The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 420 - 422. See the true face clearly

Chapter 420: 422. See the true face clearly

Lu Jincai had just learned about Shen Junze’s return and wanted to repair their relationship, given that Shen Junze had started getting closer to the Shen Family. Unfortunately, when Lu Jincai personally went to Lu Yaqin’s home to find him, he came up empty-handed.

"You’re saying Jun Ze moved out to live on his own?" Lu Jincai looked coldly at his own sister.

Lu Yaqin nodded weakly, too worn out to summon any spirit. Shen Junze was not even patient enough to answer her calls anymore. She tried calling him, but after a few sentences, he would hang up, either too busy or claiming to have other matters to deal with. Lu Yaqin knew her son was angry because she was close to Lu Jincai, but she was doing this for his own good. The Shen Family couldn’t possibly have genuine intentions toward him, whereas her own brother, who might have gone too far in his actions, had cherished Jun Ze from a young age and had always been extremely good to his nephew. She had confidence that he wouldn’t deceive her.

"What’s wrong with you? Haven’t I already told you? What kind of people are the Shen Family? Do you think they’re sincere in their treatment of Jun Ze? I analyzed the situation so clearly for you before, haven’t you mentioned any of this to Jun Ze?" Lu Jincai couldn’t hide his frustration.

Lu Yaqin hung her head, looking defeated as if someone had sapped her of her vitality, "How could I not have said it? I’ve told Jun Ze so much, but now he’s been brainwashed by the Shen Family people. He doesn’t believe anything I say."

Lu Jincai was at a loss for words looking at his sister. Lu Yaqin looked up at him, "Brother, Jun Ze doesn’t believe us, right? Why don’t you return the company to Jun Ze now and let him manage it himself? Then he would believe us, wouldn’t he?"

Lu Jincai’s gaze turned slightly icy as he scrutinized Lu Yaqin with a probing look, "Is this your idea, or Jun Ze’s?"

"It’s my idea, brother. Jun Ze is very stubborn now. If you don’t take some concrete action, he won’t believe you."

"It’s fine for me to hand over the company to him, but does he have the ability to manage it?"

"He does. Jun Ze has now obtained his MBA, and he’s also interned at Junlan Group for a while. He has both work experience and academic qualifications. Handing over the company to Jun Ze shouldn’t be a problem. If he really isn’t capable of managing the company, and it ends up going bankrupt, we’ll accept that. I believe even Arang, watching from heaven, would not blame Jun Ze." Lu Yaqin had a rare moment of clarity.

Lu Jincai’s probing gaze intensified. Whose idea was this really — Lu Yaqin’s, or Shen Junze’s?

"Brother, what are you thinking?"

Lu Jincai snapped out of his reverie, "I’m considering your proposal. Personally, I don’t mind, but I’m afraid the other shareholders of the company won’t agree. They are mostly concerned about their interests. Let’s do this: I will talk with Jun Ze first. Help me arrange a meeting with him."

"That... Brother, it’s unlikely that Jun Ze will listen to me right now," Lu Yaqin said hesitantly.

An expression of impatience flashed across Lu Jincai’s face, "You just need to arrange a meal with Jun Ze. If it wasn’t for the misunderstanding between him and me, and him not answering my calls, I would have called him personally."

Hearing this, Lu Yaqin hesitated for a while but finally nodded, "Alright then, brother. I’ll arrange for Jun Ze to meet with you. You should talk to him properly. He is very stubborn now and hardly listens to anyone."

Lu Jincai was satisfied and urged Lu Yaqin to make the call.

Shen Junze had just arrived at the head office and was in the process of getting acquainted with everything. He was too busy to have any spare time to chat with Lu Yaqin, so he didn’t even pick up the first two calls. Only on the third attempt did he finally answer.

Hearing that Lu Yaqin wanted to dine with Lu Jincai, Shen Junze initially wanted to refuse. But a quick thought changed his mind, and he agreed.

Lu Yaqin thought she would have to work hard to persuade him, so she was stunned when Shen Junze agreed so readily.

However, Lu Jincai, seeing this, thought that his sister had deliberately mentioned Shen Junze being brainwashed by the Shen Family, all to wrest the Shen enterprise from him. He suddenly felt his sister had grown more scheming.

