VOL.2
Wang Shuimo nodded and praised, "Aunt, you have good hearing. I am from Sanyuan. My Mandarin is not standard, and you could tell as soon as you heard it."
Yu Baitian: "Mom—" He lowered his head to glance at Wang Shuimo, fearing that his mother's demeanor might frighten her. He saw Wang Shuimo smiling gently, which eased his worries. He introduced them to each other: "Miss Wang, this is my mother." "This is Wang Shuimo, Miss Wang!"
For a moment, everyone fell silent. A few seconds later, the spacious and luxurious hall was filled with the sound of applause.
He clearly remembers her saying: "You are mine. Whoever dares to compete with me, I will fight her with a kitchen knife!" He even felt waves of excitement surge in his heart due to this ridiculous thought—yet she did nothing, only smilingly congratulated him, very "sincerely" congratulated him
In a small suite in California, she smiled at him and said, "Now it's your turn to close your eyes." He did not know that she had secretly bought a men's ring identical to hers. When he refused to close his eyes, she threatened him, "Yan Baiyao, when I tell you to close your eyes, you close them. Otherwise, if you offend me, I guarantee you will regret it!"
The woman took two steps and suddenly turned back, retrieving something from her exquisite and delicate silver handbag, and placed it into Xiaoying's palm: "This is for you!"
Wang Shuimo slowly stepped back amidst the enthusiastic applause of the crowd, retreating further and further. When she reached the door, she stiffly turned around and, lowering her head, asked a passing waitress: "Excuse me, where is the restroom?"
But he no longer wants her, how can she compete for him, and how could she possibly win? She still clearly remembers the day they argued, when she stubbornly insisted on breaking up. But in reality, she did not truly want to break up; it was mostly out of anger. She never believed that they would actually separate. After being together for so long, how could they just break up like that?
Today, she wore a dark green off-shoulder dress, and under the flickering lights, her exposed skin appeared as tender and snow-white as water, evoking pity in those who beheld her. She usually does not wear much makeup or dress up, yet at this moment, she looked stunningly beautiful, standing amidst the crowd, almost radiating light. Her aunt nearby seemed to have noticed as well, looking towards Bai Tian with an expression of clear astonishment.
She was dragged by Lou Lvqiao to see a doctor, and the result was real. She still remembers standing dazed in the hospital, overwhelmed with joy. He had said, "Baby, we will definitely have children." And this wish truly came true
"In any case, you will graduate this year, and then you can get married. If you stay in the United States, I will have time to help you take care of the children." Lou Lvqiao painted a beautiful future for her
Mother Yu was searching everywhere for Yu Baitian, as the boy had suddenly disappeared without a trace. She lowered her voice and asked Father Yu, "Where is that boy of ours? On such an important day, he wouldn't have slipped away again, would he?"
These words made Yan Mu smile with delight. She glanced at her son and said, "Yes, it’s settled now, I can finally rest easy." Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried, she could never catch up with Lu Guizhi. Just look at her smug expression, it’s quite irritating. However, to be honest, Lu Guizhi's golden grandson is indeed chubby and fair, as if he just came out of a flour sack. Every time she sees him, it makes her mouth water, and she truly wishes she could take him home.
Wang Shuimo slowly raised her head, her eyes as pure and transparent as black gemstones glanced at him, then turned back with a clear and lively demeanor: "Is that so? Mr. Yan also graduated from that school? Which graduating class?" She truly knows how to put on an act; it would be a pity if she didn't win a Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress.
She could no longer hold on and did not want to sulk any longer. She called him, wanting to share this miraculous joy, only to find that his phone had been disconnected. She immediately rushed to the apartment where they lived together, only to see a sign written by the landlord that said "For Rent". It turned out that he had already vacated the premises, and Wang Shuimo sat down on the ground in shock.
Wang Shuimo blossomed with a perfect smile, extending her hand to shake his: "Mr. Yan, hello. I just learned from Bai Tian during our phone call that today is your engagement celebration, so I came specifically to congratulate you. I hope you do not mind my boldness."
As Bai Tianchao approached slowly, a radiant smile on his face, he said: "Brother, today I brought a friend for you. Wang Shuimo, Miss Wang. Do you remember her? She played ball with us before!"
