Chapter 116 You mean these shoes are only available in Shanghai...
The Dou family ball caused a sensation in Shanghai. Young Marshal Dou was generous and invitations were not difficult to obtain. He also loved excitement, so from political and business elites to people from all walks of life, anyone who could get an invitation could attend.
Shen Rong called Hu Peifang to ask if she wanted to go, but she didn't expect that Hu Peifang had already gotten an invitation.
Lu Lin and Shen Rong arrived earlier. Since both of them have somewhat special identities now, it wasn't appropriate for Lu Lin to visit them directly. Instead, he took this opportunity to catch up with Dou Wenliang.
Cao Fengyi took Shen Rong's arm and found a quiet place to sit down. Shen Rong teased her for being lazy and not going to entertain the guests.
Cao Fengyi teased her, "You're such a distinguished guest now. We'll have to rely on your Lu Lin to take care of us in Shanghai."
Shen Rong took a sip of her drink and chuckled, "He's just someone who cleans up other people's messes. Shanghai is full of hidden talents, and he's had a tough time too." She then raised an eyebrow.
Cao Fengyi understood what she meant. With various forces entrenched in Shanghai, it would be difficult for anyone else to handle the situation. The Wen family, for example, was the first one that was difficult to deal with.
However… “This is not a problem for your Lu Lin. Wen Liang knows his abilities very well. He said before that no one but him could solve this problem in Shencheng. I didn’t expect that he would be sent here as expected.”
Without Lu Lin, Shanghai would not have been able to settle down so quickly, and they would not have come.
Actually, Dou Wenliang came to Shanghai ostensibly to send his wife and children abroad to study, but his main reason was to meet with Lu Lin.
Cao Fengyi sighed: "The situation in the north is getting worse and worse. The Japanese are becoming more and more arrogant. I don't know how long Pingcheng can remain peaceful."
If Jincheng still doesn't want to fight, who knows where they can retreat to?
"You don't know, Wenliang is now being cursed like a rat crossing the street. Everyone is cursing him behind his back for being a coward who is afraid of death."
Dou Wenliang felt a surge of anger in his chest, but there was nothing he could do. He had called Jin Cheng countless times, but each time he only received a few words telling him to calm down.
Cao Fengyi downed her drink in one gulp, glanced at it, and remarked meaningfully, "This stuff in the south is so mushy, it's really not satisfying."
Shen Rong smiled and asked the waiter to bring her a glass of whiskey.
Cao Fengyi smiled: "You understand me best."
As they were talking, there was a noise at the door, and someone said that the second young lady of the Wen family had arrived.
The two stood up, and Shen Rong smiled and said to her, "You should personally entertain this distinguished guest."
Cao Fengyi laughed heartily and put down her wine glass: "That's right."
Wen Wenxin, arm in arm with Lin Shaojie, was dressed in a Western-style dress with exquisite makeup. Her gaze turned cold as she glanced at Shen Rong, but she then smiled and exchanged pleasantries with Cao Fengyi.
Shen Rong smiled and turned around, not looking at the second young lady of the Wen family.
This small gesture caused an uproar among the crowd; it turned out that Mrs. Lu and Miss Wen were not on good terms!
After the initial shock, it seemed to make sense. The second young lady of the Wen family was being treated too highly, and no one in her social circle dared to challenge her. The older generation looked down on her, while the younger generation lacked the family background and influence.
Being disliked by Miss Wen would be a big deal for most people, potentially making it impossible for them to continue in Shanghai's social circles, but it's different for Shen Rong.
She is the eldest daughter of the Shen family bank, and her husband is Lu Lin, a top figure in Shanghai. Both her husband's and her own family are respectable. Thinking about it this way, she does have the capital to compete with the second daughter of the Wen family.
As everyone drank, a thought flashed through their minds: the social circles of Shanghai would no longer be dominated by a single entity.
However, everyone was very curious as to why the two suddenly became at odds, and some quick-witted people had already begun to send people to inquire.
Lin Shaojie smiled and nodded to Shen Rong in greeting, then asked about Lu Chang and Lu Lin.
Shen Rong told him that Lu Chang had not yet come to pick up his friend. Lu Lin and Dou Shaoshuai went to the study. Cao Fengyi overheard this and asked someone to take him there.
Lin Shaojie declined: "I suppose the young marshal and Commander Lu are discussing matters, so I won't go."
He looked at Wen Wenxin and said that he had seen an acquaintance and wanted to say hello, asking her if she wanted to come along.
