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Chapter 37 — Extra update: Very complicated…

When Zhao Fengzhen reached out on behalf of her goddaughter to request a meeting with Song Xiujuan, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Chen family, Song Xiujuan was standing in the hallway outside a private ward at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Back in the day, the Chen family patriarch fled to Hong Kong with his family from the mainland. After his second wife passed away, his health steadily declined, and now he lay bedridden, relying on daily medication.

The family business was currently managed by the eldest son, Chen Huagao, and his wife, Song Xiujuan. The couple had a daughter, Chen Nianying, who was set to get married in ten days.

The patriarch’s second son, Chen Huashan, and his wife, Yang Lijun, had a son, Chen Songxian, and a daughter, Chen Yutong.

Chen Songxian, being the only male heir of the third generation, was doted on excessively, which resulted in his unruly, indulgent lifestyle filled with parties and extravagance.

Recently, the eldest son of the Cheng family suggested sending Chen Songxian to Africa again for a three-month stint to help expand the Chen family business. The Chen family, worried about their grandson turning idle, welcomed the idea enthusiastically, praising how the Cheng family, particularly Cheng Wanting, always supported them.

As the Chen family’s eldest daughter-in-law, Song Xiujuan took turns with her sister-in-law Yang Lijun to care for the old patriarch. However, due to her social engagements with wealthy wives and frequent attendance at high-society events with her husband, she visited the hospital less often than Yang Lijun.

Four days ago, the patriarch’s health deteriorated again and he was hospitalized. Yang Lijun took meticulous care of him, while Song Xiujuan also came by daily to show her filial piety, staying for an hour or two.

“Lijun, you’re always so thorough. These past few days, we’re lucky you’ve been taking care of Father.” Song Xiujuan, who had an afternoon tea gathering with several wealthy wives, hurried to leave. “Father’s condition has finally stabilized. Huagao is busy handling our garment export business. Even I need to accompany Mrs. Liu from the Trade Department this afternoon…”

Yang Lijun, dressed simply and looking kind and gentle, stood next to her sister-in-law, adorned in jewels, as if they belonged to two completely different worlds.

She smiled gently, “Sister-in-law, you and Brother work hard for the family business. I’ll take care of Father. You go ahead.”

Song Xiujuan wore an elegant teal silk blouse embroidered with golden peonies, a string of bright pearls draped around her neck, exuding wealth and grace as she sashayed away.

“Madam, Mrs. Song from Jixiang Department Store sent a message. Mrs. Guo has a relative, Miss Lin, who wishes to meet you and invite the foreign brands you represent to move into a shopping complex.”

“Which Mrs. Guo?” Song Xiujuan wouldn’t make time for people without value.

“Zhao Fengzhen, wife of Guo Changda.”

“Guo Changda and his wife haven’t appeared in ages. I almost forgot about them.” As the capable wife of Chen Huagao, Song Xiujuan had too many connections to manage. “Fine then, arrange for Miss Lin to meet me tomorrow morning at the Mandarin Hotel.”

—

Lin Keying received the reply confirming the meeting time and place with the agent of foreign luxury brands in Hong Kong. She also had her proposal for the Xitian Building ready.

After breakfast, Lin Keying and Cheng Wanting dressed up separately. She changed into a sharp plaid suit, tied her long hair into a high ponytail that brushed her shoulder — confident and striking.

Seeing her outfit, Cheng Wanting raised his eyebrows in admiration. “Where are you off to?”

“Busy with my building~” Lin Keying said cheerfully, then quickly warned him, recalling how he had found out about her calling someone “scout husband” at the auction, “Don’t follow me or investigate me!”

Cheng Wanting, knowing he was in the wrong after she had questioned him about it in the office, thought about how they were set to marry soon and chose not to argue: “Alright.”

Radiant and energetic, Lin Keying grabbed her small, pearl-embellished handbag to leave but was pulled back by him, a faint smile on his lips. “Help me tie my tie before you go.”

Nearby, Yang Minghui quietly turned away: covering his face in embarrassment.

++++

Outside the Mandarin Hotel.

Lin Keying didn’t let the family driver take her — after all, everyone at home was under Cheng Wanting’s control, and his possessiveness was a little over the top.

