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After being hung up on by Jono, Jin Chengyan immediately called back, but Jono's phone was already turned off.
He let A-Shan in and asked how Ruan Shengyu was doing. Since the last time he learned from Ni Yue that Ruan Shengyu was also involved in the kidnapping case, he hadn't inquired about her situation after sending her away from Qin Cheng to recuperate.
It seemed like he remembered something, as he opened his laptop and found the hidden file. However, when he opened it, it was completely empty!
Jono had taken that fingerprint report! Moreover, she had deleted the document as if afraid Jin Chengyan wouldn't know!
Veins bulged on Jin Chengyan's forehead; he should have deleted that information earlier. He had kept it only to remind himself that Ruan Shengyu had once harmed Jono, so they could go their separate ways.
Who would have thought Jono would see it!
"Where is Ruan Shengyu now?" Jin Chengyan asked anxiously. What did Jono mean by not letting Ruan Shengyu go? What was she planning to do?
His current concern was indeed for Ruan Shengyu's safety. If Jono acted out of anger and did something drastic, it would ultimately be Jono who suffered!
A-Shan immediately sent someone to check on Ruan Shengyu's whereabouts. At that time, Ruan Shengyu's movements were no longer under A-Shan's control.
Before long, A-Shan reported to Jin Chengyan with a serious expression: "She left Qin Cheng for C City, saying she was going there for an audition."
"An audition?" Jin Chengyan frowned. "What audition could she possibly attend with her mental state?"
Jin Chengyan couldn't understand what kind of game Ruan Shengyu was playing; how could she still be taking on roles in this condition?
He took out his phone and called Ruan Shengyu, demanding that she return immediately!
She hadn't even left Qin Cheng; she had stayed here! Hadn't he told her not to appear in Qin Cheng again?
Ruan Shengyu's phone number hadn't changed; perhaps she thought someone would contact her.
She answered the call, and the noise on the other end was overwhelming.
"Ruan Shengyu, you need to come back to Qin Cheng immediately!"
"I have a job now, and besides, we no longer have any relationship. Isn't it unreasonable for you to demand my return?" she lowered her voice.
Jin Chengyan felt anxious as he listened to Ruan Shengyu's side of the conversation. He could hear someone calling her name, someone confessing their feelings, and reporters asking questions.
"Where are you? How can you take on work in your current state?"
"Isn't this job one you introduced to me? I had so many roles before because of your help!"
Jin Chengyan had already left the office, arranging for a flight to C City. He hadn't introduced Ruan Shengyu to any roles; he had long stopped involving himself in her affairs.
She knew how well he had treated her in the past. He helped her break free from the endless entanglement with her brother, gave her a brand new identity, and turned her into a sought-after actress in the film industry, allowing her to live a life free from worry.
While she accepted Jin Chengyan's help wholeheartedly, she had given her heart unreservedly to Yan Beiting, yet she had never received any response.
Now she understood that no matter how much she loved Yan Beiting, even without Jono in his heart, he would never love her back.
She could only cling tightly to Jin Chengyan. She could show weakness, but she also needed work to support herself. So what if Jin Zhongshu ordered a ban on her in Qin Cheng?
As long as she successfully becomes Mrs. Jin Chengyan, what could they do to stop her?
But now, it was about how Ruan Shengyu could push Jono aside and become Jin Chengyan's wife!
"Miss Ruan Shengyu, I heard that you are the third party in a marriage in Qin Cheng, causing disharmony between the couple. The legitimate wife is too embarrassed to confront you directly, which is quite different from the character you portray in movies! How do you explain this?"
Ruan Shengyu was on the phone with Jin Chengyan when suddenly a reporter burst out, holding a recorder and throwing this tricky question at her.
Jin Chengyan on the other end of the line clearly heard it too.
Ruan Shengyu was taken aback and quickly hung up the phone.
Xu Lin, who had been following Ruan Shengyu, darkened his face and blocked the reporter from getting closer.
Other reporters, hearing what that reporter had said, quickly joined in the wave of questioning.
The fans waiting nearby were even more astonished; how could their beloved pure and innocent idol possibly be the third party in someone else's marriage?
