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He had to admit, this girl really had the nerve to mess with him. The great Lan Wangji didn't care about people with whom he'd had a one-night stand, and this girl was no exception. That night, he had made it very clear to Ren that he had no interest in dating or marrying her, so she shouldn't bother him at all afterward.

But now, seeing her sitting on the couch with his mother, chatting excitedly, made his blood boil. She hadn't sensed his presence yet, so he greeted his mother calmly.

"Hello, Mom," he said, bowing respectfully. Mrs. Lan smiled and welcomed him warmly.

"We were just talking about you," his mother said. "Ren was telling me that her father has been calling you to set up a meeting."

He glanced at Ren for a second. She was acting like a shy doll, fresh out of a Barbie house.

"Hmm, I just spoke with him. He mentioned a potential project he wanted us to consider, nothing more," Wangji replied nonchalantly. "Besides, I'm already busy with two major projects, so I'll have to turn it down."

Ren's face flushed slightly with embarrassment at Wangji's blunt response. "You two talk; I'll check on the dinner arrangements," Mrs. Lan said, excusing herself to the kitchen.

Wangji turned to Ren with a cold expression and a steady, calm voice. "Why are you here?" he asked.

Feeling a bit awkward, Ren answered anyway. "Your mom invited me over to discuss our relationship, Wangji," she said, trying to keep her smile.

"First of all, I already told you I'm not interested in you. And second, she isn't your mother, so don't call her 'mom,'" Lan Wangji stated firmly.

Before they could continue, Xichen, his father, and uncle came downstairs. Wangji greeted them all politely, and Ren did the same.

Mr. Lan noticed Ren and addressed her, "So you're the one Wangji's mother was telling us about. Welcome, dear! Please join us for dinner." With that, he started walking toward the dining area, followed by the others, including Ren, who tagged along behind.

Wangji lingered alone in the living room for a moment, sighing, before heading to the dining room to join the rest.

At the dining table, everyone was enjoying their meal, except Lan Wangji, who looked completely uninterested in the conversation. Ren was doing her best to charm his parents, filling their heads with stories about her interests and future plans.

Noticing Wangji's indifference, Xichen nudged him with a smirk. "What's wrong, Wangji? You don't look thrilled to see your girlfriend here."

Wangji shot his brother a look and replied firmly, "Ge, you know very well I have no interest in her. And please, don't call her my girlfriend-even as a joke."

Xichen chuckled, understanding his brother's irritation, but he couldn't resist teasing him just a little longer.

Xichen already knew his brother's heart was set on someone else-someone Wangji had been talking to over messages. After a dinner at the Jiang family's home, Wangji had confided in Xichen about his interest in this mysterious person. Though Wangji hadn't mentioned a name, it was clear to Xichen that this was more than a casual interest; his brother was genuinely captivated.

Wangji's personal assistant, Lan Jingyi, had even confirmed a noticeable change in him. Lately, Wangji seemed happier, less temperamental, and more energetic-traits uncharacteristic of his usual reserved demeanor. Xichen couldn't help but be amused. Whoever this person was, they had clearly brought out a side of Wangji that few had ever seen.

"So, what is your decision, A'Zhan?" Mrs. Lan asked, turning her full attention to Wangji. "I really like Ren. She's cheerful, obedient, intelligent, and beautiful. What do you think, Ren? Please share your decision as well."

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