Chapter 13: Delight

Aside from the scent of perfume, there was also a kiss mark on the side of Xu Yu’s swan-like neck. It was left by Shen Liangyan in a fit of madness just moments ago. But Xu Yu’s hair fell to her shoulders, concealing the mark well. Thus, Wen Han hadn’t noticed.

Xu Yu took a step back, her expression calm.
“You’ve dressed up nicely, but still not as well as I have.”
Wen Han leaned close to her ear. “Which man have you been fooling around with this time?”

The taut string in Xu Yu’s heart loosened ever so slightly.
Wen Han let out a cold laugh.
“Do you still remember what you promised Dad? You have to be with Shen Yue.”

Xu Yu curled her sweaty palm into a fist and smiled.
“I’ve always remembered.”

Wen Han turned away proudly. “Then let Dad see your attitude.”

Tonight was a family dinner.
At the long, square table, Shen Liangyan was the guest of honor, seated beside Wen Han.
She wore an icy blue gown, its slender straps gently hugging her delicate skin, which was as smooth as porcelain.
Xu Yu sat opposite Wen Han, with Shen Xianglian on her left.

The atmosphere at the table was unusually harmonious; Shen Xianglian kept serving Wen Zhongnian dishes, while Wen Zhongnian lavished praise on Shen Liangyan.
“This ‘Yilan Mountain’ project—I've heard you’re the one in charge?”

Shen Liangyan replied, “Dad said that Xiao Yue and I will handle it together; the final decision will be made at tomorrow’s board meeting.”
“Yes, you’re on equal footing with him now, but I believe in your ability. It won’t be long before you take control of the Shen family.”

Xu Yu kept her head down, digging at the corn on her plate.
She barely registered their conversation, letting it drift in one ear and out the other.
Until Wen Zhongnian called her name.

“Xiao Yu, how are things between you and Ah Yue lately? Have you seen each other?”

Xu Yu was about to answer when Shen Xianglian interrupted, “Of course, they’ve been going out often.”
She shot Xu Yu a sidelong glance, her eyes sharp at the corners.

Xu Yu nodded beneath Wen Zhongnian’s gentle yet subtly sinister gaze.
“Mm.”

But Wen Han stoked the flames.
“It’s just that Shen Yue has been away on business these past few days, neglecting her.”

Wen Zhongnian’s face darkened.
“Xiao Yu, is that true?”

Shen Xianglian’s expression stiffened, and she discreetly grabbed Xu Yu’s arm under the table.
Xu Yu’s fingers pressed into her palm beneath the tablecloth.

“Ah Yue sent me a dress, and said we’d go together to President Shen’s celebration tomorrow night.”

Her skin was clear and pale, as white as porcelain. She wore no lipstick tonight, and under the milky white lamp, her lowered eyes and bowed head made her look like a fragile porcelain doll—exquisite and delicate.

Shen Liangyan’s phoenix eyes glanced over, pondering the weightless way she said “President Shen,” a mocking smile curling at his lips.

Wen Zhongnian, however, seemed quite satisfied.
“That means the happy occasion is near. Perhaps you’ll keep pace with your sister, and both marry into the Shen family together.”

Xu Yu did not respond.

Shen Xianglian answered for her, “Of course. Shen Yue and Xiao Yu are deeply in love; marriage is only a matter of time.”

At this point, Wen Zhongnian’s intention was clear.
It was another form of urging marriage.

After that, Xu Yu ate with little appetite, the food tasteless in her mouth.
She stayed the night.

After bathing and changing into her pajamas, her phone lit up with a message.
[Come out.]

It was from Shen Liangyan.

She left her room, crossed the corridor, and glanced out through the railings on the second floor to see the Cullinan outside with its double hazard lights flashing.

Xu Yu slipped out the back door and walked to the car.

As soon as she opened the door, she was pulled onto Shen Liangyan’s lap.

The faint scent of alcohol mingled with the cedarwood fragrance on him, lingering at her nose.

He held her on his lap; her resistance felt more like a tease.

“Third Master, didn’t you already have your fun just now?”