Chapter 41: Taken with You

As they grew older, Shen Yize eventually realized that Shen Xiyao’s decision to study abroad was a choice she made for her own future.

The boy had even specifically apologized to Jiang Mian, saying he shouldn’t have spoken to her that way back then. Now, when they occasionally crossed paths, he would still obediently greet her with a polite, "Sister Mianmian."

Pulling herself out of these memories, Shen Xiyao nodded. "He does. He’s always asking when I’m going back."

Shen Yize was currently attending university in Jingjiang. Per his family’s wishes, he was studying finance, and he occasionally had to go to the Shen family’s company on weekends to learn the ropes. The Shen family had originally intended for Shen Xiyao to join the company as well, but since she lacked the interest, Mr. and Mrs. Shen didn't press the matter.

"Don't worry about him; just leave him be for now. That guy is incredibly annoying."

And he truly was. Shen Yize was nineteen now. She remembered over a year ago, right after his high school graduation, he had insisted on going abroad to find Shen Xiyao. He stayed with her for the entire summer break and was only sent back by Shen Xiyao because he had no choice but to return for school. During the summer of his freshman year, he had wanted to go abroad to find her again, but Mr. and Mrs. Shen strictly ordered him to stay home and study, so he didn't make it. Now that Shen Xiyao was back in the country, it was only natural that he would be pestering her.

Jiang Mian found it amusing. Her parents hadn't given her any siblings, so she had never experienced that kind of familial bond and didn't know what it felt like.

"By the way, why don't you talk about yourself?"

The waiter had already served most of the dishes. Shen Xiyao picked up her chopsticks, placed a piece of vinegar-braised fish into her bowl, and looked up at Jiang Mian as she ate.

Jiang Mian was slightly dazed, not having anticipated the sudden shift in topic. She remained silent, feeling a bit tongue-tied.

Shen Xiyao wasn't in a hurry. She ate her fish while reaching over to pour herself a glass of orange juice. She gulped it down, feeling a sense of relief wash over her stomach. Jiang Mian took a bite of the fish, chewing slowly and savoring the sweet and spicy flavors on her tongue, still lost in her thoughts.

Where should she begin? She wasn't sure; the situation didn't seem to have a clear starting point. After a while, she remembered the invitation to the birthday banquet for Elder Wen.

"Wen Qinhuai sent me an invitation, saying that Elder Wen wants to see me. What do you think that means?"

Shen Xiyao nearly bit her tongue. Thinking back on all the grand events she had witnessed over the years, the idea of Elder Wen wanting to meet someone was truly rare.

Although the relationship between the Shen and Wen families wasn't particularly close, they still maintained the necessary decorum during holidays. Elder Wen was a man who always appeared peaceful—on the surface, at least. He seemed to be able to talk to anyone, but in reality, very few people truly caught the old man's eye.

Back then, the Shen parents had considered trying to arrange a marriage between Shen Xiyao and the Wen family, but they were blocked by Elder Wen’s simple remark: "Qinhuai, Yaoyao is such a good little sister." He hadn't even considered Shen Xiyao within the realm of potential partners.

"He’s taken a liking to you."

"Huh?" Jiang Mian was stunned.

Shen Xiyao’s expression didn't look like she was joking. She nodded at Jiang Mian while stuffing rice into her mouth. "One of them has taken a liking to you and wants to make you the mistress of the Wen family."

Whether it was Elder Wen or Wen Qinhuai who had taken an interest, the implication remained the same. Jiang Mian found it hard to believe. Even if Elder Wen wanted her to marry someone like Wen Qinhuai, surely he wouldn't be willing, right? He had been in control of the family for years; would he really marry an unrelated woman just because of the old man’s words?

She felt her mind spinning, but Shen Xiyao seemed certain, even calm.

"Wen Qinhuai is at an age where he should settle down. It’s said that Elder Wen has been pushing him for a long time, and you, well, you happen to fit the bill."

Jiang Mian gasped. Given Wen Qinhuai’s status, could Elder Wen really be interested in her? Seeing her skepticism, Shen Xiyao smiled, pulled a chicken leg from the bowl of soup nearby, and began chewing on it.

"Let me analyze this for you."

Aside from the fact that there hadn't been any close female companions around Wen Qinhuai over the years, his personality was such that his social circle consisted mostly of male friends from similarly prominent families. The gossip media could never dig up anything on him.

"It’s said that two years ago, Elder Wen introduced him to a girl from an elite family. Guess what he said?"

"He said the girl was too young and didn't meet his standards, and he shut it down immediately."

Later, Elder Wen didn't stop trying to introduce him to people, but Wen Qinhuai would just claim he needed to expand his overseas business and would disappear abroad for months at a time. Elder Wen was eventually so frustrated he laughed, and he had kept quiet for a long time since.

Jiang Mian clicked her tongue. Setting aside whether Wen Qinhuai had any such intentions, what would she do if Elder Wen actually brought this up with her? Her status and Wen Qinhuai’s were worlds apart.

Shen Xiyao looked up and saw Jiang Mian staring down with an indescribable expression. She took a sip of her orange juice, blinked, and leaned in closer. "Mianbao, what are you thinking about?"

"Mr. Wen shouldn't go that far."

"How do you know?" She narrowed her eyes, staring at Jiang Mian.

"Um." Jiang Mian was slightly startled, unable to articulate her reasoning.

Last time she drove Wen Qinhuai home, she saw the layout of his house; he was a man who planned everything carefully and had a very strong sense of his own mind. He didn't seem like the type to be easily manipulated by a few words from Elder Wen, especially regarding marriage.

But then, she thought, he was a businessman. If the benefits were sufficient, was there anything he wouldn't do?

Benefits? Wasn't Jiang Zhouyi trying to hand over all the shares in her possession as a dowry? It was just that Wen Qinhuai had refused previously. Now that Elder Wen was having his big birthday, Jiang Zhouyi would surely attend, and he probably wouldn't let such a good opportunity slip by.

She furrowed her brows, feeling a sense of inexplicable sadness. Sighing, she looked up to see Shen Xiyao staring straight at her. She quickly waved her hand. "What are you looking at? Hurry up and eat. Didn't you say you'd missed the food at Linjiang for a long time?"

"I am eating."

Shen Xiyao pointed at the plate in front of her, which was now piled high with bones and scraps. She truly had missed the food back home—she wasn't kidding.

Jiang Mian blinked, wondering if she had seen wrong. When did that whole chicken in the soup disappear? When had eating become this fast?

"Do you want me to order a couple more dishes for you?" she asked.

Shen Xiyao nodded, pulled out two napkins to wipe her mouth, and said, "Yes, please! Let's get another chicken soup; it’s so tender!"

"By the way, I really think if you married Wen Qinhuai, you wouldn't be losing out. He’s such a high-quality young man—handsome and wealthy. How great is that!"

Before she could finish, a chopstick full of red-braised pork was stuffed into her mouth.

Jiang Mian’s cheeks burned. "Stop talking!"