Chapter 1, Everything is Fate

Lu Mingmei also pouted and said, "I give up on you, you keep saying it's nothing," she then smiled at Cheng Songpo, "I told you he wouldn't get angry over such a thing, yet he insisted on saying sorry. Is it really appropriate to wake someone up in the middle of the night and then feel sorry about it?"

She looked up and glared at Shijing and Wei with both eyes, while signaling with her eyes and smiling, saying, "Here, it's enough that our parents have discussed it, you all just focus on your work!"

Considering that Lu Mingmei was just joking today, Shi Jingwei did not continue to tease her and only spoke about serious matters, saying, "I spoke with Teacher Ming on the phone this morning"

Then you—" Lu Mingmei initially wanted to question him about why he presented himself as a good man in front of both parents, but then she realized that she was not much better off herself, so why bother to criticize him for taking fifty steps when she had only taken a hundred? It was just that she was unconvinced; Shi Jingwei was clearly a player in the world of indulgence, yet his credit rating at Ming Aihua's place was several levels higher than hers. Why was that?

I will call you when I reach downstairs at your place

What is even more critical is that this time Lu Mingmei showed no loyalty, leaving all eight parents for him to handle alone. He secretly added another charge against Lu Mingmei: prioritizing romantic relationships over friendships. Fortunately, his parents were both busy with work, and after more than twenty years of experience in deception, he was already adept at dealing with them. After Lu's father divorced and remarried, he became much more lenient with Lu Mingmei, making him easier to manage. The only one difficult to persuade was Ming Aihua. Two years ago, Ming Aihua stepped down from the position of chief editor of the group and immigrated to Australia, returning only once or twice a year. He heard that when Ming Aihua was applying for immigration, he had considered taking Lu Mingmei with him, but for some unknown reason, it ultimately did not materialize. Therefore, Ming Aihua began to look for suitable marriage candidates for Lu Mingmei in the country.

Driving through twists and turns, Shi Jingwei found a Cantonese stew shop. Along the way, he introduced it to her, mentioning that although the shop was not large, it placed great emphasis on quality. The prices were high due to its location in a deep alley, yet it had a significant number of repeat customers. Lu Mingmei remained silent, only worried about what new trick Shi Jingwei might be up to, especially since he mentioned that Ai Hua would not be coming to pressure her into marriage for a while. It was not that she was patient enough to refrain from asking, but rather that she understood Shi Jingwei's personality too well. Having been pricked by him too many times, she now found it hard to believe that he would not take the opportunity to toy with her, especially when he had the carrot in hand.

Did you not say that one day I would become a traitor? A traitor is certainly despicable, as is only right and proper

This woman, who is burning bridges after crossing them, made Jingwei curse inwardly, "Oh, still working overtime and not on a date?"

Can you ask him what his plans are for the future

When Shi Jingwei smiled, he casually hummed Eason Chan's "Ten Years": "Did Teacher Ming know him before?"

As always, the verbal sparring continued, and Lu Mingmei let out a long sigh—her authentic performance was not in vain. Sacrificing such a wonderful memory, she aimed to divert the attention of Shi Jingwei, hoping that this would be the end of it, and that he would no longer attempt to unearth anything further

Furthermore, Cheng Songpo is quite a prominent figure, so why should Ming Aihua still go to such lengths to find a suitable match for her daughter

Lu Mingmei, who repeatedly claimed he would become a "traitor," had just appeared at Shengguan two hours ago as his girlfriend, maintaining a ladylike image while listening to the two families discuss the wedding date. Two hours later, he was at the airport terminal, passionately kissing another man.

Generally speaking, great artists are those who have already passed away, but when Wei Jingwei saw Cheng Songpo for the first time, the thought that emerged was that this transaction by the headquarters would surely be profitable.

I believe that my fate is determined by me, not by heaven

Lu Mingmei savored the half bowl of stewed snow pear before discerning the meaning behind those words: "You would be so kind as to help me cover? I see you have ulterior motives..." At that moment, Jing Wei hurriedly nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with admiration that seemed to convey four words: You are truly clever! Lu Mingmei's brow furrowed: "What are the conditions?"

Moreover, just look at the expression in Lu Mingmei's eyes at that time

What secrets do I have

What?

Time and space have left me utterly perplexed

After a moment of contemplation, she finally understood that Lu Mingmei wanted to know Cheng Songpo's plans for the future. More importantly, she wanted to know if she had a place in that future.

What?

He saw a photo of Cheng Songpo, who did not yet know him. As he pondered, Weiwei thought it might be better to explain things to Cheng Songpo first during the interview tomorrow

Time Jingwei must admit that this resolute masculine temperament possesses a lethal charm for women

Knowing that he is well-prepared, why bother to think for him

Dialing Lu Mingmei's mobile phone, the line was busy. Shi Jingwei wandered around the entrance of the Shenguan, recalling that an internationally renowned young Chinese painter was returning from Italy tonight. He had arranged for his assistant, Xiao Zhao, to pick him up at the airport, and was uncertain about the current situation, so he called Xiao Zhao. To his surprise, Xiao Zhao informed him that Mr. Cheng had mentioned in an email a couple of days ago that a friend would be picking him up, so there was no need for the society to arrange transportation. Shi Jingwei then inquired about the hotel reservation, to which Xiao Zhao replied that Mr. Cheng had made his own hotel arrangements and would bring the invoice for reimbursement later. Shi Jingwei felt slightly displeased and said, "Mr. Cheng has a series of art exhibitions in the country next, and as the organizing party, we need to be able to maintain contact with him at all times. Even if he has a friend picking him up and someone helping with the hotel booking, we at least need to know the specific information for convenience in contacting him. I have reminded you about such matters several times; according to the plan, I still need to interview him tomorrow afternoon. Have you made the arrangements?"

"Indeed, Cheng Songpo, the Chinese painter who returned from Italy, has had his mind racing through a hundred twists and turns in response to the question. 'Young people are increasingly interested in various cultural performances, and their spending power in this area has significantly strengthened compared to previous years. It is time to develop the cultural market. What do you think, Teacher Ming?"

Ming Ai Hua smiled unnaturally; just three minutes ago, she had told Shi Mu that her daughter had an easy job and that there would be no situation where she would be so engrossed in work that she could not take care of her family. Lu Ming Mei then deliberately undermined her—on purpose!

