The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 447 - 449. Anan’s First Birthday Banquet

Chapter 447: 449. Anan’s First Birthday Banquet

"Mm, I will, thank you, Auntie," Shen Jun Ze said with a face full of warm smile.

"Many young people have arrived today; you should chat more with them. These are all the talented youths of Beijing, and it would benefit you to get to know some of them," she genuinely offered to help.

Shen Jun Ze smiled and nodded, "Thank you for the tip, Auntie."

Chu Yunjin looked at Shen Jun Ze’s figure from behind, and remarked sentimentally, "When I first saw the disaster this kid had become, I thought a perfectly fine child was ruined. But I never expected to see such a transformation in him."

"Indeed, I am also surprised. After all, he’s Shen Rang’s only child. If he really was ruined, I guess the person most heartbroken would be Old Sir Shen. Now that I see he has become sensible, I also feel relieved."

Shen Jun Ze, of course, was unaware of their evaluation of him. He went straight to find Shen Qinglan, "Sister."

Shen Qinglan replied with a hum, "Did you come by yourself?"

Shen Jun Ze scratched his head, "My mom wasn’t feeling well today, so she didn’t come." In truth, since today was the Fu Family’s home court, his mom wasn’t suitable to appear here, so he hadn’t let her come with him.

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan nodded her head without saying much, only advising, "Many talented young people are here today; you should go and make some friends with them." This was the same as what Chu Yunrong had said.

Shen Jun Ze nodded, "I’ll go see Grandpa first, where is he?"

"He’s resting in the guest room, the second one on the left."

Shen Jun Ze went to find Old Sir Shen.

Naturally, the banquet today couldn’t go without the Pei Family and the Jiang Family.

Jiang Chenxi arrived somewhat late. The moment he arrived, Shen Qinglan instantly noticed the girl by his mother’s side. That girl was none other than "Wan Jiao," who had been accompanying Mrs. Jiang at the mall when she and Chu Yunrong encountered her.

"Qinglan, we’re late, sorry about that," Mrs. Jiang said somewhat apologetically.

Shen Qinglan chuckled, "You’re not late, you’re right on time." She turned to the girl beside Mrs. Jiang, "And who is this?"

"Oh, let me introduce you. This is Chenxi’s girlfriend, Chen Wanqiao. Wan Jiao, this is..."

"Auntie, no need for introductions, I know Mrs. Fu. Hello Mrs. Fu, I really like your paintings," Chen Wanqiao extended her hand with a gentle smile.

One does not hit the hand that’s extended with a smile; Shen Qinglan reached out and shook her hand lightly, "Thank you."

All this time, Jiang Chenxi had not opposed his mother’s claims, seemingly accepting that Chen Wanqiao was his girlfriend by default, which made Shen Qinglan pay even more attention to the fact that Jiang Chenxi hadn’t sought out Pei Yinong from the beginning until now, which was very unlike the Jiang Chenxi of the past who always sought Pei Yinong out first.

What was going on that she didn’t know about?

After inviting the Jiang Family inside, Shen Qinglan turned to Fu Hengyi, "You really don’t know what’s going on?"

Fu Hengyi looked innocent, "I really don’t know, I haven’t seen Chenxi for several months."

Shen Qinglan thought it made sense. She hadn’t seen Pei Yinong herself for some time. It would be better to ask Pei Yinong about it later.

"Qinglan." Someone called Shen Qinglan’s name. She turned around and saw Fang Tong arm in arm with Li Bomming approaching. Shen Qinglan smiled, "When did you get back?"

"Arrived last night. I certainly couldn’t miss my godson’s first birthday," Fang Tong said with a smile.

"Come inside. Anan is with my Grandpa, and Xiao Xuan and Han Yi will arrive later." Han Yi had just called saying he was delayed and would be a bit late.

Fang Tong nodded, "She told me as well. I’ll go see Anan first."

Sure enough, not much later, Han Yi arrived with Yu Xiaoxuan in tow. Han Yi, carrying his daughter, looked beamingly at Fu Hengyi, "Fu Hengyi, this is my daughter, Guoguo."

