Chapter 32.3

Returning home in the evening, Xu Yuan was still thinking about Shen Ming’s birthday. She felt it was too coincidental. It was neither early nor late, but it happened now. If they didn’t have malicious intentions toward her, she would write her name backwards.

It’s just that she wondered whether this malicious intention was aimed at her or Meng Zhengrong.

If it was aimed at Meng Zhengrong, then there was nothing she could do. If it was aimed at her, she would have to consider what to do next.

She wasn’t the kind to sit and wait.

Meng Zhengrong came out of the bathroom, saw Xu Yuan staring blankly at the TV, walked over, sat on the bed beside her, and asked, “What are you thinking about? I feel like you’re not even watching TV.”

Xu Yuan looked at him and decided to raise a difficult issue. “I’m thinking about why Uncle would have a birthday celebration at this time.”

Meng Zhengrong was not impressed. “He celebrates his birthday whenever he wants.”

It says….

Xu Yuan discovered that Meng Zhengrong was not concerned about the incident, so she asked, “Aren’t you worried that they might trip you up?”

After all, it is now clear that they’re doing this to get Shen Ming to resign.

There must be something fishy about the Shen family holding a birthday party at this time.

Meng Zhengrong sneered, seeming to think that Xu Yuan question was ridiculous, “Tripping someone up? If only my uncle really had that much intelligence.”

Meng Zhengrong smiled coldly. 

“What do you mean?” Xu Yuan asked.

Meng Zhengrong slipped off his shoes and climbed onto the bed, sitting close to Xu Yuan intentionally. “Then let me ask you, if you were him, how would you handle this situation?”

Xu Yuan didn’t move away, glanced at him, and replied, “Firstly, I wouldn’t end up in a situation where someone would chase me away.”

“Yeah, I know. I mean, if this situation had already occurred.”

“Then, when I found out you were going to the impoverished town, I would start preparing to resign.”

Meng Zhengrong nodded approvingly. “I see. The reason he’s still refusing to leave is probably because my good aunt is stirring up trouble behind the scenes.”

Seeming to think that Xu Yuan was worried about this, Meng Zhengrong couldn’t help but laugh and raised his hand to pat her head like petting a dog. “So, don’t worry. With their intelligence, you don’t need to worry at all. As for setting traps… Honestly, I’m actually hoping they make a move first. If we stay idle, they get tired, and we get tired too. It’s been tough on you during this time, having to deal with them every day.”

Xu Yuan was amused by his words.

Meng Zhengrong was very close to her. Watching her natural smile, he felt a bit stunned.

In his memory, Xu Yuan didn’t smile often, and even when she did, it gave people a feeling of reserve. Seeing her genuinely happy now, albeit still without makeup, Meng Zhengrong thought she looked even more beautiful than when she did wear makeup.

Actually, during this period, he had also somewhat understood why his attitude had changed so much. If he insisted that it was because of the competition and his pride that he pursued Xu Yuan, it would be too shallow.

Even if he liked a former girlfriend a bit more, this feeling would be too fragile.

As for Xu Yuan? What exactly was his feeling towards her? He couldn’t even explain it to himself clearly.

Actually, he was also looking forward to the day when this feeling would become clearer. Of course, before that, he had to make her like him. Much more than he liked her.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth it at all.

“Why are you laughing?” Before the atmosphere between the two became awkward, Meng Zhengrong asked.

“Dealing with them? I was just thinking about how you used that term,” Xu Yuan’s smile had not yet disappeared from her face, “It’s actually quite interesting to deal with your uncle.”

Isn’t it?

Every day, seeing Shen Ming being choked and unable to speak, yet having to endure the pain, Xu Yuan relied on this for entertainment.

It must be admitted that she was feeling a bit lonely.

Back in the palace, because everyone had conflicting interests and inevitable disputes, everyone risked their lives in their maneuvers, living each day with utmost vigilance.

Now, however, it was a time of peace, and everyone was busy with their own lives… Where would there be people plotting against each other all day, with no time left for living?

“Almost everyone around is normal. Everyone is very peaceful. It was quite rare to have someone like Shen Ming around, finally adding some fun.”

Meng Zhengrong reminisced about what Xu Yuan had said and chuckled after a moment, “It is indeed quite interesting.”

Dealing with Shen Ming, both Meng Zhengrong and Xu Yuan were surprised to find that they shared such a dark sense of humor.

Soon, it was Shen Ming’s birthday. Early in the morning, Shen Ming called to confirm if they would all come.

Xu Yuan naturally had her own thoughts. She always felt that Shen Ming was overly enthusiastic about his birthdays.

Actually, from the beginning, she hadn’t planned to go. The reason she didn’t say anything was to avoid disrupting Shen Ming’s family’s plans.

Analyzing the current situation, it’s unlikely that Shen’s family is targeting Meng Zhengrong with this birthday celebration. If they had the guts, they wouldn’t have ended up in this situation. So, it’s very likely aimed at her.

Makes sense too. If they dared to target Meng Zhengrong, today’s outcome wouldn’t be like this. Now that this has happened, they probably want to direct their anger towards her.

Although based on the intelligence of this family, they can’t really come up with anything clever, she wasn’t going to get anxious and create trouble for herself.

Just as Meng Zhengrong was getting ready to change into his suit, Xu Yuan leaned against the door of the dressing room and said casually, “Um, I won’t be going this afternoon.”

Meng Zhengrong turned around curiously, “What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

Xu Yuan shook her head, “It’s just that I’m not feeling well. If your uncle and aunt ask, you can just say that.”

Meng Zhengrong nodded in agreement. He didn’t want to force her either. He was also planning to just go through the motions and come back.

No one expected this family to stir up any trouble.

“Why are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to accompany you to see a doctor?” Meng Zhengrong walked up to Xu Yuan, glanced at her face, but didn’t notice anything wrong.

Although he knew Xu Yuan was making an excuse, he still had to ask. Women were very sensitive about these things. What if someday she wanted to pick a fight with him and brought this up?

“No, I’ll just rest at home. This week has been too busy, and I don’t want to go anywhere. Oh, by the way, I’ve already prepared Uncle’s birthday gift. Can you help me deliver it?”

Meng Zhengrong nodded. Before leaving, he patted her head as he did before, “Then rest well at home.”

Xu Yuan shook her head and replied irritably, “Just go already, it’s impolite to be late.”

Recently, Meng Zhengrong has developed a habit—he likes to pat her head.

Unfortunately, this gesture, while not offensive, is somewhat intimate. Xu Yuan doesn’t feel comfortable reacting strongly, so she can only bear with it.

Little does she know, Meng Zhengrong finds amusement in her reactions. He enjoys patting her head from time to time and watching her unwillingness to speak up. It’s quite entertaining.

After Meng Zhengrong leaves, Xu Yuan simply lounges on the bed, leisurely watching TV.

Xu Yuan believes that there are people in the world who, despite knowing there’s a trap ahead, still insist on jumping into it. But she is definitely not that kind of person.

If something seems off, it’s best to steer clear of it.

Although the Shen family may not be capable of setting up sophisticated or dangerous traps, she still prefers not to entertain such risks.

**

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