Chapter 53

Ruan Ning spotted Jiang Yihao in the crowd first. He was in his usual getup—cap, mask, athletic jacket—but his handsome, deep-set eyes were unmistakable. The moment he saw her, they curved into crescents, and he waved from across the way.

Jiang Yihao rushed toward her like a gust of wind through the entrance crowd, his eyes seeing no one else. He ran straight at Ruan Ning, focused solely on her.

Jiang Yihao had an innate star presence. Even in plain casual clothes, amid the ornately dressed anime fans filling the venue, he stole the attention of everyone around with an effortless, unforced handsomeness.

The anime world was ruled by looks, and he appeared like a magnet. People passing by slowed their steps, stealing shy glances at Jiang Yihao.

They followed his fervent gaze and spotted a slightly flustered, strikingly beautiful girl standing in the distance, and for a moment, no one could say who they envied more.

Either way, being loved wholeheartedly by such a top-tier handsome man was undoubtedly a blissful, swoon-worthy affair.

Ruan Ning felt the eyes of those around her, her ears burning a beat too late. Her fingers tightened around the strap of the crossbody bag she wore.

She wasn't actually surprised that Jiang Yihao had appeared first. The moment he came dashing over, Ruan Ning reached into her bag and pressed send on the farewell message she'd already composed for Bai Xingmiao.

[Thank you for your company during this time]

[Lately, I've come to understand a lot. Caring for and supporting a friend doesn't mean always being by their side. Maintaining a proper distance might be the best way to protect them]

[I'm sorry for some of the things I said on my own before. Please let them blow away with the wind, and allow me to take them with me]

[Thank you for your help. I'll remember every moment we spent together]

[May sunshine always surround you, may you smile often, and may your life be wrapped in happiness]

"Hey, why aren't you carrying the bag I gave you?"

Jiang Yihao weaved through the slow-moving crowd with the agility of a soccer player, bouncing over to stand in front of Ruan Ning. He carried an air of vibrant, real-world energy that clashed with the anime atmosphere, stirring up a youthful storm before her.

"The bag is too precious, so I didn't bring it out. Come walk with me for a bit," Ruan Ning said with a quick smile. She estimated Bu Chen would still take a while to arrive, so she suggested browsing with Jiang Yihao first.

Jiang Yihao agreed readily, smiling behind his black mask: "A bag is meant to be carried. Don't be too precious with it. If anything happens, I'll just buy you a new one."

Ruan Ning didn't tell him that she had actually mailed the bag back to Sky City that morning. He'd probably receive it at home in a few days.

The massive exhibition hall was divided into several zones. The venue was packed with people, the noise overwhelming. Ruan Ning led Jiang Yihao from the merchandise stalls near the entrance and headed deeper inside.

Every booth was uniquely decorated, piled high with badges, art boards, posters, acrylic stands, and other merch designed by the booth owners themselves. The view was dazzling—fine goods that made you want to scan the QR codes in a frenzy.

Between the stalls, there was a cosplayer every three steps and a photographer every five. Everyone wandered the exhibition in groups, laughing and chatting, immersed in the excitement and joy of finding fellow fans.

It was Jiang Yihao's first time at an anime convention, and he looked around, finding everything novel.

Just then, a fursuiter walked toward them from the opposite direction—a furry blue cat head perched atop a body around 1.8 meters tall, a few centimeters taller than Jiang Yihao. It looked huge and adorable.

Jiang Yihao found it amusing and kept staring. Ruan Ning tugged at his sleeve softly: "Don't keep staring at people like that. It's rude."

"Oh." Jiang Yihao pulled his gaze away and obediently stayed close to Ruan Ning.

He asked excitedly, "Is it just the two of us today?"

Ruan Ning averted her eyes from Jiang Yihao's bright, gleaming gaze. "Let's just walk around for now."

She didn't dare imagine what would happen when Jiang Yihao and Bu Chen met without Bai Xingmiao around.

Bu Chen was always swamped with work, and it was already generous of him to spare time to come in person. Ruan Ning had no idea when he'd arrive, so she could only lead Jiang Yihao around the venue in circles, waiting.

They hadn't walked far when they spotted Bu Chen at the coffee shop in the dining area.

Bu Chen wore a pair of sunglasses, had ordered a cup of coffee, and was seated sideways at a booth in the animal-themed café, scrolling through his phone. He looked like he'd already been waiting for a while.

"Why are you here?"

Ruan Ning was a little upset. She'd stood at the entrance until her legs went numb, and it turned out he'd arrived long ago.

Bu Chen wore an expensive custom white shirt paired with black tailored casual pants, his leather shoes polished to a shine. His simple attire couldn't hide his elite, high-end aura. He looked like the cover of a premium men's magazine, glaringly out of place amid the colorful, dreamy anime world around him.

Although his out-of-place outfit hinted at the owner's aloof, cold nature, Bu Chen's appearance was still far too stunning. Many people took one look and were too captivated to move, quietly ordering coffee and sitting nearby.

"What are you doing here?"

Jiang Yihao's lips still held an unfinished smile, but his eyes suddenly turned icy cold as steel. He stepped forward in a flash, blocking in front of Ruan Ning, adopting a fully defensive posture to shield her behind him.

Bu Chen lifted his chin slightly, his gaze hidden behind the dark sunglasses passing through Jiang Yihao to land on Ruan Ning, whose face had flushed slightly.

"What did you want to see me about?"

He asked first.

Bu Chen's tall nose ridge held up his sunglasses, emanating a powerful pressure. Ruan Ning's heart pounded wildly.

