

She had planned to find a chance to talk to Lin Feiruo properly once her Second Uncle left, but she hadn’t expected him to beat her to it. His tone sounded more like an announcement. If their relationship were real, such words would be perfectly normal. Unfortunately, they were very fake.

Jian Xiyan wondered: what was the probability that Lin Feiruo would agree to an additional three months of temporary cooperation? But her Second Uncle seemed to want an answer from Lin Feiruo right now, appearing quite worried about their living apart.

“Once Xiyan is out of the hospital, she can’t be without someone by her side. Who could be more attentive than a spouse?”

The words “pillow partner” (spouse) were a clear nudge. Lin Feiruo quickly glanced at the person on the hospital bed, but Jian Xiyan wasn’t looking at her. She quickly withdrew her gaze, not wanting Jian Shenyao to see any clues.

None of the three were looking at each other, but Lin Feiruo felt the air was thick with the crisscrossing of sparking glances.

Jian Shenyao wasn’t surprised by Lin Feiruo’s silence. Becoming a punching bag for no reason and being kicked out wouldn’t feel good for anyone. But Jian Xiyan needed care, and Lin Feiruo was the most suitable candidate. Besides, at a time like this when gossip was rampant, it was even more important to project a stable relationship and a harmonious home.

“I know you suffered some grievances with Xiyan. She’s too busy with work and inevitably gets irritable; I hope you can be understanding.”

Lin Feiruo guessed that Jian Xiyan must have made up some excuse to fool her Second Uncle, otherwise he wouldn’t have this attitude.

Fine, there’s not much difference between doing a good deed once or twice. Jian Xiyan being injured like this is quite pitiful; watching her endure the pain these past few days has been both admirable and heartbreaking. If she firmly refused to cooperate now, Jian Shenyao would find a flaw sooner or later. It might truly be as Jian Xiyan said: two years of cooperation going to waste.

Lin Feiruo didn’t kick people when they were down, nor did she do things that carried higher risks for herself.

“Okay, I’ll go back.”

Jian Xiyan kept her eyes down, though her fingertips twitched a few times.

Jian Shenyao was very satisfied: “Good, good. That’s the way. A couple shouldn’t be so calculating; once the fight is over, let it go. Don’t take it to heart.” Though he said this, he didn’t forget to continue showing favoritism: “Xiyan might not be in a particularly good mood while she’s recovering; bear with her.”

Lin Feiruo didn’t see it that way. She felt that after being injured, Jian Xiyan had tucked away her sharp edges and frost, becoming much more real. Of course, she only occasionally “petted” this docile kitten in her mind; she had absolutely never practiced it in reality.

She couldn’t be bothered to argue with Jian Shenyao. She gave Jian Xiyan a symbolic look before turning back to him: “Don’t worry, Second Uncle. I’m not angry.”

Jian Shenyao didn’t bring up the photos. Since Jian Xiyan hadn’t said anything, it was pointless to confront Lin Feiruo even if he wanted to. But he was going to look into this Yu Qingci. By getting Lin Feiruo back home, she would naturally stop being in contact with the “flowers and grass” outside, and those people wouldn’t have a chance to hook up with her.

After he left, silence returned to the ward. Lin Feiruo thought Jian Xiyan would say something, but she kept her eyes down, her expression looking quite serious.

“Do you want a little taste?” Lin Feiruo took out a small packet of hawthorn flakes. Even a lick of this should be fine; she’d bought a lot of small packages specifically for Jian Xiyan.

Jian Xiyan suddenly looked up, staring at her very seriously, as if searching for something.

“Not eating?” Lin Feiruo withdrew the snack, tore a corner, and prepared to eat it herself.

Jian Xiyan didn’t feel any regret over losing the hawthorn. She was still thinking about Lin Feiruo’s agreement just now. Was her agreeing to return a matter of expediency, just to handle Second Uncle, or…?

Lin Feiruo had designated the original divorce date; she had only agreed to cooperate after that was promised. Delaying the announcement of the divorce for three months didn’t mean she was still willing to play her previous role—essentially, these were two different things.

But while waiting for Lin Feiruo to answer her Second Uncle, Jian Xiyan discovered that, in her heart, she actually wanted Lin Feiruo to agree. If she agreed to continue cooperating, many things would be much more convenient. Given her current physical state, Jian Xiyan knew she wouldn’t have much time to stay awake and alert; it wasn’t worth focusing her energy on maintaining a lie. If Lin Feiruo returned to her former identity, things would be much easier.