Wen Wenxin knew this was an attempt to save face, so she nodded in agreement.
The two walked away gracefully, and Cao Fengyi watched their well-matched figures from behind, thinking, "They are quite a good match."
They were a perfect match inside and out, even the ambition in their eyes was equally strong.
She looked at Chen Rong: "How did she offend you?"
Shen Rong was surprised, and asked with a smile, "How could it not be me who offended her?"
Cao Fengyi looked over there again: "I know who you are. How could your temper offend people? You've been in Bincheng for so long, and you've only ever lost your temper with two people."
However… Cao Fengyi frowned. Both of them were coveting Lu Lin. One was Ma Langhua, who had caused a misunderstanding, and the other was the Japanese spy Sachiko.
Could it be… Cao Fengyi pointed at Wen Wenxin: “She also…”
Cao Fengyi looked disgusted, as if she had swallowed a fly.
Wen Wenxin's cover-up prevents them from getting any leverage, especially since she has Lin Shaojie as a shield. If things really come to light, people will say it's a misunderstanding and that you have ulterior motives, and they can even play the victim.
"Maybe he just doesn't like me," Shen Rong joked, knowing that even if she told others, they might not believe it.
However, Shen Rong admired Lin Shaojie quite a bit. He was a remarkable person. Wen Wenxin's actions couldn't have escaped his notice, yet he acted as if nothing had happened. To treat a backup option like that was quite something.
Cao Fengyi understood and patted her shoulder: "You still don't trust your Lu Lin? She can't pull this off. This Miss Wen probably wants to imitate her sister. It's a pity. She doesn't have her sister's ability. She's really too ambitious."
As the waiter passed by, she took another glass of wine: "Now that you've seen through me, I think with her arrogant personality, she won't bother me anymore. What are you afraid of?"
Shen Rong wasn't afraid, but she found it disgusting.
Someone was secretly trying to steal her boyfriend, how could she not be angry? After being seen through, that person even acted like they didn't know what was good for them, how ridiculous!
Does he really think he's a princess? Does he think being her husband is an honor?
Cao Fengyi swirled her wine glass, shook her head and sighed, "Power is what makes people flock to it. She's not after your Lu Lin, she's just after his future prospects. You should be careful of that Lin Shaojie."
Wen Wenxin was not one to be subservient to anyone. If her husband was being suppressed by Lu Lin, wouldn't that mean she would also be suppressed by Shen Rong?
When wives go out, they are always mindful of their husbands' reputations.
Shen Rong smiled and said, "That's right, but that's not something I'm worried about. Let Lu Lin worry about it."
The two exchanged a smile. Meanwhile, Wen Wenxin and Lin Shaojie were talking to everyone, and the people looked at him with respect mixed with a hint of fear.
"I heard that this Director Lin arrested a lot of Communists, making everyone in Shanghai feel insecure, and he even got the nickname 'Butcher'?"
Shen Rong sneered, her eyes filled with disgust: "Yes, the prison is almost overflowing."
Cao Fengyi covered her mouth: "Can they catch them all? I heard from Wenliang that their army escaped the encirclement in the southwest. They've probably become quite powerful. They're not putting in this much effort to deal with foreign enemies!"
These few words were filled with deep resentment. Shen Rong looked at her and saw that Cao Fengyi's brows were furrowed. After not seeing her for a while, Shen Rong felt that she seemed to have changed a lot.
Cao Fengyi also realized that she had said too much, and explained with a smile: "I've just heard it from many people, so please don't tell anyone."
It's probably because Dou Wenliang often complained like this that she listened.
Shen Rong nodded: "What are you worried about, sister-in-law? Do you think I would tell anyone outside? If Director Lin comes looking for me while you're in England, he might arrest me."
Cao Fengyi: "You're being mischievous." She sighed, "I don't really want to go, and I'm not used to foreign countries, but the child is young, so I'll go and see for myself first."
Cao Fengyi felt that the child was too young and that it would be better to send him abroad to study in a few years, but Dou Wenliang felt that the country was unstable and that it would be better to send the child away sooner.
Dou Wenliang wanted her not to come back either, but Cao Fengyi refused. She couldn't abandon her husband and said she would come back after settling the children.
Dou Wenliang had no choice but to agree.
"I'm afraid it will be at least a year or two before I can return," Cao Fengyi said with a hint of melancholy.
