Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Solar calendar. Why are you asking this?” Ruan Danchen asked. “Zeer, you don’t sound okay. What happened?”
“No… It’s nothing. I’ll call you back again.” Ruan Zeer hung up without so much as a word of goodbye.
Ruan Danchen blinked and stared puzzlingly at the already cut-off call. “He doesn’t sound alright. I don’t know what happened.”
Qi Chenglin continued combing her hair. “He isn’t someone that will just leave things hanging. He’ll explain everything to you.”
“If I knew his address, I would go there to have a look myself,” Ruan Danchen said with a frown.
…
Ruan Zeer hung up and turned to his parents with reddened eyes. “She said it’s the solar calendar.”
“IT’S HER! It’s definitely her!” Ruan Keshan began exclaiming emotionally. He constantly rubbed the tears on his face, but his cries only got stronger. “She’s definitely Keyu’s daughter! She’s definitely my niece! Zeer, she… She’s your cousin sister! She is! I… We should go and look for her now!”
“WAIT!” Chen Minxia held him back. “Zeer, give Ruan Danchen a call and ask if it’s convenient for her to meet us. We can’t just go over without considering this properly.”
Ruan Zeer nodded, as did Ruan Keshan. “Yes, I need to call Dad. He’ll be very happy that we found Keyu’s daughter.”
“Don’t be rash.” Chen Minxia slapped his arm. “Even if we believe that she’s our niece, Keyu and Yuehuan are no longer in this world. We can’t do any DNA test with them. Only you and Dad can. We’ll go and meet her today, understand whatever we can, then tell Dad. He’s already old. He’s already suffered so much disappointment in the past, and all these years we’ve seen his energy weaken year after year. He’s aging faster than anyone else. If this time…
“There’s plenty of hope this time, but if it turns out otherwise, the blow will be just as…” Chen Minxia wiped her tears. “You might not even be able to take it.”
Ruan Keshan nodded, to which Ruan Zeer called Ruan Danchen.
She did not expect to receive that call barely a few minutes after hanging up.
She heard him say, “Big Sis, are you resting now? I… I’d like to come by your house with my parents. Is it convenient for you?”
Ruan Danchen looked at the time. It was already over nine, so it was neither early nor late. They were not going to bed yet, but it was not the kind of time that someone would come over to visit. It would already be ten by the time they visit.
Ruan Zeer’s parents came from a cultured and educated background. Ruan Zeer himself was brought up properly and from that, she could discern that his family background was surely a good one.
His parents were undoubtedly the kind that knew how to act appropriately. Scholars like Ruan Lichuan and Ruan Keshan were held in high regard by Ruan Danchen, who felt that those people were a cut above mortals and conducted themselves with the utmost dignity.
Something urgent must have happened for them to insist on coming over so late.
Ruan Danchen responded, “It’s convenient. We’re not going to bed yet.”
Nevertheless, Ruan Zeer felt that it was not too nice to disturb them at night. After a few more exchanges, he hung up.
“What is it?” Qi Chengzhi touched her hair and his voice was crisply warm.
“Ruan Zeer wants to come over with his parents. Don’t you think it’s something urgent?” Ruan Danchen frowned and sat up from Qi Chenglin’s embrace. “I’m thinking about why his parents would want to come when I don’t know them? I kept feeling that Ruan Zeer wasn’t okay. He couldn’t possibly be in trouble, could he?”
If Ruan Zeer had any issues, she would definitely come to his aid.
Qi Chenglin sat up straight too, with his dark eyes gazing deeply at Ruan Danchen.
Sometime later, he said, “Have you ever thought about how you share the same surname with them? Why is it so fated? Remember the other day, Youxuan said that you looked similar to Ruan Zeer.”
Ruan Danchen’s mind went blank. “What are you trying to say?”
Qi Chenglin’s sharpened his gaze and after a while, he looked at Ruan Danchen again, “Do you remember Ruan Zeer telling you that his uncle passed away long ago?”
Uneasiness began creeping in. Ruan Danchen nodded and clutched Qi Chenglin’s hand subconsciously.
