Chapter 0131

At this moment, Su Jianguo smiled.

Lin Ran’s earlier address of "grandma" had nearly brought her to tears.

When she first learned that Lin Ran’s wife was Luo Yao, she had been somewhat worried.

She feared that her unfortunate grandson might have married Luo Yao for materialistic reasons, but now it seemed her concerns were unfounded.

Seeing Luo Yao’s demeanor, she knew Luo Yao must truly love Lin Ran.

"Granddaughter-in-law, don’t be upset. We won’t take Xiao Ran away from you. On the contrary, since you’re his wife, you’re now part of our family. As your grandmother, I’d like to give you a gift."

With that, Su Jianguo took off a remarkably smooth jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Luo Yao on the spot.

"This bracelet was originally meant for Xiao Ran’s mother, but now that’s no longer possible. Today, I’ll pass it to you on her behalf. From now on, you are the Chen family’s granddaughter-in-law. If Xiao Ran ever mistreats you, just tell me."

Luo Yao stared blankly at Su Jianguo’s actions, remaining silent the entire time.

A strange feeling stirred in her heart—something unfamiliar.

Luo Yao was certain she had never experienced this emotion before.

Chen Qingtian eagerly grabbed Luo Yao’s arm, and Luo Yao instinctively radiated a chilling aura of hostility.

But Chen Qingtian paid no mind, instead widening her eyes and asking excitedly,

"Sister-in-law, what skincare brand do you use? Your complexion is flawless! Please tell me, pretty please?"

Chen Qingtian’s enthusiasm left Luo Yao momentarily stunned.

"I… use products from my pharmaceutical company."

Luo Yao’s light makeup was nothing short of perfection, so much so that even Chen Qingtian couldn’t help but envy her.

Chen Zhima also leaned in closer—it seemed the Chen family had a natural talent for breaking social barriers.

Lin Ran recalled how Chen Qingtian had boldly asked him to dance at their first meeting, even giving Wu Zhishang an impromptu lesson on the spot.

Now, it was clear that like attracts like.

Still, Lin Ran didn’t dislike this dynamic.

As the group entered the hotel together, Luo Yao’s usual icy demeanor began to crack under their warmth.

Had they not been Lin Ran’s family, she would have lost her temper long ago.

Inside the private dining room, the family toasted one after another, offering Lin Ran blessings as they clinked glasses.

Lin Ran, however, stuck to water—he was afraid of getting drunk and ending up tied down by Luo Yao again. The trauma was real.

The Chen family didn’t mind; they had no rigid drinking customs.

Throughout the meal, no one brought up Lin Ran’s mother. With younger relatives present, some topics were best left unspoken.

Besides, Lin Ran had already learned about the feud between Chen Xiao and his daughter through Chen Qingtian, while Chen Xiao had heard of his daughter’s hardships from Lin Ran.

They all silently agreed to set aside the painful subject for now, leaving it for another time.

"Xiao Ran, your grandfather mentioned you’ve started a real estate company? If you ever run into trouble, let me know. Your uncle here knows a few people in construction," Chen Nianlun offered.

Lin Ran politely declined, "No need to trouble yourself, Uncle. If anything happens, my wife will handle it."

The response left Chen Nianlun speechless.

Right—his wife was Luo Yao, after all.

No matter how accomplished Chen Nianlun was, he couldn’t compare to the world’s top financial powerhouse.

"Xiao Ran, didn’t you also start a media company? If you ever need help with approvals, come to me. Your aunt has connections in the broadcasting bureau," Chen Zhima chimed in.

"My wife can handle it."

Chen Zhima paused, realizing her own awkward position.

Seriously, with Luo Yao as his wife, what problems could he possibly have?

If anything, others should be worried about him causing trouble for them.

"Xiao Ran, your cousin here… never mind, I’m even less useful than them," Chen Qingtian sighed.

Lin Ran’s eyes sparkled with an idea.

"Cousin, you actually can help me. I’m planning to shoot a short drama and need a lead actress. How about a guest role?"

"A lead role as a guest?"

Just then, Chen Nianshi interjected, "Qingtian, didn’t you say you were a free agent in the entertainment industry? Why not sign with your cousin’s company?"

Lin Ran’s eyes lit up, and he quickly flattered,

"That’d be perfect! Cousin, you’re the most beautiful star in the industry. Having you join would be an honor."

Chen Qingtian waved her hands bashfully.

"Oh, stop it… Haha, is that really how people see me? Hahaha!"

Lin Ran nudged Wu Zhishang.

Wu Zhishang: Why’d you poke me?

Lin Ran: Are you stupid? Recruit her!

Wu Zhishang immediately caught on.

"Ah, yes, yes! That’s exactly what we were thinking! I’m actually your fan! If you joined, I’d be so happy I’d slap myself awake at night to make sure it wasn’t a dream!"

Chen Qingtian was floating on cloud nine from the praise but still hadn’t confirmed whether she’d join.

Lin Ran sighed and shrugged helplessly.

She was an A-list celebrity, after all, while his media company was just starting out. It made sense if she declined.

Unexpectedly, Chen Qingtian casually said, "Sure, why not? I’ve been drifting around lately anyway. But I don’t come cheap."

Lin Ran immediately assured her, "No problem. Money’s my wife’s department. She’s got more than she knows what to do with—heck, I’m living off her."

Chen Qingtian’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Luo Yao. She desperately wanted to be a woman like her.

And so, the deal was happily settled.

Luo Yao gave Lin Ran a surprised glance. She hadn’t expected him to openly admit, "I’m living off my wife," without hesitation.

As for Lin Ran’s thoughts? He wanted the world to know—he was a kept man, and proud of it.

He adored everything about Luo Yao, and if Luo Yao loved providing for him, he’d let her. He wanted her to feel indispensable to him.

The Chen family, however, showed no disdain. If anything, they were envious.

The line of people wishing to live off Luo Yao’s wealth probably stretched all the way to France.

The fact that their Xiao Ran had managed it was something others could only dream of.

The meal was a joyous occasion for everyone—even Luo Yao found herself warming up to the Chen family.

But her goodwill came with a condition: they’d better not steal Lin Ran’s affection from her.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t hesitate to turn on them.

If she said she’d make the whole family disappear, she meant it.

After dinner, Lin Ran asked Wu Zhishang to take Chen Qingtian to the company to sign the contract.

Chen Qingtian pouted. "In such a hurry?"

Lin Ran replied matter-of-factly, "Of course. What if you change your mind?"

Wu Zhishang nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Having the industry’s top beauty join us? Just thinking about it makes me giddy!"

"Top beauty?"

"Absolutely!"

"And what did you call me last time?"

Wu Zhishang immediately raised his hands in surrender. "I’m a dog of a man who can’t speak—only bark!"

Chen Qingtian finally smiled again but then dropped a bombshell that left Wu Zhishang frozen in place.

"Wu Zhishang… you’re not in love with me, are you?"

"Me? N-no!"

"Good. Don’t. It’s pointless—because I’d kill you."

Wu Zhishang fell into a long, stunned silence.

Meanwhile, Lin Ran bid farewell to the Chen family, ready to leave with Luo Yao.

"Yaoyao, Grandma really adores you. Please come visit more often. And thank you for looking after Xiaoran all these years."

"To the world, Aran might be a handful. But to me, he is my entire world."