The pride in his voice was palpable, and it made Shen Qinglan really want to kick Han Yi out, knowing full well that Fu Hengyi desperately wanted a daughter but hadn’t gotten one, yet here was Han Yi needling him.

"And she’s Anan’s future wife," Yu Xiaoxuan added.

Fu Hengyi’s face, which had darkened at Han Yi’s words, lit up instantly at Yu Xiaoxuan’s comment, giving Han Yi a look that seemed to say, "So what if you have a daughter, she’s still going to be my daughter-in-law."

Han Yi’s face stiffened as he snorted lightly, "The children might not be willing to listen to you."

Yu Xiaoxuan secretly pinched Han Yi’s waist, causing him to wince in pain and fall silent.

Yu Xiaoxuan smiled, "Qinglan, we’ll go inside first."

Shen Qinglan smiled and nodded. Once everyone had left, she turned to Fu Hengyi, noticing the lingering gloom in his expression. She took his hand, "Actually, we could have another daughter." Her voice was intentionally lowered.

Little did she know that upon hearing this, Fu Hengyi’s gaze shifted immediately, "No need, one child, Anan, is enough for us." He spoke without hesitation.

Shen Qinglan realized that Fu Hengyi was still troubled by the incident during childbirth. She tightened her grip on his hand, "Fu Hengyi, that was an accident." If it hadn’t been for Qin Yan’s behind-the-scenes meddling, she would’ve delivered Anan safely and smoothly.

Fu Hengyi shook his head, "A son is also good." His words had no indication of planning for a second child, leaving Shen Qinglan’s gaze filled with regret. It seemed her plan for having a second child had to be put on hold for now. Shen Qinglan only wished to have a second child because she felt one child was too lonely; having siblings growing up together seemed better.

"Qinglan, let me tell you, don’t even think about having a second child. I won’t agree," Fu Hengyi warned her seriously.

Shen Qinglan was speechless, "Without your cooperation, can I give birth on my own? Do you think I’m the Queen of the Kingdom of Women?"

Fu Hengyi touched his nose, worried that Shen Qinglan might use her charms on him. He had no resistance to her, and if she really set her mind on seducing him, it was very likely he would take the bait.

Shen Junyu was the last to arrive; Mrs. Wen went up to embrace Shen Qinglan, "Was our flight delayed? We’re not late, are we?"

Shen Qinglan smiled and shook her head, "No, you’re right on time, Auntie, please go inside."

The guests had mostly arrived, and Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi walked in. Anan was playing with Pei Hao, the two children sat in a room prepared especially for them, with Pei Hao teaching Anan how to play with jigsaw puzzles.

"Aunty," Pei Hao called out upon seeing Shen Qinglan, Anan turned her head to look at her mother, grinned with a smile that showed off her little canines, "Mommy."

Shen Qinglan returned the smile slightly, squatting down and touching Anan’s head, "Play nicely with your brother; Mommy will come back for you later."

Anan nodded obediently, "Brother."

Hearing Anan’s call, Pei Hao’s eyes curved into a smile, "Aunty, little brother called me brother."

"Mhmm, so you two play here, I’ll come to get you when the banquet begins. If you get hungry, there are snacks and fruits over here."

"Thank you, Aunty," said Pei Hao, eyes twinkling with joy.

Shen Qinglan patted his head and went to find Pei Yinong, who was talking with Chu Yunrong.

Shen Qinglan didn’t say a word but stood next to Chu Yunrong, sizing up Pei Yinong. Pei Yinong, noticing Shen Qinglan’s gaze, turned her head to her, "Qinglan, is there something on my face?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head. It was strange that there was nothing, she didn’t believe Pei Yinong hadn’t noticed Chen Wanqiao, who came with the Jiang family, but Pei Yinong’s expression was indeed too composed at the moment.

However, the banquet soon began, and Shen Qinglan didn’t have the time to ask Pei Yinong what had happened. Today was Anan’s first birthday celebration, and as a mother, Shen Qinglan naturally had to be by Anan’s side.

