upstairs.
Just as Shang Wu finished her discussion with A Ying about Qi Yanhe and was trying to refocus her attention on the design draft, her phone rang.
The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but the last few digits were quite fancy.
She answered the call with a puzzled look.
"Is this designer Shang Wu?" came an elegant yet authoritative female voice from the other end of the phone. "I am Cheng Zhou's mother."
Shang Wu's heart skipped a beat.
Mrs. Cheng? Why would she suddenly call? Is she apologizing for Cheng Keke's repeated offenses, or...?
She responded politely, "Hello, Mrs. Cheng, I am Shang Wu."
"I apologize for disturbing you." Madam Cheng's voice was unreadable. "After you finish your work this afternoon, would you do me the honor of having afternoon tea with me? I have already made a reservation."
Her tone was inviting, yet it carried a forceful quality that was hard to refuse.
Shang Wu pondered for a moment, thinking about Cheng Zhou's relationship with him, and perhaps he could take this opportunity to ease the tension with the Cheng family.
She agreed: "Mrs. Cheng, you're too kind. It's my honor."
In the afternoon, Shang Wu arrived at the appointment on time.
The rooftop garden restaurant boasts a luxurious ambiance and stunning views.
Madam Cheng has arrived, dressed elegantly, adorned with tasteful jewelry, and with exquisite makeup.
Upon seeing Shang Wu, she flashed an impeccable social smile.
However, what happened next completely exceeded Shang Wu's expectations.
Madam Cheng made no mention of Cheng Keke's various misdeeds. Instead, she warmly invited Shang Wu to order, and he ordered only the most expensive and exquisite dishes and snacks on the menu.
During the meal, she kept praising Shang Wu's designs, and even made a phone call on the spot to the editor-in-chief of a top domestic fashion magazine whom she knew, strongly recommending Shang Wu and saying that she wanted to do a feature article about her.
"Editor-in-Chief Li, I've discovered a gem of a designer! You absolutely must promote her... Yes, it's Shang Wu. Her designs are incredibly inspired..."
Mrs. Cheng smiled and chatted on the other end of the phone, as if Shang Wu were a junior she was trying her best to promote.
Shang Wu was taken aback by this sudden "favor" and could only thank him repeatedly, but she felt increasingly strange.
This doesn't look like a tea party for a daughter to apologize.
Sure enough, after several rounds of drinks and dishes, Madam Cheng changed the subject, sighed softly, and a hint of sadness appeared in her eyes as she began to reminisce about the past:
"Designer Shang, to be honest, I really envy you young people who are so successful and full of energy. Unlike me, I'm getting old... sigh, especially after having Coco, my health has deteriorated even more."
She stroked the rim of the teacup, her gaze unfocused, as if lost in memories: "When I was pregnant with Coco, I suffered terribly. I had severe morning sickness and was bedridden for seven months, receiving hundreds of injections to prevent miscarriage. It was only with great difficulty that I finally gave birth to her safely. At that time, her father's career was on the rise, and he was extremely busy. I was the one who got through it all, so later on, I inevitably spoiled her a bit, which made her a little temperamental..."
As she spoke, she even picked up a napkin and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes.
Shang Wu listened quietly, but the alarm bells in her heart rang louder and louder.
They laid the groundwork with so many expensive meals, valuable connections, and even played the emotional card.
What exactly is Mrs. Cheng trying to do?
She put down her teacup, looked calmly at Madam Cheng, and decided to stop beating around the bush: "Madam Cheng, I am very grateful for your invitation today, the expense you spent, the introductions you made, and the intimate words you shared with me. But please, if you have anything to say, just say it directly."
Madam Cheng paused for a moment as she wiped her eyes, seemingly not expecting Shang Wu to be so direct.
She put down her napkin, and the sadness on her face quickly faded, replaced by a shrewd scrutiny.
She remained silent for a few seconds, then finally couldn't keep up the act anymore.
"Designer Shang is a smart man. So I won't beat around the bush."
Madam Cheng leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, "Keke, that child, really knows she was wrong this time. Zhou'er hit her, and I also punished her severely. She was greatly affected and is now refusing to eat or drink at home, threatening to kill herself. I only have one daughter, and I really can't bear it."
She paused, observing Shang Wu's expression, and continued, "I know what she's doing is absurd and very unfair to you, but as her mother, I really can't bear to see her tormenting herself like this. Could you perhaps take a step back for now and stop preventing her from contacting Attorney Lu?"
Shang Wu thought she had misheard, so she looked up and stared at Madam Cheng in disbelief.
Mrs. Cheng said to herself, "Anyway, Attorney Lu only has you in his heart and will never look at her. She's just a child. She'll make a fuss after hitting a wall, but she'll naturally calm down. Please have pity on my heart as a mother."
After hearing these words, Shang Wu could hardly believe her ears.
She thought Mrs. Cheng would at least come to apologize or discipline her daughter, but she never expected that Mrs. Cheng would come to make her, the victim, back down and tacitly approve or even condone Cheng Keke harassing her fiancé? The reason given was that parents always have the same heart for their children.
Anger surged through him instantly from feeling insulted.
Shang Wu was so angry she almost burst out laughing!
She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling with emotion, but she still tried her best to maintain her last bit of politeness and composure: "Mrs. Cheng, I thought you called me here today to express your apology and resolve the issue, but I didn't expect you to make such a request."
Her gaze sharpened: "Miss Cheng Keke is no longer a child. She needs to take responsibility for her mistakes, instead of letting others repeatedly give in to her."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
