Chapter 354: Are You Acquainted with Danchen?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Shen Zhijing could not figure out how Ruan Danchen met Qi Chenglin. After seeing her that day, she asked Liu Ronghua who told her that Ruan Danchen was working as an interior designer.
Even if Ruan Danchen managed to meet Qi Chenglin at work, it would still be a distance away. They would not have the chance to talk to each other.
Considering their status, regardless of a collaboration with Qilin, Qi Chenglin would not possibly have a discussion with her personally.
Shen Zhijing could not understand how Ruan Danchen got together with Qi Chenglin.
Was it possible for her to boldly confess to Qi Chenglin that she was the mother of his son?
Qi Chenglin would have to believe in her for that to happen!
Even so, was he able to forgive her?
That was the reason why she did not consider Ruan Danchen a threat when Qi Chenglin took the child with him.
Shen Zhijing clenched her teeth in anger. Why was luck on Ruan Danchen’s side? What tactic did she resort to get together with Qi Chenglin?
Shen Manman peeked at Shen Zhijing and slowly lost her fear after a while. She said, “Qi Youxuan really like her. He goes around talking about Aunt Ruan, Aunt Ruan all the time.”
“Look! Even Manman said that her family name is Ruan. It can’t be wrong,” Shen Zhijing remarked.
Gu Ziyao frowned. “If it really is Ruan Danchen, why didn’t Liu Ronghua inform us?”
“I reckon that she is recalcitrant for failing to be raised to the status of a wife after so many years in the Shen family. Furthermore, I have never respected her. So, she intentionally keeps this piece of information from me, waiting to make a joke out of me.” Shen Zhijing’s glanced towards Ruan Danchen with malicious intent. “Let’s set Liu Ronghua aside at this moment. I will get back at her later.”
It was then that the Li family parted ways with the Qi family.
The Qi family did not look in their direction but they proceed directly towards the school building.
Judging from Shen Zhijing’s condition, Gu Ziyao suggested, “How about I attend Manman’s parents’ visitation day while you bring Lili to his class?”
“No need for that. I want to look with my own eyes whether Ruan Danchen will feel guilty after seeing me,” Shen Zhijing muttered coldly and hastily walked off in her heels.
Shen Manman glanced back at her mother perturbed until Gu Ziyao gave her a light push. “Go on to your classroom. Don’t worry about it.”
Pouting her lips, Shen Manman walked to her class with her head lowered and Gu Ziyao also went on her way with her son.
…
…
When Qi Chenglin’s group entered the classroom, the bell had just rung.
Fortunately, there were in fact not many students in Jixia Elementary School. The school adopted the method of teaching in small groups. Thus, there were only a few children in the wide classroom, leaving enough space for the parents.
The teacher had already arranged some chairs at the back of the classroom, but it was slightly more than usual.
That was because when the teacher had summed up the number of attendees and arranged just enough chairs for them, Qi Youxuan informed the teacher that his great-grandfather, great-grandmother, grandmother, father, and his father’s girlfriend would all be present.
The children immediately relayed this information back home. When their parents heard of it, they quickly pushed back even important work just to attend the parents’ visitation day.
As a result, the number of parents attending the parents’ visitation day in little Qi Youxuan’s class had broken the past record.
Qi Youxuan was sitting in his seat and looking towards the back of the classroom every now and then. Once he spotted his family entering the classroom, he waved at them passionately even when the foreign English teacher walked in.
Feeling resigned, Qi Chenglin glared at Qi Youxuan and warned, “Pay attention in class!”
Shen Manman who stepped into the class at the bell instantly went to her seat. Shen Zhijing sat on the chair near the entrance. There were a number of people sitting between her and Ruan Danchen. So, the Qi family did not notice her.
Throughout the lesson, Ruan Danchen focussed fully on Qi Youxuan.
The little one was not very earnest in class and often absent-minded. Thankfully the teacher was rather lively and had made many interactions with the children so they could sit through the lesson and absorbed what had been taught.
Moving on, the teacher asked a question that was directed to Qi Youxuan. It was his turn to answer.
The little one used simple sentences and words that he had just learned in his answer, earning himself praise. Little Qi Youxuan immediately turned around and proudly showed Ruan Danchen a ‘peace’ sign.
When Qi Chenglin’s face darkened, Qi Youxuan quickly sat back in his chair and to continue on with the lesson.
After managing to sit through the lesson until the bell rang, all the children ran towards the back of the classroom looking for their own parents.
Qi Youxuan also hurried towards his family and stopped in front of them. “You really didn’t bring the sign.”
