Chapter 1296: Old Mr. Mo’s Gossip
As soon as Wen Xinya returned to the Mo Family home, she was enthusiastically welcomed by Mother He, Mother Jiang, and Uncle Zhang. They were often friendly and kind towards her throughout all these years. Wen Xinya also treated them with great respect.
She could not help but be reminded of the previous lifetime where she moved to the Mo Family home not long after she reunited with the Wen Family. Due to the disrespect that she showed to the servants whom Old Mr. Mo treated like his family members, they all ended up leaving the Mo Family home one by one. Their departure resulted in Old Mr. Mo being all alone.
Old Mr. Mo was an esteemed and reputable figure of the literary world and he had taken a countless number of apprentices under his wing. Yet, he ended up in such a sorry plight. The thought of it made her tear up in agony. She could not forgive herself at all, not even after the rebirth.
Everything had changed in this lifetime.
Uncle Zhang’s son had opened a small company that brought in a reasonable revenue. His son had been wanting to bring Uncle Zhang home several years ago. However, Uncle Zhang could not bear to leave Old Mr. Mo and Wen Xinya. Hence, he turned his son down and stayed behind in the Mo Family home.
Due to the fact that Mother He and Mother Jiang were old in their years, they could not perform any chores apart from cooking. Hence, they had been wanting to retire and go back home to spend their remaining years. After much persuasion by Wen Xinya, they finally conceded and stayed behind to look after Old Mr. Mo.
With Uncle Zhang, Mother He and Mother Jiang around to accompany and take care of Old Mr. Mo, she was not too worried about him feeling lonely.
Old Mr. Mo would definitely not pass away alone at home as he did in the previous lifetime. He was so lonely that no one even knew about his death.
Feeling very much at ease, Wen Xinya walked through the hall and arrived at the backyard where the sun was shining brightly. Wen Xinya glanced at Old Mr. Mo, whose silhouette began to appear a little dreamy to her.
She could not help but feel a little flustered all of a sudden. She suddenly closed her eyes and tried to clear her thoughts for a while. A few moments later, she opened her eyes and her vision finally began to get a little clearer.
She frantically scurried towards him and exclaimed in a shaky voice, “Grampy!”
Old Mr. Mo looked up at her and noticed the anxiety on her face. He put down the scissors in his hands and asked tenderly, “What’s wrong with you? You look really flustered.”
Wen Xinya’s face looked rather pale and feeble beneath the sunlight.
Wen Xinya grabbed onto Old Mr. Mo’s arm as she began to feel much more at ease. She smiled and said, “Nothing much. I’m just starting to miss you because I haven’t seen you in days, Grampy.”
Wen Xinya looked up at Old Mr. Mo and smiled at him radiantly… while her trauma from her previous lifetime began to fade.
She felt that it was time she started getting over Old Mr. Mo’s death in her previous lifetime. It had already been three years and she had also managed to change Old Mr. Mo’s destiny. He was now in the pink of health, all thanks to her meticulous care and the herbal soups that she had been feeding him with. She was certain that he would definitely live a long life and she would stay by his side for the rest of his years.
Scrutinizing her carefully, Old Mr. Mo said, “You silly child. You were so mature and composed at the start, but you seem to be regressing now.”
Although he was chiding her, he gazed at her affectionately. In the past, Wen Xinya would be rather careful when interacting with him, even though they were close. However, she had now grown even closer to him.
But…
Old Mr. Mo would sometimes notice a tinge of guilt, morose and other complicated emotions in Wen Xinya’s eyes. He was certain that it was not just his hallucination.
Wen Xinya said, “Grampy, you were the one who said that I ought to behave like a young person since I’m still young.”
In the past, Old Mr. Mo used to chide her for lacking the liveliness that was unique to youths. Now that she was much more bubbly, he began to criticize her for being too fickle and unstable. It was tough being his granddaughter.
Seeing that she had talked back to him, Old Mr. Mo smacked her on her head and asked, “Do you remember when I said that then?”
