Chapter 30030 It sounds more like she's being coquettish.
Chen Sulin spoke frankly, which startled Meng Ran.
She hesitated, "I think it's alright..."
Chen Sulin: "Didn't you say you couldn't choose?"
Meng Ran: "..."
That's true, but...
Chen Sulin made the final decision: "Go and change it. Hesitating for so long means you can't make up your mind."
Meng Ran pursed her lips: "Okay."
It was just a suggestion for him, not a matter of changing clothes in front of him.
Meng Ran: "Then I'll go try it now, wait for me a moment."
Chen Sulin: "Okay."
After he finished speaking, neither of them moved.
Meng Ran looked at Chen Sulin, silently asking: Aren't you leaving?
Although there was a row of cabinets separating the changing area from where he was standing, there was no door. He only needed to walk a few more steps forward to see the whole scene clearly.
Receiving her gaze, Chen Sulin's lips curled up slightly: "I'll wait for you at the door."
Meng Ran: "...Hmm."
She suspected he was deliberately staying still, waiting to see her become uneasy.
After Chen Sulin gently closed the door, Meng Ran took her dress and went to change.
Two outfits: one is a white shirt and gray skirt set, and the other is a light brown long skirt.
Meng Ran first changed into the gray outfit, checked herself in the full-length mirror, and then opened the bedroom door to let Chen Sulin in.
“This is the first set,” she said, slightly awkwardly.
When she was in school, she often asked her roommates or Jiang Yuqing for advice on clothes, but when the person opposite her was Chen Sulin, she always felt it was different.
Meng Ran: "What do you think?"
Chen Sulin: "It looks great."
Meng Ran curled her lip: "You said you'd help me with my advice, but you just brushed me off with those three words."
Only after the words left my mouth did I realize that they sounded more like I was being coquettish.
A week ago, she would never have imagined that she would speak to him in this tone.
Ever since Chen Sulin said he wanted to treat her like a husband and wife, their relationship seemed to be shifting in a certain direction without them realizing it.
Chen Sulin was also surprised by her words. He stared at her for a few seconds before saying, "I need to look at both outfits before I can choose one."
Meng Ran: "Mr. Chen, have you finished watching the first set yet?"
Chen Sulin realized she was addressing him that way on purpose, and raised an eyebrow: "Turn around so I can take another look."
Meng Ran almost laughed out of anger at the man's shamelessness.
She made sarcastic remarks to him, and he shamelessly bossed her around.
This interruption made me feel much less uncomfortable trying on clothes in front of him.
Meng Ran slowly circled around in front of Chen Sulin, and finally asked him, "Have you seen it clearly now?"
This time, Chen Sulin wisely said, "Alright."
Meng Ran: "Then I'll go change into another one."
Go to the changing area, take off your skirt and shirt, and put on another light brown long skirt.
The zipper on the dress is at the back, which is a bit difficult to pull. I got stuck at the waistline several times and couldn't pull it up.
Meng Ran didn't want to ask Chen Sulin for help, so it took her almost a minute to finally finish it herself.
After finally managing to zip it up, sweat was beading on my forehead.
While inwardly complaining about how the zipper design of pretty dresses was so anti-human, Meng Ran opened the door and let Chen Sulin in again.
"And this one?" she asked. "How does it compare to the previous one?"
Chen Sulin scrutinized her for a few seconds.
Only when she began to feel uncomfortable under his gaze did Chen Sulin say in a deep voice, "This one is better."
Meng Ran: "Really?"
Chen Sulin: "Hmm, this one is softer and more suitable for this gathering."
Meng Ran turned around and looked at herself in the mirror, and found that she seemed to have been persuaded.
She had been hesitating between the two outfits for a long time, but after Chen Sulin said this one was better, she also began to feel that this outfit was obviously more pleasing to the eye.
Meng Ran stopped hesitating and said, "Then let's go with this one."
She glanced at the time.
Meng Ran didn't want to give people the impression that she was always late for her first gathering, so she gave herself plenty of time.
My makeup was done in advance, and now that I've changed my clothes, I still have twenty minutes to spare.
Chen Sulin: "Would you like to wear jewelry with it?"
Meng Ran: "Hmm?"
Chen Sulin: "I remember you have a necklace that can go with this dress."
Meng Ran looked at Chen Sulin in surprise.
He also knows how to match accessories?
She might have some stereotypes about men, always feeling that it's already quite difficult for them to tell you which clothes are more suitable, let alone details like matching jewelry.
