Chapter 65: The Fall

Chu Ran’s gaze lingered on her face for an instant. The question felt a bit too personal, and she wasn’t eager to answer it, but Qian Hao seemed to have asked only in passing.

“Very good.”

“Oh~” Qian Hao’s expression turned subtly odd. “That’s not bad, then.”

Casually, she remarked, “I didn’t sleep well last night. I kept waking up.”

But in her heart, she thought sourly that since Qian Hao lived with Gu An’an, they might even be sharing a bed—so of course she had slept soundly!

“Maybe it’s because you’re new to the capital,” Chu Ran consoled her. “You’re just not used to the bed yet. You’ll get accustomed to it soon enough.”

Qian Hao tilted her face slightly, brushing her hair back behind her ear.

From the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at Chu Ran’s elegant, refined features and thought to herself that although Chu Ran liked Gu An’an, she clearly didn’t dare say so. She probably wouldn’t dare share a bed with her either. That house had two rooms, after all.

The elevator doors slid open, and the two women stepped out, one after the other.

Qian Hao slowed her pace to wait for Chu Ran until they were walking side by side, then continued onward.

The sour feeling still lingered, but it didn’t stop her from smiling warmly as she began introducing the details of today’s exchange meeting to Chu Ran.

What they called an “exchange meeting” was really just the finance world’s big shots trotting out their kids for a gathering—a chance for the rich second-generation heirs to network.

“Aside from the second-gen kids from the Beijing Business Circle, the rest come from all sorts of wealthy regions and factions,” she explained. “You’ve got the hotshots like the surging Zhejiang Merchants and Jiangsu Merchants, Guangdong Merchants; the old guard like the Jin Merchants and Hui Merchants; we’re from the steady, unflashy Henan Merchants. As for the up-and-comers like the Fujian Merchants and Chaoshan Merchants, they play by their own wild rules and aren’t big on these domestic elite circle mixers.”

The two walked side by side down a long, shaded avenue lined with trees.

In the summertime, Tsinghua Garden was a lush paradise of greenery. Amid the dense foliage, venerable old buildings peeked out, their weathered red walls occasionally visible, or a striking Republic-era structure jutting into view. The scenery was pleasant, the tree canopy thick enough to ward off the heat, making for a comfortable stroll.

It was peak vacation season, so students hurried to and fro in decent numbers, their footsteps crunching the maple leaves scattered across the paved walkways. Here and there, clusters of tourists wandered leisurely, gawking at the sights. Parents and students fresh from Gaokao were out playing too, all of them bright-eyed and brimming with excitement. This easygoing vibe contrasted sharply with the brisk strides of the Tsinghua students, creating an amusing, flavorful harmony.

Qian Hao was keen to show Chu Ran around, so she kept their pace leisurely.

“Even though everyone’s a rich second-gen with serious money behind them, plenty are all flash and no substance. There aren’t many real standouts. The ones we need to watch closely are Song Shixiong’s eldest son Song Hao from the Beijing circle’s Song Family, Feng Gan’s from the Zhejiang Merchants’ top richest family the Feng Family, Jiang Yunliang’s eldest daughter Jiang Wanlan from the Guangdong Merchants’ big boss, oh—and make special note of Jiang Xinyue, the Jiang Family’s only daughter. Her family’s in the Beijing circle too, but they’re not in business.”

Chu Ran got it instantly. From ancient times, money and power hadn’t mixed well. The three families Qian Hao had mentioned earlier were quintessential elite dynasties, so this Jiang Xinyue had to be from officialdom.

Sure enough, Qian Hao went on. “She’s the daughter of a vice mayor. She got into Tsinghua too, so we’ll all be classmates from now on. This project is basically a get-together for us.”

Chu Ran thought to herself that it was more like an exclusive club for the elite few.

They hadn’t even fully stepped into university life yet, and already everyone’s futures were being sorted into tiers.

She probably ranked at the very bottom in this feast of high society, didn’t she?

With a faint sigh, she said, “Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Qian Hao suddenly turned to look at her. “Chu Ran, is this your first time at one of these gatherings? Are you nervous?”

Seeing the curiosity in her eyes, Chu Ran replied frankly, “You know, I actually am a little.”

Qian Hao’s smile bloomed like a flower as she stepped half a pace closer. The hem of her skirt brushed Chu Ran’s jeans, her fragrant shoulder hovering tantalizingly near.

“Don’t be scared~”

“Truth is, I don’t come to these things much either. I’m just like you. Let’s treat it like a fun outing.”

“A few good friends of mine will be there too—Lin Wanfeng and Du Fei. You’ve met him.”

Her voice was soft, laced with subtle comfort that felt entirely natural. Anyone hearing it would feel instantly at ease.

Touched by this, Chu Ran replied candidly, “Don’t worry. I’ll just be myself.”

That simple statement captured their rapport perfectly, and Qian Hao felt it anew.

As long as Chu Ran stayed poised and true to herself, she would shine amid this assembly of young elites.

Without a word between them, a comfortable silence settled in.

