Chapter 119 Socializing
In the parking lot, Shen Yu's roar echoed, sounding particularly jarring.
Huo Yanzhi listened quietly, his face expressionless.
He even took out his phone, casually turned on the screen, and glanced at the time, as if he felt that this farce was delaying his return home for dinner.
The soft light from the phone illuminated a photograph that was clearly reflected in Shen Yu's bloodshot eyes.
That's the lock screen wallpaper.
The background of the photo is a magnificent sunrise over the cliffs of Moonlight Island, with the sky filled with golden light.
Ruan Yao stood on tiptoe, closed her eyes, and kissed Huo Yanzhi's cheek with a blissful expression. The huge diamond ring on her left ring finger reflected a dazzling light in the morning light, almost burning Shen Yu's eyes.
That photograph was more powerful than any words.
It silently proclaimed that the girl he claimed would "never fall in love with Huo Yanzhi" had already willingly thrown herself into the arms of another man.
His boastful and clamorous claims about his so-called "childhood sweetheart" past seemed so laughable and so easily shattered under the glow of that ring.
The madness and resentment on Shen Yu's face froze in an instant.
He seemed to have all his strength drained away, staring blankly at the photograph, his lips moving but unable to utter a single word.
Huo Yanzhi put away his phone and finally spoke.
His tone was calm, even carrying a hint of politeness.
"Mr. Shen, Yaoyao and I will be getting married soon."
He looked at Shen Yu, whose face was ashen, as if he were truly extending a sincere invitation.
"If you're not in prison then, you can come and participate."
These words are more damaging than any vicious curse.
All of Shen Yu's dignity, pride, and final madness were utterly shattered at this moment.
Huo Yanzhi didn't look at him again, and bent down to get into the car.
Qin Feng released his grip, and Shen Yu, like a lump of mud, slowly slid to the ground along the cold cement pillar.
The black Bentley smoothly drove away from the parking space without the slightest hesitation, leaving the distraught figure far behind in the darkness beyond the reach of the headlights.
The car drove out of the parking lot and merged into the city's evening rush hour traffic.
Inside the carriage, the composed smile on Huo Yanzhi's face had vanished, replaced by an unyielding gloom.
He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.
My first kiss.
These two words were like barbed hooks, scraping the most hidden corner of his heart, bringing out a bloody and painful mess.
He could destroy the Shen family, ruin Shen Yu's reputation, and possess Ruan Yao's present and future.
But he could never erase the fact that she and another man had a past called "childhood sweethearts" that he was never a part of.
He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and the veins on the back of his hands bulging.
The car stopped at a red light.
Huo Yanzhi opened his eyes and happened to see the latest promotional video for "Summer Wonderland" playing on the large screen by the roadside.
In the video, Ruan Yao stands under the spotlight, confident and composed, speaking eloquently to the camera, her eyes sparkling with dazzling light.
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Ruan Yao.
[Honey, where are you? My brother made your favorite sweet and sour fish, I saved some for you! Come back soon! [Cat peeking out.jpg]]
*
The living room of the Ruan family villa was filled with laughter under the warm yellow light.
Like a little squirrel showing off its treasures, Ruan Yao spread out all sorts of local specialties and souvenirs she brought back from Moonlight Island all over the ground.
"Mom, this pearl bracelet goes perfectly with your cheongsam."
"Dad, this is a local specialty sea cucumber. I specifically asked about it, and it's the best for your health."
"Brother, do you like your limited edition sea fishing rod model?"
She then took out one photo after another, enthusiastically sharing her experiences from the trip.
"And this sunrise is absolutely stunning! Yanzhi and I got up really early to go to the cliff edge to see it. Look at this picture he took of me, isn't it amazing?"
In the photo, the girl is bathed in golden morning light, her smile even brighter than the sunrise behind her.
Holding her daughter's hand, Su Wanqing looked at the blush of happiness that couldn't be hidden on her face, and felt happier than if she had received any gift.
"My dear daughter, as long as you're having fun, that's all that matters. You're still thinking about us." She said with a hint of reproach, but her hand gently stroked the string of warm, lustrous pearls.
Ruan Minghui sat beside her, holding a teacup. He appeared composed, but his gaze never left his daughter.
"Have you finished handing over your work? I heard that your project is quite large this time."
When work was mentioned, Ruan Yao's eyes lit up even more.
"Dad, our project was a success! I'm the creative director now!"
She proudly puffed out her little chest, like a primary school student waiting to be praised.
"Excellent, excellent, excellent!" Upon hearing this, Ruan Minghui was overjoyed and exclaimed repeatedly, "My daughter is truly capable!"
Only Ruan Sheng, lounging lazily on the sofa, unpacked the gift in his hands and uttered a chilling remark.
"Oh, Mr. Huo finally let you go? I thought you were being kept hidden away by a mistress. I couldn't reach you by phone, and I couldn't find you anywhere. Your secrecy is better than that of a head of state."
Ruan Yao's cheeks flushed instantly, and she grabbed a cushion and threw it at Ruan Sheng.
"Brother, what nonsense are you talking about! The signal is bad on the island!"
Su Wanqing and Ruan Minghui exchanged a glance, both seeing relief in each other's expressions.
My daughter has grown up, has her own career, and has a man who loves and cherishes her.
very nice.
The family laughed together, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
A sumptuous dinner was already laid out on the table. Ruan Yao glanced at the time; Huo Yanzhi had not yet arrived.
She was just about to send a message to ask when her phone vibrated.
It was sent by Huo Yanzhi.
[Sorry, Yaoyao, I have an unavoidable business dinner at work tonight. Please tell my parents I'm sorry.]
A slight sense of disappointment crossed Ruan Yao's mind, but it was quickly replaced by understanding.
He is now at the helm of the Huo family, and there must be many times when he has no choice in what he does.
She put away her phone and smiled apologetically at her expectant family members sitting at the table.
"Yanzhi Company has an urgent matter and there's a last-minute dinner party that they can't attend. They told us to eat first."
Ruan Minghui and Su Wanqing exchanged a glance, both expressing their understanding.
“Work is important, it’s nothing,” Ruan Minghui said. “Tell him not to worry about home, and to get some rest as soon as he’s done.”
“Exactly,” Ruan Sheng said, picking up a piece of fish with his chopsticks and putting it in his mouth, “It’s a pity that my chef debut was a waste, he got it for free.”
Although Huo Yanzhi was not present, the atmosphere of the family dinner was still warm and cozy.
After dinner, Ruan Sheng offered to take Ruan Yao home.
The black SUV drove smoothly through the night, with soothing music playing inside.
Ruan Yao leaned back in the passenger seat, watching the street scene rushing past the window, feeling very relaxed.
The car was parked in front of the villa.
Ruan Yao unbuckled her seatbelt and said to Ruan Sheng with a smile, "Okay, I've dropped you off. Go home now. Do you really think I'm a three-year-old who needs to be driven home?"
Ruan Sheng did not drive away immediately.
He leaned back on the steering wheel, looking at his younger sister's face, which still held a touch of childishness but had become even more radiant thanks to the nourishment of love, and suddenly felt a pang of emotion.
“Look at you,” his voice was lower than usual, “yesterday you were following me around begging for candy… how come in the blink of an eye you’re going to be someone else’s.”
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