Chapter 33: Only Children Make Choices

Tonight’s class reunion went exceptionally well for Shen Linglong. Not only did she successfully win over Meng Xinghe, the young master of the Meng family, but they even confirmed their relationship.

Had she known that Meng Xinghe would be so easy to reel in, she wouldn’t have bothered competing for Ouyang Jue—how could the Ouyang family compare to the Mengs?

The only slight imperfection was Meng Xinghe’s rather mediocre performance. Just as Shen Linglong thought things were about to get started, Meng Xinghe declared he was already finished.

And yet, with a perfectly straight face, he asked, “So? I’m pretty impressive, right?”

That was... difficult to comment on.

Still, Shen Linglong had no choice but to play along. “Of course, Young Master Meng, you’re absolutely amazing.”

Meng Xinghe lit a post-coital cigarette, feeling elated and supremely satisfied with himself.

Shen Linglong thought to herself—if anything, it’s my acting that deserves the credit!

But seeing how happy Meng Xinghe was, Shen Linglong seized the opportunity. “Meng, I’m giving myself to you for the first time, so you’d better take responsibility!”

‘First time,’ what nonsense. She’d lost count of how many times she’d patched that up.

Yet Meng Xinghe believed her without a doubt. He said warmly, “Don’t worry, Linglong. I promise I’ll treat you well from now on.”

“You said it!” Shen Linglong snuggled into his arms, feigning bashfulness. “By the way, Meng, there’s something I’d like to ask you…”

She proceeded to tell Meng Xinghe about the Shen family’s crisis and her desire to collaborate with the Mengs.

After hearing her out, Meng Xinghe tried to appear relaxed, but inside he felt troubled.

Among the three Meng siblings, the eldest, Meng Ziyi, was a formidable force in the business world, contributing the most to the family. The second brother, Meng Kaiwen, was not far behind; though his momentum wasn’t as strong as Meng Ziyi’s, he was still the primary heir.

As for Meng Xinghe himself, he was nothing but a pampered playboy, living off his mother’s affection and knowing only how to indulge himself.

But seeing the beauty in his arms gazing at him with such expectation, Meng Xinghe could only muster his courage and call Meng Ziyi.

Since Meng Ziyi had already discussed matters with Shen Miaoyu beforehand, she immediately agreed to Meng Xinghe’s request.

Meng Xinghe was overjoyed and showered her with flattery, but before he could lay it on too thick, Meng Ziyi hung up on him.

“It’s settled!” Meng Xinghe said, turning to Shen Linglong. “Big Sis plans to establish a local Chu Group to replace the Ouyang family.”

“When it’s announced in a week, your Shen family will be named as their partner!”

Shen Linglong was delighted, though she couldn’t help but ask, “What is this Chu Group anyway? There isn’t any Chu family in Dragon City that could impress the Mengs.”

“Who knows? I’m sure Big Sis has her reasons.” Meng Xinghe was clueless about such things.

At present, all he wanted was a second round, pulling Shen Linglong back for more.

Shen Linglong feigned shyness. “Meng, you’re so bad—I really like you!”

While keeping up the act for Meng Xinghe, Shen Linglong thought that regardless of the origins of the Chu Group, as long as they could cooperate with the Mengs, that was enough.

This would not only resolve the Shen family’s crisis, but elevate them to new heights.

By then, Shen Miaoyu would have nothing left to flaunt in front of her!

And that annoying Chu Fei—she would make him pay!

Just as these thoughts swirled in her mind, Meng Xinghe’s voice sounded again.

“Linglong?”

“Ah, is it over again?”

“No, I just need a break.”

“Why not call it a night?”

“…”

Elsewhere in the same hotel, in room 302, Jiang Yunqi and two friends had finished removing their makeup and were lying on the bed chatting.

Tonight had been unforgettable for all of them, especially with Chu Fei’s appearance, which made the evening particularly enjoyable.

Naturally, their conversation revolved around Chu Fei.

As for Jiang Yangrong and Qu Yiyi, not a single mention—such is the fate of those who fawn endlessly, only to end up with nothing.

But as their chat went on, the atmosphere grew a bit strange, especially when Jiang Yunqi seriously asked Guan Ya if she liked Chu Fei.

Roman grew anxious, worried that the friends might start fighting over a man.

Guan Ya seemed to have anticipated Jiang Yunqi’s question—after all, with her personality, she couldn’t imagine a subtler approach.

She didn’t deny it, but replied honestly, “I do have a good impression of him. He saved me, after all. What about you?”

“I think he’s unlike any guy I’ve ever met,” Jiang Yunqi answered earnestly.

“So?”

“So I want to ask him who he likes more between us.”

Roman: “…”

Well, you sure found yourself an excuse to message him privately!

Jiang Yunqi wasted no time—she picked up her phone and sent Chu Fei a message.

Guan Ya leaned in, clearly curious about how Chu Fei would respond.

“Chu Fei, between Guan Guan and me, who do you like more?”

“I like both.”

“What? You can’t do that! You have to pick just one!”

“Only children make choices—adults want them all!”

Roman thought he was a bit greedy.

At this point, the two girls should have gotten angry, but instead their expressions became somewhat ambiguous.

Roman couldn’t help but ask, “You two aren’t seriously falling for the same guy, are you?”

“Impossible, I only have a good impression of him, not actual feelings!” Jiang Yunqi retorted immediately.

Guan Ya added, “I’m not that shallow. Who would fall for someone who’s a total flirt?”

“Right, right, Guan Guan, we absolutely can’t let some guy ruin our friendship!”

“Never—in my heart, Yunqi, you’re more important than any man!”

Seeing this, Roman finally relaxed.

But the reality was different.

Jiang Yunqi secretly sent another message to Chu Fei. “Tomorrow’s the weekend—will you take me out?”

“I’m visiting another fiancée tomorrow, no time to take you out,” Chu Fei replied.

Jiang Yunqi sent an annoyed emoji. “Then when will you take me out?”

“Depends on your performance,” Chu Fei replied, playing the emotional game.

Watching Jiang Yunqi chatting away happily, Guan Ya suddenly realized she didn’t have Chu Fei’s contact.

She pretended not to care and said, “Yunqi, pass me Chu Fei’s contact—I want to thank him.”

“Huh? Why didn’t you say so sooner? I already deleted him!” Jiang Yunqi lied without batting an eye.

“Really? Then who are you chatting with so happily?”

“My dad, obviously! Don’t you trust me, Guan Guan? Why would I keep a jerk like him?”

Guan Ya forced a smile. “I believe you… not a chance!”

Watching their artificial “sisterhood,” Roman had no choice but to sigh—Don’t be too ridiculous, you two!

Originally, Guan Ya was a bit disappointed not to have Chu Fei’s contact, wondering when she might see him again. With the current situation, Jiang Yunqi certainly wouldn’t bring her along next time she met Chu Fei.

But, the following day after parting ways with Jiang Yunqi and the others, she found Chu Fei standing right at her doorstep!

Chu Fei had come to see his second fiancée and test the black box.

Was it mere coincidence that he appeared at Guan Ya’s door?

Could she be connected to these two matters…?