Chapter 13

Lin Nuo brought the change of clothes just in time. After washing up, the couple went downstairs to have breakfast.

In the restaurant, Mr. and Mrs. Ci Shao and their youngest son Ci Yu were already there.

My father-in-law, Ci Shao, was as refined and courteous as he appeared in the news, with the calm demeanor of someone who had held a high position for a long time. My mother-in-law, Zhuang Minghua, who was well-maintained, loved her traditional Chinese dress and wore a bodhi string on her wrist, exuding a gentle and elegant elegance.

Although the two did not speak during the meal, the tacit understanding and warmth that naturally revealed themselves through a gesture and a look proved that they were not the most low-key loving couple in the circle.

"Dad, Mom." Wen Zhenni called out obediently.

Seeing the young couple arrive, Ci Shao's eyes became more peaceful. "You've come just in time. Come sit down and eat."

"Jenny, come and sit next to Mommy."

Zhuang Minghua smiled warmly and patted the seat next to her. Wen Zhenni quickly walked over and sat next to her.

"Good morning, sister-in-law, good morning, brother." A young face that looked 50% similar to Ciheng was raised from the opposite side.

Ci Yu, who was concentrating on eating, greeted the two and placed a plate of golden fried dumplings in front of Wen Zhenni. "Sister-in-law, these spicy dumplings are delicious. They're hot from the pan."

After wiping his hands, Ciheng picked up a soup dumpling with his chopsticks and placed it on Wen Zhenni's plate. He then turned to Ciyu and asked, "How was the feedback from the Nanbu exhibition?"

The exhibition he mentioned is a global robotics expo, with countries around the world that possess advanced robotics technology participating.

The Huanxing Robotics Research Institute, a team established by Taihua Investment, has developed robots that have achieved significant results in many fields.

Ci Yu has been working hard to overcome the technical difficulties in this area. He is very confident in himself and is not modest when talking about his achievements.

"Rescue robots and exoskeleton robots used in healthcare have received particularly good feedback. The companion robots we launched this time have superior voice interaction than other companies and have an absolute advantage."

Having said that, Ci Yu changed the subject and looked at Wen Zhenni, "Sister-in-law, let me give you a companion robot."

If you can’t keep a dog, you can keep a robot.

Wen Zhenni found it interesting. "Is it a robot that can communicate?"

"Well, it looks very cute, I'm sure you'll like it."

Ci Yu specially showed her the official pictures and began to explain its uses and functions.

As a father, Ci Shao is very pleased to see his two sons achieve success in their respective fields.

"The robotics project is a key development project this year. Ciheng, you must follow up closely."

Ciheng: "I will, Dad."

"That's all you keep saying." Zhuang Minghua glared at the father and son. "Just eat, but as soon as you get to the table you start talking about work. Don't you have any life other than work?"

As he spoke, he pointed the finger at Ciheng again, "Especially you, saying your career is your priority, yet you've been gone for three years and the number of times you've come back can be counted on one hand."

"If you ask me, while Zhenni is resting, you should spend more time with her instead of working all day. Can you get your work done?"

Ciheng felt wronged after being scolded so harshly. "I haven't been with her long enough. I'm almost growing on her."

He winked at his father, asking him to take care of his wife.

"Minghua..."

Ci Shao's throat moved slightly, and he wanted to say a few words to defend his eldest son, but Zhuang Minghua glanced at him, freezing the words on the tip of his tongue.

Ci Shao immediately put on a smile and changed his tone, "Your mother is right. It's right to listen to her."

Ciheng: “…”

You shouldn't have any unrealistic fantasies about this henpecked man.

Breakfast ended in a happy family atmosphere. The Ci Shao couple also prepared to return to Zhangyuan to stay with the old lady for a few days.

The driver parked the car outside the revolving door of the hotel. It was not an ordinary luxury car, but a state gift with solemn lines. The deep black body of the car glowed with a restrained luster in the morning light. There was a special license plate on the front of the car, which was enough to give a glimpse of the family's background.

Ciheng stepped forward and opened the back door for her parents, and Zhuang Minghua bent down and sat in.

Before getting in the car, Ci Shao patted his eldest son on the shoulder and said, "Well done."

Through the car window, Zhuang Minghua asked Ci Yu, "If you don't get in the car, where are you going?"

