Chapter 31, page 31: Like a bowstring stretched to its limit...
Chen Sulin's arrival caused quite a stir.
Mrs. Zhu, who was distributing cake to the guests, stopped what she was doing and immediately went to greet them with her husband.
The other guests also turned their gazes towards the scene, and the bolder ones were already itching to step forward.
Even if we don't build a real relationship, just being able to strike up a conversation with the person in charge of Hengyue Group, or even just becoming acquainted with him, would make this gathering worthwhile.
Even those without any intention to curry favor couldn't help but frequently glance at him with curiosity: this young CEO Chen, who was already in charge of such a vast business empire, was someone they rarely had the chance to see on a regular basis.
Chen Miaoying's cry of "Dad" pierced through all eyes and attracted the attention of the entire audience.
Cai Xue, standing beside her, looked up in astonishment and saw a tall, handsome man with striking features standing there in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Stunned by this sight, Cai Xue stood frozen in place for a moment.
Helplessly, Meng Ran pulled back Chen Miaoying, who had jumped up from the chair and was about to rush over: "You're still holding a water cup, you can't run."
Chen Miaoying looked up at her mother with her little face and said anxiously, "But Daddy's here!"
Meng Ran: "Yes, look, isn't Daddy coming to find you?"
Chen Miaoying turned her head and saw her father walking towards her with long strides.
Her mother wouldn't let her run over to greet her father, so Chen Miaoying had no choice but to wave vigorously at him with her free hand.
"Dad! Mom and I are here!"
Seeing this, the Zhu couple exchanged a glance and wisely stopped trying to talk to Chen Sulin.
Although the two men were not close to Chen Sulin, they had been neighbors for several years and, through their son's big mouth, they already knew that President Chen was a complete doting father to his daughter.
Now, we might add another label: henpecked husband.
Taking advantage of his long legs, Chen Sulin quickly reached the mother and daughter.
Chen Miaoying: "Dad!"
Chen Sulin hummed in agreement, leaned down, and wiped his daughter's mouth with his fingertip: "How come you've got food all over your face?"
Chen Miaoying laughed shyly, "Hehe, it's because I ate too much."
Chen Sulin asked gently, "Did you spend enough time with your mother today?"
Chan Miu-ying: "Of course! You can ask your mom if you don't believe me!"
Chen Sulin looked at Meng Ran.
There were still many people around, and Meng Ran said somewhat reservedly, "Miaoying was quite well-behaved today."
Chen Sulin looked at her and said, "Mm."
In front of so many people, Meng Ran couldn't bring herself to stare directly at Chen Sulin as if no one else was around.
Meng Ran looked away and asked Chen Miaoying, "Would you like more water?"
Chen Miaoying shook her head: "I won't drink anymore."
Meng Ran: "Then sit down and put down your water glass first, and then continue eating the cake."
Chen Miaoying tilted her head: "Don't we need to return the cup to that aunt?"
Just as Meng Ran was about to speak, Cai Xue, who had been mentioned, finally came to her senses and forced a smile: "Baby, you can just put this cup on the table. Auntie just took it from the side."
Chen Miaoying: "Oh, okay, Auntie, I understand."
In front of unfamiliar adults, Chen Miaoying always behaved with composure and confidence.
Cai Xue smiled at Chen Miaoying and said, "Mm."
Chen Miaoying obediently sat down as her mother told her to continue eating her cake.
The guests sitting next to Meng Ran had already wisely made room for Chen Sulin to sit next to his wife.
Meng Ran and Chen Sulin accompanied their daughter.
Cai Xue was momentarily stunned as she looked at the happy family.
Even if she was unwilling, she had to admit that all three of them were excessively good-looking.
As a recognized beauty since childhood, Cai Xue has a keen sense of the appearance of the women around her. Even if the other person is without makeup, she can accurately identify girls whose looks are on the same level as hers.
She had an impression of Meng Ran back in school.