Lu Mingmei seemed to be moved by his words, and after a moment of daze, she smiled and asked: "Then what if... it really cannot be reversed?"

Unexpectedly, Cheng Songpo exuded a sense of rigidity that was entirely inconsistent with his artistic style. For a moment, Shi Jingwei mistakenly believed that he was not facing an artist, but rather someone who wielded a rifle. From the contours of his facial features to his every gesture, he resembled a soldier who had undergone rigorous training, rather than a painter

Anyway, he happens to be in a period of being single, so having someone to accompany him for meals and engage in some banter is quite nice. Unexpectedly, his mother suddenly arrived in Shanghai on a business trip yesterday, and the United Charity almost arranged a marriage for him. Now, even more absurdly, not only did the marriage arrangement fall through, but out of nowhere, a third party with such a significant background has emerged.

Indeed, at the Uffizi Gallery, she made a special trip to see Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus." She had heard Cheng Songpo describe the beauty of this painting countless times, yet it did not diminish the shock she felt upon seeing the original work. Perhaps what was truly shocking was not Venus emerging from the water, but hearing someone explain this painting in Chinese to Chinese tourists, when a young boy asked, "Uncle, are you here for tourism as well?"

Why

He did not want to date Lu Mingmei a few times, and he did not see any major flaws in her. If he had to nitpick, it would be that she was somewhat money-minded. Within half a year, all of his friends with a bit of wealth had been persuaded by Lu Mingmei to go to her branch and handle a number of financial management services. Having a strong career ambition is not a bad thing, but Shi Jingwei felt somewhat frustrated. Was it the case that in Lu Mingmei's eyes, this promising young man was only useful for contributing to her performance bonuses?

When it comes to Lu Mingmei, it is essential to ensure that the division is done appropriately

The secret between you and Cheng Songpo

In a secluded corner, she asked the bartender for a cup of tea. Lu Mingmei struggled to swallow a couple of sips from the teacup, her hands trembling uncontrollably. The phone in her bag rang, vibrating incessantly. Shi Jingwei took out the phone, and the name Cheng Songpo was flashing on the screen. He held the phone in front of Lu Mingmei and asked if she wanted to answer it, but she trembled and pressed the end call button, saying: "Do not answer, do not answer"

In my impression, no one can make Lu Mingmei shine like this. She claims to recognize money rather than people, and her catchphrase is "If you don't manage your finances, your finances won't manage you." The main purpose of her six-month perfunctory relationship with him should be to dig for clients from his social circle.

Cheng Songpo undoubtedly belongs to the former; the masculine essence of a man and the romantic temperament of an artist are seamlessly integrated within him

By this reasoning, what kind of heavyweight figure must it be to make Lu Mingmei exude such signals of courtship all over her body... At this moment, Shi Jingwei had not yet calculated the specific outcome when a somewhat familiar figure had already entered his line of sight

Facing any breaking news, Shi Jingwei is able to respond immediately, yet at this moment, he is completely unaware of the situation.

In the afternoon, as scheduled, I conducted an exclusive interview with Cheng Songpo. After graduating from the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, Cheng has been developing his career in Europe, integrating the expressive techniques of traditional Chinese painting with Western oil painting. He showcases the poetic charm of traditional Chinese painting within his vividly colored oil works. Particularly in the past two years, he has received widespread acclaim and his reputation has soared. It is generally believed within the industry that he is currently in a period of ascendance, with immense potential.

She wrapped her arms around Cheng Songpo's neck, lost in a tender embrace, as if the entire universe had come to a standstill for them

Shi Jingwei had never seen Lu Mingmei appear so delicate and gentle; it was as if she had instantly transformed back to seventeen years old, with all the affection written in her eyes, gazing at Cheng Songpo with a mix of longing and slight shyness

"Alright," Lu Mingmei nodded, but as she stood up, she rejected his suggestion, "You should take me to the hotel in Cheng Songpo instead. He should be back after finishing his meal. I will take the opportunity to discuss some recent matters with him to avoid any misunderstandings."

Shi Jingwei rolled his eyes in his heart, realizing that one should never reason with a woman. He chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, I admit I was wrong. So how do you want me to explain to Master Cheng the painter what happened between you two later?"

The meeting place is at the Shenguan, the former residence of the Shanghai tycoon Du Yuesheng from years past. The decor features a garden style, with furnishings arranged in a harmonious and balanced manner, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere. Both sets of parents are quite engaged in conversation, and just as the topic is about to shift to selecting an auspicious date, Lu Mingmei's phone suddenly rings urgently. Si Jingwei silently praises: Goodness, it's a quarter of an hour earlier than the time I set!

Because you have never experienced it, you are jealous

As Shi Jingwei changed her clothes, Lu Mingmei expressed her regret, saying, "Do you not know that in this society, women who are a bit more dependent or at least pretend to be more delicate tend to navigate life more smoothly?"

Ming Ai Hua let out a sound, as if there were unspoken words lingering. After chatting for a while, she finally hung up the phone. Shi Jingwei stroked his chin, his brow furrowing tighter and tighter—Lu Mingmei was not young anymore; logically speaking, if she were to be in a relationship with Cheng Songpo, there should be nothing to hide. Why did she still need to borrow him to cross the bridge? Ming Ai Hua's attitude was also quite strange, as if there were something she was keeping from him. When she just asked about Cheng Songpo, was it really just a casual concern for her own work?

Time and space are helpless, "Sister, what is it that makes me go through so much trouble for you? I have accompanied you out in the middle of the night to act crazy, and in the end, what do I gain from this?"

I am gossiping

He brushed off a hint of melancholy, stuffed the business card of the stew shop owner into Lu Mingmei's wallet, stood up and smiled, "If you like it, you can call directly. No matter how far or how late it is, we are willing to deliver... Would you like me to take you home?"

As Shi Jingwei checked the flight arrival time on his phone, he found that he still had time after driving to Pudong Airport. He ordered a cup of coffee at Ritazza and took the opportunity to review his work emails. As the flight arrival time approached, Shi Jingwei stood up to leave the café, and just as he stepped outside, he caught sight of a familiar figure drifting past him. Wasn't that Lu Mingmei, who had just slipped away? She was still wearing the same light yellow dress, but this time she had added a deep blue floral scarf, which enhanced her charming demeanor. She was holding a large bouquet of white calla lilies as she walked forward, her back exuding an air of elevated emotions.