“…” Qi Chenglin’s lips twitched. “Weren’t you the one who forbade us from bringing it because you wanted to keep it low?”
“I was just trying to be modest. Why are you taking a child like me so seriously?” Qi Youxuan shook his head and sighed.
“…”
“Dad, did you take photos of me when I answered the question just now?”
“…”
Qi Youxuan knew that his father did not do so from his reaction. Feeling upset at once, he complained, “Dad, you can’t do this to me! I even purposely turned around and made that pose. Why aren’t you a little more tacit? If you can’t grasp such a small implication, how are you going to manage that big company?”
“…” Qi Chenglin glared at him coldly. “That’s enough.”
Taking advantage of having those who doted him around, Qi Youxuan was not afraid in the slightest. Qi Chenglin could not get mad at him, even if he did scold him, Grandmother Qi would be the first to step in.
He turned towards Ruan Danchen. “Aunt Ruan, we’re having a language lesson next. Do remember to take a lot of my photos later.”
“Sure.” Ruan Danchen pulled him nearer lovingly to smooth out his clothes.
Qi Youxuan looked around him and found that none of his classmates’ parents would smooth out their children’s clothing so gently as they were all trying to upkeep their public image. His classmates’ mothers were dressed up finely for the occasion. They even sat up straight to avoid crumpling their clothes.
In the whole classroom, only Ruan Danchen was dressed plainly and smoothed out his clothes for him. The little one puffed up his chest in pride.
The other parents were actually observing the interaction between Ruan Danchen and Qi Youxuan. They did not expect Ruan Danchen to be so loved by Qi Chenglin’s son. When they were standing together, they really presented the image of a family of three.
“Qi Youxuan,” called out a melodious child’s voice.
Qi Youxuan turned his head to see Shen Manman coming over with a woman behind her.
Ruan Danchen looked in the direction of the voice and her breath stopped abruptly. Her face began to pale and she seemed to almost collapse. She instinctively pulled Qi Youxuan into a tight embrace in defense, blocking off his sight.
“Aunt Ruan, what’s wrong?” Qi Youxuan asked curiously.
Qi Chenglin glanced at Shen Zhijing lightly, his strong long arms wrapped around Ruan Danchen’s waist in protectively.
Ruan Danchen looked up at Qi Chenglin to see his unwavering dark eyes. His warm palm pressed against her waist tightly to calm her down.
“Youxuan, is this your classmate?” asked Grandmother Qi.
In fact, Qi Chenglin had not told his family about the incident with the Shen family. Even Qi Zhongxun and Guan Liya knew nothing about the Shen family’s scheme. They were only aware that Qi Chenglin used to be engaged with Shen Zhijing but the engagement was later called off.
The only person who knew more about that incident was Qi Chengzhi.
Grandmother Qi found Shen Zhijing rather familiar but was unable to recall who she was. It had been seven years since that incident after all. Even during that time, Shen Zhijing did not have the chance to visit Grandmother Qi. So, both Grandfather Qi and Grandmother Qi did not have much impression of her.
Seven years ago, when they heard of Qi Chenglin’s engagement with Shen Zhijing, Guan Liya had wanted to meet her future daughter-in-law. However, they did not even have an engagement banquet at that time, so much so that parents from both sides did not get to meet each other. Qi Chenglin also merely released a one-sided statement of his engagement with Shen Zhijing.
Therefore, Guan Liya’s suggestion of meeting her daughter-in-law was rejected by Qi Chenglin.
Even if they had not met each other, Guan Liya could still recognize Shen Zhijing.
“Grandfather Qi, Grandmother Qi, auntie,” greeted Shen Zhijing with a smile, “I’m Shen Zhijing and this is my niece, Shen Manman.”
Shen Manman also greeted them sweetly.
Just then, Guan Liya’s expression had changed due to awkwardness for she did not know the reason behind Qi Chenglin and Shen Zhijing’s broken engagement.
Grandmother Qi, not recalling who Shen Zhijing was, turned to ask Grandfather Qi, “Why does this name sound so familiar?”
Grandfather Qi let out a huff, blew his mustache, and ignored her.
“Mom, Ms Shen used to be engaged with Chenglin,” whispered Guan Liya.
The memory clicked instantly on Grandmother Qi and she greeted her awkwardly, “Hehe. So it’s Xiao Shen. What a coincidence.”
Although the other parents present were talking among themselves and could not listen well to the conversation, their eyes were still focusing on them.
Qi Chenglin and Shen Zhijing’s past engagement was still clear in their memories. Wasn’t it a little exciting now that the ex-fiancee and the current girlfriend had met?
