Chapter 38: He’s Not Capable of Making Fragrance!
Liang Sheng knelt down, his eyes full of firm trust in the Old Master. Such a kind elder must have been gentle and refined in his youth; he didn’t look like a black-hearted person at all.
“Silly child, you are still too naive…”
The Old Master slowly shook his head, gripping the fragrance liquid tightly. That shameful past had suddenly burst back into his lonely life after all these years, triggered by a familiar scent.
Over the years, he had often dreamed of it.
He dreamed of Tang Kaisong’s mangled remains; he dreamed of the man fiercely rebuking his selfishness and his sins. To the outside world, he was the respected patriarch of the Shen family and a master perfumer. No one knew that he had lived most of his life in regret.
“President Shen, the Master is inside.”
The old butler’s voice sounded from outside.
“Understood.”
Shen Xingyu was striding toward them.
Old Master Shen quickly wiped the tear stains from his face and took a deep breath to suppress his emotions.
Shen Xingyu could not be dragged into this.
Liang Sheng knew the elder didn’t want the man to see his vulnerability, so he sensibly pulled out a tissue and handed it over: “Grandpa, wipe your eyes.”
The Old Master took the tissue, wiped the corners of his eyes, and squeezed out a calm smile.
Shen Xingyu approached, clearly noticing something was off with the Old Master. He frowned and asked, “Grandpa, you look a bit pale. Did something happen?”
The Old Master waved a hand, his voice as steady as possible: “Nothing major. I just remembered some old things. I’m fine; no need to worry.”
Shen Xingyu then turned his gaze toward Liang Sheng, who was still kneeling on the floor.
Liang Sheng felt unnatural under that piercing gaze and could only echo, “Yes, Grandpa was just a bit sentimental while we were talking about the past.”
Although Shen Xingyu had his suspicions, seeing that his grandfather’s expression had mostly recovered, he didn’t press further.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at the company? Why did you return suddenly? Is someone watching the project in Longcheng?”
The Old Master changed the subject, silently slipping the small jade bottle into his pocket.
“I’ve moved all the business from Longcheng to Nanshi. My work at the company is finished for now.”
Shen Xingyu said as he sat on a wooden chair nearby.
He crossed his arms, leaning lazily against the table. His gaze swept down over the silent Liang Sheng before looking back at his grandfather, speaking flatly:
“The annual gala is tonight. Almost everyone from the main company and the branches has arrived. I came to ask Grandpa if we need to arrange anything else.”
“You’ve handled it well. My legs are troublesome now, and it’s no longer convenient for me to manage these things. I am very much at ease with the company in your hands.”
The Old Master didn’t hide his trust. Ever since he was injured, the Shen Group had been entirely under Shen Xingyu’s management.
The fact that the boy still came to ask for his opinion showed that Shen Xingyu still respected him as a grandfather.
He liked Shen Xingyu’s nature—proud but not arrogant.
Shen Xingyu nodded slightly and added, “Grandpa, we’ve invited many important partners and celebrity spokespeople to this gala. It’s a good opportunity to showcase the company’s strength and image. I’ve arranged a segment for introducing our new products so everyone can have a clearer understanding of our future direction.”
A hint of approval flashed in the Old Master’s eyes. “That’s a good idea. For a company to grow, we must let the outside world see our potential and determination. However, when introducing products, be sure to maintain a proper balance—don’t exaggerate them too much, but don’t hide their light either.”
“I understand. I’ve already had the marketing department prepare detailed materials and demonstrations. Everyone at the gala will receive a bottle of the new product. Rather than a lengthy introduction, personal experience is more effective.”
Shen Xingyu curled his lips slightly. He had enough confidence to make this product a hit and drive sales up.
From this angle, Liang Sheng looked up and saw the spirited confidence in the man’s eyes. That wildness—the feeling that he had everything under control—made him feel a strange sense of fear. The man was like a venomous snake lurking in the dark; when the timing was right, he would deliver a fatal blow.
He didn’t like this kind of confidence in Shen Xingyu.
Shen Xingyu also seemed to notice his little wife’s gaze. He lowered his eyelids, his pupils glancing toward Liang Sheng.
As always, he was cold and arrogant.
Like he was looking at filthy trash.
That was Liang Sheng’s interpretation.
He hurriedly lowered his head and continued massaging the Old Master’s legs.
He knew his husband had always looked down on him for his low status and lack of experience, feeling he was of no help.
Indeed, while the two of them discussed the arrangements for the gala, he understood nothing and could offer no useful suggestions. He could only remain mute.
The Old Master seemed to notice his dejection and suddenly said, “Oh, right, A-Yu. For this year’s gala, bring Sheng-sheng along! Let everyone get to know him. He’s been married into the family for so many years without a formal introduction. Take this chance to let him get familiar with the company’s new products.”
After the incident with the aromatherapy earlier, he had gained a different understanding of Liang Sheng.
With such incredible skill, it was a waste to keep him hidden as a house-husband in the Shen family.
“Him?”
Shen Xingyu frowned, finding it hard to believe.
Why out of the blue would the Old Master want Liang Sheng to attend the gala? Had Liang Sheng said something to the elder?