Chen Sulin understood the source of the surprise in her eyes and said calmly, "It's what you told me before: the neckline of this dress is open, and it would be perfect to pair it with a diamond necklace."
Meng Ran was stunned.
Would she have shared these things with Chen Sulin in the past?
She had no idea how she and Chen Sulin got along after their marriage; she could only get a sense of it from the few words Chen Sulin said to her.
The more she listened, the more unbelievable it seemed to her.
The girl she once was seemed to have a better relationship with Chen Sulin than she had imagined. She would ask him to make her late-night snacks and tell him which dress to match which necklace.
But if they were really that close back then, why did Chen Sulin seem to be hiding something from her when she first woke up from amnesia?
Meng Ran couldn't figure it out, so she decided to put it aside for the time being.
She thought she should know which necklace Chen Sulin was referring to.
She took out the jewelry box, and the diamond necklace that had dazzled her on the first day of her amnesia was still lying there quietly.
Next to it was her wedding ring, which she had placed with the necklace.
She had completely forgotten about this before opening the jewelry box.
Noticing Chen Sulin's gaze lingering on the wedding ring, Meng Ran cleared her throat and explained, "I was afraid of losing it, so I put it here after taking it off."
Considering that she was attending the banquet today as Miao Ying's mother and Mrs. Chen, not wearing a ring might lead to speculation, so Meng Ran spoke again: "Should I...?"
Chen Sulin took out the ring before she could, gesturing for her to extend her hand.
Meng Ran: "..."
He is always one to push his luck.
Social necessity dictated that Meng Ran didn't hesitate and raised her hand.
Chen Sulin held her hand and slowly pushed the ring into the base of her ring finger.
The wedding ring, which he had never worn before, was put on by him by himself under such circumstances.
Meng Ran felt it was all a little unreal, and she gently moved her fingers, unconsciously softening her breathing.
Chen Sulin's voice rang in my ears: "Wear the necklace too?"
Meng Ran steadied herself: "Wouldn't it be too flashy to wear a diamond necklace to someone's birthday party?"
Chen Sulin: "Don't worry, it's just a style that's in stock in the store."
Meng Ran pondered those words and thought they seemed to make sense.
For wealthy people accustomed to luxury, only unique items at auctions can be considered extravagant; diamond necklaces that can be bought directly in stores are considered trivial.
She's used to living a poor life, so her perspective has become narrow.
Chen Sulin continued to allay her concerns: "Besides, with your outfit today, plus the necklace, it's quite understated."
Meng Ran was persuaded by him: "Okay."
Chen Sulin: "I'll help you."
Meng Ran instinctively wanted to refuse, but then she thought about it and realized that it would be difficult for her to wear the necklace by herself.
Besides, he's already helped me put on the bracelet and ring, so one more time won't make a difference.
Meng Ran nodded: "Mm."
She turned around, brushed her long hair in front of her, revealing her slender, fair nape.
A cool sensation touched her collarbone; the icy necklace pendant pressed against her skin. Then, the man's fingertips landed on the back of her neck.
The sudden change from hot to cold made Meng Ran's breath catch in her throat, and she involuntarily tensed her back.
Chen Sulin moved his hand slightly, and with a soft click, the necklace clasp snapped shut.
After fastening the chain, the hands didn't leave immediately. They lingered on the back of her neck, as if casually stroking the metal chain, or perhaps caressing her exposed skin.
When Meng Ran's heart started racing with nervousness, he finally withdrew his hand.
Chen Sulin: "Alright."
The two were so close that his breath seemed to linger behind her ear, making her earlobes burn.
Meng Ran suppressed the tingling sensation caused by his touch and lowered her eyes, saying, "Thank you."
The atmosphere in the room was too ambiguous, so she quickly said, "I have to get ready to go out, or I'll be late."
There were still almost fifteen minutes left, but Meng Ran couldn't wait to go downstairs.
She was always afraid that if she stayed in the room any longer, he might do something to her.
He didn't give her any chance to prepare for those two previous kisses.
As we went downstairs, Aunt Zhang had just finished braiding Chen Miaoying's hair for the day.
As expected of a little princess going to a birthday party, Chen Miaoying's look was much more refined than usual, with her hair styled into two playful bows and topped with a sparkling crown.
The dress was formal, with a fluffy purple tulle skirt adorned with sparkling rhinestones.
Meng Ran recalled what Chen Sulin had said earlier: her outfit today was considered low-key.