Her tone was fierce, probably because she had never encountered someone as accommodating as Shi Jingwei, and she was somewhat hesitant to believe that Shi Jingwei would agree to such an unreasonable request. To her surprise, Shi Jingwei only hesitated for a moment before immediately opening the door and inviting her in: "Please have a seat, I will change my clothes and go out with you."

The owner of the stew shop detailed the effects of the stew that Shi Jingwei had ordered for Lu Mingmei. Lu Mingmei glanced at the bowl of stew and then at Shi Jingwei. Although she knew that his considerate nature was a professional instinct, she still gratefully tried a couple of spoonfuls, which indeed were very smooth and slightly alleviated her anger. After the owner left, Lu Mingmei had calmed down. As the saying goes, one should not strike a smiling face; she also made an effort to put on a smile, treating Shi Jingwei as if he were a client at the bank: "Regarding my mother, I should have explained it to her earlier. The matter of immigration was something I deliberately sabotaged; I didn't want to go abroad with her but didn't dare to say it outright. This time is the same; if it weren't for my constant avoidance, I wouldn't have dragged you into this. Over the past six months, you have provided me with a lot of cover. Let me treat you to this meal today, and tomorrow I will clarify things with my mother. In the future, if you need any assistance, such as handling any business at our bank, I will do my best to help you secure preferential fees."

Recalling the passionate kiss in the airport lobby a few hours ago, Shi Jingwei pondered to himself that this relationship seems quite profound. Why is Lu Mingmei behaving so timidly, displaying such a childish demeanor?

Such an unexpected turn of events caught both parties off guard, triggered by Ming Aihua's phone call to Shi Jingwei. Coincidentally, Shi's mother was on a business trip to Shanghai at the time, and the two mothers felt an instant connection as if they were long-lost relatives. Shi's mother was overjoyed to learn that her son, who was nearing thirty and had been reluctant to marry, had managed to date the same woman for six months. Ming Aihua discovered that the mother of her disciple was actually an aerospace expert, which made her appreciate his humble nature and independence from his parents even more.

Lu Mingmei also mouthed the words: Go away

Lu Mingmei stubbornly glared at him, yet her face had turned as pale as paper, her lips trembling incessantly, unable to utter a single word

At that moment, Shi Jingwei was struck by lightning, causing goosebumps to rise all over his body, and he mercilessly poured cold water on the situation: "What is called fate is purely a phrase used by those with diminished emotional intelligence to self-hypnotize."

Before Ming Aihua could nod, Lu Mingmei had already fled the private room, leaving a table of astonished guests. Shi Jingwei quickly reassured them, saying, "Mingmei is busy with work; her career is still in its early stages and requires some effort." To enhance his credibility, he smiled at Ming Aihua and added, "A few years ago, I also ran to three cities in one day for an interview with an Olympic champion."

When the universe began to move again, Lu Mingmei finally heard someone behind her laughing and saying: "My mom is worried, so she asked me to come out and see you off"

I have not yet figured out how to explain it specifically, when a series of loud, hammering knocks echoed on the outer door.

After a while, she said resentfully: "Anyway, it is your fault, you must explain it to me clearly!"

Today's situation is truly unexpected, as eight parents have gathered together to discuss marriage matters

This time, it was Lu Mingmei's turn to feel embarrassed. She wanted to apologize for her poor attitude but found it hard to say the words. Shi Jingwei couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Half a year is neither too long nor too short, and he had come to know Lu Mingmei a bit. She is quite a good girl, yet she always puts on a facade of being on high alert twenty-four hours a day—why act like a viper when you are not one? Why insist on sticking two fangs on your forehead and shouting for battle every day?

Indeed... I do not know who it was in the dead of night...

However, Mother did not take this matter to heart. At that moment, Shi Jingwei was secretly reaching for his phone alarm at his waist when, unexpectedly, his mother woke him up with a slap: "You child, it's almost 9:30, and you still don't know to take initiative to send Mingmei back to the bank!"

This was the reason given by Lu Mingmei when she rejected his invitation for a date. At that moment, her words were casual yet pointed, clearly conveying the following three points: He no longer has any financial concerns and is ready to marry Lu Mingmei at any time; His mother, anxious about her son, would undoubtedly urge the young couple to have children as soon as they marry; Lu Mingmei is currently in a period of career advancement and cannot afford to take one or two years off to have a child

Lu Mingmei retracted her doubtful gaze, yet murmured, "That may not be the case; one of the prominent traits of a petty person is their inability to tolerate the success of others"

Please!

To be frank, he initially had a very poor impression of Lu Mingmei. Three years ago, Shi Jingwei had met Lu Mingmei when Ming Aihua's hypertensive heart disease worsened and she needed to undergo coronary revascularization. Shi Jingwei, along with several colleagues, visited her multiple times, and even on the day of the surgery, he accompanied Ming Aihua's husband at the hospital. Shi Jingwei originally thought that Ming Aihua had never been married, but this time he learned that she was not only in her second marriage but also had a daughter from her first marriage.

Lu Mingmei nodded, extremely distressed: "Hmm!"

Although this was said in jest, Ji Jingwei felt increasingly uncomfortable as he pondered it. It turns out that Lu Mingmei greets everyone with a sweet, generous, and charming smile, while he alone is treated as a potential traitor, constantly guarded against day and night.

"What do you think, a man who has nothing to do with you," Shi Jingwei pointed at himself and glanced at the watch, "being dragged up in the middle of the night by you to tell a man whom I barely know, 'I'm sorry, I have nothing to do with your girlfriend, please don't misunderstand'—are you naturally lacking in brain development or have you been kicked by a donkey a couple of times?"

Seeing that Shi Jingwei had not spoken for half a day, Lu Mingmei changed her tone and tried a softer approach: "Please help me, Editor-in-Chief Shi, Boss Shi, Handsome Shi, Good-looking guy—"

Shi Jingwei sarcastically remarked, "Your arithmetic is truly impressive"

I have sent him an email to confirm the time... However, Xiao Zhao hesitated and said, "However... Mr. Cheng has not replied to the email yet. I think he might confirm after getting off the plane"

As time passed, I pondered back and forth, only knowing that the mother and daughter were not easy characters, yet I had no clue about the intricate details within, unable to discern even a hint.