She was 15 years old when she returned and now, she was 21 years old. She would be graduating from university in a year’s time and step into society. It was time for her to become more mature and stable.
Wen Xinya said awkwardly, “Grampy, you’re wrong. I was young when I was 15 years old. Now that I’m 21, I’m still young too.”
So, I’m still considered a youth and it doesn’t matter even if I’m not mature enough!
Old Mr. Mo had no choice but to say resignedly, “You have a point. I can’t outargue you.”
Old Mr. Mo was not actually displeased with her immaturity, but rather… he felt that Si Yiyan had led her astray and hence, he could not help but criticize her.
Actually, Old Mr. Mo just wanted to be in charge of Wen Xinya and micromanage her life because of how much he loved her. Ever since she reunited with the Wen Family, he took on the responsibility of educating her and his goal was to turn her into a demure lady like his wife and daughter.
However… Si Yiyan appeared and stole his granddaughter away from him. He even intervened with his teachings, thus making Old Mr. Mo feel like his authority had been challenged and compromised.
Wen Xinya chuckled and said, “Grampy, the owner of Boya Pavilion has sent me an invitation to this year’s Heiress’ Gala. do you think… I should attend it?”
Ever since the gala that occurred three years ago where Wen Xinya set the owner up, the latter had begun acting sensibly and staying in her own lane.
Old Mr. Mo said calmly, “Aren’t you going to take part in the Milan Expo International Jewelry Design Competition? Do you still have the time to take part in such nonsensical events?”
Old Mr. Mo was still bearing a grudge against the owner of Boya Pavilion for making use of Wen Xinya three years ago. He began to detest her too.
Pretending to be helpless, Wen Xinya said, “But, everyone knows that you have some ties with the owner of Boya Pavilion. If I turn her invitation down, would I seem too petty?”
The owner of Boya Pavilion was of the same seniority level as Old Mr. Mo and was even known as Old Mrs. Mo’s counterpart since the two of them were labeled as the beauties of Capital city. However, Old Mr. Mo had never mentioned about her before.
But… Wen Xinya had a feeling that things were not as simple as they seemed.
“You don’t have to bother about those issues,” said Old Mr. Mo, who was staring at her bright and sparkly eyes. He knew that she was just trying to use the opportunity to gossip and find out more about his ties with the owner.
Actually, it was nothing much either. The feud only arose because the owner confessed her love to him before he got into a relationship with Ren Yuqian.
Later on, she tried to confess her feelings to him again three years after Ren Yuqian’s demise, only to be rejected yet again.
Wen Xinya was rather disappointed, for she did not manage to get the answer that she wanted to hear.
Chapter 1297: Creating the Jewelry Brand
Fine! Wen Xinya admitted that she was indeed intending to hear some gossip and juicy news, but actually, she was also just a little curious. However, she would not probe further since Old Mr. Mo did not want to tell her about it. However, she could more or less guess the truth after piecing together the bits of information that she had collected over the past three years.
Currently, she could confirm that the owner of Boya Pavilion harbored feelings towards Old Mr. Mo. Unfortunately, Old Mr. Mo had devoted all of his feelings to Old Mrs. Mo and spent his time and efforts on nursing Old Mrs. Mo’s health. His heart had also been buried together with Old Mrs. Mo’s body.
She actually took pity on the owner of Boya Pavilion.
Given how prideful and arrogant she was, how could she be satisfied with losing to Granny!?!
Besides, the fact that she had stayed single throughout her life made Wen Xinya feel rather amazed. In China… women would be ostracized and judged for staying unmarried for their entire life. It required tremendous courage to be able to take the criticism.
Usually, most people would feel touched and guilty if someone else were to stay unmarried for their sake, regardless of how iron-hearted they may be.
However, the owner of Boya Pavilion had underestimated Old Mr. Mo.
As the Confucius of the modern era, Old Mr. Mo would not deserve respect if he were to be as superficial and ignorant as most people.
There were different types of men in this world.