Lin Feiruo had already eaten half a piece of hawthorn; the sweet and sour taste in her mouth was truly good. “If you keep staring at me like that, I’ll think you actually want to eat it.”

Only then did Jian Xiyan slightly avert her eyes, though her expression didn’t change.

Lin Feiruo finished the hawthorn. Seeing her still acting the same way, she couldn’t help but marvel at how well this woman could keep her composure. “Want an apple? Half of one?”

In the past few days, Jian Xiyan had gradually gotten used to Lin Feiruo always eating the other half of the apple. She was too lazy to make polite suggestions now; as long as they weren’t taking bites from the same piece, she treated it as two apples.

Jian Xiyan’s fingertips twitched. She hadn’t expected Lin Feiruo to hold out this long without bringing up what just happened. She was much steadier than before, and better suited as a partner.

“Are you… familiar with Dr. Yu Qingci?”

The person picking out an apple froze, not looking up: “Not very familiar.”

Jian Xiyan thought of the photos her Second Uncle had shown her, clearly taken by a passerby. But since he could get them, so could anyone with an agenda. “You were photographed attending the salon. I’ll have Liqing handle it promptly. In case any slipped through the net, you’d better give Dr. Yu a heads-up.”

Lin Feiruo had already washed the apple and sat back by the bed. Her hand was steady with the knife, without a hint of panic. “Attending a salon is legitimate business; it shouldn’t matter if I’m photographed.”

“It’s a photo of you and Dr. Yu.”

Jian Xiyan’s words were very subtle, but Lin Feiruo caught the subtext. She stopped what she was doing and looked at Jian Xiyan: “What do you think could be going on between me and Dr. Yu?”

Lin Feiruo’s question was purely one of inquiry between friends, but Jian Xiyan was considering another meaning. In the past, Jian Xiyan wouldn’t have given it a second thought, because Lin Feiruo only had Yan Shan in her heart. But not long ago, Lin Feiruo had suddenly developed an interest in wellness, and would rather give up the chance to secure benefits for Yan Shan in exchange for wellness event tickets—this was worth contemplating.

She didn’t care who Lin Feiruo liked, but if the cooperation was truly extended, would Lin Feiruo go back to her old ways, just switching to asking for favors for Yu Qingci?

“That is your private business.”

Jian Xiyan stopped there. Over the past two years, she had never exposed the existence of Yan Shan, even when Lin Feiruo’s behavior was extremely obvious.

Lin Feiruo then remembered she hadn’t contacted Dr. Yu since leaving in such a hurry that night. Sigh, too busy, I really couldn’t get to it. Now that Jian Xiyan’s condition was stable, she should take the time to send an email to Dr. Yu. At the very least, she had to thank her for the invitation; otherwise, it would be too impolite.

“I’ll get in touch with her.”

Seeing her say this, Jian Xiyan didn’t bring up Yu Qingci again. One Yan Shan was enough of a headache; she didn’t want another Dr. Yu looking for trouble during the next three months. As long as Lin Feiruo didn’t bring it up, she wouldn’t.

“Earlier, when you agreed to Second Uncle about moving back—was it because you were truly willing, or because you had to?”

“Do you want the truth?”

Jian Xiyan’s gaze dimmed. Expediency, as expected. “Yes.”

“I didn’t much like Second Uncle’s attitude; it felt like he was forcing me.” Lin Feiruo wrinkled her nose, looking a bit repulsed. Jian Xiaomin said this often, too; Jian Xiyan gave a faint smile.

“But your situation is special, and I don’t want to be someone who breaks my word.”

Jian Xiyan looked up, clearly a bit surprised.

Lin Feiruo laughed: “You’re injured like this. If I stood by and did nothing, it would definitely cause everyone to be suspicious. Either I’d be cursed to death, or you’d have to announce the truth early.” She spread her hands. “Wouldn’t that be the same as breaking the original three-month promise?”

Three months. It really was because of that initial three months. These past few times Lin Feiruo had been willing to help out of a jam were all because of that promise. Despite having partnered for two years, Jian Xiyan felt the post-divorce Lin Feiruo was more faithful to her word than before, which put her more at ease.

The answer regarding the extended cooperation was set in her mind; the next step was considering the details. Jian Xiyan wasn’t in a rush to speak now.

News of Jian Xiyan’s injury continued to be reported, but the eye-catching, exaggerated content from social media had basically been suppressed and replaced with formal announcements. Naturally, the heat wasn’t as high. It’s human nature to love gossip; formal notifications lose their sense of mystery.

