Jiang Ruolan stood before the mirror, smoothing out her outfit. Just as she was about to step out, something caught her mind, and she sat back down. She retrieved a soft-hued lipstick, carefully applying it to her lips. After pressing her lips together lightly, she glanced at her reflection, still sensing something missing—perhaps it wasn't quite right.
In a low murmur, she whispered to herself, "This feels... too stiff, too proper." Pausing to think, she gently swept a strand of hair from behind her ear and let it fall forward, instantly softening her appearance and adding a touch of understated allure. Once satisfied, she quickly grabbed her things and headed out.
"Li Hua, I'm stepping out for a bit. Call me if anything urgent comes up."
"Got it, Sister Lan."
"Oh, and everyone, send your coffee orders in the group chat. I'll pick them up on my way back."
"Thanks, Sister Lan~"
Jiang Ruolan moved with efficiency. After tidying up the necessary documents, she hopped into her car and sped off.
When Jiang Ruolan made her poised entrance at the café, Su Ning felt an immediate wave of unease. She had seen this woman trending online before and knew she was no ordinary person—her stunning looks, impressive education, and exceptional emotional intelligence were unmatched.
Jiang Ruolan entered with a warm smile, first greeting Zhou Yi. "Mr. Zhou," she said politely, then turned her gaze toward Su Ning. "And this must be Mr. Zhou's friend? Hello, I'm Jiang Ruolan."
Her smile was gentle and inviting, though her eyes held a subtle curiosity as they studied Su Ning. This girl is exquisite... And here she is, sharing coffee with Mr. Zhou. Their relationship must run deeper than mere acquaintances.
As Jiang Ruolan extended her hand to shake Su Ning's, she subtly lowered her gaze, concealing the swirl of conflicting emotions within her. The age gap between herself and Zhou Yi became painfully clear once again. This delicate, radiant young woman was his peer—sitting across from him, they looked like a picture-perfect couple.
A strange, unfamiliar pang of jealousy flickered in Jiang Ruolan's chest. Yes, she admitted to herself, she was envious.
[Jiang Ruolan Affection Level +5]
Meanwhile, Su Ning couldn't help but size Jiang Ruolan up. Was this the gentle woman Zhou Yi had mentioned? The one he spoke of so fondly?
"Hello, I'm Su Ning," she replied coolly. Her warmth was reserved solely for Zhou Yi; to others, she remained the distant, proud young lady she always was.
Though she tried to be discreet, Jiang Ruolan, being a perceptive woman herself, easily noticed Su Ning's furtive glances. This girl has feelings for Mr. Zhou, Jiang Ruolan thought with certainty.
Feigning ignorance, Jiang Ruolan took her seat—not across from Zhou Yi, but directly beside him. Su Ning, seated opposite, watched the two of them with mounting envy.
Annoyed, she picked up her coffee and took a sip, only to burn her tongue. Zhou Yi glanced at her with concern. "Are you alright?"
Stubbornly, Su Ning replied, "I'm fine. You two go ahead and talk."
Jiang Ruolan suppressed a knowing smile. This girl truly doesn't understand. Most women would use this moment to act vulnerable, to elicit sympathy or affection. Even if not outright coquettish, they'd soften their demeanor in front of someone they cared for. She shook her head slightly. No, this girl isn't my rival.
Jiang Ruolan chided herself internally for feeling jealous of a girl who was still in school. It was unbecoming of her. Perhaps it was because her feelings for Zhou Yi were growing stronger, clouding her judgment. Emotions, after all, were difficult to control—even when she tried to remain composed.
With a serene smile, she said, "Mr. Zhou, I thought sitting here might make it easier to discuss the project details. Do you mind?"
Jiang Ruolan's professional yet graceful demeanor gave Zhou Yi no reason to object. "Not at all. Go ahead and sit. By the way, take a look at the menu and order something to drink."
Zhou Yi waved over a waiter and handed the menu to Jiang Ruolan. "Take your time. I'm not sure what you prefer, but there's plenty to choose from. You can even get milk tea if you'd like."
Zhou Yi's thoughtful gesture pierced Su Ning's heart. Even though she told herself he was simply being polite, the sting of his attention toward Jiang Ruolan cut deep. Suddenly, Zhou Yi looked up at her. "Ningning, do you want something else? That coffee seems too hot."
[Su Ning Affection Level +2]