Qi Chenglin held her in return and massaged her to soothe her nerves.
“He also said that his uncle had a daughter, but was separated at birth. They couldn’t find her until now,” Qi Chenglin said. He kept a close watch on Ruan Danchen, afraid that she was unable to take everything in one go.
Ruan Danchen was clearly rattled. She opened her eyes wide, with fear and shock plastered all over her face. “You’re saying… You’re saying that I’m…”
Knowing that she could not say it out loud, Qi Chenglin did not have the heart to keep her suffering, so he said, “When Jiang Yuan went on a business trip the other day, he actually went to Shuo City. Since there was no conclusion yet at the time and it was purely my suspicions, I didn’t tell you. Ruan Keyu and his wife were both born in Shuo City. Ruan Keyu lost his life in an explosion while his wife died in childbirth. Their child’s whereabouts were unknown too. On the second visit, I discovered some new information—Liu Ronghua had a good relationship with the couple. When Mrs. Ruan gave birth, sources say that a woman was with her in the delivery room. I suspect that the woman was Liu Ronghua.
“It was such a coincidence because when the child went missing, Liu Ronghua brought a baby from Shuo City to B City. After checking the baby’s date of birth, it was the same as your birthday.”
“I don’t know what time I was born,” Ruan Danchen mumbled. “She never told me that. When I was young, I was always curious about my father and what kind of person he was, but she never told me about him.”
“All these years, Ruan Zeer’s parents have never given up on finding Ruan Keyu’s child,” Qi Chenglin explained softly.
“So that was why you wanted to invite Ruan Zeer to my birthday celebration.” Ruan Danchen looked at him.
He nodded. “Ruan Zeer is a good kid. He will tell his parents, and if they knew your birthdate, there’s no way they wouldn’t respond.”
“No wonder his reaction was weird,” Ruan Danchen muttered.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ruan Danchen hugged his waist and planted her forehead on his chest.
“We have to see their reaction first.” Qi Chenglin’s fingers brushed across her face as he sighed. “You’re someone that I must protect. I don’t want to see you suffer in any way whatsoever. I don’t want to see you hurt, even if it’s from your own family. They have good character, but I have to feel it myself.”
“Do you blame me for doing it out of my own accord and keeping you in the dark?” Qi Chenglin was heartbroken when he saw how she hugged him. She might even be unaware of the sheer force she used when wrapping her hands around him.
Ruan Danchen shook her head while her forehead was still on his chest. “I know you want the best for me. Since you’re around, I don’t need to think much anyway. I’ll turn into an idiot soon.”
“It’s not that bad to turn into an idiot.” Qi Chenglin rubbed her cheek. “You have me now, right?”
“I’m a bit scared.” Ruan Danchen hugged him tighter. “They searched for me for such a long time, so they must’ve put in a lot of hope this time. If I wasn’t her, they’ll be really disappointed and sad. If I am her, I… How should I face them? I’ve never had any family since I was young. I… I’ll be really happy if they turned out to my family. I’m very nervous now. I really hope I’m the one that they’re looking for. At least they don’t need to search the world for her again, and I’ll have a family.”
“You already have a family, don’t you? I’m your husband and Youxuan’s your son. You still have us as family… You’ll always have a family,” Qi Chenglin said. “Even if this is all a misunderstanding, it’s no big deal. You still have us. Mom treats you just like how she treats Chengyue. Whatever Changyue has, you’ll have it too. Didn’t she just kick up a storm with her childhood friend for you just now? As for the Ruan family, if you’re not her and I’ve let them down, I’ll definitely do my very best to find Ruan Keyu’s daughter for them.”
Ruan Danchen knew that Qi Chenglin dared to do that because he was confident—it may not be a hundred percent confidence, but at the very least he was eighty or ninety percent sure. Moreover, the matter had everything to do with her, so the man was surely extra careful with it; otherwise, he would not have kept it a secret from her.
Ruan Danchen took a deep breath. Breathing in his scent calmed her down.