She was initially skeptical, but now she believes it completely.
I'm sure it won't just be Chen Miaoying; all the little princesses at the event will be dressed up like they stepped out of a fairy tale.
Meng Ran was somewhat envious of Chen Miaoying.
When she was a child, she also fantasized about dressing up like the heroine of an idol drama and stunning everyone at a banquet.
Upon seeing Meng Ran appear, Chen Miaoying sprang up from her chair: "Mom, are we leaving now?!"
Meng Ran smiled and said, "No, there are still more than ten minutes. Mom will check if you are ready first."
Chan Miu-ying: "Ready!"
As she spoke, she twirled around in place, holding onto her skirt: "Mommy, look how pretty my skirt is!"
Meng Ran squatted down and pinched Chen Miaoying's little face: "Beautiful, our Miaoying is a super beautiful little princess today."
Hearing the praise, Chen Miaoying's eyes crinkled into crescents with laughter. She covered her face and pretended to faint, saying, "Mom looks so beautiful today! I'm about to faint from your beauty!"
Meng Ran was overjoyed by Chen Miaoying's praise and couldn't stop smiling.
The mother and daughter complimented each other, and Aunt Zhang, watching from the side, couldn't help but smile.
Chen Sulin changed his coat and got out, and the three of them got into the car and set off.
Zhu Haoran's house is at the other end of the villa area. It's not far as the crow flies, but the speed limit in the park is strict, so it still takes about ten minutes to drive there.
After getting into the car, the tension that had been lingering in Meng Ran's heart began to grow again.
Before today, the most important event she had ever attended was the company's annual meeting.
Fortunately, she didn't need to prepare anything today. The gift for the birthday boy had already been prepared, which was said to be a limited edition car model that Chen Sulin brought back from a business trip abroad two months ago.
Chen Miaoying was currently fiddling with the gift she was going to give away, but the little girl was focusing on the packaging and was intently studying the ribbon on it.
Meng Ran looked at the scenery of the villa area outside the window and pinched her palm.
Relax!
It's just a kid's birthday party, nothing to be nervous about!
After mentally preparing myself for the journey, the car finally stopped in front of a villa.
Meng Ran took a deep breath and was about to get up and leave.
Chen Sulin's deep voice rang out: "Do you want me to come in with you?"
Meng Ran: "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting?"
Chen Sulin: "I can take you in first and then leave. There's enough time."
Meng Ran opened her mouth, surprised to find that her first reaction was to say "okay".
Not long ago, she was trying her best not to be with Chen Sulin.
Now, entering an unfamiliar environment, her most instinctive thought is that with Chen Sulin by her side, she can feel more at ease.
When did she become so dependent on him?
After hesitating for a second, Meng Ran gently shook her head: "I can do it myself."
She's not a little kid like Chen Miaoying anymore; she can't possibly be unable to handle even a simple birthday party on her own and need a man to protect her.
Then she can forget about making any money in the future; she might as well just stay at home, eat and wait to die.
Chen Miaoying chimed in, shaking her head, "That's right, I'll protect Mom! Dad, don't worry unnecessarily!"
Meng Ran laughed out loud, her tension dissipating somewhat.
Chen Sulin looked at his daughter with gentle eyes and said, "Okay, then you stay with your mother."
Chen Miaoying: "Okay, Dad!"
Chen Sulin looked at Meng Ran again: "Call me if anything happens."
Meng Ran: "Mm."
She figured she probably wouldn't call, since he'd be in a meeting at the time.
But with Chen Sulin's words, she did feel at ease.
He got out of the car, took Chen Miaoying's hand, and walked into the villa gate, where staff members were greeting guests.
Before Meng Ran could hand over the invitation, the other party recognized her: "Mrs. Chen, you and Miao Ying are here. My husband and wife specifically instructed that you can go straight in when you arrive."
Meng Ran: "Thank you for your help."
She thought that since she hadn't appeared in social settings for so long, the other person wouldn't recognize her at a glance.
However, it's understandable that staff members responsible for greeting guests in such wealthy families would do their homework in advance.
Upon entering the courtyard, Meng Ran was slightly taken aback.
The spacious lawn was decorated like a fairy tale kingdom, with flowers everywhere and colorful balloons tied into various cartoon shapes.
The long table was covered with cupcakes, fruit tarts and juice, while well-dressed staff looked after the children.
Meng Ran almost thought she had come to Disneyland.
Chen Miaoying was clearly itching to get started. Although she was still holding her mother's hand, her eyes were already glued to the large plush toy next to her.
