Chapter 7: Beautiful people like flowers, fleeting years like flowing water
This child, Ruo Xi, has a bit of a proud temperament, but her heart is still very good. Do not forget that when she was young, she always remembered to save you a portion of any delicious food she had
The subsequent events were both beyond Shen Lian's expectations and within the realm of reason.
"I didn't expect you to care about me so much; I am somewhat flattered." Shen Lian smiled, and unlike others in the Shen residence who were apprehensive in the presence of the elder, Shen Lian was much more at ease.
Then the tears flowed down as they wished, immediately startling some nearby servants
Only in this way can the legacy of the Shen family be passed down and not fall into the hands of outsiders as a compromise measure
Although there were no suspicions between us as children, there are still many who, upon growing up, become like strangers to each other
She could never have imagined that Shen Lian possessed such keen eyesight and reaction speed, capable of catching her golden hairpin.
It is not that this matter does not benefit him, but rather it is merely a matter of dignity
Unless his two uncles can still have children, this matter is likely to occur. Perhaps Shen Ruoxi looks down on him, or perhaps Shen Ruoxi has feelings for someone else, but these are of little significance; the will of the family does not shift based on the individual will of those dependent on the family.
He explicitly names the siblings, naturally indicating his stance in an implicit manner
Perhaps in the eyes of Old Master Shen, this is a kindness towards him, but Shen Lian does not wish to become a tool
If he were just an ordinary person, facing such a situation, he could only gladly accept the benefits that have come his way, but he is destined not to take this path
The old man gazed deeply at Shen Lian, naturally handing the kettle to him, and said, "This kettle of water, I entrust to you. How much to keep and how much to pour is entirely your own decision"
After exchanging a few more irrelevant remarks, Shen Lian finally took his leave
Shen Qingshan said: "This child has been thoughtful since a young age, and after spending two years in the mountains, he has developed some wisdom. He seems to be stronger than Ju'er and Wei'er."
Shen Qingshan's expression was somber as he said, "I have made all the necessary arrangements"
Shen Ruoxi, I will let it go this time, but if you dare to lay a hand on me again next time, I assure you I will definitely show a flower on your face
In this matter, he appears to be able to attain beautiful companionship and wealth, but in reality, they are merely tools
The will of the Shen family is the will of the old master Shen, and the two have long since become indistinguishable from one another
Shen Lian is not very clear about this matter; he has most of the memories of his predecessor, but it is impossible for him to remember every detail.
He simply replied: "I am the elder brother, she is the younger sister, I will not hold the same views as him"
With a gentle flick of two fingers, the golden hairpin, accompanied by a whoosh of wind, was securely inserted into Shen Ruoxi's disheveled hair.
Ju'er and Wei'er are the childhood names of Shen Lian's two cousins
Although she felt too shy to step forward and take action, she instinctively waved the golden hairpin towards Shen Lian's face
At the same time, Shen Lian was able to discern what kind of person this maternal grandfather of his was, as he was able to clarify the pros and cons amidst this upheaval and make a decision to bring him back within a few days
Shen Lian also had a refined appearance and a gentle countenance, which led Shen Ruoxi to instinctively regard him as one of her kind, igniting an unnamed fury within her and intensifying her desire for destruction
... ...
The setting sun on the green leaves seeks to use its last bit of afterglow to dry the water droplets on them
Moreover, children around the age of four or five are unlikely to remember such matters
Certainly, this is a somewhat poetic expression
As expected, he was indeed under surveillance
All that could be heard was Shen Ruoxi's loud cry, saying: "You are bullying me"
But in the blink of an eye, Shen Ruoxi was left dumbfounded, for her golden hairpin was clearly resting between Shen Lian's right hand's index and middle fingers
Shen Lian was somewhat taken aback; after all, Shen Ruoxi was merely a semi-mature loli. Being bullied and crying out loud was simply the most normal reaction.
Shen Ruoxi, who was showered with countless affections, was bullied by the young master Shen Lian upon his return home, and this quickly spread throughout the Shen residence. As for the various versions that emerged, that was beyond the concern of Shen Lian.
Shen Lian slightly furrowed his brows, which resembled green mountains, revealing a hint of grandeur. Coupled with his piercing gaze that shone like stars, there was an indescribable aura of authority.
What Shen Lian is contemplating is where to find the true methods to strengthen his frail body, while also possessing at least the ability to come and go freely in the Shen family.
Shen Ruoxi, upon hearing Shen Lian's harsh words directed at her, remained completely unconcerned, even taking the time to glance elsewhere. This only fueled her anger further, and unable to contain herself, she pulled the golden hairpin from her head and threw it at Shen Lian.
The old man gazed intently at the water droplets on the petals and slowly said, "Calculating the days, tomorrow we shall send off two children for burial."
Shen Ruoxi did not give Shen Lian the opportunity to continue speaking, covering her face as she walked away
In reality, the old gentleman was watering a rhododendron with a watering can. The rhododendrons here were all personally planted by Shen Lian's grandmother in her youth. The once fragile seedlings have now blossomed abundantly, yet the person is no longer present
This is not a previous life, and there are no restrictions on consanguinity prohibiting marriage.
"I heard you made Ruo Xi cry?" The old man did not turn his head, his hands steady and devoid of the usual tremors seen in elderly individuals, as he poured a steady stream of water onto the petals and leaves, causing countless droplets to bounce off without a single drop splashing onto himself
It was only after Shen Lian left that Shen Qingshan emerged from the other side of the garden and approached the elderly man
Even with immense wealth, in the end, it is still about planning for the future and for one's descendants, which is truly not his pursuit
It is said that all women cherish their appearance, and with empathy in mind, they tend to grasp at others' faces during conflicts and struggles. Shen Ruoxi is no exception to this norm
Her skill in throwing the pot is exceptional, with a remarkable ability to hit nine out of ten shots. Even a small jade hairpin, in her hands, can almost be directed to hit precisely where she intends within just a few steps. She is determined to strike Shen Lian's face, to break the skin, and to see how flustered he becomes.
Shen Lian steadily caught the kettle, knowing that the elder referred to the Shen family as the kettle, which signifies a sense of entrustment
If he had refused to return earlier, he would have been forcibly sent back to the Shen family
At this moment, Shen Lian, who had just stepped out of the garden, inexplicably turned back for a glance, feeling that this deep garden had an indescribable sense of desolation
Such is the so-called thunderous means; a person of this caliber can achieve success wherever they are placed
The surroundings are open and spacious, and many significant decisions that impact Qingzhou Prefecture have been made here
Shen Lian understood the old man's thoughts, but he was not necessarily inclined to cooperate. To be honest, he knew very little about this grandfather so far; he only felt that having risen from humble beginnings, he was indeed an extraordinary individual
To the east of the Shen residence lies a garden, where the elder gentleman must take a walk every evening. This place serves not only as his walking area but also as a venue for discussing matters.
With a fleeting glance towards a corner, Shen Lian tightly clenched his fists, realizing that his strength was still not sufficient.
The tone is not heavy, but combined with Shen Lian's expression and the skills displayed earlier, it naturally exudes a kind of intimidating power.
The old man's gaze was piercing as he coldly remarked, "Tomorrow is precisely the time when that person from the Jianghu meets with the Qingzhu Gang."