The lady's expression turned flirtatious, her eyes sparkling with seduction, as she moved to hug Long Shen. But Long Shen's expression turned angry, his eyes narrowing slightly, as he pushed her away. "What are you doing here?" he said, his voice laced with anger.
Xiao Yu, who was climbing the staircase to her room, stopped and turned to see the angry look on Long Shen's face. Her expression turned curious, her eyes widening slightly, as she watched the scene unfold.
The lady's expression turned smiling, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I came to see you and I have missed you a lot," she said, her voice laced with flirtation.
Long Shen's expression turned disapproving, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "How did you know where I live?" he asked, his voice firm.
The lady's expression turned sheepish, her eyes avoiding Long Shen's gaze. "You left your card at the hotel that day and I happened to find out," she said, her voice laced with apology.
Long Shen's expression turned menacing, his eyes narrowing slightly, as he grabbed the lady's hand tightly. The lady's expression turned surprised, her eyes widening in fear, and Xiao Yu's expression turned shocked, her eyes widening in alarm.
"Now listen to me, you got thirty seconds to leave this place. If I ever see you here again, I won't think twice to send you back to your maker," Long Shen threatened, his voice laced with menace, before letting go of the lady's hand.
The lady's expression turned panicked, her eyes wide with fear, as she quickly ran out of the house. Long Shen's expression turned calm, his eyes returning to normal, as he turned to leave for his room.
As he walked past Xiao Yu, she shrugged her shoulders, her expression still curious, before turning to go to her room.
---
Back at school, Xiao Yu walked into the canteen and saw Meili humming a tune. She joined Meili, who was eating.
Xiao Yu's expression turned curious, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Does this meal taste nicer than the one you were eating before? You look happy while eating it," Xiao Yu said, sitting down and taking a bite from her apple.
Meili's expression turned happy, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I am just happy and it's not about the meal," she said.
Xiao Yu's expression turned inquiring, her eyebrows raising slightly. "So, what's it about?" she asked.
Meili's expression turned excited, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Well, I am just happy that my step-sister is getting married soon," she said.
Xiao Yu's expression turned surprised, her eyes widening in amusement. "Really? Wow, congratulations! Who's the lucky guy?" she asked.
Meili's expression turned confused, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "You don't know who the guy is?"
Xiao Yu's expression turned equally confused. "No, am I supposed to?" she asked. They stared at each other, both looking puzzled.
---
Some hours later, Xiao Yu arrived home and met Long Shen coming down from the staircase, engrossed in a phone call. Xiao Yu's expression turned frowning, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stood in front of him with her arms folded.
"Why didn't you tell me you were getting married?" she said, frowning.
Long Shen's expression turned surprised, his eyebrows raising slightly, as he hung up the phone and faced her. "Let me call you back," he said into the phone before ending the call.
"Who's getting married?" he asked, his expression calm.
Xiao Yu's expression turned indignant, her eyes flashing with anger. "You! I deserve to know that you are getting engaged to Meili's step-sister. Why do you have to hide it from me? I'm still living in this house and I deserve to know what's going on," she said, blabbing away.
Long Shen stood staring at her, his expression unreadable. "Are you done talking?" he asked, his voice impatient.
Xiao Yu went quiet, her expression turning sheepish. Long Shen raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you angry that I'm getting married?"
Xiao Yu scoffed, her eyes rolling. "Why would I be angry? You're old enough to get married and have kids of your own. Maybe that will ease your cold-hearted behavior. You're not getting younger—your age mates are married with five kids already. Sometimes I think your grumpy attitude is why women run from you. Like that other lady from the other day—you scared her away! I bet she regrets ever crossing your path."
Long Shen's expression turned offended. "Are you insulting me?"
Xiao Yu gave an innocent look. "No, why would I? I'm just stating the obvious."
Then she smiled brightly and stepped closer. "So, you're really getting married to her? That's great! I'm super happy for you. So, tell me, how did you two meet? Was it at the family dinner, or did you know each other before?"
Long Shen's expression turned annoyed as he pushed past her and continued down the stairs.
Xiao Yu ran after him. "Just tell me, I want to know. I mean, you're not exactly the romantic type, and I've never seen you bring a woman home. How did she tolerate your grumpy behavior? What convinced her to say yes?"
Long Shen sighed, tired. "If you don't stop asking me silly questions, I'll do something to you that you won't like."
Xiao Yu teased, "Again with your cold-hearted attitude. Are you sure you didn't force her to accept you? You're not romantic at all… or is it because you're old and don't—"
"Xiao Yu!" Long Shen snapped, furious.
"Fine! I'll stop talking now," Xiao Yu said, her expression turning sulky.
They went quiet. Then, after a pause, Xiao Yu spoke again, cautiously. "Can I…" She stopped, seeing the look on Long Shen's face. "Fine, fine. I won't ask again. But just so you know, I give you my blessing. She must be a saint to handle you."
She turned and marched to her room, leaving Long Shen staring after her with a tired sigh.
---
JIANG MANSION
The entire family gathered around the dining table, including Madam Liu Zhihao, who had just returned from a few months' trip to the States.
Yuze's expression turned happy, his eyes lighting up. "Finally, Mom, you're home!"
Madam Liu smiled warmly. "Yes. Your aunt practically refused to let me go."
Yuze pouted. "And you missed my birthday party."
Madam Liu looked apologetic. "I'm so sorry, dear. I promise to make it up to you."
Meili leaned in, eager. "Mom, did you get me something?"
Madam Liu chuckled. "Of course. I'd never forget."
Jiang Wei's expression turned content. "It's good to have you back with us."
Meili grinned mischievously. "So, Mom, do you know your precious daughter is getting married soon?"
Madam Liu nodded proudly. "Yes, your father told me. I'm so proud of you."
Jiang Lifen's expression turned joyful. "Thank you, Mom. Now that you're here, I know everything will go smoothly."
Yuze folded his arms. "You all are celebrating too soon. Long Shen hasn't said yes yet. It's been days."
Jiang Wei remained confident. "That's not a problem. I'll visit his office tomorrow."
Madam Liu patted Lifen's hand. "Don't worry, my dear. He'll be yours."
Jiang Lifen beamed. "Thanks, Mom."
Yuze frowned slightly. "I still don't get why you're so eager to marry him. Do you know how dangerous he is? The things he's into?"
Meili nodded slightly. "I think he isn't that bad."
They all shared a moment of silence, while Yuze shook his head, clearly unconvinced.