After all, when Liang Sheng was married into the family, the Old Master only wanted this grandson-in-law to be a quiet house-husband. Naturally, he wouldn’t let Liang Sheng show his face in public. Although the outside world knew he was married, very few knew that the “Mrs. Shen” was Liang Sheng.
“Ah… Grandpa…”
Liang Sheng also looked up in surprise.
He had always dreamed of standing openly by Shen Xingyu’s side as his wife.
But now that the opportunity was finally coming, he suddenly… wasn’t that happy.
Shen Xingyu couldn’t sit still. He stood up and refused heartlessly, “Grandpa, there’s no need for him to go. The gala is such an important occasion; it’s useless for him to be there. Let him stay home quietly.”
Liang Sheng wasn’t surprised. He continued to silently massage the Old Master’s legs. Truly, he was useless.
Going would only be an eyesore.
Perhaps Shen Xingyu was afraid he would affect Su Nian.
After all, in the eyes of outsiders, those two were the ones truly made for each other. His appearance would only ruin their sweet interaction and invite gossip.
But Liang Sheng didn’t know that Shen Xingyu simply viewed him as private property. He wished he could lock him away with iron chains; naturally, he wouldn’t expose him to the public.
“Who said Sheng-sheng is useless?”
The Old Master shot an accusing glance at Shen Xingyu. He turned to pick up the small incense burner and handed it to him, saying gently:
“Look at this aromatherapy. Sheng-sheng formulated it for me, and my headache is gone.”
Shen Xingyu naturally didn’t believe it. He casually took the burner, opened the lid, and leaned in to smell it.
The unique scent changed his look of disdain into one of disbelief. He smelled it several more times.
Although he didn’t participate in perfume research, he had some understanding of fragrance. This level of aromatherapy could not possibly be achieved overnight.
Liang Sheng felt strangely nervous.
This was the first time he had presented his craft to his husband. He wondered if the man would…
Before the shred of expectation in his heart could land, it was shattered by Shen Xingyu’s denial.
“It can’t be him. I’ve been married to him for years; how could I not know if he could make fragrance?”
Shen Xingyu let out a snort, sounding very certain. He slammed the burner back onto the table and warned:
“Grandpa, don’t let him fool you.”
Liang Sheng’s heart instantly sank to the bottom. His nervousness was replaced by dejection. He knew he shouldn’t have held onto any fantasies.
“This incense must be something you found somewhere to trick Grandpa. Sheng-sheng, how could you lie to an elder? He dotes on you so much. If you want to attend the gala, you can just tell me; don’t use these kinds of methods.”
Shen Xingyu frowned, his constant dissatisfaction and questioning leaving Liang Sheng speechless.
In his husband’s heart, he was always nothing more than a useless liar.
Why wouldn’t the man even act a little bit in front of Grandpa?
Was he not afraid that Grandpa would discover their “loving relationship” these past few days was all a sham?
Liang Sheng’s eyes grew red. He took a deep breath, trying his best to steady himself, and said in a low voice, “I really made this myself. I’ve been studying fragrance-making for a long time, I just never had a chance to show you…”
“Enough. Stop making a scene. Aromatherapy and fragrance-making are profound skills—one must be at least Level 4 in TCM and have a Master’s degree in Fragrance Research to master them. You didn’t even graduate college; how could you possibly know?”
Shen Xingyu interrupted his explanation. He had always viewed Liang Sheng as nothing more than a pretty, decorative vase.
“How can you speak to Sheng-sheng like that? I know you’ve always been dissatisfied with this marriage, but you can’t claim he’s capable of nothing, can you?”
The Old Master couldn’t take it anymore. He pointed at the materials that hadn’t been put away yet and spoke up for Liang Sheng:
“I watched him make this incense with my own eyes. How could he have faked it to fool me?”
“Grandpa, forget it. It’s fine. I don’t really want to go to such a crowded place anyway.”
Liang Sheng tugged at his sleeve aggrievedly.
“No. This talent of yours cannot be wasted! You must go to the gala; Grandpa has decided.”
The Old Master patted his head, his tone firm.
“Grandpa, you’re so good to Sheng-sheng…”
Liang Sheng’s nose felt prickled with emotion.
Even though his husband didn’t trust him, at least Grandpa stood by him unconditionally. That was enough.
“A-Yu, do you have any other objections?”
The Old Master looked at Shen Xingyu with a dark expression.
“Since Grandpa has decided, why bother asking me?”
Shen Xingyu said coldly.
He stared at Liang Sheng, truly admiring how the other had managed to wrap the Old Master around his finger. He didn’t believe for a second that Liang Sheng could make fragrance. He likely used some method to trick the elder. Didn’t he know exactly how much skill Liang Sheng had?
Grandpa was muddled, but he was not.
The gloom on the Old Master’s face vanished the moment he looked back at Liang Sheng, replaced by a kind smile:
“Go on, Sheng-sheng. Go get ready and dress nicely. You’ll be meeting everyone with A-Yu tonight.”
“Okay!”
Liang Sheng nodded obediently. Since the Old Master insisted on him attending, he could no longer refuse.
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