There's Something Wrong With My Little White Flower - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: The Fallen Republican Era Young Lady X The Overseas-Educated Paternal Aunt

After dinner, Jiang Peifeng declined her brother’s invitation to return to his apartment, citing “not wanting to be a third wheel.” She turned to pick up Ruan Jiyun’s sketchpad: “I’ll stay with Sister Ruan at her place.”

Ruan Jiyun was naturally delighted. The two girls didn’t let Jiang Zhiyu drive them, choosing instead to stroll leisurely along the cobblestone path.

The student apartments for the Paris School of Fine Arts were located in a quiet district, bathed in the dappled light of plane trees. Jiang Peifeng had written this address countless times in her letters. Ruan Jiyun pointed to the lamp post with a bell downstairs, which faced the white wooden staircase: “We made this ourselves. Next time you visit, remember this bell so you won’t get lost.”

She shared the apartment with several classmates. Her room was at the end of the corridor, with a large window that was perfectly filled with the setting sun.

This was Jiang Peifeng’s first time here. She quietly surveyed the room: it wasn’t large. The bed against the wall was covered with a white linen blanket. There were peacock blue curtains and not much furniture, but art books and canvases were scattered everywhere.

The small room was filled with the traces of Ruan Jiyun’s life and a faint, gentle fragrance.

She also immediately saw herself: the portraits Ruan Jiyun used for practice—her appearance in Shanghai, reading, riding a bicycle… Just as Jiang Peifeng reached for them, Ruan Jiyun hastily snatched them away.

“I was too busy to tidy up…” she explained in a low voice, as if a secret had been discovered, quietly tucking the stack of drawings into the bookshelf.

Jiang Peifeng smiled: “Well, the model is here now. Just keep drawing. Just make me look pretty.”

They had a tiring day. After chatting for a bit and seeing that it was getting late, they decided to go to sleep.

The bathroom was communal. Jiang Peifeng, mindful of Ruan Jiyun’s weak constitution, proactively urged her to wash up first, so she wouldn’t catch a cold if the hot water ran out later.

Ruan Jiyun also knew her physical condition and obediently went to take a shower. She soon returned, carrying the scent of steam, and it was Jiang Peifeng’s turn to go to the bathroom.

“The first shelf is all my things,” she explained with a sweet smile. “It’s the same brand we used before.”

When Jiang Peifeng returned, Ruan Jiyun was still waiting for her. She was leaning over the bed, tidying up her art supplies from the day. The straps of her nightgown were loose, and her shoulder, exposed with her movements, revealed a pale curve that shone brightly in Jiang Peifeng’s eyes.

“Come here and dry your hair before sleeping.” Jiang Peifeng averted her gaze, pulling out a dry towel. “We still have to go to the museum tomorrow. You won’t be able to go if you catch a cold.”

Ruan Jiyun sat up, grinning: “Peifeng, you’re the best.”

By the time Jiang Peifeng finished drying her long hair to a damp state, Ruan Jiyun was already yawning. As soon as she settled onto the pillow, she noticed the person next to her pulling out a book.

“Aren’t you tired?” Ruan Jiyun asked.

Jiang Peifeng couldn’t possibly tell her that she always had certain unruly thoughts when sharing a bed with her, and she intended to wait for Ruan Jiyun to fall asleep first. So, she firmly shook her head: “I’m not sleepy yet. You go to sleep.”

Unexpectedly, Ruan Jiyun shifted her pillow and leaned directly on her shoulder. Her black hair looked soft and velvety under the light, like a soft, small animal. She heard Ruan Jiyun say: “I’m so happy to be like this right now.”

Jiang Peifeng felt the spot on her shoulder where Ruan Jiyun was leaning start to warm up: “Hmm?”

“When I heard the news about the train station, I was terrified. All I could think was, what would I do if something happened to you?” Ruan Jiyun whispered. “Thank goodness you’re alright and are with me.”

Jiang Peifeng said: “I will always be with you.”

This statement comforted Ruan Jiyun. She rubbed her head on the pillow, then sighed contentedly.

“Peifeng…” Her tone suddenly became serious. Jiang Peifeng sensed she had something important to say.