Qian Hao savored the quiet, unawkward atmosphere, her heart warming with tender affection.

Suddenly, she turned to Chu Ran. “Oh, right—I forgot to mention. All the ladies coming today are absolute stunners. Especially Jiang Xinyue. She’s a real knockout.”

Batting her clear, water-bright eyes with a playful smile, she added, “You’ll get an eyeful, for sure~”

Chu Ran caught the teasing note and smiled faintly. Playing along, she asked, “Oh? How do they compare to you?”

Qian Hao gave a soft huff, thrusting out her ample chest and lifting her graceful neck proudly. “I’m the cream of the crop.”

Chu Ran smiled. “In that case, I’m even less nervous now.”

“Ha~” Qian Hao let out a delighted giggle, her slender waist swaying like a blooming Carolina rose—radiant and proud.

She seemed thrilled by Chu Ran’s words.

In the midst of their lively chat, she continued naturally, “Not sure who suggested eating first and networking later, but this time it’s basically a banquet. That’s why I had to wear a formal gown. Oh, and Chu Ran—you’re coming with me, right? Don’t make me face that heavy, restrictive dress alone. We’re partners today—sharing the fun and the burdens!”

Chu Ran blinked. She picked up on Qian Hao’s roundabout hint: this was a high-end affair, formal attire required.

Glancing down at her own flat shoes, jeans, and white T-shirt, she thought wryly that she’d chosen quite the unconventional path.

She didn’t own a gown, and there was no time to buy one.

Then Qian Hao added, “I’ve never seen you in a skirt. I’ve always wanted to. Luckily, I have tons. Come on, match with me—pretty please?”

With that, she looped her arm through Chu Ran’s and gave a playful shake, coquettish as could be.

“Sure.”

Chu Ran agreed without hesitation.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Every circle had its rules and entry barriers. She wouldn’t stand out as some eccentric outlier. No, she’d be Qian Hao’s steadfast right hand.

She’d always been crystal clear on her role.

Qian Hao was surprised by her ready agreement, then burst with unexpected delight.

She was thoughtfully preserving Chu Ran’s pride—and Qian Hao could feel it. The sensation was truly wonderful!

An hour later, the two emerged from Qian Hao’s luxury apartment.

Qian Hao wore a noble purple mermaid gown, while Chu Ran was draped in a bespoke black evening dress.

One in purple, one in black—a classic pairing. The purple-gowned girl dazzled with vibrant allure; the black-gowned one exuded unmatched poise. Arm in arm, they drew stares and double-takes from everyone around.

Chu Ran kept her composure, but inwardly she was stirred. This black gown screamed high price tag, and the fit was so perfect it felt custom-made. She couldn’t help suspecting Qian Hao had prepared it just for her.

Qian Hao, meanwhile, was secretly thrilled.

These moments were ones Gu An’an could never share. They belonged only to her and Chu Ran.

Qian Hao had assigned two of her most reliable live-in nannies to Gu An’an.

Both were in their early thirties, highly educated with sky-high emotional intelligence. They could tell Qian Hao and Chu Ran were close, so they treated Gu An’an with polite warmth.

Of course, Gu An’an’s beauty, gentleness, and sweet personality made her likable from the start. After some small talk, the nannies learned she was only twenty-four and confined to a wheelchair, and their hearts went out to her.

Gu An’an, in turn, was stunned to hear they were both college grads—one even from a top 211 university.

A wave of gloom washed over her.

These people had nannies who were university talents straight out of the ivory tower, while she hadn’t even finished high school. By comparison, she felt like a total failure.

Now with paralyzed legs to boot—she couldn’t even land a garbage-picking gig!

The blow hit hard, leaving her downcast. The nannies, noticing, kept her company with chatter.

Gu An’an mustered a smile and joined in. The conversation soon turned to Qian Hao, and seeing her interest, the nannies shared some of Qian Hao’s everyday anecdotes.

“She started piano at three? And she rides horses, fences, plays international chess?” Gu An’an was floored. She couldn’t fathom how a three-year-old managed something as tough as piano.

At three, she’d been picking leaves, sucking her thumb, and hoping the welfare home aunties would hand out a candy after dinner.

“Yeah, Miss Qian’s amazing,” one said. “Her family upbringing was super strict—piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, all the arts from a young age. And she’s naturally gifted too. The chairman always said their family would produce a phoenix. We didn’t believe it at first, but then Miss Qian actually got into Tsinghua. For a rich second-gen who’s never wanted for money in eight generations, that’s one hell of an outlier!”

“Right, our young miss not only comes from a fine family—she’s beautiful and exceptionally talented in her own right. She’s truly the kind of person heaven serves meals to on a silver platter!”

Gu An’an was shocked once again. She stared blankly at the two maids, their faces beaming with pride, and said in a tone brimming with surprise and admiration, “I always knew she was outstanding, but I never imagined she was even more impressive than I thought.”

Her words rang with sincerity. She truly admired Qian Hao from the bottom of her heart, and the maids could tell. Their attitude toward her warmed even further, and they began helping her unpack her luggage.