Old Mr. Mo had never had any romantic ties with the owner of Boya Pavilion. In that case, how could he possibly feel touched by her actions? It was all just wishful thinking on her part.
Wen Xinya silently gave Old Mr. Mo a thumbs-up.
…
Secretary Cao said, “The development of the entertainment city is coming to an end. Recently, Wen Haowen has become more and more arrogant and reckless in the Wen Corporation. He no longer fears or respects Old Mr. Wen like he used to. Previously, he even talked back to Old Mr. Wen during the shareholders’ meeting a few days ago and got into an argument with him. He didn’t show the shareholders any respect, either.”
Three years ago, Wen Haowen singlehandedly facilitated the cooperation between the Wen Corporation and the Zhang Corporation from Singapore. Since then, he had also taken charge of the entire project. In the past three years, Wen Haowen began throwing his weight around the corporation just because he had the support of the shareholders. If it weren’t because of Old Mr. Wen who had taken over the Wen Corporation again, he would have ruined it.
As the entertainment city project came to an end, Wen Haowen began to show his true colors and became a vicious and menacing wolf.
Wen Xinya asked with a slight frown, “What did they argue about?”
Wen Xinya was well aware of what Wen Haowen had been doing in the past three years and her resentment towards him grew even stronger than before. Wen Haowen had almost ignored the interests of the Wen Corporation and become the dog of the Zhang Corporation.
There were plenty of details of the cooperation between the two parties, which had to be discussed and negotiated repeatedly, for it concerned the interests of both parties. However, Wen Haowen seemed to have done the bidding of the Zhang Corporation and followed all of their instructions. Regardless of whether or not the Wen Corporation’s interests would be affected, he would forever stand on the Zhang Corporation’s side. He seemed to have forgotten the fact that he was a member of the Wen Family and was the CEO of the Wen Corporation which was the Wen Family’s business.
The Wen Corporation was initially in a dominant position. After all, Wen Corporation had invested more in the project than the Zhang Corporation. Hence, the Wen Corporation definitely had an edge.
However, the Zhang Corporation managed to gain dominance after manipulating Wen Haowen. Since they were extremely powerful, the members of the Wen Corporation had no choice but to bear with it.
His actions were to the great displeasure of the shareholders.
Secretary Cao said, “Missy, the Autumn series of jewelry pieces that you designed contributed to 65% of the Wen Corporation’s total sales revenue, which is 20% higher than that of last month’s. Such an impressive sales record is unprecedented in the Wen Corporation. Hence, the shareholders are very happy with you.”
Wen Xinya nodded. She had already heard about it from Old Mr. Wen.
A sullen expression formed on Secretary Cao’s face and he said, “The rules and regulations of the Wen Corporation state that designers would have the rights to set up their independent jewelry brand if their designs manage to contribute to 50% of the total sales revenue. Your designs have already met the requirements and hence, Old Sir has suggested during the shareholders’ meeting that we grant you the rights to set up your own brand. The shareholders have all approved of it. However, Wen Haowen strongly opposed to the idea.”
Despite having a calm and rational personality, Secretary Cao could not tolerate it either. Throughout all these years, Missy has been contributing greatly to the Wen Corporation and she already deserves the right to set up her own brand since half a year ago. Old Mr. Wen simply did not mention it yet because he felt that the time wasn’t right. Now… Missy has generated such an impressive sales record for the Wen Corporation. What rights does Wen Haowen have to object to it!?!
“What was the reason for his objection?” asked Wen Xinya, who was shocked to hear about that.
That explains why Grandpa was so eager about holding the jewelry exhibition. Grandpa just wanted to use the media and the Wen Corporation to bring me more reputation, so that Wen Haowen won’t have the chance to object.
Now that Wen Haowen held 23% of the Wen Corporation’s shares, he was indeed a major shareholder. If he were to object to the idea and gather the support of the other minor shareholders who were on his side, there would definitely be another conflict. Old Mr. Wen did not want to create unnecessary trouble.
Hence, Old Mr. Wen chose to implement that strategy.