The two Old Sirs spoke some words of blessing first, then a large table was brought in, placed in the center of the venue, and various little items were placed on the table.

It was time for the Zhuazhou ceremony. Although Shen Qinglan didn’t really believe in these things, she knew it was a traditional ritual, putting Anan down to let him choose for himself.

Many people were seeing the precious little grandson of the Fu Family up close for the first time. Precious, indeed, the only child of the fourth generation of the Fu Family, and the only heir of the fourth generation of the Shen Family, born to Old Sir Shen’s most beloved granddaughter. It’s said that as soon as the child was born, the two Old Sirs prepared a mountain of gifts for the little one, even including several houses, so it was said.

If Shen Qinglan heard these rumors, she would have been both amused and exasperated. Indeed, the two Old Sirs prepared quite a few gifts for Anan, but it certainly wasn’t as exaggerated as houses.

Everyone watched Anan, who, despite being stared at by so many people, wasn’t afraid at all. He crawled around on the table, curious about the items surrounding him.

He glanced at Shen Qinglan from time to time, and she gave him an encouraging look. Lowering his head again to look at the objects on the table, he casually picked up a pen, looked at it for a while, even removed the cap, and just as people thought he had chosen the pen, he put it back and continued crawling forward. The table was full of things: a Mini Golden Abacus, brushes and ink, a toy piano, car keys...even a toy gun, very small, the kind that hung on a keychain, which Han Yi had casually taken off his own keychain and placed there.

Anan seemed very interested in the gun and played with it for a long time. Seeing this, the others remarked, "Old Fu, looks like the little one is going to follow in his father’s footsteps."

Upon hearing this, Old Sir Fu’s smile widened until his eyes nearly disappeared. He had spent his lifetime in the armed forces, dedicating the most glorious and youthful years of his life to the country and the military. The military was in his blood, and even though his own son had died in the line of duty, leaving him to mourn the loss, he still found it to be a matter of pride.

If Anan were to grow up and join the military to fulfill his ambitions, Old Sir Fu would be very pleased.

However, before Old Sir Fu could speak, Anan threw away the toy handgun and picked up a set of car keys. He crawled toward Shen Qinglan and offered the car keys to her. Shen Qinglan accepted the key, and Anan revealed a grin, then turned his gaze back to the table full of objects.

This time, Anan picked up a golden abacus. The abacus was quite small, no bigger than a child’s palm. Anan inspected it from every angle and even shook it up and down a couple of times, making the beads clash with a metallic sound, which amused Anan into giggles.

Han Yi found it amusing and reached out to take the abacus from Anan’s hands, but Anan clutched the abacus tightly against his chest, staring intently at Han Yi, "Anan’s."

This statement made everyone present burst into laughter, and Anan, not knowing why everyone was laughing, joined in with giggles.

Shen Qinglan looked at her son with a smile in her eyes and whispered to Fu Hengyi, "I never would have guessed our son is a little money-grubber. I wonder whom he gets that from?"

"Definitely not me," Fu Hengyi said morosely, also pondering who their son’s materialistic personality resembled, as neither he nor Qinglan had such a trait.

Shen Qinglan’s attention returned to the abacus now held tightly in Anan’s embrace and suddenly remembered that the abacus seemed to have been sent by Shen Junyu. Turning her head to look at her brother, indeed she saw her own brother watching his nephew with a smug expression, even his usual refined demeanor had faded.

"Hahaha, Old Fu, it looks like your family will produce a business elite in the future," a man in his sixties said to Old Sir Fu with a laugh.

Old Sir Fu stroked his beard and smiled, "All is well, all is well. Whatever the children choose is for the best."

Anan, holding onto the abacus, glanced at Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi, but this time he did not give the abacus to Shen Qinglan. It seemed he truly liked this abacus as he hugged it and began crawling toward Han Yi.

When he came to Han Yi, he halted. Han Yi, thinking Anan wanted to give him the abacus, stretched out his hand, "It seems Anan’s favorite person is definitely me."

Anan didn’t even glance at Han Yi’s hand and shakily got up, standing on the table. Fang Tong quickly stepped forward, reaching out to guard Anan in case he accidentally fell off the table.