Ci Yu is the only unmarried grandchild in the family, and he is most afraid of seeing the old lady.

Hearing Ms. Zhuang asking him to go back to Zhangyuan, he quickly took a few steps back and said, "I'm going back with my brother."

Zhuang Minghua rolled his eyes at him, "Your brother and sister-in-law are going back to their parents' home, and you want to go with them?"

"Mom, Xiaoyu is not a stranger, let's go together." Wen Zhenni didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

The Jin and Ci families were very close. Before they got married, Ci Yu often went to eat with them.

Ci Yu scratched his head, still a little embarrassed, "I'll send my brother and sister-in-law to Uncle Jin's place, and then drive back to Zijin Bay."

The Zijin Bay villa is big and will not affect the young couple, so Zhuang Minghua did not force it and let him go.

Ciheng stood there, watching the state gift, a symbol of status, disappear around the corner.

Just as he looked away, the obsidian black Bentley Mulsanne slid silently in front of him.

"Brother, sister-in-law, get in the car!"

Ci Yu, sitting in the driver's seat, looked as if he had won a death-free ticket, a hint of smugness on his face. He had obviously sent the driver away and taken over the use of the car.

Ciheng opened the car door and pushed Wen Zhenni into the car.

On the way to Jin's house, Wen Zhenni sat in the spacious back seat, browsing Weibo, and all she could hear was the brothers' active discussions about the group's projects.

Wen Zhenni had long been accustomed to it. Occasionally, when she heard a familiar name, she would raise her head and look at Ciheng with her bright eyes, with a little excitement as if seeking confirmation.

Ciheng's gaze would briefly move away from the phone, pass by her inquiring eyes, and say "hmm" very lightly to indicate confirmation.

When she made an outrageous guess, the corners of her lips would twitch, and she would continue to discuss with her brother with a teasing and helpless smile.

Ciheng led the discussion throughout, while Ciyu was responsible for asking pointed questions and giving suggestions. The two brothers' conversations were clear and organized, with the calmness and pragmatism of decision makers.

After all, their family has been in business for generations, and their business acumen is no less than that of ordinary people.

Although the professional terms sound like hieroglyphics, at least it broadens my horizons.

After listening to the heavenly book at this moment, Wen Zhenni suddenly remembered Qin Qing's suggestion and couldn't help but feel moved.

"Xiao Yu, is our company still recruiting employees?" she asked.

Ci Yu: "Taihua is expanding its business, and each department has recruitment targets. Why is your sister-in-law asking this?"

It would be much easier if she had it, she could go to Taihua through the back door.

Wen Zhenni ignored the gazes of those around her and asked directly, "Do you think I can apply for the job?"

Ci Yu glanced at her through the rearview mirror and said, "Sister-in-law, there must be nothing wrong."

Ci Heng paused before replying, "Why do you want to work in a company?"

Wen Zhenni answered truthfully: "I'm bored on vacation, so I want to experience life."

"Sister-in-law, it's possible, but..." Ci Yu glanced at Ci Heng in the back row and cleared his throat, "My decision doesn't count. You have to ask my brother if he agrees."

Seeing that his brother was too lazy to pay attention, Ci Yu jokingly said: "Brother, why don't you open a back door, otherwise she will nag you every day."

Although Ciheng's eyes were on the mobile phone screen, she actually heard every word her uncle and sister-in-law said.

"Can't stay at home? Do you want to endure hardship? Or is your pocket money not enough?"

"If you don't want to stay home, you can ask your bestie, the Sea King, to go to an auction or travel around the world."

What a Neptune best friend, that sounds so ugly, that's called pursuit.

Wen Zhenni complained in her heart and muttered, "I just want to go to work."

Ci Heng finally looked up at her, his tone full of helplessness, as if he was coaxing a naughty child, "The company's positions are reserved for key talents. There is no position suitable for you. You should go and relax."

It made sense. If she insisted, she would be inconsiderate.

Wen Zhenni sighed a little irritably.

Seeing his sister-in-law's bitter face, Ci Yu quickly tried to smooth things over, "The President's Office can certainly consider it. One more spot wouldn't hurt."

Ci Heng didn't refute, but raised her eyebrows slightly, with a hint of teasing in her eyes, "A popular female star, are you sure you want to use this face to flaunt in the company?"