Shen Rong looked at Bai Yuan, who was not far away: "Are you worried about Miss Bai?"
Without his wife by his side, Dou Wenliang would probably be even more reckless.
Cao Fengyi said self-deprecatingly, "I'm not worried about that. It's just a personal secretary, I can manage."
She was worried about Dou Wenliang; he was too depressed and had too many things on his mind.
"Sister-in-law." Lu Chang led Miss Xiangqin over, smiling smugly, and then greeted Cao Fengyi, "Madam."
Xiangqin greeted them.
"Chunshan looks quite dashing in this outfit," Cao Fengyi said, looking him over. "I rarely see you in formal attire."
Lu Chang smiled sheepishly, "My sister-in-law bought this for me."
Cao Fengyi: "Your sister-in-law is rich, let her buy you a few more items."
Shen Rong greeted Xiang Qin with a smile. Just then, the ball was about to begin, and Dou Wenliang and Lu Lin came out.
Dou Wenliang first danced a song with Cao Fengyi, and then danced a song with Bai Yuan.
Seeing that Shen Rong wasn't in high spirits, Lu Lin asked her, "Why are you looking so listless?"
Shen Rong glanced at him: "I'm just a little reluctant to see my sister-in-law go to England, and I don't know when we'll see each other again."
Lu Lin snorted, and Shen Rong looked up at him, puzzled: "What are you snorting about?"
"You're reluctant to let others go abroad, but when you wanted to secretly run away from home, why didn't you feel any reluctance to leave me and our son?"
Shen Rong frowned. "When did this happen? Why bring up old grievances again?"
She quickly changed the subject: "My sister-in-law just told me that you arrested a lot of people. Did Director Lin do a great job?"
After the song ended, Lu Lin pulled her to sit down to the side: "I haven't been involved in these matters, why are you asking about this?"
Shen Rong: "We were just chatting when the topic came up. He's made everyone in Shanghai feel insecure, and you're not doing anything about it?"
Lu Lin looked at her and suddenly asked, "Do you know anyone here?"
Shen Rong was taken aback: "No, I was just asking."
Lu Lin pulled her hand: "Then don't worry about it. There have been serious leaks of information lately, and Lin Shaojie is really annoyed."
He even performed a great service; it's good enough that he wasn't punished.
Dou Wenliang stopped dancing and came over to Lu Lin: "Let's go, let's find a place to continue our conversation. I have some things I'd like you to help me with."
He turned to look at Shen Rong and joked, "Sister-in-law, can I borrow Tianming for a while?"
Shen Rong said irritably, "I can lend it to you for one night."
Dou Wenliang looked at Lu Lin with a wicked smile: "I'm afraid Tianming won't agree."
The more Dou Wenliang spoke, the more absurd it became. Lu Lin's face darkened, and he pushed Dou Wenliang towards the back.
"Tianming, although I'm no longer your boss, I'm still your older brother. If you continue to act so disrespectfully, I'm going to lose my temper..."
"I've found my sister-in-law..." Lu Lin had also learned to threaten.
Dou Wenliang fell silent: "I'm not saying anything more."
Bai Yuan smiled and looked at Shen Rong, somewhat apologetically: "Mrs. Lu, please don't mind. The young marshal is just like that, he likes to joke around."
Shen Rong nodded: "It's been a long time, Miss Bai."
Bai Yuan looks much more mature than before. She has lost her naive and innocent innocence and gained more composure and maturity.
Knowing that Shen Rong and Cao Fengyi were on good terms, and also aware of her own awkward position, she took her leave after exchanging a few pleasantries.
It's true that encountering a scumbag can make a woman mature. Although Dou Wenliang isn't a scumbag in the traditional sense, he's pretty much one.
Cao Fengyi didn't take Bai Yuan to heart, ultimately because Dou Wenliang didn't take her to heart either. After Bai Yuan, Dou Wenliang had no shortage of female confidantes.
I heard that he started flirting with a movie star as soon as he arrived in Shanghai. He didn't invite her over today because of Cao Fengyi's feelings, but I'm afraid they'll be really close after Cao Fengyi goes abroad.
After finishing her dance, Hu Peifang came over and sat down next to Shen Rong: "I heard you and Miss Wen had a falling out?"
That's how powerful rumors can be; a slightly distant attitude can turn into a falling out.
"When have I ever been close to her?" Shen Rong glanced at her sideways.
Hu Peifang laughed heartily: "That's right, I misspoke. How did she offend Mrs. Lu?"
