Chapter 177 I'm Different From You, I Almost Became Mao Mao's Godfather
"Mao Mao's friend?"
Shen Zhaolin thought for a moment, then nodded generously in agreement: "That's right, that's me."
Although this child is unlike any of his previous friends, he is warm and cheerful and even remembered to send him an invitation to his birthday party. How could he possibly let down Mao Mao's good intentions?
It's fun to have another little friend.
Nie Zhengyun: "..."
Nie Zhengyun slowly sipped a mouthful of champagne.
"Since you received Mao Mao's invitation, you must have a good relationship with her."
Shen Zhaolin said with a smile, "Mao Mao is so cute, everyone would like her. I didn't expect her to be so close to me, it must be fate."
Nie Zhengyun remained calm: "Oh, fate?"
Shen Zhaolin stroked the slender stem of the champagne glass, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Am I being too shameless by saying this? It's just that I liked Mao Mao very much the moment I saw her, and we got along particularly well."
"..."
Shen Zhaolin further explained, "I don't usually get along well with children, and this is the first time I've encountered a child who has taken the initiative to be close to me like this."
Nie Zhengyun remained silent.
He then asked, "How did you and Mao Mao meet?"
Shen Zhaolin said, "It was on the day of the Spring Festival. I was visiting a temple fair when a thief stole my wallet. Mao Mao discovered it and she and her brothers helped me catch the thief and get my wallet back."
Nie Zhengyun commented casually, "Miss Mao Mao is really kind-hearted."
“Indeed.” Shen Zhaolin agreed. “I wanted to thank her properly. There was something important in my wallet, and the consequences of losing it would be too severe. However, although she is young, she is not greedy for credit and is very kind-hearted. No matter what I said, she refused to accept my gratitude.”
"Oh, then you must have met her several times through this."
Shen Zhaolin paused for a moment: "To be honest, I haven't met her many times."
"oh?"
“I work as a teacher at Haicheng Middle School. I’ve seen Mao Mao a few times at the school gate. She’s there to pick up her brother from school.”
"That's all?"
"That's right."
Nie Zhengyun said calmly, "It sounds like you two don't interact much. Has Miss Mao Mao ever been to your house?"
"Well... of course not."
I don't know if it was just Shen Zhaolin's imagination.
He seemed to detect a hint of hostility in the Green Gang leader's calm tone.
But this illusion vanished in an instant, and upon closer inspection, it disappeared without a trace.
Nie Zhengyun took a sip of champagne and smiled slightly: "Miss Mao Mao has been a guest at my house a few times."
Shen Zhaolin was completely bewildered, not knowing what was so special about this visit, but he still politely replied, "Sounds good."
Nie Zhengyun then asked, "Have you ever heard Miss Mao Mao play the harmonica?"
No.
"Her harmonica style is unique and moving; only close family and friends have ever heard it."
"I see." Shen Zhaolin suddenly realized, and at the same time, he became curious: "She is so young, yet she has such a talent for music? She is truly gifted. I wonder if I will be able to hear her."
Nie Zhengyun smiled faintly and remained silent.
He took another slow sip of champagne: "It sounds like Mr. Shen and Mao Mao aren't very close. How come you received an invitation personally written by Mao Mao?"
Shen Zhaolin also said frankly, "I am also very honored. I never expected to receive her invitation. It seems that she has long regarded me as a friend, which makes me feel a little ashamed."
"..."
"However, although she is young, she is very thoughtful towards her friends. She wrote the words on the invitation by hand. She must have practiced for a long time to be able to learn adults' names."
"..."
Shen Zhaolin touched his nose and said apologetically, "I never expected that she would like me so much. The younger generation in my family rarely get close to me, but Mao Mao is so enthusiastic. Children's feelings are so sincere, I really have no way to repay her... Sigh!"
"..."
Unbeknownst to me, the people around me had been silent for a long time.
Shen Zhaolin said a few words, but received no response.
He realized it quickly. Was he being too verbose and annoying?
It's his fault, he sometimes gets so excited that he neglects the feelings of those around him.
Shen Zhaolin quickly replied politely, "Judging from Mr. Nie's words, you and Mao Mao must have a very good relationship?"
Nie Zhengyun said slowly, "That's right, I am Miss Mao Mao's best friend."
Shen Zhaolin suddenly realized.
At the same time, he also felt admiration: "Mr. Nie is a bit different from what I imagined. I thought..." He paused and continued, "I never expected that you would become such a close friend with a child. Mr. Nie is still a child at heart."
Nie Zhengyun stroked the ring on his hand: "Of course, Mao Mao and I are more than just good friends."
"oh?"
“As long as the Commander-in-Chief agrees, I will be Mao Mao’s godfather.” Nie Zhengyun said easily, “Mao Mao’s opinion has already been sought on this matter, and it is only waiting for the Commander-in-Chief’s approval. I think the invitation that Mao Mao sent me has a different meaning than the one you received.”
Shen Zhaolin was stunned.
Nie Zhengyun glanced at him, then left with her champagne glass in her hand.
He has already found out.
Mao Mao sent out a total of four invitations.
Besides the three of them, there's another one with the eldest daughter of the Zhang family.
That's also Mao Mao's good friend; there's no other purpose besides being friends. This one sounds about the same.
That would be perfect.
After Nie Zhengyun left, this secluded corner became quiet again.
No one else came to speak for a while, leaving Chen Zhaolin standing there, pondering what he had said.
Godfather?
Godfather?
He seemed to have heard that this Green Gang leader was very powerful, yet he had no children. Some said it was retribution for his many misdeeds.
Shen Zhaolin did not believe in retribution.
Throughout history, many deserved retributions have never come to pass.
He had no interest in other people's family affairs, but Nie Zhengyun's words made him think.
If only I had a daughter as adorable as Mao Mao...
Thinking of his lovely and sensible daughter calling him "Daddy" so sweetly and affectionately every day, Shen Zhaolin realized that a smile had crept onto his face without him noticing.
Cough cough, that's really too unsteady.
Shen Zhaolin took a sip of champagne as a cover-up, but he couldn't shake off his reverie.
He just turned 30 last year, while most of his peers already have both a son and a daughter.
It's not that he didn't want to, it's just that he didn't have the time.
Several years ago, after his wife passed away from illness, he never considered starting a family again. Although he regretted that his wife had not left him any children, he never thought about it again.
Thinking of this, Shen Zhaolin took out a black and white group photo from his wallet, stroked the woman's elegant and beautiful face in the photo, and couldn't help but be lost in thought.
If he and his wife have a child.
I'm probably about the same age as Mao Mao now...
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