Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Ah Ru, why bother speaking sense to him?” Yang Lan yanked her eldest daughter, her beautiful eyes filled with anger as she stared daggers at Shen Chunjiang. Her gaze was so intense it seemed like she could burn a hole right through him. “1’11 say it again, I object!”
“Yang Lan, don’t be unreasonable!”
“Hmph… am 1 being unreasonable? What did you promise me back then? 1 don’t mind you bringing someone into the family because 1 can tolerate adding an extra pair of chopsticks to the table. You vow to keep her discreet and not disgrace the Shen family! It’s only been a few months, and it seems you’ve conveniently forgotten all about it. Shen Chunjiang, you’re utterly misguided!”
One thing that pushed Yang Lan over the edge was that he had involved their biological son in this mess, having Shen Qian accompany Shen Wan for the opening dance. What was he thinking?
Did he want all the guests to witness how well their legitimate and illegitimate children got along, like one big happy family?
At a time like this, did he consider her dignity as the original, legal wife of the Yang family? What about the Yang family’s reputation?
As Shen Chunjiang endured his wife’s scolding in front of their children, his already displeased expression turned even colder. He had initially planned to have a calm conversation with Yang Lan, but it appeared that it was no longer necessary.
“I don’t care what you say. Since Wan Wan is already a part of this family, there’s no reason for her not to go out and meet people. This matter is settled; everyone just be quiet!” He was determined to push forward with his decision.
Even Shen Wan couldn’t help but look at her adoptive father with surprise. She hadn’t expected him to be so firm.
“Shen Chunjiang—” Yang Lan’s voice was sharp, filled with intense sorrow and anger, her eyes brimming with tears that she fought to hold back. “I’m laying it all out today. I will never attend the party with her presence. You better think it through!”
The man’s eyebrows furrowed suddenly.
It didn’t really matter if there was an extra or an absence of an illegitimate child at the anniversary party, but the CEO’s wife’s absence was a significant problem!
“Are you threatening me?”
Yang Lan smiled, a mixture of disappointment and sorrow. “You could say that if you want.” Her words fell, and tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
Shen Chunjiang’s expression darkened further, and it seemed like a showdown between the two was imminent. Shen Yan was already at a loss for what to do. It was Shen Ru who reacted quickly. She stepped forward and tried to defuse the situation. “Mom, calm down. Dad, please be mindful of your words. We’re all family; can’t we sit down and have a proper discussion instead of making a scene?”
“All Ru, Mom has had a very tough life…” Yang Lan cried in her daughter’s arms, her earlier resolve fading.
Shen Ru couldn’t leave the situation hanging, so she cast a meaningful glance at Shen Yan, who understood her signal. After regaining her composure, Shen Yan walked over to Shen Chunjiang. “Dad, Mom is just thinking about the company and the Shen family’s reputation. Please don’t blame her.”
Shen Chunjiang’s face softened slightly.
“Bro, what’s your opinion on this?” Suddenly, Shen Ru spoke, and Yang Lan’s hopeful gaze immediately shifted to him.
Shen Chunjiang and Shen Yan also turned their eyes in his direction.
Shen Qian, however, didn’t look at anyone. He simply glanced casually in the direction of Shen Wan without saying a word.
“Bro, you…”
“Shouldn’t we ask Grandfather’s opinion on this matter first?”
Yang Lan’s eyes brightened. “Yes! I’ll call Dad right away…”
Shen Ru furrowed her brow, her puzzled gaze wavering between Shen Qian and Shen Wan. Could it be that she was overthinking? Yet, based on Shen Yan’s description, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something peculiar about the relationship between these two.
Shen Chunjiang furrowed his brow slightly, showing some disagreement as he glanced at his son. He carefully examined the situation, still harboring a faint sense of doubt. Didn’t they come to an agreement in the study that day?
In no time, the call went through. After exchanging greetings with a simple “Dad,” Yang Lan proceeded to lay out the situation and concluded with, “…What do you think?”
She was almost certain of how this phone call would go. Old Master Shen came from a prominent family in Beijing and had founded the Mingda Group himself. He placed great importance on etiquette and prestige and would never allow an illegitimate daughter to appear in a formal event like the anniversary party.
However, the next moment, Yang Lan’s triumphant expression turned into astonishment. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she exclaimed, “Dad?!”
Whatever was said on the other end of the line caused her complexion to visibly wither and become as pale as paper. She whispered, “I understand.” “Mom?” Shen Ru asked anxiously. “What did Grandpa say?”
Yang Lan’s expression remained blank. “He agreed.”
“Agreed?” Shen Ru was in shock.
“How is that possible?!” Shen Yan cried out.
Shen Chunjiang only furrowed his brow slightly and accepted the fact. He didn’t know why Old Master Shen had changed his mind, but the result was what he desired. The process didn’t matter much to him.
Yang Lan took a deep breath, stood upright, and fixed her sharp gaze directly on Shen Wan. “Tell me, do you want to attend the party?”
This question immediately drew the attention of everyone. Shen Wan had been so quiet that her presence had almost been overlooked. Yet, everything seemed to revolve around her.
“I want to,” Shen Wan said softly, lips slightly pursed.
Yang Lan smirked.
“I… 1 want to make new friends, go out with my elder sisters, and have companions to shop with. I want someone to confide in when I’m unhappy…” Her words implied,”/ don’t understand your concerns about dignity and reputation. 1 simply want to make a few more friends.”
Her tone was calm, yet it carried a hidden sense of sadness and frustration.
As a result, Shen Chunjiang’s heart was filled with a sense of compassion. When he first brought her into his home, it was with the intention of giving her a place to stay, not attaching much importance to her until she got married. However, her calm and unassuming nature often reminded him of Li Xiaoyun, the gentle and devoted woman who had loved him wholeheartedly without ever complaining.
Therefore, he couldn’t help but feel a deep affection for this daughter, especially after spending time with her recently. It was this newfound fatherly love that had prompted him to consider securing a proper status for Shen
Wan..
