Chapter Nine, After Awakening from the Dream

Relying on the fantasy of Ruan Tingjian enjoying spicy hot pot, Mei Shi felt quite pleased all the way. ... However ... . ... Watching him drive into the parking lot of a famous Western restaurant, she felt disillusioned. Ruan Tingjian had stubbornly disregarded her wishes, indicating that his earlier inquiry was merely a formality.

Ah, it's nothing. "Xue Qin's light laughter came through the phone, and Mei Shi seemed to see his refreshing smile; his lips looked particularly beautiful when he smiled. "Let's make plans again next time."

The woman angrily shook off Xue Qin and walked towards the parking lot. Xue Qin frowned and followed her closely. Mei Shi noticed that they seemed to be heading towards the car next to Ruan Tingjian. Almost instinctively, she rolled down the window a crack, and the sounds of voices and vehicles from outside flooded in. Xue Qin and the woman were indeed approaching the car beside them. Mei Shi nervously turned halfway to face Ruan Tingjian, but fortunately, he was still fiddling with his phone and did not look up at her.

She got out of the car in a daze, the smile she had just shown seemed to be plastered on her face, impossible to remove. Why should she remove it? Should she cry? She should be quite balanced, at least Xue Qin also agreed with her actions towards Ruan Tingjian.

"Well, if you insist on thinking that way, there's nothing I can do about it." Xue Qin fell silent for a moment, "Yes, I have faced setbacks since I returned, and I finally understand. If I want to marry her, I will need to work hard for at least twenty more years. Is that wrong? One must seize the opportunities at hand."

Mei Shi opened her eyes and looked at the patterns on her bedside table. "Mom... what era is this? How can such things still happen? I refuse to believe that if I sleep with him and marry him, he will be completely obedient to us and will be able to revive Guo Yuan! You also said it, he is neither a naive youth nor an artistic young man; how could he have the mind to talk about love?"

"Hot pot." Mei Shi blurted out, perhaps because the idea of resisting Ruan Tingjian had penetrated too deeply into her bones. The moment he asked the question, she instinctively had a bad thought, imagining him in a high-end suit fishing for meat in the pot. When he was enjoying his meal with great delight, would his face also be glistening with grease?

On a typical sunny summer morning, Mei Shi leaned half against the headboard, yet her mood was shrouded in gloom

Mei Shi shook her head, "I don't mind"

Mei Shi's smile silently froze at the corner of her lips

Zhao Shuyuan pondered for a moment, "I called him again this morning, hoping to finalize the time to discuss that collaboration project, but he deliberately changed the subject and instead suggested having lunch with you. I believe his intentions are quite clear now"

Mom, he asked me out, why didn't he just call me directly? Who does he plan to date? You? Dad?

"I heard Huang Yuekai say it all, I am just waiting, waiting to see how you will speak to me!" Manman’s voice was filled with resentment, but at this point, she still choked up a bit. "I didn’t continue my studies just because I wanted to come back with you! You really are something, you’ve only been back a few days? And you’re already with that woman! Is she pretty? Ha, even if she’s ugly, so what, her family is wealthy!"

She chose a light apricot-colored dress, styled her hair in a gentle manner, and adorned it with a delicate crystal headband, showcasing the unique beauty and elegance characteristic of a girl her age

The anxious look on her mother's face, as if driven to a dead end, made it impossible for her to confront the situation. She felt both a deep chill and a sense of sympathy and pain. If only she had a sister like He Jiayun, her mother would not be so distressed. Indeed, what difficulty is there in dating Ruan Tingjian? Is it harder than what her mother endures with her father? She realized that she had indeed inherited her parents' coldness and realism. Her mother asked a good question: would she be willing to become an ordinary person? Would she be willing to suffer for money every day? Having been accustomed to a carefree life, could she endure working daily, watching others' expressions, and struggling to afford what she wanted? ... She discovered that she had indeed inherited her parents' coldness and realism. Her mother asked a good question: would she be willing to become an ordinary person? Would she be willing to suffer for money every day? Having been accustomed to a carefree life, could she endure working daily, watching others' expressions, and struggling to afford what she wanted? ... Because she rejected Ruan Tingjian, and Guo Yuanzhen unfortunately went bankrupt, her later life would be spent under her parents' complaints, for decades to come ... Just thinking about it was enough to make her collapse.