"You have no basis for your speculation, and we reserve the right to pursue legal action!" Xu Lin said forcefully to the reporter.
The reporter was angered by Xu Lin's response, and those around began to believe that there must be some truth behind the rumors.
"I'm not just talking nonsense. It’s said that the apartment Miss Ruan currently lives in was gifted by that Successful Person. The multiple films you've taken on were also due to that Successful Person's behind-the-scenes help. But you still couldn't secure your position and ended up as a mistress!" The reporter's words grew sharper.
However, Ruan Shengyu had been in the entertainment industry for many years; she didn't even take off her mask and managed to hold back the furious Xu Lin.
Her action quieted the eager reporters, and the surrounding fans fell silent, waiting for Ruan Shengyu to provide an explanation.
Ruan Shengyu glanced at the reporter who had asked her a question and smiled lightly. "I don't know where you got these unfounded rumors, and I don't wish to elaborate further. We all understand that the more you explain, the worse it gets. Thank you."
With that, Ruan Shengyu got into the car, escorted by Xu Lin and Airport Security.
Of course, in the entertainment industry, without photos or videos as solid evidence, it's hard for people to believe anything.
Jono sat in the passenger seat, watching Ruan Shengyu's van gradually drive away.
The show was just beginning!
"Jono, let's go to my house now. Jasper brought back a lot of dresses from Paris for me. Tonight, we’ll look stunning on the Red Carpet!"
Jono smiled warmly. "Sure! I trust your brother's taste."
Just then, their car window was tapped.
It was the reporter wearing Black-Rimmed Glasses from earlier.
"Miss Ji, I've done as you instructed!"
"Well done! Here’s your payment for your hard work." Xining handed the reporter a check. "The remaining half will be given to you after tonight's success!"
The reporter accepted the check, pleased with the amount written on it. "It's an honor to work for Miss Ji!"
As Xining closed the car window, she glanced at the woman sitting in the passenger seat, who looked somewhat familiar.
With the window shut, Xining drove away from the airport, excitement bubbling within her at the thought of the big event that night. She sped down the highway, even overtaking Ruan Shengyu's van.
Xining's red Ferrari blocked Ruan Shengyu's van ahead, refusing to accelerate. The driver of the van quickly realized that the Ferrari was deliberately preventing them from passing.
"Miss Ruan, could that car in front be one of your crazy fans?" The driver had seen his fair share of fan chases over the years.
Ruan Shengyu frowned slightly. She had just arrived in C City and was already dealing with airport drama, being questioned about being a mistress. No one would be happy about that, especially not a celebrity.
And now there was a fan chasing them—how annoying!
Ruan Shengyu took off her sunglasses and looked ahead. To her surprise, she saw the red Ferrari with two fair arms sticking out of the windows, giving the middle finger to the cars behind!
The gesture lasted about ten seconds before the person in the front pulled their arms back and suddenly accelerated away, disappearing in a flash.
Ruan Shengyu trembled with anger! She really wanted to turn back!
But this was a hard-won audition opportunity. After being blacklisted by Jin Zhongshu, she hadn’t been able to land any work, and her agency hadn’t arranged anything for her either.
Even though Xu Lin was out there trying to secure jobs for her, it was fraught with difficulties. Now that Wen Han's studio wanted to recruit him, she was naturally eager to participate.
She hoped to land the lead role in that Major IP project to change her current situation!
So no matter how challenging this trip might be, she had to persevere!
Tonight, there is an awards ceremony in C City. Although it doesn't have the prestige of a decades-old film festival, Ruan Shengyu had previously been advised not to attend. However, under the current circumstances, she had no choice but to show up.
Even though the organizers had changed her grand entrance to a mid-event appearance, Ruan Shengyu understood the significant difference that entailed.
Upon arriving at the hotel where she was staying, Ruan Shengyu began to prepare herself. She wanted to make a stunning impression on the red carpet that evening to restore her image.
After taking a shower and getting ready for makeup, the doorbell rang.
Ruan Shengyu and Xu Lin had come without their makeup artist or stylist; those companies had already withdrawn their support. However, Xu Lin was still there.
