Bai Youran did not expect that things would turn out this way.
He had happily returned home with plans of getting his grandmother to discuss his marriage with the Xia family. He did not expect Shen Xinglan to abruptly propose an engagement with Xia Wan.
"Is this news reliable?"
The old madam of the Bai family was in her seventies this year. Even with her head full of white hair, she appeared to be in good spirits. She was dressed in a typical qipao and decked out in all kinds of gilded jadeite accessories.
"I don't know but the rumors are swirling outside." Bai Youran clutched his hair in frustration. "Didn't Auntie say that the Ji family wouldn't want Xia Wan?"
"She did say that but do you think she'll be able to stop Shen Xinglan if he wants to marry Xia Wan?"
If her daughter's words were really that effective, Shen Xinglan would not be able to take the helm of Ji Conglomerate as soon as he showed up even after disappearing for so many years. Not even her grandson, who had been working diligently and loyally at the company for many years, received this right.
"Then what should we do now?" Bai Youran gritted his teeth. "Why don't… Why don't I get someone?"
The old madam glared at him, disappointed that he did not live up to expectations. "You know nothing but underhanded tactics like these. Did you think Shen Xinglan is that easily handled?"
"Stay put obediently. We'll go to the ceremony together."
Bai Youran replied, "You're asking me to go? And watch the person I like get engaged to someone else?"
The old woman could not help swatting him on the head. "You fool! Since your aunt didn't mention a word of this, which means the Ji family has no idea of this at all. When they show up at the engagement ceremony later, who knows what the outcome will be!"
"Didn't you say that Auntie can't control Shen Xinglan?" Bai Youran was still ill at ease.
"That's enough. That's not for you to worry about. I guarantee that the engagement won't go through!"
Simultaneously, Shen Xinglan received a call from his father's, Ji Zeming.
"Why didn't you tell me about something this big?" Ji Zeming's tone was not one of anger but rather helplessness.
Shen Xinglan replied placidly, "Didn't you find out without me telling you about it?"
"It's your Auntie Bai who told me." On the other end of the line, Ji Zeming paused for a moment. "You like the young lady from the Xia family?"
"Does it matter?" Shen Xinglan said indifferently. "It's a marriage alliance anyway. It's the same whichever family it is."
Ji Zeming heaved a sigh. "Xinglan, you know the Xia and Bai families…"
"What does it have to do with me?" Shen Xinglan interrupted him. "It's the Xia family who broke off their promise of marriage to choose me. Even if the Bai family wants to blame someone, it shouldn't be me."
"Okay. I won't interfere with your private life. Everything is fine as long as you're happy."
Ji Zeming doted greatly on his late wife's son. He was childhood friends with Shen Xinglan's mother and even when he subsequently remarried, he only did so because Bai Yongwei and Shen Xinglan's mother were best friends and because Bai Yongwei had accompanied him during the most difficult time of his life.
He did not expect that Shen Xinglan would go missing. This was a memory that caused great pain in him each time he thought about it. His guilt toward his late wife during those years continued to torment him day and night.
Fortunately, this child was blessed enough to return!
"Is there anything else?" Evidently, Shen Xinglan did not want to converse much with his father.
Ji Zeming hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "We're already on the plane. We're coming back to attend your engagement ceremony."
Xia family villa.
A Miao heard about the news from one of the servants.
Her first reaction was: "What is this psycho planning to do now?"
She absolutely did not believe that Shen Xinglan would enter a marriage alliance with the Xia family. Thus, that man certainly had ulterior motives for doing this.
"But I've already given him the jade pendant!" A Miao paced inside her bedroom. "Just what exactly is he trying to do?"
"Thump, thump, thump!" Xia Wan knocked but pushed the door open to enter without waiting for a response.
"A Miao." The corner of her mouth raised. She was unable to disguise her mirth.
A Miao looked at her and said especially insincerely, "Congratulations. You got what you wish for."
"That's why… I'm here to help you!" Xia Wan sat down in an elegant manner. "Don't say that I haven't warned you. Bai Youran's grandmother will also be attending the engagement ceremony. Perform well then. As long as she agrees to it, you'll be able to marry into the Bai family!"
"Why would I marry into the Bai family?" A Miao shrugged in amusement. "Either way, you're about to marry Shen Xinglan. Does it matter if I marry into the Bai family?"
Xia Wan heaved a sigh pretentiously. "Dummy. If the Bai family abandons you because you're no longer a virgin, Grandfather will still find you a new partner."
