Chapter 9

Xu Yuan feels that everyone wants to teach her lessons.

Sure enough, as soon as she was released by Xu Nuo, Mother Xu called her into the room.

This time, Mother Xu didn’t give her a stern lecture like before. Instead, she handed her a card and said with a serious tone, “Mom knows you don’t lack money, but keep this card for now. It might be convenient for you in the future to use it for whatever you need…”

This gesture didn’t make Xu Yuan feel uncomfortable. Not to mention the concubines in the palace, even the eunuchs under her control knew that they needed money to get things done. Money could make things happen, and in this era, she had a rough understanding of it. In a sense, money was more important than power.

Xu Yuan didn’t refuse and accepted the card directly.

She did need this money, and it would be convenient for her to use it in the future.

Seeing that she didn’t object, Mother Xu breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. “Xiao Yuan, you’re different from those people. Your mom has a sharper eye than you, so don’t mix with those people and make a fool of yourself.”

She was probably referring to Xu Yuan’s previous lover.

Xu Yuan didn’t know how to evaluate those relationships, but she had already died once, and Mother Xu was not a superficial person. If she disliked someone, there must be a reason. At least in Xu Yuan’s view, Mother Xu was smarter and shrewder than the previous host.

“Yes, I understand,” Xu Yuan nodded.

“I’m glad you do. Your brother has done a lot for you. Before, the Meng family offered you a job, but you stubbornly refused to go, missing a good opportunity. This time, you can’t be stubborn anymore. Your brother said he would talk to Zhengrong today. If Zhengrong lets you work there again, you can’t refuse anymore.”

The Xu family also had its own company, and arranging a job for Xu Yuan was easy. If all else failed, they could even set up a company for her with no problem. But going to the Meng family was the best option for her now. Meng Zhengrong was currently in charge, and it would be beneficial for Xu Yuan to familiarize herself with the Meng family. If everything else failed, she could consider it as a way to keep an eye on him in the company.

Moreover, from a family perspective, it was also good for her. Mother Xu had already thought this thoroughly.

Xu Yuan agreed, “Alright.”

Under certain conditions, it was essential to hold onto real power. For example, in the palace, why did all those concubines and harem women strive to become the Empress? Wish had spent many years in the center of power in the palace and understood it very well. Favor and attention were fleeting, what mattered most was the real power that could be held and controlled.

“You’ve become much more sensible lately,” Mother Xu said, looking at her daughter who was being obedient. She hugged Xu Yuan, and her expression became complicated. “Sometimes, I really wish you could be carefree and happy, but I can’t let you get into trouble.”

Who wouldn’t want to spoil their children, let them live freely, and do whatever they wanted to do? But was it possible? No, since her daughter had chosen to become part of the Meng family, Mother Xu wanted to see her daughter not only happy but also becoming the unique mistress of the Meng family. Xu Yuan didn’t say anything but just hugged her mother quietly.

On the other hand, Xu Nuo, under the pretense of discussing business with Meng Zhengrong, took him to the study.

“You’ve probably guessed it. I just talked to Xiao Yuan,” Xu Nuo said, taking out a bottle of whiskey from the liquor cabinet and pouring a glass for Meng Zhengrong before handing it to him.

Meng Zhengrong waved his hand, “I won’t drink. I have to drive back home later.”

Xu Nuo didn’t insist and downed the whiskey himself. He loosened his tie to make himself more comfortable. “Zhengrong, I won’t beat around the bush. Xiao Yuan hasn’t done anything to upset you yet, so don’t hold it against her.”

Meng Zhengrong raised an eyebrow. “Not yet?”

It dawned on Xu Nuo, and he chuckled, smacking his own mouth, “I’m not good at words. Don’t mind.”

“Cut it out. What do you want to say? Speak plainly,” Meng Zhengrong said.

“Alright, I’ll be straightforward. I wasn’t initially thrilled about Xiao Yuan marrying you,” Xu Nuo began, and Meng Zhengrong played with his lighter, not interrupting him.

“You know, at the time, the circumstances were beyond my control. Even though Xiao Yuan’s decision to marry you had some elements of a temper tantrum, I know my sister. She may be a bit stubborn, but she’s not foolish. So, regardless of her being angry or jealous, this won’t upset you. She’s still young and not very experienced. Please don’t hold it against her.”

Meng Zhengrong contemplated Xu Nuo’s words for a moment. Although he appeared to be fine with the situation, it didn’t mean he fully endorsed Xu Yuan’s actions. It only indicated that Xu Yuan’s actions hadn’t angered him.

Meng Zhengrong finally spoke calmly, “Xu Nuo, I don’t want to see this kind of thing happen again.”

In all honesty, Meng Zhengrong didn’t consider this incident a big deal, and Xu Nuo should know that he wouldn’t be upset about it at this moment.

Xu Nuo raised his hand in agreement, “Understood.”

He understood that Meng Zhengrong might have tolerated this incident, but it didn’t mean he approved of Xu Yuan’s actions. This could only mean that Xu Yuan’s actions hadn’t angered him yet.

“You’re not doing this because of that incident, right?” Meng Zhengrong asked.

This matter wasn’t a big deal, and Meng Zhengrong thought Xu Nuo knew he wouldn’t be upset about it.

Xu Nuo teased, “Given your illustrious past, my parents are worried. But since our precious daughter has already jumped into the fire pit, my parents asked me to talk to you. If possible, let Xiao Yuan work at Meng Corporation.”

“Is she willing to work?” Meng Zhengrong inquired.

He didn’t mind having Xu Yuan work in his company, especially since some departments needed someone he could trust.

“Don’t worry,” Xu Nuo shrugged. “No one really wants to work. I’m the same way. We’re not kids anymore, and after years of education, we should contribute to society in some way.”

Meng Zhengrong gave him a skeptical look. “It’s best if she genuinely wants to work, or she might think I’m forcing her.”

“What’s wrong? Are you afraid she’ll resent you?” Xu Nuo retorted.

“Not afraid, but you and I both know she’s still young. I don’t want her to develop any resentment towards me,” Meng Zhengrong explained.

“Well, she’s 23, not 13. Where’s the room for resentment?” Xu Nuo chuckled.

To be honest, Meng Zhengrong still saw Xu Yuan as a child, especially considering the eight-year age gap between them. He is thirty-one this year and she is twenty-three. There is an eight-year age difference. Although the age difference seemed acceptable, think about it. When he was eighteen and could fall in love openly, she was only in elementary school…

Uh, does this count as the old cow eating the tender grass?

He doesn’t want Xu Yuan to be repulsive or rebellious towards him, as this is not conducive to the cultivation of feelings between husband and wife. He also looks forward to becoming a father before becoming what others call an old man.