Assistant to My Contracted Husband

But he never did anything to her that crossed the line.

"Qin Mu, let's not bring up the past anymore,"

Jian Ran said after a long while, her voice flat and calm.

The scars of the past hurt anew each time they were uncovered. Now, she and Tang Bao were doing well, and Jian Anguo had about a year left to serve in prison before he could be released.

Then, the three of them could be together again.

"Ran, come back to me. You never should've rejected me for that bastard Han Siming..."

Jian Ran: "..."

The three words 'Han Siming' landed heavily on her heart, resounding with impact.

Some people think that if they are not mentioned by others, they will be forgotten. However, the truth proved that his name was etched at the top of her heart, ingrained in her flesh and blood.

Jian Ran's expression changed ever so slightly, and Qin Mu caught that change, realizing he had said something foolish. He leaned closer to Jian Ran, coaxing in a magnetic, enchanting tone.

"Ran, I promise I won't let you suffer any grievances in the future, and as for Uncle Jian, I will also have someone..."

"There's no need."

Jian Ran's beautiful eyes dimmed somewhat. After appealing for so long without any news, and having already served four years in prison, to make another fuss would be like bringing up the misappropriation of public funds all over again. Jian Anguo, at his age, could not endure it anymore.

A bitter smile formed on the corners of Jian Ran's mouth as she remembered she was here to work today. She raised the high-stemmed glass in front of her and looked at Qin Mu, her back straightening.

"Qin Mu, in consideration of our old acquaintance, I hope you will offer your guidance on my work 'Artisan's Heart.' My design philosophy aligns closely with Dongheng International's principle—simple, clear, and generous."

In the professional world, ability is one part, but networking is another. Since Qin Mu was an old acquaintance, Jian Ran still wanted to try for her own benefit because after all, nobody would go against their own livelihood.

Qin Mu narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on the play of light in the liquid inside Jian Ran's glass, the corners of his mouth twitching imperceptibly.

It seemed that Jian Ran was drawing a clear line between them.

This girl was ruthless! Damn it, he was the fool, having been rejected for so many years, amidst the pleasures of various company, he still thought of her.

"Ran, do you really have to be so distant with me?"

"Of course. You are Yuncheng's Crown Prince; your grandfather is a founding hero. The Qin Family, with its political and business pursuits, holds tremendous influence in Yuncheng, while I... am now just an orphan, far beneath your station."

After the Jian Family's fall from grace, everyone deliberately avoided them, mostly for fear of being implicated.

Therefore, Jian Ran also didn't want to get too close to Qin Mu, so as not to affect his career.

Watching Qin Mu's face grow darker and more unpleasant, Jian Ran, who had known him for many years, knew that he was getting angry. She downed the cocktail in her glass and then spoke up.

"To show my respect, I'll drink first. Sorry, Qin Mu, I have something else to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."

Upon hearing that Jian Ran was leaving, Qin Mu reached out his large hand to grasp her delicate, fair wrist.

"Ran, if you really want to keep it strictly business, that's fine. Stay with me tonight and your 'Ingot Heart' will be adopted by Dongheng International. Otherwise, I'll just casually find someone else to design it tomorrow."

Jian Ran: "..."

Qin Mu, about to throw a childish tantrum again.

Jian Ran furrowed her brows in annoyance and said, "Qin Mu, stop messing around."

"Jian Ran, every word I say to you is serious."

Beneath the dim, blurred lights, Qin Mu's words hammered heavily on her heart, leaving Jian Ran somewhat dazed.