Chapter 115: The Cannon Fodder in a Dogblood Novel (115)
Inside the quiet tea room, the two sat facing each other.
Jiang Qingyanâs gaze fell upon Shen Huayan with a hint of scrutiny as he spoke in a measured tone, “Aunt Shen, is there something you needed to see me about so late at night?”
Shen Huayan had specifically waited until the old man was asleep before coming out. She was dressed in a set of light blue loungewear and wore no makeup, yet her bare skin remained in excellent condition; one could easily believe she was only in her thirties.
She offered Jiang Qingyan a faint smile. “Eldest Young Master, I wanted to have a word with you regarding Tangtang.”
Jiang Qingyanâs narrow eyes narrowed slightly, his tone remaining flat. “Oh? And what about him?”
“You like Tangtang, don’t you?”
Jiang Qingyanâs pupils constricted sharply, but he regained his composure almost instantly. He let out a cold snort. “Tangtang is my younger brother. Of course I like him.”
“No… not the kind of affection between brothers.” Shen Huayanâs tone was certain. “You know exactly what I mean.”
In Shen Huayanâs eyes, Jiang Qingyanâs attitude toward Shen Tangqing made his feelings far too obvious. Only that “silly roe deer” Shen Tangqing couldn’t see it, truly believing Jiang Qingyan was just a good older brother.
Actually, there was another foolish old man who couldn’t see it either.
Jiang Qingyanâs face darkened. His sinister gaze locked onto Shen Huayan, his voice carrying a heavy warning. “What exactly are you implying?”
Shen Huayan didn’t seem flustered in the slightest; in fact, she seemed to enjoy this feeling of being in “control” of the situation. Her smile grew even more gentle.
“Eldest Young Master, I don’t mean anything by it. I simply want to negotiate a deal with you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Qingyan reached for the cigarettes on the table and lit one. Leaning back against the sofa, he spoke leisurely, “Oh? And what makes you think you have the right to negotiate with me?”
The smile on Shen Huayanâs lips stiffened. She detested Jiang Qingyanâs high-and-mighty attitude most of all. Deciding to drop the act, she got straight to the point.
“I can make Tangtang be with you. In exchange, I want half of your shares in the Jiang Corporation.”
Jiang Qingyanâs hand holding the cigarette paused. A moment later, he let out a short, sharp laugh that sounded more like a cold huff to Shen Huayan.
“Tangtang likes women. How do you plan to make him be with me?”
“I am his mother; he will naturally listen to me. And even if he doesn’t, I have my ways to ensure he stays with you.”
Jiang Qingyan took a slow drag of his cigarette. He had to admit, Shen Huayanâs proposal was tempting. Who wouldn’t want to possess Shen Tangqing? He wanted it more than anythingâwanted it in his dreams.
But it wouldn’t do. He was unwilling to force Shen Tangqing. He didn’t know what “ways” Shen Huayan spoke of, but he guessed they weren’t exactly honorable. After all, for Shen Huayan to have climbed into the old man’s bed and convinced him to marry her, she clearly had her methods.
Jiang Qingyan took another puff before crushing the half-finished cigarette into the ashtray. He then lifted his eyelids to look at Shen Huayan.
“Shen Huayan, I advise you not to direct your schemes toward Tangtang and me. I do like Tangtang, but to me, his happiness is all that matters. Furthermore…” Jiang Qingyanâs expression suddenly turned ruthless. “Don’t think I don’t know about the sordid affairs you’ve been involved in. Should I invite your lover out for tea tomorrow?”
Shen Huayanâs expression filled with shock. She believed she had hidden it perfectly; how could he have found out?
“How did you…”
“How did I know?” Jiang Qingyan interrupted her. “I have no interest in your dirty secrets, but you haven’t been careful enough to hide your tracks.”
He offered her a mocking smile. “So, don’t provoke me, understood?”
After speaking, Jiang Qingyan stood up and looked down at her with cold disdain. “I suggest you hide those affairs well. The old man doesn’t have a temper as ‘good’ as mine.”
Having delivered his warning, Jiang Qingyan withdrew his gaze and left the tea room.
On the other side, Shen Tangqing had just returned to his room and was preparing to shower when he received a call from Lu Yanli. Upon heading out, he spotted Lu Yanli leaning against his car door. He was wearing a black overcoat over a black turtleneck sweater, looking as if he were oblivious to the sub-zero temperatures.
But one had to admit, he was truly handsomeâleaning there like a professional model.
“Lu-ge, it’s cold out. Come inside and sit for a while,” Shen Tangqing said with a smile, wrapping his coat tighter around himself.
Lu Yanli straightened up, his cold features softening completely the moment he saw Shen Tangqing. He pulled a woven bracelet from his pocket and handed it over.
“I won’t come in. I just left Sizhaoâs place and thought I’d stop by to wish you a Happy New Year.”
Shen Tangqingâs gaze fell on the bracelet in Lu Yanliâs hand. It was woven from an unknown black cord with a single wooden bead that looked somewhat like a prayer bead.
“Is this for me?”
“Yes, for you. It isn’t worth much, but it has been blessed by a master. It will keep you safe.”
It certainly didn’t look expensiveâquite plain, in fact. The weaving pattern was very common. But to Shen Tangqing, the sentiment was far more important than anything else. He accepted the bracelet and offered a bright smile. “Thank you, Lu-ge.”
His fingertips accidentally brushed against Lu Yanliâs palm. Lu Yanliâs pupils constricted slightly. He froze for a few seconds before slowly withdrawing his hand. His fingers curled into a fist, seemingly trying to preserve the fleeting warmth of Shen Tangqingâs touch.
“You’re welcome. It’s cold; you should head back inside.”
Shen Tangqing blinked. “Are you sure you won’t come in for a bit?”
“No, it’s getting late. Another day.”
It was already past midnight, and Shen Tangqing was indeed feeling a bit sleepy. He didn’t insist further and waved with a smile. “Then get home safely. Drive carefully.”
As he spoke, Shen Tangqingâs gaze fell on Lu Yanliâs car, and he couldn’t help but frown. After a few seconds, as if remembering something, he stepped forward to check the license plate.
He confirmed it once again. This was the same car from Jing City he had seen in Wuxian. The license plate was indeed easy to remember:
[Jing Aâ00008]
“What is it?” Lu Yanli asked, confused by Shen Tangqingâs actions.
“Lu-ge, Sizhao-ge mentioned before that you went to a small county town to pray to the Buddha. Was that county town Wuxian?”
Lu Yanli was stunned for a moment before nodding. “Yes.”
“I was also in Wuxian at that time.”
The moment Shen Tangqing spoke, Lu Yanli froze on the spot. Shen Tangqing had been in Wuxian as well? Had heâhad he missed him?
“Lu-ge, you wouldn’t happen to be that outsider everyone was talking about… the one who kowtowed every three steps all the way up to Yuntai Temple, would you?”
Shen Tangqing asked the question, but he already knew the answer. Fu Sizhao had said Lu Yanli went to seek the Buddha and ended up breaking his leg. Aside from kowtowing every three steps, Shen Tangqing couldn’t think of any other reason someone would break their leg while praying.
Lu Yanli: “…”
[Translator’s Note: “Silly roe deer” (ĺťçĺ – shÇ pĂĄo zi) is a Northeastern Chinese slang term for someone who is cute but a bit slow or naive. Also, seeing Lu Yanli’s extreme devotionâkowtowing every three steps (ä¸ćĽä¸ĺŠéŚ) is a traditional way to show the utmost sincerity when visiting a temple. Poor guy literally broke his leg for a chance with Tangtang!]
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