The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 219. Socializing (Part 3)

Chapter 219: 219. Socializing (Part 3)

Estate abroad, Allen, slowly rising from the wheelchair’s handle, fell to the ground after just a few steps. Xu Nuo, standing by, was startled at the scene and wanted to help him up but was fiercely glared at by Allen, causing Xu Nuo to freeze in place.

Allen struggled to stand up from the ground, but his legs simply would not obey him. After much effort, he was only left covered in sweat and suffering the excruciating pain in his legs.

Xu Nuo’s eyes were cast down, not daring to look at him, yet filled with deep sympathy.

Peter entered from the outside and, seeing Allen, shook his head helplessly, "Allen, I’ve already told you, you need to take things slowly at this stage. If you continue this way, you’ll irreversibly damage your legs, and you’ll never be able to stand again."

Allen’s expression darkened, and he coldly glanced at Xu Nuo, "Get out."

A hint of sadness crossed Xu Nuo’s eyes as he left the room and closed the door behind him.

Peter shook his head, "Allen, if you continue to disobey like this, I’m really at my wit’s end."

Allen was silent for a moment before he spoke in a hoarse voice, "I understand. But by June, I must be able to stand."

"If you would listen to me and cooperate with the treatment properly, I could help you stand. But can you tell me why you’re in such a rush?"

"That’s none of your business," Allen said coldly, extending his hand, "Help me up."

Peter came forward, helped Allen back into the wheelchair, handed him a clean towel to wipe the sweat from his face, and then knelt down to massage his legs with firm strokes, causing Allen so much pain that veins stood out on his forehead.

"You knew you shouldn’t do this, and yet you insisted on doing it; now, you’re the one suffering."

Allen remained silent, while Peter continued his nagging.

Finally losing patience, Allen snapped coldly, "If you keep blabbering, I will have someone sew your mouth shut, so you can never speak again."

Peter fell silent. This man’s words were no joke; he was a madman, capable of anything.

"Go lie down on the bed, I’ll administer the acupuncture," Peter said, helping Allen onto the bed.

Soon, sounds of Allen’s muffled groans filled the room, occasionally interspersed with agonized screams.

Once the acupuncture was done and Peter had packed up his things and left, Allen lay drenched in sweat on the sweat-soaked bed sheets, silently waiting for the pain in his legs to subside.

Soon, very soon, Xiaoqi, we’ll be meeting very soon.

**

Beijing.

Shen Junyu raised an eyebrow at the woman before him, "How come you are here?"

The woman smiled slightly, "I came specifically to find you, Junyu. We haven’t seen each other for so many years, you wouldn’t mind having lunch together, would you?"

Shen Junyu shrugged, "Of course not." He stood up, grabbed his suit jacket, "Let’s go."

The woman followed behind Shen Junyu, watching the man in front of her obsessively, Shen Junyu, I’m back, and this time I will not let you go.

In the restaurant, Shen Junyu looked at the woman across from him and spoke gently, "Chen Su, I didn’t expect you to come back to the country."

Chen Su chuckled, "Got tired of staying abroad, and the most important person is here, so of course, I had to return."

Shen Junyu did not pick up on that and instead asked, "What do you plan to do now that you’re back in the country?"

"I’ve just touched base with a company, and if nothing goes wrong, I’ll be working here."

Shen Junyu nodded, "That’s very good."

Chen Su wanted to ask Shen Junyu how he had been all these years, but she held back her words, jokingly remarked, "It’s been so many years; you must be married by now?"

Chen Su asked nonchalantly, but her grip on the cutlery tightened.

Shen Junyu swallowed his steak casually, "Not yet."

Chen Su’s heart lightened, and she relaxed her grip, spearing a piece of steak into her mouth, her smile warm, "That’s true, men usually focus on their careers; it’s normal to marry late. Actually, I’m single now too."

Shen Junyu did not engage with her hint and smoothly changed the subject, "Have you visited your parents’ home yet?"

Several times they steered the conversation elsewhere, but the smile on Chen Su’s face had become somewhat reluctant. "I’ve already gone back. My parents even asked about you."

"Shen Junyu, what are you doing here?" Wen Xiyao’s voice came from overhead.

Shen Junyu looked up and smiled, "Xi Yao, are you eating here too?" He added, glancing at the people following her, her assistant.

Wen Xiyao’s gaze swept over Chen Su and quickly returned; she instantly understood and smiled tenderly, "Yeah, I wanted to have lunch with you, but you’ve been busy these past few days. I didn’t want to disturb your work. Is this your client?"