“Danchen, I did not expect to see you here. It has been quite a while since I last saw you. You are already dating Young Master Lin.” Shen Zhiqing looked at Ruan Danchen, her lips curled up cynically.
Ruan Danchen was so tensed that her body stiffened, face paled, and she could not response to Shen Zhijing.
“Are you acquainted with Danchen?” asked Grandmother Qi, her eyes wandered between Shen Zhijing and Ruan Danchen in doubt.
“Danchen is the daughter of an aunt that I knew,” Shen Zhijing explained shortly, then turning her focus to Qi Youxuan. “You must be Youxuan. Look at how much you have grown. I remember holding you in my arms when you were younger.”
Unaware of the truth, Qi Youxuan greeted, “Nice to meet you, auntie.”
Ruan Danchen hugged him protectively, not knowing what Shen Zhijing was plotting.
Nevertheless, she was sure that Shen Zhijing would not want to see her living a good life, even more so with Qi Chenglin. From Shen Zhijing’s perspective, that would be letting Ruan Danchen off lightly.
Shen Zhijing could have revealed Ruan Danchen’s mother’s identity. With such a background, perhaps the Qi family would be unable to accept her as a part of them. Why did she not do so?
“Qi Youxuan, I didn’t know that my aunt had carried you in her arms before. Doesn’t that mean we might have already known each other when we were younger?” Shen Manman said happily, feeling as if she had just gotten closer to Qi Youxuan.
Qi Youxuan scowled and asked, “Dad, is it true?”
“I’m not familiar with this woman. You don’t need to greet her when you meet next time. She had indeed carried you in her arms before, even the nurses did when you were just born. There were so many people who have done that. It would be hard on us if every single one of them also wished to profess their relationship with us.” Qi Chenglin’s elegant hand rested on Qi Youxuan’s small shoulder, covering it completely in his palm. His protectiveness was implied in that move.
The little one turned his head back towards Shen Manman, his chin lifted slightly. “Shen Manman, stop trying to get close to me. We’re not familiar with each other.”
“You…” Feeling hurt, Shen Manman’s eyes teared up.
Guan Liya took pity on the little girl and reprimanded Qi Youyi lightly, “Youyi, please mind your manners.”
“Young Master Lin, do you have to put it this way? Danchen and I…” Shen Zhijing took a glimpse at Ruan Danchen.
“Would you prefer that I divulge in the reason behind our broken engagement?” Qi Chenglin’s eyes narrowed dangerously, stopping her midway for he knew that she intended to give away more details of Ruan Danchen’s identity.
Although Ruan Danchen was partly involved in the broken engagement, he believed that Shen Zhijing would not want the public to know what she had done in the past. Otherwise, her future would be completely destroyed.
“It came to my knowledge that Ms Shen still has not found a suitable boyfriend yet.” Qi Chenglin curled his lips. “Perhaps Ms Shen has every intention to stay single your whole life or you would like the Shen family to be unable to afford your dowry.”
Even though they were in the classroom, the children’s loud voices had drown out theirs, causing the others to be unable to listen in on their conversation.
Shen Zhijing paled. Just then, the bell rang and Qi Chenglin ushered Qi Youxuan back to his seat. Shen Zhijing took another glance at Ruan Danchen before returning to her seat near the entrance.
The others looked at them curiously. Despite not knowing the content of their conversation, they could deduce from Shen Zhijing’s expression that the second young master of the Qi family had just ripped into his ex-fiancee for the sake of his current girlfriend.
Guan Liya and Grandmother Qi stared at Qi Chenglin questioningly. They could not listen clearly to what Qi Chenglin had said. They only knew that he had said something that caused Shen Zhijing’s face to pale.
Ruan Danchen’s heart was heavy with worries throughout the lesson. A large hand suddenly came into her sight, elegant and attractive. The warm palm covered the back of her hands, holding them tight.
Ruan Danchen glanced towards Qi Chenglin when he leaned in closer, his warm lips whispered into her ears, “Don’t worry.”
Ruan Danchen grabbed his hand. The classroom was not a suitable place to have a talk. Therefore she kept silent and tightened her grip on his hand.
Shen Zhijing, on the other hand, was not in the mood to observe Shen Manman’s performance in class. Her focus was entirely on Qi Chenglin and Ruan Danchen throughout the lesson. When she saw Qi Chenglin holding Ruan Danchen intimately and whispering into her ears, Shen Zhijing could not help but clench her teeth.
…
…
When the class was almost over, the class teacher asked the parents to take a look at the handicraft work, hanging on the wall at the back of the classroom.
Ruan Danchen sight instantly went to that yellow lump on the wall. Beside her, Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya were searching through the artworks. “Which one belongs to our Youxuan?”
