Chapter 90

ad met him, she always felt an ominous premonition of defeat and now was scared enough to want to sneak away.Lian An did not speak, nor did he move; he simply stood like a door god on the path Yan Luo...Chapter Ninety

Ruan Zhao, upon escaping Jia Yin's糾纏, immediately rushed to Ni Xuanyi's side and explained somewhat urgently: "Xuanyuan, she is Aunt Qiu’s daughter. We grew up together since we were little. Jia Yin, I’ve always treated her like a sister."

When Jia Yin heard Ruan Zhao so desperately trying to distance himself from her, tears welled in her eyes and she glared resentfully at Ni Xuanyi.

Ni Xuanyi, seeing how hurt Jia Yin looked, felt uncomfortable. She nodded and sat down beside the dining table.

Ruan Zhao turned back to look at Jia Yin again, his tone not soft: "Xuanyuan and I want to have a meal alone. Could you leave for now"

Jia Yin’s tears fell in great委屈and she murmured pitifully, “Brother Zhao, why are you treating me like this Why so heartless”

Ruan Zhao had learned over the years that being merciful to one's enemy was self-cruelty. He continued to mercilessly kick Jia Yin out: "Jia Yin, did you not hear what I said Do I need to repeat myself"

After all, as a girl, Jia Yin had thin skin; she could no longer be cheeky and stubborn under Ruan Zhao's repeated expulsion. She cried and ran out.

Ni Xuanyi found this heartless treatment unbearable and angrily said to Ruan Zhao: "How can you be so cold-blooded Is it too much for you to treat her like that"

Ruan Zhao looked at Ni Xuanyi with a pitiful expression, "Do you want me to be sentimental everywhere I go and be considerate of every girl"

Ni Xuanyi was startled and inexplicably recalled Li Yi's kindness towards Qu Wange and Tang Meili, feeling a pang in her heart.

"Xuanxuan, maybe you don't take my love seriously, but my affection is truly precious. Once I like someone, my love can only be given to that person alone; even an extra bit cannot be shared with others."

Ruan Zhao's heartfelt declaration deeply moved Ni Xuanyi, yet it was still insufficient to change her mind. "Brother Ruan, I've already told you, the person I like and love is Li Yi. I won't be with you."

"No matter how much you like or love Li Yi, since neither of you has married, as long as there's no wedding, I have every right to pursue you. Even if you get married, I still reserve the right to silently love you." Ruan Zhao looked at Ni Xuanyi with determination, making it hard not to believe his sincerity.

"Why are you putting yourself through this" Ni Xuanyi frowned in frustration. "You're just wasting your time, emotions, and life. I will never choose you!"

"I don't see it as a waste; I willingly do so." Ruan Zhao sincerely told Ni Xuanyi, "Xuanxuan, don’t worry about me because of this. Loving you is my own business and has nothing to do with you. Live your life how you wish. Just remember, whenever you need me, I'll always be by your side."

This was too sentimental!

Ni Xuanyi couldn't bear it anymore; she stood up. "Brother Ruan, I'm not hungry. Let's go back!"

Before Ruan Zhao could respond, Aunt Qiu personally entered with a tray filled with the scent of food.

Aunt Qiu noticed Ni Xuanyi’s displeased expression and Ruan Zhao’s anxious demeanor; she quickly apologized to her. "Miss, did my Jia Yin just come up and misbehave, making you upset Let me tell you, there really isn't anything between Zhaorao and Jia Yin. Even if there is something going on, it's purely from Jia Yin’s side. You mustn’t be angry with Ruan Zhao over this!"

"No, Aunt Qiu, I didn't quarrel with them. I just remembered something important and wanted to hurry back."

"Even if it's urgent, you should wait until after we've eaten. These dishes are freshly made by me for all of us. Sit down and taste Aunt Qiu’s cooking," Aunt Qiu insisted, seating Nie Xuanyi in a very courteous manner.

Nie Xuanyi could not bring herself to mention leaving again; that would be ungrateful and hurtful.

She thanked Aunt Qiu sincerely before eating the dishes on the table. As expected, Aunt Qiu’s cooking was delicious, lifting Nie Xuanyi's gloomy mood considerably.

Ruan Zhao saw Nie Xuanyi finally cheer up and felt a sense of relief as he exhaled softly, joining her in eating.

Nie Xuanyi did not bring up the earlier topic again, nor did Ruan Zhao elaborate further. The two of them quietly finished their meal.

As they walked out of the restaurant after finishing their meal, they encountered Jia Yin with red eyes. She was leaning against the railing in the corridor, staring intently at Nie Xuanyi as if trying to pierce through her very soul.

"Jia Yin, I'm sorry for earlier!" Ruan Zhao nodded to Jia Yin.

Jia Yin's face seemed to light up with hope suddenly.

Ruan Zhao continued, "But if given another chance, I would still do the same thing.

Jia Yin's mouth curled, and she was about to cry.

Ni Xuanyi and Ruan Zhao reached the first floor where they met Aunt Qiu who came out to see them off. She lagged behind Ruan Zhao by two steps, her voice low yet sincere as she said to Ni Xuanyi, "Miss, I can tell how seriously Zhao regards you. I've watched him grow up from a child, and I’ve never seen him treat any girl the way he treats you. He’s also bringing a girl here for the first time.

Don’t look at how well-off Zhao is now; his childhood was extremely hard. He has some symptoms of autism and finds it very difficult to accept others, but you really should seriously consider him because he is definitely a man worth spending your life with!"

Aunt Qiu’s words were heartfelt. If Ni Xuanyi hadn’t already fallen in love with Li Yi, she would have almost agreed to marry Ruan Zhao right then.

After leaving Aunt Qiu's private restaurant, Ruan Zhao suggested walking around the nearby square with Ni Xuanyi. However, Ni Xuanyi shook her head and refused, too exhausted that evening—mentally more than physically.

"I didn’t sleep well last night and I want to go back home early."

“Alright then, I’ll take you home.” Ruan Zhao was not being difficult on Ni Xuanyi.

Ni Xuanyi finally got back home. While showering, she carefully examined herself in the mirror and realized that she did not have a naturally stunning appearance; at best, she could be described as average. Why does this Ruan Zhao like me so much It’s really incomprehensible!

The next day at work, Ni Xuanyi, who was in charge of sales, went to Ruan Zhao's company again. This time, it was Ruan Zhao himself who received her. Although he maintained a professional demeanor, whenever they were alone in the office, he would talk about topics unrelated to work with her. For the sake of her job, Ni Xuanyi had no choice but to toughen up and deal with him.

At noon when they finished work, the department manager from Ruan Zhao's company would invite Ni Xuanyi and her colleagues to have lunch together, and Ruan Zhao would also attend this gathering.n's face was filled with deep exhaustion and sadness, "Lingling, whether I live with Auntie Xue or with Xiaotong, I will treat you equally well, the things that should belong to you won't be missing....