Why are you all asking this question?
Hu Peifang looked her over with a half-smile: "So you don't want to coax her anymore? What's the reason?"
Shen Rong: "Didn't you say yourself that I don't want to coax her anymore? Everyone has their princess temper sometimes?"
That made sense, but Hu Peifang felt she wasn't telling the truth. However, since she was unwilling to say, it wasn't appropriate to press her further.
"Then you should be careful of the Wen family. Miss Wen the Second is not very magnanimous." Having been favored in Shanghai for so many years, the Wen family is not only a local power but is almost a dragon. She is afraid that Shen Rong will suffer.
Shen Rong accepted her kindness and nodded with a smile: "I understand, I appreciate your concern."
The two chatted for a while longer, then the topic turned to Lu Chang on the dance floor: "Are your Third Young Master Lu and Miss Xiangqin serious?"
Shen Rong's gaze followed, a smile playing on her lips: "You'd have to ask our Third Young Master Lu. What's wrong with her?
Hu Peifang shook her head: "No, she's a very nice person. She knows I know you guys, and she even helped me out last time."
She's here to say nice things after receiving favors from others, Shen Rong said with a smile.
"I just think she's a good girl." Hu Peifang shrugged; she wasn't a woman who could be easily bought off.
Shen Rong looked at the dance floor. She couldn't make decisions about Lu Chang's marriage. Lu Lin also let himself be, saying that he was an adult and had to take responsibility for his own actions, acting like a hands-off manager. So she really didn't know.
At most, she'll say a few nice things when the Lu family elders ask for her opinion later.
Just as she was about to look away, she suddenly noticed the shoes peeking out as her skirt fluttered.
"What are you looking at?" Hu Peifang followed her gaze.
"Her shoes..."
Hu Peifang smiled and asked her, "Isn't it pretty? These movie stars' shoes are all custom-made. If you like them, you can ask them where they were made. But I guess it's Old Yang's shop. That's the work of a master craftsman. And the patterns on their shoes are all custom-made. I'm afraid you can't make the same ones."
Shen Rong turned her head, her expression serious.
"You mean she's the only one in Shanghai who owns these shoes?"
Hu Peifang nodded: "Yes, they all have their own style of dress. For example, Xiangqin likes peonies, and every pair of her high heels is this style."
"You must not have noticed, she has several pairs."
Shen Rong nodded; she had indeed never paid attention to what shoes other people wore.
Hu Peifang sat for a while, and then someone invited her to dance, and someone else invited Shen Rong, but she politely declined both invitations.
She was a little flustered. If she wasn't mistaken, she should have seen these shoes at the teahouse that day, because they were very beautiful and she remembered them well.
If it really is Xiangqin, she knows she is Lu Chang's sister-in-law and wouldn't avoid seeing her unless it's inconvenient.
Shen Rong suddenly realized that she knew Uchida Eiko!
If Xiangqin knew a Japanese spy, was her acquaintance with Lu Chang deliberately arranged?
She couldn't sit still any longer and searched for Lu Chang's figure. She searched several times but couldn't find him. In just a short while, both of them had disappeared.
She walked outside and asked a few people before she found out where Lu Chang had gone.
As soon as I left the dance hall, I heard Lu Chang's voice around the corner.
"You won't get rid of me, I'll follow you even if it kills me!" It was a girl's voice.
Lu Chang said, somewhat exasperated, "Crazy girl, let me go!"
Shen Rong quickened her pace in a moment of urgency, creating a scene that was somewhat astonishing to others.
Lu Chang was pinned down by a girl, and the two rolled around in a ball.
Seeing his sister-in-law's astonished expression, Lu Chang felt like he wanted to die; his face turned red with anger.
"Let me go, and I'll give you the money." The voice was forced out through clenched teeth, cold and menacing.
The girl had her back to Shen Rong and didn't notice anyone behind her. She didn't care at all and said fiercely, "Give me the money first and I'll let go. Don't even think about running away."
After saying that, she tightened her grip on Lu Chang's neck, making him feel ashamed and indignant.
Shen Rong took a few steps forward and couldn't help but smile: "Um... do you need any help?"
Lu Chang covered his face, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.
The girl looked at Chen Rong, her face slowly turning red. She was somewhat flustered and stood there stunned.
"My sister-in-law, get out of the way." Lu Chang shifted his waist, gritting his teeth.
The girl jumped up and obediently stood to the side.
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