“Is it that little strawberry bag?” Guan Liya pointed towards the well-made little backpack hanging on the wall.
Upon taking a closer look, they realized that it was not Qi Youxuan’s work.
“Oh, I think that it may be that little bear. Wasn’t Youxuan holding onto a little bear all the time in the past?” said Grandmother Qi, her eyes on the little bear artwork not far away.
However, just as she spoke, she saw a child pulling his mother’s hand and pointed excitedly at that little bear, “Mom, mom, look! I made this together with Grandmother Liu.”
“…” Grandmother Qi let out a cough and beckoned Qi Youxuan over. “Youxuan, come over here. Tell me, which one is yours?”
Qi Youxuan raised his chubby little hand to point at that yellow lump hanging in the center. “That’s the one. Dad made it for me.”
Guan Liya was surprised to hear it that she blurted out before looking at the artwork, “Your dad made you the handicraft work? He must have changed since becoming a father. When he was young, he never did any of those handicraft work assigned by his teacher.”
During that time, Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengzhi were staying in the Qi family manor. Qi Chengzhi is only two years older than Qi Chenglin. Therefore, they would always play together. Qi Chenglin had been following Qi Chengzhi around since he started to wear the open-crotch pants.
Qi Chengzhi had never done those handicraft work when he was in elementary school. When it was Qi Chenglin’s turn to go to the elementary school, he imitated Qi Chengzhi’s bad habits and always left the handicraft work Aunt Liu’s hands.
After being caught by Guan Liya, she told Aunt Liu that she could make the craft together with him but not complete all the work for him.
As a result, Qi Chenglin just deliberately refused to submit any handicraft work and Guan Liya would be called over to school every few days for that matter.
She would be invited to school about three times every week. However, as the school was established by the Qi family, the teacher had to put it in a mild and polite manner whenever she was called over for a discussion, nothing harsh.
Even so, she felt rather exasperated to be invited to school so frequently.
Thus, she did not expect Qi Chenglin, who had become a father, to make a handicraft work for his son.
She looked in the direction that Qi Youxuan pointed to.
Guan Liya, “…”
Grandmother Qi, “…”
Written under the yellow lump was ‘The Yolk that Flowed Out of the Poached Egg’.
Qi Chenglin, “…”
Ruan Danchen, “…”
Guan Liya glimpsed at Qi Chenglin who had been skimping on handicraft work since young. Did he really have to make a yolk when he finally took the effort to make a handicraft work for his son?
Qi Chenglin did not dare to clarify that it was actually a duck, not a yolk.
…
…
After the parents’ visitation day had come to an end, Qi Chenglin along with Ruan Danchen, Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya went on their separate ways.
Qi Chenglin checked the time in the car. As it was already over ten, he instructed Xiao Yang to drive them to Dynasty.
It was almost eleven when they reached Dynasty. Qi Chenglin led Ruan Dancheng directly into his room, telling the waiter to come in and take their order at twelve.
Once they were left alone in the room, Qi Chenglin pulled her over to the tea-tasting couch and set Ruan Danchen on his lap after sitting down on the couch.
Qi Chenglin did not utter a word. His long fingers rubbed the back of her neck, giving her a relaxing massage.
Ruan Danchen finally sighed and rested her forehead against his chest. “I know I can’t hide it forever but I didn’t expect to be seen by Shen Zhijing so quickly. The instant I saw the look in her eyes, I knew that she’ll never let me off so easily. I’m really afraid that she’ll plot something against me.”
Qi Chenglin continued to massage her neck slowly until she had gradually loosened up. He lowered his head to look at her eyes that were dropped slightly. Her lashes were long and curled, dark and thick, but her brows were furrowed faintly.
His warm and attractive lips slid down from her forehead and stopped in between her brows. He planted soft kisses there to slowly smooth her furrowed brows.
“The only thing that she can bring up to cause a scene is that incident seven years ago. Despite holding it against you, she is also being chained down by it. If she makes it public, then the Shen family’s scheme will come to light. It is not beneficial to her in any way. So, she’ll have to figure out another way to get to you. It will be kept at bay as long as she doesn’t want that incident to be made public,” Qi Chenglin explained slowly.
…
…
________________________________
Extra mini-scene:
Qi Chengzhi: “Actually, Chenglin did make one handicraft work when he was younger. However, it was so terribly done that he stopped after being traumatized.”
Ruan Danchen: “What did he make?”
Qi Chengzhi: “Do you want to know?”
Qi Youxuan: “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Qi Chengzhi: “Give me your monthly vote and I’ll reveal it.”
