Maximize Interest, My Money Grows Infinitely
Chapter 417 - 249: The Beauty Matches the Talented Man_2

Chapter 417: Chapter 249: The Beauty Matches the Talented Man_2

She stood up, "I won’t perform the opera, but may I sing a song in the operatic style?"

Chen Cheng nodded.

Meng Wanning adjusted her breathing and then cleared her throat.

She began to sing of an old acquaintance met in a foreign place,

Every step and word brimmed with yearning.

Below the stage, names were being honored,

Unaware of the past friends above.

He spoke of bridal chamber and wedding candles,

The crowd congratulated the beauty matched with talent,

Yet not a word was heard, a sigh for the love-stricken in the play.

In just a few lines, Liu Shaoxin and Chu Qin had their eyes opened wide.

Meng Wanning’s voice was clear and piercing, bearing the unique charm of Beijing Opera, yet it didn’t feel outdated.

Every note, every trill, it was just right, fully expressing the emotions of the song.

The private room was so quiet, no one snapped back to reality even in the tens of seconds after Meng Wanning finished singing.

Chen Cheng looked at her, so sensible and cute, his eyes filled with warmth.

"Bravo! That was amazing!"

Liu Shaoxin excitedly said, "I had no idea Miss Meng was not only beautiful but also so talented in singing! It’s truly an eye-opener!"

Chu Qin also followed with praise, "Yes, with such a voice, such charisma, it’s a pity if you are not a professional singer!"

Chen Cheng proudly said, "Lao Liu, remember to watch this year’s Spring Festival Gala. My Wan Wan is going to perform."

"Really? That’s incredible!"

Meng Wanning quickly walked over to Chen Cheng, extended her small hand, and gently covered his mouth, "My lord, it’s not a done deal yet!"

Chen Cheng smiled and pulled the hand away from his mouth, "Isn’t it a matter that’s already settled?"

"Hahaha! Brother Chen, you are indeed very lucky!"

Liu Shaoxin laughed, "To find such a beautiful and talented girlfriend really makes others envious!"

Chen Cheng held Meng Wanning’s hand, "I also feel like I have good fortune, really quite wonderful."

"Getting ahead of yourself! You’re getting ahead of yourself!"

Liu Shaoxin laughed heartily, "Come on, tonight we won’t go home unless we’re drunk!"

...

...

After the meal, Chen Cheng and Meng Wanning saw off Liu Shaoxin and his wife, and then returned to their room.

Chen Cheng sat on the sofa, loosening his tie.

Meng Wanning brought over some warm water, "My lord, have some water."

"Uh-huh."

Chen Cheng took a sip, "Wan Wan, you truly dazzled me today."

Meng Wanning smiled and responded, "You’ve heard me sing opera before. I sing opera even better than I sing songs."

Chen Cheng shook his head, "I mean, your willingness to fulfill my request."

"My lord, I’ve said before, I will certainly do as you command." Meng Wanning said earnestly, "Besides, today they were all outsiders, influential people; I couldn’t cause you to lose face."

Chen Cheng set down the cup, patted the spot beside him, and Meng Wanning sat down with restraint.

"I’m not talking about that. I’m touched that you would do things you’re not used to for my sake."

"Actually, I’m also learning to change." Meng Wanning spoke softly, "Before, in my life, it was just me. But from now on, life isn’t only about myself."

Chen Cheng tightened his arms, "Sorry to trouble you."

"Not at all." Meng Wanning gave a slight smile.

Chen Cheng looked at her cheerful smile, "Are you thinking about something happy?"

Meng Wanning recounted to Chen Cheng all the persuasions by Chu Qin, "She thought I was jealous and unhappy."

"There’s nothing to be jealous about."

"Yeah." Meng Wanning continued, "It’s just..."

"Just what?"

Meng Wanning looked up at Chen Cheng, "My lord, now that your business talks are finished, does that mean we’re going back to Beijing tomorrow?"

Chen Cheng suddenly realized, looking into her bright eyes, that Meng Wanning didn’t want to return to that city full of people just yet.

After all, here, it was only the two of them.

"Reluctant to leave?" Chen Cheng asked tenderly.

Meng Wanning nodded lightly, then shook her head, "It’s not that I’m reluctant, it’s just... here, it’s so relaxing, so comfortable."

She paused, her voice growing softer, "Back in Beijing, I have to return to that theater ensemble, and every day has no anticipation but practice."