Seeing that A Miao was unafraid, she directly made herself clear. "When that happens, it'll be old men in their forties or fifties. Putting aside the fact that you might become a stepmother after getting married, what if you come across an actual pervert? He'll torture you to death in just a couple of days."
"How can you all do this?!" A Miao finally panicked. "You guys don't need me anymore! Why won't you let me go?!"
Xia Wan looked delighted that A Miao had such a reaction. Patting A Miao's shoulder, she said, "Since you're a part of the Xia family, you'll naturally have to do something for the family. In the several months since you've returned, all your meals and expenses are provided by the Xia family!"
Xia Wan flicked the flowers by A Miao's bed before looking at her. "There's no free lunch in this world. Grandfather will naturally find you a good marriage partner."
"Are you done speaking?" A Miao pulled open the door. "If you're done, leave."
"Hehe!" Straightening her neck, Xia Wan wore an expression of contempt as she walked past A Miao. "Remember my words and perform well at the engagement ceremony."
With a loud thud, A Miao slammed the door close with all her strength.
When the weekend arrived, City S became especially boisterous at night. It seemed as if there were more people and cars on the streets than usual.
"Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"Drink more later on!"
"Don't worry! I'll definitely drink my fill!"
Shen Xinglan had booked the entire top floor of a top-notch hotel. The money he spent on the furnishing the venue for his engagement ceremony exceeded that of regular banquets that rich and powerful families threw. Everyone who was anyone in City S had come tonight.
Scions and female celebrities made the bulk of the guests. There were people that never appeared in Shen Xinglan's birthday banquet. That was because Shen Xinglan would never invite them.
"Pfft!" Shen I sneered. "Xia Yongqiang probably invited everyone here tonight."
Shen Xinglan was standing on the first floor as he overlooked the guests in the hall. He rubbed the space between his eyebrows impatiently. "Go and check if the Xia family is here."
He did not have so much time to waste on a meaningless affair like this.
"Boss, the only one not here is Sir Ji," Shen II said after walking up the stairs. "Xia Haixin is asking if we can start the ceremony."
Shen Xinglan's eyes swept the activities downstairs. "Keep a close eye on that woman. Don't let her run."
The mouths of both Shen I and Shen II twitched. "So you know that she'll run as well…"
"Why wouldn't I dare to come?"
Right then, the woman that Shen Xinglan mentioned was staring at the man in front of her with the expression of one delighting in someone else's calamity.
"It's useless even if you come. The Bai family will never want a used woman," Bai Youran said hatefully. "I'm warning you not to get into a tangle with me in front of everyone. Otherwise, I'll let everyone know that you slept with your cousin."
A Miao sneered. "It's the dog that is blocking my way right now. Move aside."
"You slut." Bai Youran could not help raising his hand.
Right then, the lightening abruptly darkened. A Miao took advantage of the moment to kick him in the crotch before disappearing inside the crowd in a few quick steps.
"F*ck!" Bai Youran held onto his nether regions. Too embarrassed to yell at her, he could only suppress the pain and returned to the Bai family's side.
Shen Xinglan slowly walked down the stairs. Next to him, the finely-dressed Xia Wan gazed at him with deep emotion. The two of them gathered in front of the stairs and walked up the stage together.
Xia Yongqiang was the oldest person at the ceremony and his status within the circle was also considerably senior. Thus, he personally hosted the engagement ceremony.
"Now let's welcome Shen Xinglan and…"
"Wait a minute!"
Xia Yongqiang lifted his head in annoyance after his words were interrupted. The guests in the hall separated to form a path. Three people entered without looking sideways.
"Elder Xia, this is my son's engagement ceremony. You ought to at least wait for me, his father!"
Ji Zeming walked toward Xia Yongqiang with a smile. He then turned his head to look at Xia Wan. "Not bad. She's worthy of being your granddaughter indeed."
"Hahahaha! No matter how great she is, she's still going to leave to be a part of your family instead!"
The guests started expressing their congratulations after seeing Ji Zeming's attitude. Only the woman by his side wore a placid expression. Her expression immediately changed after taking a glance at Xia Wan.
"Oh? Why do I recall that Xia Wan is engaged to Youran?"
Silence immediately shrouded the hall. After receiving a hint from the old madam from the Bai family, Bai Youran walked forward. "You're right, Auntie. Wanwan's hand is promised to our family."
This time, the Xia family members could no longer keep their cool. Yao Lili immediately yelled, "Who said that our Wanwan's hand is promised to your family? That's…"
"Shut up!" Xia Haixin immediately cupped her mouth with his hand.