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Chapter 354: Are You Acquainted with Danchen?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Shen Zhijing could not figure out how Ruan Danchen met Qi Chenglin. After seeing her that day, she asked Liu Ronghua who told her that Ruan Danchen was working as an interior designer.
Even if Ruan Danchen managed to meet Qi Chenglin at work, it would still be a distance away. They would not have the chance to talk to each other.
Considering their status, regardless of a collaboration with Qilin, Qi Chenglin would not possibly have a discussion with her personally.
Shen Zhijing could not understand how Ruan Danchen got together with Qi Chenglin.
Was it possible for her to boldly confess to Qi Chenglin that she was the mother of his son?
Qi Chenglin would have to believe in her for that to happen!
Even so, was he able to forgive her?
That was the reason why she did not consider Ruan Danchen a threat when Qi Chenglin took the child with him.
Shen Zhijing clenched her teeth in anger. Why was luck on Ruan Danchen’s side? What tactic did she resort to get together with Qi Chenglin?
Shen Manman peeked at Shen Zhijing and slowly lost her fear after a while. She said, “Qi Youxuan really like her. He goes around talking about Aunt Ruan, Aunt Ruan all the time.”
“Look! Even Manman said that her family name is Ruan. It can’t be wrong,” Shen Zhijing remarked.
Gu Ziyao frowned. “If it really is Ruan Danchen, why didn’t Liu Ronghua inform us?”
“I reckon that she is recalcitrant for failing to be raised to the status of a wife after so many years in the Shen family. Furthermore, I have never respected her. So, she intentionally keeps this piece of information from me, waiting to make a joke out of me.” Shen Zhijing’s glanced towards Ruan Danchen with malicious intent. “Let’s set Liu Ronghua aside at this moment. I will get back at her later.”
It was then that the Li family parted ways with the Qi family.
The Qi family did not look in their direction but they proceed directly towards the school building.
Judging from Shen Zhijing’s condition, Gu Ziyao suggested, “How about I attend Manman’s parents’ visitation day while you bring Lili to his class?”
“No need for that. I want to look with my own eyes whether Ruan Danchen will feel guilty after seeing me,” Shen Zhijing muttered coldly and hastily walked off in her heels.
Shen Manman glanced back at her mother perturbed until Gu Ziyao gave her a light push. “Go on to your classroom. Don’t worry about it.”
Pouting her lips, Shen Manman walked to her class with her head lowered and Gu Ziyao also went on her way with her son.
…
…
When Qi Chenglin’s group entered the classroom, the bell had just rung.
Fortunately, there were in fact not many students in Jixia Elementary School. The school adopted the method of teaching in small groups. Thus, there were only a few children in the wide classroom, leaving enough space for the parents.
The teacher had already arranged some chairs at the back of the classroom, but it was slightly more than usual.
That was because when the teacher had summed up the number of attendees and arranged just enough chairs for them, Qi Youxuan informed the teacher that his great-grandfather, great-grandmother, grandmother, father, and his father’s girlfriend would all be present.
The children immediately relayed this information back home. When their parents heard of it, they quickly pushed back even important work just to attend the parents’ visitation day.
As a result, the number of parents attending the parents’ visitation day in little Qi Youxuan’s class had broken the past record.
Qi Youxuan was sitting in his seat and looking towards the back of the classroom every now and then. Once he spotted his family entering the classroom, he waved at them passionately even when the foreign English teacher walked in.
Feeling resigned, Qi Chenglin glared at Qi Youxuan and warned, “Pay attention in class!”
Shen Manman who stepped into the class at the bell instantly went to her seat. Shen Zhijing sat on the chair near the entrance. There were a number of people sitting between her and Ruan Danchen. So, the Qi family did not notice her.
Throughout the lesson, Ruan Danchen focussed fully on Qi Youxuan.
The little one was not very earnest in class and often absent-minded. Thankfully the teacher was rather lively and had made many interactions with the children so they could sit through the lesson and absorbed what had been taught.
Moving on, the teacher asked a question that was directed to Qi Youxuan. It was his turn to answer.
The little one used simple sentences and words that he had just learned in his answer, earning himself praise. Little Qi Youxuan immediately turned around and proudly showed Ruan Danchen a ‘peace’ sign.
When Qi Chenglin’s face darkened, Qi Youxuan quickly sat back in his chair and to continue on with the lesson.
After managing to sit through the lesson until the bell rang, all the children ran towards the back of the classroom looking for their own parents.
Qi Youxuan also hurried towards his family and stopped in front of them. “You really didn’t bring the sign.”
