C7 My Exboyfriend Is Getting Married
After reviewing Dan Hengyao's information, Ruan Ruan noticed that the name 'Dan Hengmo' was absent. This indicated that Dan Hengmo and Dan Hengyao were two different people with similar names.
"I knew it," Ruan Ruan mused to herself as she closed Dan Hengyao's webpage. "How could a wealthy heir just show up at my place to stay? A rich person wouldn't commit murder themselves; they'd typically hire a hitman."
Suddenly, a news headline caught Ruan Ruan's eye. Wasn't that Yuh Jinnian, who had visited her just this morning? His hands were bandaged, but he still looked somewhat pale.
The headline announced the engagement of Yuh's Group's eldest son to Shi Xuerong, the star daughter of the renowned Haoshi Group.
So, she was already set to be married. If only she had mentioned it sooner, Ruan Ruan thought. She wasn't the type to cling desperately to someone. If Yuh Jinnian had simply said they were over, she wouldn't have made a fuss.
Ruan Ruan recalled when Yuh Jinnian had pursued her, Shi Xuerong had warned her that such wealthy men were never truly sincere, often finding her merely amusing for a short-lived fling.
Initially, Ruan Ruan had taken Shi Xuerong's words to heart, trusting her judgment given her extensive dating experience. She had placed a lot of faith in Shi Xuerong's insights.
How did she and Yuh Jinnian end up together? It was during an outdoor adventure activity. To put it nicely, it was an adventure; more bluntly, it was just a bunch of people camping out overnight.
Ruan Ruan had been reluctant to join. Ever since her university days, she had been a homebody, preferring to stay in her dorm over any wilderness adventure.
Yet, she was ultimately coaxed out by Shi Xuerong.
She vividly remembered how Shi Xuerong had subtly stayed close to Yuh Jinnian, engaging him in conversation. Back then, Ruan Ruan had been too naive to notice anything amiss. But reflecting on it now, she realized how oblivious she had been. If she had only paid a little more attention, she would have seen that Shi Xuerong had feelings for Yuh Jinnian.
When they set out for their wilderness adventure, they had checked the weather forecast, which promised a clear day without rain. Yet, against all odds, it began to pour, sending everyone scattering in a rush to find shelter.
It was common knowledge that Yuh Jinnian had his sights set on Ruan Ruan, and their friends were all too eager to create opportunities for him. The ensuing events took a turn for the dramatic. Ruan Ruan slipped and fell on the path. She had tripped over something she assumed was a branch, but there were no branches on that smooth trail.
Without a second thought, Yuh Jinnian hoisted Ruan Ruan onto his back, completely unfazed by her muddy state. And just like that, Ruan Ruan found herself in a relationship with Yuh Jinnian.
Later, Ruan Ruan inquired why Yuh Jinnian had joined the wilderness expedition. He revealed that he had organized the entire adventure with the sole purpose of wooing her. When she questioned whether he was also responsible for the weather forecast, Yuh Jinnian admitted to intentionally reporting it incorrectly. He had hoped for a post-rain sprint, believing it to be more romantic and likely to win her over, as he had read in a book. As it turned out, Yuh Jinnian was right.
With a sigh, Ruan Ruan snapped her laptop shut. The memories of her time with Yuh Jinnian were bittersweet, and dwelling on them would only lead to tears. She knew that if she continued to reminisce, she might end up causing a scene at their engagement party.
Their relationship began in the rain, and it ended in the rain. It seemed that any rainy day would forever remind her of Yuh Jinnian.
Catching herself lost in thought, Ruan Ruan gave her head a firm slap. She couldn't believe she was still pining over that jerk. She was determined to erase Yuh Jinnian from her memory, along with the two who had betrayed her.
Glancing out the window, she noticed the night had fallen, mirroring the darkness of her current life, devoid of any light. She glanced at her bedroom door, shut tight, wondering when the person inside would leave and when her life would regain its former tranquility.
Ruan Ruan headed to the kitchen, cooked herself a bowl of noodles, and after a soothing bath, settled down to sleep on the couch. She was thankful for its ample size; otherwise, she'd be relegated to the floor tonight. The injustice of it all weighed on her—this was her home, yet she felt compelled to bow her head. Even under her own roof, she felt downtrodden. Life was indeed hard.
In the dead of night, Dan Hengmo gazed at the woman nestled in his arms, his eyes growing darker. He found little to praise about her sleeping form; not only did she sprawl out awkwardly, but she also talked in her sleep—murmuring the name Yuh Jinnian no less.
A light sleeper by nature, Dan Hengmo would awaken at the slightest rustle. Ruan Ruan's approach to the bed was anything but quiet. As he opened his eyes, he saw her climb in with her eyes shut, clearly oblivious to his presence.
Embracing Ruan Ruan, Dan Hengmo found comfort in her form. She wasn't thin, her body soft and substantial, yet she wasn't overweight. Her embrace was more pleasant than that of other women who had found their way into his bed. In particular, her chest wasn't as ample as one might expect.
Ruan Ruan nestled closer, seeking the perfect spot to rest. Once asleep, she was impossible to rouse, not even if Dan Hengmo were to cast her out the door.
"Yuh Jinnian, you could have just said you didn't love me. Why betray me?" Ruan Ruan suddenly clung to Dan Hengmo, a single tear escaping the corner of her eye.
Dan Hengmo watched her face, fighting back the urge to lash out in anger. There she was, weeping for another man while in his bed, in his arms. He leaned down and kissed away the salty tear, a taste he hadn't experienced in so long he'd nearly forgotten it.
He couldn't recall the last time he had cried—probably at the age of seven. The reason was too painful to revisit, a nightmare that could drive him to madness, to violence, with just a thought.
Ruan Ruan's tears flowed both in her dreams and in reality. Dan Hengmo held her close, gently patting her back. When had he, Dan Hengmo, ever played the role of a comforter to a child? Yet as impatience crept in, he tightened his embrace, settling down to sleep with Ruan Ruan securely in his arms.
Ruan Ruan had grown accustomed to sleeping alone, which resulted in her inadvertently kicking and punching Dan Hengmo throughout the night. Dan Hengmo enveloped her in his embrace, preventing her from moving even the slightest bit. Yet, he was unable to restrain her head.
Upon realizing she was immobilized, Ruan Ruan dreamt she had been abducted by thugs. In her dream, she headbutted the gang leader's stomach, only to discover it was as unyielding as a wall.
Caught unawares, Dan Hengmo's chin collided with Ruan Ruan's. He felt no pain, but the person in his arms was clearly in discomfort, muttering curses in her sleep.
"If you dare to move again, I'll strip you of your clothes," Dan Hengmo murmured into Ruan Ruan's ear, his voice shedding its daytime iciness for a hint of husky sensuality.
In her dream, Ruan Ruan received a similar warning. Though she couldn't see the person, she recognized Dan Hengmo's voice and remained still, eventually drifting into a stable sleep.
Observing Ruan Ruan's newfound stillness, Dan Hengmo planted a kiss on the corner of her mouth. It was devoid of desire, merely a gesture of reward.
In the tenderest recesses of his heart, something seemed to be gently taking root and flourishing.
Towards Ruan Ruan, he exhibited an extra measure of compassion than he would normally show to others.