But Ruan Jiyun merely lowered her eyelids, whispering: “It’s nothing… I just feel like I missed you more than I thought.”

Jiang Peifeng’s heart was shaken by these words. The phrases spoken in Ruan Jiyun’s soft voice melted into an emotion akin to joy, gently swaying her heartstrings.

A moment later, she noticed Ruan Jiyun tucking herself under the covers, whispering: “I’m a little sleepy…”

Jiang Peifeng smiled slightly and turned off the light.

The little white flower’s familiar, gentle breathing was close to her ear. She carried the clean scent of peach body wash, lingering in the darkness. As soon as her nose registered it, it quietly dissipated again. Jiang Peifeng stared at the ceiling, recalling the thought she had during the day.

This beautiful little white flower—she would always be with her, protecting her, until she no longer needed her.

The next morning, the two went sightseeing at the Louvre as planned. In the central square, artists were painting live. Jiang Peifeng specifically went to appreciate one, and then told Ruan Jiyun: “You paint better.”

Ruan Jiyun said proudly: “Of course.”

She was searching for the croissant shop that her classmates had described as “exceptionally delicious” when she ran into an acquaintance.

Meng Fanshi, wearing a beautiful Chanel dress, waved and greeted Ruan Jiyun from afar. Compared to her disheveled state at the train station yesterday, she looked like a different person. Not only was she smartly dressed, but she was also accompanied by several men who looked like bodyguards.

“This is great! I thought it would take a lot of effort to find you!” she said with a smile. “Little Sister, it seems we are quite fated.”

Ruan Jiyun was also glad she was safe: “Miss Meng, how is your assistant?”

Meng Fanshi said: “Thanks to your help, he woke up last night and is now receiving treatment in the hospital.”

Her gaze noticed Jiang Peifeng nearby, and she smiled again: “Am I interrupting you?”

Ruan Jiyun replied: “We were planning to visit the Louvre. Are you also here for sightseeing, Miss Meng?”

“Since I’m in Paris, I wanted to get a little artistic inspiration. It’s just that I don’t have much of an artistic temperament, so I’ll probably just glance through everything.”

This reply was kind and witty. Ruan Jiyun laughed: “Art is for everyone. With your outstanding elegance, Miss Meng, you must be overly modest.”

Meng Fanshi saw her relaxed expression and quickly and cleverly asked: “Is it convenient if I join you? I didn’t get to properly thank you yesterday. Let me host a meal to show my appreciation, shall I?”

Ruan Jiyun instinctively looked at Jiang Peifeng first. Jiang Peifeng didn’t want the little white flower to lose a social opportunity because of her, signaling that she should decide for herself.

Ruan Jiyun thought for a moment, then said generously: “No need for thanks. Since Miss Meng has traveled so far, I will show you around.”

Meng Fanshi was thoughtful. She immediately arranged for her bodyguards to reserve a restaurant, while she followed Ruan Jiyun and Jiang Peifeng to the Louvre.

Although she was strikingly beautiful, her personality was gentle. She quietly kept pace during the exhibition, proving to be a patient audience member.

Lunch was reserved at a famous Parisian French restaurant. The window seat faced the Seine River, offering a perfect view.

“So, Miss Meng is a film director.” Ruan Jiyun learned Meng Fanshi’s identity during the meal and was even more impressed. “That is truly remarkable.”

Meng Fanshi laughed: “It’s just a passion. I often played on set with my father when I was young. Some people say women can’t do anything, but I don’t believe it. Not only can women be directors, but they should be even better than men.”

Hearing that Ruan Jiyun was studying fashion design, she immediately suggested with a smile: “I was planning to buy a few more gowns to take back home from Paris. What a coincidence that you’re studying this, Little Sister Ruan. Would you be willing to design a dress for me?”

Ruan Jiyun was surprised: “I’ve only been studying for a short time. How dare I design clothes for a big director like you?”

“Women should support each other. After you become famous, I doubt I’ll be able to get on your waiting list. Why don’t I give you a starting point? You can brag about it to your children later.”

As Meng Fanshi spoke, she looked at the silently observing Jiang Peifeng: “What do you think, Miss Jiang?”

