Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 215 Sharp Observation Skills

Chapter 215: Chapter 215 Sharp Observation Skills

The man who entered was a young man in his mid-twenties, dressed in tasteful casual attire that was obviously not from an ordinary brand. On his wrist, he wore a Patek Philippe watch that was definitely worth over five hundred thousand. He was tall and handsome, though his facial expression seemed somewhat tense, concern clearly showing on his face.

However, Xiaodong couldn’t help but feel that this concern was just for show rather than genuine care from the heart.

"Brother Su is here, have a seat," Shen Dongyang said indifferently as he glanced at the young man, then returned his attention to the chessboard.

Su Zeyu was used to Shen Dongyang’s attitude and immediately said, "Uncle Shen, you’ve just had brain surgery, you really shouldn’t be using your mind at this time. You should be resting properly. How can you still be playing chess, which requires so much mental effort? Shen Yue, you too should persuade Uncle a bit."

Shen Dongyang ignored Su Zeyu completely, while Shen Yue frowned and said, "The person playing chess with my dad right now is a doctor. He said that my dad is fine now and it’s natural for him to play chess, so you don’t have to worry about it."

Su Zeyu looked towards Song Xiaodong, which made him silently frown. Shen Dongyang rarely brought outsiders into his home, yet here was someone he had brought back to play chess, indicating a close relationship. Su Zeyu said, "A doctor? Which doctor would dare say such a thing? I’ve asked several brain experts these past few days, they all say that for an injury as serious as Uncle’s, one should stay in the hospital for at least a month. How could he be discharged so soon?"

Shen Dongyang was frustrated by Su Zeyu’s words, which prevented him from focusing properly on the game. If it weren’t for the fact that this Su Zeyu’s father was a high-ranking provincial official, he would have had him thrown out.

"Shen Yue, take Brother Su out for a chat, let me finish this game with Little Song first."

Shen Yue readily agreed, quickly saying, "Brother Su, let’s talk outside so as not to distract my dad from his game."

Although Su Zeyu was taken outside by Shen Yue, Shen Dongyang’s focus had already been disrupted. In a game like chess, where you must continuously consider the overall layout, a disturbance means practically having to reconsider the entire game, inevitably leading to oversights.

At this moment, Song Xiaodong gave a slight smile and said, "Uncle Shen, why don’t we leave this game here for now and continue after dinner, or we can play again when we have time."

Shen Dongyang looked up at Song Xiaodong, leaned back, and shook his head, saying, "If we continue this game, I will truly lose, and even if I lose, I won’t be convinced. It’s all because of that damn kid’s interference."

"It’s just a game, Uncle, you shouldn’t mind it."

Shen Dongyang looked at Song Xiaodong and asked, "Aren’t you curious about who the young man who just came in is?"

Song Xiaodong smiled faintly and said, "He must be the offspring of a high-ranking official, and not just any official but one from the provincial level. His family sees your potential, Uncle Shen, which is why they want him to be with Shen Yue."

Shen Dongyang stared at Song Xiaodong in surprise and asked, "Do you know him?"

"I’ve only seen him for the first time just now."

Now not only surprised but also curious, Shen Dongyang inquired, "How do you know all this then?"

Song Xiaodong replied, "Uncle Shen, as an upright official, you obviously dislike receiving guests at home. This wouldn’t be an issue for your equals or subordinates, but when the person’s background is too much for you to deal with, you have no choice."

"Then why couldn’t he be a relative?"

"Su Zeyu’s manner of speaking, though seemingly concerned for you, was clearly insincere, and his gaze lingered on Shen Yue more than anything else. A relative would obviously not look at Shen Yue in that manner. Furthermore, the tone of his voice was distinctly that of a ’second-generation official’, filled with pretense typical of the bureaucratic circles, and he even dared to speak with such a tone in front of you, Uncle Shen. That indicates his background must be at least at the provincial level."

Impressed, Shen Dongyang slapped the armrest of his chair and exclaimed loudly, "Little Song, your observational skills are truly remarkable. I can’t help but admire you."

Song Xiaodong slightly smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Shen."

Shen Dongyang tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest and mused, "Composed and modest; young people like you are truly rare these days. Your aunt mentioned to me yesterday about you and Shen Yue. At first, I thought it would be best for young people to go with the flow, but now I think maybe Shen Yue should make more of an effort. A fine son-in-law like you would be hard to find even with a lantern."

Song Xiaodong suddenly broke out in a sweat and said, "Uncle, I’m really at a loss for words here."

Shen Dongyang watched Song Xiaodong with a chuckling look and said, "I know you’re not very willing about this. Do you think we’re forcing you because of our status?"

"Not at all. Uncle Song is in such a high position and is such an honest official. It’s my honor that you think highly of me."

"So, you’re dissatisfied with Shen Yue?"

"No, that’s not it. Shen Yue is very smart, very beautiful, and she doesn’t have the airs of a spoiled heiress. She’s definitely a rare good girl."

Shen Dongyang’s eyes narrowed slightly and he asked, "What’s the reason, then? Do you already have someone you like?"

Xiaodong hesitated for a moment, then said, "Actually, what I wanted to say is, my past romantic life was quite messy, and I’m not as good as Uncle Shen might think."

"Is that so..." Shen Dongyang frowned and asked, "Do you plan to settle down and get married properly in the future, or do you want to continue living like before?"

Song Xiaodong gave a wry smile and said, "If I can resolve all those past messes, I might find a wife and live a good life. But whether I can resolve them, I’m not certain at all."

Shen Dongyang looked at Song Xiaodong, his fingers tapping the armrest at varying speeds. Song Xiaodong watched him, waiting for Shen Dongyang to lose his temper.

Shen Dongyang’s fingers paused, and he began speaking, "Which young person hasn’t made mistakes? And only after experiencing emotional setbacks can one learn to truly cherish relationships. Moreover, someone as exceptional as you, if claimed to have no romantic experience, I would actually find that hard to believe."

At a loss for words, Song Xiaodong said, "Uncle Shen, you have so much faith in me?"

Shen Dongyang gave a slight smile and said, "I’ve been an official for many years, and I’m quite accurate at judging people. If you were a philanderer, you wouldn’t have spoken so candidly to me. You’re also capable, and I believe you wouldn’t fear my authority to the point of toying with my daughter. So now, I actually admire you more."

Song Xiaodong rubbed his nose, confused by the turn of events, thinking, What’s all this about? Am I really that great? It seems like I truly am a bit of a playboy.