“…” Qi Chenglin’s lips twitched. “Weren’t you the one who forbade us from bringing it because you wanted to keep it low?”
“I was just trying to be modest. Why are you taking a child like me so seriously?” Qi Youxuan shook his head and sighed.
“…”
“Dad, did you take photos of me when I answered the question just now?”
“…”
Qi Youxuan knew that his father did not do so from his reaction. Feeling upset at once, he complained, “Dad, you can’t do this to me! I even purposely turned around and made that pose. Why aren’t you a little more tacit? If you can’t grasp such a small implication, how are you going to manage that big company?”
“…” Qi Chenglin glared at him coldly. “That’s enough.”
Taking advantage of having those who doted him around, Qi Youxuan was not afraid in the slightest. Qi Chenglin could not get mad at him, even if he did scold him, Grandmother Qi would be the first to step in.
He turned towards Ruan Danchen. “Aunt Ruan, we’re having a language lesson next. Do remember to take a lot of my photos later.”
“Sure.” Ruan Danchen pulled him nearer lovingly to smooth out his clothes.
Qi Youxuan looked around him and found that none of his classmates’ parents would smooth out their children’s clothing so gently as they were all trying to upkeep their public image. His classmates’ mothers were dressed up finely for the occasion. They even sat up straight to avoid crumpling their clothes.
In the whole classroom, only Ruan Danchen was dressed plainly and smoothed out his clothes for him. The little one puffed up his chest in pride.
The other parents were actually observing the interaction between Ruan Danchen and Qi Youxuan. They did not expect Ruan Danchen to be so loved by Qi Chenglin’s son. When they were standing together, they really presented the image of a family of three.
“Qi Youxuan,” called out a melodious child’s voice.
Qi Youxuan turned his head to see Shen Manman coming over with a woman behind her.
Ruan Danchen looked in the direction of the voice and her breath stopped abruptly. Her face began to pale and she seemed to almost collapse. She instinctively pulled Qi Youxuan into a tight embrace in defense, blocking off his sight.
“Aunt Ruan, what’s wrong?” Qi Youxuan asked curiously.
Qi Chenglin glanced at Shen Zhijing lightly, his strong long arms wrapped around Ruan Danchen’s waist in protectively.
Ruan Danchen looked up at Qi Chenglin to see his unwavering dark eyes. His warm palm pressed against her waist tightly to calm her down.
“Youxuan, is this your classmate?” asked Grandmother Qi.
In fact, Qi Chenglin had not told his family about the incident with the Shen family. Even Qi Zhongxun and Guan Liya knew nothing about the Shen family’s scheme. They were only aware that Qi Chenglin used to be engaged with Shen Zhijing but the engagement was later called off.
The only person who knew more about that incident was Qi Chengzhi.
Grandmother Qi found Shen Zhijing rather familiar but was unable to recall who she was. It had been seven years since that incident after all. Even during that time, Shen Zhijing did not have the chance to visit Grandmother Qi. So, both Grandfather Qi and Grandmother Qi did not have much impression of her.
Seven years ago, when they heard of Qi Chenglin’s engagement with Shen Zhijing, Guan Liya had wanted to meet her future daughter-in-law. However, they did not even have an engagement banquet at that time, so much so that parents from both sides did not get to meet each other. Qi Chenglin also merely released a one-sided statement of his engagement with Shen Zhijing.
Therefore, Guan Liya’s suggestion of meeting her daughter-in-law was rejected by Qi Chenglin.
Even if they had not met each other, Guan Liya could still recognize Shen Zhijing.
“Grandfather Qi, Grandmother Qi, auntie,” greeted Shen Zhijing with a smile, “I’m Shen Zhijing and this is my niece, Shen Manman.”
Shen Manman also greeted them sweetly.
Just then, Guan Liya’s expression had changed due to awkwardness for she did not know the reason behind Qi Chenglin and Shen Zhijing’s broken engagement.
Grandmother Qi, not recalling who Shen Zhijing was, turned to ask Grandfather Qi, “Why does this name sound so familiar?”
Grandfather Qi let out a huff, blew his mustache, and ignored her.
“Mom, Ms Shen used to be engaged with Chenglin,” whispered Guan Liya.
The memory clicked instantly on Grandmother Qi and she greeted her awkwardly, “Hehe. So it’s Xiao Shen. What a coincidence.”
Although the other parents present were talking among themselves and could not listen well to the conversation, their eyes were still focusing on them.
Qi Chenglin and Shen Zhijing’s past engagement was still clear in their memories. Wasn’t it a little exciting now that the ex-fiancee and the current girlfriend had met?