Secretary Cao said, “He said that creating a new brand requires a lot of manpower, material resources, funds, and energy. He also said that the Wen Corporation already has a limited amount of funds because of the entertainment city project and that creating a brand for you will result in the foundation of the Wen Corporation being affected. Besides, you’ve already become the head designer of the Wen Corporation, which is an honorable feat, given your young age. He said that you’re not experienced enough to run your own brand.”
Although those reasons were not exactly convincing enough, they were rather logical and hence, no one could find any fault with him. Old Mr. Wen’s face grew sullen immediately.
Wen Xinya said slowly, “He sounded really reasonable, huh!?!”
By using the Wen Corporation’s foundation as a reason to pressurize Old Mr. Wen and oppose to the shareholders’ decisions, Wen Haowen sounded rather reasonable. Weren’t they afraid that the entertainment city project would affect the foundation of the Wen Corporation? That’s why they cooperated with the Zhang Corporation.
Most of the Wen Corporation’s fluid funds had been spent on the entertainment city.
Wen Xinya’s tender age also served as a good excuse for Wen Haowen. Although there were plenty of individuals who were talented in jewelry design, how many could go far? If the Wen Corporation really created a brand for her, she might implicate the Wen Corporation and do them damage if she were to face failure in the future.
Chapter 1298: Actually Fell for the Old Man’s Trap
Ever since the Wen Corporation established a cooperation with the Zhang Corporation, Wen Haowen had been spending every day feeling smug and confident. Due to the fact that the Zhang Corporation supported Wen Haowen, Old Mr. Wen had no choice but to suck it up, regardless of how displeased he was. The shareholders also dared not belittle him or give him a harsh attitude. The employees of the Wen Corporation would also feel like they were stepping on eggshells whenever they saw him.
Throughout the past three years, he had been putting in effort and time into boosting the development of the entertainment city project and pushing for the cooperation to proceed. Now that they were already at the last stages of the project, he could already imagine the massive profits that the entertainment city would bring to the Wen Corporation once it went into operation.
The old man and those shareholders simply don’t have great foresight. They’re actually thinking of using money to let Wen Xinya create her own brand so that they can suck up to her. Don’t they know that I’m the person whom they should be sucking up to now? The profits that the entertainment city can bring to the Wen Corporation are so much greater than what her pathetic jewelry pieces can do.
I’m the one who can make money for the Wen Corporation, not Wen Xinya!
Wen Xinya is just an immature and inexperienced greenhorn. How much can she earn for the Wen Corporation just with those drawings of hers?
How silly and ignorant!
A look of disdain formed on Wen Haowen’s face.
Ning Shuqian stood behind Wen Haowen and helped massage his shoulders while speaking in a coquettish voice, “Haowen, is it comfortable?”
Wen Haowen opened his eyes and said sluggishly, “Little vixen, since when have you picked up such a great skill? I feel so much at ease after your massage.”
He was not exaggerating at all, because the massage that Ning Shuqian gave him was indeed very comfortable.
Ning Shuqian was elated. She smiled and said, “I noticed that you’ve been very busy slogging away every day because of the entertainment city project. Hence, I especially learned how to give a massage so that I could massage you and help you relieve some stress.”
Since Wen Haowen was the key figure in the entertainment city project, she naturally had to coax him. Otherwise, how was she supposed to manipulate her into doing his bidding?
Wen Haowen reached a hand out to hold Ning Shuqian’s hand which he then stroked lecherously. Staring at her randily, he said, “You really are my precious baby. You know how to serve me well. I must show you some love and pamper you in bed later.”
Ning Shuqian was getting better and better in bed. Previously, she even hired some young and beautiful girls to serve him in bed together with her. He was so satisfied that he wished he could get ten years younger.
Ning Shuqian retracted her hand and caressed his chest before exclaiming, “You’re really naughty!”
In reality, Wen Haowen had been getting more and more lecherous in bed too. Although he was not completely impotent, he was no longer as energetic as he used to be. Besides, he was already in his forties, he could no longer last that long in bed. Hence, she had been getting intimate with other men in the past few years.