Wen Zhenni was only thinking about going to work at the company and didn't consider this issue.

She thought for a moment and said briskly, "Everyone says I look like my cousin. I can use her name to join the company without registering my real information. I won't be here long anyway."

He is smart and can find a way out for himself.

Ciheng did not answer directly, his eyes returned to the screen, as if what had just happened was just an insignificant episode, and he continued to discuss the previous issue with Ciyu.

Wen Zhenni had expected that he would not be so easy to talk to.

If Taihua can't go, she can just go to her own company.

Ci Yu saw this scene from the rearview mirror, said a few words of comfort, and drove the Bentley towards the quiet core area in the bustling city.

After her divorce, Jin Xiao did not remarry and moved into a large flat in Central Park with her two children.

It is convenient to go anywhere in the living circle. The elevator goes directly to the house, which provides strong privacy and greatly facilitates Wen Zhenni's return home.

As the elevator opened, warm yellow light poured out from the entrance.

Wen Zhenni didn't even put down her bag and jumped to reach the slippers in the shoe cabinet.

"Dad, we're back!"

Seeing her standing unsteadily on one leg and moving her other foot in circles looking for her slippers, Ciheng held her arm and took the bag she was about to throw away.

With the support of her arms, Wen Zhenni changed into slippers and ran into the house impatiently.

As soon as she entered the room, she smelled a delicious aroma. She took a deep breath and said, "Dad, what delicious food are you making? It smells so good."

As he was talking, he was already running towards the restaurant.

On the table, there were steamed sea bass, dry pot spare ribs, sweet and sour crispy tofu, stir-fried beef with broccoli, and a pot of steaming angelica chicken soup.

The sound of spatulas clashing could be heard from the kitchen. Jin Xiao poked his head out from the busyness, "Another dish is about to be served. Go wash your hands."

Ciheng stood under the entrance light, watching Wen Zhenni cheating, and couldn't help but recall the first time he accompanied her back after marriage.

It was the same. After he caught me eating secretly, I stuck out my tongue in embarrassment.

"Try it and see if dad's cooking skills have deteriorated."

Jin Xiao brought out the last dish of braised prawns, took off her apron, and instructed Ci Heng, "Xiao Heng, get a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet. Let's have a drink."

Ciheng picked a glass from the wine cabinet and chose a fruity table wine.

Jin Xiao took the wine he poured, and Wen Zhenni's slender fingers pressed down the glass, "Dad, you have chronic stomach problems, so you can only drink a little."

She didn't like spoiling the fun, but she couldn't ignore her health issues. "The doctor said last week that there were issues with your health indicators. I have to monitor you at all times."

"You, every time you come back, you take care of me." Jin Xiao smiled and shook his head, with doting hidden in the smile lines at the corners of his eyes.

"You should eat more meat."

Wen Zhenni picked up some ribs for her old father and took a piece for herself. The familiar taste almost made her cry.

Seeing her father and husband chatting happily at the table, Wen Zhenni took the opportunity to ask, "Dad, how about I go to work at Qiyuan?"

Ciheng's hand holding the cup was suspended in mid-air, "If I don't let go, you'll come and act like a spoiled child with your father-in-law?"

He put down his wine glass and pushed the freshly peeled shrimp in front of Wen Zhenni.

"Yeah, it's because I have a dad who dotes on me. Unlike some people who don't give me any convenience at all."

Wen Zhenni hummed and tucked her curly hair behind her ears, "Dad is still the best."

What heartless man! What on earth had he not promised her? Did she forget that when she begged him, he kept calling her his "golden husband"?

Ciheng looked at people leisurely, turning her wedding ring on her fingers, with the corners of her eyes slightly raised.

"You are already an adult, why are you still complaining?" Jin Xiao scolded him but could not hide the smile on his face.

Wen Zhenni was happy, "The fact that I can keep complaining shows that I have the support of my family."

What he said made sense, and Ciheng smiled rarely.

Jin Xiao never had the heart to blame her daughter, "She has a lot of crooked ideas."

From what she said, she wanted to go to work in the company, but I don’t know if it was just a whim.

"Why do you want to go back to work? Have you thought it through and decided to retire and inherit the family business?"