“Danchen, I did not expect to see you here. It has been quite a while since I last saw you. You are already dating Young Master Lin.” Shen Zhiqing looked at Ruan Danchen, her lips curled up cynically.
Ruan Danchen was so tensed that her body stiffened, face paled, and she could not response to Shen Zhijing.
“Are you acquainted with Danchen?” asked Grandmother Qi, her eyes wandered between Shen Zhijing and Ruan Danchen in doubt.
“Danchen is the daughter of an aunt that I knew,” Shen Zhijing explained shortly, then turning her focus to Qi Youxuan. “You must be Youxuan. Look at how much you have grown. I remember holding you in my arms when you were younger.”
Unaware of the truth, Qi Youxuan greeted, “Nice to meet you, auntie.”
Ruan Danchen hugged him protectively, not knowing what Shen Zhijing was plotting.
Nevertheless, she was sure that Shen Zhijing would not want to see her living a good life, even more so with Qi Chenglin. From Shen Zhijing’s perspective, that would be letting Ruan Danchen off lightly.
Shen Zhijing could have revealed Ruan Danchen’s mother’s identity. With such a background, perhaps the Qi family would be unable to accept her as a part of them. Why did she not do so?
“Qi Youxuan, I didn’t know that my aunt had carried you in her arms before. Doesn’t that mean we might have already known each other when we were younger?” Shen Manman said happily, feeling as if she had just gotten closer to Qi Youxuan.
Qi Youxuan scowled and asked, “Dad, is it true?”
“I’m not familiar with this woman. You don’t need to greet her when you meet next time. She had indeed carried you in her arms before, even the nurses did when you were just born. There were so many people who have done that. It would be hard on us if every single one of them also wished to profess their relationship with us.” Qi Chenglin’s elegant hand rested on Qi Youxuan’s small shoulder, covering it completely in his palm. His protectiveness was implied in that move.
The little one turned his head back towards Shen Manman, his chin lifted slightly. “Shen Manman, stop trying to get close to me. We’re not familiar with each other.”
“You…” Feeling hurt, Shen Manman’s eyes teared up.
Guan Liya took pity on the little girl and reprimanded Qi Youyi lightly, “Youyi, please mind your manners.”
“Young Master Lin, do you have to put it this way? Danchen and I…” Shen Zhijing took a glimpse at Ruan Danchen.
“Would you prefer that I divulge in the reason behind our broken engagement?” Qi Chenglin’s eyes narrowed dangerously, stopping her midway for he knew that she intended to give away more details of Ruan Danchen’s identity.
Although Ruan Danchen was partly involved in the broken engagement, he believed that Shen Zhijing would not want the public to know what she had done in the past. Otherwise, her future would be completely destroyed.
“It came to my knowledge that Ms Shen still has not found a suitable boyfriend yet.” Qi Chenglin curled his lips. “Perhaps Ms Shen has every intention to stay single your whole life or you would like the Shen family to be unable to afford your dowry.”
Even though they were in the classroom, the children’s loud voices had drown out theirs, causing the others to be unable to listen in on their conversation.
Shen Zhijing paled. Just then, the bell rang and Qi Chenglin ushered Qi Youxuan back to his seat. Shen Zhijing took another glance at Ruan Danchen before returning to her seat near the entrance.
The others looked at them curiously. Despite not knowing the content of their conversation, they could deduce from Shen Zhijing’s expression that the second young master of the Qi family had just ripped into his ex-fiancee for the sake of his current girlfriend.
Guan Liya and Grandmother Qi stared at Qi Chenglin questioningly. They could not listen clearly to what Qi Chenglin had said. They only knew that he had said something that caused Shen Zhijing’s face to pale.
Ruan Danchen’s heart was heavy with worries throughout the lesson. A large hand suddenly came into her sight, elegant and attractive. The warm palm covered the back of her hands, holding them tight.
Ruan Danchen glanced towards Qi Chenglin when he leaned in closer, his warm lips whispered into her ears, “Don’t worry.”
Ruan Danchen grabbed his hand. The classroom was not a suitable place to have a talk. Therefore she kept silent and tightened her grip on his hand.
Shen Zhijing, on the other hand, was not in the mood to observe Shen Manman’s performance in class. Her focus was entirely on Qi Chenglin and Ruan Danchen throughout the lesson. When she saw Qi Chenglin holding Ruan Danchen intimately and whispering into her ears, Shen Zhijing could not help but clench her teeth.
…
…
When the class was almost over, the class teacher asked the parents to take a look at the handicraft work, hanging on the wall at the back of the classroom.
Ruan Danchen sight instantly went to that yellow lump on the wall. Beside her, Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya were searching through the artworks. “Which one belongs to our Youxuan?”
