Chapter 59: A Visitor at the Door Part 2

Amid that unfamiliar sorrow, her shattered pride surged back fiercely.

Stubbornly, she clamped her lips shut and followed Chu Ran downstairs.

Gu An’an wheeled herself to the doorway, concern in her voice. “Little Ran, are you two discussing heading to university together for orientation?”

Chu Ran mumbled something vague.

Gu An’an turned an expectant gaze to Qian Hao, who mumbled vaguely as well.

Her feelings toward Gu An’an were incredibly complicated now. Having grown up alongside Qian Zai’an, she had a keen eye for people. She knew Gu An’an was exceptionally pure and kind—and especially good to her.

That was why she treated Gu An’an with more sincerity than most.

Especially since Gu An’an was Chu Ran’s sister; it made her feel even closer, like she was treating her own sister.

But now, she liked Chu Ran—and Chu Ran liked Gu An’an!

The massive emotional chasm left her torn and conflicted.

On one hand, she thought Gu An’an was a wonderful person. On the other, she secretly envied how effortlessly she’d captured Chu Ran’s heart!

Watching Chu Ran lie right in front of her, refusing to confess her feelings, stirred an indescribable tangle in her chest.

If Chu Ran wouldn’t say it, neither would she!

She had no obligation to pop that bubble!

Her thoughts soured with jealousy, a mix of every emotion under the sun.

Gu An’an took their vagueness as agreement and beamed. “That’s wonderful! With you accompanying Little Ran to orientation, I feel so much better. You don’t know—she’s never left home for so long, not like you, who went abroad at such a young age. I’m really worried she won’t adjust. If you’re both going to the Capital City, you can look out for each other. So, when do you plan to leave?”

Qian Hao glanced dazedly at Chu Ran, unsure how to reply. Chu Ran said calmly, “Soon. The luggage is packed; we can head out anytime.”

Qian Hao could tell she was just brushing it off and stayed quiet.

Truth be told, she was rather looking forward to going to the Capital City with Chu Ran. Gu An’an’s suggestion tempted her.

But she wasn’t about to bring it up herself!

Gu An’an said, “Once you decide, let me know so I can prepare.”

Qian Hao shrugged. “It’s up to Chu Ran. I’m free any day.”

She kicked the ball back into Chu Ran’s court.

Chu Ran replied impassively, “Fine.”

Gu An’an said warmly, “Don’t just stand in the doorway—come in! Little Ran, honestly, Qian Hao came all this way to visit us. Invite her in for some tea!”

Qian Hao kept her lips pursed. She didn’t care how enthusiastic Gu An’an was; what mattered was Chu Ran’s attitude.

Chu Ran asked, “What would you like to drink?”

Her tone was perfectly neutral, betraying no emotion.

Qian Hao felt like she was being hurried along and her mood soured instantly.

“No thanks. I should head back.”

Gu An’an let out a little “Ah.” She felt it was terribly rude—Qian Hao had come over first thing in the morning to visit them, hadn’t even stepped inside, let alone had a sip of water. Apologetically, she said, “Qian Hao, don’t rush off. At least have some water and cool down with the AC, okay?”

“This, um…” Gu An’an’s delicate brows furrowed in anxiety. Helplessly, she looked to Chu Ran, hoping she’d convince Qian Hao to stay a bit.

Chu Ran knew her sister all too well. If Qian Hao left like this, Gu An’an would spend the rest of the day wracked with guilt, convinced she’d been rude to someone who’d helped them so much—like some ungrateful wolf.

She sighed inwardly. She’d already seen that Qian Hao was sulking and dying for her to leave.

But Sister An’an would be heartbroken.

Chu Ran nudged Qian Hao’s arm.

“Come inside and have something to drink.”

Qian Hao, still fuming, shot back, “I want watermelon juice. Are you going to make it for me?”

She thought of that cup of watermelon juice that had been smashed on the floor and deliberately made things difficult.

Chu Ran was starting to lose patience. She grabbed Qian Hao’s arm and dragged her toward the house.

“I’ll make it for you.”

“Come in.”

“Be good.”

The three sentences weren’t particularly warm or cold—almost curt, even. But that “be good” instantly softened Qian Hao.

Her resistance melted away, and she let Chu Ran pull her inside.

Gu An’an wheeled alongside them, smiling. “Little Ran, be a little gentler with Qian Hao. Don’t manhandle a girl like that.”

Chu Ran yanked her hand back as if burned.

She hadn’t manhandled her at all! Sister An’an was always this caring toward others, and she hated it!

Qian Hao immediately rubbed her arm. “Yeah, Sister An’an! It hurts so much. She’s so rough and mean—no tenderness toward women at all!”

Chu Ran was convinced she was lying and frowned. But Qian Hao promptly rolled up her silk short sleeve.

A section of her arm emerged, tender as a lotus root. The creamy white skin like mutton-fat jade bore a clear ring of red marks.

“Look! She grabbed my arm so hard it’s all red!”

She pointed at it, loudly accusing Chu Ran.

Gu An’an panicked at once and wheeled forward to comfort her. “Qian Hao, that was her fault. Don’t be mad. Let me blow on it for you, okay?”

Chu Ran was the first to object. “No!”

Sister An’an’s blowing was hers alone to enjoy!

She scowled deeply, her face full of displeasure.

Seeing her opposition, Qian Hao whined like a spoiled little girl. “You grabbed me red, but you won’t let Sister An’an blow on it? What, are you going to do it yourself?”

Chu Ran’s face remained cold. She shot her a glance.

Without a word, she turned and headed into the kitchen. Qian Hao craned her neck to peek—Chu Ran was slicing a watermelon. She really was making the juice.

Fine. Her mood improved a little.

Gu An’an was still coaxing her from the side.

