"There's nothing work-related, they just need to ask me for something."
Shen Nanxing is the kind of person whose curiosity comes and goes quickly. Hearing Ye Xinning say that, he changed the subject and talked about other things.
"This should be the only time in a long time that we haven't had our elders around to celebrate the holiday. Come on, let's all have a drink together."
Shen Nanxing picked up his glass and offered it to everyone. Ye Xinning didn't want to drink it, but with Shen Nanxing's gesture, refusing any further would seem a bit too pretentious.
Everyone clinked glasses, and Shen Nanxing suddenly had a bright idea. He said, "It's boring to just keep eating. Why don't we talk about the wishes we most want to achieve? It's also a way of looking forward to the coming year."
Ye Xinning chimed in, "Okay."
Shen Nanxing pointed at Shen Ting and said, "Let's start with you."
Shen Ting, holding her wine glass, said listlessly, "Why start with me?"
"It all started with you, so why ask so many questions?"
Shen Ting, “…”
Shen Ting remained silent for a long time. Just when Shen Nanxing thought that no one would start the game, Shen Ting spoke up.
May the one I love be safe, happy, and carefree throughout their life.
Shen Nanxing looked at Shen Ting and clicked his tongue, saying, "I'll let you start, and it's already so heavy right away."
"heavy?"
Shen Ting frowned, clearly not liking such an adjective.
"What else could it be but a heavy burden? I bet even that young lady from the Su family doesn't want to see you."
Shen Ting's wine glass instantly lost its appeal. He looked at Shen Nanxing menacingly, "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll throw you out right now, and you won't have to eat."
Shen Nanxing appeared completely fearless. "I know it's inappropriate to say this, but I still want to remind you that this is my elder brother and sister-in-law's home, not yours."
Shen Ting gritted her teeth in anger. Seeing the two arguing fiercely, Ye Xinning whispered gently, "Alright, alright, let's continue playing the game. Next person, please speak."
Chi Zhao leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Shen Nanxing, but Shen Nanxing was completely oblivious, preoccupied with teasing Shen Ting.
"Hopefully next year, someone will be more mature, more... thoughtful."
Ye Xinning, "..."
These words were practically directed at Shen Nanxing.
She didn't press further. "Nanxing, is there any wish you want to fulfill next year?"
Shen Nanxing talked about many things in one breath, such as traveling, performing a very different surgery in the hospital, and eating some of the things she wanted to eat this year but didn't get to.
She made many plans, but didn't mention Chi Zhao at all. Ye Xinning noticed that Chi Zhao's expression wasn't good and was wondering what to say when Shen Nanxing asked her, "Sister-in-law, what's the one thing you most hope to achieve next year?"
Ye Xinning thought about it seriously, but couldn't come up with anything.
She has never really liked these rituals; they're too vague and uncertain. Placing your hopes on them only makes you seem more pathetic.
She thought for a moment and replied, "It's good that you're safe."
Shen Nanxing was clearly not satisfied with her answer. If she couldn't get anything from her, it was worthless. So Shen Nanxing turned to Shen Lin and asked, "What does Big Brother want?"
"It's good that you're safe."
"..." Shen Nanxing.
They really are husband and wife; their words are exactly the same.
"Good, good, good, peace and joy, peace and joy."
Shen Nanxing raised his wine glass again, "Let's drink, let's drink."
The meal was very enjoyable; they ate and chatted, with Shen Nanxing and Shen Ting mostly keeping the atmosphere lively.
After dinner, Shen Nanxing had drunk a bit too much and wanted to watch the fireworks, so the group went outside again.
It was very cold outside, and Ye Xinning couldn't help but huddle inwards as soon as she went out.
But a short while later, Shen Lin came out with her clothes.
"Put them on."
He draped a coat over her, his attitude forceful. Ye Xinning was terribly cold, so she didn't refuse.
After watching the fireworks for a while, Ye Xinning thought of what Xiao Chen had mentioned on the phone. After much hesitation, she finally spoke to Shen Lin.
"Shen Lin," she called his name.
Shen Lin lowered his head and took her hand very naturally. Ye Xinning tried to struggle, but Shen Lin spoke up, "Do you have something to say to me?"
"Um."
Upon hearing this, Shen Lin said nothing and led her into the house.
When it was just the two of them, he asked, "Okay, now you can talk. What should we talk about?"
"Did you help with that collaboration with the Li family at the law firm?"
Shen Lin probably didn't expect her to ask such a question. After a slight pause, he replied, "Yes."
Ye Xinning then asked, "Why do you want to help me?"
"You're my wife, if I don't help you, who will I help?"
Ye Xinning fell silent.
Therefore, it was Shen Lin who helped solve the long-standing and difficult cooperation project.
"The Li family is a tough nut to crack, how did you handle them?"
“The Li family’s catering business is linked to the Shen Group. I made a few minor concessions, and they compromised.”
Shen Lin said it was unimportant, but Ye Xinning didn't quite believe him.
If the Li family were really so easy to deal with, why would Xiao Chen have been so busy with this collaboration all this time?
Ye Xinning knew that Shen Lin had oversimplified everything.
She lowered her head, looking at her toes, and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "Why did you help, Shen Lin? You really didn't have to do all this."
Moreover, she was already planning to divorce him.
Shen Lin placed his hand on her head, gently, as if to soothe her emotions. "I know you're angry. I've indeed not handled many things well lately. I can comfort you if you're unhappy, Ye Xinning. I just want to tell you that the cooperation with the Li family is just a small compensation for you. We can clearly get along well on these matters. You don't need to make a fuss with me."
Ye Xinning felt conflicted. In a way, Shen Lin had helped the law firm and helped her.
She should be grateful; Shen Lin had indeed been a great help.
But what Shen Lin had just said made her feel powerless.
In Shen Lin's view, she was just making a scene.
Has he never faced the problems between them?
His way of coaxing people was indeed unique, but it wasn't something she could accept.
"This matter is considered a favor owed to you by the law firm. I will talk to Xiao Chen later and tell him that if there are any cases related to your company in the future, we will handle them accordingly and accept them at the most favorable price."
Her businesslike remark made Shen Lin's gaze turn cold.
He grabbed her hand, trapping her between the wall behind him and himself. "What is it that I care about?"
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