Chapter 14: You Have Fallen

As they stepped out of Rolex, the saleswoman warmly saw them off at the door. "Mr. Lin, when we have new arrivals, we'll send you the invitation first."

"Alright," Lin Ran replied, genuinely fond of Rolex. The desserts were truly delicious, and the saleswoman was exceptionally welcoming.

Gao Peng ground his teeth in frustration. He couldn't say if the desserts were any good, but he knew the saleswoman's attitude toward him was abysmal. She hadn't said a word about sending him an invitation first.

I'd just dropped eighty-eight thousand—couldn’t you at least give me a little face? Would it kill you to add my name to the list?

Damn you, Rolex. So damn realistic.

Gao Peng glanced at the group of girls, scoffing—it was clear their eyes sparkled only for Lin Ran now.

Where was Brother Gao in their eyes?

I spent eighty-eight thousand, and what did I get in return? Emotional value? I got nothing but a prelude—a humiliation!

But he couldn't say it aloud. He simply couldn’t compete with Lin Ran; his heart was willing, but his wallet was weak.

Deep down, he despised Lin Ran for not playing fair. With so much money, why not chase after those high-level women? Instead, you come into our small circle and sweep up these innocent little rabbits—it's overkill, it's despicable!

The girls nearby were still reeling from the excitement.

They had originally come to watch Gao Peng buy a watch and broaden their horizons. They thought eighty-eight thousand would be impressive enough, but it turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Lin Ran had bought a three-hundred twenty thousand Rolex with ease, almost effortlessly.

And he was so discreet about it.

What an eye-opener.

So this is what truly wealthy heirs are like—humble and low-key.

He could wear a Xiaomi or a Rolex—it didn’t matter, because he genuinely had money in his pocket.

Lin Ran glanced at his watch. "It’s still early. Let’s stroll around Taikoo Li."

Lu Man agreed, "Sure! Vivi was so nervous for you just now. Aren’t you going to buy her something as thanks?"

"Not a problem," Lin Ran replied.

"Buy what? I didn’t know you were so rich. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have worried!" Vivi grumbled, then grinned. "Drinks are on me—let’s go! There’s a tea shop ahead."

Having accepted the shock that Lin Ran was an heir, Vivi’s attitude became even more composed.

They were at the stage of mutual attraction, not yet lovers. If she handled things poorly, people would think she was after his money and slap the gold-digger label on her.

Outstanding women cared deeply about their reputation, and Vivi was very cautious.

"I’ll pass. I have a three-million deal to discuss this afternoon. I’ll be off," Gao Peng excused himself. He wasn’t about to stick around for more humiliation.

Chen Tao, Gao Peng’s friend, found an excuse to leave as well. As they walked off, Chen Tao kept chattering, "That Lin Ran is so loaded—wow, hundreds of thousands in pocket money?"

Lu Man, sensing the mood, grabbed Su Su and Ke Xin. "Vivi, Zeng Wei’s helping Su Su and Ke Xin find jobs, so we’ll head out first."

"Jobs? Brother Zeng, is there a spot for me?" Vivi joked.

Zeng Wei chuckled, "I wouldn’t dare offer you a job. Just stay here with Lin Ran—you two are a good match."

Lu Man laughed, "Good luck, I’m rooting for you! Hey, you over there, big-busted girl, come with us!"

Jiang Shuyao protested, "No way! I’m staying here to be the third wheel!"

"...Alright, you little sidekick, suit yourself. We’re off—bye, Lin Ran, good luck!"

"Let me treat you all to dinner in a few days," Lin Ran called after them.

Lu Man gave him an OK sign and left with the others, leaving only Lin Ran, Jiang Shuyao, and Vivi behind.

Lin Ran pulled out fifty yuan and handed it to Jiang Shuyao. "Kiddo, go buy three milk teas. Keep the change for yourself."

Jiang Shuyao pouted, "Am I your maid now?"

"Try to be helpful," Lin Ran replied.

"Hmph!" Jiang Shuyao snatched the money and went to buy drinks.

Vivi glanced at Lin Ran’s hand, which was still resting on her shoulder.

