Volume One, Chapter Eight: Is This a Last Meal Before Execution?

“I believe in Ranran.” Ji’s mother was the first to break the silence, gripping Lin Ranran’s hand tightly. “Thank you, Mom.” Lin Ranran gazed at her mother-in-law with heartfelt gratitude.

At that moment, Ji Junyao returned with the dishes, now hot and fragrant. The roast chicken and duck had been expertly carved and arranged on four heaping plates by Ji Junxiao, their savory aroma instantly filling the room. The family’s eyes were drawn to the meat on the table, their throats unconsciously swallowing.

“Come, come, everyone, let’s eat!” Lin Ranran called out warmly, picking up her chopsticks. She first placed a fragrant piece of chicken breast into her mother-in-law’s bowl. “Mom, please try this.”

Ji’s mother was so moved her eyes reddened. She quickly returned the gesture, placing a large chicken drumstick in Lin Ranran’s bowl, her voice trembling slightly. “Thank you, Ranran. You’re pregnant now, you must eat more.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Lin Ranran accepted it with a smile, then turned to Ji Junyao, giving her a plump duck leg. “You’ve worked so hard, little sister. Eat this to replenish yourself.”

Ji Junyao stared at the duck leg in her bowl, suspicion and hesitation flickering in her gaze. Was this some kind of “last supper”? But the irresistible aroma teased her senses, and her stomach rumbled in response. She gritted her teeth and muttered awkwardly, “Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

“Here, husband, this is for you.” Lin Ranran placed another piece of duck into Ji Junxiao’s bowl, her smile gentle.

Ji Junxiao looked at the meat, then at his wife—so different from the woman he’d known. A complex tangle of emotions welled up inside him. If all this was an act, then her performance was truly masterful, impossible to distinguish from sincerity.

In this complicated atmosphere, the family finished their meal. Their bellies were round and full, and the feast left everyone in a rare good mood. If only Lin Ranran could continue like this, perhaps the days ahead for the Ji family might be peaceful and harmonious.

“I bought some gifts for everyone earlier—they’re in the courtyard. Husband, could you bring them in?” Lin Ranran set down her chopsticks, smiling.

The family was once again stunned.

Soon, Ji Junxiao returned, carrying two heavy boxes. All eyes were immediately drawn to them as if by magnetic force.

Lin Ranran opened one box, her face brightening. “I passed by the bookstore earlier and saw many good books. I thought, once we move to the countryside, we can’t let our studies slide. Little brother, these two—‘The Art of War’ and ‘How the Steel Was Tempered’—are for you. I hope they’ll be helpful.”

Ji Junyong’s eyes lit up. He took the books, his hands trembling, his voice full of undisguised excitement. “Sister-in-law, are these really for me?”

Lin Ranran nodded with a smile, then turned to Ji Junshan. “Second brother, these two—‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ and ‘Principles of Economics’—are for you. Read more, it will serve you well in the future.”

“I get books too?” Ji Junshan’s face was radiant with surprise as he accepted the volumes as if they were treasures.

Lin Ranran continued, distributing books to Ji Junzhan and Ji Junyao. Ji Junzhan received ‘On War’ and ‘Lives of the Famous,’ while Ji Junyao was given ‘The Spirit of the Laws’ and ‘The Art of Communication.’

She hadn’t forgotten her husband and father-in-law, either—she’d picked out many military strategy books specifically for them.

As everyone stared at the books in their hands, a wave of shock swept through the room. Lin Ranran had chosen each title with uncanny accuracy, perfectly matching everyone’s tastes, and all the books were recent editions. Her thoughtfulness was undeniable.

Could she really have changed for the better? “By the way, I also bought new clothes for everyone. Try them on and see if they fit.” Lin Ranran pulled out fresh outfits from the other box and handed them around.

Now the Ji family was even more speechless. This woman, who had always been known for her extravagance and selfishness, was suddenly so considerate and attentive. It was as if she’d become an entirely different person.

“There’s also some fabric in the box. Once we’re in the countryside, I plan to learn to make clothes,” Lin Ranran added.