Wen Haowen had no idea that he had long been made a cuckold numerous times before. He began flirting with Ning Shuqian.
Ning Shuqian burst into laughter. A while later, she stopped and asked, “Haowen, when can the last sum of funds for the entertainment city be deposited?”
The entertainment city project had already been delayed for a long time and they were six months behind schedule. Hence, they could not afford any further delay and had to complete it as soon as possible.
Wen Haowen answered, “I’ve already brought it up during the shareholders’ meeting a few days ago. I reckon they will be deposited in the next few days. ”
He was no longer a small fry and now held a significant position in the Wen Corporation. Hence, the shareholders would definitely take his words seriously.
Ning Shuqian frowned slightly and said, “I’m not that worried about the shareholders. I’m just worried that the old man might stop the funds from being released.”
For the past three years, the implementation of the entertainment city project was not that smooth and she was certain that Old Mr. Wen had something to do with it. However, they could not find any evidence because of how sleek he was with it.
Wen Haowen said, “Don’t worry, the old man doesn’t have as much power or authority as he used to. If he really dares to cause any obstruction, I’ll get the shareholders to teach him a lesson.”
A few days ago, Old Mr. Wen suggested that they create a brand for Wen Xinya, but Wen Haowen opposed to it and it did not get approved in the end. Old Mr. Wen no longer commanded that much authority in the shareholders’ meeting.
After hearing his words, Ning Shuqian smiled and exclaimed, “The funds better be approved in the next few days!”
Wen Haowen said, “There might be some difficulties in doing that because the old man mentioned about hosting a jewelry exhibition during the meeting a few days ago and the directors are all in approval. Lately, the exhibition has become the most important thing to the Wen Corporation. Hence, the funds will only be released after the exhibition.”
He approved of the exhibition too, because it had been a long time since they held an exhibition and it would be a good thing for the Wen Corporation.
After hearing his words, Ning Shuqian asked with a sullen expression, “You mean, the Wen Corporation is going to hold an exhibition?”
She immediately thought about Old Mr. Wen’s suggestion about the independent brand, after which she began to make her guesses.
Sensing the displeasure in her tone, Wen Haowen asked, “What’s wrong? Is there an issue with the exhibition?”
Ning Shuqian gritted her teeth angrily and snapped. “Of course there’s an issue. Think about it. Who’s gaining fame because of her jewelry design?”
Wen Haowen answered with a petulant expression, “Wen Xinya!”
Wen Haowen vaguely understood the truth of the matter. He actually forgot about that.
Ning Shuqian said, “In that case, she’ll be the one stealing the limelight during the jewelry exhibition. The old man is obviously out to boost her popularity.”
The mention of Wen Xinya made Ning Shuqian’s blood boil with anger. For the past three years, she had been watching Wen Xinya gain reputation and fame because of her jewelry design. Yet, there was nothing she could do because she had to commit all her time and energy to the entertainment city project. God knows… how angry she felt when watching Wen Xinya enjoy immense glory.
Wen Haowen’s face turned pale and he said, “The old man suggested that we create another brand for Wen Xinya but I managed to stop him. Once the exhibition is carried out successfully, the media will actively promote Wen Xinya and her brand would be rightfully established. No one would be able to stop them.”
So that was what the old man was trying to do. I didn’t expect him to be so sly and cunning. He actually played me like a fool.
The resentment that Wen Haowen felt towards Old Mr. Wen was rather terrifying.
Ning Shuqian said in exasperation, “Old Mr. Wen is really something, eh?”
No one would be able to raise any objections now that the matter about the exhibition had been confirmed.
Wen Haowen asked sternly, “We’ve all fallen for the old man’s trick. What… do you think we should do now?”
He would definitely not sit back and watch Wen Xinya create her brand. Once her brand was established, she would have a stable position in the Wen Corporation and she might even be on par with Wen Haowen with Old Mr. Wen’s support.
