Chapter 77

When the old lady of the Sheng family called, Ning Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. 

A few days ago, when she left the old residence, she had made some harsh comments that had greatly angered the old lady. 

Her grandmother answered the call with a gentle expression and a warm smile, “Hello, I’m fine. How are you?” 

Ning Zhen’s heart eased somewhat. 

“Welcoming a new grandchild is a joyous occasion. It’s only right to go. I’ll pass the message on to her.” 

“No need. The child doesn’t understand, and she came back to stay with us. We’re having beef stew these days, which she loves. Let her stay a few more days. You don’t need to come to pick her up.” 

“How about the day after tomorrow? It seems there’s something today, and the Governor asked her to visit the Governor’s mansion. I don’t know if it can be finished by tomorrow. She will return the day after.” 

“I wanted to personally see her off…” 

After a lively phone call, her grandmother remained smiling. 

The family’s mood gradually returned to normal. 

From her grandmother’s words, it was vaguely clear that the old lady had backed down. 

After hanging up, her grandmother’s eyes were full of amusement. 

“Your mother-in-law wants you to return. On the 12th day of the twelfth lunar month, there’s a banquet for the great-grandson of General Shi from the Ministry of Finance. The old lady and the Governor’s wife are invited. 

Your mother-in-law said that General Shi is highly valued by the Governor, and asked you to attend the banquet. She even wanted to come pick you up herself, but I persuaded her not to,” her grandmother said with a smile. 

Her grandmother continued, “I wanted to see you off, but the old lady wouldn’t allow it. She said that someone of my age shouldn’t be running around. She’ll send a deputy to pick you up.” 

Second Brother couldn’t help but comment, “The Governor didn’t just send a car; he sent timely help.” 

He then asked, “We didn’t do anything in particular. Why did the Governor suddenly grant such a huge favor? Does he have some ulterior motive?” 

Everyone looked at Ning Zhen. 

Ning Zhen explained, “The Governor is just elevating his wife’s status. He wants to maintain face, so the Governor’s wife also needs to be respectable.” 

She added, “He also knows I’ve returned to my family and praised me for my integrity.” 

Grandmother said, “Alright, that’s enough. Everyone, go about your business. No need to discuss this further.” 

She didn’t want the Ning family to debate the grievances between the Sheng family mother and son. 

The more they talked, the more mistakes could be made, and with ears everywhere, it was best if it didn’t reach the Sheng family. 

Everyone dispersed. 

Ning Zhen had breakfast with her grandmother. 

“Your mother-in-law backed down quite quickly,” her grandmother remarked. 

Ning Zhen replied, “She knows she has wronged me.” 

“She might not fully understand. But with the great Governor having passed away, she doesn’t dare to make things too awkward with the Governor. She understands that much,” her grandmother said. 

— The car gifted by Sheng Changyu had played a key role. 

“A person’s selfishness or intelligence doesn’t matter much, as long as you understand her weaknesses, you can manage to get along with her. 

Your mother-in-law’s weakness is that she wants to control her son but is afraid of him getting really angry. She doesn’t have much faith in ‘mother-son affection,’” her grandmother explained. 

Ning Zhen nodded. 

“I’ve thought about it too. Rather than clinging to my mother-in-law, it’s better to cling to the Governor. The Governor is willing to support me,” Ning Zhen said. 

Her grandmother replied, “You’ve always been smart, so I don’t need to worry. Your mother-in-law would rather you return immediately, but we can’t be so accommodating. I’ve arranged that you return the day after tomorrow. 

We shouldn’t have the family send you off, and we certainly can’t let your mother-in-law come to pick you up. She’ll send a deputy. I’ve prepared a gift; after you return, you should apologize properly.” 

Ning Zhen agreed, “Okay.” 

They settled on the arrangement. 

After breakfast, Ning Zhen went to the Governor’s mansion. 

She drove her old car, leaving the new car on display at the gate. 

Cheng Baisheng was waiting for her at the entrance of the Governor’s mansion, having waited for quite a while. 

“… Baisheng, you rushed too early in the morning. We made some Laba porridge at home and originally planned to save some for you,” Ning Zhen said. 

Cheng Baisheng replied, “No need to be polite. Changyu is waiting for my report.” 

“I brought a little. You and the Governor should try some. We make Laba porridge every year, but this year’s is particularly good,” Ning Zhen said, holding a small food box. 

