VOL.2

Yan Baiyao slowly extinguished the cigarette

Father Yan has always been aware of Mother Yan's thoughts. She and Lu Guizhi were college classmates, and in their youth, their beauty and intelligence were on par with each other, which led to a habit of constantly comparing everything. When their son was studying, they compared grades; after he went abroad, they compared schools and diplomas. Now that Lu Guizhi's son has started a family and had children, she seems as if she has lost to them by a whole street. That is a mental knot! Father Yan could only smile, not daring to say anything further, for fear of being implicated. Now that Lu Guizhi's son has started a family and had children, she seems as if she has lost to them by a whole street. That is a mental knot! Father Yan could only smile, not daring to say anything further, for fear of being implicated.

After the two of them got together, they returned to their home country during a certain holiday. He was very eager to pay a visit to Wang's father at that time. However, Wang Shuimo was unwilling to agree, saying that she was afraid her father would be disappointed in her. Her father raised her alone and had high expectations for her. If he were to find out that she was cohabiting with him in the United States, he would surely be heartbroken. Therefore, he had never met Wang's father until the Tang family's evening party. Such is life; there was once an opportunity to become a family, but with just a turn, they became mere strangers. Thus, he had never met Wang's father until the Tang family's evening party. Such is life; there was once an opportunity to become a family, but with just a turn, they became mere strangers.

Cen Luoli is completely different from her; she is a woman of great charm and composure. It is undeniable that Cen Luoli is indeed outstanding, with knowledge, eloquence, upbringing, and background that are sufficient to match him. However, Cen Luoli does not cling to his waist and sway back and forth in a spoiled manner like she does; she does not squint her eyes while eating like she does; she does not constantly provoke him to anger like she does; and she certainly does not cling to him, wiping her tears and snot on him when she cries, nor does she fall asleep directly on his lap when she is tired from crying. Cen Luoli is completely different from her; she is a woman of great charm and composure. It is undeniable that Cen Luoli is indeed outstanding, with knowledge, eloquence, upbringing, and background that are sufficient to match him. However, Cen Luoli does not cling to his waist and sway back and forth in a spoiled manner like she does; she does not squint her eyes while eating like she does; she does not constantly provoke him to anger like she does; and she certainly does not cling to him, wiping her tears and snot on him when she cries, nor does she fall asleep directly on his lap when she is tired from crying.

Yan Baiyao did not even lift his head: "Mom, don't listen to Bai Tian's nonsense, we are just ordinary friends." This group of people has always been clear about their boundaries, never bringing casual play into formal occasions

The mother nodded repeatedly and said, "He looks quite good, and he just returned with a master's degree." It seems that the two are prepared to put in considerable effort today. "How about you, Bai Yao, arrange a time to meet?"

At that time, he and she were like hedgehogs living in the same cave, wanting to warm each other but inadvertently hurting one another with their spines—this was because they were too young! In their naive youth, how could they understand how to accommodate and how to be tolerant? When young, how could they comprehend that love is preserved through layers of tempering, and that if it is maintained, it can last forever

He once smoked in front of Cen Luoli and later apologized to her. However, she replied that it was fine, stating that she liked men who smoke, as it gave her a sense of manliness

Yan Baiyao stood on the twenty-eighth floor of the high-rise, leaning against the clear glass wall, gazing at the flowing traffic below like water. The intercom on the desk beeped insistently. He turned his head, his expression no longer one of confusion. He swiftly pressed the answer button, and the voice of his secretary came through: "General Manager, the scheduled guest has arrived"

This day is a traditional family gathering day, where the usual uncle and aunt come to their home, and everyone chats about daily life. My father and uncle share their views on recent matters in the business world, exchanging opinions with each other. Meanwhile, my mother and aunt discuss gossip and interesting anecdotes from the gathering or matters related to charity. However, it seems that recently they have become enamored with one particular activity, which is playing matchmaker for others, with him and Yu Baitian being the primary focus! As for him, he is the most important of all. However, it seems that recently they have become enamored with one particular activity, which is playing matchmaker for others, with him and Yu Baitian being the primary focus! As for him, he is the most important of all

The mother scolded with a stern face: "What are you being so small about? When are you going to return to work at our family business? In this regard, you are far behind your brother. At least your brother helped your uncle as soon as he returned to the country, and over the years he has already become independent. Just look at yourself, what are you like..."

