For many days, Shen Yanshan was restless and uneasy. Since leaving that night, he hadn't been able to contact Xiaoling. He tried many times to reach her, but her phone went unanswered, and his text messages went unanswered. This had never happened before. He had been to Xiaoling's house several times, but everything was the same; clearly, Xiaoling hadn't been home during this time.
He even risked being exposed by secretly going to the hospital where Xiaoling might be going to check on her. But the doctor told him that Xiaoling's scheduled follow-up appointment had passed, and she hadn't shown up. The doctor also speculated that Xiaoling might not be in Nancheng recently. This made Shen Yanshan's mood even heavier; he didn't know where Xiaoling had gone or why she had suddenly disappeared.
Shen Yanshan's anxiety was written all over his face. He had no interest in managing the company's affairs and was absent-minded all day long.
The sound of brakes came from the courtyard, guessing that Shen Meiyan was returning from her date. Shen Yanshan was overjoyed and hurried towards the gate. He wanted to know the outcome of Shen Meiyan's blind date as soon as possible, so that he could feel at ease.
Just as I was about to open the door, I heard Shen Meiyan's voice, "Brother Shihao, bye-bye, see you next time."
Shen Yanshan stopped what he was doing and quietly listened from behind the door. Lin Shihao's reply came from the other end, "Okay, keep in touch, Meiyan. I'll text you when I get home." His voice was gentle and affectionate.
He felt relieved; it seemed the meeting between the two had gone well, which was a good thing, and his mood improved somewhat.
Shen Yanshan sat on the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea, his eyes revealing anticipation and nervousness. He watched Shen Meiyan walk into the living room and beckoned her to come and sit down.
"Meiyan, come here and have some tea with your father." Shen Yanshan's voice was deep and powerful, subtly revealing a sense of authority.
Shen Meiyan knew that her father wanted to ask about her blind date. She pouted, feeling a little dissatisfied, but still moved over to him. She knew that no matter how unwilling she was, this topic was unavoidable.
She sat opposite Shen Yanshan, a fake smile on her face. "Dad, is there something you need?"
Looking at Shen Meiyan's smile, Shen Yanshan knew she was just being perfunctory. But he didn't expose her; instead, he went straight to the point, "Meiyan, how was your meeting with Lin Shihao today? What did you think of him?"
Shen Meiyan didn't expect Shen Yanshan to ask her so directly. She was stunned for a moment, then tried to make her tone sound natural. "It's alright. I feel he's pretty good. After all, Dad, you're so generous, giving me two million. What good would it do if I wasn't happy?" Her words revealed a sense of helplessness and sarcasm. She wasn't interested in this blind date at all; she was only going through the motions because of the money.
Shen Yanshan repeated Shen Meiyan's words, "Pretty good?" His tone revealed satisfaction and relief, not taking Shen Meiyan's sarcasm to heart. Then he nodded with satisfaction, "Dad didn't expect you to be so sensible. If you marry Lin Shihao, it will be of great benefit to the Shen family."
Shen Meiyan's heart sank, but she still blurted out, "So, Dad, you just want to achieve your goal by selling your daughter, right?"
Shen Yanshan's face darkened; clearly, Shen Meiyan's words had angered him. He slammed down his teacup, glaring at Shen Meiyan. "Meiyan, how could you say that? I am your father, and I did all this for your own good."
Do you think I want to see the Shen family decline? Of course I don't! But reality is cruel, and we have to find a way to survive. Think about it yourself, if the Shen family falls, do you think you'll still have a place to live? Dad is letting you marry him; it's a win-win situation.”
"That sounds nice, but all you really want is to leave your inheritance to your son!" Shen Meiyan muttered to herself, but on the surface she still showed Shen Yanshan respect. "Dad, I think you're right. You must care a lot, otherwise you wouldn't have given your daughter two million to meet Lin Shihao."
Hearing Shen Meiyan's words, Shen Yanshan felt much relieved. Looking at Shen Meiyan's sensible demeanor, he felt extremely gratified. He reached out and gently patted Shen Meiyan's shoulder, "Meiyan, it's good that you understand your father's good intentions. You're our only daughter, so naturally, your father wants to give you the best of everything."
He paused, then continued, "If you don't have enough money, just tell Dad. Don't be stingy. Buy whatever cosmetics, bags, jewelry, or clothes you like. Dad doesn't want you to suffer any hardship." As he spoke, Shen Yanshan moved closer and gently patted Shen Meiyan's hair. "My daughter is so beautiful, who wouldn't like her?!"
Shen Meiyan smiled and looked at Shen Yanshan, saying, "Dad, sometimes I think it would be nice if I had a younger brother, at least I would have a son to inherit the family business you built. If I get married, there will be no one to inherit it. Thinking about it, I still feel a little regretful."
Shen Yanshan raised an eyebrow, looking at Shen Meiyan with surprise. He slowly lowered his hand, his tone revealing a deep sense of nostalgia and regret, "Meiyan, do you really think so? Actually, Dad has had some regrets over the years, but your mother's health was damaged after giving birth to you. The doctors tried many methods, and your mother had many injections and took many medicines, but nothing worked."
He paused, as if recalling those painful memories. A trace of sadness and helplessness flashed in Shen Yanshan's eyes, "Dad couldn't bear to see your mother suffer so much. Later, Dad thought, having a child like you is enough. You don't need to worry about anything, just be Dad's precious darling and live a happy life."
Shen Meiyan thought to herself, if it were before, she would have been moved to tears by his words, but now that she knows what he has done outside, all that's left is disgust.
"Dad, have you ever thought about discussing with Mom about having a surrogate child?" Shen Meiyan probed again, afraid that Shen Yanshan would become suspicious, so she said, "I saw a news report today about a real estate tycoon abroad who had no children and was worried that no one would inherit his empire when he got old, so he had someone have a surrogate child."
This is illegal in the southern part of the city, but it's different if you go abroad. It's not considered adultery, and you can have another child in the family.
Shen Yanshan rolled his eyes and glanced at Shen Meiyan with some suspicion, but when he saw her staring at him with her big, watery eyes, he felt that he was overthinking it. He was a little moved and said, "Meiyan, I didn't expect you to be so considerate of your father! But I've always felt that a child born like this isn't my own flesh and blood."
Shen Yanshan was somewhat moved and began to consider treating Shen Meiyan even better. But Shen Meiyan, standing to the side, inwardly sneered – she'd actually already gone to investigate!
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