Ah?

Why

Lu Mingmei was taken aback, not expecting Shi Jingwei to relent so quickly today. He then asked, "Should I explain it to him tomorrow?"

"What a coincidence," Shi Jingwei said with a hint of confusion, "I feel the same way."

Then... what do you think we should do? He didn't ask a single question all night, and the more I think about it, the more suspicious it seems. He must be..." Lu Mingmei called out in frustration and exasperation, "It's all your fault; you made a joke out of nothing!

I have heard of this person, who has won numerous awards in Europe. Are you in charge this time?

Shi Jingwei finally believes that women are the most incomprehensible creatures in the world, without exception

Ten years

Encountered during the journey

He drove with a furrowed brow the entire way. Lu Mingmei thought his displeasure stemmed from the previous events, and she awkwardly explained: "I didn't mean to keep it from you..."

You are afraid that he will be angry, so in the middle of the night, like a shrew, you stormed into my house, dragged me out of bed, and demanded that I explain to Master Cheng the painter—what exactly do you want me to explain?

No, the leaders of your society have invited him to dinner tonight, and I will be at home watching the recent trends in gold prices

Time sighed softly, as the saying goes, a master leads you to the door, but the cultivation relies on the individual. Many things cannot be learned solely from the teacher. Given Xiao Zhao's insight, it was almost just a matter of time before he would change assistants. Xiao Zhao timidly asked, "How about... how about I go to the airport to pick him up now? His flight is a bit late tonight, and I should be able to make it if I hurry..."

Shi Jingwei returned home and lay in bed, unable to fall asleep until 2 AM, tossing and turning as he recalled the foolish things he had done in a moment of impulse that evening. Lu Mingmei seemed so angry that she was on the verge of tears, raising her hand as if to hit him, but it was Cheng Songpo who quickly intervened. Unable to strike him, she demanded that he leave, to which Shi Jingwei readily complied, saying "leave" in response.

Time and again, I shrug my shoulders and smile: "In fact, my parents are also very demanding. I told them that your career has just started, and you won't have the time to raise children in the next two to three years."

Lu Mingmei suppressed the curse that was about to escape her lips and silently cursed the eight generations of ancestors of Shi Jingwei in her heart, "Consider me blind, I thought you had at least a shred of conscience"

Ming Ai Hua echoed with a laugh, and Shi Jing Wei also smiled, "Actually, my mother has been urging me about this matter as well. The family is anxious, saying that in this feudal society, I am already this old and should be having grandchildren soon." Ming Ai Hua laughed on the other end of the phone, and Shi Jing Wei joined in the laughter, "Ming Mei is not unreasonable; she just has a bit of a temper and likes to go against you. It's also because she is close to you and knows you won't blame her. You see, if she were a bank client, she would be cursing inside but still have to put on a smile, right?" Ming Mei is not unreasonable; she just has a bit of a temper and likes to go against you. It's also because she is close to you and knows you won't blame her. You see, if she were a bank client, she would be cursing inside but still have to put on a smile, right? I have thought about it carefully; I am always ready. You know that Ming Mei and her colleagues at the bank face intense competition and high work pressure. Last time she told me that her direct supervisor was pregnant and, even at eight months, was still running up and down with clients, fearing that if she took a break, her position would be taken by someone else.

Time and space are filled with immense satisfaction: Little girl, it is not that I intentionally want to make things difficult for you, but your attitude has been too arrogant over the past six months. If I don't show you some consequences, you won't realize that I was also a dominant figure in kindergarten back in the day! He laughed even more maturely and steadily, resembling the Big Bad Wolf: "The old folks are a bit superstitious. If you don't like them hiring a feng shui master to choose auspicious days, you can tell me, and I will slowly persuade them. Look, running out in the middle of the night, how worried do you think they are about you? With such a large temperature difference between day and night now, how can you wear so little? What if you catch a cold? Recently, the flu has been rampant..."

There is a condition

Why are you so despicable, Shi Jingwei

This is a method she has developed over the years while dealing with various clients. For someone like Shi Jingwei, she boldly places herself in a precarious position, not believing that he would be willing to let a hard-won bargaining chip turn into mere cotton.

Shi Jingwei is an excellent listener, not pressing Lu Mingmei with questions, but inquiring with his eyes. Lu Mingmei revealed a playful smile and, after a slight pause, said: "I should thank you, actually. At the end of last year, you introduced Cheng Bing from Nansheng Electronics to me. Her company is currently restructuring its finances and has transferred quite a bit of business over. So when I took my annual leave, I used this performance bonus to go on a free trip to Europe."

Time and space are filled with a piercing gaze, and when it comes to serious matters, "Who made you believe so deeply, only to ultimately betray you? Who made it impossible for you to hate, leaving me as the scapegoat?"

Despite his usual confidence bordering on narcissism, at the moment he laid eyes on Cheng Songpo in person, he could not help but acknowledge that there are indeed certain individuals who are inherently deserving of being gazed upon with reverence.

You

There are two ways to make someone forget a pain: one is to give her endless love, and the other is to give her a deeper pain

Upon hearing his words, Lu Ming furrowed her brows even lower and murmured softly, "This matter cannot be clarified in a short time. Besides—besides, you didn't take it too seriously either. At most, we can just call it even!"

"Let's settle this, shall we?"

Complete

Time and again, Jing Wei's sweet words managed to soothe Ming Ai Hua's heart. She sighed softly and smiled, saying: "Economic factors are secondary; no matter how wealthy those people are, they are still part of their families. I place greater importance on personal ability and character. I truly do not feel at ease with others, but with you, Jing Wei, I can see that you will not let Ming Mei suffer at home, and you can stand on your own outside as well. There really is no one else who gives me this much reassurance."

Despite being just a stone's throw away, Lu Mingmei was completely unaware of Shi Jingwei's presence. Shi Jingwei felt puzzled; who was she waiting for?

As soon as Lu Mingmei's conversation shifted to Jingwei, her momentum surged: "I am a woman by nature! Not only am I a woman, but I am very much a woman. But why should I show my femininity to you?"

How long have you been apart

Lu Mingmei could hardly believe that things had gone so smoothly. Shi Jingwei then asked, "The taste is not bad, right?"

