Chapter 316 - 281: Firm Belief
Chapter 316: Chapter 281: Firm Belief
"How am I not worthy? If anyone’s the third wheel here, it’s you!" Jun Ran wiped away her tears and glared at Xiao Man, her eyes red.
"You just appeared in Shaojun’s life out of nowhere. You’re even worse than that Tang Yaxuan. Gu Shaojun doesn’t know you; there are no feelings between you. He’s only pretending to accept you for now to appease his family’s elders. And you actually think you can date and marry him? That’s ridiculous! Look at your height, your body like a bean sprout. Are you worthy of him? Tang Manman, face reality. You can’t give him what he needs, but I can! Have you ever heard of a sixth sense? A woman’s intuition is incredibly accurate. Gu Shaojun accompanied me to a party, and he stayed by my side the entire night, not letting any other man come near me! He took me home late at night, supporting me thoughtfully, protecting me carefully, and warning me not to go to parties and drink with other men anymore! His smile was so gentle, his gaze so passionate and intense, his searing hand on my arm... That’s how I know he likes me! Tang Manman, you’re still too young to understand. A normal, virile man needs a mature, alluring woman and a passionate, intoxicating romance—not a clueless little bean sprout like you!"
Watching Jun Ran grow more animated as she spoke, a look of pure bliss spreading across her face, Xiao Man couldn’t help but rub the goosebumps on her arms. She grumbled to herself, ’This girl must have entered a lot of speech competitions in school. She’s so passionate and expressive, giving it her all. If I were a judge, I’d have to give her extra points. Oh, right, I forgot—she’s a news anchor. Her professional skills really are top-notch!’
You could call Xiao Man stubborn. No matter what, she steadfastly believed in Gu Shaojun and wouldn’t be misled by Jun Ran. This was all thanks to the letter Gu Shaojun had left for her—a letter over twenty pages long. He had poured all of his thoughts and feelings onto those pages. Every time she read it, she would blush for what felt like an eternity, her heart soaking in honey. She hadn’t had her fill of its sweetness yet, so how could she possibly let Jun Ran ruin everything?
Xiao Man said to Jun Ran, "As I’ve said, loving someone or not is a matter of personal freedom, and I can’t interfere. But since you’ve been so open with me, I feel obligated to tell you, very formally, that Gu Shaojun and I will honor our childhood betrothal. We will get married in the future! I have nothing more to say. If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."
Jun Ran grabbed Xiao Man, who was turning to leave. "Listen here, I love Gu Shaojun! For our love, I would go to the ends of the earth and never give up! You should back off now and focus on your studies. When you grow up, you’ll find a love of your own. Otherwise, when you get hurt later, it will be too late for regrets!"
Xiao Man gently pried her hand away. "I heard you. I’m giving those words right back to you. You should keep them for yourself."
But Jun Ran’s persistence was not to be underestimated. The moment Xiao Man broke free, she grabbed her sleeve again, her beautiful eyes cold and sharp. "Tang Manman, why are you so oblivious to the situation?"
"Aren’t you the one who’s oblivious? Don’t you find your own behavior ridiculous? Gu Shaojun has already left, so what’s the use in pestering me? Why couldn’t you get close to him when he was still in Beijing the other day? Do you want me to spell out the reason? You don’t even know his whereabouts. On what grounds can you claim there’s any love between you and him?"
"If love is meant to last, it need not be together day and night. I told you, he was forced to accept you and keep you company to obey his elders. It’s only temporary! He only had a few days of family leave, and I couldn’t bear to make things difficult for him!" Jun Ran sneered at Xiao Man. "You think I don’t know his whereabouts? Where was he the entire night before last? He was in the West District, in a small auditorium where his friends threw him a farewell party! Do you have any idea how exciting, romantic, and enchanting a late-night party can be? Foreign liquor, music, mesmerizing dances... all things you can’t be a part of! But I went. I was by his side the entire time! He even said goodbye to me personally, telling me he was leaving for advanced training and that he would write and call me!"
Xiao Man: ...
She had to admit, for a split second, she almost believed Jun Ran. Gu Shaojun had indeed gone out late the night before last after receiving an invitation. He later told her he was at a party with friends, but he hadn’t gone into detail or mentioned Jun Ran.
But she quickly firmed her resolve. Sowing discord and causing suspicion was the worst thing one could do in a relationship. She had no reason to doubt Gu Shaojun and believe Jun Ran instead.
’Who was Jun Ran? A love rival!’
"Jun Ran, let go of me!"
"I’m not finished talking. Don’t you want to hear the story of Gu Shaojun and me?"
"Save it and savor it yourself. I don’t have time."
"..."
As the two were still struggling, Jun Rui ran over from the other end of the hall. "Manman! Manman, there you are! It’s time to be seated for the banquet. Let’s go!"
Xiao Man gestured toward her wrist, which Jun Ran had grabbed. "Your sister won’t let me go. She’s been keeping me trapped here for a while now."
Jun Rui’s smile vanished. "Jun Ran, what are you doing? Can’t you just talk things out? Stop scaring Manman and let her go!"
Jun Ran said, "I’m looking after Manman today. Ruirui, you can go."
Jun Rui looked at Jun Ran, his expression growing cold. "Please call me Jun Rui! We’re hosting a banquet today. Grandpa told me to receive our younger guests and take good care of Manman. You’re supposed to be helping Mom. Stop being so stubborn and let Manman go."
"How am I being stubborn? We’re actually discussing something important!"
"The most important thing right now is that the banquet is starting. Manman is a guest, and she needs to take her seat!"
While the siblings argued, Xiao Man seized the opportunity to wrench herself free from Jun Ran’s claws and put some distance between them. ’This girl must have learned some self-defense,’ she thought. ’Her grip isn’t very strong, but her ability to latch on is not to be underestimated. She only has two hands, but she’s like an octopus—as soon as you pull away, she sticks right back on. If I weren’t a guest here and trying to be polite, I would’ve just pricked her with a silver needle or two to loosen her grip.’
After the scene Jun Ran had caused at the Jun Family’s banquet, even the slow-tempered and rarely angered Xiao Man felt upset the more she dwelled on it. When the meal was over, she made an excuse about not feeling well, so Grandma Tang took Grandma and Xiao Man home early. Seeing this, Zheng Shaolian left with them too.
The moment they left the Jun residence, Xiao Man was fine again. She enthusiastically suggested they go shopping. Grandma Tang and Grandma chuckled and chided her playfully. The four of them got out of the car and strolled down the street, popping into whatever department stores and shops they came across.
After less than an hour of shopping, Xiao Man noticed that the driver of the car following them had already made several trips to carry their purchases back to the vehicle. Moreover, the items Grandma Tang bought were all beautifully wrapped and expensive, clearly intended as gifts. Xiao Man asked her what was going on, wondering if they were going to visit another family later.
Grandma Tang smiled and said, "Since we’re already out shopping, we might as well pick up some nice gifts when we see them. In a couple of days, Shaolian and Shao Jin are going back to the Zheng Family, and that’s a big household. Even though your Granny Gu and Auntie Gu will help prepare plenty of presents, with things like this, the more the merrier. It can’t hurt to bring a few extra!"