She treated Qian Hao like one of Little Ran’s friends—almost like a little sister, without thinking twice.

Qian Hao instantly felt much better.

Yet deep down, Qian Hao still felt a twisted reluctance, wanting to view her as a romantic rival. But Gu An’an was simply too kind a person—Qian Hao found she just couldn’t bring herself to turn against her.

She could only make idle small talk with her, one comment here and there.

Chu Ran’s home lacked any proper tools, so juicing the watermelon was a laborious task. She had to crush the fruit bit by bit with the base of a cup.

It took her about fifteen minutes before she finally emerged.

Qian Hao spotted her at once, carrying two glasses of watermelon juice, and immediately pursed her lips.

She knew it—Chu Ran was biased toward Gu An’an. Whatever she made, there was always a share for Gu An’an.

Gu An’an took a sip. “Little Ran, have you tried it? It’s so sweet. Here, give it a taste.”

Chu Ran unhesitatingly took the glass and drank from it.

Sharing a cup with Gu An’an???

Qian Hao’s jealousy surged even stronger!

The discomfort she’d been suppressing doubled in an instant. The Eldest Miss’s haughty pride and self-respect began to stir restlessly, making it impossible for her to sit still.

After just three sips, she set down her glass and made her excuses to leave.

“I’m heading out. If you’re willing to come with me before we set off, just let me know.”

She said this to Chu Ran with utmost seriousness.

Fearing Gu An’an might grow suspicious, Chu Ran simply nodded.

Gu An’an glanced outside at the blazing sun and called out, “Qian Hao, let me have Little Ran grab you an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun.”

Qian Hao pressed her lips together and said nothing.

Her little tantrum was flaring up again.

Gu An’an wheeled herself over to fetch a parasol and handed it to Chu Ran.

Seeing that Qian Hao still wouldn’t speak, she refused to take the umbrella. “No need.”

Gu An’an coaxed her patiently. “Little Hao, take the umbrella. Look at how fair your skin is—if you get sunburned or freckled, what a shame that would be!”

That glimpse of Qian Hao’s arm earlier had been as tender as fresh lotus root, so delicate it seemed water might squeeze out from it. Even Gu An’an had felt a pang at the sight of the red mark on it.

Qian Hao glanced at Chu Ran. “If I get sunburned, so be it. No one would care anyway.”

Chu Ran grew thoroughly exasperated by her Eldest Miss antics. She turned to Gu An’an. “Sister An’an, never mind her. I’ll see her out.”

Brisk and efficient as always, Chu Ran ignored Qian Hao’s sulking. With one arm looped through hers and the other clutching the umbrella, she ushered her along.

The moment the door clicked shut, Qian Hao angrily shook off her arm.

“I don’t need your help. You don’t even like me—why do you care if I get sunburned?”

Chu Ran ignored the remark and asked coolly, “You’re heading out alone—why didn’t you bring Qian Feng?”

That only made it worse. Qian Hao’s distress deepened, and she huffed, “It’s all because of you!”

Chu Ran was at a loss for words.

No sooner had Qian Hao said it than her eyes reddened.

“What does it matter to me if Qian Feng likes me?”

“If he wants to like me, he needs my consent first!”

“From now on, wherever I go, I don’t want him tagging along!”

“The sight of him annoys me!”

Chu Ran clamped her mouth shut tight.

She held the umbrella as they walked side by side, with Qian Hao hanging her head, brooding in silence.

Chu Ran had no idea what to say.

One couldn’t force matters of the heart.

Still, Qian Hao had come all this way to visit, so Chu Ran wanted to at least play the gracious host.

Especially since she’d arrived without her bodyguard—Chu Ran didn’t want any mishaps.

The sun blazed like fire, the air thick with heat. They walked shoulder to shoulder down the sunlit road, as quiet as strangers.

Trees shaded the surroundings, flowers bloomed in vibrant clusters, but neither spared them a glance.

Qian Hao looked up and realized Chu Ran was angling the umbrella entirely over herself.

Qian Hao’s side was barely covered—most of her body lay exposed to the sun.

Perhaps because she’d never received such favoritism from Chu Ran before, this small gesture set her mind racing with wild thoughts. After a moment, she suddenly threw her arms around Chu Ran’s arm and pressed her body tightly against hers.

Before Chu Ran could pull away, she heard her say, “Chu Ran, let’s share the umbrella. I wouldn’t want you to get sunburned either.”

Chu Ran wrenched free with a jerk, shoved the umbrella into Qian Hao’s hands, and dashed off to the complex entrance. A red sports car waited there—clearly Qian Hao’s ride.

Qian Hao stood rooted in place, her expression complicated as she gazed at Chu Ran’s proud, straight-backed silhouette. Tall and graceful, defiant and unyielding, she resembled a stalk of verdant bamboo on a cliffside, swaying nobly in the whispering breeze, inspiring an involuntary admiration.

Only upon closer inspection did one see the sheer drop behind that beauty—its allure as breathtaking as it was impossible to pluck!

Qian Hao slowly made her way to her luxury car.

Chu Ran took the umbrella from her.

This was her sending off the guest.

Surprisingly, Qian Hao didn’t throw a fit. She slipped silently into the car.

Chu Ran watched her, her tone flat as she instructed, “Focus on driving. Text me when you get home.”

Qian Hao suddenly spoke up. “I know you don’t want to use my money, but whether you’re selling your house or borrowing from someone else, it’s all to tide you over this crisis. It doesn’t matter whose money it is. You can think of me as a friend or a classmate—I’ll lend it to you, and you can pay me back later.”

“Chu Ran, my feelings for you have nothing to do with my money.”

“I hope you understand that.”

She blurted it out in a rush, then quickly donned her sunglasses. The sports car glided smoothly onto the street, carrying her away into the flow of traffic.