Chen Su heard something off in the way Shen Junyu addressed Wen Xiyao, watched their familiar tone, and her expression became slightly unnatural. Hearing Wen Xiyao, she smiled and said, "I’m not Junyu’s client, I’m his friend. We met in college. My name is Chen Su."

Jun Yu? Wen Xiyao raised an eyebrow and glanced at Shen Junyu, whose expression remained unchanged, "That’s quite a coincidence, I’m also Junyu’s friend. My name is Wen Xiyao. Since we’ve met, would you mind joining me?"

Wen Xiyao seemed to be asking for Chen Su’s opinion but had already sat down next to Shen Junyu.

Wen Xiyao’s assistant had tactfully left already.

With a smile, Wen Xiyao said, "The steak here is very good. I wanted to come here with you last time but never got the chance. Now it’s just perfect."

Shen Junyu looked at her tenderly, "If you want to eat, just call me, no matter how busy I am, you’re more important."

Under the table, Wen Xiyao couldn’t help but touch her own arm, this Shen Junyu was really not what she was used to. Meanwhile, Chen Su, hearing this, became even more unnatural, tugging at the corner of her mouth, "Miss Wen seems to be very close to Jun Yu."

Wen Xiyao smiled, "Of course, although I haven’t known Jun Yu for long, we get along very well. Right, Jun Yu?"

Shen Junyu nodded agreeably and forked a piece of steak from his plate to her mouth, "This steak is not bad, wanted to try it for a while, taste it."

Wen Xiyao opened her mouth, bit into the steak, "It’s really tasty, shall we have it together again next time?"

"Sure, anything you want," Shen Junyu said with a doting smile.

Chen Su could no longer continue eating, she put down her cutlery, "Junyu, I just remembered I have something later, I’ll leave first."

Shen Junyu smiled, "Okay, be careful on your way."

Once Chen Su had left the restaurant, Wen Xiyao got up and sat across from Shen Junyu, looking at him with interest.

"Who knew a simple meal out could turn into such a spectacle, President Shen, looks like you have quite the admirers."

Shen Junyu dropped the doting look, smiling gently, "But I can’t compare with President Wen’s long-lasting admirers."

Wen Xiyao huffed coldly, eyeing him inquisitively, "That lady just now seemed nice, why did you turn her down? Give each other a chance, maybe she could be your true destined one."

Shen Junyu sipped his red wine, "I noticed Mr. Du seems quite taken with President Wen too, yet I don’t see President Wen’s heart swayed."

"President Shen, you’re no fun like that, I was only curious. You always poke where it hurts, isn’t that a bit unkind? Especially since I just played along in your little drama to drive away a bad suitor. A gentleman shouldn’t burn bridges after crossing them."

Shen Junyu apologetically smiled, "Well, then it’s my mistake, please forgive me, President Wen."

Having received an earnest apology from Shen Junyu, Wen Xiyao found it hard to keep pressing, instead, she said, "But President Shen, you’re not getting any younger, it’s time to settle down. Why haven’t we seen a girlfriend by your side?"

At Shen Junyu’s age, any other man with his looks and financial resources would have numerous rumored girlfriends, yet Shen Junyu’s side remained remarkably clear; not even a hint of a casual fling sprouted around him.

Shen Junyu smiled, "President Wen is also single, aren’t there many these days who don’t feel like marrying early? Not everyone likes to marry so young."

That reason seemed sound, yet Wen Xiyao remained curious about Shen Junyu’s private life, staring at him with wide eyes up and down.

Shen Junyu remained calm, ignoring her gaze, "Does President Wen have something to say?"

Wen Xiyao looked around, then back to Shen Junyu, and asked in a low voice, "President Shen, with your clean image, there isn’t something wrong with you, is there?"

Shen Junyu’s face darkened, as any man questioned about his capabilities in that area would struggle to remain calm; he glanced at Wen Xiyao lightly, "Is President Wen very curious?"

Wen Xiyao awkwardly replied, "Not very curious, just a little." She even gestured a little with her hands.

Shen Junyu laughed lightly, "If President Wen is curious, why not try me out and see?"

He thought this comment would scare Wen Xiyao off, yet she boldly said, "Alright, let’s try it."

Just as Shen Junyu took a sip of his wine, he choked upon hearing her response.

Wen Xiyao couldn’t help but smile, eyes curving up. Was she that easy to tease?

After he stopped coughing, Shen Junyu looked towards Wen Xiyao, "President Wen, your joke isn’t funny at all."

Wen Xiyao suddenly became serious, staring intently at him, "Shen Junyu, I’m serious. Do you want to date me?"

Shen Junyu raised his eyebrows, looking into her earnest eyes, and dropped the teasing look from his face, "You’re not joking?"