Fate is the painkiller for the weak

Just by following the mobile signal, one can imagine that Lu Mingmei must have sat up from her bed and entered an active state of preparation: "What did she say? You didn't report me, did you?"

At the right moment, Shi Jingwei expressed humility, and Ming Aihua said: "I have read your recent interviews, and they are very well done... I heard that you recently hosted an exhibition for a young painter?"

He didn't say anything, not a word at all—do you think he is angry with me

Lu Mingmei believed that the lineup of her biological father, stepmother, biological mother, and stepfather was enough to intimidate any normal person, unfortunately, Shi Jingwei thought the same way

Mother Shi kicked Shi Jingwei up from under the table, then smiled and said to Ming Aihua, "This child is overly joyful today; usually, he is particularly good at taking care of others"

Mr. Shi ordered this bowl of stewed pork bones with sea coconut and snow pear, which nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and enhances beauty. Miss Lu was coughing a bit earlier, and the stewed snow pear is just right for her.

Do you think it is impossible? It now feels like a dream to me... at the Uffizi Gallery

Indeed, Lu Mingmei said, "There is a problem at the counter, a bank client urgently needs assistance," bowing apologetically to the four parents of the Shi family: "One of the counters at the bank made an error today, and I need to rush to handle it. Last time, someone entered a wrong transaction and personally lost tens of thousands! Mr. and Mrs. Shi, Uncle and Aunt, I am truly sorry. This is how our work is; clients are like ancestors, and we must serve them, always ready to respond!"

No, Lu Mingmei's eyes revealed an unusual brilliance, "You definitely won't believe it, but sometimes, the reunions between people are destined."

Shi Jingwei was secretly trembling with fear, always feeling that this task assigned by Lu Mingmei might require him to risk his life. Therefore, he absolutely could not agree: "First, clarify what the matter is!"

Do not believe

Hoarding and waiting for the right price has always been a specialty of Shi Jingwei. When he arrived at the entrance of the community where Lu Mingmei lived, he called her. By the time he reached her building, he saw her already dressed and standing at the entrance with a puffed-up expression. Shi Jingwei opened the car door for her, and his casual smile could not conceal a hint of pride: "What do you feel like eating right now?"

Lu Mingmei said with great enthusiasm: "Whatever it is, feel free to say it!"

Although he is unclear about how the young painter his organization is eager to promote ended up with Lu Mingmei, as the saying goes, it is better to dismantle ten temples than to destroy a single marriage. He and Lu Mingmei have not even shared a small kiss or held hands until now. Lu Mingmei's actions can at most be described as insufficiently candid and not reporting, but it cannot be considered as deceiving feelings or being two-timed. He feels a bit guilty towards Lu Mingmei for having made such a joke in a moment of recklessness.

Your secret

However, Lu Mingmei's fierce demeanor could not conceal the glimmer of tears in her eyes. Shi Jingwei's heart softened, and he replied with a smile, "Is it not enough that I was wrong? Whatever you say goes, I will submit to whatever punishment you deem fit, without any resistance."

No wonder Lu Mingmei was completely captivated

Go find Cheng Songpo

Cheng Songpo was very polite, confirming the time and place for the afternoon interview with him, and inviting him to have tea. Shi Jingwei checked the time; it was three o'clock in the morning. Then he looked at the people and the location, and wisely took his leave. Before leaving, he mouthed to Lu Mingmei: "You owe me a meal"

Jing Wei stood there in silence, and Lu Mingmei glared at him angrily: "Why are you silent? You have to help me anyway!"

The artistic and cultured women always like to refer to this city as Feilengcui, and it is only at that moment that Lu Mingmei felt that these three characters perfectly suited this city of art

Among the many cities in Europe, she specifically chose to go to Florence; despite the numerous masterpieces in the Uffizi, he chose to pause before Venus

Her voice was muffled like a mosquito buzzing, and she quickly added, "Don't act too obviously as if I'm here to pry!"

"Sister, attracting attention is my job, okay?"

I know, she disagrees

"Then consider it a small loss for you," Lu Mingmei immediately became assertive again, "but you have already taken advantage of me tonight, so now you owe me!"

With a leisurely demeanor, Shi Jingwei indicated that it was her turn to confess. Lu Mingmei thought that if she truly angered Shi Jingwei, he might no longer help her cover up, and her mother would likely repeat her lamentations about her unfulfilled life and inability to rest in peace. After contemplating for a while, unsure of where to begin, she asked out of the blue: "Do you believe in fate?"

Time lightly chuckled twice, using stillness to counter movement. Indeed, Lu Mingmei immediately softened her tone, her voice becoming much gentler: "I’m sorry to trouble you again, but what exactly did she say to you?"

Complete

Knocking on Cheng Songpo's door, he appeared drowsy and surprised. Lu Mingmei immediately transformed, wrapping her arms around Cheng Songpo's and giving him an incredibly gentle smile. She then turned around and shot two small throwing knives at Shi Jingwei through the narrow slits of her squinted eyes.

No matter how agile his thinking was at that moment, he did not know what emotions to express. It was only when he reached the entrance that he realized Lu Mingmei had just hailed a taxi and left in a hurry, leaving him standing at the entrance of the Shenguan, still unable to recover from the bizarre situation of the evening.

He was about to start the car to go home when suddenly he heard the hurried sound of high heels. Lu Mingmei rushed out of the hotel and stopped abruptly in front of his car. Shi Jingwei was momentarily puzzled and rolled down the lower half of the car window, leaning out to ask: "Mingmei?"

Shi Jingwei truly cannot accept Lu Mingmei, who has always looked at him with a frown and a glare, suddenly transforming into a conflicted little woman in the middle of the night. While feeling a shiver all over, he cannot help but take pleasure in her misfortune: "So you have your day too? How come I never noticed you had such a feminine side before?"

Why should I dig my own grave? It's just that I will be approaching 40 next year, and my family is really pressing me hard.

The affairs of the world can be wonderfully strange at times, and Lu Mingmei could never forget that day, when Cheng Songpo gazed at her from a distance in front of Botticelli's oil painting. He stood tall and straight, his gaze sharp and piercing like lightning beneath the rocks, to the extent that a curious high school student asked, "Are you actors from a domestic idol drama here for a shoot?"

