Chapter 97 Being curious about women is not a good sign...
As soon as the train came to a stop, Shen Jiashi's big head appeared outside the window. He knocked on the window repeatedly, and Xiao Ming pointed and called out.
Lu Lin looked over and touched his son's chin: "Call him uncle."
Shen Rong saw it too and made a big heart with her hands. Shen Jiashi smiled like he was worthless.
As soon as the door opened, he climbed up.
"You guys are so slow, I've been waiting for an hour."
He reached out and hugged Xiaoming, saying, "Uncle, hug me."
Xiao Ming glanced at his parents and obediently reached out his hand.
"If you want to cause trouble, go to the Ministry of Transportation. It's not like I wanted things to be slow," Shen Rong muttered to him.
The two siblings started bickering as soon as they met. Lu Lin shook his head, greeted his brother-in-law, and began to get his things to get out of the car.
Shen Jiashi lifted Xiaoming up twice: "The little guy has gotten fatter." He gave him a big kiss on the little cheek: "Did you miss your uncle?"
It was just a casual question, but to my surprise, the little guy actually nodded: "Chirp chirp."
Shen Jiashi was overjoyed: "He called me!"
He ran up to his sister and showed off: "Look, he called me uncle, baby, say it again."
Xiao Ming made him very proud and chirped again in a clear voice.
Shen Jiashi held his chin high, looking smug.
Shen Rong scoffed, almost rolling her eyes: "It's not like it's the first time he's called someone that." She didn't know what he was so proud of.
Anyone who didn't know better would think it was her son calling his uncle for the first time.
"Hurry up and help me carry these things." Shen Rong treated his elder brother like a beast of burden.
Shen Jiashi couldn't bear to leave his beloved nephew: "I brought people with me, let them come, I want to hold Xiaoming."
Shen Rong pouted: "I'm your own sister, and you haven't even shown any appreciation."
Shen Rong felt she had fallen out of favor because Xiao Ming was the first person she saw.
"I've never seen anyone compete with their own son for favor. You've really made something of yourself, Miss Shen," Shen Jiashi shrugged at her.
Shen Rong glared at him fiercely a few times. Lu Lin came over and took her hand, as if to say that in his heart, she was more important than his son.
Shen Jiashi looked at the two of them with a mocking expression. Shen Rong blushed for once, shook off Lu Lin's hand, picked up her bag and got off the bus.
"Get off the bus. Get off the bus."
They didn't bring much luggage to Jincheng this time, just a few large suitcases, which weren't even enough to fill the car arranged by Shen Jiashi.
The car drove into the Shen residence. Shen's mother had already arranged for the servants to tidy up the rooms. She was a little surprised to see that they only had so little luggage, but considering her daughter's personality, she thought that perhaps they would have to buy new things.
She pulled her daughter over to look at him again and again: "He looks much more energetic than last time."
Shen Jia jokingly remarked from the side, "Of course, Lu Lin is back!"
Shen Rong's face flushed red. She raised her foot to kick him, but missed. Then she pouted at Lu's mother and said, "Mom, look at him..."
Shen Jiashi jumped around like a monkey, making his mother's heart pound with fear: "Don't drop my grandson!"
She reached out and took her grandson from him, then slapped her son hard: "Who told you to tell the truth and embarrass your sister? She's tough as nails, so what if she gets a beating from you?"
After saying that, she didn't even look at her children's interesting expressions, and went off to be all lovey-dovey with her grandson.
Lu Lin carried in two suitcases and was immediately glared at by Shen Rong. He was a little confused. Shen Jiashi patted him on the shoulder and said, "Brother-in-law, you've really had a hard time marrying such a difficult person."
He said with a sincere expression, "The Shen family has truly let you down."
After saying that, he immediately changed his expression and said righteously, "However, returns are not accepted. You'll have to get used to it."
Their expressions kept changing, like they were performing a face-changing act. Lu Lin thought to himself, "They really are siblings; they both love to act."
In the evening, Mr. Shen returned home, and the family had a reunion dinner.
During the meal, Mr. Shen asked Lu Lin about his plans, saying that if he took a job in Jincheng, he could live at home.