Cheng Baisheng thanked her. 

Sheng Changyu was in his study. 

The study had a heater, and with the skylight open for ventilation, it was pleasantly warm inside. Sheng Changyu had no intention of going out, dressed casually in a somewhat worn gray sweater. 

Ning Zhen was slightly taken aback. 

In the sweater, he seemed less stern and imposing, more gentle. 

His features were handsome, and his eyes were particularly striking. At this moment, seated behind the desk and reviewing documents, his usual authoritative demeanor was much softened. 

He seemed to have come down from his high position as the Governor and transformed into a young man of similar age to Ning Zhen. 

He appeared more approachable. 

— Ning Zhen, thinking this, immediately dismissed the thought. 

She couldn’t afford to underestimate him. If she accidentally angered him, the consequences could be severe. 

“Governor, thank you for the car you sent,” Ning Zhen said, stepping forward and placing the food box on the corner of the desk. “This morning, we made Laba porridge at home. Would you like to try some?” 

“We’ve already had breakfast,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

“Then I’ll leave it here for later as dessert,” Ning Zhen said. 

Sheng Changyu didn’t comment further. 

He stood up, took a coat from the hanger, and said, “Let’s go see the inner courtyard.” 

Wearing black trousers and leather boots, the coat made him look much more formal and imposing, a stark contrast to the warmth he had projected in the sweater. 

This was the Sheng Changyu that Ning Zhen was familiar with. 

Ning Zhen followed him outside. 

The inner courtyard of the Governor’s mansion was quite large and appeared especially desolate, with dust everywhere. 

Ning Zhen remembered that last time, Cheng Baisheng had arranged for her to stay in the inner courtyard, and Sheng Changyu had said that it wasn’t cleaned up yet. 

It wasn’t a refusal for her to enter the inner courtyard, but rather an honest statement. 

In the bitter cold of December, although the courtyard’s vegetation wasn’t in complete decay, there were still plenty of evergreen trees, and the fallen leaves were swept daily, scattered along the paths by the cold wind. 

Ning Zhen, Sheng Changyu, and Cheng Baisheng chatted casually as they walked. 

Cheng Baisheng did most of the talking. 

Ning Zhen attentively noted the route, speaking little, and took a small notebook to jot down and sketch. 

Sheng Changyu seldom spoke, only correcting Cheng Baisheng occasionally when he made mistakes. 

“…I still have the blueprints from when the garden was designed. I’ll get them to you later,” Sheng Changyu finally said. 

“Great. Without the blueprints, I really can’t remember everything,” Ning Zhen replied. 

Before long, they had toured for over an hour. 

Cheng Baisheng, concerned, asked, “Ning Zhen, are your feet sore from walking?” 

“No…” Ning Zhen responded. 

“She’s quite the practitioner,” Sheng Changyu interjected. 

A mere walk through the inner courtyard wouldn’t tire her out; she wasn’t some pampered young lady. 

Ning Zhen said, “I wouldn’t call myself a practitioner. I’m just used to practicing some martial arts early in the morning to keep fit.” 

Cheng Baisheng laughed, “No wonder you two are a couple; you have the same habits. Changyu practices too.” 

He added, “Why don’t you two spar and see who’s better with martial arts?” 

“Do you expect us to show off our skills to you?” Sheng Changyu shot him a glance. “Do you think we’re monkeys?” 

“Are you afraid of losing?” Cheng Baisheng provoked. 

“Afraid,” Sheng Changyu said coldly. 

Ning Zhen:  

In martial arts, physique and strength play a significant role. Unless Ning Zhen practiced martial arts specifically day and night, she would be unlikely to defeat Sheng Changyu, who was taller and more muscular. 

Cheng Baisheng’s provocation didn’t hit the mark, and Sheng Changyu seemed irritated by just looking at him. 

“What are you grinning about?” Sheng Changyu addressed Ning Zhen. 

Ning Zhen replied, “…I was laughing at Baisheng.” 

“He’s not amusing enough to be worth the effort of hiding your laughter,” Sheng Changyu said. 

Cheng Baisheng retorted, “If you don’t want to be a monkey, do you make me one instead?” 

Ning Zhen couldn’t help but laugh out loud. 

Sheng Changyu said she was “not easily amused,” with a tone that seemed to be teasing. 

The atmosphere was pleasantly relaxed.