Upon their first meeting, Lu Mingmei asserted with certainty that you would undoubtedly become a traitor

For the timing and latitude, it does not matter with whom you are set up for a blind date, whether it is a bland matchmaker or a fierce woman from Hedong. What is important is that the introductions are primarily made by elders, and the elders' task must be completed satisfactorily, ensuring a harmonious match and maintaining dignity.

He did not expect that he had greatly underestimated Lu Mingmei's combat ability. As soon as he briefly mentioned the long-term cooperative relationship that the society and Cheng Songpo were preparing to establish, Lu Mingmei immediately rushed over with shining eyes and asked, "Then could you do me another favor?"

How could you do something that is not beneficial to yourself

Time and again, Ji Wei remembers that when Lu Mingmei first saw him, she said in a very sarcastic tone: "One day, you will become a traitor, betraying those who have deeply believed in you."

Lu Mingmei was puzzled, and Shi Jingwei smiled as he explained, "What is called fate is merely an excuse that people fabricate to console themselves regarding an outcome that can no longer be changed"

Their relationship is quite simple. Lu Mingmei's mother, Ming Aihua, was previously the editor-in-chief of a well-known newspaper group in Shanghai. At first, Shi Jingwei was merely a small entertainment reporter, but with Ming Aihua's discerning eye, he was promoted all the way up and has now risen to the position of editor-in-chief of the new magazine "Cultural New Jingwei" under the group. According to custom, Shi Jingwei respectfully addresses Ming Aihua as "Teacher." One of the fine traditions of the teacher-student relationship in China for thousands of years is that teachers particularly enjoy marrying their daughters to their accomplished students, and Ming Aihua is no exception.

Teacher, if you are worried, you should worry about me, right? Among Mingmei's clients, there are many elite individuals, such as the nephew of the director of an electronic design institute, the young owner of a chain store, and even senior pilots... In any case, all the young and accomplished unmarried men you can think of are lining up to invite her to dinner. Every time I wait for her in the lobby, you really have no idea how much more anxious I am than you, with a hundred hearts in my chest!

Lu Mingmei pouted, mumbling incoherently, yet unwilling to say anything. After a long while, she finally expressed her frustration, saying: "He didn't say anything at all"

Shi Jingwei finally understood that God is fair; someone like Ming Aihua, who can serve as a benchmark in their career, is unable to raise a filial daughter

You

Ming Ai Hua pondered for a while, then set down most of her worries: "What you say makes sense. With Ming Mei not by my side, I am always concerned. I fear that she has no one to confide in when work pressures mount, and I worry that if she falls ill, there will be no one to care for her. I wish there were someone she could entrust her life to, so that I could put this concern to rest.

That tone seemed as if she could penetrate the past and foresee the future

So you do not want to get married

Time and space have completely humbled me. I thought to myself helplessly: "Isn't this already out in the open? I might as well have a word with him. After all, we are the organizers of his art exhibition, and I have an exclusive interview with him tomorrow afternoon. Let's discuss it further then."

The issue is that Shi Jingwei has never had any history of betraying anyone, nor has he ever offended Lu Mingmei; they had only just met.

Even though they have pretended to meet a few times now, putting on a show in front of their parents, Lu Mingmei even occasionally jokes with him, the feeling in Shi Jingwei's heart never fades away—Lu Mingmei always gazes at him with a certain indescribable look, one that emanates deep-seated disdain and hatred, as if she wants to pin him to the pillar of shame for betrayers with her eyes. The feeling in Shi Jingwei's heart never fades away—Lu Mingmei always gazes at him with a certain indescribable look, one that emanates deep-seated disdain and hatred, as if she wants to pin him to the pillar of shame for betrayers with her eyes.

She pushed open the car door, ready to slam it shut and leave, but was promptly stopped by Shi Jingwei: "Forget it, I was just joking with you."

She appeared focused, her gaze gentle, with only that bouquet of white calla lilies in the entire world

Shi Jingwei smiled faintly and said, "Alright, then I will go up and tell Cheng Songpo that you have been dating me for over half a year, and today our parents are meeting."

Lu Mingmei sighed in confusion and after a while said: "I was a delinquent when I was young, do you believe it?"

Biting one's teeth and piercing one's heart

Good

Even the great deity Luo would be turned against by Lu Mingmei's words, Si Jingwei thought. However, this seemed to be his own special treatment. Who the hell did I provoke?

Shi Jingwei firmly decided that if one day Lu Mingmei tried to persuade him to buy bank financial products, he would definitely give her a good rebuttal. However, to his surprise, Lu Mingmei seemed to have never considered him in the past six months. Shi Jingwei couldn't help but repeatedly hint to her that he owned a house, a car, and had no loans, yet Lu Mingmei still showed no response. Shi Jingwei felt restless; even the doorman downstairs had approached Lu Mingmei to buy a fund worth 10,000 yuan. What exactly was it that made him not meet Lu Mingmei's client requirements?

Time passed uneasily in my heart, and I asked in a tone that was both affected and sarcastic: "Miss Lu, what is the meaning of this? You clearly have a boyfriend who is engaged in the arts in Florence, so why must you tease us respectable young men?"

When I first started working, it was the same. Shi Jingwei casually remarked, and Lu Ming raised her eyebrows purely out of habit to refute: "Don't compare me to you. I study this knowledge to avoid misleading clients, while you do it just to attract attention..."

He still remembers that day when Lu Mingmei wore a beige lace knit trench coat, a sea blue handbag, and elegant tassel boots... However, none of these left as deep an impression as Lu Mingmei's words

Even someone as quick-witted as Si Jingwei, whose mind usually turns faster than a propeller, was left bewildered by Lu Mingmei at this moment. He leaned back slightly and asked, "What exactly do you want to ask?"

Lu Mingmei raised her eyebrows, glaring at him with a sense of frustration as if she were lamenting the lack of potential in iron. After a long pause, she reluctantly said: "I don't know what his intentions are for coming back this time, but I would like you to subtly probe him during the interview opportunity!"

Shi Jingwei sincerely admired Lu Mingmei's skill in changing her demeanor. In the previous moment, she was tenderly expressing her feelings to Cheng Songpo, as if in a dream, with a sweet and affectionate demeanor. In the next moment, when she turned the gun towards herself, she transformed into a class enemy, irreconcilable and defensive against both wolves and thieves. She resembled a hedgehog confronted by an enemy, her spines standing on end, glaring at him and asking: "Shi Jingwei, what do you want to do?"