Ruan Shengyu knew that Xu Lin was sent by Jin Chengyan. As long as Xu Lin remained by her side, Jin Chengyan wouldn't abandon her; she still had a chance.
When Xu Lin opened the door, Jin Chengyan walked in without even glancing at her. He turned his back to Xu Lin and said in a low voice, "Get out."
Xu Lin had never seen Jin Chengyan so furious. Under A-Shan's watchful gaze, she quickly left the room.
In the mirror at her vanity, Ruan Shengyu saw Jin Chengyan's angry reflection. He had rushed over from Qin Cheng so quickly because he had heard someone misinterpret her during a phone call?
"You've arrived? But I can't entertain you right now; I have things to do tonight," Ruan Shengyu said confidently as she applied lotion.
Seeing Ruan Shengyu like this made Jin Chengyan realize how many mistakes he had made in the past.
"Aren't you supposed to be unwell? Why are you still taking on work? You have enough money to live a life of luxury," Jin Chengyan remarked, also looking at Ruan Shengyu's reflection in the mirror.
She was truly beautiful. Even though she wore heavy makeup every day, once it was removed, she still looked like a girl in her early twenties.
However, Jin Chengyan could no longer see the clear gaze in her eyes that he once knew.
"Money will eventually run out. If I don't go out to earn, are you going to support me?" Her tone carried a hint of helplessness, mixed with a touch of resentment towards Jin Chengyan.
Originally, he should have been the one supporting her, Ruan Shengyu, not Jono.
Jin Chengyan took a deep breath. He wasn't a fool; he understood what kind of heart lay beneath Ruan Shengyu's pure exterior.
But he always believed that it was her childhood environment that forced her to fight for those things, wanting to hold onto them tightly.
She lacked a sense of security and feared losing everything! Thus, it was inevitable that she would resort to extreme measures. Jin Chengyan understood all of this! He even indulged her!
He loved her in his own way but had led her down the wrong path. Now, he wanted to pull her back onto the right track.
"I'll send you abroad. You used to say you wanted to study; it's a good time to take a break."
"You can't wait to send me away so you can enjoy a pleasant two-person world with Jono?"
Jin Chengyan frowned. Why hadn't Ruan Shengyu ever shown that she cared about him like this before? Now, she finally seemed concerned about him and Jono.
But Jin Chengyan no longer needed that kind of concern.
"I know it was you who injured Jono." Jin Chengyan spoke slowly, as if it were as simple as saying he had just come from Qin Cheng.
The lotion that Ruan Shengyu held slipped from his hand and fell onto the table, making a sharp sound.
He... knew everything!
Did Jono tell him?
"It wasn't Jono who told me. The police found the murder weapon at the scene, and your fingerprints were on it. I have the original report here." But he had already burned it; what he kept was a document someone had sent him at the time, which was why Jono had seen it.
Ruan Shengyu was stunned. He had clearly hidden that brick; she had been too busy escaping to deal with the murder weapon, and yet...
"Shengyu, there has never been love between us, only my one-sided feelings for you. I am like a spare tire that you find burdensome in your hands but feel regretful to throw away. Every time I distance myself from you, you give me a little sweetness to keep me longing for you. It has always been this way for so many years.
"Yes, marrying Jono was indeed to provoke you, to see how deep your feelings for me really are. At that time, if you wanted, I could have divorced Jono immediately and been with you! I never cared about your past, but you didn’t care whether I did; you only cared about Yan San. You are someone I should have left long ago." Now, it was not too late to say goodbye.
"You’re angry!" Ruan Shengyu stood up and walked in front of Jin Chengyan. "When we’re angry, we say hurtful things to each other! Couples do that, but I know I am the one who is most suitable for you!"
Jin Chengyan's lips curled slightly upward. Was this the moment when Ruan Shengyu finally acknowledged their relationship as a couple?
Unfortunately, he was already married to Jono.
"Do you think you understand me well? Do you think you are the one who is most suitable for me? Or do you believe that without me, you lack a shield? I know everything you've done with Jono! Just because I haven't come looking for you doesn't mean I'm unaware! Your narrow-mindedness and self-righteousness—when everything ends, all those sweet memories turn into nothingness. What you remember about me only represents pain and regret."