“What? You’re coming with us to the countryside?” The question burst out from all sides, shock written on every face.

Lin Ranran nodded, smiling. “Of course. You’re my family—where else would I go, if not with you?”

Ji Junxiao’s brow furrowed in worry. “But life in the country is hard, and conditions are rough. You’re pregnant… can you really handle it?”

“If you can endure it, so can I.” Lin Ranran’s eyes shone with determination, not a hint of hesitation.

Ji’s mother came forward, touching Lin Ranran’s belly with concern. “But what if the change of environment affects your health or the baby’s?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’m strong and I take care of myself. I’ll be fine.” Lin Ranran patted her mother-in-law’s hand, reassuring her.

Ji’s father, who had been silent, finally spoke. “Very good. Ranran, if you’re truly willing to endure hardship with us, our family will always remember your kindness. I’ll say this now: if anyone in this family dares bully you, I’ll be the first to stand against them!”

As long as Lin Ranran was willing to go to the countryside with them and safeguard the family’s bloodline, her past mistakes could be forgiven. After all, no one is perfect, and a prodigal’s return is always welcome.

“Thank you, Dad!” Lin Ranran’s eyes brimmed with tears of gratitude as she looked at her father-in-law.

“Ranran, all this meat, the books, and these purchases—where did you get the money?” Ji’s mother asked, full of doubt. She had only given Lin Ranran twenty yuan, which was nowhere near enough to buy all this.

Lin Ranran hesitated before explaining, “Mom, I used to be thoughtless and gave most of the money to my cousin. Today I went to see him, and after a lot of persuasion, I got the money back.”

Everyone was skeptical. The Pei family was notoriously greedy; it seemed impossible they would return any money so easily.

Seeing their disbelief, Lin Ranran quickly pulled a stack of bills from her bag and handed them to Ji’s father. “Dad, here’s one thousand yuan. We’re leaving for the countryside tomorrow, and the family will rely on you to manage things. Please keep this for emergencies.”

Instantly, every eye was glued to the stack of cash. No one had expected the Pei family to return the money. But how had Lin Ranran managed it? The whole matter was perplexing.

Ji’s father looked at the money but didn’t take it. “You keep it. Tomorrow, the Pei family will come to supervise us. We won’t be allowed to take any valuables, cash, food, or grain coupons. They won’t let us leave with much.”

Lin Ranran nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep it.”

Suddenly, Ji Junyao’s expression changed as if struck by sudden realization. “I get it! The Pei family gave you the money back as bait, didn’t they? They want you to help entrap our family! Tomorrow, won’t they accuse us of having a thousand yuan of illicit funds?”

At her words, everyone turned to Lin Ranran, suspicion in their eyes. Had she laid a carefully constructed trap for them? If not for Ji Junyao’s quick thinking, would they all have been doomed tomorrow?

Lin Ranran, seeing their reactions, was exasperated. She quickly protested, “Yes, I admit I was foolish before and helped my cousin do many stupid things. But I see him clearly now—he never cared about me. He’s seeing someone else. I caught them together today, and not only did he show no shame, he insulted me, called me trash… I finally realize how stupid I was.”

The Ji family was stunned. Who could have imagined Pei Yu’an could be so heartless? It was the very definition of betrayal.

Lin Ranran squeezed out two more tears, continuing her complaint. “He tricked me into having an abortion and divorcing, saying he’d marry me, but it was all just so he could humiliate the Ji family in the end. He even said that after we married, I wouldn’t be allowed to interfere in his affairs, and since I’d be a second wife, he’d have fun with as many women as he liked, just to get revenge. I hate him so much.”

“Scumbag!” The family cursed Pei Yu’an, their faces full of contempt and anger.

“I gave him my heart and he repaid me with cruelty. I finally woke up, so I lied and told him the Ji family had three thousand yuan in savings and lots of gold and silver. His eyes lit up, and I took the chance to make him write IOUs…” Lin Ranran summarized how she’d tricked her cousin, producing one of the IOUs for two thousand yuan.