"No." Wen Zhenni shook her head like a rattle. "My career is booming, I don't want to quit."

The result was as expected, and Jin Xiao was a little disappointed.

But it’s nice to be able to do what you like and be happy and successful.

Jin Xiao didn't mention it anymore and added more food to her bowl. "Eat more. You've lost weight. If your mother sees you, she'll blame me for not taking good care of you."

"knew."

Maybe this is the meaning of going home. It’s not the delicacies from land and sea, but someone who remembers what you like to eat, cares whether you have gained weight or lost weight, and whether you have been wronged.

Thinking of her parents' unconditional love and the confidence they gave her to be free, Wen Zhenni felt like she was back in her childhood and became particularly clingy.

The housemaid had a day off today, so Ciheng offered to wash the dishes after dinner.

Wen Zhenni said she would help, but she only rolled up his sleeves. Ciheng put the dishes into the dishwasher and she was responsible for pressing the switch. When Ciheng washed the fruit, she turned on the faucet.

It seems that he is very busy, but in fact he is not busy at all. He just serves as a place for chatting and relieves boredom throughout the whole process.

“This tastes great.”

The washed strawberries were temptingly red. Wen Zhenni ate some secretly beside him, then picked the reddest one and fed it to him, "Eat this, it will definitely be sweet."

Ciheng refused to eat it, so she stuffed the strawberry directly into his mouth.

Her fingertips were stained with strawberry juice, and she took the opportunity to smear it on the man's face, then took away the whole plate of strawberries and ran to the study to find her father.

Jin Xiao happened to be calling her, "Ni Ni, come quickly, it's Jin Qi's video."

Jin Qi is her younger brother, who studies in London and they only see each other twice a year.

Wen Zhenni put down the strawberry, squeezed in front of the camera and said hello, "Qiqi."

On the other side of the camera, Jin Qi, with his silver-gray hair, slumped on the sofa. The background was a large living room with a view of London's Tower Bridge and the Shard.

When Wen Zhenni appeared in front of the screen, Jin Qi just lazily raised his eyelids, "Sister, why did you come home? Did you divorce your brother-in-law? Did you leave the house with nothing?"

Wen Zhenni: "...What are you talking about?"

Yes, he is my biological brother, born to the same mother.

Jin Xiao retorted to him, "You little bastard, speak properly."

"Oh, all right, old man."

The lights in the room were off, and the teardrop mole at the corner of Jin Qi's eye was faintly visible in the cold light of the phone. His expression of looking down at people looked like an enhanced version of Ciheng.

Wen Zhenni rested her chin on her father's shoulder and chatted with her rebellious younger brother who had arrived late, asking about his diet and daily life over there.

Later in the conversation, Jin Xiao gave a clichéd reminder: "When you're abroad, it's best to be careful. If you do anything that endangers yourself or threatens the country, I'll have your legs broken."

Jin Qi sighed weakly, "Old man, you don't treat my sister like this."

Jin Xiao snorted, "Your sister is much less of a worry."

Glancing at Wen Zhenni covering her mouth with her hands and laughing secretly, Jin Qi dragged out his tone with grievance, "Dad, just be honest, I was picked up from the street and I'm not your biological child at all."

"I think you're itching for a beating."

The father and son were warm and affectionate for less than a few minutes before they started to show their love for each other again.

After hanging up the video, Jin Xiao sighed deeply and said to his daughter worriedly, "Your brother is like a horse without a bridle. He will go astray if he's not careful."

Jin Qi has been disobedient since he was young. Jin Xiao was worried and wanted to keep him by his side, but he insisted on studying abroad.

There is no other way but to call him every few days to urge him, for fear that he will not learn his lesson and go astray.

"Don't worry, Dad." Wen Zhenni squeezed his shoulders. "Qiqi won't do that. He may sound irritating, but he's actually very well behaved."

Jin Xiao looked at his daughter and realized that he was really getting old. "You haven't been as close to Daddy since you got married. Sometimes I'm not used to it."

"Are you blaming me for not coming back more often?"

Wen Zhenni heard the hidden meaning and hugged her father's neck like she did when she was a child, lying on his back, "Then I will come back often, and you will be annoyed when you see me."

As the father and daughter were talking, Ciheng came in with a fruit plate and saw his wife lying on her father-in-law's back and acting coquettishly.