Anan teetered forward with a few wobbly steps but aimed for Yu Xiaoxuan. He grabbed onto the clothes of Guoguo, who was being cradled in Yu Xiaoxuan’s arms and didn’t let go.

Han Yi’s face darkened slightly as he watched Anan grab hold of his own daughter’s clothes, feeling an urge to step forward and pry his hand away.

"Sister," uttered Anan in his soft voice, recalling when Yu Xiaoxuan had arrived, Shen Qinglan had shown Anan Yu Xiaoxuan’s daughter, telling him she was just a sister. To their surprise, Anan had remembered.

Anan offered the small abacus he held in his hand to Yu Xiaoxuan, who tentatively reached out to accept it, "For sister?"

To everyone’s amazement, Anan seemed to understand and even nodded. Yu Xiaoxuan’s laughter curved her eyes, and she looked towards Shen Qinglan, giving her an "I told you, we’re destined to be relatives" look.

Shen Qinglan could only offer a helpless smile in return.

Having chosen his favorite item, Anan now showed little interest in the other things on the table. He reached out towards Shen Qinglan, asking to be held, "Mommy, hold."

Shen Qinglan lifted her son into her arms. Anan, nestled against Shen Qinglan’s neck, began to yawn; he had been woken up early that morning and hadn’t napped at noon, so he was truly tired.

Seeing this, Old Sir Fu said, "You go ahead and take Anan upstairs for a rest."

Shen Qinglan nodded and went upstairs with Aunt Liu. The child’s room had been prepared when the house was first renovated, and Shen Qinglan laid Anan down on the bed. He fell asleep quickly. Just as she reached the door, Yu Xiaoxuan came up with her child in her arms. "Qinglan, Guoguo has also fallen asleep. Let her sleep with Anan."

"Sure, I was just about to ask Aunt Liu to watch over the kids," said Shen Qinglan.

After placing Guoguo beside Anan, the two children nestled together in slumber. Watching over two sleeping children wasn’t a difficult task for Aunt Liu. After confirming that both kids were sound asleep, Shen Qinglan and Yu Xiaoxuan headed downstairs.

**

The banquet tonight was buffet-style, leading to a relaxed atmosphere downstairs. Jiang Chenxi came, delivered her gift and blessings, then found a corner for herself.

"Chenxi, you’re here," said Chen Wanqiao, holding a glass of wine and looking at Jiang Chenxi with a face full of surprise. "I’ve been looking for you for a while. Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"

Jiang Chenxi smiled. "It’s quiet here."

Chen Wanqiao sat down beside her. "I also find it a bit loud. I don’t know those people, and I can’t join their conversations. I might as well sit with you here for a while."

Jiang Chenxi didn’t refuse, and Chen Wanqiao placed her wine glass aside. "Chenxi, are you good friends with this Miss Shen from the Shen Family?" she asked.

Jiang Chenxi shook her head. "No, she’s my sister-in-law. I’m friends with Hengyi."

"Oh, I was thinking if you were acquainted with her, could you introduce me? I really like her paintings," Chen Wanqiao said, seemingly a bit embarrassed, looking down. "I don’t want to buy her paintings or anything, I just genuinely admire her and would like to get to know her."

"If you want to meet her, I’ll introduce you later," Jiang Chenxi said indifferently.

Chen Wanqiao’s eyes lit up with surprise. "Really? You can really introduce us?"

In her excitement, she linked her arm with Jiang Chenxi’s. Jiang Chenxi’s gaze fell on her hand, and noticing her own forwardness, Chen Wanqiao quickly withdrew her hand. "I just got too excited just now."

Jiang Chenxi gave a gentle smile. "It’s okay." He was a true gentleman, who never made others uncomfortable.

Chen Wanqiao stared at the faint smile at the corner of Jiang Chenxi’s lips, looking dazed.

However, Jiang Chenxi had already looked away, gazing into the distance with unfocused eyes, clearly lost in thought.

