Chapter 17: Jiang Ruxue on His Bed

This was the first time Jiang Ruxue had examined Lu Fan so closely from this angle.

Although she often called him a coward, he had maintained a neat appearance every day for the past five years, with his hair tidy and his stubble cleanly shaved.

He was simply different from the elite men in her social circle; he didn’t wear suits or ties.

As she wrapped her arms around Lu Fan’s waist, she realized how strong and well-built he was. Her delicate, pale hand pressed against the thin fabric, clearly feeling the contours of his muscles.

The man’s handsome face was so close that her heart began to race.

His tightly pressed thin lips held an inexplicable allure, looking as if they were made to be kissed.

That night, they hadn’t kissed—she felt her first kiss should be reserved for the one she truly loved.

As the thought crossed her mind, Jiang Ruxue quickly averted her gaze. Was she insane? To actually entertain the idea of kissing Lu Fan?

She blamed this strange impulse on how fragile he looked at that moment, stirring a sense of pity within her.

Women often had such feelings toward helpless little creatures.

She gently touched his cheek; the warmth no longer felt as cold as before.

Jiang Ruxue moved even closer, almost pressing her entire body against Lu Fan’s. Her small face nestled into the hollow of his neck.

There was no scent of cologne on him; instead, a faint, indescribable herbal fragrance lingered—unique, not sharp, but pleasantly fragrant.

Lu Fan, groggy but regaining consciousness, caught a whiff of the subtle scent.

There was someone lying in his arms!

Startled, Lu Fan quickly pushed Jiang Ruxue away.

When he saw her face clearly, he froze in confusion. “Why is it you?”

Jiang Ruxue pouted displeased with his roughness. “Who else would you want to share a bed with?”

Lu Fan’s mind momentarily went blank. He glanced around—it was indeed his new home, but how had Jiang Ruxue ended up in his bed?

“Why are you here—”

Before he could finish, the door was pushed open from outside, and a sweet voice called out, “Dad, are you feeling unwell? Oh, Mom? Mom?”

Little You was also stunned. Since she could remember, she had sensed the coldness from the entire Jiang family toward Jiang Ruxue.

Her parents always slept separately; what was going on today?

“Little You, what’s wrong?” Lin Ziyu entered wearing high heels, also noticing Jiang Ruxue.

“Why are you here?” Jiang Ruxue seized the moment, wrapping her arms around Lu Fan in a coquettish manner. “We haven’t officially divorced yet; legally, we’re still husband and wife. Isn’t it strange to sleep apart?”

Strange? It was downright bizarre.

Could it be that Lu Fan had shown some skill today, causing this young lady to change her mind?

If she knew Lu Fan’s true identity, she’d probably worship him immediately.

Lin Ziyu smiled playfully. “Not strange at all. Little Fan, since you’re still legally married, Miss Jiang is beautiful and fair-skinned—sleeping together once won’t hurt, and if you don’t, it’s a waste.”

Jiang Ruxue’s cheeks flushed crimson; she was clearly no match for Lin Ziyu.

Lu Fan felt embarrassed too. “Little You, you two go out first.”

Little You’s big eyes scanned her parents before obediently leaving.

After the door closed, Jiang Ruxue blushed and explained, “Don’t misunderstand. I just saw you shivering and wanted to warm you up. I have no other intentions.”

“I understand.”

A helpless smile tugged at Lu Fan’s lips. Over five years, he had long since understood his place in Jiang Ruxue’s heart.

He didn’t ask why she had come here. Instead, he calmly explained, “I’m just a bit weak. I won’t be able to cook for you tonight.”

Did she really think he had come after her just to eat his cooking?

Suppressing her annoyance, Jiang Ruxue recalled her purpose and asked, “How do you know acupuncture? Are you really skilled in medicine?”

Over the past five years, she had countless chances to learn about his past but had dismissed them with pride.

Now that they were divorced, Lu Fan was a resolute man.

Once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t change easily.

He had endured being a live-in son-in-law for five years without complaint and wouldn’t entertain excessive thoughts about Jiang Ruxue after the divorce.

To him, she was just the mother of his daughter.

He had already repaid his debt to the Jiang family.

Therefore, he had no intention of revealing his true identity.

“A little. It just so happened I’d seen this illness before—pure luck.”

Jiang Ruxue breathed a sigh of relief. “I wondered how you could treat a terminal illness that even the top experts couldn’t cure. Turns out it was just a lucky strike. By the way, in a few days it’s my grandmother’s birthday. She’s been kind to you, so remember to come on time to celebrate.”

Lu Fan frowned. The Jiang family had never acknowledged him publicly for the past two years. This invitation was likely a ploy to secure ties with the Qin family.

Jiang Ruxue handed him a card. “The password is Little You’s birthday. There’s ten million inside. Use it to buy grandma a decent birthday gift. Also, get yourself a suit to wear—don’t embarrass the Jiang family!”

This was Jiang’s father’s directive, aiming to mend relations with Lu Fan during the one-month cooling-off period before the divorce.

If Lu Fan could really cure the Third Master Qin, Jiang’s father would have Jiang Ruxue withdraw the divorce application.

If not, they would part ways for good after one month.

This birthday banquet was the ultimate test for Lu Fan.

“No need. Take it back. I’ll visit the old lady myself.”

Jiang Ruxue stood, put on her shoes, and slammed the card down beside Lu Fan’s hand.

“I’ve never met such a stubborn blockhead!”

With that, she stormed off in her high heels.

Before, Lu Fan would have chased after her when she was angry, but now he was too exhausted to care. He slipped the card under his pillow and immediately fell asleep.

He slept for two full days and nights. Had Lin Ziyu not known his condition, she would have been terrified.

Jiang Ruxue was in far worse shape. She came home drunk out of her mind.

Kicking off her heels, she shouted Lu Fan’s name at the doorway.

A servant hurried over. “Oh my lady, why are you so drunk?”

Fanning her and looking disgusted, the servant helped Jiang Ruxue to bed.

“I’ll make you some sobering soup.”

After a long time, she brought the soup over. Jiang Ruxue took one sip and immediately smashed the bowl.

“What kind of terrible stuff is this? Are you trying to poison me?”

The next moment, she grabbed her phone and dialed Lu Fan’s number.

She slurred, “Lu Fan, I need a drink to sober up…”

Before she could finish, Lin Ziyu’s voice came from the other end, “Miss Jiang, it’s late. Don’t disturb people. If you don’t sleep, others will.”

Jiang Ruxue sobered up a bit and sat up in bed. “How come Lu Fan’s phone is with you?”

Lin Ziyu glanced at the one recharging their strength and smiled wickedly. “He’s taking a shower…”