It is not a complicated matter, " Shi Jingwei appeared quite indifferent, " as long as they both consider each other to be reliable candidates and believe in the stability of our relationship, they have no objections to delaying for a while, after all, we do not have the time to look for others

Fate is the painkiller for the weak. What is called fate is merely an excuse that people concoct to comfort themselves regarding an outcome that can no longer be changed. And what is referred to as destiny is simply a phrase used by those whose emotional intelligence diminishes due to infatuation, a form of self-hypnosis.

Young love, isn't it

To whom are you actually transferring your dissatisfaction onto me

A very clichéd way of getting to know each other, methodically having meals and watching movies, with no progress and mutual perfunctoriness, this situation persisted for more than half a year

The songs in the CD transition from No One Like You to Wind of Change, perhaps it is time for some change in life, in this era where even the President of the United States is shouting for change

Lu Mingmei stared at him in silence

Forget it, at the same time that Shi Jingwei does not want to deal with things that may require him to redo, he also earns the bad reputation of having a demanding assistant who works late into the night. I will go take a look myself, send me the flight number.

Time passed as Wei only smiled and refrained from commenting. Lu Mingmei then smiled and said, "I have done everything from tearing off roof tiles to fishing in the water, and even robbing younger students. My grades have always been at the bottom, and I have never been absent from fights. When it came time for the final exam, the teacher could only write in the comments that this student has stable grades and strong practical skills. Early romance in high school is something that parents dislike, and they used all sorts of tricks to separate us. Later, Cheng Songpo was admitted to the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, and we lost contact for many years." Early romance in high school is something that parents dislike, and they used all sorts of tricks to separate us. Later, Cheng Songpo was admitted to the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, and we lost contact for many years.

You must tell me, after such a long time, to whom exactly have you transferred your dissatisfaction onto me

The difference between a painter and a craftsman lies in the fact that the latter possesses only skill, while the former also requires talent

Time passed and Wei's eyes nearly popped out; he found a secluded intersection to stop and earnestly asked: "Not a word mentioned?"

Time and space do not dare to retaliate; if they were to retaliate, the result would surely be "sour grapes." To be honest, I do feel a bit sour inside.

Oh, oh, oh, that's not right, it seems that I am the third party, thought Shi Jingwei

After a moment of contemplation, a plan began to take shape, and there was a comforting tone in the words: "Teacher Ming, Mingmei is more receptive to gentle approaches than to forceful ones. If you push her, she will push back. You understand this better than I do, right?"

After organizing the interview recordings, I took my father, mother, stepfather, and stepmother to the airport. By the time I returned, the city lights were just beginning to shine. On the highway, the car lights formed a brilliant curtain, and the traffic was heavily congested. In the midst of this boredom, I remembered that I still needed to coordinate my statement with Lu Mingmei. I dialed her number, and her voice came through lazily, as if she was not very eager to deal with me: "I'm busy, is there something urgent?"

Lu Mingmei nodded blankly, then quickly came to her senses, "No, today, now!"

In his lifetime, there was never a woman who, regardless of the passage of time, the fleeting years, or the aging of youth, waited for him with such longing

As time passed, the terminal was bustling with people, yet Lu Mingmei did not notice him. A hint of a smile lingered at the corners of her brows as she occasionally glanced towards the exit, then lowered her head to deeply inhale the fragrance among the calla lilies.

After a brief moment of awkwardness, the eight parents began to introduce themselves. Before long, they surprisingly found themselves enjoying the conversation, evolving to the point where they felt that each other's families were somewhat complicated, yet the parents' professional statuses were commendable. Moreover, since their own families were also complex, there was no need to be overly critical of others. Thus, the eight parents now enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere, while only the two parties involved struggled to suppress their urge to curse and maintained their smiles.

The daughter only appeared after the surgery was over, cold and aloof as if someone owed her five million. Shi Jingwei saw the weak Ming Aihua after the operation grabbing her daughter's hand, saying something he couldn't quite hear, only vaguely catching the words "unable to close her eyes in death." Throughout the entire time, the daughter maintained a stiff expression, not even uttering a single word of greeting.

So what do you suggest we do in the end

Cheng Songpo raised his head, and his gaze instantly became hazy. After being in a daze for a while, he smiled and said: "No, I am waiting for my Venus"

Sometimes clients will ask questions, and they do not care about the scope of your services. They want to hear you articulate things they do not understand, and if you can explain one, two, or three points, they will find you reliable. If you tell them that something is not your responsibility, they will think that your business knowledge is not solid. Therefore, it is essential to have a basic understanding of various investment channels.

Late-night snack

Lu Mingmei's smile immediately blossomed, having seen people change their expressions, but never so quickly. She smiled like a flower, as flattering as could be, completely unrecognizable from just moments ago when she had glared at him fiercely: "Did you not say you wanted to conduct several exclusive interviews with him..."

Along the way, the two exchanged a few more playful jabs. In the past, their victories were always evenly matched, but today, Lu Mingmei appeared spirited due to the establishment of a new strategic partnership with him, while Shi Jingwei was unusually silent, feeling quite frustrated. Before entering the hotel, Lu Mingmei thanked him again: "Thank you for today, I will treat you to a meal another day, come to the bank and I will give you a discount"

In the next moment, Cheng Songpo and Lu Mingmei embraced and kissed in the hall, oblivious to their surroundings

As you wish

Later, it was heard that Ming Ai Hua was looking for a partner for her daughter. This gossip news had the longest legs, and it wasn't long before Shi Jing Wei heard various shocking rumors about Lu Ming Mei, such as her having a magical expression at the bar entrance as if she were on drugs, and... for instance, her forcefully changing lanes on the street and then cursing at the other driver after a rear-end collision... Therefore, when Ming Ai Hua called to inquire about his personal issues, Shi Jing Wei ended up spraying a mouthful of coffee all over the monitor.

The phrase "to catch a thief by shouting thief" has another expression in the dictionary of Shi Jingwei, which is "to take the initiative". Instead of waiting for Ming Aihua to come for questioning, it is better to take the initiative. Early in the morning, he called Ming Aihua. After exchanging pleasantries, he took the lead and said: "My parents' flight back to Beijing is tonight. They asked me to thank the teacher for the hospitality and said they would invite the teacher to dinner next time they come."

