Guan Li was very pleased to hear Zheng Mengni's sensible and proper response. He had given too much to his youngest son, Guan Su Lin, providing him with everything he could offer.
Guan Li's only wish was for Guan Su Lin not to repeat his mistakes and to find a good-natured girl to marry. If that were the case, then they should live well together. If Zhi Lin bullied you, don’t cover for him. Come to me; I will stand up for you.
Guan Li's deliberate kindness was not out of genuine affection for Zheng Mengni, but rather a subtle way to keep his son's heart tied to his daughter-in-law.
Zheng Mengni quietly nodded in agreement: "Alright."
Tan Yan felt a heaviness in his heart, and his vision blurred. The calmness he usually exuded was pierced by restlessness and vigilance. He clearly sensed that the tension in his mind had snapped, yet he could not show any reaction. He swallowed his bitterness and pain, maintaining an eerie calm as he reconnected the broken thread of his thoughts.
What he reconnected was fragile and could not withstand any further blows.
After dinner, Guan Su Lin eagerly wrapped his arm around Zheng Mengni as they discussed plans for an outing.
Guan Qingmo, who had been eavesdropping from around the corner, saw an opportunity and jumped out, deliberately asking, "Little Uncle is finally home; are you really not going to take me and Guan Miao with you on your outing?"
Guan Su Lin smiled and replied, "That’s quite a cute thing to say. Did I ever enjoy taking you both out before?"
Guan Qingmo felt a surge of frustration, feeling unexpectedly suppressed by him. "Oh come on! You’ve been away for so long; everything outside has changed! How can I be familiar with it? You can't just take Aunt out on her first visit without bringing us along!"
"It’s only been half a year," Guan Su Lin paused, his gaze darkening further. "But A Mo, can you really bear to disturb Little Uncle’s date?"
Guan Qingmo pushed Guan Miao forward: "You promised to take Guan Miao out for a day; we’re family! What’s wrong with spending time together?"
Guan Miao stood close to Zheng Mengni, catching a faint scent of sweetness. She timidly stole glances at her beautiful aunt, wishing she could go out with her. However, Little Uncle was quite intimidating.
Guan Miao felt her legs weaken and wanted to run away. Yet Guan Qingmo gave her no chance to retreat. With a stiff resolve, she imitated Guan Su Lin's tone and asked, "Zheng Zheng, can I go out with you?"
Guan Su Lin's expression stiffened; he felt a wave of unease wash over him. That name should only come from him.
Where had this girl’s discernment gone?
It truly seemed that spending so much time with her foolish brother had made her a bit silly as well.
Zheng Mengni nodded, "Of course it's good."
Guan Su Lin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and kindly reminded her, "Zheng Zheng, we are on a date. Let's let the younger ones entertain themselves."
However, Zheng Mengni looked up at him earnestly, "But I want to get to know your family better, to familiarize myself in advance and prepare for the future."
Guan Su Lin couldn't help but laugh, his eyes filled with endless indulgence and affection. "Alright then, let's bring them along."
He just didn't mention that not all family members needed to be involved. But seeing Zheng Mengni's eagerness, he felt he had to fulfill her wishes.
After sending away the two annoying third wheels, Guan Su Lin was about to accompany Zheng Mengni on a tour of the estate when someone called out from behind him. "Sir, the master has something to discuss with you. He’s waiting in the study."
Guan Su Lin felt a bit troubled. He had promised to accompany Zheng Mengni and didn't want to go back on his word, but he also had responsibilities regarding Guan Li's affairs.
Zheng Mengni noticed his hesitation and gently urged him forward. "Go ahead; I actually need to use the restroom. Just message me when you're done."
Guan Su Lin felt warmth in his heart and nodded, "It won't take long; wait for me."
After taking a couple of steps, still feeling uneasy, he turned back to remind her, "There are servants everywhere in the house. If you need anything, just let them know. If you want to explore anywhere, they can show you around."
"Okay."
Zheng Mengni stood still for a long time, watching Guan Su Lin's retreating figure. Just as he was about to turn into the elevator, their eyes met in a gentle exchange across the space, and he smiled silently mouthing, "Wait for me."
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