Chapter 72

Cheng Baisheng tried to keep Ning Zhen from leaving. 

Ning Zhen sat down, and Cheng Baisheng called for the waiter to bring a table full of snacks. Originally, he and Sheng Changyu had only ordered a pot of tea. 

Now, there were over a dozen snacks, each placed on small plates, filling the table. 

Sheng Changyu, rarely making a move himself, shifted the plate of dried plums that Ning Zhen had brought over to his side. Cheng Baisheng noticed this and quietly found it amusing. 

“Ning Zhen, did you know that this racetrack also has a swimming pool?” Cheng Baisheng asked, continuing to chat with her to keep her around. 

This racetrack was the most luxurious one around, with significant investment in its construction. 

“My sister-in-law mentioned it on the way here,” Ning Zhen replied. 

“Do you know how to swim?” Cheng Baisheng asked. 

Sheng Changyu, eating the dried plums, frowned slightly. “What kind of question is that?” 

Are you planning to invite her for a swim? 

Ning Zhen didn’t understand the undertone and explained, “I do know how to swim. It was part of the physical education class at the girls’ school I attended.” 

Sheng Changyu:  

“Do you enjoy swimming?” Cheng Baisheng ignored Sheng Changyu and kept asking. 

Sheng Changyu remained expressionless, his gaze shifting towards Cheng Baisheng. 

Cheng Baisheng pretended not to notice. 

“It’s alright, but after leaving school, there aren’t many places with swimming pools,” Ning Zhen said honestly. 

“The governor’s mansion courtyard could have one built,” Cheng Baisheng suggested. 

“Really?” Ning Zhen asked. 

“Changyu had that in mind, but the courtyard is a bit messy at the moment, and he hasn’t had time to find someone to plan it. Ning Zhen, didn’t you study something like that?” Cheng Baisheng continued. 

“I’ve never worked in that field, but I did do well in my studies. I think I could plan a renovation for the courtyard,” Ning Zhen replied. 

“If you have time, why not draft a design for Changyu to review?” Cheng Baisheng suggested. 

“I’d have to inspect the site first,” Ning Zhen said. 

“How about we have dinner later and then visit the governor’s mansion courtyard?” Cheng Baisheng asked. 

At this point, Ning Zhen turned toward Sheng Changyu. 

Sheng Changyu, looking cold and indifferent, said sarcastically, “Go ahead. Should I transfer the governor’s mansion into your name as well?” 

This was directed at Cheng Baisheng. 

Sheng Changyu was barely containing his frustration, nearly infuriated by Cheng’s persistence. 

Ning Zhen, unaware of their bickering, thought it was just like her playful fights with Jin Nuan, and assumed Sheng Changyu was genuinely upset. 

Feeling a bit awkward, she said, “I was just making conversation, Governor, please don’t be angry.” 

Cheng Baisheng said, “He’s not angry.” 

He then looked at Sheng Changyu and added, “How about we start by building the swimming pool? Didn’t you say last time you wanted to rearrange the courtyard layout?” 

The inner courtyard of the governor’s mansion, where Sheng Changyu’s parents used to live, had many old buildings. Though they were made of expensive materials, the colors and styles were quite outdated and unlikely to appeal to younger generations. 

Modern architecture, with its white walls, stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers, didn’t really match the traditional red pillars of the mansion. 

“I don’t have time to deal with that right now,” Sheng Changyu said. 

“There’s nothing much going on before the New Year, and you even found time to watch the horse races,” Cheng Baisheng replied. 

“Everything I do is important business,” Sheng Changyu stated. 

Ning Zhen didn’t respond, feeling increasingly awkward. 

“Governor, Baisheng, I’ll head back now. I’m in Box 7 with my sister-in-law, second brother, second sister-in-law, and third brother,” Ning Zhen said with a smile as she stood up. 

She added, “Later, my sister-in-law’s cousin will be coming over. She’s setting up a match with my third brother. I’ll go check on that.” 

Cheng Baisheng asked, “Not joining us for dinner?” 

“The steward, Mr. Zhao, said the racetrack provides dinner, and it’s quite good. My sister-in-law decided we’ll eat here,” Ning Zhen explained. 