Yet, Ke Yanbai could not smile at all. Which part of him was she not familiar with? Not to mention his school and his major. His fists were clenched tighter and tighter, and he felt an indescribable restlessness, as if he wanted to rush onto the stage at any moment and declare that he no longer wished to be engaged
In a daze, I heard my aunt's voice coming over: "When did Miss Wang graduate?"
What is the outcome? He hasn't even made a single phone call. At first, she merely wanted to punish him a little, but as time went on, her heart grew colder. Perhaps he is eager to be rid of her; otherwise, how could it be that after a quarrel between couples, he hasn't made even one phone call?
Xiaoying knocked on the bathroom door, as the young lady who had just entered had been inside for too long. She hoped that nothing was wrong. With concern, she asked, "Miss, are you alright?"
Yan Baiyao sat down in the living room, rubbing his head that throbbed from a hangover. Due to having drunk too much, his head continued to ache intensely. Yan's mother approached with concern and asked, "Baiyao, is your head uncomfortable? If not, should I call Sister Xiu to bring you a cup of ginseng tea to help you sober up?" He nodded; indeed, he felt extremely unwell.
After a long while, a hoarse voice finally came out muffled: "I'm fine. Sorry, just a moment!"
Her hands were small and cold, resembling a smooth jade stone in winter, chilling to the point of almost lacking any warmth. Yan Baiyao subtly furrowed his brow, only to see her shift her gaze towards Cen Luoli, smiling charmingly as she withdrew from his hand and reached out towards Cen Luoli: "Congratulations, Miss Cen." Cen Luoli thanked her politely
As soon as her voice fell, the host's voice resonated all around: "Thank you all for coming today to attend the engagement ceremony of Mr. Yan Baiyao and Miss Cen Luoli. Now, let us invite them to the stage!"
The girl pointed in a direction: "It's over there. Do you need me to take you?" She shook her head and, almost at a run, pushed the door open without regard for etiquette, stumbling as she entered. She could no longer care about the opinions of others; after all, no one had the time to pay attention to her now
Xiaoying blushed and said, "It’s alright. I’m just worried about you." She had only just arrived at the Yan family and was not yet accustomed to large gatherings, so she was assigned by Sister Xiu to stay outside the hall.
On the stage, Cen Luoli was holding his hand, smiling as she helped him put on the ring. Yan Baiyao subtly averted his gaze, looking down as if searching for something.
He said: "It doesn't matter if we don't have a big fortune. At most, after we get married, I will work extra hours and plant more seeds. If it comes to that, we can have a test-tube baby, something unique." He had promised her that they would have two children, one resembling him and the other resembling her.
The villa of Yanfu was brightly lit, and pleasant music joyfully danced around. Although this was merely an engagement, with a simple invitation extended to some close relatives and several friends from the business community, the number of attendees was still considerable
In the days that followed, she felt unwell every day, clutching the toilet and vomiting to the point of losing consciousness. One day, Lou Luqiao watched her rush into the bathroom, covering her mouth, and rolled her eyes: "You're done for. It's just like what they portray on television, right? You must be pregnant." Although she had suspected this, she could never bring herself to believe it. The doctor's words lingered in her ears: "The likelihood of you becoming pregnant again is extremely low. Moreover, even if you do conceive, it would be very difficult to carry to term."
The father apologized to his friend, and Fang turned his head and said: "I just saw him; it seems he went out after answering a phone call"
Last night he drank a lot, and others thought it was because he was happy. Yet Yan Baiyao was very clear that it was because of a certain person. The moment she appeared, it was as if he had been struck hard by something, leaving him almost stunned. ... A vague illusion surged within him, making him believe that she had come for him, and he even had a fleeting thought that she might ask him not to get engaged
At this moment, a waiter approached Cen Luoli and said a few words. Cen Luoli tugged at his sleeve and leaned closer to his ear: "Bai Yao, the host has asked us to get ready to go on stage." To onlookers, this scene appeared truly affectionate and charming, evoking envy in their hearts
Yan Baiyao, dressed in a black suit, smiled as he embraced the elegant and beautiful Cen Luoli, moving around to receive blessings from a group of childhood friends
The slender and delicate beautiful woman came out and once again apologized by saying "I am sorry"
Wang Shuimo replied with a faint smile, "The year before last." Yan Baiyao was taken aback; she should have graduated two years ago. But upon reflection, if one were to exclude the year she took off for maternity leave, the timing indeed aligns perfectly. Remembering that her soft belly had once carried another person's child, Yan Baiyao's hands clenched into fists once again
Mother smiled and said, "He said he was going to invite a friend for dinner, and just left." The first face that flashed through Yan Baiyao's mind was that of Wang Shuimo.