Meng Ran held onto Chen Miaoying's hand, preventing her from leaving: she had never been to such an occasion before, but according to custom, she should first exchange pleasantries with the host.
Just then, a well-dressed woman walked over.
Meng Ran recognized the woman as the villa's owner based on her clothing and composed demeanor.
"Miaoying's mom!" Zhu Haoran's mom greeted her with a smile, "I've been looking forward to seeing you these past few days, and today my wish has finally come true!"
She looked down at Chen Miaoying again: "Look at our Miaoying, she looks so beautiful in this dress today, like a fairy!"
“My son Haoran has been talking about Miaoying since he woke up this morning, asking when she’s coming and saying he wants to play with her new toys.”
"Why don't we let Miaoying go play first? Don't worry, I've had people keeping a close watch on the entrances and exits of the villa, and there are staff members watching over the lawn as well."
Seeing Chen Miaoying gazing longingly at the other children on the lawn, Meng Ran nodded and instructed, "Be careful, and if you need anything, ask the uncles and aunts next to you for help."
Chen Miaoying readily agreed.
After letting Chen Miaoying go to the lawn, Meng Ran smiled at Mrs. Zhu.
Mrs. Zhu returned her an even brighter smile: "Mama Miaoying, is this your first time visiting our home? Are you still a little unfamiliar with it?"
Meng Ran politely curved the corners of her lips: "A little bit. This is the first time I've seen such an exquisitely decorated outdoor banquet."
"Oh, you flatter me!" Mrs. Zhu waved her hand with a smile. "I just gave directions and told people to do it casually."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mrs. Zhu warmly took Meng Ran's hand and said, "Speaking of which, there's an acquaintance of yours here. I'll take you to meet her; you'll feel more comfortable chatting with her then."
Meng Ran had no time to be surprised and followed Mrs. Zhu.
Before coming, Meng Ran specifically asked the housekeeper if anyone attending the gathering knew her before.
The housekeeper told her there shouldn't be any.
Firstly, she didn't like participating in social activities much after getting married, and she stayed home even more after becoming pregnant.
Secondly, this wasn't a proper high-society gathering; the attendees were mostly children from Chen Miaoying's kindergarten and their parents, who were basically not part of the Chen family's social circle.
There are indeed many wealthy people in private kindergartens, but to be honest, there are almost none who are on the same level as the Chen family. The Zhu Haoran family can barely be considered one.
Meng Ran was being pulled along by Mrs. Zhu, her heart pounding.
She hasn't made her amnesia public. If it's someone she met after marriage, and now she's completely forgotten them, wouldn't that expose her?
Meng Ran regretted that she shouldn't have trusted the housekeeper so much; she should have at least asked Chen Sulin one more question.
He was asked what he should do if he saw someone he knew, and whether he should admit it if his amnesia was discovered.
She was led nervously to the champagne stand, and when she saw the person in front of her, Meng Ran's gaze narrowed slightly.
The other person looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn't quite place who it was.
The woman opposite spoke first: "Hello, Mrs. Chen, do you remember me? I'm Cai Xue, a classmate of yours from the same department."
Upon hearing the name, Meng Ran finally remembered it.
Cai Xue, a girl in the same department as her, was a well-known beauty in the school back then.
A University is full of beautiful girls, but Cai Xue comes from a wealthy family and frequently appears in various school events, making her the most famous.
Even someone like Meng Ran, who doesn't care about gossip, knows about Cai Xue in the department thanks to the boys in her class.
Eight years had passed, and the other person's appearance had changed somewhat, which is why Meng Ran recognized him at this time.
Meng Ran suspected that Cai Xue didn't really remember her. Although they were in the same department, they were in different classes and hadn't spoken much to each other.
Mrs. Zhu, who was standing to the side, said with a smile, "I won't disturb your reminiscing. I'll go ahead now. See you later."
Mrs. Zhu left the two of them alone. Meng Ran smiled at Cai Xue and said, "Hello, I'm Meng Ran. I remember you."
Cai Xue smiled and said, "What a small world! I never expected to meet a classmate from the same department here. When I first heard from Zhu Haoran's mother that you were also from University A, I couldn't believe it."
Meng Ran: "It really is a coincidence."
Cai Xue: "Ranran, you are so low-key. If we hadn't met by chance this time, I wouldn't have known that there was a girl in our department who married so well."