"No—" Ruan Shengyu screamed, stopping Jin Chengyan's cold words.
Those words pierced Ruan Shengyu's heart like sharp knives.
"To me, you are nothing now." Jin Chengyan continued, his final words enough to shatter Ruan Shengyu.
"So, just leave. There is nothing here worth your attachment anymore." Jin Chengyan looked at the crumbling Ruan Shengyu and said these harsh words.
Only when she leaves would Jono's hatred lessen. He couldn't let Jono do anything extreme; in the end, it would be her who suffers.
Moreover, he didn't want Jono to become that kind of person. Jono should live happily, carefree, and enjoy the beauty of this world.
He wanted to shield her from the darkness of this world, to hold up a light for her with his own arms!
"Do you not love me anymore?" Ruan Shengyu collapsed onto the carpet. "You said you would always protect me. Are you going back on your word?"
Jin Chengyan turned away, refusing to look at Ruan Shengyu's tear-streaked face.
If he were to protect her for a lifetime, it had to be under the premise that she was his wife; it was only natural for a husband to protect his wife.
But now he was someone else's husband. Why should he abandon his wife to protect another woman’s peace?
"I loved you." Jin Chengyan took out a check from his pocket and placed it on the vanity before turning to leave.
Ruan Shengyu's tears stopped abruptly after Jin Chengyan left. She picked up the check from the vanity and smiled bitterly.
Jin Chengyan was generous, giving money that others might never earn in a lifetime to his ex-girlfriend—no, she wasn't even that; they had never officially been together. They could only be considered friends!
He gave a friend what others might spend their whole lives trying to earn!
She carefully placed the check in her bag and sat calmly in front of the vanity. Starting with her skincare routine, she applied her makeup step by step until a stunningly beautiful woman appeared in the mirror.
...
"Young Master, where are we going now?" A-Shan asked hesitantly.
Jin Chengyan merely lowered his head, fiddling with his phone. Jono's phone location had last stopped at a neighborhood, which A-Shan confirmed was the Ji Family residence!
He truly couldn't understand why Jono and that pair of half-siblings from the Ji Family got along so well!
In any case, he just couldn't stand those siblings!
"Let's go to the Ji Family." Since he couldn't reach Jono by phone, he had no choice but to find her in person, ensuring she wouldn't do anything reckless.
As for Ruan Shengyu, given her personality, she would undoubtedly leave C City immediately after hearing what he said.
Thinking about it made his head ache. After six years of entangled feelings, everything had just come to an end, leaving him with a sense of relief, yet he was still thrown into chaos because of Jono.
He could navigate the business world with ease and maneuver among the big players, but when it came to emotions, he stumbled.
Jono seemed to have become his Achilles' heel; nothing he did seemed to work out.
Finally, the car came to a steady stop outside the neighborhood. Jin Chengyan wasn't a resident there, and since the security guard hadn't received any notice from the residents inside about a guest arriving, they naturally wouldn't let him through.
Being a high-end residential area, Jin Chengyan waited for over ten minutes before A-Shan managed to get him permission to enter.
They headed straight for the Ji Family's villa.
The servant opened the door, and A-Shan blocked the Ji Family's servant while Jin Chengyan barged in!
"Who are you? Breaking into a private residence is against the law! Do you know this is the Ji Family?" The servant shouted at Jin Chengyan while keeping an eye on A-Shan.
A-Shan slightly lowered her head. "It's precisely because this is the Ji Family that we came in."
There weren't many servants in the Ji Family, so Jin Chengyan managed to enter smoothly.
Standing in the empty living room, he could only hear laughter coming from the second floor, some belonging to Xining and some to Jono!
Following the sound, Jin Chengyan found Xining's room.
The two girls were selecting dresses in the walk-in closet. Xining handed Jono a dark green dress that was backless and thigh-high, while Jono picked out a red dress for Xining that exposed her midriff and back!
"Why does Jasper like buying you such revealing dresses?" Jono remarked, looking at the outfits, which were all a bit daring.
According to Jin Chengyan, it wasn't like they couldn't afford clothes at home; why buy dresses with so little fabric?
But Jasper had good taste; he knew these dresses would look great on Xining. Was it because he wanted to dress his sister up nicely to find her a good husband?