Ruan Tingjian has also made significant progress, personally driving to her home to pick her up. Mei Shi quietly sat in the car, stealing glances at him while he focused on driving, mocking herself for what exactly she was dissatisfied with; in terms of appearance, he was far more outstanding than Xue Qin. In fact, there was no choice... It has always been her

What do you think I have endured your father for all these years? Of course, I could say it is for you and Xiao Yi, but it is also for my own better life! I could walk away and let your father completely ruin Guoyuan, but then what? What kind of life would I have? What kind of life would you and Xiao Yi have? I am already old and have no strength to start over; I can only desperately hold on to what I have. Shishi, even if it is not for Guoyuan, Ruan Tingjian is also a very good choice; at least he can ensure you a life free from financial worries. Look at me, I have even tolerated your father, what else can you not endure?" Zhao Shuyuan said with a self-deprecating smile.

Mei Shi continued to gaze at the bedside table, her long eyelashes partially obscuring her eyes, and Zhao Shuyuan knew she was listening

Hmm. Ruan Tingjian seemed neither surprised nor resistant to her proposal

"Xue Qin, you truly make me look down on you!" The woman's voice was very sharp, and Mei Shi in the car heard it very clearly. This was a corner of the parking lot, with few people around. The two did not expect that there were others in the nearby car, and although they did not raise their voices, they spoke freely without much concern.

It is not difficult. Mei Shi slowly closed her eyelids.

Mei Shi cannot understand how that person named Manman could still get into Xue Qin's car...! ... Xue Qin has a car and a girlfriend. He said he didn't want to deceive Manman, yet he deceived her!

Get in the car, I will take you home. I believe you should understand me. Whether you hate me or resent me, at least I never thought of deceiving you

Hmm. She quickly hung up the phone

"Is it really that difficult for Shi Shi to be with Ruan Tingjian?" Zhao Shuyuan asked, frowning in confusion.

This child! Zhao Shuyuan smiled wryly, sitting on the edge of the bed with a maternal expression.

Why are you looking at me like that

I must also thank you for bringing up the breakup with me today! Otherwise, when you get involved with that rich girl, I would appear even more ridiculous

Zhao Shuyuan smiled faintly, looking at his daughter, "You must think my proposal is shameful, as if I am selling you for money. But, Shishi, what is the most important thing for a woman? It is life"

Mei Shi smiled faintly, closed her eyes, and leaned back against the pillow, not wanting to see her mother's expression while saying such words; it was too realistic and quite sad. "Mom, you have made your words too clear." Just yesterday, she had said that Ruan Tingjian had a good impression of her, so how could everything change overnight, planning to speak the truth now?

The proud young man who once stood under the tree on campus told her that due to their differing family backgrounds, he felt pressured and suggested they break up. Now he says that marrying her would allow him to save twenty years of hard work

"President Ruan has invited you to lunch," Zhao Shuyuan announced with a smile, seemingly unfazed by it at all

"Wait a moment," he said. It was unclear whether it was the automatic response of the luxury car or his own action, but with a snap, the car door locked.

Mei Shi turned her head back with suspicion, as he skillfully took out his phone from his suit pocket and began tapping on it, seemingly checking his emails. Bored, Mei Shi gazed out of the car window. It was already late, past lunchtime, and most people had finished eating and were walking out. As she lazily watched, she suddenly spotted someone familiar.

After her mother left, she picked up her phone from the bedside table, caressed it for a moment, and then dialed Xue Qin's number. "I have something to do today, so I can't have dinner together," she said calmly, forbidding herself to feel regret

Man ... ...