There was no longer a point in saying anything at this juncture. A look of resentment formed in Ning Shuqian’s eyes and she exclaimed, “Aren’t they planning to hold an exhibition? Let them go ahead, then!”
Chapter 1299: I Don’t Need a Maid, I Need a Wife
Actually, Wen Xinya definitely deserved to have her own brand, given how much fame and reputation she had in the industry of jewelry design, both locally and overseas. After all, she had emerged as champion in several major jewelry design competitions in the nation. She had also showcased her talent in various major international jewelry design competitions.
However, she was not too bothered about the brand because in her opinion… it was only a matter of time before her brand got established. Hence, there was no difference.
However, she wouldn’t turn the opportunity down since it was beneficial for the Wen Corporation.
While sewing the button back onto the shirt that she had made for Si Yiyan, Wen Xinya said, “Do you think Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian will sit back and do nothing while watching my brand get established? Once the brand is established, I’ll have a significant position in the Wen Corporation and gain more power.”
Wen Haowen naturally wouldn’t let the matter happen because of his ambitions and greed. He wouldn’t allow her to pose a threat to his status and power in the Wen Corporation.
Wen Xinya did not hear any response from Si Yiyan for a long while. She then looked up and glanced at him, only to see that he had already closed the document in his hand and was staring at her. She asked, “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”
She subconsciously stroked her face and stared at Si Yiyan in bewilderment.
Si Yiyan shook his head and said, “Your affection for me is the needle while your love is the thread. You’re stitching your love and mine together to form an intricate fabric.”
It was the fabric woven with their love.
When he watched her sewing attentively while seated on the couch just now with incredible patience, he felt… that it was the most beautiful side of her that he had ever seen.
Wen Xinya suddenly realized that the needle in her hand seemed to feel a little warm. Pretending to be shy, she asked, “Did you hear what I said just now? Why aren’t you answering me!?!”
She sounded extremely gentle and delicate even though she was supposed to sound self-righteous.
She felt extremely warm and fuzzy inside because he understood her intentions and sincerity in making a shirt for him. However, she was rather shy and annoyed because he had spelled it out blatantly.
Si Yiyan took a seat beside her and stared at the grayish-blue shirt in her hand which was of a refined and classy color. At the same time, only a few people could pull it off.
The design of the shirt was rather simple, but it looked extremely intricate and exquisite because of the embroidery on the fabric. When looked at closely, the patterns on the shirt resembled a beautiful and dainty forget-me-not. The flower gradually elongated ravishingly, making it absolutely unforgettable.
Although forget-me-nots were lovable, they did not look too feminine because of the subtlety. Instead, it made the shirt look even more refined.
The floral lingo of forget-me-not was the unconditional and resilient love for one’s lover.
Si Yiyan asked, “Are you done?”
Wen Xinya nodded and said, “Yes, I’m about to tie the loose ends soon.”
Wen Xinya would often put in too much effort into designing and tailoring the clothing meant for him. Likewise, she meticulously designed the shirt that she was now making, and refined every detail to perfection, from the buttons to the cuff links, all of which were based on her inspiration.
Si Yiyan reached a hand out to unbutton his shirt.
Wen Xinya frantically said, “What are you doing? I just made the shirt and the fabric is brand new. I have to soak it in cold water before it’ll feel comfortable.”
Why is he like a child? He can’t take his eyes off the new shirt and he can’t wait to wear it at all. It’s not like anyone’s going to take it away from him.
Si Yiyan had already taken off his shirt. “It’s alright. I’ll get comfortable after wearing it.”
Wen Xinya had no choice but to tie up the loose ends and hand the shirt to him. “Let’s make things clear beforehand. If it doesn’t fit, take it out. Otherwise, you’re not allowed to wear it again in the future.”
She was afraid that he might ruin her brand.
To her surprise, Si Yiyan did not bother grabbing the shirt at all. Instead, he stood with his bare back facing Wen Xinya. “Put it on for me.”
“Do you really take me for a maid!?!” Wen Xinya rebuked. Si Yiyan would act like a stern landlord and make her serve him and put his clothes on for him whenever she was around.