After arranging the time with Lu Yaqin, Shen Junze called Qinglan, "Sister, I need your advice on some matters," Shen Junze got straight to the point.

Qinglan raised her eyebrow slightly, "Speak."

Shen Junze recounted the whole matter and then asked, "Sister, what should I say when I see him?"

"It’s simple. He said he wanted to hear your opinion, right? Just share your thoughts with him frankly. What if he genuinely wants to help you?"

Shen Junze chuckled bitterly, "Sister, please don’t tease me. I know I was foolish before."

"My advice is to just enjoy the meal. If he’s willing to put on a show for you, there’s no harm in playing along occasionally." Qinglan handed out her advice. Although she still didn’t like Shen Junze very much, he was attempting to mend his ways, and she felt obliged to give him a chance.

Shen Junze understood, hesitated for a bit, and then asked, "Sister, can you accompany me there?" His voice betrayed a hint of insecurity; after all, even if Qinglan refused to help him, it would be entirely reasonable.

"I can. But this will be the first and last time. In the future, you’ll have to handle these matters on your own. I won’t be there to help you."

Shen Junze was overjoyed, "Thank you, sister, thank you."

Qinglan hung up the call and arranged to meet with Chu Yunrong. Anan still needed someone to look after him. To prevent Chu Yunrong from feeling too lonely, Qinglan also invited Pei Yinong and Haohao.

So when they reached the arranged destination, Qinglan ordered the meal for Chu Yunrong and the others first and even joined them for a few bites. After half an hour had passed, she calmly stood up and went to the private room next door.

Lu Jincai had arrived first in the next-door private room. This time he didn’t bring his wife, probably to avoid upsetting Shen Junze, "Did you tell Jun Ze about this time?" Lu Jincai checked his watch while asking Lu Yaqin.

Lu Yaqin nodded, "Yes, it’s this time. Shall I give Jun Ze another call? He might have been delayed on the road."

"Mm, call him."

"There’s no need to call. I’m already here." The door of the private room opened, and Shen Junze appeared at the entrance. Lu Yaqin’s face lit up with joy. She was about to greet him when she saw Qinglan following him in, and her smile instantly froze, "Qing... Qinglan, why did you come?"

Shen Junze spoke first, "I had arranged to have lunch with Sister Qinglan. I thought, since we all know each other, why not have lunch together. Mom, uncle, you wouldn’t mind, right?" He emphasized the word "uncle."

Lu Yaqin’s smile was forced. She wanted to object but turned to look at Lu Jincai. Lu Jincai showed no displeasure whatsoever, "I’m very glad Qinglan could come. Please, have a seat."

Qinglan sat down on one side, speaking indifferently, "President Lu, I don’t think we’re familiar enough to be on a first-name basis. You should call me Miss Shen or Mrs. Fu."

Lu Jincai’s eyes flashed with anger, but he forcefully suppressed it.

Sitting next to Qinglan, Shen Junze heard Qinglan’s words and noticed Lu Jincai’s expression. A sense of pleasure rose in his heart. He had experienced firsthand Qinglan’s way of speaking that could choke someone without owing an apology. Now, seeing Lu Jincai’s demeanour, he almost wanted to laugh out loud, if the setting had been appropriate.

After all, Lu Jincai was a seasoned player in the business world; his displeasure was only momentary, and he quickly returned to normal. He passed the menu to Qinglan, "I’m not sure what you like to eat, so you should order yourself."

Qinglan accepted it without any courtesy and picked out a few dishes.

During the wait for the dishes, the room fell silent. Due to Qinglan’s sudden arrival, Lu Jincai’s plans were disrupted, leaving him temporarily uncertain about how to proceed.

Shen Junze poured water for Qinglan diligently, "Sister, have a glass of water first."

Qinglan declined, "Just leave it there."

Shen Junze placed the glass next to Qinglan’s hand. This scene made Lu Yaqin feel quite uncomfortable. Her own son had never shown her this kind of attentiveness, yet here he was, serving someone else. With this in mind, she felt even more aggrieved.

"Qinglan, is the baby alright with you coming out like this?" Lu Yaqin asked, feigning concern.

Qinglan’s lips curved faintly, "There’s an aunt at home to help take care of the child, and my mom is also there. It’s okay to slack off occasionally."