If Meng Ran hadn't been low-key and always appeared without makeup, she thought she might have lost her title as the "department's most beautiful girl."
Now, eight years later, Cai Xue still can't figure out how Meng Ran maintains her youthful appearance, still looking like she's in her early twenties.
Unlike her, even though people around her always praise her for being young and beautiful, she knows in her heart that people can't escape the passage of time, and she is no longer the same as when she was in school.
As for Chen Sulin... needless to say.
Throughout the banquet, Chen Sulin was completely out of step with all the other fathers.
Compared to a group of overweight and balding men, Chen Sulin's tall, lean figure and face, which rivaled those of male celebrities in the entertainment industry, made him seem like a god descended from heaven.
Cai Xue gave a bitter smile.
She had just been staring at the diamond around Meng Ran's neck, secretly estimating its carat weight, wondering if she could persuade her man to get her a similar one.
If all else fails, she can choose a flower that isn't particularly good in color or clarity, as long as it's big enough to make a good impression.
Now, however, Cai Xue feels that all of this is extremely meaningless.
She can find a way to get a diamond of a similar size, but what about the man beside her?
Old Lin was more than ten years older than her and didn't pay attention to his appearance, so the two looked like they were from two different generations when they stood together.
She had just been subtly showing off to Meng Ran, wanting Meng Ran to envy her husband for being more family-oriented and better at taking care of the children.
In reality, Lao Lin completely shirks her responsibilities at home. Her son is entirely cared for by her and the nanny. Lao Lin probably doesn't even know whether her son is in kindergarten or preschool.
When Chen Sulin appeared, his natural action of bending down to wipe his daughter's mouth clearly showed that he was used to taking care of his child.
Cai Xue twitched the corners of her mouth and stopped staring at the family of three.
If you keep looking, you'll only realize how ridiculous your little scheme was.
Cai Xue frowned and turned around after feeling a tap on her back. She found that it was her husband calling her.
Lin Maocheng gestured to his wife, signaling her to come with him.
The two walked a short distance away, and Lin Maocheng spoke up: "I noticed you were standing next to President Chen and his wife the whole time. So, did you manage to exchange a few words with them?"
The man's eyes were full of calculation; he didn't even ask where her son was.
Cai Xue said coolly, "Old Lin, you know how big the gap is between your company and Hengyue. Where do you get the nerve to try and build a relationship with them?"
Lin Maocheng sensed the mockery in his wife's words and retorted with displeasure, "So that's why we're counting on you, isn't it? You're a woman, and you're classmates with President Chen's wife. You can't even handle this little thing?"
Cai Xue sneered: "Since when has this become my responsibility? I'm already working hard enough taking care of my son, and now I have to worry about your business too. Why don't you help me take care of my child?"
Lin Maocheng was also furious: "Me, take care of the child? Then what was the point of me marrying you?"
...
On the other side.
Seeing that Chen Miaoying was focused on eating her cake, Meng Ran stopped staring at her.
"Why did you come early?" Meng Ran asked the man beside her in a low voice. "Didn't you say you'd pick me up around seven?"
Chen Sulin: "You don't want me to come?"
Meng Ran: "...No, but you didn't tell me you were coming."
Chen Sulin: "I sent you a message."
Meng Ran was surprised and took out her phone.
Half an hour ago, Chen Sulin actually sent her a WeChat message.
She had simply put her phone on silent when socializing with people, out of politeness.
Later, I was probably playing with Chan Miu-ying and then eating cake, so I kept forgetting to check my phone.
For a moment, Meng Ran felt guilty.
She remembered that she had promised Chen Sulin not long ago that she would make sure he could contact her again.
As a result, she broke her promise after only two days.
Meng Ran: "This... was an accident."
Chen Sulin: "You also said it was an accident last time."
Meng Ran was speechless: "Then... what else do you want?"
Chen Sulin looked at her for a long time, then sighed: "What can I do? You can't just disappear like that, there's nothing I can do to you."
Meng Ran pursed her lips.
