If You Could Hear My Heart

The living room became even more lively all at once. Butler Ling seldom saw Zhou Ran, and now seeing that she was still the same, he felt comforted.

Many of the servants in the Shen Family were new, and some hadn’t even seen Zhou Ran before. Now that they had, they found Zhou Ran’s temperament to be many times better than that of the lady from the west wing and couldn’t understand why the master had divorced Mrs. Zhou eight years ago.

Zhou Ran hadn’t been sitting down for long when Shen Cexian also walked in.

All eyes turned to greet Shen Cexian, except for Zhou Ran, who ignored everyone and took a sip of tea.

“Cexian, it’s been a long time,” Bai Xuan went up and firmly grasped Shen Cexian’s hand.

“Bai Xuan, you’re still the same, in very good health, unlike me, who has been increasingly unwell lately,” Shen Cexian sighed.

“Cexian, look at you, don’t talk like that, I know a few good doctors, I’ll introduce them to you. There’ll be no problem, just visit the Bai Family more when you’re free, you need to let go of what’s on your mind,” Bai Xuan said. “Once Achi’s marriage is settled, I’ll definitely visit your home frequently, just don’t find me a nuisance then.’

“What are you talking about? I’d be more than happy if you came.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they began to sit down and discuss the engagement of Shen Chi and Bai Man.

Bai Man sat next to Shen Chi, her arm looped through his, looking delicate and pitiable like a little bird relying on a person.

She occasionally looked up at Shen Chi, her eyes brimming with tender affection.

“Our Shen Family will certainly not skimp on the engagement ceremony and betrothal gifts,” Shen Cexian declared.

“I think it’s better to let the young couple register their marriage first, then have the engagement party, which can be kept simple. As for the wedding banquet, if it’s not convenient, it can be postponed. I know Achi is always very busy, ” Bai Xuan was very easygoing.

He knew that Shen Chi was recently taking on the South African diamond project and might be indisposed.

“Getting married is a big deal, I still have time for that,” Shen Chi said with a nod.

His chiseled face revealed a stern coolness, and his tone betrayed no emotion.

Bai Man was very pleased to hear Shen Chi say that, and she looked up at him with a soft voice, “The group’s affairs are important, I’ll wait for you.”

Zhou Ran smiled, her lips curving up slightly, “Manman is very sensible.”

Zhou Ran looked beautiful when she smiled, but like Shen Chi, she rarely did so.

Thus, when she did smile, there were two sets of eyes intently fixed on her, unable to look away for a long time.

In that moment, Shen Cexian was somewhat distracted.

“Then let’s have the parents-in-law set a date,” Jiang Zhilan said.

Zhou Ran took a light sip of tea, “I’ve checked, and the eighth of next month is a good date. Why don’t we let Achi and Manman get engaged then? What do you think?”

Shen Cexian answered with a deep look in his eyes, “I have no objection.”

Bai Xuan also agreed, “That’s great, there’s still over a month to prepare. Achi, what do you think?”

Shen Chi turned his head slightly, his gaze passing over everyone’s faces, “That’s fine.

Jiang Zhilan was quite happy to hear everyone agree, “Then let’s do it this way. I’ll prepare everything well and also give Manman a lesson or two. Once she’s married into the Shen Family, she should be a good daughter-in-law.”

“Mom, there you go again. With so many people here, you’re not giving me face, ” Bai Man said, feigning annoyance.

“I’ll gift Achi and Manman a seaside villa as a wedding present. Once you’re engaged, you can move into your new home,” Zhou Ran said calmly.

“Mother-in-law, you are too kind.”

Shen Chi frowned slightly, looking at everyone with a detached and frosty demeanor.

Everyone continued discussing Shen Chi and Bai Man’s wedding plans, and before they knew it, it was already noon.

Butler Ling had prepared a great variety of dishes, enthusiastically hosting the distinguished guests.

Liu Rumei had heard that the Bai Family would be visiting and had left the house a few days in advance. She didn’t want to see Zhou Ran and stir up unnecessary complications.

Liu Rumei came from an ordinary family and knew she would be at a disadvantage if a conflict arose.

Therefore, today, no one from the west wing was present.

Butler Ling looked at the large family gathering and sighed to himself; if only the mistress and the master had not divorced, it would have been so much better.

During the meal, Bai Man kept sitting next to Shen Chi, one looking as dazzling as a lotus reflecting on water, the other as brisk and resolute as the north wind.

Bai Xuan and Jiang Zhilan sat together too, but Zhou Ran and Shen Cexian sat opposite each other, neither speaking a word.

“Shen Chi, try this, it’s very tasty,” Bai Man picked up a rib for Shen Chi, looking at him tenderly.

Everyone saw this and felt reassured. After all, Shen Chi and Bai Man had known each other for many years, and now that they could become close as husband and wife, nothing could be better.

Meanwhile, at the villa where the rest of the family was jovially having lunch, Xu Chaomu sat alone in the cafeteria, poking at his rice.

The food in the cafeteria was not appetizing and was cold and hard. Yu Weiwei had her family deliver meals every day, but Shen Chi’s family did not bring her food.

Though it tasted bad, Xu Chaomu still forced himself to finish eating.

If he didn’t eat, he would starve.

Today, he had ordered two dishes, one being stir-fried shredded pork in garlic sauce and the other spicy and sour shredded potatoes.

As he sat at the table eating alone with his head down, Lou Yanli came to sit beside him.

“Chaomu, what’s wrong? Does it not taste good?”

Lou Yanli’s smile was always as bright as the moon and as smooth as warm jade. One more glance at him, and you could lose yourself in it.

Especially today, Lou Yanli wore a clean white shirt, his every move graceful and polite, making his smile even more radiant.

“You know how it is with the cafeteria food,” Xu Chaomu pursed his lips, looking up at Lou Yanli.

“Yeah, eat this, I brought it from home, I can’t finish it all by myself, so we can eat together.”

Saying that, Lou Yanli took several food containers out of his bag.

Upon opening them, a delicious aroma wafted out.

So lavish!

Xu Chaomu was wide-eyed with surprise, “Did your mom make this?”

“Yes, try my mom’s cooking. She rarely cooks, and you just happened to run into it today,” Lou Yanli said with a smile.

“My mom’s cooking is also really good…” Xu Chaomu suddenly bowed his head, his eyes turning red.

Lou Yanli knew a bit about Xu Chaomu’s family background and understood he was reminded of something upsetting.

He immediately changed the subject, “You should come to my house sometime, my mom would definitely like you, she has a personality similar to yours.”

At these words, Xu Chaomu laughed, “Similar to me? Wouldn’t that mean she’s very different from you?”

“I take after my dad more,” Lou Yanli also laughed, “Come on, try it, it’ll be cold if you don’t eat soon.”

“Lou Yanli, what does your family do?” Xu Chaomu tilted his head and asked.

“My family…” Fearing Xu Chaomu would feel inferior, Lou Yanli told a lie, “We own a small factory, manufacturing dolls.”

“So, does your family have a lot of dolls?”

Xu Chaomu’s eyes sparkled with excitement, the idea of manufacturing dolls seemed so endearing.

Do they, do they!

“Yes, as many as you want. What do you like? Rabbits? Teddy bears? Puppies?

Let me know what you like, and I’ll bring one for you.”

“How about you make one that looks like me?” Xu Chaomu teased..