She bit her lip and met his gaze without flinching.

"This is my date with Ruan Ning today. If you know what's good for you, disappear right now." Jiang Yihao was like a tiger ready for battle, sharpening his claws, prepared to tear Bu Chen to pieces at any moment.

Ruan Ning patted Jiang Yihao's shoulder worriedly and said softly, "Ah Hao, I'm the one who asked him to come."

But Jiang Yihao's full attention was on dealing with his rival, and with the noise around them, he completely missed what Ruan Ning said. He patted her back in reassurance: "Don't worry, just stay behind me."

"No, Ah Hao, really, it was me who called him here."

Bu Chen glanced at Jiang Yihao, then lowered his long legs and rose to his feet with composure. The girls in the coffee shop had no idea what he was about to do, but they all let out a collective "ooh" of admiration, their eyes following his movements.

He walked over to Ruan Ning, and said in a measured tone, "Hm? What business does Miss Ruan have with me?"

At that, everyone understood. In an instant, envious, jealous, and hateful looks all landed on Ruan Ning alone.

The crowd here mostly consisted of otaku living in a virtual world, with no interest in real-world celebrities and no recognition of Bu Chen or Jiang Yihao.

But they could see clearly: two incredibly rare, gorgeous men were going at each other's throats over Ruan Ning, and Ruan Ning was also a rare beauty. Who wouldn't want to watch this juicy, heart-pounding drama of two men fighting over one woman?

Passersby immediately put down the merch in their hands and pulled their companions over to watch, eagerly and nervously.

"Bu Chen, go to hell. Are you pretending I don't exist?"

"Jiang Yihao, I'd advise you to watch your step. There are people all around you. If you get exposed, you've only got yourself to blame."

"You idiot, if you've got the guts, settle this outside. Don't make a fool of yourself here."

"Jiang Yihao, standing next to Ruan Ning only embarrasses her. Don't you know that?"

"Bu Chen, say that again if you dare!"

"You're a moron, only bringing Ruan Ning down. Moron. Do I need to repeat myself?"

"Bu Chen... you bastard."

Jiang Yihao nearly grabbed Bu Chen by the collar, but at the thought of being in a public place, he clenched his fist and shot him a glare.

No outsider would ever guess that these two men, hurling abuse at each other like street thugs, were the heirs of two great ducal houses—Tapern and Banteng.

Their tongues were as sharp as daggers, mercilessly stabbing at each other, then deliberately twisting on the way out, tearing bloody chunks of flesh. All dignity and etiquette of the two ducal families were cast aside.

The two flanked Ruan Ning on either side, creating a powerful, fierce magnetic field. Anyone who got too close would be shattered by the intense electric waves.

Ruan Ning's anxious gaze darted between them, feeling like she couldn't breathe under their pressure. But the onlookers watching the drama had bright, eager eyes, wishing they'd argue even more fiercely.

Ruan Ning watched the two of them battle over her without end, and a wave of sorrow rose in her chest.

Two people who had grown up together, finally reunited after so long—why did it have to come to this?

"Enough. Please, stop arguing." Ruan Ning covered her ears and pleaded, "It was me who invited both of you here. There's something I need to tell you."

The two, although they couldn't stand the sight of each other, didn't want to lose face in front of Ruan Ning either. They immediately backed off, moving away from each other in disgust.

Jiang Yihao stopped talking right away and stepped over, heartbroken, to apologize: "Did I scare you just now? I'm sorry, Ningning. I'll be more careful next time."

Bu Chen slowly shut his mouth, his gaze deep, dark emotions churning beneath the surface.

"Why exactly did you ask us here?"

Ruan Ning looked at the ever-growing crowd of onlookers, frowned, and walked out of the crowd first, leaving behind a single line: "Let's talk as we walk."

Jiang Yihao angrily clenched his jaw, then fell into step beside her.

Bu Chen was at the back at first, but then he suddenly quickened his pace. He reached out, threaded his fingers through Ruan Ning's left hand in a tight grip, and walked forward with his head held high like an inseparable couple.

Ruan Ning's back stiffened abruptly, her heartbeat suddenly thrown off rhythm.

What did Bu Chen mean by forcibly holding her hand in public?

Thinking about what she was about to announce, she decided not to provoke him for now and just let it be.

Jiang Yihao saw Bu Chen take Ruan Ning's hand, and a torrent of fury surged in his heart. Not to be outdone, he claimed Ruan Ning's right hand and squeezed it firmly.

Ruan Ning turned to the right in shock, only to see Jiang Yihao also walking forward with his eyes fixed ahead.

In that moment, she felt like her right side had been struck by lightning too. Two mountains weighed down on both her shoulders, and she went numb, losing all sensation.

On the busy walkway between the stalls appeared a strange sight: a delicate, lovely girl sandwiched between two tall, handsome men, each holding one of her hands in a tight grip, forming a bizarre trio.

Everyone who passed by wore expressions of astonishment.

But coincidentally, the anime world was also a realm filled with imagination and all sorts of quirky tastes. Most people simply envied Ruan Ning, who was holding the hands of two gorgeous men at once, one on each side.

The two had completely different styles, yet both were extraordinarily handsome. Truly, she was enjoying the best of both worlds.

For Ruan Ning, though, the walk was pure agony, like a worm squirming in her stomach.

She could bear it no longer. Summoning her courage, she spoke the words that had been circling in her heart: "Everyone, stop fighting over me. I'm not going to date any of you."