“No matter what happens, I won’t be sad because you’re here with me.” Ruan Danchen kissed him on the chest through his pajamas.
“One more thing,” Qi Chenglin said, with a tone much graver than before.
Ruan Danchen looked up in befuddlement. “What is it?”
Seeing Qi Chenglin’s gloomy expression, Ruan Danchen grasped his hand and placed it to her lips, kissing him on the back of his palm. His hand was fair-skinned and skinny, and through the layer, she could already see his green veins and his bones.
“Tell me. I won’t be afraid of anything. I have you, don’t I?” Ruan Danchen urged softly. She smiled to soothe him, as though she had a simple mind.
Qi Chenglin raised his hand to touch her forehead and said, “Ruan Keyu’s wife, her name is Chang Yuehuan.”
Ruan Danchen did not know the name of the Chang family’s deceased elder daughter, so she did not think much of it. On second thought, however, her heart skipped a beat once Qi Chenglin dropped the Chang surname.
Responding quickly to it, the only reason Qi Chenglin would specifically tell her that was because…
“It can’t possibly be the Chang family?” Ruan Danchen asked in shock. Her feelings were all negative.
Qi Chenglin nodded and told her everything about Ruan Keyu and Chang Yuehuan.
Jiang Yuan’s investigations did not reveal as much information compared to Liu Ronghua and the Ruan family’s understanding of the event, but Jiang Yuan did his utmost best to find out whatever he could. From J University to Shuo City, Jiang Yuan left no stone unturned when it came to Ruan Keyu and Chang Yuehuan’s relationship.
Even if their classmates back then led their own lives now, Jiang Yuan tracked them down and managed to get in contact with a few of them. A couple of questions was then enough for him to roughly understand the entire situation.
“Then… Chang Jingqiu…” Ruan Danchen’s eyes widened. In truth, the entire surge of information that night was beginning to be a bit hard to handle.
“I thought Chang Jingqiu was the daughter of the Chang family’s deceased elder daughter? How am I…” Ruan Danchen’s brain was struggling to cope. She did not dare to think too much about any unfathomable scenarios.
Qi Chenglin narrowed her eyes and explained coldly, “The only thing it points to is that Liu Ronghua switched you both at birth. She loves Ruan Keyu, do I have no idea why she would do such a thing. But in light of all her actions up until now, her thinking is not easily deciphered by any ordinary person.”
As smart as Qi Chenglin was, he could not wrap his head around why Liu Ronghua would be so devoted to Chang Jingqiu and tell the young woman all those things. How did her mind even work for her to think of such a thing?
Ruan Danchen frowned and was unable to accept it. If she really was Ruan Keyu and Chang Yuehuan’s daughter, she was not at all angry that Chang Jingqiu stole her status from her.
It was the thought of Grandmother Chang that frustrated her most. She was utterly and unequivocally unwilling to be a part of the Chang family.
Seeing her expression, Qi Chenglin knew what she was thinking. He understood her well, after all.
“If you don’t want that, then we won’t tell them. It’s not like our family needs the Chang family’s wealth.” Qi Chenglin stroked her hair and pinched her nose. “Just treat it as information that can be used against Chang Jingqiu. If she brings any disquiet, we’ll kick her out from the Chang family. If you don’t want to get involved with them, we don’t need to tell them the truth until desperate times call for it. You can be close with only the Ruan family because you’re their niece whom they went to great lengths to search for all those years. Don’t bother about anything else.
“But if you want to get to know the Chang family, it’s not a big issue either. You have me. The old lady can’t cause trouble and I won’t let her take advantage or anything like that. Don’t worry about it being a burden on our family. To tell you the truth, Chang Zhiyuan is a good person. His relationship with Chang Yuehuan was the best, and because of that, he cares deeply about Chang Jingqiu. He would’ve ignored her otherwise. If he knew your identity, it’ll be nice to have an uncle like him to care about you.”
Ruan Danchen shook her head. “In any case, I’m not familiar with them. We won’t know what’s going to happen.”