As she spoke, Cai Xue's gaze fell on the diamond necklace between Meng Ran's collarbones, lingering for several seconds as if she were observing something.
Meng Ran said calmly, "My circle is relatively small, and not many people know about it."
Cai Xue looked away: "No wonder."
"Oh, by the way," Cai Xue glanced around casually, lowering her voice slightly, "Your CEO Chen... didn't come with you and your daughter?"
Meng Ran: "He has a meeting this afternoon."
"I see." Cai Xue smiled and nodded. "It's alright, don't worry about it. Since you've chosen such an outstanding man, you have to be more accommodating in other aspects so that you can live a good life together."
Meng Ran frowned slightly.
Cai Xue seemed to realize something and smiled apologetically: "Look at me, I've gone off on a tangent."
"Oh, right," Cai Xue changed the subject, "Actually, my husband is also from A University, but he's more than ten years older than us, so he's our senior. He specially canceled an important engagement to come with me today. He heard there are female students from the same university here, and he's just as curious as I am. How about I introduce you to them?"
Meng Ran smiled and said, "Miaoying is still playing over there. She's always been mischievous, so I have to keep an eye on her. I won't disturb you and your senior."
Cai Xue was surprised to be rejected so decisively. After the initial shock, her smile faded slightly: "Alright, I won't bother you anymore."
Meng Ran said goodbye to the other party and went to find Chen Miaoying.
She came today with a social purpose, but that doesn't mean she has to cater to everyone.
Meng Ran was certain that the subtle implications in Cai Xue's words were not just her overthinking.
Chen Miaoying was having a great time over there.
Meng Ran went over to check on Chen Miaoying's condition, then turned to chat with the people around her.
At the party, everyone, regardless of gender, was very enthusiastic towards her and greeted her with smiles.
Meng Ran knew that they were doing this because of Chen Sulin.
But this suited her perfectly. She came here today to meet more people, hoping that these connections might come in handy in the future.
As Meng Ran chatted with others, besides focusing on her child, she deliberately steered the conversation towards her pet.
After going around, I found that many wealthy families do keep cats and dogs because they can hire people to take care of them.
Meng Ran added many people on WeChat.
If she really plans to go into this business in the future, these will be her potential clients.
Although it's too early to talk about these things now, it's always better to be prepared than to cram at the last minute.
After an afternoon of learning, Meng Ran had gained a lot.
To accommodate the children's schedules, the cake-cutting and dinner preparations started at 5:30 pm.
As the enormous two-tiered cream cake was wheeled onto the lawn, cheers erupted from the children.
No wonder, even an adult like Meng Ran couldn't help but take a few extra glances at such a beautiful cake.
After the birthday song segment, which was full of ritual, each guest received a piece of cake.
Mrs. Zhu was very accommodating; she personally served the two cakes to Meng Ran and Chen Miaoying as the first couple to receive them.
While thanking her, Meng Ran reminded Chen Miaoying, "Don't rush! Eat slowly!"
Chen Miaoying couldn't hold back any longer and picked up a spoon to wolf down her food.
Meng Ran chuckled: "Hey, I told you to slow down, it's all over your face."
With cake in her mouth, Chen Miaoying mumbled, "Mom, I'll wipe it in a bit—cough!"
Meng Ran sighed helplessly, "Alright, stop talking and focus on eating."
Before he could finish speaking, a slender hand handed him a water glass.
Meng Ran turned around in surprise and saw that it was Cai Xue who handed her the cup.
Cai Xue: "Don't worry, it's warm water, it won't chill the child's stomach."
Meng Ran took the water glass: "Thank you."
Reality isn't a melodramatic TV series. She believed that even if the other party harbored some ulterior motives, they wouldn't do anything to harm a child in front of everyone.
Meng Ran brought the cup to Chen Miaoying's lips: "Take a sip of water to moisten your throat, and then continue eating."
After choking on her own, Chen Miaoying learned her lesson and obediently handed the cake to her mother first, then took a couple of sips of water.
Meng Ran smiled at Cai Xue again to express her gratitude.
Cai Xue: "You're welcome. My husband, Lao Lin, fetched the water. You might not believe it, but this big man, who is usually so decisive in business, is actually incredibly gentle and considerate towards children. I can't even compare to him in that respect."
Meng Ran: "That was very difficult."
Cai Xue's smile widened, and she was about to say something when she was interrupted by a commotion behind her.
The two turned around one after the other.
Chen Miaoying reacted even faster than the adults, excitedly shouting, "Dad!"
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