Lu Yaqin didn’t know what to say next and looked at Lu Jincai for help.

Lu Jincai didn’t bother to talk to Qinglan but turned to Shen Junze instead, "You didn’t call your uncle when you returned to the country; Uncle would have sent someone to pick you up."

Shen Junze’s expression remained indifferent. Although he wanted nothing more than to lash out at Lu Jincai, he kept his temper in check, remembering Qinglan had already told him that if he couldn’t control his emotions, it would be better not to show up.

"I didn’t say it, but Uncle knew anyway." The word ’uncle’ was laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Lu Jincai laughed heartily, "That was your mom who told me. You’ve slimmed down quite a bit after a few months away. Did you have a hard time?" His tone was sympathetic.

Shen Junze was almost nauseated listening to him, especially curious about how this man could say such hypocritical words so naturally and righteously. Qinglan cast a brief glance at Shen Junze, which immediately cooled his head.

"A bit of hardship is nothing for a man. The important thing is to learn some real skills. During my trip abroad, I indeed learned quite a lot. I hope to have the opportunity to ask Uncle for guidance sometime."

Lu Jincai laughed loudly, as if he didn’t understand the deeper meaning of his words, patting Shen Junze on the shoulder with great satisfaction, "Our Junze is really grown up now, sensible. The Shen Family really knows how to discipline."

He used the word "discipline," blatantly stirring up trouble. In the past, Shen Junze might have taken the bait, but now, he did not even flinch at these words. Lu Jincai was slightly surprised. Had this nephew really grown wiser?

The meal was already half-finished, but Lu Jincai just wouldn’t bring up the purpose of today’s gathering, instead acting out a familial drama with Shen Junze here, starting from Shen Junze’s childhood stories, one incident after another, with Lu Yaqin occasionally chiming in to add some details.

Shen Junze found the whole thing dull and tasteless, to the point where even the food felt as flavorless as wax, whereas Shen Qinglan was enjoying her meal thoroughly. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a free storytelling session and dramatic performance?

"Uncle, didn’t you say you wanted to hand over the company to me? Let’s talk about that," Shen Junze finally lost patience completely.

Lu Jincai’s expression stiffened, and he forced a smile, "Jun Ze, hear your uncle out. I have no intention of monopolizing your dad’s company, and I’ve discussed this with your mom too. You can come back to the company now. The position of deputy general manager has always been reserved for you. You can start there and gain some experience for a few years, and after your capabilities are sufficient, my position will be yours."

Shen Junze gave a forced smile, "That’s different from what my mom told me. She said you would return the company to me, and you would leave the company. That’s why I agreed to meet and have a meal with you."

Lu Jincai turned abruptly to look at Lu Yaqin, who, upon seeing her son, couldn’t understand why he would say such a thing. Just as she was about to explain, her eyes met Shen Junze’s, which contained a warning, and Lu Yaqin promptly shut her mouth, inadvertently confirming Shen Junze’s words.

This exchange in Lu Jincai’s eyes became a trap set by Lu Yaqin and Shen Junze in collusion, forcing him to hand over the company. Normally, Lu Jincai would have had no qualms, but with Shen Qinglan also present, he was momentarily unsure of her intention. To say she was there to support Shen Junze didn’t seem right since she hadn’t spoken a word throughout; and to say she wasn’t, then her presence there today made no sense.

If the Shen Family were just bystanders, it would have been fine, but if they sided with Shen Junze, it wouldn’t be good news for him.

Lu Jincai tried to suppress his anger, but the presence of Shen Qinglan didn’t allow him to vent, almost smothering himself with frustration.

Forcing down his anger, Lu Jincai continued, "Jun Ze, it’s not that your uncle isn’t willing to give you the company, but rather your current work experience is insufficient. Think about it, you’re meant to be the boss of the company, but the content of your internships these past few months has nothing to do with it. How can you make people in the company believe in you?"

"I don’t need Uncle to worry about this. Although I’ve been doing the most basic work these past few months, it’s exactly this kind of work that forges a person the most. My abilities have been recognized by Brother Jun Yu, and I think you should respect what he says," Shen Junze calmly retorted.

Shen Qinglan didn’t speak, but a look of satisfaction flashed in her eyes as she watched Shen Junze’s performance, pleased with his progress over the past few months.