Xia Wan's expression had changed as well. She stared nervously at Shen Xinglan but found only a placid expression on his face as if he had not heard them at all.
"What exactly is going on?" Bai Yongwei looked at her nephew. "Did you lie to me? The one Xia Wan likes is Shen Xinglan."
Ji Zeming tugged at her arm with a frown. They had already agreed beforehand that they would not interfere with this.
"Oh dear!" Bai Youngwei smiled at him. "I'm being meddlesome. Let's just let the kids handle their own affairs!" She then looked at Shen Xinglan.
"Xinglan, don't get mad with Auntie Bai! I'm only worried that there'll be a misunderstanding between you all. After all, when I returned the last time, I saw Xia Wan and Youran acting very intimately. I didn't expect that she'd turn around to get engaged to you."
Even the Bai family could detect such an obvious innuendo. Xia Yongqiang pulled a straight face all while mentally scolding Bai Youngwei for being so shameless. She was just a stepmother but really fancied herself as Shen Xinglan's parent.
Seeing how awkward things had become, Ji Zeming immediately tried to ease the situation. "That's enough. Please continue with the ceremony, Elder Xia!"
"Did you all misunderstand something?" Shen Xinglan, who had been quiet all this while, suddenly spoke.
Everyone's gaze was focused on him. Under the light of the chandelier, the man looked incomparably handsome. The corners of his mouth were curved up into a small smile. Wearing that enticing smile, he dropped a massive bomb with his subsequent words.
"Since when did I say that I'm getting engaged to Xia Wan?"
An uproar broke out…
Everyone gasped. What kind of development was this?
A Miao, who had been hiding in the rear of the crowd, suddenly shivered and she slowly retreated. Her instinct told her that this place was too dangerous and she must leave at once.
"Miss A Miao!" Someone suddenly called her name from behind.
"My God!" A Miao placed her hand on her chest as she turned her head. "What are you doing? You gave me a fright!"
The corners of Shen I's mouth twitched. "Where are you going?"
"I…" A Miao's gaze shifted. "I'm going to the washroom! Hurry up and move aside."
"Okay." Shen I agreed and stepped aside to reveal Shen II behind him.
A Miao's eyes widened even further. "What are you two trying to do?"
Xia Yongqiang looked at Shen Xinglan with a furious expression. "What do you mean by this?" Did this youngster agree to the engagement just so he could humiliate the Xia family in front of everyone? "Don't forget that you're the one who personally discussed this marriage with me. You're also the one who agreed to the engagement ceremony." Xia Yongqiang's expression was grim. "Are you going back on your word now?" If the engagement fell through today, they would become the laughing stock of the entire city tomorrow. "Who said I'm going back on my word?" Shen Xinglan cast a glance at Xia Wan, who was looking tearfully at him. "It's true that I'm getting engaged to the precious daughter of your family but… it's not her." Xia Wan looked deathly pale. Unable to face such a situation, she bitterly cried, "What did you say? Who can you marry if not me?" "How can you bully my daughter? You…&q
Xia Hailin, the second son of the Xia family, had been taking care of the family's business overseas all this while. He had completely inherited the avaricious nature of the Xia family and believed that their overseas company should be his. Thus, he never returned all year round. "I'll ask him to return to the country as soon as possible." Resentment flitted across Xia Yongqiang's pupils. "If he really wants to make an issue out of this matter, we'll have his father return instead." Xia Wan became relieved after hearing her grandfather's words. However, she vowed in her heart that she would one day have Shen Xinglan find out about what happened between A Miao and Xia Fan. But now was not the time. "That's enough. Go and rest, everyone. Even if you guys aren't tired after all that fuss tonight, I am." Xia Yongqiang turned around and walked up the stairs. Seeing that no one paid her any attention, A Miao sneaked into the kitchen. She ate very little
When they arrived at Shen Xinglan's villa, Shen I cupped his face as he exited the car. "Clean up the villa before picking her up tomorrow." Shen Xinglan shot him a sinister glare before walking inside. Shen II looked at him expressionlessly, the word "despise" etched clearly on his face. "Why are you looking at me?" Shen I opened his mouth, sounding aggrieved. "You guys were the ones who discussed this over on WeChat. You guys were also the ones who made me ask!" "That's why we call you an idiot," Shen II replied shamelessly. "Remember what Boss said. Otherwise, wait to be sent to Africa." Shen I spat in the direction of Shen II's back. "Dream on!" At dawn on the next day, a series of knocks on her door woke her up. "Open the door! Hurry up and open the door!" She opened the door with a scowl on her face. Xia Mei charged in and nearly knocked her down. "You damned illegitimate child, you dare ruin Sister Xia Wan's engag