She was in the wrong, but for some reason, she had a feeling that Chen Sulin was deliberately trying to provoke her guilt.
However, Chen Sulin didn't seem really angry this time.
Meng Ran still remembers how he questioned her in the car the first time he couldn't contact her.
She felt strange, as if Chen Sulin's temper had improved considerably in less than half a month.
Could it be that those two kisses made him more tolerant of her?
No, that's impossible. What is she thinking?
A child's voice suddenly rang out.
"Mom," Chen Miaoying finished her cake and tilted her head curiously to look at her mother, "What were you talking about with Dad? Did Dad make you unhappy?"
Meng Ran was startled: "No."
She was so engrossed in talking to Chen Sulin that she completely forgot to lower her voice.
Chen Miaoying pouted: "Mom, you're lying. I just heard you ask Dad what else he wanted."
She stated logically, "If any child in our class misbehaves and makes Teacher Song angry, Teacher Song will ask that child this question."
Meng Ran: "..."
She glanced at Chen Sulin and found that the man was calmly looking at her, showing no intention of helping her at all.
...a stingy man.
After thinking for a moment, Meng Ran decided to tell Chen Miaoying the truth: "...No, it's because Mom didn't see Dad's message in time and is asking how to make it up to him."
Children are very sensitive. Although it's impossible to tell her everything, Meng Ran still tries to tell the truth about these trivial matters that don't need to be hidden.
Chen Miaoying drew out an "oh," as if she was pondering her mother's words.
Two seconds later, Chen Miaoying spoke up: "Dad is usually very generous! Mom, if you feed Dad a bite of cake, he definitely won't be angry anymore!"
Meng Ran's lips twitched.
This is truly... Chen Sulin's good daughter.
She might have considered it at other times, but at such a large gathering, it was absolutely impossible.
Meng Ran: "Honey, your dad doesn't like being fed."
Chen Miaoying blinked: "Really?"
She looked at Chen Sulin, who was sitting one seat away: "Dad, don't you like it?"
Chen Sulin raised the corners of his lips slightly and said leisurely, "Dad doesn't dislike it."
Meng Ran: "..."
She looked at Chen Sulin, her voice not loud, but her tone resolute: "Anyway, absolutely not now."
Chen Sulin: "Then we'll owe you for now."
Meng Ran: "...Okay."
If things continue like this, Chen Sulin will have to ask her when she plans to pay off her debts.
Meng Ran coughed and changed the subject: "By the way, don't you want to chat with the others a bit more? I think... a lot of people actually want to talk to you."
She wasn't making this up. In just those few minutes, she noticed several groups of guests glancing in her direction, clearly waiting for an opportunity to strike up a conversation.
If she hadn't been sitting here talking to Chen Sulin, someone would probably have already come over.
Chen Sulin said calmly, "There's no need for this with people we don't know."
Meng Ran: "What about Mrs. Zhu and her husband? Didn't you know each other before?"
Chen Sulin: "I already informed them before I came, so they know I'm here to keep you company."
Meng Ran: "...Oh."
Hearing him say that, she felt a little embarrassed.
I don't know how he talked to Mrs. Zhu and the others.
After the cake was cut, the staff served the main course.
The dishes weren't as fancy as a formal dinner, but they were prepared according to the children's tastes and nutritional needs, with less oil and salt, and were light and palatable.
After dinner, the birthday party came to an end.
The guests gradually left.
Seeing that Chen Sulin stayed by his wife and daughter's side, the others knew that he had no interest in socializing, so they gradually gave up the idea of getting close to him.
Unlike her parents, Chen Miaoying is a super E person and is familiar with every child who came today.
Chan Miu-ying fought until the very last moment, saying goodbye to all her friends present before finally deciding to go home.
The courtyard was empty when I left.
Meng Ran and Chen Sulin each held their daughter's hands and walked out, while Chen Miaoying hung between them like a little monkey, jumping up and swinging from time to time.
As she approached the entrance to the courtyard, Meng Ran paused slightly.