"Kinch called?" he asked.

Wen Zhenni nodded, "Yeah, I asked about you."

I'm asking if you kicked me out of the house.

Wen Zhenni got down from her father's back and sat down next to Ciheng, who placed the fruit plate in front of her.

The peeled lychees are covered with frost and placed on a plate with sliced ​​pineapples. The sour and sweet combination is appetizing just by looking at it.

Wen Zhenni forked a piece of pineapple and saw her father handing over a pinewood cigarette case. "You're doing really well on the overseas projects. Every time I get together with old friends, they mention you. I'm also benefiting from it."

"Dad, you're too kind. It was all the foundation laid by the previous generation, and luck played a big part." Ciheng said modestly.

He lowered his shirt sleeves, which had been rolled up to his elbows, and with his slender, stylish fingers skillfully pushed open the cigarette box, shook out a cigarette, and held it in his mouth.

The tortoiseshell lighter made a "click" sound, waking up Wen Zhenni who had been staring at his hand.

Looking at the situation, you can tell that the father-in-law and son-in-law are going to discuss official business.

Wen Zhenni, who had no interest in this, quickly said goodbye, escaped from the study and returned to her bedroom.

It was still early, and she was lying on the sofa checking Weibo. The post she posted yesterday had already received a million likes and retweets.

I clicked into the comment section as usual and saw an unfamiliar ID appearing in the highly praised comments.

User 8219359072: Picture

No text comments, just a photo.

She clicked on the picture to enlarge it, and her eyes gradually became confused.

If I remember correctly, this angle was taken from the back of the ballroom before entering. Although the star-filled background was gorgeous and eye-catching, the first thing you saw was actually her back.

Wen Zhenni's heart was touched.

This ID is the system's default initial nickname, and the avatar is also the initial avatar. This is the first time she has seen it.

It looks like a zombie fan, but its level is already Diamond Fan Level 3, and it is obviously a living person account that interacts frequently.

Wen Zhenni pursed her lips and clicked on the profile picture.

The homepage is blank, without any content.

Maybe it’s just an ordinary star-chasing account.

She suddenly felt bored, so she decisively quit Weibo and turned on an idol drama to pass the time.

Ciheng returned to the bedroom almost when the episode was almost finished.

"Did you finish talking to Dad?"

"Um."

Wen Zhenni shook her calves and looked up at him.

Ci Heng unbuttoned the mica button on her collar and leaned over to look at her screen. "What are you looking at?"

The looming figure obscured her view, and Wen Zhenni tilted her head uncomfortably. "It's an idol drama. I'm learning from it and preparing for my next drama."

Ciheng never watches idol dramas, but after hearing what she said, she took a look at it.

The plot just progressed to the so-called famous scene, where the male and female protagonists kissed in an ascending visual elevator. There was a violent storm outside, and the wet camera filled the ambiguous atmosphere between the two.

At this time, a barrage of comments flashed across the screen, talking about the feeling of pulling and sexual tension, all of which were incomprehensible.

It was really hard to understand. In his opinion, the plot was obviously very ordinary, but Wen Zhenni was so excited that she twisted like a maggot on the sofa.

“Is it that beautiful?”

"It's beautiful. Look at the male lead's eyes... this turn... and this kiss. Don't be too good at it, okay?"

Wen Zhenni couldn't explain it to the straight man who only had his career in mind, "Anyway, it can be summed up in two words - good-looking."

"This level of acting skills?"

Ci Heng leaned down even lower, his untied shirt brushing against her cheek, and the wedding ring twisted half a circle on his ring finger. "Aren't you afraid that you'll become worse and worse as you learn, and lose your limited acting skills?"

Wen Zhenni: “Uh.”

Was his mouth smeared with arsenic?

"But there is hope. The sea of ​​questions tactic will still work for you."

What he said was really unpleasant to the ear.

Someone give him a bottle of mute medicine!

Wen Zhenni mentally thrashed him, but her response was polite, "You are indeed exceptionally capable, but I still managed to take you down."

Ci Heng curled the corners of his mouth and nodded slightly, giving her emotional feedback for the first time, "Then you are even more powerful."

"After all, I was taken down."

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The author has something to say: Yeah, it’s 6,000 words [Lop-eared rabbit head]