Chen Wanqiao’s expression dimmed. Although Mrs. Jiang had publicly claimed that she was Jiang Chenxi’s girlfriend, Jiang Chenxi himself had never acknowledged it. Since her return, several months had passed, yet the number of times she had gone out to dine with Jiang Chenxi could be counted on one hand.

Returning from her thoughts, Chen Wanqiao realized that Jiang Chenxi was also in a daze. Following his gaze, she could only see the mingling crowd and had no idea what he had been looking at just before.

"Chenxi, the weekend after next is coming up. I’ve bought tickets for a concert. Do you have time to go with me?" Chen Wanqiao hesitated for a long time before mustering the courage to speak.

Jiang Chenxi came back to reality and looked at her. "I’m sorry, but I have prior engagements that day and won’t be able to make it."

Chen Wanqiao looked despondent, "Fine, I’ll keep the ticket for you. If you have time that day, just give me a call."

"Wanqiao, you don’t have to wait for me, I really am busy that day. You should ask another friend to go with you."

"Chenxi, do you really dislike me that much?" Her tone was tinged with despair.

Jiang Chenxi shook his head, "No, you’re overthinking it. I don’t dislike you." It was just that he didn’t like her either.

"Then why do you always reject me? I have invited you ten times, and nine times you’ve refused." The only time he didn’t was because Mrs. Jiang was there and it was difficult to say no. Thinking of this, Chen Wanqiao felt wronged. She was also a lady of both beauty and talent, and there was certainly no shortage of people pursuing her. Before returning to the country, she had never thought she would care about a man and be so cautious around him, just to get him to take one more glance at her.

"Wanqiao, I’ve already said what needs to be said. Don’t waste your time on me. A girl’s youth is precious. Instead of wasting it on me, you should find someone who loves you."

Chen Wanqiao stared blankly at Jiang Chenxi as if unsure how to react. "Chenxi, do you have someone you like?" She couldn’t think of any other reason why Jiang Chenxi would reject her time and again.

"Yes." Jiang Chenxi admitted straightforwardly. In matters of affection, hesitance was the last thing one needed.

At that moment, Chen Wanqiao didn’t know whether to cry or laugh, presenting a strangely distorted expression on her face.

"Wanqiao, I’m really sorry for only telling you now."

"No, it has nothing to do with you. You’ve told me before that you don’t like me. I just always thought that we hadn’t spent enough time together, that you didn’t understand me. But Chenxi, can you tell me if I still have a chance?"

"I’m sorry, Wanqiao," said Jiang Chenxi with apology.

Chen Wanqiao immediately understood. She tried to twist her mouth into a smile, but it looked worse than crying. "You don’t have to apologize. It was just my wishful thinking. I’ll talk to your aunt. I’ll say that I’ve realized our personalities aren’t very compatible. I believe she won’t make things difficult for you. If I’ve caused you any trouble recently, I apologize."

Chen Wanqiao’s manner made Jiang Chenxi feel even more guilty, "I..."

Chen Wanqiao stopped him, "Don’t say it, I understand, I truly do. Chenxi, I’m really curious, what kind of person is she that you would treat her this way?"

Mentioning Pei Yinong, Jiang Chenxi’s expression became momentarily distant. "She is a very strong girl, positive and optimistic, very sincere to others. Being with her, you can experience many genuine things; there is no pretense or affectation." His eyes were filled with a tender regard that one reserves only for their beloved.

Hearing this, Chen Wanqiao felt even worse. Why did she ask such a question to make herself suffer? But her heart couldn’t help wanting to understand what kind of person Jiang Chenxi liked.

"Chenxi, she’s here too, right?" Chen Wanqiao probed.

Jiang Chenxi did not deny it, and Chen Wanqiao looked around the crowd. "Can you tell me which one she is?"

Jiang Chenxi remained silent, and Chen Wanqiao felt increasingly bitter. She stood up and said, "I’ll go find your aunt."

When Chen Wanqiao found Mrs. Jiang, she was chatting with several acquaintances. Seeing Chen Wanqiao, she waved, "I was just wondering where you’d gone, and here you come."