But Yan Shan loved looking at it. She looked every day, scrolling through her phone even when she should be looking at her script. Nian Jia accompanied her back to her room after removing her makeup. Seeing her with her head down over her phone, Nian Jia tried to persuade her: “Sister Shan, you’ve been scrolling the whole way. There hasn’t been any new news lately.”

Yan Shan finished scrolling through several pages before tiredly dropping her phone: “I have to seize this opportunity.”

After she and Lin Feiruo had parted on bad terms at the film set, Yan Shan’s mood hadn’t been right. It wasn’t until she participated in an event at the Yaxi Theater that night; as they left, the minibus the crew was in was surrounded by fans and moved slowly. Nian Jia was about to pull the curtains when she saw someone running alongside the car. Although there was some distance, after a few more looks, Nian Jia recognized her: it was Lin Feiruo.

There were other artists and staff on the bus, so Nian Jia could only whisper a reminder: “Sister Shan, look at that person chasing the bus.” There were many fans chasing, some even hitting the windows in their excitement; many artists hid on the other side.

Yan Shan also wanted to sit further away: “Isn’t everyone outside chasing the bus?”

“No, look at the one further back, running to keep up.”

Only then did Yan Shan look out, and she saw Lin Feiruo running with all her might. It’s her! Is she chasing the car? Or…

Since that day, Yan Shan had sent one or two messages, but Lin Feiruo never replied. The words said that day had hurt her pride, and Yan Shan wasn’t used to lowering her stance, so they had remained in a deadlock. Tonight the sponsor had primarily come to invite Jiang Wanru, and the rest of the crew were just tagging along; Yan Shan naturally wasn’t the protagonist. She hadn’t expected Lin Feiruo to show up, stay until the end, and quietly chase her car.

This truly seemed like something Lin Feiruo would do—always silently doing things she thought were romantic enough to move her. Yan Shan pursed her lips. Beyond her surprise, her mood suddenly brightened. This meant Lin Feiruo still couldn’t let go of her, otherwise she wouldn’t have appeared here. Her heart, which had been anxious for a long time, finally began to recover.

Yan Shan stared out the window for a bit longer, confirming that Lin Feiruo was very serious about chasing the bus, running the whole time without giving up easily. She pulled the curtains shut with satisfaction, the corners of her mouth curled up, but she immediately regained her composure when she realized there were others on the bus.

The driver was so annoyed by the blockage that he had to lean out and roar: “Jiang Wanru is not on the bus! It’s all staff here, stop blocking the way!” A crowd outside was bustling; some didn’t believe it. But someone else said: “It seems true, I looked from front to back and didn’t see Jiang Wanru.” “Really?” The driver repeated himself. Once the facts were confirmed, the fans gradually dispersed, and the minibus was finally able to move smoothly.

The car Jiang Wanru was in had long since driven away from the other side while the minibus was surrounded. Lian Qinghe was prepared to discuss the next event’s arrangements with her, but found Jiang Wanru looking out the window. Lian Qinghe quickly pulled her hand back and lowered the curtain: “You’re just begging for the fans to know you’re here.”

Jiang Wanru gave a faint smile and didn’t insist. Lian Qinghe also took a few glances; by then the car had driven far, and there was nothing special by the roadside. “What were you looking at so intently?”

“Someone was night running, quite vigorously.”

Lian Qinghe checked the time: “Night running at this hour?”

Jiang Wanru was noncommittal: “That’s why I took a few extra looks. You didn’t check your phone while you were on stage—Jian Xiyan was in a car accident, the news is everywhere.”

Only then did Jiang Wanru pick up her phone to look closely. The photos of the scene were shocking: “So serious.”

“The cooperation with the Jian Group is likely going to fall through.” Jiang Wanru’s endorsement offers never stopped, but she had her principles; the number of brands she endorsed at any one time was limited. The Jian Group’s endorsement had already been delayed; now it seemed it would be delayed even longer. Lian Qinghe, following protocol, prepared to delete the task from the schedule: “I’ll contact a few other brand owners in a couple of days.”

Jiang Wanru said: “Wait a bit longer.”

“Huh?”

“The Jian Group endorsement—wait a bit longer.”

Lian Qinghe was confused: “Wanru, you don’t have a personal relationship with the Jian Group. Why make an exception all of a sudden?”

Jiang Wanru said meaningfully: “Because someone wants to play tricks, and I don’t like it.”