Upon hearing this, Shen Jiashi winked at his sister, a gloating expression on his face.
You know, the old man is very rigid. If Shen Rong lived at home, he would definitely control her, and there would be no carefree life for her.
Shen Rong didn't take it to heart and made a face at him.
Lu Lin nodded: "If possible, I don't want to stay in Jincheng. I'd like to go to a local area and make a difference."
Mr. Shen was somewhat surprised: "You've already discussed it with the family?"
Shen's father was well-informed and knew long ago that his son-in-law was going to be given an important position in Jincheng. If he were to go to a local area... over time, his relationship with his superiors would definitely fade, which would not be good for his future career.
He secretly wondered if it was related to Dou Shaoshuai?
“You are a member of the Party and the State. You should not be loyal to any one person, but to the country and the government.”
Lu Lin: “Dad is right. This decision is not because of the young marshal. I am a soldier of the party and the country, so I will naturally obey orders. It’s just that Jincheng is full of talented people. Even if I stay here for ten years, I may not achieve anything. It’s better to go to the local area to gain more experience. When I have made achievements, it will be natural for me to come back.”
A satisfied smile appeared on Mr. Shen's face: "That's good too."
Currently, various forces in Jincheng are vying for power, and the situation is unpredictable. It's better for Lu Lin to avoid it. Given his seniority, he won't hold a high position in Jincheng anyway. Rather than enduring hardship, it would be better for him to take charge of a region.
"Just tell me what you need. The Shen family has some friends in Jincheng. Do you have any ideas about where you want to go?"
Halfway through the meal, they started discussing serious matters, and Shen's mother pulled Shen Rong off the table with a look of disdain.
"I wonder why you only brought so little luggage. How long will you stay in Jincheng this time?" Mother Shen thought she would be reunited with her daughter, but she didn't expect that they would still have to part ways. There was some reluctance in her eyes.
"Let's go shopping tomorrow. Mom will buy you some things. There's definitely a dance party in a few days, and I'll take you to see it."
Jincheng is becoming more and more prosperous, with banquets almost every day.
Shen Rong smiled and nodded: "Okay, I should be able to stay for a while. Maybe you'll find me annoying if I stay too long."
Chen's mother stroked her daughter's head: "What bothers me now is your brother. He's getting on in years and still refuses to settle down."
Shen Rong glanced at Shen Jiashi and said honestly, "This matter can't be rushed. Ultimately, it has to be something my brother is willing to do."
"At this point, you're actually on your brother's side."
Shen Rong hugged her mother's arm and said coquettishly, "Mom and I are of one mind."
The next day, Lu Lin left early in the morning, and for the next few days he left early and returned late, making it difficult for Shen Rong to even see him.
However, according to Shen's father, Lu Lin had performed very well and was highly regarded by his superiors, who wanted him to serve as an attendant. Shen's mother's eyes lit up. An attendant was a trusted confidant. If that were true, it wouldn't be a bad idea for her son-in-law to stay in Jincheng.
Shen's father also meant the same thing, but it still depended on what Lu Lin thought.
"Let's see what Lu Lin decides. He has his own ideas." Father Shen felt that Lu Lin might not be willing. From their previous conversation, it was clear that Lu Lin preferred to go to the local areas to do practical work.
But to everyone's surprise, Lu Lin actually accepted this time.
However, he told Shen Rong, "I won't be staying for long."
Only by becoming this attendant could he transform from Dou Wenliang's man into Jin Cheng's confidant, and then he would no longer be suspected by others when he went to other places.
Shen Rong laughed at him: "So you just went to get a gold plating."
Lu Lin chuckled; the analogy was indeed apt.
Shen Rong wrapped her arms around his waist: "When are you free? Third Brother has some news about Little Sister."
Their arrival in Jincheng was unfortunate; Lu Chang had just gone to Wu County and sent a telegram today saying he would be back in a couple of days and had something important to say.
Shen Rong guessed that it must be related to Lu Xuan. The telegram information was too little, and she didn't know what had happened or if they had found her.
"I'll be off the day after tomorrow."
Shen Rong was very surprised: "You guys have days off?"