A single sentence seemed to have left Manman speechless, and she said nothing more

Ruan Tingjian paused for a moment, looked down at her, and slightly opened his arm that was close to her. She naturally linked her arm with his.

Mei Shi also smiled, "Mom, you really went all out to persuade me. You even said such heartfelt words.

Ruan Tingjian's speed was exceedingly slow, seemingly in search of a specific parking space. Mei Shi watched as he passed by one empty spot after another, tightly shutting her mouth; otherwise, she would have blurted out a long string of curses calling him a pig

Ruan Tingjian finally found a parking space that satisfied him. Mei Shi took a look around and found nothing special, further convinced that he had a peculiar sense of aesthetics. She proactively went to open the car door; although the handsome guys on television would open the door for the female lead when they were not familiar with her, Ruan Tingjian was not to be expected to do the same, as he would not provide such a service even if he were to be more courteous.

"You need not portray my words in such a negative light." Xue Qin's tone was steady, devoid of the earlier apology, "I am also sincere towards her, so I want to clarify things with you before pursuing her."

Ruan Tingjian looked at her for a moment and asked, "Do you mind having Western cuisine?"

"What shall we eat?" Ruan Tingjian suddenly asked

Although Ruan Tingjian is not very old, he is no longer a naive young man. He is wealthy, yet he always struggles to integrate into this circle, making it impossible for him to expand his career. He needs someone like your father to help him make connections and to handle tasks he looks down upon. I believe that while he has feelings for you, the more important factor is that he thinks your father is more suitable for collaboration with him. Therefore, Zhao Shuyuan furrowed his brow and ultimately decided to speak frankly, saying, "According to what you said, whether he is dating you or engaging with our family, there is actually no difference." I believe that while he has feelings for you, the more important factor is that he thinks your father is more suitable for collaboration with him. Therefore, Zhao Shuyuan furrowed his brow and ultimately decided to speak frankly, saying, "According to what you said, whether he is dating you or engaging with our family, there is actually no difference."

One must understand to seize the opportunity at hand, Xue Qin understands this, and she understands it well!

Mei Shi silently looked at her mother, who was sitting beside her with such kindness and patience. This was indeed somewhat unfamiliar; the mother, full of the vitality of life, instantly softened her heart. However, as soon as her mother spoke, the faint attachment in her heart dissipated.

Manman..." Xue Qin called out to her earnestly, unable to determine whether it was a plea for understanding or a desire to prevent her from continuing.

Sincerity? Forget it, Xue Qin, don't be so hypocritical. My impression of you isn't that bad! Are you pursuing her? Isn't it her family background and her money?

In the morning, Mei Shi was awakened by her mother—this had not happened in many years. Rubbing her eyes to shake off the remnants of sleep, she realized that it must be that "President Ruan" had issued some new directive again

Zhao Shuyuan ignored his daughter's mockery, saying, "You have always been a sensible child, and I will not say more. Of course, you can refuse Ruan Tingjian. If Guoyuan misses this opportunity, it may truly be over. Can you live an ordinary life? Can Xiaoyi? When you become an utterly ordinary person, dreaming of finding a man like Ruan Tingjian with such conditions is simply unrealistic. By then, even if you are willing to 'give,' what you receive will definitely not be what you have now. You are not helping Guoyuan; you are helping yourself."

Mei Shi heard Ruan Tingjian say this and then realized that her gaze had been fixed on his face all along. "It's nothing. Are you ready?" She smiled at Ruan Tingjian, and this was the first time she smiled at him

Xue Qin and a young woman emerged from the restaurant, both wearing serious expressions, appearing to part on unfriendly terms. The woman attempted to hail a taxi, but Xue Qin pulled her back, seemingly insisting on escorting her. The woman furrowed her brows, and her words were certainly not kind, yet Xue Qin looked apologetic and refused to let go.