Once again, the Ji family was left speechless. They had to admit, Lin Ranran was clever—otherwise, Ji Junxiao would never have fallen into her trap in the first place.

“Even if this IOU is real, how can we be sure you won’t tear it up later?” Ji Junyao still didn’t trust her.

The family agreed. Who could say this wasn’t just another act from Lin Ranran? After all, she was a master at deception.

Ji Junxiao knew better than anyone how convincing her performances could be.

Lin Ranran said, “I’ll give you the IOU—will that do? Dad, you keep it.”

She handed the IOU to Ji’s father, who accepted it. “Alright, I’ll hold onto it.”

Ji Junxiao looked at Lin Ranran, his expression complicated. “So when you said you were going to settle things with the Pei family, it was just to get the money back?”

Lin Ranran retorted, “What else? I was out of my mind before, giving him all that money. Now I regret it deeply! I fought tooth and nail with my cousin and his mother—it was exhausting. But you didn’t have the patience to wait for me. I’m really hurt.”

She dabbed her eyes, pretending to be aggrieved.

“Sorry, I thought you—”

“You thought I’d go to the Pei family and never come back, didn’t you? I get it. You just don’t trust me or want to give me a second chance.”

Ji Junxiao started to explain, but Ji’s mother cut him off, looking guilty. “Ranran, it’s my fault. I fainted suddenly, so the second son hurried to fetch the eldest back home. If you want to blame someone, blame me.”

Lin Ranran grew anxious. “Mom, are you alright?”

“It’s nothing, just a bit of dizziness. As long as you two get along, I’ll feel better and recover in no time.” As she spoke, she took Lin Ranran’s hand and placed it gently in Ji Junxiao’s.

“Son, you must treat Ranran well from now on, and never let her be wronged again.”

Ji Junxiao nodded. “I will, Mom.”

Ji’s mother smiled. “That’s right. If husband and wife are loving and the family is harmonious, we’ll get through any hardship.”

Lin Ranran replied, “Mom, our days will only get better. By the way, since you’re not well, before we go to the countryside, you must have a thorough checkup at the hospital. If something happens to your health out there, what will we do? Little sister, little brother, please take Mom to the hospital now.” As she spoke, Lin Ranran pulled out a hundred yuan and handed it to Ji Junyao.

Ji Junyao hesitated, looking at the money. “Isn’t this too much?”

Lin Ranran insisted, “If you need an IV, get it. If you need medicine, get as much as you can.”

Ji Junyao looked to her father for guidance. He nodded. “Go.”

Ji’s mother tried to refuse. “No, I won’t go. Why waste money? I want to save it for Ranran’s health.”

Lin Ranran grasped her hand gently. “Mom, if you’re not well, how can you look after me when I’m in confinement? What if you get sick then?”

Ji’s mother slapped her forehead. “You’re right! I didn’t even think of that. Ranran, you’re so thoughtful. Come on, let’s go to the hospital.”

Soon after, Ji Junyao and Ji Junzhan took their mother to the hospital. Before leaving, both apologized to Lin Ranran.

“Sister-in-law, I’m sorry, I misunderstood you.” Ji Junyao’s face was full of remorse.

“Sister-in-law, I’m really sorry. We’ll protect you from now on. Even in the countryside, we won’t let you suffer.” Ji Junzhan quickly added.

Lin Ranran was deeply moved. She knew that the Ji family had strong morals and clear boundaries between love and hate. If you treated them sincerely, they would give you their hearts in return. Perhaps that was why the original Lin Ranran had been able to win over the male lead.

The remaining men of the Ji family began packing up. They were leaving for the countryside tomorrow, and though they couldn’t take much, there were still things to prepare. Anything of value had been forbidden, to await inspection by the authorities.

“This is five hundred yuan.” Ji Junxiao approached Lin Ranran amidst the packing, handing her a wad of cash.

Lin Ranran looked at him, teasing, “What’s this, a deposit?”

“You could say that. I want you to keep your promise. Once you deliver the baby and bring it to the countryside for me, I’ll give you the remaining five hundred.” His expression was serious, his tone brooking no argument.