"President Shen is certainly correct. How about this, you first come and work as the deputy general manager so everyone can get to know you and see your capabilities. Achieving something will also be a way to prove yourself to them, right?" Lu Jincai continued to persuade Shen Junze to join the company, thinking that the Shen Family was now under his control. Even if Shen Junze took the position of deputy general manager, he would be nothing more than a nominal titleholder, and Lu Jincai would manipulate him as he pleased. Even if the Shen Family found out, they could not criticize his lack of ability to shoulder heavy responsibilities.

Another advantage of this plan was to forge relations with the Shen Family. Over the past few months, Lu Jincai felt, perhaps mistakenly, that Junlan Group seemed to be deliberately targeting the Shen Family, snatching several good projects they had been interested in midway.

If Shen Junze indeed repaired his relationship with the Shen Family, then on his return, he could ease the tensions between the Shen Family and Junlan Group. This was also why Lu Jincai had been so eager to mend fences upon seeing Shen Junze return to the country.

In truth, in Lu Jincai’s eyes, Shen Junze was a valuable nephew only when he could be used; otherwise, he was nothing.

Shen Qinglan’s lips curved into a faint smirk; she understood Lu Jincai’s intentions very well and simply refrained from pointing them out, opting to observe Shen Junze’s approach to the situation.

Shen Junze was not swayed by Lu Jincai’s attempts, which was partly Lu Jincai’s own fault—having previously treated Shen Junze too harshly and leaving no leeway, repairing the relationship now would not be so simple.

Shen Junze’s expression turned cold, "Uncle, don’t bother with these unrealistic notions to sway me. There are only two choices. First, you hand over the company to me voluntarily and step away from it, and I will leave you with a sum of money enough to provide a prosperous life for you and your two children. The second option is for me to take back the company myself, leaving you with nothing, potentially losing everything, and your wife and children ending up on the streets. The choice is yours."

The fake smile on Lu Jincai’s face could no longer be maintained as he stared fixedly at the Shen Junze before him, his eyes cold as ice. Lu Yaqin saw that the atmosphere had turned sour and tried to smooth things over.

"Jun Ze, how can you speak to your uncle like that? We’re all one family; is there anything that can’t be discussed nicely? Your uncle is not your class enemy; do you have to treat him this way? He is your real uncle, and he has cherished you since you were a child. Have you forgotten?"

Shen Junze looked at Lu Yaqin with deep disappointment in his eyes, "Mom, it’s you who have forgotten how he treated me back then. Without my dad, what was he? Nothing but a hoodlum, a gangster. Maybe by now, he would have been beaten to death or stuck in prison if it weren’t for the life he’s living now. But instead of being grateful, right when my dad’s body was still warm, he snatched away the company my dad left for me. He says nice things, saying he will give the company back to me, but ask him yourself, will it be the company of the past or just a debt-ridden empty shell?"

"It can’t be, your uncle wouldn’t do that to you," Lu Yaqin couldn’t believe, or perhaps, didn’t want to believe such a thing. Naturally, she felt closer to her own brother compared to the Shen Family, even though she also knew in her heart that getting the company back completely was an impossibility.

"Jun Ze, I think it’s the Shen Family that has brainwashed you," Lu Yaqin became furious, regardless of Shen Qinglan’s presence, she let out her true feelings.

"Mom, I think you’re the one who has been brainwashed. I used to be blind, unable to distinguish good from bad people, but now I can see clearly. How about you?" Shen Junze confronted his own mother, and there were some things he had wanted to say for a long time.

"Now, I can understand why Grandpa was against you marrying my dad. It wasn’t because Grandpa despised the poor and loved the rich but because he saw early on that you were a foolish person, unable to discern right from wrong, black from white. If my dad were alive, I’d really like to ask him if he regretted marrying you."

"Slap!" A loud slap landed on Shen Junze’s face. Lu Yaqin, with her chest heaving violently with anger, exclaimed, "Shen Junze, who am I to you? I am your birth mother, who carried you in my womb for ten months. And this is how you speak to your mother?"

Shen Junze covered his face with his hand, head bowed, silent.