"It’s not a joke. I really want to date you seriously, with the intention of marriage. We’re both not getting any younger, my family is also anxious about my marriage, and your family is even more so. I consider myself quite attractive, I have a good personality, my abilities are not weak, and my family background is not unworthy of you. Overall, our compatibility is quite good, so would you consider dating me?"

Shen Junyu lightly tapped his fingers on the table, a hint of deep thought flashing through his eyes, and after a while, a smile spilled over his lips.

"Thinking about it, being together really does seem like a good idea."

Wen Xiyao was stunned, "You agree?"

"Why wouldn’t I agree? But not now."

Wen Xiyao frowned, initially hearing an agreement and now a refusal, what did this mean?

"I’ll give you three days to think it over. If you haven’t changed your mind after three days, we’ll start dating," Shen Junyu continued.

He didn’t have any negative feelings towards Wen Xiyao, on the contrary,he felt quite fond of her. This fondness wasn’t similar to the brotherly fondness he had towards Fang Tong, it was that of a man towards a woman.

Wen Xiyao stared blankly, then nodded, "Alright."

Three days later, Wen Xiyao invited Shen Junyu for a meal again and shared her decision with him. That evening, Shen Junyu took Wen Xiyao home for dinner, officially announcing their relationship. Chu Yunrong was overjoyed, repeatedly bringing it up with Shen Qinglan.

In the bar, Shen Qinglan and Wen Xiyao were sitting in a booth, Shen Qinglan curiously looking at Wen Xiyao. Wen Xiyao felt uncomfortable under her gaze, "What’s wrong, why are you looking at me like that?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head slightly, "Just curious, I didn’t expect things to develop so quickly between you and my brother."

Wen Xiyao grinned, "I didn’t expect it either."

"Are you serious?" Shen Qinglan asked.

"Of course. Qinglan, you’ll have to call me sister-in-law from now on." Wen Xiyao smiled, and somehow, just thinking about Shen Qinglan calling her sister-in-law made her very happy.

Shen Qinglan extended her hand in front of Wen Xiyao, who looked puzzled, "What’s up?"

"Isn’t it time to change addresses? As the general manager of Xinhe International, it would be stingy of you not to," Shen Qinglan joked.

Wen Xiyao glared, "Doesn’t your husband give you money to spend?"

"Of course he does, he gives me all his money to manage, but changing addresses is a separate matter."

Wen Xiyao glared at her, "You really have fallen into a money pit. Fine, I’ll make sure to give you a big one someday."

Shen Qinglan withdrew her hand, smiling faintly. It was just a joke, and neither of them took it seriously.

Wen Xiyao’s gaze swept over the people around them, suddenly pausing, then pointing at someone, "Isn’t that Li Xitong?"

Shen Qinglan followed her pointing finger and indeed saw Li Xitong, sitting in a man’s embrace, feeding him drinks.

"Didn’t expect her to let loose even more after leaving the Shen family," Wen Xiyao clicked her tongue. She knew the man; he was a son of the chairman of a publicly listed company in Beijing, with substantial family assets.

However, his family’s reputation wasn’t good, ruthless in business, and he was a complete playboy, both promiscuous and a spendthrift.

Wen Xiyao introduced the man next to Li Xitong to Shen Qinglan.

"These two together don’t have to worry about tarnishing each other’s reputation, but Li Xitong mixing up with him might not be a smart move."

Once a man like that loses interest, he doesn’t acknowledge people.

Shen Qinglan had already recognized who the man was. Wasn’t he Lin Hao, who had lost a car race to her and then tried to wriggle out of it?

Lin Hao was indeed talented. Since losing the car race, he really hadn’t appeared in front of her again. Had it not been for seeing him today, Shen Qinglan might have forgotten him altogether.

A tinge of amusement flickered in Shen Qinglan’s eyes. Li Xitong, who used to despise guys like Lin Hao, ended up mingling with him after all—how interesting.

After one more glance at the scantily clad Li Xitong, Shen Qinglan withdrew her gaze, "Sister Xiyao, it’s getting late, let’s go."

Wen Xiyao nodded and left the restaurant with Shen Qinglan.

When Li Xitong and Lin Hao were returning home, they encountered Tian Cuifang at the entrance of the residential area. Tian Cuifang blocked their car, forcing Li Xitong to get out. "Out of money again?"

Tian Cuifang awkwardly replied, "Well, Xiao Li is pregnant now, and there are more expenses. Your brother lost his job too, so our family’s expenses have increased."

