As Sun Yao personally saw Zheng Mengni off, Zheng Yicheng had already been waiting outside the villa for quite some time. Beside him stood a figure of remarkable elegance.
The scorching summer sun cast a blinding light, even in the early morning. Tan Yan stood against the light, half of his face shrouded in a golden haze, his warm and jade-like demeanor adding a touch of sharpness to his presence.
The moment Zheng Mengni stepped out, Tan Yan casually lifted his gaze, his calm eyes quietly settling on her. Zheng Mengni had not made any special effort to dress up; her naturally fair face bore a hint of rosy glow, and her dark eyes radiated an innocent charm.
"Xiao Ni, come here," Zheng Yicheng called out with an outstretched hand.
"I'm coming, Dad," Zheng Mengni replied as she walked over. A gentle gaze from the right front caught her attention, but she pretended not to notice and deliberately avoided Tan Yan's stare.
"Zheng, I heard you’re going to Fu Yuan to volunteer as well. Tan Yan mentioned it would be convenient for him to accompany you; it’s a long way, and it’s good to have someone looking out for you," Zheng Yicheng said.
Zheng Mengni nodded softly and replied, "Uncle, it’s getting late. I’ll take Xiao Ni and head out now. We should arrive before noon; I’ll message you to let you know we’re safe."
As Tan Yan spoke, he lowered his gaze to Zheng Mengni, a smile as refreshing as a gentle breeze gathering in his eyes. The morning sunlight highlighted his flawless complexion even more.
Zheng Yicheng nodded. "Then I’ll leave Xiao Ni in your care."
Zheng Mengni’s brows were gentle, but her heart was in turmoil like a raging storm. That new marriage prospect—was it Tan Yan?
Although the Zheng family was quite capable, marrying into the top-tier Tan family was indeed an ambitious climb. She didn’t know what kind of deal Zheng Yicheng had struck with the Tan family, but one thing was certain: she had been handed over to them.
No wonder the Wei family’s news had been handled so poorly for so long; the Tan family must have been stirring things up behind the scenes.
Following closely behind Tan Yan, Zheng Mengni couldn’t help but fixate on the fair skin of his neck and the strength of his shoulders.
The sun was somewhat blinding as Zheng Mengni raised her hand to shield her forehead. Those who appeared to be pure and unblemished might simply be dazzling in their brilliance, causing others to overlook the truths hidden beneath the surface. Once the light was obscured, the darkness naturally emerged.
But what could compel the Tan Family to go so far as to arrange a marriage in order to disrupt the alliance between Wei Zheng and their family?
Tan Yan suddenly halted his steps, and lost in thought, Zheng Mengni stepped on his heel without realizing it.
"Sorry," she murmured, feeling a bit guilty as she looked up to meet Tan Yan's warm gaze.
Tan Yan smiled silently, "Be careful, no need to rush." He turned and opened the car door, stepping aside to make way. "Get in; you can let your driver take the day off."
Once Zheng Mengni settled into the car, Tan Yan closed the door behind her and slid into the passenger seat. He had brought only one driver along, leaving the spacious and comfortable back seat exclusively for her.
As she adjusted her clothes, she glanced up at Tan Yan through the rearview mirror. The moment she got in, he leaned back in his seat, pulling out his phone and lowering his head to look at it. After giving a few instructions to the driver, he spent the rest of the time resting with his eyes closed.
Just like at school, their interactions were truly minimal. Perhaps the Tan Family genuinely intended to strike a deal with the Zheng Family, but it might not involve marriage; there could be other means at play.
Zheng Mengni decided not to dwell on irrelevant matters; she needed to gather her energy for her own affairs. She leaned against the side and quietly closed her eyes.
A few seconds later, Tan Yan lifted his eyelids, his gaze inadvertently drifting to the right as he quietly observed her elegant figure in the rearview mirror. He picked at a scar on his wrist where a scab had formed, tugging down his sleeve.
With his eyelashes lowered, Tan Yan reflected on his actions while stealing glances at Zheng Mengni. His gaze was too greedy; he needed to learn restraint. After all, he would have her sooner or later—if he looked away now, he would just have to make up for it later.
There is plenty of time ahead; he is not in a hurry.
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