A Miao did not know if it was a coincidence that she was now living in Shen Xinglan's pseudo-classical villa. Below her room was precisely the place she had her meal the first time she came to the villa. "Sigh…" Lying on a bed with a frame carved out of an unknown type of wood, A Miao rolled around a little before burying herself inside the quilt. She had never once thought she would one day live here. If she stepped out and walked straight to the end of the corridor, she would find Shen Xinglan's room. After taking note of the condition of her room, even an ignorant person who had not seen much of the world like her, could tell that the furniture and decor were of considerable value. "From the looks of it, at least he doesn't want my life." A Miao finally relaxed after spending a night being a nervous wreck. She had the feeling that she had forgotten something as she closed her eyes, but before she could think about it, she had already fallen asleep. It
Shen I, who was waiting for A Miao downstairs, immediately fished out his phone after seeing her disappear into the dark and gritty building. "Boss! She has returned to her old home." "Yes, I'm waiting dowanstairs." "Yes. When she woke up and saw that you're not around, she immediately asked where you've gone." "Yes, I told her! I told her that you were very busy and left for the company." "Okay, I understand!" After ending the call, Shen Xinglan pursed his lips. The woman was tactful enough to at least know to ask after him. "Boss?" Shen II paused. He thought he saw Shen Xinglan smile earlier. Shen Xinglan cast him a glance without any expression. "Nothing. Continue." "There's a little hiccup in the acquisition over in the United States." Shen II was an exemplary subordinate who absolutely obeyed orders and did not engage in gossip. He immediately returned to their topic at hand. "Our men discovered that it was Ji Yan's
Auntie Zhang purposefully baked cookies, knowing that A Miao would be hosting her girlfriend at home. A Miao found it to be rather interesting and stayed behind to learn. She asked Shen I to pick Zhou Xiao instead. The journey from Zhou Xiao's home to this place required them to drive through the entire city. Two hours later, A Miao stood in front of the villa and looked around. She could see the black car driving in from afar. "A Miao!" Zhou Xiao got off, looking a little flustered. "What's wrong?" A Miao immediately asked after seeing her reaction. Zhou Xiao held firmly onto her hand and said embarrassedly, "N-No… I'm just a little nervous." "Hehe! Come, let's go in." A Miao thought that her friend was feeling out of place in an unfamiliar place but did not know that the latter had started off feeling uncomfortable after entering the car alone. When Zhou Xiao saw that Shen I was rather courteous no matter what she asked, she asked rather casually
The car slowly stopped and a man elegantly got out of the car. He was in white casual wear that looked like a prince, but his face was over handsome. "Why are you looking at me? Don't tell me that you can't recognize me if I am glasses-free. Or... you have forgotten who I am?" Le Yi smiled, but A Miao's mouth twisted. "Hello, Doctor Le," she said, respectfully. Her alienated face made Le Yi frown. He asked, "Don't you welcome me?" "What are you talking about?" A Miao also laughed. "This is not my home. You should be more familiar than me!" Seeing that she was so courteous, Le Yi turned around helplessly and said to Shen I, "I will stay here for a few days and I just talked to Shen on the phone. He agreed." "Understood. I will clean up a room for you right away." Shen I hurried to run away. Seeing that Zhou Xiao had been staring at Le Yi, A Miao pushed her. "What are you looking at?" "Nothing..." Zhou Xiao grabbed her han
Shen Xinglan's return didn't affect A Miao. The only change was that she went downstairs for breakfast later than before. However, even if Shen Xinglan was gone, Le Yi was still here... Le Yi touched his eyelids and said, "Are you going to keep them like that?" "Yes." A Miao was going to eat her second sausage, and suddenly asked, "Can't I?" She thought it was Shen Xinglan's idea. "Do you have some misunderstandings about Shen?" Le Yi helped her to pour a cup of coffee. "I just asked casually. The cosmetics are not good for your skin if you wear them all year round." A Miao had finished eating the second sausage. She picked up a piece of bread and looked at the man next to her. "Doctor Le, can we change the way of getting along with each other?" "Like the way of you and Shen?" "Can we?" A Miao added a thick layer of peanut butter on the bread. "I am very used to Shen Xinglan's attitude to me. Your concerns about me always make me nerv