Mother smiled and said, "What does it matter? The words of San Yuan are truly melodious; the books all say they are the soft language of Wu Nong." Wang Shui Mo nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Wang Shuimo stood in place, as if her entire body had already turned to stone, lacking even the strength to turn her head. She could only watch from a distance as Yan Baiyao took Cen Luoli's hand with one hand and slowly, slowly slid a ring onto her ring finger with the other. The large diamond refracted a dazzling and luxurious light under the enormous crystal chandelier, almost blinding to the eyes.
Lu Yiheng lightly tapped his arm and joked, "You, my friend, are quite fast. However, I must tell you, there's no need to chase anymore; no matter how fast you are, you can no longer catch up to me."
Aunt Yu continued to ask persistently, "Which school did Miss Wang graduate from?" Aunt's demeanor resembled that of a police officer from a local precinct, making the conversation feel less like a social gathering and more like an interrogation. If it weren't for the environment, Yan Baiyao would have almost laughed. Wang Shuimo mentioned the name of her school. Aunt Yu's eyes curved even more with satisfaction, "Ah, this is a prestigious school! So, you and our Baiyao graduated from the same institution." If it weren't for the environment, Yan Baiyao would have almost laughed. Wang Shuimo mentioned the name of her school. Aunt Yu's eyes curved even more with satisfaction, "Ah, this is a prestigious school! So, you and our Baiyao graduated from the same institution."
The mother sighed and said, "That's good. I caught him leaving this morning and straightforwardly asked him about it, but he said no, claiming that they are just ordinary friends." Yan Baiyao's mood suddenly brightened because of this statement, and the throbbing pain in his forehead also eased considerably.
With a tone full of regret, Mother said: "I saw that Miss Wang he brought back yesterday; her temperament and appearance are quite good, and her education is impressive, she even attended the same school as Bai Yao! I was so excited last night that I couldn't sleep well, I was thrilled for quite a while, but in the end—there's still no hope." Turning to Yan's mother with envy, she said, "Sister, your Bai Yao is worry-free; you can just wait to hold your grandchildren. By then, in three years, you might have two to keep you busy."
Wang Shuimo politely bowed to her mother and said: "Aunt, hello. I am Wang Shuimo"
She wrapped her arms around his neck: "This way, I am not afraid of you running away. Because I have also ensnared you, you belong to me. Whoever dares to compete with me, I will fight her with a kitchen knife!"
Xiaoying was taken aback and had no time to react before she had already left. Opening her palm, she saw a very exquisite platinum ring, small and delicate, very clean and beautiful. It seemed that the owner had always cherished it, as its color was bright and there were no traces of dirt even in the fine grooves.
Mother was quite pleased and smiled, saying: "Miss Wang, hello, hello. Your accent doesn't sound much like that of a Luohai person."
He said: "You are destined to be my wife. I have caught you, let's see if you dare to run off with anyone else in the future"
Before long, Mother Yu entered the living room and, seeing him pressing his forehead, asked with concern: "Bai Yao, after drinking so much last night, why are you up so early today? If you are not feeling well, you should rest properly."
He was even thinking of her while helping Cen Luoli put on the ring, his wandering gaze constantly searching for her figure. He did not find her. Later, he even deliberately made two rounds to toast, but ultimately still could not find that familiar silhouette in the crowd. It was evident that she had already left. Throughout the night, he restlessly drank cup after cup until he was completely drunk. Ren Luyiheng and others mocked him: "This kid is like Zhu Bajie marrying a wife, he’s gone crazy with joy!" Throughout the night, he restlessly drank cup after cup until he was completely drunk. Ren Luyiheng and others mocked him: "This kid is like Zhu Bajie marrying a wife, he’s gone crazy with joy!"
