Chapter 164 The Agreement in Black and White
This is a major event concerning the family and the future! Your wife has to be someone I approve of! She must be from a similar social class, reliable and stable, and not someone you can act recklessly as you please!
“What a coincidence,” Sheng Tingzhou leaned back in his chair. “That’s what I was thinking too. I’m fine with everything else. I’ve never shirked my family’s rules, responsibilities, or obligations. But marriage? That’s the only thing I have to decide for myself. There’s no room for discussion. Nobody can make that decision for me.”
Sheng Zhengfeng was so angry that the veins on his forehead throbbed and his temples pounded.
"You...you're going to disobey your elders? You're going to trample the Sheng family's reputation on the ground?"
Qiao Yuru, who was standing to the side, rubbed her temples.
"What's all this arguing about during the New Year? It's a rare occasion for the family to sit down and have a meal together. Can't we just talk things out calmly? Why do we have to act like enemies?"
Sheng Zhengfeng glared at his son, his eyes filled with anger.
"Look at yourself! Do you look presentable? Dressed sloppily, speaking in a sarcastic tone, with no manners, and saying anything human. Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
Qiao Yuru gave a cold laugh.
"Not human language? Then what is human language? My son doesn't like that girl from the Chen family, he finds it annoying even to see her, and you insist on forcing him to agree? Marriage is about two people spending their lives together, not a bargaining chip! Can a forced marriage be sweet? In the end, won't he be the one suffering?"
Sheng Zhengfeng pointed at her, his voice trembling, his fingers shaking with anger.
"It's all your fault for spoiling him! You've indulged him in everything since he was little, and you always defended him if I said anything harsh! You've spoiled him rotten! Now that he's all grown up, he doesn't even listen to me anymore. Did you teach him that?"
Qiao Yuru's eyes turned cold as she slowly raised her head.
“Yes, the child grew up without a father. You were busy with your career, social engagements, and other women, and you only came home a few times a year. He grew up on his own. What’s wrong with me spoiling him and feeling sorry for him? Now that he’s successful, that’s a good thing, and you can say it’s because you raised him well. But if he gets into trouble or makes a mistake, is it all my fault for spoiling him? Why should I?”
"you!"
Sheng Zhengfeng's face turned purple, and veins bulged on his forehead.
Qiao Yuru crossed her arms and sneered, her eyes showing no sign of backing down.
"If you don't like me, you should have said so earlier. Why have you put up with it until now? If you want a divorce, then go ahead. I won't stop you, but I have no interest in playing the role of a married couple with you for the rest of my life."
Sheng Tingzhou slowly picked up a crystal-clear grape, gently pinched the stem, and elegantly tossed it into his mouth.
The sweet juice of the fruit spread between your lips and teeth.
He leaned back in the corner of the sofa, his expression indifferent.
Sheng Zhengfeng suddenly stood up from the sofa.
He glared fiercely at Sheng Tingzhou, his eyes burning with rage.
Immediately, he turned and rushed upstairs, his back view carrying a long-suppressed anger and helplessness.
The living room remained silent for a long while, as if the air had frozen.
Qiao Yuru slowly raised her eyes to look at Sheng Tingzhou, her gaze softening slightly as she asked calmly, "You and Zhiwei..."
What's the current situation? Is there any progress?
Sheng Tingzhou's brows relaxed, and a rare, gentle smile appeared on his lips.
"They're together."
"oh?"
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, yet also as if she had expected it.
"It only got better recently? When I last visited your area, I felt like there was a thin layer of paper between you two, even though it hadn't come to that point yet."
She knew very well that her son had been calm and deep-thinking since childhood.
On the surface, they appear cold and distant, but once they fall in love, it's like an iron tree blossoming—no one can stop them.
She simply gave them a subtle push, creating a few opportunities for them to be alone together.
Unexpectedly, things came to a conclusion so quickly, and progressed even more smoothly than she had imagined.
Sheng Tingzhou didn't deny it, but nodded slightly. The smile on his face was still faint, but it hid an undisguised satisfaction.
He took a sip of tea, his gaze lowered.
Qiao Yuru sighed, her tone tinged with helplessness.
"I can't persuade your father. He's very stubborn; he's putting all his family rules, social standing, and interests on you. I've said all I can say. You'll have to figure out the rest yourself."
Her relationship with Sheng Zhengfeng was merely a product of a family-arranged marriage to make ends meet.
For decades, they remained lukewarm towards each other, respecting one another while also being wary of the other.
There was no longer any affection between them; only responsibility and inertia remained.
She knew that no one could expect anyone to take the blame for her.
"Thank you, Mom."
Sheng Tingzhou said softly.
The mother and son chatted for a few more minutes, their conversation ranging from family matters to work and other mundane daily routines.
A moment later, Sheng Tingzhou got up and walked out of the living room.
He walked around the meticulously maintained garden in the middle.
The stone path is lined with evergreen shrubs.
Several newly blooming white magnolias dotted the flower bed, their fragrance subtle and delicate.
A cool night breeze stirred the hem of his clothes.
He walked toward the detached little building in the backyard.
After retiring, the old man basically stopped attending any public events and rarely met outsiders.
He has almost always lived in seclusion in this quietest backyard building.
Normally, even the servants dare not step into his room, for fear of disturbing his quiet contemplation.
Sheng Tingzhou gently pushed the door open and went in; the wooden door made a slight creaking sound.
The interior is furnished in a simple and antique style, with several paintings and calligraphy works by famous artists hanging on the walls.
In the center of the courtyard, the old man was dressed in a neat white Zhongshan suit.
He held a Tai Chi sword with an ebony scabbard in one hand.
Upon seeing him arrive, the old man slowly withdrew his sword.
He walked back to the stone table in the corner of the courtyard, slowly sat down, and looked up at Sheng Tingzhou.
"You're back?"
"Um."
Sheng Tingzhou responded, walked to the opposite side and sat down, picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of hot tea.
Sheng Ninghua looked up, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment.
He said in a deep voice, "Did your father mention the arranged marriage to you?"
Sheng Tingzhou took a sip of tea; the tea was slightly hot.
He remained unfazed, simply replying, "I told you."
"You don't like that girl from the Chen family?"
Sheng Ninghua's voice was low and his tone was tentative.
Sheng Tingzhou put down his teacup and met the old man's gaze with a calm expression.
"No chance. I have a girlfriend, and I won't marry anyone from the Chen family."
"fart!"
Sheng Ninghua slammed the sword onto the stone table.
His brows were furrowed so deeply they could almost trap a fly, and he glared angrily at Sheng Tingzhou.
"This marriage was arranged when you were a child. It's a written agreement signed by both families! Whether you agree or not, you have to accept it!"
Sheng Tingzhou chuckled softly, a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth.
"Grandpa, what era are we living in now? Freedom of marriage is written in the law, in black and white, clear as day. Don't try to pressure me with those old-fashioned ideas, always talking about 'arranged marriages by parents and matchmakers,' that's all from the last century. You should keep up with the times, times are changing, and people should progress with them, shouldn't they?"
Sheng Ninghua glared at him, her eyes blazing with anger.
"Stop using books as a shield! You're all talk and no action, but the law? Bah! This is not up for discussion! Don't think that just because you've read a few books and know a few articles, you can talk back to your elders! I've lived most of my life, and it's not your place to teach me how to be a person!"
"I have known Mr. Chen for decades."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com