After a pause, she chuckled and said, “Actually, everything’s still up in the air. If I’m not the person that the Ruan family was looking for, isn’t it a bit too presumptuous to be saying all this right now? It’ll look funny.”
Qi Chenglin tapped her forehead and smiled. “Don’t hide from it. Do you still not trust me?”
Ruan Danchen’s eyes narrowed as she smiled. She then heard Qi Chenglin say, “The person who piled pressure on their daughter and subsequently caused the daughter to lose her life, was none other than the old lady herself. Later on, she was also the one who regretted it and tried making up to the things she did to her daughter, but was it even possible to make things right when the loss has already occurred? I think Grandmother Chang doesn’t feel like she let her daughter down. She’s only worried that she destroyed her good fortunes. She tried to make amends just so she can sleep at night. Deep down, she probably doesn’t feel any sort of obligation toward Chang Yuehuan and was only doing it so to put herself in a good light. Grandmother Chang is old, and I heard that she’s been praying to Buddha these past few years. It’s all because she’s afraid that her misdeeds will cause her to have an unpeaceful death.”
Qi Chenglin snickered. “She’s using what happened to her daughter to replenish whatever blessings that had been lost as a result of her past misdeeds. She’s scared that her daughter’s resentful spirit would come to her. She’s just doing it for appearances’ sake. The way she treats Chang Jingqiu isn’t sincere, because if she was, she wouldn’t have inappropriately praised Chang Jingqiu. If you don’t want to acknowledge them, it’s fine. With Grandmother Chang’s attitude, she would be the first to betray her own granddaughter if the smooth-sailing Chang family is in crisis.
“She’s also still dependent on her two sons. Chang Jianan is her only grandson and she wouldn’t have the heart to do anything to him. From the old lady’s antics in public, something would surely happen to the Chang family sooner or later. Severing all ties with them is a good thing too,” Qi Chenglin said.
Ruan Danchen was saying that everything was still up in the air, but in fact she was worried that her joy was short-lived. She would finally have a family, but if it ended in disappointment, she felt that she would not be able to bear the pain that stemmed from that disappointment. Hence, she kept reminding herself not to be too hopeful until the ultimate conclusion was reached.
In her heart, however, she was convinced of the truth.
She believed Qi Chenglin. For him to tell her everything and disclose it to the Ruan family, she knew deep down that everything was a hundred percent true.
“As for Chang Yuehuan.” Qi Chenglin gazed down at Ruan Danchen. To relieve her anxieties in advance, he said, “Back then she had already left the Chang family. She did not even go back when she was pregnant because she knew her mother’s character. If a woman is pregnant, any normal mother would acknowledge it and want the best for the daughter even if the mother isn’t happy herself. If the daughter was so wary of her own mother and didn’t dare to come home, then it looks likely that she doesn’t want the baby to face difficulties created by Grandmother Chang. Since she could decide to sever herself from the Chang family, her daughter shouldn’t be blamed for wanting nothing to do with the Chang family too.”
She knew what he was thinking—he was surely worried that she could not make it through that obstacle in her heart, and was therefore trying his best to loosen her up. Ruan Danchen was touched by his meticulous thoughts, and like a little puppy, she buried her forehead in his chest. After a quick rub there, she looked up and kissed his stubble-filled chin.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to spend so much thought on this. If she’s really my mother… She’ll be the only one in my heart. After all, I’ve never met her and I don’t have any affection toward the Chang family. I wouldn’t want our family to suffer just for the sake of the Chang family, and there’s nothing to be guilty about. If anyone in the Chang family treats me well, I’ll treat them the same. All I have to do is separate those that treat me well and those who don’t. Those who treat me well are their own person, while the Chang family is the Chang family,” Ruan Danchen said. “But if we can keep it a secret, let’s just do it. It’s better to have less to think about than to have more.”
Despite that, she felt some guilt in her heart, because according to Qi Chenglin, Chang Zhiyuan and Chang Yuehuan were on very good terms. Chang Zhiyuan’s kindness toward Chang Jingqiu was not because of Chang Jingqiu per se, but because he thought that Chang Jingqiu was Chang Yuehuan’s daughter.