A man and a woman stood under an outdoor light on the side of the gate.
The woman was tall and slender; Meng Ran recognized her as Cai Xue.
The middle-aged man next to her, who is overweight and has thinning hair, must be her husband.
Chen Sulin tilted his head: "Someone I know?"
Meng Ran hummed in agreement: "The girl was a classmate of mine in the same department at university."
The two people by the door seemed to be arguing. Then the man forcefully shook off Cai Xue's hand and walked to the other side.
Cai Xue stumbled and nearly fell, barely managing to steady herself by holding onto the metal railing of the courtyard.
The outdoor lights shone obliquely down, illuminating the woman's pale face clearly.
Meng Ran frowned.
Cai Xue seemed distracted and didn't notice anyone nearby as she walked over with her head down.
It wasn't until she saw the shadow in front of her that Cai Xue suddenly realized something, and when she looked up, she showed a look of astonishment.
Standing in front of her was Meng Ran, holding her daughter's hand, and Chen Sulin a few steps away.
Cai Xue: "...Mrs. Chen".
After saying that, she pursed her lips.
When she heard today that Meng Ran was Chen Sulin's wife, she was initially incredulous, but then a sense of loss and resentment welled up inside her.
As students in the same department, she was the most popular and sought-after person back then, while Meng Ran was just an ordinary pretty girl with a few suitors.
Eight years later, their situation has completely reversed.
Meng Ran was a glamorous socialite, and she thought she had married a mature and considerate man, but now he only showed her indifference and disgust.
Cai Xue tried hard to prove that Meng Ran wasn't actually doing so well, but after seeing Chen Sulin with her own eyes, she completely lost all illusions and even her last bit of confidence.
Now, I'm being seen in such a pathetic state again.
Cai Xue said with difficulty, "It's getting late, I—"
A hand appeared in front of me.
Cai Xue was stunned when she saw the wet wipe Meng Ran handed her.
Meng Ran: "That railing is quite dirty. Miao Ying accidentally touched it before, and her palm turned black."
Chen Miaoying added with a smile, "Yes, Auntie, you have to wipe your hands clean after touching something dirty, otherwise you'll get sick."
Cai Xue stared blankly at the mother and daughter.
After a moment, she smiled weakly and said, "Thank you."
Meng Ran nodded slightly and turned to look at the man behind her.
Chen Sulin stepped forward: "Go back?"
Meng Ran: "Mm."
The driver was already waiting at the door.
After a day of intense outdoor activities, Chen Miaoying felt sleepy much faster than usual.
While in the car, she could barely keep her eyes open.
When she got home, Chen Miaoying almost fell asleep in the bathroom while Aunt Zhang helped her wash up.
After her parents said goodnight, Chen Miaoying fell asleep instantly.
Meng Ran also returned to her bedroom.
According to her schedule, it wasn't time to go to sleep yet.
But the socializing this afternoon had drained most of her energy.
At this moment, Meng Ran just wanted to quickly take off her clothes, remove her makeup, take a shower, and then go to sleep.
As soon as she entered the bedroom and closed the door, she began to take off her skirt.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. The zipper got stuck halfway up the waistline, just like during the day, and wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pulled.
At noon, she had plenty of energy and could patiently try again and again, but now she couldn't help but get irritable.
Meng Ran took a breath and increased her strength, but this time she not only failed to pull the zipper down, but also accidentally bumped her arm into the bedroom door due to excessive force.
A muffled thud.
Meng Ran rubbed her elbow in pain and cursed inwardly.
This dress doesn't look cheap, and the zipper design is so terrible. She will definitely avoid this brand in the future.
Just as the pain subsided and I was about to try again, I heard a knock on the door right behind me.
Meng Ran's heart skipped a beat: "Who?"
Chen Sulin: "Do you need any help?"
Meng Ran: "..."
She wanted to say no, but hesitated.
The zipper was stuck so firmly it looked like it was possessed by a ghost, and she wasn't sure if she could manage it when she was exhausted.