Yan Baiyao lit a cigarette and took a faint puff. Wang Shuimo had always disliked his smoking; she was the kind of person who couldn't sleep at all upon catching a whiff of smoke. I remember one time he made her angry, and she ignored him for two days. Eventually, unable to resist his attempts to make amends, she insisted that he promise her one thing before she would relent: he could not smoke at home. I recall her hanging onto his neck with both hands, playfully and softly saying, "Baiyao, I don't like it when you smoke. Can you please stop?" His reaction was to embrace her and toss her onto the bed. Because of her words, he actually ended up quitting smoking later on. I remember her hanging onto his neck with both hands, playfully and softly saying, "Baiyao, I don't like it when you smoke. Can you please stop?" His reaction was to embrace her and toss her onto the bed. Because of her words, he actually ended up quitting smoking later on.

Yan Baiyao sat down on the top-tier custom sofa imported from Italy, which served as a cold reminder of his luxurious and noble status. He instantly composed himself, and in a businesslike manner, instructed, "Please let them in!" After ending the call, he had once again become a businessman focused solely on commerce.

Yan Mu nodded repeatedly, displaying an expression of envy that was almost drooling: "That Lu Yiheng was born in the same year as our Bai Yao. Back in the day, we even attended kindergarten and elementary school together. However, he later went to study in the UK. I used to tell my family that, like the Lu family, it would be great to send our son to the UK. The British are gentlemanly and proper, unlike the Americans who are so casual. Who would have thought that I was right? Just look at the Lu family; they are already grandparents now, and then look at our Bai Yao... I used to tell my family that, like the Lu family, it would be great to send our son to the UK. The British are gentlemanly and proper, unlike the Americans who are so casual. Who would have thought that I was right? Just look at the Lu family; they are already grandparents now, and then look at our Bai Yao..." As she spoke, she sighed and cast a few resentful glances at her son. Her acting was truly remarkable! Yu Bai Tian couldn't help but stifle a laugh from the side.

In such haste, on the evening of the following day, Yan Baiyao officially met with Cen Luoli. He did not have many feelings about it; perhaps some of his feelings had faded away with age. Cen Luoli was indeed very beautiful, possessing the currently popular features of a long face, large eyes, and a pointed chin. In this day and age, how many daughters of wealthy families are not beautiful? With wealth, one can do many things, including cosmetic surgery. In this day and age, how many daughters of wealthy families are not beautiful? With wealth, one can do many things, including cosmetic surgery.

Yan Baiyao was savoring a steak, enjoying its flavor, the texture tender and rich, the aroma strong and full-bodied, the taste fresh and fragrant, a stark contrast to someone else's culinary skills. Yet, the flavor of the dish she cooked was something he would never be able to taste again in his lifetime. He suddenly gripped the knife and fork tightly, wondering why he was thinking of her again, when they had clearly agreed to forget.

The night is very dark and also very quiet

Yin Mu Dao: "Who made you insist on sending him to the United States back then? Just look at now, he already has grandchildren. That day, Lu Guizhi was flaunting her chubby grandson who weighs over 8 pounds in front of me, you should have seen her smug expression, clearly showing off to me..."

The possibility of reconciliation between him and her had long since been severed. Although he knew that deep within his heart there remained a soft spot, harboring her image and laughter, along with all their shared memories, the two had already become strangers. At this point, he had to let go, even if he did not want to. If only he had not been so stubborn about his pride, so self-righteous, and had turned back to find her sooner, to say sorry to her, perhaps he and she would have had a different outcome by now

Yan Baiyao hung up the phone and glanced at the call log, which showed one minute and fifty seconds, a standard time for a conversation with Cen. This duration indicated that they had communicated well without appearing overly clingy. With his experience from years of navigating the dating scene, he knew that Cen Luoli was definitely interested in him. However, Cen Luoli was a smart person who understood what was appropriate and what was not. At his current age, he indeed needed a relationship with some distance, rather than the way they were back then, glued to each other every second, ultimately suffocating both. Nevertheless, Cen Luoli was a smart person who understood what was appropriate and what was not. At his current age, he indeed needed a relationship with some distance, rather than the way they were back then, glued to each other every second, ultimately suffocating both

Yu Boitian was engrossed in eating when he heard his mother mention his name, and he quickly looked up: "Mom, I'm still young. What are you talking about? Why are you dragging me into this for no reason?"

Yin Mu's face instantly radiated with brilliance: "Bai Yao, what kind of girl is she?"

Cen Luoli is completely different from her; they are two entirely distinct types. One is mature and rational, while the other is willful and immature

He promised his mother to try dating. They would meet once a week, have a meal together, and sometimes attend a concert or go to some parties together. After a few months, people in his circle gradually became aware that he was dating Cen Luoli.

Returning to the time before we met again is quite easy; the frequent social engagements are enough to keep one busy and make one forget certain things, especially when a person is deliberately trying to forget.