Chen Wanqiao gave a graceful smile. As long as she wasn’t in front of Jiang Chenxi, she was always a poised and composed person. "I had a chat with Chenxi. Auntie, I’m not feeling very well and would like to leave early."

Mrs. Jiang heard this, frowned, and immediately expressed concern, "How come you suddenly feel unwell, did you eat something bad?"

"No, actually I felt a bit chilly last night, and when I got up today I was a bit uncomfortable. I thought it would get better if I endured it, but it got worse, so Auntie, I might have to leave early."

Mrs. Jiang patted the back of her hand, "You child, if you’re not feeling well you should rest at home. Wait, I’ll have Chenxi take you home."

"No need, Auntie, I can just hail a cab outside."

Mrs. Jiang ignored her refusal and directly went to find Jiang Chenxi, "Wan Jiao is sick and feeling unwell, you take her home first."

Jiang Chenxi, fully aware it must have been the conversation just now that upset Chen Wanqiao, said, "Alright."

As they walked outside the house, Chen Wanqiao looked at the man beside her and said, "You can go back in, I’m fine."

"I know, I’ll take you home, it’s hard to get a taxi here." This was a suburban villa area, inhabited by the rich and influential, and everyone had their own cars. The place where one could hail a cab was far, so out of any relationship, he had an obligation to take her home.

Chen Wanqiao also knew what Jiang Chenxi said was true, so she didn’t refuse his offer to take her home.

Chen Wanqiao looked out of the window all the way, because she really didn’t know what to say to Jiang Chenxi. Seeing the neon lights flickering ahead, she finally spoke up, "Chenxi, the intersection ahead is easy to get a taxi from. You can just drop me off there."

Jiang Chenxi didn’t stop the car, "I’d better take you home. If my mother knew I left you on the side of the road, I’d probably get scolded when I returned. Plus, it’s not safe for a girl to take a taxi alone late at night."

Hearing that, Chen Wanqiao looked out the window once again and spoke faintly, "Are you this nice to other women too?"

It was a red light, and Jiang Chenxi didn’t hear her clearly. He looked at her sideways, "What did you just say?"

Chen Wanqiao shook her head, "It’s nothing."

Silence filled the car once again. "Alright, we’re here. You go and rest well," Jiang Chenxi advised before Chen Wanqiao got out of the car.

Chen Wanqiao paused her movements, looked at Jiang Chenxi, and said, "Chenxi, a piece of advice."

Jiang Chenxi looked at her puzzled, listening as Chen Wanqiao continued, "For women who admire you, but whom you don’t like, please don’t be so gentle. It’s very easy to create misunderstandings, or rather, to give them false hope."

Jiang Chenxi was stunned, and before he could say anything, Chen Wanqiao had already opened the car door and got out.

When Jiang Chenxi returned to the villa, the party had not yet ended. As his car entered, he saw two people standing under the shade of a tree, and one of them was none other than the all too familiar Pei Yinong, while the other man, he had never seen before.

Jiang Chenxi involuntarily stopped in his tracks, hiding his figure in the darkness, with the voices of Pei Yinong and the man talking faintly reaching from up ahead.

Pei Yinong looked at the man before her, "Mr. Sun, what did you want to talk to me about?" She had just been chatting with a friend when he approached her saying he had something to talk about.

Sun Wei gave Pei Yinong an up-and-down glance and smiled. "Miss Pei is truly radiant today, quite different from usual." He was acquainted with Pei Yinong for some time, having considerable work interactions with her and had a favourable impression of her.

Pei Yinong frowned slightly; though she worked with Sun Wei, she did not share his favourable impression and was unaware of how he had come to be there today. "Just tell me what you want."

"Ha ha, Miss Pei, you’re always so straightforward, so I’ll speak plainly," Sun Wei said. "Through our interactions over time and our work together, I find you competent, and your personality and temper are very much to my liking. We’re both single, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to date you."

Pei Yinong’s gaze turned cooler—his words were direct indeed. The polite smile on her face gradually became distant. "I’m sorry, Mr. Sun, I have no plans to find a partner at present."