While the two were chatting animatedly, Jiang Peifeng had already recognized that Miss Meng intended to repay Ruan Jiyun. Ruan Jiyun had always been inspired by career women. Her hesitation now was likely more about worrying she wouldn’t have time to spend with Jiang Peifeng.

Thinking this, Jiang Peifeng encouraged her: “Sister Ruan, why not give it a try?”

Seeing that she also encouraged it, Ruan Jiyun was tempted: “Then I’ll try my best, Miss Meng. Please don’t despise it.”

Meng Fanshi said: “I look forward to it very much.”

Since Ruan Jiyun had agreed, Meng Fanshi seized the opportunity after the meal to invite the two to her hotel room to take the measurements first.

She was in Paris for several events, and her room was fully equipped with gowns, mannequins, and various measuring tools. Meng Fanshi called for a few cups of coffee, and knowing she couldn’t take up too much of Ruan Jiyun’s time, she smiled: “I’ll change clothes and be right back.”

She went into the bedroom and changed into a light, casual slip dress. Ruan Jiyun saw she was ready and stepped forward to take her measurements.

The tape measure was pulled straight, first measuring the shoulder width, then the waist circumference.

Meng Fanshi had a natural model figure, and was, rare for a beautiful woman, shapely. She was a few centimeters taller than Ruan Jiyun. The stunning, curvaceous beauty spread her arms and smiled charmingly: “I am most ticklish. I have to desperately hold it in every time I get measured. Thankfully, Little Sister Ruan is doing the measuring this time, so I’m not afraid of you laughing at me.”

Ruan Jiyun also smiled: “Then I’ll try to be as gentle as possible.”

“No worries, just measure properly. I like to wear narrow-fitting dresses. It reminds me not to overeat.”

Their laughter fell into Jiang Peifeng’s ears. She looked up and happened to see Ruan Jiyun slightly bending her head, using the tape measure to size Meng Fanshi’s waist. The glamorous director had her arms spread. From Jiang Peifeng’s angle, it looked like an embracing posture, inexplicably ambiguous.

She lowered her head and took a sip of coffee, suddenly feeling that the coffee master at this high-end hotel was below standard. The high-quality beans had a slightly sour flavor.

The two people across the room seemed oblivious. After Ruan Jiyun said something, Meng Fanshi chuckled: “I actually wish I could be a little smaller. Being just like you, Little Sister, is just perfect.”

What kind of meaningless chatter is this? Do they need to talk about such intimate topics just for a measurement? Jiang Peifeng suddenly straightened up, regretting that she had encouraged the little white flower to make clothes for this fox-like woman.

She silently watched the two in the room and suddenly saw Meng Fanshi lift her head, meeting her gaze directly, and smiling quite innocently.

Jiang Peifeng could only suppress her internal displeasure and curved her lips at her.

While Meng Fanshi’s status and connections were undeniably beneficial for Ruan Jiyun’s future development, this smile made Jiang Peifeng feel a touch of unease.

She felt like Meng Fanshi was executing a well-thought-out plan, step by step. In just half a day, she had already closed the distance between a stranger and a friend with Ruan Jiyun.

Besides, they had just met. Why were they already calling each other ‘Sister’ this and ‘Sister’ that?

Jiang Peifeng gloomily lowered her head and took another sip of coffee.

After about fifteen minutes, Ruan Jiyun’s work was finished. The little white flower hadn’t noticed the silent battle of wits between the other two women, simply agreeing on a date to submit the design draft based on her time estimate.

Meng Fanshi smiled broadly: “No rush. I’ll be in Paris for a few more weeks. You are welcome to come see me anytime.” She briefly lifted her beautiful eyes, looking at Jiang Peifeng again: “If it doesn’t interfere with Miss Jiang’s plans.”

Jiang Peifeng answered calmly: “As long as it is legitimate business, of course, Miss Meng’s needs take precedence.”

Meng Fanshi immediately smiled even more charmingly. This smile, in Jiang Peifeng’s eyes, silently deducted ten points from the fox-like female director.

What’s the use of being beautiful? Does she think she can seduce the naive little white flower like this?

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