“Is it that little strawberry bag?” Guan Liya pointed towards the well-made little backpack hanging on the wall.
Upon taking a closer look, they realized that it was not Qi Youxuan’s work.
“Oh, I think that it may be that little bear. Wasn’t Youxuan holding onto a little bear all the time in the past?” said Grandmother Qi, her eyes on the little bear artwork not far away.
However, just as she spoke, she saw a child pulling his mother’s hand and pointed excitedly at that little bear, “Mom, mom, look! I made this together with Grandmother Liu.”
“…” Grandmother Qi let out a cough and beckoned Qi Youxuan over. “Youxuan, come over here. Tell me, which one is yours?”
Qi Youxuan raised his chubby little hand to point at that yellow lump hanging in the center. “That’s the one. Dad made it for me.”
Guan Liya was surprised to hear it that she blurted out before looking at the artwork, “Your dad made you the handicraft work? He must have changed since becoming a father. When he was young, he never did any of those handicraft work assigned by his teacher.”
During that time, Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengzhi were staying in the Qi family manor. Qi Chengzhi is only two years older than Qi Chenglin. Therefore, they would always play together. Qi Chenglin had been following Qi Chengzhi around since he started to wear the open-crotch pants.
Qi Chengzhi had never done those handicraft work when he was in elementary school. When it was Qi Chenglin’s turn to go to the elementary school, he imitated Qi Chengzhi’s bad habits and always left the handicraft work Aunt Liu’s hands.
After being caught by Guan Liya, she told Aunt Liu that she could make the craft together with him but not complete all the work for him.
As a result, Qi Chenglin just deliberately refused to submit any handicraft work and Guan Liya would be called over to school every few days for that matter.
She would be invited to school about three times every week. However, as the school was established by the Qi family, the teacher had to put it in a mild and polite manner whenever she was called over for a discussion, nothing harsh.
Even so, she felt rather exasperated to be invited to school so frequently.
Thus, she did not expect Qi Chenglin, who had become a father, to make a handicraft work for his son.
She looked in the direction that Qi Youxuan pointed to.
Guan Liya, “…”
Grandmother Qi, “…”
Written under the yellow lump was ‘The Yolk that Flowed Out of the Poached Egg’.
Qi Chenglin, “…”
Ruan Danchen, “…”
Guan Liya glimpsed at Qi Chenglin who had been skimping on handicraft work since young. Did he really have to make a yolk when he finally took the effort to make a handicraft work for his son?
Qi Chenglin did not dare to clarify that it was actually a duck, not a yolk.
…
…
After the parents’ visitation day had come to an end, Qi Chenglin along with Ruan Danchen, Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya went on their separate ways.
Qi Chenglin checked the time in the car. As it was already over ten, he instructed Xiao Yang to drive them to Dynasty.
It was almost eleven when they reached Dynasty. Qi Chenglin led Ruan Dancheng directly into his room, telling the waiter to come in and take their order at twelve.
Once they were left alone in the room, Qi Chenglin pulled her over to the tea-tasting couch and set Ruan Danchen on his lap after sitting down on the couch.
Qi Chenglin did not utter a word. His long fingers rubbed the back of her neck, giving her a relaxing massage.
Ruan Danchen finally sighed and rested her forehead against his chest. “I know I can’t hide it forever but I didn’t expect to be seen by Shen Zhijing so quickly. The instant I saw the look in her eyes, I knew that she’ll never let me off so easily. I’m really afraid that she’ll plot something against me.”
Qi Chenglin continued to massage her neck slowly until she had gradually loosened up. He lowered his head to look at her eyes that were dropped slightly. Her lashes were long and curled, dark and thick, but her brows were furrowed faintly.
His warm and attractive lips slid down from her forehead and stopped in between her brows. He planted soft kisses there to slowly smooth her furrowed brows.
“The only thing that she can bring up to cause a scene is that incident seven years ago. Despite holding it against you, she is also being chained down by it. If she makes it public, then the Shen family’s scheme will come to light. It is not beneficial to her in any way. So, she’ll have to figure out another way to get to you. It will be kept at bay as long as she doesn’t want that incident to be made public,” Qi Chenglin explained slowly.
…
…
________________________________
Extra mini-scene:
Qi Chengzhi: “Actually, Chenglin did make one handicraft work when he was younger. However, it was so terribly done that he stopped after being traumatized.”
Ruan Danchen: “What did he make?”
Qi Chengzhi: “Do you want to know?”
Qi Youxuan: “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Qi Chengzhi: “Give me your monthly vote and I’ll reveal it.”
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