Yan Baiyao turned his head and was momentarily taken aback. The slender figure entwined in Bai Tian's hand, even from a distance and in dim light, he could recognize at first glance; it was Wang Shuimo.
Lou Lvqiao tapped her head, it hurt so much. "Why don't you hurry up and call your Yan Baiyao? Stop sulking, for the sake of the child, let's make amends!"
Wang Shuimo locked the door behind her. As she turned her head, she saw large clusters of flowers quietly blooming in an exquisite vase on the washstand, resembling the happiness he flaunted, while the person in the mirror was in tears.
During this process, Yan Baiyao surprisingly failed to notice anything unusual about her. Wang Shuimo was smiling genuinely, her entire being radiating sincerity, with a light and subtle smile at the corners of her eyes and brows. A faint stir of emotions surged within him, causing Yan Baiyao to involuntarily clench his hand into a fist
While speaking, Tang Handong saw someone from a distance and jokingly said, "Your brother's companion looks quite good, has good taste, must have inherited your skills."
It turned out that everything had long since passed, and the only thing that could not be let go was her, so the one who was hurt was merely her. Wang Shuimo covered her face and slowly crouched down.
Mother Yu walked through the crowd from the other side, both surprised and delighted, saying: "Baitian, is this your friend? Why don't you introduce her to me?" The young lady beside Baitian was graceful and elegant, with a petite figure, and standing together with Baitian, they looked like a perfect pair of golden boy and jade girl. Mother Yu had been observing from a distance for quite some time, feeling increasingly satisfied with what she saw. What was even more remarkable was that it was the first time her son had brought a girl in front of her, especially in such a grand setting. ... Mother Yu could not help but feel more and more joyful as she continued to think about it.
Yan Baiyao chuckled: "I understand, I understand. I know you are impatient, I am just accommodating you." The two have known each other since they were toddlers, having played together since childhood, so their bond goes without saying
Wang Shuimo stood there in a daze, staring blankly as Yan Baiyao smiled and held Cen Luoli's hand, walking step by step onto the stage—such a beautiful scene, reminiscent of a movie frame, now vividly unfolding before her eyes. Wang Shuimo weakly closed her eyes, repeatedly pinching the palm of her hand with her fingertips; it hurt, but another part of her body ached a million times more. She shouldn't have come. Why did she come? Was it just to see his reaction when he saw her? Didn't she see it? He was very polite, very courteous, and also very indifferent, just like he was with many of the guests present. Very good, isn't it?
After being together with him, the arguments between the two primarily ended with her compromising. She always hoped that he would also make some concessions and say sorry to her. However, he never contacted her again, and she stubbornly refrained from reaching out.
Yan Baiyao called out "Aunt" and smiled again: "Once awake, one cannot fall back asleep."
Mother Yan interjected with great interest, saying: "What kind of friend? Could it be that Bai Tian has a girlfriend? I saw him with a very charming girl yesterday, and I was just thinking of interrogating him thoroughly today." Both families of Yan and Yu had few members, with only these two offspring, who were cherished as if they were treasures. Mother Yan's remark saved Yan Baiyao from having to answer many questions.
It is already lunchtime, yet there is still no sign of Bai Tian. He asked, "What, did Bai Tian get drunk yesterday as well?"
Yan Baiyao said lightly: "Of course I remember." He slowly extended his hand, "Hello, Miss Wang. Thank you for coming today."
Yan Baiyao observed keenly and naturally understood that his aunt was thoroughly satisfied with Wang Shuimo; otherwise, she would not be so warm and talkative. It was no wonder, as Bai Tian had never brought any girl home before, and today, attending hand in hand with Wang Shuimo, it was inevitable that his aunt would indulge in fanciful thoughts. Although Bai Tian was two years younger than him, both the Yu and Yan families had been single-lineage for three generations, and his aunt's desire to have grandchildren was no less than that of his own mother.