"Had enough of holding me?"

"Not nearly enough," Lin Ran replied, his thumb gently stroking her fragrant, delicate shoulder.

The tingling sensation made goosebumps rise on Vivi’s skin. She quickly shrugged him off, turned to face him, and looked up into his eyes.

"You’re so rich—why didn’t you say anything? Were you testing us to see if we’re gold diggers?"

Lin Ran laughed, "I’m not that calculating. This is just pocket change."

"Oh," Vivi replied.

Lin Ran scratched his head. "What does ‘oh’ mean, Vivi? Does it mean you’ll be my girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend? The father-in-law can’t have feelings for the mother-in-law, you know~"

With a playful turn, Vivi’s ponytail swept past Lin Ran’s face, leaving a fragrance of shampoo. Hands behind her back, she skipped toward the milk tea shop.

Vivi realized Lin Ran was different from the other rich heirs who had pursued her. They all flaunted their wealth, desperate for her attention. Lin Ran, with even more money, insisted he was just an ordinary guy. If she hadn’t seen his bank balance, she’d never have guessed.

He was so unassuming.

Compared to the others, Lin Ran truly stood out—down-to-earth and approachable, which made Vivi all the more fond of him.

All thanks to his heir status.

Lin Ran smiled and caught up, reaching out to drape his arm over Vivi’s shoulder again, but Jiang Shuyao squeezed between them and thrust a milk tea into Lin Ran’s hand.

"Here," she said.

"You really don’t know your place," Lin Ran teased.

"I’m here to be the third wheel," Jiang Shuyao declared.

"Oh, I see," Lin Ran leaned down, his face close to Jiang Shuyao’s youthful, cherubic cheeks. "You must like me, so you can’t stand seeing me treat Vivi well—you’re jealous!"

Jiang Shuyao stamped her foot. "Shameless! You’re so shameless, Lin Ran! I’ll beat you!"

"I’ve had enough of him too—get him!" Vivi joined in.

A moment later, on the street in Taikoo Li, Lin Ran was running ahead while Vivi and Jiang Shuyao chased after him.

They had only just graduated from university—some playful roughhousing was perfectly normal.

For the rest of the afternoon, Lin Ran didn’t press his pursuit of Vivi. There was no need to hurry; instead, the three strolled, chatted, and tried snacks, building rapport.

Vivi wasn’t easily courted, thanks to all the rich heirs who had chased her before. She was sharp and wouldn’t fall for someone easily.

Around six in the evening, the three took the subway back to Jade City, picked up the dog and their clothes, and walked home through East Lake Park.

At sunset, by the lakeside, Lin Ran and Vivi strolled, sharing funny stories from their university days and laughing heartily.

Behind them, Jiang Shuyao led Baibai the dog, bags hanging from her neck and hands, grumbling all the way.

"One only cares about her crush."

"One treats me like a maid."

"I really want to throw both the dog and your clothes into the lake!"

Jiang Shuyao fumed.

Unknowingly, they reached a fork in the path.

"This is my stop," Lin Ran said.

"Bye," Vivi replied, turning to leave.

Lin Ran caught her hand.

"What is it?" Vivi asked.

"Let me hug you," Lin Ran said.

"Hug, my foot!" Jiang Shuyao came running up. "Take your clothes back!"

"Jiang Shuyao, you have no sense at all. Next time, I’m not bringing you along," Lin Ran complained.

"If I tag along with you two again, I’m a pig," Jiang Shuyao huffed.

Lin Ran smiled, "I’ll head off now—let’s keep in touch."

"Bye, dear in-law," Vivi waved.

Carrying his bags, Lin Ran headed home, feeling fulfilled.

Jiang Shuyao rolled her neck. "I’m exhausted. I carried these bags all day. Vivi, you owe me a massage when we get home."

"Deal, no problem. Let’s go," Vivi agreed.

The two women walked home together, laughing and chatting.

"No matter how bitter or salty my tears, it’s always a sunny day, because I only have feelings for you—" Vivi hummed a tune, skipping along.

"Vivi, you’re done for," Jiang Shuyao teased.

"What?"

"You’ve fallen for him!"