If Chang Jingqiu was not the daughter, then Chang Zhiyuan’s kindness was misplaced. That was what led Ruan Danchen to feel guilty.
With a shake of the head, Ruan Danchen sighed. Things ought to be dealt with one step at a time while keeping an eye out for future developments.
Once Ruan Danchen thought of that, she pushed Qi Chenglin away and jumped off the bed all of a sudden.
Qi Chenglin felt helpless after being pushed away by Ruan Danchen. He was slightly displeased. A minute ago, his wife was still being all meek and docile in his embrace. It was so wonderful to be hugging her gently, and his mood was exponentially good. Nevertheless, she could be averse to it so suddenly and push him away.
“We don’t have time to keep talking about this. Ruan Zeer is bringing his parents here and we need to prepare at least a bit. We can’t possibly just welcome them without doing anything,” Ruan Danchen remarked. She opened the cupboard and began looking for some clothes.
She was wearing her house clothes as she did not manage to change into her sleepwear just yet. However, wearing house clothes was not proper enough when welcoming guests.
“You have to change your clothes too.” Ruan Danchen turned around and pulled Qi Chenglin up.
Qi Chenglin was lazing around, but he knew from her nervous demeanor that she was excited to see her uncle and aunt.
“It’s okay if you’re dressed like this. You look good in your house clothes. If you dress too well, they’ll feel uncomfortable,” Qi Chenglin advised. He hugged her from behind and kissed the corner of her lip. “Don’t be nervous. Just take it easy.”
“I… I’m worried about disappointing them.” Ruan Danchen’s heart was so restless that she felt like it could jump out.
“Of course not. You’re amazing. They’ll cry tears of joy once they know you’re their niece.” Qi Chenglin’s hand traveled to her stomach. “You’re pregnant now. You need to wear bigger clothes at home.”
Ruan Danchen felt that the two Ruan elders would be glad to meet their niece regardless of whether it was her or not.
At the mere mention of her child however, Ruan Danchen did not insist anymore.
Her stomach had not ballooned up yet so she still did not prepare any maternity clothes. She planned to drag Qi Chenglin along to get them that weekend. Most of the clothes she had in the cupboard were tight to some extent.
Her body may not have changed yet, but she did not want to wear restrictive clothes at home.
She looked at the mirror and realized that her clothes were still quite proper. It was sufficient if she were to go out for a walk around the neighborhood.
Qi Chenglin dug up a T-shirt and a pair of long pants, both of which were casually-styled articles.
“Aunt Zheng’s already asleep. I’ll go and boil some water and make tea for them. I’ll cut some fruits too,” Ruan Danchen said, as she turned to the mirror and smoothed her hair and clothes.
Qi Chenglin wanted to remind her that the only thing they would do when they came later was cry. Sipping tea and eating fruits would be the last thing on their minds. Still, Ruan Danchen’s actions were sincere and she wanted to leave a good impression on the Ruan family. Qi Chenglin thus stopped himself from saying that and left those words in his thoughts instead.
He followed Ruan Danchen down as she headed to the kitchen and began preparing. She did not call Aunt Zheng, but Aunt Zheng could hear the ruckus from above. After coming down and seeing Ruan Danchen getting busy, Aunt Zheng was given a fright.
“Danchen, why are you all busy here? What do you need to do? Let me do it,” Aunt Zheng said. She was wearing her pajamas with a thin jacket providing extra layer.
She was narrowing her eyes when she got out earlier as she was not accustomed to the bright light yet.
“It’s okay. Aunt Zheng, go ahead and rest. I want to prepare this myself,” Ruan Danchen said.
Aunt Zheng was about to protest, but Qi Chenglin walked in and said warmly, “Let her do it. I’ll be here helping her. This is her token of sincerity toward the guests.”
Aunt Zheng was wondering what guest was so important that Ruan Danchen was allowed to do everything without any prohibition from Qi Chenglin.
Aunt Zheng nodded, but added, “If you need me, please let me know.”