Lu Yaqin’s anger had not subsided. Today, Shen Junze’s words truly enraged her. She turned to Shen Qinglan, "So this is your Shen Family’s goal, isn’t it? To snatch my son away from my side. If that’s your goal, congratulations, you’ve achieved it. I’ve raised an ungrateful wolf."

Shen Qinglan’s expression was indifferent as she gave Lu Yaqin a cold glance, "Second Aunt, I call you ’Second Aunt’ out of respect for you being my Second Uncle’s wife. You know very well what’s going on, so why lie through your teeth? Or should I spell it out?"

"If you have something to say, say it clearly. Don’t beat around the bush," Lu Yaqin, this time truly incensed. Her nature could be described as gentle, but unpleasantly put, weak. Today she even managed to lash out at Shen Qinglan, which essentially was directing her anger at the Shen family towards Shen Qinglan.

A slight, mocking smile graced Shen Qinglan’s lips, "Lu Jincai embezzled my Second Uncle’s company, and you know it but still believe he will give the company back. It’s nothing but self-deception, seeking assurance, hoping to keep the comfortable life you have now. When you first returned with Second Uncle, you probably thought that after so many years, the Shen Family must have accepted you by then. To your dismay, fate toyed with you, and Second Uncle was diagnosed with a terminal illness, soon to be out of this world. You might have thought that once Second Uncle passed away, the Shen Family would take pity on you and your son for his sake. However, Jun Ze turned out to be a failure, doing wrong and falling out of Grandpa’s favor, and so the Shen Family completely closed its doors to you."

Lu Yaqin’s complexion turned pale, her head shaking as Shen Qinglan continued, "Then you pinned your hopes on Lu Jincai, after all, he’s your only blood brother, and with the Lu Family, you’d at least be an "insider," unlike within the Shen Family where you are an outsider. But then Lu Jincai coveted Second Uncle’s company, even ousted Shen Junze from the company. You were furious with Lu Jincai’s actions but never dared to fight back, fearing that you’d lose even this last refuge if you did. You’d rather have your own son be a bootlicking dog under Lu Jincai, a useless waste, just to maintain such a life."

"That’s not true, it’s not! You’re talking nonsense; Jun Ze is my only son, my hope for the second half of my life. How could I wish for him to be ruined?" Lu Yaqin’s face was nearly transparent, her eyes frantic, but such a look in Shen Junze’s eyes only made Lu Yaqin seem more guilty.

He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Could it be that his own mother cared so little about him, just so she could lead the life of a rich lady?

"Am I talking nonsense?" Shen Qinglan coolly retorted, "Back when Lu Jincai just swallowed the company, you begged Grandpa. Grandpa said that the Shen Family would help him as long as you left Shen Junze, without seeing him anymore, and you wouldn’t have to worry about your own life. You refused Grandpa with your own words."

Old Sir Shen had personally mentioned this to Shen Junze as well, but at that time, Shen Junze couldn’t understand Old Sir Shen’s intentions and only felt that he was too cruel and heartless, wishing to tear apart a family bond.

"Shen Qinglan, don’t spew nonsense. Jun Ze, listen to your mother. Everything she said is not true. Everything I’ve done is for your good. You must believe in your mother."

Shen Junze no longer knew who to believe. His mind was a mess; he couldn’t tell who was speaking the truth and who was lying. But in his mind, the scenes of his mother’s behavior ever since Lu Jincai took over the company gradually came to life, and the scales were tipping.

Lu Jincai was still reeling from the sudden shift in focus. Moments ago, it was Shen Junze who was condemning him, yet in the blink of an eye, the conflict had transformed into a battle between Shen Qinglan and Lu Yaqin. This situation offered him no advantage; if Lu Yaqin completely offended the Shen Family, even bringing Shen Junze back would be useless.

Considering this, Lu Jincai could no longer afford to remain angry with Shen Junze. He hastily grasped Lu Yaqin’s hand, "Yaqin, please hold back your words a bit."

With Lu Jincai speaking up, Lu Yaqin did stop, but the look she cast towards Shen Qinglan was filled with fury.

Shen Qinglan was indifferent, and looking at Lu Jincai and Lu Yaqin, she spoke calmly, "I’ll remind you of something; the share proxy agreement and the stock transfer agreement that Second Uncle left me with—I haven’t signed them yet. As soon as I put my signature on those agreements and then transfer the shares to Shen Junze, he will immediately become the largest shareholder of the Shen Family business. This agreement is not like the fake one you previously had forged; it can withstand legal scrutiny."