She leaned on Chen Cheng’s chest, "Moreover, once back there, you will not only belong to me."

Chen Cheng could feel the restraint, tightly embraced by two tender arms around his waist.

Meng Wanning was reluctant to let go, nor did she wish to hastily end this precious trip.

"Then let’s stay a few more days."

"Really?" Meng Wanning’s eyes shone with light.

"Of course it’s true." Chen Cheng nodded affirmatively, "Wherever you want to go, I’ll accompany you."

Meng Wanning smiled happily, "I haven’t thought about it yet."

"Then take your time to think, we have plenty of time." Chen Cheng playfully scrubbed her nose, "Have you showered yet?"

"Not yet."

After saying that, Meng Wanning suddenly let go of her hold, nervously plucking at the hem of her clothes.

Earlier, she might have been able to imagine sharing a room with Chen Cheng, but now, that imagination was about to become reality.

Her gaze unintentionally swept towards the large bed nearby. Her mind was in disarray, and her cheeks flushed even hotter.

In such moments, the guidance of a man becomes crucial.

Seeing her like this, Chen Cheng said, "Shall I go shower first? The alcohol is going to hit me soon."

"Uh-huh."

Chen Cheng got up and walked towards the bathroom.

Not long after, the sound of rushing water could be heard from within.

The sound of the water was like a catalyst, making Meng Wanning’s heartbeat accelerate.

She stood there, not knowing what to do, feeling a hot flush over her body, yet she dared not approach the air conditioning.

She sneakily glanced in the direction of the bathroom, imagining what Chen Cheng looked like inside, and her cheeks blushed even more.

Meng Wanning went over to her suitcase, rummaging aimlessly in an attempt to divert her attention.

She took out a few clothes, then put them back, and then took out some makeup, looking in the mirror only to find her face was even redder than before.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

She told herself it was no big deal, that Chen Cheng was her boyfriend, and that they would eventually take this step.

But rational understanding couldn’t ease her nervousness and anxiety at this moment.

The sound of the water stopped, and Meng Wanning’s heart rose to her throat.

She hastily picked up a magazine laid out by the hotel on the table, her back turned to the bathroom, and hastily flipped through it.

Chen Cheng, dressed in a robe, came out and saw Meng Wanning with her back to him, his lips curving into a smile.

"The water was a bit hot, you should try the temperature first."

He walked to the left side of the large bed and sat down.

"Okay..."

"Then I’m going to sleep first."

"Hmm..."

Chen Cheng crawled into the bed, turning off the bedside lamp on his side.

As Meng Wanning heard some movement, she quietly closed the barely viewed magazine and tiptoed towards the bathroom.

The sound of running water, whoosh whoosh whoosh.

Chen Cheng also heard the rush of water.

He wasn’t sleepy at all, and now, even more alert.

But to avoid embarrassing Meng Wanning, he turned his back to her.

About twenty minutes later, the sound of water stopped.

Chen Cheng’s eyes opened in the darkness.

He heard the soft footsteps and the faint sound of breathing.

Rustle rustle.

The other side of the bed cover was lifted slightly, and Chen Cheng could distinctly feel a cool breeze entering the blanket.

Meng Wanning didn’t dare breathe out loud, looking at Chen Cheng’s still back, thinking he was really asleep.

She gripped her side of the covers tightly, only her eyes revealed, nervously watching the ceiling.

But Chen Cheng felt something was off.

A slight trembling, and Chen Cheng knew, Meng Wanning hadn’t fallen asleep, and she was very nervous.

He slowly turned over, pretending to have just woken up, and murmured, "Wan Wan, you’re not asleep yet?"

In the dark, Meng Wanning’s eyes grew wider; she hadn’t expected Chen Cheng to suddenly turn around, and she was even more flustered.

"I... I’m having trouble sleeping..." Meng Wanning’s voice trembled, "Sir, did I wake you?"

"No."

Chen Cheng reached out and took her tightly curled hand in his.

"So cold?"

Chen Cheng felt the chill on her hand and pulled it under the quilt, warming her with his own body heat.

Meng Wanning’s heart raced faster, feeling the volcanic warmth.

"Sir, I’m a bit scared..."

Chen Cheng gently smiled, "Silly girl, what’s there to be afraid of? I won’t bully you."

"But... but..."

Meng Wanning turned her head away and caught a glimpse of the bright eyes in the darkness.

"I..."

She paused for a long time, finally forcing out the words she herself didn’t know how to say, "Sir, can you hold me?"