She hadn't seen Lu Lin have a day off in ages. When they were in Bincheng, he was very busy at first, but after a few days off, the Japanese started causing trouble again, and Lu Lin had no time to rest at all.
“Attendants are on duty in shifts. I happen to have a day off the day after tomorrow. Do you think the whole world can’t do without me?” Lu Lin glared at her, annoyed. There were other attendants besides him.
I felt that Shen Rong's words just now were somewhat sarcastic.
Shen Rong gave him a fake smile; he'd figured it out!
"By the way, isn't the city government holding a dance party tomorrow? Are you going?" Shen Rong asked him.
It seems that political and business elites, military personnel, and foreign ambassadors will participate, making it a high-level event.
Lu Lin shook his head: "No, I don't go to these kinds of dances, you..."
He glanced at Shen Rong and frowned slightly: "You can go with your mother to take a look, but don't stay out too late."
"Are you really that careless? With all the bright lights and elegant people around, there must be a lot of handsome men. What if I can't resist..." Shen Rong could easily see his reluctance and deliberately teased him with some words.
Lu Lin looked down at her for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Can you dance?"
Shen Rong grinned, looking down on everyone. Just because you don't know something doesn't mean you can't learn it. But it seems she hasn't found an opportunity to learn yet.
She had attended many dances in Bincheng before, but she always just sat and watched others dance, and no one dared to ask her to dance. She wondered if anyone would ask her to dance tomorrow.
She gasped. It seemed that Hu Peifang had said that she was the Queen of Dance in Pingcheng, so her dancing must have been incredibly amazing.
How could she forget this? She glanced at Lu Lin furtively, thinking, "Should I pretend to be lame?"
Shen Rong isn't good at managing her expressions; everything she thinks is written all over her face. Lu Lin finds it pleasing to the eye, and even wants to flirt with someone at the ball. Does she dare?
Now, the most important thing for her is to figure out how to conceal her true colors.
***
At 7 p.m., the ball started as scheduled. The entire Shen family came, and Shen Rong stepped into the venue arm in arm with her brother.
Although it was called a dance party, few people actually came to dance. Most of them came to socialize and build connections. For example, Shen's father took Shen Jiashi to meet officials from the Ministry of Finance.
Mother Shen also took her daughter to greet old friends, most of whom were wives of officials of similar social standing to the Shen family.
Upon hearing that Shen Rong was Lu Lin's wife, the ladies' smiles deepened, and they spoke very warmly, making Shen Rong realize once again how popular Lu Lin was.
He's only been an attendant for a short time, yet he already has this much influence?
Shen Rong smiled shyly as she accepted their praise.
Chen's mother wore a proud expression, but spoke humbly: "They are still young and cannot accept such words from you. They still have a lot to learn."
Their exaggerated reactions almost made Shen Rong think that Lu Lin was a rising star in the political arena.
Clearly, Shen's mother also felt that others were trying to flatter her daughter, and she secretly whispered to her daughter: "Don't believe their polite words. Lu Lin has only just entered and he's already being valued. So many people are envious and watching him closely. You should be more low-key in the future. You can't hold him back at this time."
Shen Rong: "Mom, am I that kind of person?"
Mother Shen turned to look at her and said only one word: Yes.
The son-in-law dotes on his daughter to the point of obeying her every word. With her personality, when she gets proud, she's practically strutting around like a peacock. Look at her now, her mouth is practically stretched to the sky.
Someone nearby was calling for Chen's mother. The older ladies couldn't stand the noise in the dance hall; after their social engagements, they would gather together to play cards.
"Are you coming with me?" Mother Shen asked her daughter.
Shen Rong shook her head: "Forget it, I'll just watch you guys play cards, my fingers are itching."
Mother Shen had heard her son talk about her daughter's card skills. Playing cards among wives is a social activity, not a game of winning money. If her daughter only wins money, wouldn't she offend people?
"Then you can play here for a while. Behave yourself while Lu Lin isn't here." Seeing her daughter staring at the men and women hugging in the dance hall, she felt a little worried and whispered her advice.
"I'll play for a while and then we'll go back."
