Merely smiling, Shen Peichuan chose not to respond to her. He was at a loss for how to rebuke her, similar to how he had been, earlier, when Su Zhan had teased him for being obtuse.
“Come over and take a seat.” Captain Song was reading the newspapers on the couch. When he saw them enter, he placed the newspapers down.
Shen Peichuan walked over, while Sang Yu followed obediently behind him.
“Peichuan, take a seat. Lunch will be ready soon,” urged Song Yaxin with a smile.
Shen Peichuan nodded. “Thank you for your effort.”
Song Yaxin joked, “If you think that it’s hard on me, you can help me.”
“Don’t think of me as a hassle then.” Shen Peichuan stood up as though he had actually planned to help her. However, Song Yaxin soon waved her hands quickly and clarified, “I was merely joking. Don’t take it too seriously! Just remain seated.”
With that, she spun around and entered the kitchen.
Standing at the side, Mrs. Song shot a couple of glances at Sang Yu. Feeling upset, she headed into the kitchen. She initially planned to matchmake Shen Peichuan with her daughter, but he unexpectedly brought a girlfriend along. Naturally, she felt very unhappy.
Seeing that her daughter was still chopping the vegetables, she snatched the knife away from her. “Go out and accompany the guests. I can cope alone here.”
“They’re not outsiders, anyway. Dad’s there too.” Song Yaxin did not understand her mother’s intentions.
It was not true that she was completely oblivious. However, as she was also surprised that Shen Peichuan had brought a girl over, she was at a momentary loss for what to do.
Her mother sighed. “When your father asked you to marry Shen Peichuan, you refused. Look at him now. He’s already the deputy chief. For these few years, he hasn’t gotten in a lot of relationships too.”
“Mom.” Song Yaxin did not want to hear her mother nag. “Let bygones be bygones. Don’t talk about them anymore, okay?”
There is no point in regretting right now.
Mrs. Song sighed as she walked over to help her daughter. “I wonder when he got a girlfriend.”
Song Yaxin remained silent. After the oil in the wok was heated, she placed the sliced ginger into the wok and fried it until it was fragrant. Then, she added in the peppercorns, the spices, and the chopped chicken.
While the oil sizzled, the fragrance of the ingredients emerged right away.
“Shen Peichuan managed to rise to his rank because of your father’s help.” The more Mrs. Song thought about it, the more upset she became. “That girl looks too young. She doesn’t seem compatible with Shen Peichuan at all.”
“Mom, what are you trying to say?” Song Yaxin glanced at her mother exasperatedly. “We should be happy that such a dull man like him has managed to find himself a girlfriend. Why do you look so upset?”
“You should be the one sitting beside him. Don’t you regret it at all?” Mrs. Song thought that her daughter had seemed rather emotionless.
Song Yaxin blindly chose the wrong man to marry. Yet, although Shen Peichuan had a girlfriend, she seemed as though she was not affected at all.
“What’s the point of regretting it? I’ve already missed the opportunity.” Song Yaxin pouted. “Can you please stop harping on it?”
Mrs. Song was swift to agree to it. “Well, there are a lot of big fishes in the ocean. Furthermore, since you’re still young and childless, it’s not difficult to find yourself a good man. It’s not like Shen Peichuan’s the only man left in this world.”
Pursing her lips, Song Yaxin did not respond.
When Mrs. Song turned around to leave, Song Yaxin called after her. “Mom, where are you going?”
“I’m going to bring them some water,” replied Mrs. Song.
“I’ll go instead. Keep an eye on the food in the wok.” Song Yaxin placed the spatula down.
Thinking that the youngsters probably had more in common to talk about, Mrs. Song returned and took the wok of spicy chicken from her daughter. She asked, “Did you add the condiments in?”
“Yeah, I did.” Upon washing her hands, Song Yaxin poured three cups of fresh fruit juice and brought them out. She placed them in front of the guests, left the empty tray on the table, and sat down on the single sofa beside Sang Yu. “You look quite young. You must be younger than Peichuan, right?”
Sang Yu replied, “Yes.”
“Where do you work?” Song Yaxin grabbed a grape from the fruit plate and stuffed it into her mouth.
Thinking that it was not a big deal, Sang Yu honestly answered, “I’m still a freshman in college.”
Song Yaxin was taken aback. Although Sang Yu looked young, she did not expect her to still be a college freshman. Glancing at Shen Peichuan, she soon teased, “So, you like younger girls, huh? I even thought that you didn’t like women.”
Shen Peichuan squeezed out a dry smile. “I’m a normal man, after all.”
Song Yaxin nodded. “You’re right. You’re not a lustless monk, anyway.”
In the past, she disliked the fact that he was too boring and unromantic. There was no fun in dating a man like him. However, after her failed marriage, she realized that a man like him was more reliable. Compared to those glib talkers who spoke sweet nothings, a man with his personality was more trustworthy.
Mrs. Song asked her if she regretted it. Of course she did.
After all, what she deemed as flaws in the past had now become strengths.
“Bring your girlfriend over more often when you guys are free. Oh, right. What’s her name?” asked Song Yaxin with a smile.