"Do you know his biggest obsession is dressing me up like a princess? All my clothes have to be approved by him." Mentioning Jasper made Xining's face slightly flush.
Jono recalled seeing Jasper and Xining kissing inside a car outside Jin Mansion last time.
"Are you and Jasper... siblings?" If so, Jono really felt like his worldview was collapsing.
"I look this beautiful, and Jasper is so ugly. How could we possibly be siblings?"
Jono thought, "If Jasper is considered ugly, how do all the other men in the world live?"
"He’s not my biological brother; I was adopted by the Ji Family."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."
"Oh come on, why bring up such pretentious stuff? It's not something to be ashamed of; I was indeed adopted by the Ji Family! Thank goodness I'm not one of them!" Xining seemed quite open-minded, perhaps relieved that she wasn't part of the Ji Family. "Look at this dress; isn't it super pretty?"
Xining held up a black strap dress that barely covered her chest, tied around her neck, exposing her belly button, while the back was completely open!
Jono gasped; how could anyone wear that out? What if she accidentally exposed herself?
"Try it on; it really looks good!" As she spoke, Xining reached to take off Jono's clothes to help her change.
Jono wasn't particularly conservative, but this dress was beyond her comfort zone. She dodged Xining's hands.
The two of them began to playfully tussle in the dressing room, their laughter ringing like silver bells.
"Ahem..." Jin Chengyan cleared his throat twice, interrupting the giggles from inside the dressing room.
Jono had already been half undressed by Xining's antics, with her midriff exposed!
Jono had also removed Xining's clothes, leaving her with only a small tank top!
When Jin Chengyan appeared, both of them were startled. Upon seeing the person at the door was Jin Chengyan, Xining immediately hid behind Jono, hurriedly putting on her clothes. Although the tank top covered what needed to be covered, she was still flustered.
"What are you doing here?" Jono quickly got dressed as well.
However, Jin Chengyan did not look up. From the moment he saw Jono and Xining playfully undressing, he kept his head down, not wanting to interrupt their atmosphere.
But he didn’t know when this playful banter would end, so he finally spoke up.
Dressed and fuming, Xining exclaimed, "Don't you know that you can't just walk into a girl's room? How did you even get in here! This is our Ji Family, not your Jin Family!"
Jin Chengyan's gaze passed over Xining and landed on Jono.
Jono wore a calm expression, her face still flushed from their earlier laughter, but her eyes were cold and indifferent.
So what if he made a phone call saying she wouldn’t let Ruan Shengyu go? He rushed over from Qin Cheng as if he cared so much about Ruan Shengyu.
"Jono, come out. We need to talk."
"Why should Jono go out with you? This is my territory; you have no right to boss around my friend here!" Xining defended fiercely.
Jin Chengyan was truly fed up with Xining. He glanced at the girl and suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her outside before closing the door and locking it!
Jono looked at Jin Chengyan's actions in surprise; he really was...
This is the Ji Family, not the Jin Family!
"Xining is gone, let's have a proper talk!"
Jono shrugged indifferently. "What do you want to talk about? About how you sheltered Ruan Shengyu? About how you love Ruan Shengyu but don't want her to face legal consequences? Or should we discuss our contractual marriage? The terms are really unfair; why can you unconditionally file for divorce within four years while I must agree and cannot initiate the divorce?"
"Jono, don't be so extreme. I have my reasons for doing this!"
"Fine, I won't be extreme. Then tell me, what are you going to do about Ruan Shengyu?" Jono sat on the soft couch in the dressing room, looking at Jin Chengyan with an indifferent expression.
"I'll make her leave Qin Cheng and never come back." From then on, the young master of the Jin Family and the Young Mistress of Qin Cheng would only be an enviable couple in everyone's eyes.
"Hah," Jono chuckled lightly, "she was going to kill me!"
"She has already received the harshest punishment; I've left her."
Jono raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, but you have to accompany me to an awards ceremony tonight. It will be our first public appearance as a couple."
Jono's agreement relieved Jin Chengyan. It was just an awards ceremony, and since they were appearing together as a couple, he naturally agreed.
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