Shen Rong said helplessly, "Mom, am I not your daughter? What happened to the trust you promised? Lu Lin would never doubt me."
Mother Shen sneered, "What do you think?" Her son-in-law was honest.
Shen Rong gasped. Well, what could she do? She had a criminal record.
After her mother left, she went to eat and wandered around, politely declining every invitation to dance that came her way.
Actually, this dance party isn't very fun; we might as well go play mahjong.
She was surrounded by strangers. She thought back to the first ball she attended in Pingcheng when she first transmigrated. At that time, she had Hu Peifang by her side, so at least she had someone she knew to talk to. It was on that occasion that she also ran into Lu Lin.
Thinking about it this way, Lu Lin wasn't actually not going to the ball; he was just pretending!
She angrily downed a glass of champagne, grabbed another glass, a few small cakes, and found a corner to sit down and leisurely watch the young men and women dance.
"Mrs. Lu, why don't you come down and dance?"
Wen Wenqing walked over at some point and sat down opposite Shen Rong.
"Mr. Wen didn't go dancing either, did he?"
Wen Wenqing shook his head with a smile: "I'm hiding here now, aren't I? Your older brother was just intercepted, and these girls are so enthusiastic, my legs are about to break from jumping."
What he said was funny, making Shen Rong laugh.
"Aren't you going to save your older brother?" Wen asked, gesturing to her.
Shen Rong shook his head: "He's Zhu Bajie, so it doesn't matter if he gets into the Spider Cave."
Wen Wenqing suddenly burst into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Shen Rong found it somewhat inexplicable.
"Isn't it pretty boring?" Wen Wenqing glanced around and asked her.
"I think it's quite fun." She wouldn't say such a thing. To say the ball was boring would make her seem high-minded. She was an ordinary person and didn't have such lofty ideals.
"You're even funnier than your older brother described," Wen Wenqing said, smiling at her.
Shen Rong raised an eyebrow. What bad things had her brother said about her again? Besides, being curious about women was not a good sign, especially being curious about married women.
"Mr. Wen, I'm actually a pretty boring person."
Shen Rong's serious expression made him laugh so hard he almost fell over.
Wen Wenqing laughed through her tears. These really are siblings, both so narcissistic.
"You must have misunderstood something. My tastes aren't that extreme, and besides, I don't like people like you..." After saying that, she looked him up and down, somewhat disgusted.
Shen Rong's face darkened. Had she misunderstood? He was the one who said those things first, causing the misunderstanding. How embarrassing!
Wen Wenqing reached out and patted her head: "Don't worry, I know you are deeply in love with Lu Lin. Your older brother said so."
Shen Rong waved his hand away expressionlessly: "Let me give you some advice: don't associate with the Shen family too much. Their stupidity is likely to be passed on to others."
This insult included him as well, leaving Wen Wenqing both amused and exasperated.
"Your older brother said you have a sharp tongue, and he's right."
"That scoundrel Shen Jiashi, he's ruining her reputation everywhere. I'll settle the score with him when I get back," Shen Rong gritted her teeth.
Wen asked Qing Lezi, having had enough of the fun, and prepared to get up: "Is that your friend? It looks like he's looking for you."
Shen Rong followed his gaze and saw that it was Wu Yong.
She was somewhat surprised: "Mr. Wu."
Seeing that he had been discovered, Wu Yong looked somewhat flustered and walked over: "Mrs. Lu".
"Mr. Wen," he greeted Wen Wenqing.
Wen Wenqing simply nodded. He knew many people, but he wasn't interested in getting to know most of them. A nod was enough to show his good manners.
Seeing that they had something to say, Wen Wenqing tactfully walked away.
Watching Wen Wenqing's retreating figure, Wu Yong asked, "Does Mrs. Lu also know Mr. Wen?"
Shen Rong nodded: "He is my older brother's friend."
Wu Yong nodded, thinking that it made sense; given the backgrounds of the Shen and Lu families, it wasn't surprising that they knew each other.
"Mr. Wu, is there something you need to see me about?"
Wu Yong hesitated for a while before finally asking, "Has Peifang contacted you?"
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