Si Yiyan smirked and said, “You’re good at making clothes, serving me and pleasing me in bed. You really are an all-rounded maid.”
Men loved being taken care of and he was no exception.
Wen Xinya could not help but put Si Yiyan’s clothes on for him indignantly. She then walked towards him and bent forward to help him button the shirt.
Si Yiyan suddenly held her hand and exclaimed, “I don’t need a maid, I need a wife!”
Wen Xinya gibed. “Even if I become your wife, I only have the fate of being a maid. It seems… it’s not that good of a thing to be your wife!”
Si Yiyan burst into laughter.
Wen Xinya scrutinized the shirt and observed how it looked on him. The colors of the fabric and the flowers complemented each other and when looked at from afar, she could tell the layers of colors which made him look classy and elegant. When she took a closer look at it… she could tell that it was not feminine-looking. Si Yiyan exuded an inexplicable aura and grace.
She praised. “This shirt suits you very well.”
Despite being a man, he possessed a unique grace that was not feminine yet classy.
Indeed, the shirt fitted him perfectly, just like she had expected. It was much more form-fitting than the apparel from bespoke luxury labels. She had put in that much effort into finetuning every detail, only because she loved him. A woman would only remember and notice the sartorial habits of a man she loved dearly.
Wen Xinya said, “Do you think we should introduce some men’s apparel for the brands under the Wen Corporation?”
Wen Xinya’s confidence grew after designing so many clothes for Si Yiyan and she felt that she had the potential to develop a career in jewelry design.
Si Yiyan suddenly held her hand and said, “You may design female apparel but not male. You’re only allowed to design clothes for me, for the rest of your life!”
Si Yiyan stared at Wen Xinya uncompromisingly with a stern and firm tone in his voice.
He could not tolerate other men wearing the clothes designed by Wen Xinya.
Wen Xinya knew that she had to act appropriately.
However, she could not help herself. She rebuked. “Such a tyrant!”
Chapter 1300: Inexplicable Woes
Wen Xinya met her friends at eight in the evening. Surprisingly, she did not bring Si Yiyan along.
Her friends had all changed tremendously throughout the past three years. Gu Junling had gradually begun taking over his family’s business while Ling Qingxuan had already begun running the Ling Family’s entertainment company and was making outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.
Han Mofeng was doing rather well too and had already been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. On the other hand, Xu Zhenyu had also been doing extremely well in Capital city, especially since he had the support of the Xu family.
Zhou Tianyu had already graduated from Beihua University but did not have any other plans at the moment. Meanwhile, Xu Tongxuan was arranged to work in the National Security Bureau with the help of her family.
However… the only pity was that Zhou Tianyu and Gu Junling were still in an ambiguous and non-exclusive relationship even though the two of them had been making progress throughout the past three years. Gu Junling was not eager, though. To him, slow and steady wins the race. He felt that Zhou Tianyu was already his to keep at this point.
However, Wen Xinya was not as optimistic as him. In her previous lifetime… Gu Junling had also allowed Zhou Tianyu to escape from his hands. Her decision to become a diplomat was a ticking time bomb between them.
Wen Xinya felt like she was their mother, for she could not stop worrying about them.
Noticing that Wen Xinya was walking towards her alone, Zhou Tianyu began to tease her. “Hey, where’s your boyfriend? I thought he’d be leashed to you wherever you go!”
Whenever Si Yiyan was around, they wouldn’t dare to tease or make fun of Wen Xinya. Hence… Zhou Tianyu and Gu Junling had become the subject of their teasing. Throughout the years, the jokes became more and more explicit and she could not stop them at all.
Hence, she began to resent Wen Xinya and immediately teased her when she realized that Si Yiyan was not around.
Feeling embarrassed, Wen Xinya thought, Trust her to come up with such a silly metaphor! “Don’t talk about me. Speak for yourself. You and Gu Junling are practically inseparable. Do you plan to accept his pursuit or not!?!”