She attempted to leave, Sun Wei reached out to stop her, "Miss Pei, wait, don’t be hasty in rejecting me. Hear me out; I am thirty years old, a native Beijinger. I own a 200 square meter house in Beijing with no mortgage, a car worth half a million bought last year. I was married once, but my wife had an affair because I was so busy with work, and we divorced. I have no children. You are aware of my job, and I think my conditions are quite satisfactory. Please consider it."

"No need, Mr. Sun, I don’t think we’re suited for one another." Pei Yinong declined; she could find someone with better conditions if she wanted to marry. It wasn’t necessary to be with someone like him, especially as his way of speaking made her uncomfortable.

"Miss Pei, in what ways do you see us as mismatched? I know you have a child, but I don’t mind. If we were to marry, you could leave your child with your parents and fetch him to stay with us on weekends. If we had our own children, I would also set aside some inheritance for your son, not as much as for a biological child, but I wouldn’t treat him unfairly." Sun Wei believed his offer was generous; few men would be as open-handed as he.

Jiang Chenxi, standing in the shadows upon hearing this, clenched his fists tightly, ready to burst forth when he heard Pei Yinong say, "Sir, let me make myself clear one more time, I am not looking for a partner right now and my son doesn’t need a father like you. Please step aside."

Repeatedly rejected, Sun Wei felt his face unable to sustain dignity. "Pei Yinong, I approached you out of respect. Have you considered your own situation? You’re indeed young and beautiful and, if you didn’t have a child, I wouldn’t dare propose dating. But now, you come with such a big son, who else in this world would dare marry you? Even if someone would, could they offer material conditions like mine? Though I’m divorced, I’m unencumbered by children."

Pei Yinong looked at him coldly. She’d seen men who thought highly of themselves, but none so full of themselves as this. "I have a 400 square meter mansion in Beijing and two sports cars worth a million each. Are you on the same level as me?" She simply preferred not to show off at work.

Sun Wei’s face darkened; he suspected she was lying. "Pei Yinong, don’t make up stories a three-year-old wouldn’t believe. My intentions for dating you are genuine, with marriage in mind. Consider it well."

Pei Yinong smirked, about to retort when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "The matter of pursuing Yining is none of your concern. There’s no shortage of men better than you after her. You should just leave the way you came."

Pei Yinong looked toward Jiang Chenxi, not sure when he had arrived, while Sun Wei, seeing the man who’d suddenly appeared, especially with his hand on Pei Yinong’s shoulder with her not resisting, looked at the two with changed eyes.

He sized up Jiang Chenxi dismissively. "Yining, is this the kind of ’goods’ you like? Nothing but a pretty face?"

Jiang Chenxi’s demeanor darkened; usually mild-mannered, it was rare to see him with such a stern face. Despite this, he looked intimidating with his imposing presence. Addressing Sun Wei, "You indeed seem to fit the human mold, but at your age, you hardly look like a thirty-year-old, more like forty, almost half stepping into the grave. You’re still stalking a woman in her twenties—have you no shame? Proud of such small assets, where did you get the confidence?"

Pei Yinong stared blankly at Jiang Chenxi, unable to believe that this bitterly sharp-tongued man was really the Jiang Chenxi she knew.

"You... who are you, how dare you talk like that? Pei Yinong, won’t you say something in my defense?" Sun Wei’s face turned iron blue with anger.

Pei Yinong glanced at Sun Wei with a look of disgust. "He’s not wrong."

"You... Pei Yinong, do you realize the consequences of offending me? Just one word to your boss, and you’ll lose your job, and you and your son will be forced to embrace the Northwest wind." Sun Wei was incensed, any person would be angered when insulted like that.

"Try it if you want." Pei Yinong was indifferent; if her boss would fire or retaliate against her for something like this, then so be it. With her abilities, was she afraid of not finding another job? Even if she couldn’t, she had enough zoned her family funds to last a lifetime.

"Fine, fine, just you wait, Pei Yinong. I’ll make sure you learn the consequences of crossing me." Sun Wei stormed off, fuming.