Shen Peichuan glanced at Sang Yu and replied, “Sang Yu.”
Sang Yu remained there, seated quietly.
“Everyone, let’s go to the dinner table. The food is ready,” announced Mrs. Song at the dining room’s entrance.
Captain Song stood up first. “Okay. Let’s talk over lunch.”
Everyone headed toward the dining room, while Shen Peichuan kept a reassuring hand on Sang Yu’s waist. Afraid that she would feel uncomfortable in this unfamiliar setting, he took greater care of her feelings.
Glancing up at him, Sang Yu’s lips curved into a small smile.
Although he was a very quiet and solemn person, his occasional acts of consideration made her feel touched and secure.
Song Yaxin glanced at them briefly before averting her gaze.
This man should’ve belonged to me in the past. All of his affection should be mine too. Now that he belongs to another woman, I can’t help but feel upset.
Having calmed down, Mrs. Song flashed a grin at Sang Yu and told her to drop the formalities. “Just treat this as your house.”
Smiling, Sang Yu agreed.
Captain Song instructed his daughter to bring a bottle of wine over. “Have a drink with me.”
However, Shen Peichuan refused, “I drove here. I’ll drink with you next time.”
“You can drink with my Dad. I’ll drive both of you back later.” When Song Yaxin poured some wine for Shen Peichuan, she deliberately bent down and whispered in his ear, “I just got divorced, so he’s unhappy. Just drink with him.”
Leaning closely to Shen Peichuan, Song Yaxin made it seem as though were quite affectionate with each other. Moving aside, Shen Peichuan agreed, “Then, I’ll have a bit of wine.”
Song Yaxin’s body stiffened. She felt unused to Shen Peichuan’s distant attitude. Concurrently, she felt rather disappointed that he was acting in such a cold manner to her. Nonetheless, she soon regained her composure. Acting as though nothing happened, she glanced at Sang Yu with a smile. “Do you drink?”
Sang Yu noticed Song Yaxin’s earlier actions. Her hands, which were hidden under the table, clenched uncontrollably. It’s evident that she’s deliberately trying to get closer to Shen Peichuan. Perhaps, this is a woman’s sixth sense.
She shook her head. “I don’t drink.” Then, she turned towards Shen Peichuan and reminded him affectionately, “You should drink lesser too. You still need to send me to school in the afternoon.”
“I can send you there.” Before Shen Peichuan could respond, Song Yaxin interjected.
However, Sang Yu refused politely, “You don’t have to trouble yourself. Actually, as I’m usually quite busy, I’d like to spend more time with Peichuan.”
She could not stand Song Yaxin deliberately trying to get close to Shen Peichuan, even going as far as to acting so affectionately towards him right in front of her. Song Yaxin is definitely up to no good.
If I were Shen Peichuan’s actual girlfriend, I’d certainly misunderstand the situation.
Fortunately, as she was not Shen Peichuan’s real girlfriend, she could confront the situation objectively and calmly.
Only then could she analyze Song Yaxin’s actions completely. This was not Shen Peichuan’s fault; rather, this woman was attempting to get closer to him, trying to create a misunderstanding on purpose.
If she were truly happy for Shen Peichuan, she would keep her distance from him, seeing as she’s already aware that he has a girlfriend.
Captain Song chuckled loudly. “Then, let’s not drink today. I’ll drink more at your wedding ceremony the next time.”
Song Yaxin poured a glass of wine for herself before placing the bottle down. Speaking in an indifferent tone, she remarked, “Many couples break up after a while. Sometimes, it’s due to a clash in personalities, different lifestyle habits, or even their age gap. No one knows what’ll happen before the very last moment arrives.” It almost sounded as if she was addressing a certain someone.
Naturally, Shen Peichuan understood her implicit meaning. An awkward expression crossed his face, as he thought that her words were meant for him.
“I invited Peichuan over for lunch because I was in a good mood. What are you talking about? Don’t affect others with your bad mood. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat and stay in your room first.” Captain Song chided his daughter. “Don’t say something that’ll ruin the mood.”
“Dad, am I your daughter? How can you chase me away?” Song Yaxin bit her lips. “Forget it, I’m not eating.”
With that, she stood up and scanned the rest. “I’m sorry, I’m in a bad mood. Please excuse me if I’d said anything upsetting.”
“We don’t mind. Please, sit down and eat.” Although Shen Peichuan felt uncomfortable, he did not display it openly. After all, he would only voice out his thoughts, out of his respect for Captain Song.
Captain Song’s expression looked solemn. “Sit down.”
Song Yaxin walked over and hugged her father’s neck. “I’m in a bad mood because of my divorce, so I’d said something inappropriate. Please don’t mind me. Peichuan isn’t even angry with me, so why are you upset?”
Captain Song tugged her hands away. “Stop trying to trick me. If today’s guest wasn’t Peichuan, they would’ve been upset.”
“I know. This won’t happen again.” Song Yaxin returned to her seat. Peering at Shen Peichuan, she flashed him an apologetic grin and asked, “Were you bothered?”