It was always the same excuse. Li Xitong didn’t even feel like listening, and directly took out a stack of money from her bag and threw it into Tian Cuifang’s arms. "This money should be enough for a month. Call me directly when you run out of money next time; don’t show up here. Lin Hao would be upset if he sees you."

Tian Cuifang, aware that Lin Hao disliked them, nodded. "I understand. How are you and Lin Hao?"

Li Xitong replied coldly, "That’s none of your business. Just take care of yourselves and stop causing me trouble; that’s all I ask." After saying this, she turned and walked away.

Lin Hao instructed the driver to drive into the residential area without giving Tian Cuifang a single glance. Staring at the luxurious community, Tian Cuifang felt regret. How wonderful it would be to live here; all villas inside.

"Don’t let them come here again." As they entered the house, Lin Hao spoke with an evident tone of displeasure.

If he didn’t truly like Li Xitong, he really didn’t want to see anyone from the Li Family.

Li Xitong nodded, "I know, I’ve already told them." Her eyes shifted, and a seductive smile formed on her lips as she looked at him silkily, "Was it true what you said last time about getting me an advertisement endorsement? You weren’t just placating me, were you?"

Lin Hao, half-squinting because he just came back from a nightclub, gazed at Li Xitong who wore a strappy dress that showcased her well-proportioned figure to the fullest.

Lin Hao’s gaze on Li Xitong grew heated, and he scooped her up. "When have I ever lied to you? It’s true. Little fairy, always seducing me. It seems I didn’t satisfy you well enough last night."

Li Xitong draped her arms around his neck, smiling charmingly. "Don’t you like me like this?"

"I love it, to death. I’ll probably die on you someday." Lin Hao tossed Li Xitong onto the bed and took off his clothes to join her.

Afterward, Li Xitong watched the sleeping Lin Hao and coldly smiled. She walked to the balcony, lit a cigarette, and started smoking.

She looked at the brightly lit city in front of her, contemplating her recent life, with an even colder gaze.

If the Shen Family hadn’t been so heartless, why would she end up tangled with a rich heir like Lin Hao? If it weren’t for that old man from the Shen Family, she would still be the high and mighty Eldest Miss Shen...

One day, she would make the people of the Shen Family pay, especially Shen Qinglan.

After finishing her cigarette, she walked into the bathroom, took another shower to ensure there was no trace of Lin Hao on her, and then went back to bed.

**

"Aunt, why are you here?" Little Douding’s eyes lit up when he saw her, and he ran over, hugging Shen Qinglan’s legs. Shen Qinglan smiled slightly and crouched down to meet Little Douding’s gaze. "Don’t you want Aunt to come?"

Little Douding shook his head vigorously. "I missed you, Aunt." Then he turned to Fu Hengyi, "Hello, Uncle."

Fu Hengyi responded with a gentle voice.

Today was Fu Hengyi’s day off, and Shen Qinglan had remembered Little Douding’s numerous calls to her, which she hadn’t answered. So she decided to join Fu Hengyi. Although Mr. Fu was a bit jealous of the rare day off being shared with Little Douding, he wouldn’t go against his wife’s decision and joined them.

They had already informed Chu Yunjin they’d be taking Little Douding out, so Chu Yunjin did not object. "Hengyi, Qinglan, this boy can be quite demanding, thank you for your trouble today."

"Haohao is very obedient, so aunt, we’ll go now and bring Haohao back in the evening."

Chu Yunjin smiled and nodded. "Goodbye, Haohao."

Little Douding waved to his grandma, "Goodbye, Grandma." Without showing any reluctance, he was all eagerness.

"Uncle, where are we going?" Little Douding nestled in Fu Hengyi’s arms, not that he didn’t want Shen Qinglan to carry him, but Fu Hengyi had said, "Aunt doesn’t have much strength, she can’t carry you."

"We’re going to the amusement park," Fu Hengyi said gently, usually quite mild as long as Little Douding wasn’t competing with him for his wife.

Little Douding’s eyes instantly beamed with joy. "Really? Great! I want to ride the pirate ship and the little train."

"We can, but we need to agree on something first. When we get to the amusement park, you must not wander off from me or your aunt and make us unable to find you, okay?"

Little Douding nodded. "Uncle, if I can’t find you, I’ll go look for a police officer."

"Okay. Or you can look for someone in a uniform in the amusement park."

"Okay okay, I know. Mom and Grandma taught me that," Little Douding said with a smile.

Once at the amusement park, Shen Qinglan went to buy tickets. It was a weekend, and the park was fairly crowded. Little Douding didn’t want to stay in Fu Hengyi’s arms anymore and clamored to walk on his own, so Shen Qinglan held his hand.