It was late at night and all the staff at the house had gone to rest. After Aunt Zhang gave Chen Miaoying a bath, she also returned to the annex building, as she had no one else to call for help.
After a moment's hesitation, Chen Sulin said, "I'm coming in."
Meng Ran hadn't made a complete decision yet. Upon hearing this, she opened her mouth but didn't utter a sound for a moment.
The bedroom door was pushed open halfway.
Meng Ran finally found her voice and said with her back to him, "...The zipper is stuck, I can't pull it down."
A deep male voice sounded from behind: "What was that sound just now? Are you injured?"
Meng Ran: "No... I bumped my arm on the door, but it's okay, it only hurts a little."
Chen Sulin: "Really?"
Meng Ran: "Really."
Chen Sulin remained silent for two seconds, probably to determine whether she was indeed alright.
Then he said, "I'll help you with the zipper."
They were so close that she could feel his breath every time they spoke, mingling with her own nervous breathing.
Meng Ran's heart was pounding so fast she could hardly control it: "...Mmm."
When Chen Sulin's fingers touched her back, Meng Ran bit her lip.
She couldn't see his movements, and this sense of uncertainty made her tense up, her eyelashes trembling.
Chen Sulin's movements were light and slow, with a cautious restraint.
However, for Meng Ran, wherever his fingertips touched, it felt like a fine electric current was coursing through her body, sending shivers down her spine.
She felt as if he was holding the fabric of the dress with one hand and pinching the zipper with the other, pulling it down slightly.
After several attempts, the zipper finally loosened, making a slight sound.
Meng Ran breathed a sigh of relief.
If it doesn't end soon, her heart is going to jump out of her chest.
Meng Ran: "The rest of me—"
Chen Sulin said in a deep voice, "Meng Ran."
The man's voice was frighteningly hoarse, which startled Meng Ran, and she fell silent.
Chen Sulin placed his hands on her rounded shoulders, their skin touching without any obstruction. Her body trembled, and before she could react, he turned her around without saying a word.
In that instant when they were face to face, Meng Ran forgot to breathe.
The man's deep black eyes were now filled with naked desire.
The next second he pressed down on her and captured her lips.
Compared to the previous two times, Chen Sulin's kisses were more urgent and fierce, like a bowstring stretched to its limit, finally released after being suppressed to the extreme.
The zipper was half open, revealing a small patch of fair and smooth back.
An uncontrollable heat spread from the shoulder blades, engulfing every part of the body.
The air in the room was so hot it felt like it was burning, and everyone was breathing heavily.
After some back and forth, Chen Sulin hooked the zipper pull with his fingertips and pulled it down.
Pulling it all the way down, a large expanse of delicate skin was suddenly exposed to the air, and the cool evening air sent a shiver down Meng Ran's spine.
A flicker of clarity crossed her mind, and she raised her hand to push him away: "No..."
Chen Sulin did not respond, nor did he seem inclined to let her go.
Meng Ran: "Chen Sulin!"
She raised her voice, the last syllable trembling.
He finally reacted, slightly loosening his grip, and asked in a hoarse voice, "What?"
Meng Ran's chest heaved violently: "I...I'm not ready yet, I..."
Her breathing was so rapid that she couldn't finish what she wanted to say, so she pressed her hands tightly against his chest.
They got married seven years ago and have a daughter who is over five years old; these are undeniable facts.
In her world, they had only known each other for less than two weeks.
Everything happened so fast.
Meng Ran lowered her eyes and subconsciously wanted to step back and create distance between herself and him.
Chen Sulin finally released her hand, letting her step back a step.
Meng Ran: "I'm going to take a shower..."
Before she could take a step, Chen Sulin called out to her, "Meng Ran."
Meng Ran looked up at him in surprise.
Chen Sulin: "I promise I won't force you until you're ready."
"But no matter how much time passes, no matter what happens, you will always be my wife."
No one can change that.
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