The inevitable had arrived. Lu Jincai mentally sighed. This was his gravest concern—Lawyer Xiao was incorruptible, and no matter the effort, he could not obtain the genuine agreement. Although the forged agreement was convincing, fake was fake. Furthermore, the credibility would skyrocket if Shen Qinglan and Lawyer Xiao personally came forward to verify it.

This wouldn’t do; he had worked diligently to acquire everything he had today, and he wouldn’t allow anyone to snatch it away. A glint flashed in the depths of Lu Jincai’s eyes as he formed a plan.

"Jun Ze, everyone is not calm today, I think it’s best for us to go home," Lu Jincai suggested amicably, and then he ushered Lu Yaqin to leave.

"Sister, was my performance today a disappointment to you?" Shen Junze’s voice was low, the swelling on his face still evident.

Shen Qinglan’s expression remained neutral, "You did alright. Your mind wasn’t muddled."

Shen Junze gave a bitter smile, "In your eyes, was I always a fool beyond hope?"

"You seem to have a good grasp of self-awareness."

"Heh, Sister Qinglan, do you know why I used to hate you so much? It’s that look on your face. You always appeared as an outsider, observing me. It made me feel like I was some sort of clown, performing clumsy acts without even the right to entertain."

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow, realizing for the first time that others had perceived her in that way; back in college, her classmates and teachers simply thought of her as aloof.

"Now I know that I was indeed a clown," Shen Junze confessed dejectedly, taking a large gulp of alcohol from the glass on the table.

"I know that none of you liked me—Grandfather, Uncle, Aunt, Brother Jun Yu, you... I used to think it was because of my mother, only to realize later that it was because of myself."

Shen Qinglan noticed the moisture on the back of his hand, her gaze flickered, and she handed him a glass of water, "To err is human, to forgive divine. You’re still young, with a chance to start anew. I can’t say that I’m entirely unbothered by what you’ve done, but I’ve seen your efforts, and I forgive you."

Shen Junze looked up at her, his eyes slightly red, "Sister Qinglan, are you serious? Despite the horrible things I’ve done, you’re willing to forgive me?"

"Yes, I’ve forgiven you, but if there’s a next time, even for Grandfather’s sake, I won’t let you off."

Shen Junze’s eyes brightened, "If there’s a next time, let me be damned."

Shen Qinglan looked at him speechlessly, handing him a tissue, "Wipe your face. Now that everything’s out in the open, Lu Jincai will definitely be desperate and may try to shift the company’s assets, leaving you with an empty shell. What’s your plan?"

When it comes to serious matters, Shen Junze’s expression turned solemn, "I don’t have the ability to contend with him right now. If he really transfers the assets, I’ll be unable to do anything. But I’m not going to let it go like this. Whatever he has pocketed now, I will make him spit out twice as much in the future."

"If you need help, you can ask me anytime."

Shen Junze shook his head, "Thanks, Sister, but this time I want to rely on myself. I want to prove to my dad that I’m not a waste. His son, Shen Rang, has never been a waste."

Seeing Shen Junze like this, Qinglan reflected on the brash and ignorant second-generation heir she first met and felt somewhat emotional.

"Sister, you probably didn’t enjoy this meal much, right? Let me take you out to eat. I just received my salary from last month. Although I can’t afford to treat you to a grand feast, I can still afford a meal."

"No need, my mom and my cousin are in the next private room. We’ll leave together later. You should head home early. As for how to deal with your mom..."

"Don’t worry, Sister. After all, she’s my birth mother. I won’t neglect her, but I will just visit home less in the future."

Qinglan nodded her head and left with Shen Junze. Shen Junze went to greet Chu Yunrong and the others in the private room.

Anan finally saw his mother and could no longer stay still in Chu Yunrong’s arms. He flung himself into Qinglan’s embrace, and she held him. Shen Junze watched them blankly, "Sister, is this your son?"

Qinglan nodded, "Yes, his name is Fu Chenxuan, but we call him Anan."

