Chapter 176 Showing Goodwill

Sheng Zhengfeng and Qiao Yuru waited for Sheng Tingzhou at the door. The two stood side by side, their expressions different.

Sheng Zhengfeng frowned, glancing at his watch every now and then, his face filled with anxiety and impatience.

Qiao Yuru clasped her hands in front of her lower abdomen, a smile on her lips, but her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the road in the distance, clearly waiting for her son to arrive.

Her cheongsam was well-tailored, and her hair was neatly styled, making her appear dignified and proper. However, the suppressed unease was still hidden in her slightly trembling fingertips.

As soon as the car stopped, Sheng Zhengfeng's face darkened: "Didn't I tell you to come earlier? Look at the time!"

He strode forward, his tone stern, almost a low growl.

The car door slowly opened, and the wheels of the black Bentley rolled over the edge of the red carpet, making a slight scraping sound.

Sheng Zhengfeng stared at the ticking hands on his wristwatch, veins bulging on his forehead, clearly extremely displeased with his son's lateness.

Sheng Tingzhou, one hand in his pocket, slowly got out of the car: "What? Is Grandpa Chen going to ascend to heaven tonight because he can't wait for me? Why the rush?"

He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, his tie was loosely half-undone, and his short, dark hair was slightly disheveled, which only made his narrow eyes appear even more cold and stern.

He glanced at his father, a mocking smile playing on his lips, his voice low and hoarse, yet devoid of any remorse.

"You unfilial son! What nonsense are you spouting!"

Sheng Zhengfeng glared angrily, a vein throbbing on his forehead, his finger almost poking Sheng Tingzhou's face.

His voice suddenly rose, drawing the attention of several nearby guests. Even the welcoming waiter stopped and quietly observed the tense atmosphere between the father and son.

Sheng Tingzhou scoffed: "I'm speaking like a human being. If you don't like it, just shut up."

He withdrew his gaze, straightened his cuffs, his posture relaxed yet exuding nobility, as if his earlier retort was nothing more than a joke.

He leisurely took out a black silk scarf from his pocket, casually draped it over his wrist, and then walked towards the door with unhurried steps, as if he were walking on his own territory.

Sheng Zhengfeng glared at him fiercely: "You better behave yourself today!"

He lowered his voice, almost gritting his teeth as he squeezed out the words, his eyes full of warning.

He knew tonight was crucial; the old master of the Chen family had already hinted at the marriage alliance, and he absolutely could not let this troublesome son ruin everything.

He had already made arrangements with the Chen family—to take this opportunity to formally arrange the marriage between the two families.

He had been planning this marriage for many years, as it not only concerned the interests of his family but also involved the integration of his future business empire.

If Sheng Tingzhou can marry Chen Yun, the Sheng family's position in Jiangcheng will be even more secure.

Thinking of this, Sheng Zhengfeng subconsciously touched the pocket watch on his chest. It was a keepsake from when he and Old Master Chen started their business together in their youth. Now that they had met again, it was time to fulfill the promise they had made back then.

Sheng Tingzhou didn't respond, only smiled faintly.

The smile was so faint it was almost invisible, yet it was like a thin layer of ice covering the eyes, revealing coldness and indifference.

He looked up at the dome of the manor's main building, where sunlight refracted through the glass, creating dazzling spots of light. He squinted slightly, as if laughing at the absurdity of the whole farce.

The three of them swiped their invitations and entered the hall.

The heavy, carved wooden door slowly opened, revealing a ten-meter-high crystal dome with dozens of crystal chandeliers illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime.

A red carpet was laid out, and precious flowers were arranged on both sides. The air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and roses.

Waiters carrying silver platters moved among the crowds, while the champagne tower shimmered in the center of the main hall.

The guests gathered in small groups, chatting quietly, their elegant attire and graceful bearing creating an atmosphere befitting a gathering of powerful and influential people.

Chen Yun, dressed in a black fishtail dress, walked gracefully down the stairs, smiling gently: "Uncle Sheng, Aunt Sheng, Brother Tingzhou, you've arrived."

She wore high heels, her skirt swaying like flowing water with each step, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, and her earrings were two pearls that gleamed softly under the light.

Her smile was sweet, her eyes sparkling, and when they landed on Sheng Tingzhou, a hint of undisguised joy flashed in them.

Sheng Zhengfeng glanced at it and nodded in satisfaction: "Here to celebrate your grandfather's birthday."

His tone softened, clearly indicating his approval of Chen Yun's performance.

He slightly puffed out his chest, his expression carrying the kindness of an elder and the composure of a superior, as if he had already silently approved of the beginning of this marriage.

Chen Yun smiled and said, "Thank you, Uncle Sheng. This way, please."

She stepped aside to lead the way, her movements elegant and graceful, her fingertips gently pointing to the corridor leading to the inner hall.

Her smile remained unchanged, but only she knew that her heart had already started racing because of Sheng Tingzhou's appearance.

The three followed her into the inner hall.

This area is more private and more elegantly decorated than the outer hall.

The rosewood furniture is arranged in a staggered manner, several paintings and calligraphy works by famous artists hang on the wall, and a burner of sandalwood incense burns in the corner, with wisps of smoke rising.

In the center of the inner hall, there is a round table with peaches and red candles on it, symbolizing longevity and good fortune.

Wearing a dark blue Zhongshan suit, Old Master Chen sat in his wheelchair and said in a loud voice, "Zhengfeng, Yuru, Tingzhou, please sit down!"

He was in good spirits, with bright eyes and a neatly trimmed white beard. Although he was over eighty years old, he still exuded the majesty and demeanor of a business tycoon in his prime.

He raised his hand in greeting, his voice filled with genuine warmth, as if the three people in front of him were truly his closest relatives.

The group sat down, and the servants brought out drinks, one glass in front of each person.

The amber-colored wine swayed gently in the glass, reflecting the candlelight, appearing warm and mysterious.

The servant bowed her head and withdrew with light steps, and the entire space became quiet for a moment, with only the soft flickering of the candlelight remaining.

The old man's gaze swept over Sheng Tingzhou, and he praised with a smile, "It's been many years since I've seen him. This child has grown up to be very tall and imposing. The more Grandpa Chen looks at him, the more he likes him."

His tone was affectionate, and his gaze was kind, as if he were looking at his own junior or carefully appreciating a rough gem worthy of being polished.

That look held approval, but also a deeper meaning.

Sheng Zhengfeng immediately poured cold water on the idea: "Stop praising him, he's just a troublemaker, he gives me a headache every day."

He shook his head with feigned helplessness, but his tone carried a hint of boastfulness.

These words, though seemingly a complaint, were actually a gesture of goodwill towards Old Master Chen—my son may be a bit of a worry, but he comes from a wealthy family and is quite capable; he's more than a match for your granddaughter.

The old man laughed heartily: "It's not surprising that children grow up and have their own ideas. As parents, we need to learn to let go and not always restrict them."

He stroked his beard, his laughter was hearty, yet his words revealed a touch of worldly wisdom.

His gaze swept over Sheng Tingzhou meaningfully, as if he were testing him, or perhaps anticipating something.

Sheng Zhengfeng chuckled twice and didn't refute further.

He picked up his wine glass and took a small sip, but his eyes kept glancing at his son, as if afraid that he might cause trouble at this critical juncture.

He knew in his heart that the old man's words were actually a reminder to him—don't push too hard, or it will backfire.

Sheng Tingzhou leaned back in his chair, twirling his wine glass between his fingers, and took a sip.

He neither laughed nor replied, but simply watched the ripples of the wine in his glass.