Free Web NovelChapter 472: Chapter 472: Returning to Calm
Women are often accessories to men; they can also be stepping stones to success or bonds that solidify interests. Chen Pengyuan has always viewed women in such roles, even considering his wife as a tether to strengthen the ties between the two families. People from families like theirs are raised with this awareness from a young age.
Whether in Hong Kong or in Jing City, women would approach him, or those seeking favors would offer women to him. He was never short of them, and thus, he didn’t value them much. He disliked women who were unclear about their position, overestimated themselves, or acted inappropriately for the occasion. However, Shao Meijuan was someone he brought over, so in any case, she represented a part of his own reputation. That’s why he stepped in to protect her, to avoid making things look too bad.
Yet, Chen Pengyuan didn’t expect that this female comrade, Yi Roujing, who appeared soft and frail, could be quite the opposite when it came to getting things done—firm and unwilling to be taken advantage of.
As for Xu Ancheng’s care for his wife, it goes without saying. Chen Pengyuan clearly noticed the look Xu Ancheng gave to Shao Meijuan earlier. Had he not intervened, Shao Meijuan might have gotten into serious trouble if not skin-deep injuries.
Chen Pengyuan was genuinely surprised at how protective the Xu Family’s son was of his wife. However, it must be said that Yi Roujing is indeed beautiful. In Hong Kong, he had seen many beauties, yet Yi Roujing could hold her own there, with a unique charisma. Even with her beauty and charm, Xu Family’s son was too indulgent with her.
Chen Pengyuan kept these thoughts to himself, not showing them on his face. Instead, he expressed his apology with sincerity, as the business talks had yet to be settled, and he couldn’t afford to offend anyone.
"Ancheng, I wonder when you might have some time to discuss the An Gong Niu Huang Pill business?" After the banquet ended and everyone started to disperse, Chen Pengyuan took the initiative to bid farewell to Xu Ancheng and Yi Roujing, putting forward his request.
"Jing!" Xu Ancheng didn’t answer, instead turning his head to seek Yi Roujing’s opinion.
"How about discussing it with Aunt Guihong and Cousin together?" Yi Roujing was eager for business talks. If they could break into the Hong Kong market, exporting in the future would not be just a dream. She hoped that the ancestral recipe could be known overseas and praised greatly, glorifying the country.
Chen Pengyuan was quite puzzled to see this daughter-in-law of the Xu Family, Yi Roujing, expressing her views.
"Third Young Master Chen, although the An Gong Niu Huang Pill carries the Xu Family’s name externally, the formula is actually my wife’s. She has the most say in this matter," Xu Ancheng explained, intending to support Yi Roujing. He wasn’t oblivious to Chen Pengyuan’s attitude, which showed too much disdain toward women. Xu Ancheng generally wouldn’t meddle in others’ business, but if this attitude were directed at Yi Roujing, he wouldn’t stand for it.
Chen Pengyuan was momentarily stunned, having not expected the An Gong Niu Huang Pill to be Yi Roujing’s creation. He was a smart man, now clearly understanding Xu Ancheng’s stance—elevating his wife’s status and discontent with his own attitude.
"So, it was Comrade Yi Roujing’s formula. Truly a blue surpassing its source. I’ve heard that Comrade Yi Roujing studied Western medicine; I didn’t expect her to have such accomplishments in traditional Chinese medicine as well." Chen Pengyuan’s attitude towards Yi Roujing became more respectful. Regardless of whether he truly felt this way, Xu Ancheng wasn’t concerned. What mattered to him was Chen Pengyuan’s attitude.
"It’s just a family tradition, and the formula has been passed down within the family." Yi Roujing responded with a smile.
The group arranged to have detailed discussions on December 17th, which was the following Sunday. The meeting place was a villa in the suburbs, currently sponsored by Chen Pengyuan. Since he took the initiative to discuss business, he had to show his sincerity. He warmly invited Xu Ancheng and his group, mentioning that the villa was perfect for vacationing, entertaining, and even horseback riding.
As for Shao Meijuan, Chen Pengyuan returned her to the Zheng Family, a clique unfit for the stage, and was capable of making mistakes. Despite her beauty and talent, Chen Pengyuan had no intention of getting involved with someone like that.
Shao Meijuan initially thought that Chen Pengyuan would protect her because he was fond of her, but she realized otherwise. Her eventual fate was receiving a severe beating from Zheng Zhongyi and being then expelled.
Shao Meijuan suddenly felt that there was no place for her in the vast Jing City. Her steps naturally led her to the gate of the Foreign Language University. She once had a bright future, and her admission to university proved she was not meant for mediocrity. How did she end up here?
Was it seeing her dorm mates with their pretty hair ties and headbands, able to afford delicious milk powder and peach crisps, or the packages that occasionally arrived, sent despite the children receiving university subsidies? That was what a family should be.
But not her family. If not for the university’s subsidy, her family wouldn’t have willingly let her attend university. Knowing that Li Yuntao from the same village had an interest in her, they noticed he was the son of the team leader of the production brigade. They coaxed her into having an ambiguous relationship with him to gain benefits, even to the extent of deceiving Li Yuntao regarding subsidies, comfortably enjoying the money he earned.
Initially, Shao Meijuan was attracted to Li Yuntao. After all, he was tall, big-hearted, and treated her well.
However, comparisons are inevitable. Frequent trips to the post office to send money orders introduced Shao Meijuan to Pu Jun, whose appearance was better than Li Yuntao’s, and who was more generous. Milk powder, leather shoes, wool coats—he bought her many nice things. Gain and loss are part of life, and Shao Meijuan understood this. Therefore, when Pu Jun wanted her body, she willingly obliged and even experienced the happiness of being a woman, which prolonged their relationship.
Never did she expect this relationship would lead to her downfall, being expelled from school, leaving her with no choice but to return to Zheng Zhongyi.
Shao Meijuan also knew she might not be a good woman. If a man came with money or good things and she fancied him, she would play along. Pu Jun wasn’t her only suitor; she never lacked money but had no one willing to marry her.
"Ajuan."
Lost in her thoughts, Shao Meijuan was brought back to reality by a familiar voice. Turning around, she saw Li Yuntao. Her eyes immediately reddened, "Yuntao."
Looking at the gorgeously dressed Shao Meijuan, though her clothes were somewhat wrinkled with marks on her face from being beaten, Li Yuntao was unsure how he felt—sorrow, helplessness, resistance... eventually, it all settled into calmness. He felt no guilt for this affection.
"I’m going home, so I wanted to let you know," Li Yuntao admitted. He had been waiting at the school gate for several days without catching a glimpse of Shao Meijuan. He had inquired about her with Liu Aihui but to no avail, and finally caught her today.
"Going home?" Shao Meijuan murmured to herself.
"Yes, I’m going back. There’s no point in me staying in Jing City anymore," Li Yuntao stated seriously.