Cheng Baisheng didn’t try to persuade Ning Zhen to stay any longer. 

He glanced at Sheng Changyu, who simply nodded and said, “Go ahead, take care of your business.” 

Ning Zhen stood up and left. 

After she was gone, Sheng Changyu turned to Cheng Baisheng, his tone indifferent: “Why are you always meddling?” 

“I’ve gone to great lengths to set things up, but you don’t appreciate it,” Cheng Baisheng said helplessly. “She studied architecture. If you let her renovate the inner courtyard, wouldn’t that be a good thing?” 

“I have no intention of renovating,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

“You’ll need the space eventually. When there’s a lady of the house and later, children, you can never have too many rooms,” Cheng Baisheng reasoned. 

Sheng Changyu shot back, “You’re worrying too much. Looks like you also need someone to keep you in check. After the New Year, go get married and stop obsessing over my business.” 

Cheng Baisheng: shocked 

He didn’t argue further, pouring himself some tea and reaching out to grab some snacks. His hand extended toward the plate of dried plums that Ning Zhen had brought over, but Sheng Changyu picked it up and moved it away. 

Cheng Baisheng protested, “Just let me try one!” 

“Someone, come here,” Sheng Changyu called out. 

An adjutant entered the room. 

“Order two more plates of dried plums—one for the table, and the other to be packed for the Chief of Staff to take home later,” Sheng Changyu instructed. 

Then, turning to Cheng Baisheng, he said, “You’ll get one to eat and one to take home. Don’t say I’m treating you unfairly.” 

Cheng Baisheng laughed in frustration. “I just wanted to try yours!” 

“It’s the same thing.” 

“Since it’s the same, I’ll give you two from the next batch. Just let me have one from your plate,” Cheng Baisheng pleaded. 

Sheng Changyu replied, “Wait for it. You’re not going to starve. If you’re that greedy, go file down your teeth.” 

Cheng Baisheng: “… You’re this protective over snacks, but don’t care about people. Is there something wrong with your brain?” 

Sheng Changyu said calmly, “Changing the subject when you lose an argument won’t work here.” 

He added, “We’re here to relax today. I’ll allow you to misbehave just this once.” 

Cheng Baisheng: silent 

Who was really avoiding the main issue here? 

In the end, Cheng Baisheng didn’t get to taste the dried plums that Ning Zhen had brought. Sheng Changyu, being relentless, even had the adjutant pack the leftovers to take home, refusing to share even one piece. 

They ended up watching a horse race. Sheng Changyu’s bet on horse number one won. 

Sheng Changyu had bet generously—five thousand silver dollars—so his winnings were substantial. 

Later, they found out that horse number one was privately owned by Meng Xinliang himself. 

As the races were about to end, Meng Xinliang arrived at Sheng Changyu’s box with Wen Weinian. 

Meng Xinliang played the role of peacemaker, having Sheng Changyu and Wen Weinian share a cup of tea. 

Sheng Changyu, in his usual manner of “training a dog,” didn’t completely burn his bridges. He would offer respect when it was necessary. 

So, he drank the tea. 

However, Wen Weinian remained defiant, his expression hostile, disregarding the effort Meng Xinliang had made to smooth things over. His arrogant attitude would inevitably lead to trouble, and Sheng Changyu would eventually tear him apart without leaving a bone behind. 

“How about dinner tonight at Zuifenglou?” Meng Xinliang suggested. “Your wife and her brothers are all there. Why not join us? The more, the merrier.” 

Cheng Baisheng replied, “We have plans tonight.” 

Sheng Changyu countered, “Cancel them. It’s the end of the year, and we have time for a meal. If Meng Xinliang is inviting, it would be rude to decline.” 

Cheng Baisheng:  

He could only hope there wouldn’t be a fight tonight. 

With so many people, each harboring their own grudges, an explosion seemed inevitable. 

Cheng Baisheng felt utterly exhausted. He didn’t want to deal with all the trouble at dinner. All he wanted was to go home and sleep. 

Being on duty wasn’t easy.