Bao Jingyan rolled down the car window, took a cigarette with one hand, and leisurely placed it between his lips before lighting it up.
His mood was excellent, and as he blew out smoke rings, his gaze followed the diminutive figure disappearing into the dark night.
The Bao Family’s gatekeeper had in fact seen, but since this place was filled with staff arranged by Bao Jingyan, they acted as though they had seen nothing...
Su Ruanruan traversed the vast central garden, intending to make her way to the back courtyard.
From the hall came the voice of Mrs. Bao: "Is that Ruanruan returning?"
Bao Jingyuan leaned out and hummed twice: "Just as we spoke of you, you return! Su Ruanruan, what were you up to skulking around for half the day?"
Su Ruanruan had no choice but to enter the hall.
Upon entering, she discovered, to her surprise, that Su Qionglin was also there.
She was seated right next to Bao Ziqi on the sofa.
When Su Ruanruan looked over, Bao Ziqi’s gaze seemed a bit profound.
She composed herself and moved her gaze away, speaking to Mrs. Bao, "Is there something you needed, auntie?"
Mrs. Bao had an invitation in hand, her tone unusually gentle: "Mrs. Gu is quite fond of you, and after giving it some thought, I decided you’d be the most appropriate one to write out this invitation."
Su Ruanruan’s understanding was crystal clear.
Mrs. Bao intended to use her to form a connection with Mrs. Gu.
Although she was aware, as she was still reliant on the Bao Family’s goodwill, she couldn’t well refuse.
Thus she approached, bent over the coffee table, and composed the invitation.
Her handwriting was elegant and crisp.
Bao Ziqi watched intently for quite some time.
After Su Ruanruan finished writing, she handed the invitation to Mrs. Bao: "Could you please check if it’s satisfactory?"
Mrs. Bao inspected it thoroughly, smiling as she said, "The handwriting is beautiful."
She passed the invitation to a servant, instructing them to deliver it the next day.
Su Ruanruan felt that her part was over and was about to excuse herself when Su Qionglin suddenly spoke up: "Ruanruan, that bracelet on your hand is quite attractive."
Su Ruanruan’s heart skipped a beat.
Su Qionglin was leaning on Bao Ziqi’s shoulder, her exquisite eyes glittering with a subtle malice.
"Ruanruan, I recall you never had such a bracelet before."
She feigned annoyance as she questioned Bao Ziqi, "Did Ziqi buy it for you?"
Before Bao Ziqi could answer, Bao Jingyuan burst out, "The second brother would never buy her anything."
At this outburst, both Bao Mingyuan and Mrs. Bao couldn’t help but turn to look at Su Ruanruan.
Indeed, on her delicate wrist, there was a purple gemstone bracelet.
One glance was enough to tell it was extremely valuable.
Immediately, Mrs. Bao’s face darkened.
Bao Mingyuan also furrowed his brow, "The bracelet is indeed quite beautiful."
Where could Su Ruanruan have obtained such an expensive item?
Bao Jingyuan, quick-tongued, immediately added, "It must have been either stolen or gifted by someone."
Mrs. Bao murmured in deep thought, "We don’t have this item in our house."
"Then it must have been given by someone else."
Su Ruanruan stood there facing accusation, feeling utterly cold.
Upon her return with a tumultuous heart, she had actually forgotten to remove the bracelet.
The household servants, observing the situation, withdrew uneasily.
The surroundings became silent and still.
Bao Ziqi’s dark eyes fixed on Su Ruanruan, waiting for her to speak.
After a while, Su Ruanruan finally said softly, "It’s not anything valuable."
Bao Jingyuan, easily deceived, immediately deflated, "I thought it was something incredible. It’s probably just crystal! Besides, Su Ruanruan, with your shabbiness, you couldn’t afford the real deal."
No sooner had she finished than Su Qionglin covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, "Jingyuan, you simpleton."
Bao Jingyuan was indignant, "How am I simple?"
Su Qionglin smiled faintly, "What Ruanruan has on her wrist is not just some ordinary jewel, it’s a purple diamond."
Bao Jingyuan, perplexed, asked, "Is it very expensive?"
Su Qionglin tapped her forehead lightly, "That’s why you’re a simpleton! I’ve seen such a gem at an auction once, it was sold for over a hundred million. It can’t get any more precious than that."