Yet Gu An’an’s feelings were far more complicated.

On one hand, she was delighted that Chu Ran had such an exceptional young woman pursuing her. On the other, she felt a deep sense of inferiority over her own ordinariness and helplessness.

Overwhelmed by this sudden wave of disappointment, she turned to the maids and said, “I’ll go to the next room to sort out my things. Sorry to trouble you both.”

The maids started to follow, but she politely declined.

She just wanted to be alone for a while.

Qian Hao often spent time by herself at home and disliked having the maids intrude on her personal space, so they were accustomed to this arrangement. They respected Gu An’an’s request and stayed in the living room.

Gu An’an wheeled herself into the secondary bedroom. The room was sparsely furnished, with only a wardrobe and a simple wooden bed. Most of her luggage and Chu Ran’s was piled up here.

These bags held all the belongings she and Chu Ran had accumulated over the years—items she had carefully hunted down and shipped all the way to the capital.

Now they waited for her to unpack them.

As she gazed at bag after bag, she suddenly felt a sense of purpose.

She hadn’t had much education and wasn’t anywhere near as accomplished as Qian Hao. The least she could do was handle more of the housework to lighten Little Ran’s load.

With renewed energy, she leaned out from her wheelchair and reached for the stack of luggage bags.

There was a sudden clatter. The top bag tumbled down, crashing right onto her!

She toppled to the floor along with her wheelchair.

It hurt terribly.

One end of the bag pinned her stomach while the other crushed both her legs. Her legs felt nothing, but the impact on her belly was heavy and throbbing, a dull ache that radiated through her.

Gu An’an bit her lip and twisted her body desperately, trying to wriggle free from under the bag. But her legs remained limp and unresponsive; she couldn’t even crawl.

She wanted to call for the maids, but the words wouldn’t come. They were outsiders—how could she let them see her in such an undignified state? How embarrassing would that be?

A wave of sorrow crashed over her, and she couldn’t hold back the tears.

She didn’t dare cry out loud. She simply wept silently, her tears splashing onto the floor one by one, darkening a patch of the wood.

“Why am I so useless?”

“Why?!”

Just then, her phone rang.

Gu An’an froze for a moment before realizing it was Chu Ran calling. Panic surged through her. She quickly wiped away her tears and fumbled for the phone tucked into her inner pocket—Chu Ran had slipped it there before leaving to make sure she could reach it easily.

She managed to fish it out.

The shrill ringtone drew the maids. They knocked on the door from outside.

“Miss Gu, is that your phone? Do you need any help?”

Gu An’an hurriedly replied, “No, I’m fine.”

The maids retreated, and she answered the call.

“Sister An’an, how are you holding up? Is everything okay at home?”

Gu An’an fought through the pain, forcing her voice to stay calm. “I’m doing great. You’re off handling important business—don’t worry about me. Just focus on what you need to do.”

Chu Ran said, “Sister An’an, if you’re thirsty or hungry, or if you need the bathroom, just tell the maids right away. Don’t feel shy about it. That’s why I’m calling—I know you’re too reserved sometimes. Please take good care of yourself at home, or I won’t be able to concentrate on my work.”

Chu Ran’s voice was full of concern. Gu An’an heard Qian Hao say nearby, “Chu Ran, we’ve arrived.”

She quickly swallowed her tears and said, “Little Ran, I’m really fine. I promise. If there’s anything, I’ll let the maids know. Go take care of things with Qian Hao.”

She masked her distress perfectly—her voice was as soft and gentle as ever. Chu Ran detected nothing amiss. She fussed a little longer before hanging up.

Gu An’an stared at the darkened phone screen, her heart churning with a storm of emotions—sourness, bitterness, spice, and salt all roiling together inside her. Her stomach was still crushed under the heavy bag, the pain shifting from a dull throb to a numb ache that grew worse by the second.

Her legs were already paralyzed. Would her stomach be injured too?

No! She couldn’t let that happen!

She couldn’t afford any more injuries. Little Ran would worry sick, and if she came home and found out, she’d be beside herself with concern…

Lost in a haze of frantic thoughts, she shed more tears. Sobbing quietly, she summoned her strength once more and began to crawl free.

She gritted her teeth and dragged her useless legs behind her, inching her body out from under the weight—not for her own relief, but so Chu Ran wouldn’t have to worry.

One inch at a time, the effort was grueling. Sweat soon beaded on her forehead.

It took her more than ten minutes of struggling before she finally pulled herself clear.

But her wheelchair was still pinned beneath the bag.

Gu An’an looked at the scene, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears!

Without the wheelchair, she was nothing but a complete invalid!

She clenched her jaw again and crawled over to the bag. She sat on the floor and began pulling out the contents piece by piece until enough was removed that she could shift it aside and free the chair.

Gripping one of the armrests, she hauled herself up with agonizing effort—like an ant scaling a mountain—dragging her broken body toward the seat bit by bit.

At last, she managed to climb into it.

Only then did she realize her clothes were drenched in sweat.