Yu Baitian looked at his elder brother with a desperate plea for help, hoping he would assist in extinguishing the fire. Yan Baiyao gave him a smile that seemed to say, "Even the clay Buddha cannot save himself when crossing the river," wisely remaining neutral. Yu Baitian glared at him, conveying with his eyes: Since you are unwilling to help me, do not blame me then

He turned his head and asked his mother: "What?"

On the night he decided to help her father settle the loan, Yan Baiyao found himself pondering more than once whether she would be willing to reconcile with him if he turned back. That thought lasted only a fleeting moment before he humorously shook his head in denial. Given his character and temperament, he could never swallow that pride. He could not accept the fact that she had borne children for another man—this would constantly remind him that for a long time, she had allowed someone else to possess her. This is the inherent flaw of every man; they may possess women from all over the world, yet they cannot tolerate even the slightest betrayal from their own women, not even a betrayal of the spirit. He could not accept the fact that she had borne children for another man—this would constantly remind him that for a long time, she had allowed someone else to possess her. This is the inherent flaw of every man; they may possess women from all over the world, yet they cannot tolerate even the slightest betrayal from their own women, not even a betrayal of the spirit. And he happened to be one of those despicable men.

It is likely that after marrying him, Cen Luoli will not be as meddlesome as Wang Shuimo.

Yan Baiyao was just about to intervene when the young man spoke up, his speed rivaling that of light: "Aunt, speaking of my elder brother's girlfriend, I saw one a few days ago." Unsurprisingly, the attention of everyone at the dining table was drawn to his words, and they listened with great interest as he continued.

He tightened his grip on the knife and fork, and after a long pause, finally replied: "Alright." Yes, he ultimately had to get married. No matter how much he delayed or how unwilling he was to admit it. Perhaps once he earnestly began a new relationship, he could truly forget her.

At this moment, Father also interjected, his tone rather unfriendly: "Start coming to the company to help out in the second half of the year! What are you doing all day playing games!"

Father took a sip of wine and slowly set down the cup: "Why am I being dragged into this again? Isn't it always you who makes the decisions regarding your son's matters?"

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Mother said the purpose of today’s harmonious conversation with Yan Mother: "Eldest sister, it doesn’t matter that Bai Yao doesn’t have a girlfriend. Doesn’t that Cen family in the catering business have a daughter? Didn’t we see her at the Lu family a few days ago? She is quite elegant and beautiful."

Meanwhile, Yan Baiyao, sitting opposite them, seemed oblivious, focused on cutting the beef ribeye with porcini mushrooms and red wine that had just been delivered from the kitchen, intending to fully enjoy this rare leisurely day. Yan's mother scolded Yan's father, saying: "Look at your son, as soon as this matter is mentioned, he pretends to be clueless, acting as if he hasn't heard anything. Just like you!"

Yan Baiyao glanced at him dismissively, causing Yu Baitian to shiver and plead with his eyes: "Brother, if you don't go to hell, then I can only go to hell." After a pause, he spoke again, keeping everyone in suspense: "It's at the golf course. If you don't believe me, you can ask Brother Tang."

After the loan for Wang was approved, Wang's father personally called to express his gratitude, speaking in a respectful and polite tone, suggesting that he was completely unaware of Wang Shuimo and everything related to him. Yan Baiyao was also exceedingly courteous: "Although Mr. Wang's business is currently facing some temporary difficulties in cash flow, its development potential is still significant. Our bank also hopes to collaborate well with Mr. Wang to create mutual benefits." Such formalities had become as familiar to him as reciting from memory after years of experience in the industry.

The mother turned her head in disbelief, exchanging several glances with her siblings before finally realizing what her son was saying. She quickly seized the opportunity: "Alright, I will call now and ask Lu Guizhi to help me schedule a time. There's no time like the present."

Just like now, my aunt is chatting with my mother: "A few days ago, the Lu family held a full-month celebration, and their grandson is chubby and fair-skinned, truly adorable"

It is rare for Yan Mu to receive his response, and she directly pointed out: "We are saying, why don't you meet Miss Cen from the Cen family sometime? You have to get married sooner or later. For the sake of our two old folks, why not try getting to know her? If it doesn't work out, then that's fine, I won't force you."

"I said, Bai Yao, don't find your aunt and your mother annoying. You are not a child anymore. Over the past few years, you have had enough fun during your visits. It is time to settle down, seriously consider dating a girlfriend, and think about marriage and starting a family." After saying this, she glanced back at Yu Bai Tian, "It would be good to set an example for Bai Tian!"