She took a taxi instead, and while getting off, she even considered pretending to learn how to drive soon so she could travel freely.

Her original body (the one she transmigrated into) clearly couldn’t drive, and she had to maintain that persona. Plus, Hong Kong drove on the right-hand side, so even though she could drive in her past life, she needed to adapt.

Adding “pretend to learn driving” to her to-do list, Lin Keying headed to the hotel’s 18th floor in her heels.

Song Xiujuan arrived a few minutes late, but Lin Keying didn’t mind — she was the one seeking a favor.

The wealthy madam before her looked about forty, her affluent lifestyle adding to her plumpness, her attire shimmering with jewels, exuding wealth.

“Mrs. Chen,” Lin Keying greeted politely.

“This is Miss Lin?” Song Xiujuan’s long, narrow eyes lifted slightly, a flash of admiration within. “Such a beauty, just like Mrs. Guo.”

Though Guo Changda had retired from the world, his wealth was still significant. Keeping friendly relations never hurt.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Keying got to the point and handed over her Xitian Building proposal. “Mrs. Chen, the Xitian Building is scheduled for renovation within two months, aiming to become Wan Chai’s new commercial, entertainment, and cultural complex. Famous jewelry brands and gold shops are already set to move in, and we’d like to invite the foreign brands you represent as well.”

Song Xiujuan originally thought Mrs. Guo’s relative was merely here to ask a favor with no substance, but the proposal was thorough and well-structured, surprising her.

She asked a few more pointed questions. “Miss Lin, I heard Xitian Building has long been bankrupt and unsellable even at auction. Why would you buy such a property? Aren’t you afraid it’ll be a loss?”

Lin Keying smiled confidently. “The Xitian Building previously suffered from unclear planning, hindering development. Plus, Wan Chai’s east side hasn’t seen much growth. But recently, the Lands Department auctioned off fifteen plots of land. Hong Kong’s development will only accelerate — I believe Xitian Building can thrive again.”

Song Xiujuan asked detailed questions about the commercial, entertainment, and cultural arrangements in the plan. Seeing Lin Keying answer smoothly, she smiled even more.

Lin Keying eventually mentioned brand invitation fees, rent discounts for the first three years…

She knew well — even in later eras, international malls offered incentives and subsidies to attract top brands or culturally valuable stores. It both elevated prestige and drew crowds.

“Mrs. Guo really has a capable relative. Truly enviable,” Song Xiujuan remarked, showing consideration without giving a direct answer.

“Of course, Mrs. Chen should take her time to consider.” Lin Keying walked her to the door. “I’ll await your reply.”

When Song Xiujuan returned home from the Mandarin Hotel, she ran into her nephew, Chen Songxian, about to go out, looking like a carefree playboy.

“Songxian, where are you off to?”

With no children of their own, Chen Huagao and Song Xiujuan treated him as half a son.

“Auntie, I stayed at the hospital with Grandpa most of yesterday. Today, I’m just going out to relax and see if I can meet a pretty girl and start a romance.” Knowing his trip to Africa was inevitable, Chen Songxian figured he might as well enjoy life — especially hoping to bump into the beautiful woman he’d seen at the auction.

Even though it was only a glimpse of her back, he’d been captivated ever since.

Watching her nephew drive off in a convertible like a peacock on display, Song Xiujuan sighed. He really did need to be sent to Africa for some discipline before he wasted away!

Back in the room, when Chen Huagao heard why his wife looked so frustrated, he comforted her. “You know Songxian’s nature — he’s young and frivolous. He’ll settle down eventually, maybe after he gets married.”

Married?

The thought suddenly sparked in Song Xiujuan’s mind. “You see how he dates so many girlfriends all year long, switching constantly without commitment. I think he should just get married early.”

“I’ve thought about it too. I even mentioned it to my brother recently. Several major business families have daughters of similar age — a marriage alliance would be ideal. By the way, that child bride of Songxian’s from over ten years ago… what was her name again? Has she left for sure?”