It had been more than three years since Gu Junling expressed his feelings for Zhou Tianyu openly, during which he had been putting in plenty of effort into courting her.
Even Xu Tongxuan could not help but chime in. “Tianyu, I really don’t know what you’re thinking. What’s so bad about Little Eunuch Gu? Honestly… men like him are extinct nowadays. If you don’t treasure him, a good man like him will never come by again.”
Gu Junling had been carrying a torch for Zhou Tianyu for more than a decade and had also courted her for three years. All of that was enough to prove his genuine devotion towards her.
Zhou Tianyu’s smile stiffened and remained silent for a while before answering, “Don’t worry, guys. I know what to do.”
She then looked down at Wen Xinya and Xu Tongxuan.
Wen Xinya could tell from her expression that things were far more complicated than they had thought. She said softly, “Tianyu, we’re in no place to comment about your relationship with Gu Junling but… we can tell that you do have feelings for him. However, why are you still unwilling to accept him?”
Xu Tongxuan added, “Tianyu, we actually feel really sorry for Little Eunuch Gu. He treats you so well. I’m sure you feel something for him, too.”
Hanging her head low, Zhou Tianyu answered softly, “I know that you guys have my best interests at heart but…” She placed her hands on her lap and clenched them tightly. “I have my reasons too.”
Wen Xinya was suddenly filled with an ominous feeling. Throughout the years, they had mentioned about Gu Junling to her countless times before. However, she would always avoid the questions whenever they talked about him, and would even change the subject. They all thought that she simply couldn’t take the teasing.
However, her reaction now told them that there was something more to it and that her inexplicable reason could be the obstruction in her relationship with Gu Junling.
She clearly didn’t wish to talk about it.
Wen Xinya shot Xu Tongxuan a glance, after which Xu Tongxuan caught the hint and said to Zhou Tianyu, “Tianyu, honestly speaking, you’re a little selfish. If you don’t like Gu Junling, just tell him straight and let him give up on you. Why do you have to leave him hanging and put him through such misery?”
Xu Tongxuan could also sense that things between Zhou Tianyu and Gu Junling were not that simple.
Wen Xinya chimed in. “Tianyu, Xuanxuan is right. You’re not doing the right thing. Since you don’t fancy Gu Junling, you should make things clear to him. He’s not a thick-skinned person, he won’t pester you if you tell him that you don’t fancy him. If… you can’t bring yourself to say it, we can do it on your behalf.”
Zhou Tianyu immediately got rather agitated and said, “I do fancy Gu Junling, it’s just…”
Wen Xinya hurriedly asked, “Just what?”
Zhou Tianyu paused all of a sudden as a look of dejection formed on her face and her body began to tremble. It was as if she was terrified of something. She pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Xu Tongxuan asked anxiously, “Tianyu, what are your reasons and difficulties, exactly? Hurry and tell us. Maybe we can help you out. Even if we can’t, we can at least be your listening ears.”
Zhou Tianyu said bitterly, “You guys can’t help me, anyway. You just have to believe me. I do fancy Gu Junling, but I don’t wish to harm him.”
Xu Tongxuan and Wen Xinya looked at each other in disbelief.
Wen Xinya asked, “You mean, you’d be harming Gu Junling if you get together with him?”
Zhou Tianyu remained silent.
She was admitting it.
Wen Xinya could not help but begin to frown. She could not understand what was going on at all. However, Zhou Tianyu’s reaction was telling her that something was wrong. She felt that she had to get to the bottom of the truth.
Xu Tongxuan shared the same thoughts as Wen Xinya and found the matter to be rather problematic. She even wondered if the Zhou Family had disapproved of Gu Junling, or if Zhou Tianyu had developed a terminal illness like the female leads of cliche television dramas and did not wish to become a burden to Gu Junling. However, she knew that Zhou Tianyu wasn’t that pretentious.
Just as the two of them were about to speak, the door of the room was pushed open. Gu Junling, Han Mofeng, and Ling Qingxuan entered the room joyously, chatting with each other while placing an arm on each other’s shoulder.