Seeing as Ruan Danchen’s insistence on not letting Aunt Zheng help, the latter went back to the room and continued sleeping.
Qi Chenglin took the tea leaves and began preparing, before getting some water to boil.
…
Ruan Keshan was driving, though he wished the car could fly to Prestige Residence immediately.
Chen Minxia watched Ruan Keshan while he drove. There was a frown on his face, so she advised him, “Don’t think so much when you’re driving. Remember to be safe.”
Ruan Keshan nodded, with his brows slowly relaxing. Something was bugging him however, and he was unable to relax completely.
He exhaled and asked, “Tell me, why did Liu Ronghua lie to us? What was her intention in doing that? Ruan Danchen’s surname is Ruan and her birthday is the same as our niece. Liu Ronghua’s the one who adopted her too, so that means she’s our niece!”
Ruan Keshan hit the steering wheel and said, “That Liu Ronghua was on such good terms with Keyu and his wife, but when they were gone, she quietly took away their daughter without saying anything. We’ve been searching for her for so many years! That Liu Ronghua is really…is really…”
‘A piece of garbage!’
Ruan Keshan was thinking of that, but in the end, his innate character precluded him from actually uttering it out loud.
“We even asked her that day but she didn’t admit to it! What kind of heart does she have! I’m so angry! I’m so angry right now! That woman! She’s so terrible, so selfish. She! She! She!”
Saying the word ‘she’ three times in a row sufficed to let Ruan Keshan feel an intense amount of hatred.
Chen Minxia could not understand why either. She shook her head. “That time, it was obvious that she likes Keyu. Those feelings alone makes it hard to understand how she could let Keyu’s daughter suffer so much. How was it possible that a person like Liu Ronghua could even exist in this world?”
Chen Minxia gnashed her teeth and felt resentful too.
At the red light, Ruan Keshan stopped the car and turned to his wife. Feeling uncomfortable, he asked, “Tell me… If she’s really our niece, will she be angry at us and be reluctant to acknowledge us? We never managed to find her after all these years. We weren’t there when she went through hard times and we never helped her a single bit. She’s living a good life now because she’s now the Qi family’s young madam. If we suddenly come forward and call her family, will she think that we’re just some unprincipled family members who came just to take advantage of her?”
When the light turned green, Ruan Keshan looked back ahead and stepped on the gas pedal. He mumbled to himself, “If I were in her shoes, I’d actually think that way too. I won’t be happy. In my time of desperation, my family didn’t even show themselves, and when I’m living a good, steady life, they appear all of a sudden.
“Oh, Minxia, tell me…is it right for us to go and meet her? Our family is too far behind the Qi family. Even if Ruan Danchen doesn’t think of us like this, would the Qi family think the same? Would they think less of her once they know she has family members like us?” Yu Keshan sighed.
He was at odds over it. On one hand, he wanted to meet her because she was his younger brother’s sole descendant and her niece. At the same time, he was afraid too—he was afraid of being estranged with her and being a burden on her.
“That won’t happen,” Chen Minxia reassured from the side. “The things that Liu Ronghua did gave her so much trouble, and wasn’t there some bad news about everything earlier? The Qi family still treats her the same. They won’t hate her because of us.”
“If that’s true, then she’s blessed. But we still have to think of her even if she has so many blessings. Her life has been rough, and it was difficult for her to get in a good place and live a stable life. Is it right for us to go and meet her like this? Truthfully speaking… As long as I know my little brother’s daughter is living a happy life, I won’t ask for anything else,” Ruan Keshan mumbled.
“If you’re afraid of that, then let’s not go. It’s all good if she lives her life well,” Chen Minxia said softly.
As soon as she finished speaking, a bright light shone from up ahead. Chen Minxia was only able to hear Ruan Zeer shout from behind, “DAD!”
…
After Guan Liya left, Zhao Fengchun pulled a long face and ran upstairs angrily. She pushed open Wu Qiaoyin’s door and barged in.
Wu Qiaoyin was sitting up on the bed and staring into space. Shocked, she asked unhappily, “MOM. Why did you come in without knocking?”