"He’s really cute," Shen Junze said, meeting Anan’s clear and innocent eyes, then suddenly looked down awkwardly. Such a precious little life had nearly been destroyed by his own hands.

Anan called out ’ah’ and extended a small hand. Shen Junze reached out and clasped it. The little one’s skin was soft and smooth, making Shen Junze feel as though he’d been scalded, and he quickly withdrew his hand.

"Uh, Sister, I’ll be going first." Shen Junze nearly fled the private room.

"Jun Ze is leaving already?" Chu Yunrong asked.

Qinglan’s expression was indifferent, "Yes. We should go too, Mom. Weren’t you saying this morning that you wanted to buy clothes for Anan?"

"Oh, right, right. Let’s go quickly," said Chu Yunrong, successfully diverted by Qinglan. Pei Yinong followed them with her son.

Haohao quickly caught up to Qinglan and stood beside her. "Auntie, the little brother was very good today. He didn’t cry at all."

Qinglan looked down at Haohao, "And was Haohao well-behaved today? Did you eat on time?"

Haohao nodded, "Yes, I ate a whole bowl of rice today, but the little brother wanted some too, and I didn’t give it to him."

"Right, the little brother is still too small to eat..." Qinglan said as she walked and chatted with Haohao. The mall was next door, so it only took a few minutes to get there. They headed straight for the children’s clothes on the second floor, bought two sets for Haohao, and then went to the baby store on the first floor to pick out clothes for Anan.

"Qinglan, what do you think of this one?" Pei Yinong asked, holding a light gray outfit in her hand.

Qinglan glanced at it and was about to say it looked good when she saw Mrs. Jiang passing by the store with a girl, who was clinging to Mrs. Jiang’s arm with an intimate posture.

Perhaps noticing Qinglan’s gaze, Mrs. Jiang looked over, recognized her, and then noticed Pei Yinong standing beside her. After a moment, she walked over, "Qinglan, I didn’t expect to run into you here. What a coincidence."

Qinglan smiled, "Aunt Jiang, my mom, my cousin, and I are out shopping. Have you finished your shopping?"

Mrs. Jiang chuckled, "Yes, this is Wan Jiao, she’s my friend’s daughter and also Chenxi’s girlfriend." She cast a sideways glance at Pei Yinong as she spoke.

Qinglan’s eyes flickered subtly, and the girl called Wan Jiao, upon hearing Mrs. Jiang’s words, smiled shyly with joy in her eyes. It was apparent that she was fond of Jiang Chenxi, "I saw Chenxi just the other day without a girlfriend, and now it seems in just a few days he has moved quickly."

Mrs. Jiang said, "Fate is such a strange thing. Wan Jiao just recently came back home. She’s been studying out of town. It seems that those two have always been childhood friends."

Pei Yinong’s hand, holding the clothes, tightened gradually, but her face gave nothing away.

Qinglan’s lips curved slightly, "Chenxi has kept it so well hidden; I’d never heard him mention it before."

"Previously, Wan Jiao was too young, but now that she’s graduated, we’re thinking of picking a date to make it official."

"Well, when the time comes, don’t forget to let me know. Such good news shouldn’t be missed."

"Of course, of course. As soon as we set a date, we’ll let you know. Wan Jiao and I have some time now, so we’ll take our leave."

"Goodbye, Aunt Jiang."

Qinglan watched Mrs. Jiang and Wan Jiao leave, then turned to Pei Yinong, "Cousin, are you all right?"

Pei Yinong set down the clothes, her demeanor indifferent, "What could be wrong with me? This outcome is fine. I sincerely wish him the best."

Qinglan sighed softly, it seemed that Jiang Chenxi and her cousin’s affair would still take some time to resolve.

"Auntie." Haohao called out to Qinglan from a distance. Qinglan looked in the direction of his voice to see Haohao holding Chu Yunrong’s hand, having just been taken to the restroom.

Qinglan smiled, and Chu Yunrong went to pick out clothes for Anan. Haohao signaled to Qinglan, who crouched down with Anan in her arms. Lowering his voice, Haohao whispered, "Auntie, I think I saw Granny Jiang just now. I called out to her, but she ignored me."

Qinglan’s eyes flickered softly, "You must have seen someone else by mistake. Granny Jiang likes you so much, how could she ignore you?"