“Who remembers a child bride from ten years ago? She must have gone back long ago.” Song Xiujuan would never allow a girl without background to marry into the Chen family. “You know Cheng Wanting’s methods — there’s nothing he can’t handle. I’m sure she’s long been sent back to the mainland. Speaking of marriage… I have an idea. I met a young beauty today, Mrs. Guo’s relative.”

“Mrs. Guo’s relative?” Chen Huagao had never heard of this.

“She’s as beautiful as a movie star and has both skills and ambition. She bought the bankrupt Xitian Building and has an excellent renovation plan.” Song Xiujuan’s eyes gleamed with appreciation. “Not to mention, her background must be deep. Publicly, she’s Mrs. Guo’s relative, but privately, I had someone investigate — nothing came up!”

Hearing this, Chen Huagao grew interested. “The less we can find, the deeper the background.”

“Exactly. Someone like Guo Changda, who hides his wealth — Miss Lin is definitely no ordinary person.” The more Song Xiujuan thought about it, the more confident she felt. “Trust me, Songxian is too idle. Miss Lin, both beautiful and capable, will surely keep him in check!”

Chen Huagao’s mind shifted. “But will Songxian agree to a family-arranged marriage?”

“Oh, you men don’t get it.” Song Xiujuan smiled confidently. “I’ll arrange for them to meet. Maybe Songxian will fall in love at first sight!”

——

Lin Keying had a pleasant conversation with Mrs. Chen. Although she didn’t get a firm answer today, she sensed Mrs. Chen’s interest — things were looking good.

In a good mood, she stopped by a dessert shop and also informed the He family of her upcoming marriage.

Sister He, cooking sweet soup, was delighted. “Congratulations, Keying! You and Mr. Cheng are such a good match.”

Sister He had only seen her fiancé from a distance once — a handsome, imposing man whose aura made people wary. But standing next to Lin Keying, they were indeed a perfect couple, pleasing to the eye!

After school, Tingting nearly jumped in excitement upon hearing the news and began counting her savings to buy a wedding gift for Sister Keying.

As she counted, she also felt sorry for Brother Xiao Huo, who had secretly asked her to let him know if Sister Keying ever broke up with her fiancé before he left overseas for three months.

Well, now there was no breakup — instead, it was a wedding announcement.

After leaving the dessert shop, Lin Keying visited her shops, all thriving and prosperous, bringing a broad smile to her face. When she returned to the Mid-levels villa, Cheng Wanting was already home.

Amei informed her, “Secretary Yang just went into the study. Probably discussing business with the young master.”

Naturally, Lin Keying didn’t disturb them and headed straight to the garage, looking at the three luxury cars — Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley — wondering how she could pretend to start learning to drive.

Maybe once her fiancé was done with work, she could ask him to teach her — that would be efficient!

—

Upstairs in the study, the atmosphere was tense.

A day earlier, Yang Minghui had received a slip of paper from the young master, asking him to bring Lin Keying’s birthdate and time to Master Pang for compatibility reading.

Yang Minghui had peeked — it was the young master’s real birthdate, not Chen Songxian’s.

The date written during the official fortune-telling was fake; the young master secretly wanted his own fortune told!

Yang Minghui had been thorough and discreet, only telling Master Pang it was for a relative about to marry — coincidentally, the woman’s birth date matched Miss Lin’s.

But now that he had the result, Yang Minghui hesitated to speak.

“Speak.” Cheng Wanting, seeing Yang Minghui stammering, ordered sternly, “Tell me exactly what Master Pang said. Don’t skip a word.”

Yang Minghui took a deep breath. “Master Pang said… this time the birthdates were incompatible. Extremely incompatible. Not a good match.”

As soon as he said it, Yang Minghui didn’t dare breathe, inwardly sighing — Young Master, you snatched your cousin’s child bride. Of course you two aren’t a good match!

He cautiously glanced at his young master and racked his brain to offer comfort. “Young Master, well… since it’s a snatched marriage, a slight mismatch is understandable… don’t take it too hard…”

“Hmph.” Cheng Wanting snorted coldly and looked away indifferently. “Nonsense tricks of charlatans — you actually believe that?”

Yang Minghui: “Yes, Young Master, of course not. I don’t believe it either.”

Anyway, I’m not the one who’s upset…

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