It turns out that he often made nonsensical jokes with Lu Mingmei, and each time he would be looked down upon by her in return. However, this time Lu Mingmei merely watched him warily, and when he tried to explain to Cheng Songpo, she instead blocked him, saying: "You won't change your mind again, will you?"

Lu Mingmei had a charming smile, "For example, do you have any plans to stay for a long time this time? How long are you planning to stay? And..." She bit her lip, struggling to find the right words, "Oh, it's just something along those lines!"

In fact, when the words were spoken, Jingwei immediately regretted it

Is it really that simple... you have convinced your family and my mother?

Rest assured, Teacher Ming should not urge you to get married for a long time.

He wants to lure her in by pretending to let go, and Lu Mingmei becomes increasingly anxious: "Editor-in-Chief Shi, what exactly do you want?"

Shijinglei was full of confidence, "Do not change the subject, please continue."

That demeanor, that gaze, is completely that of a different person from the Lu Mingmei that Shi Jingwei usually knows

What a ridiculous offer, do you expect me to teach you how to invest? Time and space intertwine as I switch on the car's CD player, opening the window to breathe in the fresh air of the suburbs, while Klaus Meine, the lead singer of the Scorpions, pours out his passionate and soaring voice beneath the starry sky

Cheng Songpo accompanied Shi Jingwei out to take the elevator. He saw Cheng Songpo's hand resting on Lu Mingmei's waist, the most delicate part of a woman's curve. The two of them were unaware of how they would indulge in pleasure tonight, while he would have to drive home alone in the desolate night wind, unable to help but curse himself. Today is not March 5th, the day to learn from Lei Feng, so why act so nobly?

Ming Aihua spoke with a serious tone, first asking him if he had been busy with work lately, and then inquiring about Lu Mingmei's work over the past six months and whether she was in good health. Shi Jingwei noticed that his usually straightforward teacher was hesitating today, and he understood that Ming Aihua was worried but did not want to press for information about Lu Mingmei. Thus, he could only subtly inquire through him.

The sweetness of Lu Mingmei's smile is linearly related to the magnitude of these clients' net worths

Lu Mingmei bit her lip tightly, her slender body shivering in the night wind. She stared blankly at him, trembling and unable to utter a word, then stiffly turned around. The hotel entrance was empty except for the security guard. Shi Jingwei opened the car door and extended his hand. Lu Mingmei hesitated before getting in the car. Shi Jingwei helped her fasten her seatbelt, and even after they had driven far from the hotel, she did not ask him where he was taking her. Shi Jingwei also did not inquire about what had happened, directly taking her to "Shashi"—the bar he had co-founded with friends right after graduation, which he had since fully acquired.

As soon as the door opened, Lu Mingmei stood at the entrance with her hands on her hips like a lioness from the east, saying: "Shi Jingwei, what have I done to offend you that you would go to such lengths? You are truly someone who cannot stand to see others do well—let me tell you, you will never, ever have the chance to marry me, never, never! Not even in the next life!"

The organization has arranged for me to conduct several special interviews with him. In addition to my weekly publication, other newspapers and monthly magazines will also feature these interviews, and I am responsible for the content. There is a separate team handling the preparation for the art exhibition, and the organization is placing great importance on this event.

It seems that there is a serious attitude towards Cheng Songpo

Lu Mingmei's character is indeed quite distant from her classical name; at least in the view of Shi Jingwei, there is a considerable gap.

The trend of gold... doesn't seem to fall within your area of expertise, does it?

Shi Jingwei was momentarily taken aback, but soon composed himself. As he finished the last of the peanut and chicken foot soup, he said in a leisurely manner: "Teacher Ming said she is not insisting that you get married right now, but she is worried that you won't take care of yourself alone. If you fall ill, there will be no one to look after you, and if something happens, there will be no one to help. I promised her that I would take good care of you, and for the time being, it should be manageable. She is returning to Australia on Monday, so as long as nothing goes wrong in the next couple of days, you will have plenty of free time for at least half a year."

Having held video conferences and exchanged several emails, it is not difficult to get along

Lu Mingmei's gaze lingered on the time coordinates for a long while: "What use are these to you?"

There is an indescribable sourness in the depths of my heart at this moment

Shi Jingwei immediately became alert, could it be that he was being asked to openly write promotional content?

This underscores the importance of superficial efforts

Have you had any prior contact?

Fortunately, at this moment, the heart of Shi Jingwei has been well-trained by Lu Mingmei. He took out his business card and handed it to Cheng Songpo with both hands. After a brief self-introduction, he smiled and said: "I was just joking with her at the time, but after returning home, I felt it was too much and wanted to explain it to Mr. Cheng. Miss Lu said you wouldn't take such matters to heart, but I truly feel bad about waking both of you up in the middle of the night, and I sincerely apologize for that. In fact, Mr. Cheng, we have been in contact before. I was present during several video conferences held by our company with Mr. Cheng regarding cooperation. Miss Lu said you wouldn't take such matters to heart, but I truly feel bad about waking both of you up in the middle of the night, and I sincerely apologize for that. In fact, Mr. Cheng, we have been in contact before. I was present during several video conferences held by our company with Mr. Cheng regarding cooperation. Additionally, my assistant has reached out to schedule an exclusive interview with you tomorrow afternoon, and I happen to be able to come early to take a look. Mr. Cheng, if you need anything, just let me know, and we will make the necessary arrangements at our company.

After feeling regret, he sensed something was amiss. The reason Lu Mingmei had been maintaining a lukewarm relationship with him, merely arranging to meet for a meal, was simply because she valued his extensive network, hoping to unearth several clients from among his friends. Lu Mingmei worked in personal finance at a bank, and according to his friends, her business was quite good and her service attentive. She had a way with words, able to converse easily with anyone, and her charm was such that even those who knew the saying about not taking advantage of a friend's wife still wanted to make advances.

"No," Lu Mingmei quickly retorted after regaining her composure, "You are being overly sensitive."

At that moment, I didn't think much about marrying you. Why are you so anxious to confess your feelings?

After learning that the two strong women had arranged to meet, Shi Jingwei hurriedly informed Lu Mingbei, but to his surprise, she dismissed it lightly and laughed, saying: "Don't worry, once your mother meets my parents, she won't have any more thoughts on the matter."

What puzzled him even more was that someone could actually manage to handle Lu Mingmei, such a wicked woman