Chapter 118 Jingyao Headquarters Can Also Be Moved to Los Angeles

Shen Jingni slept exceptionally soundly.

I woke up naturally close to noon.

I wanted to check the time on my phone, but I found that it had run out of battery and shut down automatically.

She doesn't remember when she fell asleep, but her phone had plenty of battery, so how did it turn off?

Just then, Shen Qingyan knocked on her door, dragging out his lazy voice, "Shen Miaomiao, the sun's already high in the sky, hurry up and get up to wash and eat."

I have to go to the airport this afternoon.

His daughter is always so slow when she goes out. She spends hours getting her hair done, putting on makeup, and choosing pretty clothes.

Shen Jingni plugged her phone in before opening the door.

"I know, don't rush me."

Seeing that she seemed to be in good spirits, Shen Qingyan squinted and looked her over, saying, "Looks like someone slept very well last night."

"None of your business."

Shen Jingni pouted, ignored him, and turned to go to the bathroom.

Shen Qingyan brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and began to nag, "Hurry up."

Shen Zhuoyuan got up very early.

He felt today was a good day, so he was in a great mood and even hummed a little tune as he cooked a few home-style dishes.

Xu Ningwan looked at his smug expression and was speechless: "You're so happy that Miaomiao is going abroad?"

"Shall we set off some firecrackers to celebrate?"

Shen Zhuoyuan washed his hands and wiped them on his apron. "You know what, I actually had that plan, but Miaomiao doesn't seem very happy lately. I'm thinking of saving it for the New Year."

"Let's set off some fireworks then."

Xu Ningwan reached out and pinched his ear, "You can have your fun in your own hands, but you're setting off firecrackers. You better watch out."

Shen Zhuoyuan hurriedly cried out for mercy, "Ouch, your ear is going to be torn off!"

"Okay, okay, I'll keep it."

——

The old lady of the Zhao family is in critical condition. She was still able to speak a few days ago, but today she is completely unable to speak.

The younger generation were all called back to the old house and took turns keeping watch by the bedside.

When Xie Yunfan and Zhao Yueling came out of the old lady's room, they saw Zhao Zonglan sitting on a chair in the garden, holding a cigarette in his hand, with an indifferent expression and a hint of fatigue in his eyes.

Chairman's secretary Gu Qian stood beside him and took out a document from her bag, asking Zhao Zonglan to sign it.

Gu Qian was always decisive and efficient. After giving a concise report on his work, he nodded slightly and strode away.

Zhao Yueling hasn't slept well these past two days; her dark circles are very noticeable, and she looks listless.

Of all the family members, Zhao Yueling had the deepest bond with the old lady.

The old lady favored Zhao Zonglan and his sister the most.

Therefore, Zhao Yueling couldn't understand why Fifth Brother didn't bring Shen Jingni back at this critical juncture.

Even if you don't get married, is it so hard to bring her to see the old lady and have her call you "Grandma"?

"Fifth Brother, when are you going to bring your wife along?"

"I'm afraid Grandma won't make it through the night in her condition."

Zhao Zonglan remained indifferent, neither looking at her nor speaking.

Zhao Yueling felt that Zhao Zonglan's condition was not quite right.

Did you have a fight with your sister-in-law?

“If you can’t bring yourself to go to her, then I will go. I will go and beg her.”

The grandmother should always be allowed to meet her future granddaughter-in-law before she passes away.

She was impatient; after saying that, she turned to leave.

"Zhao Yueling".

Zhao Zonglan called out to her in a deep voice.

His tone was stern and authoritative, exuding authority without anger.

He opened his eyes, his voice low and cold: "Don't bother her."

No one can use moral blackmail on her.

Although Zhao Yueling was anxious, upon hearing Zhao Zonglan's words, she had no choice but to retract her foot that she had just lifted.

"Why, Fifth Brother?"

She really didn't understand. Could it be that the two of them had broken up?

Realizing this problem, the last glimmer of hope in Zhao Yueling's heart was suddenly extinguished.

Her eyelashes drooped, she turned away, and stopped talking.

Xie Yunfan just watched from the side, but she could guess about 70-80% of what was going on.

These past few days, Zhao Zonglan has been in a bad mood. According to the maid, he drove out last night and didn't return until dawn, looking exhausted.

He's also been smoking more heavily than usual.

Xie Yunfan was a little worried about him. "Zonglan, no matter what, you must take care of yourself."

Zhao Zonglan smoked his cigarette without saying a word.

In the past few days, several scions of prominent families have come to visit Old Mrs. Zhao.

Song Yanting was not in Beijing for the past two days and only returned today.

After visiting the old lady on behalf of the Song family, he chatted with Zhao Zonglan's eldest cousin for a few minutes before following Chang An to the garden.

The weather was alright today. In the afternoon, the warm sunshine was comforting, not too cold, but too thin.

Song Yanting stood in front of Zhao Zonglan, his usual gentle smile gone, his tone serious: "I heard from Shuyi that Miss Shen's flight to Los Angeles is this evening, and her return date is uncertain."

Zhao Zonglan said in a calm tone, "I know."

Seeing his calm demeanor, Song Yanting narrowed his eyes behind his glasses, a hint of anxiety in them: "Aren't you worried at all?"

"I've said it before, your Miss Shen is young, born to be willful and freedom-loving. Can you really rest easy letting her go like this?"

"Zhao Zonglan, what exactly are you thinking?"

Although they would occasionally joke or tease each other when they got together, it was mostly just a joke.

Song Yanting did not want Zhao Zonglan to suffer the same fate as him, loving but not being able to have, and wanting but not being able to have.

That feeling was excruciating, piercing to the bone, and extremely painful.

Zhao Zonglan chuckled: "What am I worried about?"

Song Yanting gazed at the cedar tree in the garden, "I'm worried she won't come back, I'm worried... that you two will be destined to be apart from each other from now on."

"It's okay if you don't come back."

Zhao Zonglan flicked off his cigarette ash, his gaze calm: "Jingyao's headquarters can also be moved to Los Angeles."

Song Yanting frowned even more deeply and asked him in a heavy tone, "What if she doesn't like you and forgets about you?"

The warm sun quietly hid behind the clouds, and everything around turned gray.

Zhao Zonglan did not answer.

He didn't know the answer to this question.

Only Shen Jingni could tell him.

Song Yanting raised his hand and glanced at his watch. "I had Nanfeng send Miss Shen's flight information to Chang An. There are still more than two hours left."

"If it's inconvenient for you to take action, I'll have someone intercept you."

Zhao Zonglan's voice was slightly hoarse, "No need."

Song Yanting tilted his head back slightly, took a deep breath, and, feeling both helpless and angry, almost shouted at him, "Zhao Zonglan, do you really have to gamble?!"

"Relationships are not business, much less gambling; the outcome is never up to you or me."

He became somewhat agitated. "Of course, everyone's happy if we win, but what if we lose?"

"Zhao Zonglan, can you afford to lose?"

Will we lose?

Zhao Zonglan lowered his eyes, his hand holding the cigarette trembling slightly, and remained silent for a long time.