The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 777 - 776: You Won’t Know How Sweet It Is Until You Take a Bite

Chapter 777: Chapter 776: You Won’t Know How Sweet It Is Until You Take a Bite

When Shen Mingzhu learned that Yan Jing wanted to set her up with Han Zibin and Yan Su, she was utterly shocked.

At the time, she had no idea of Han Zibin’s infatuation with Yan Su.

Although the Han Family wasn’t as prestigious as the Yan Family, they were still one of the prominent households in Fengcheng. Han Zibin, being young and handsome with admirers aplenty, seemed unlikely to fall for a woman nearing her forties.

"Madam Ning, matters of the heart can’t be forced. A melon forcibly twisted off its vine isn’t sweet, don’t you agree?"

Yan Jing smirked, "Sweet or not, you won’t know until you twist it off."

Shen Mingzhu gave a forced laugh. "Madam Ning, if I may be so bold to ask, what made you fancy Han Zibin as a brother-in-law?"

"It’s best not to pry into societal matters." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Alright then.

In the evening, when Pei Yang came home from work, he immediately spotted the little purple horse in the glass cabinet.

"Oh, got a new treasure?"

Shen Mingzhu shot him a look but couldn’t suppress the small thrill and excitement within her, "What do you think? Is the color pretty?"

"Of course, it’s beautiful, so beautiful!"

In fact, to Pei Yang, whether it was purple, yellow, or green made no difference.

"Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—you already have three colors, with four left. Hey, wife, once you gather all seven colors, don’t you think you can summon a dragon?"

Shen Mingzhu ignored her husband’s teasing, staring at her new favorite, Xiao Zi. "I might actually return it in a few days."

"Why return it? Didn’t you buy it?"

"Am I sick? Buying a bag so expensive!"

Indeed, it would be crazy to call this small leather bag, costing two hundred thousand, anything but exorbitant—even gold wasn’t sold at that price.

These were thoughts Pei Yang only dared entertain in his own mind.

"Then who gave it to you? So generous."

"It was from Madam Ning."

"Why would she give you such an expensive bag?"

"Women’s matters, best not to pry."

...

"President Shen, what brings you here today? Are you dining or just passing by?"

Seeing Shen Mingzhu, Han Zibin was somewhat surprised but also pleased.

In his eyes, Shen Mingzhu was both a discerning talent spotter and a mentor, someone he greatly respected.

"Just passing by, and I thought I’d drop in since I was free."

It wasn’t mealtime yet, and the staff were busily preparing for the day’s business, respectfully greeting "President Shen" as they passed by Mingzhu.

Shen Mingzhu casually pushed open a private room door and entered, looking like she was wandering but actually intending to create a chance for a private conversation with Han Zibin.

"How have you been lately, Zibin?"

"Pretty good, President Shen. When are you planning to come back to work?"

Shen Mingzhu hadn’t set foot in Shenji for over half a year, so her sudden visit today inevitably sparked speculations from Han Zibin.

"I don’t have any plans to work yet. Shenji is being managed very well by all of you; I have peace of mind."

"Thank you for your affirmation, President Shen. We’ll continue to do our best."

"It’s good to be ambitious. But, Little Han, you’re not getting any younger. Have you considered settling down yet?"

Viewing Shen Mingzhu’s smiling face, Han Zibin suddenly sensed what was coming.

"President Shen, I..."

"Here’s the thing," Shen Mingzhu interrupted, "I have a good candidate for you. Meet them and then make your decision, okay?"

Without waiting for Han Zibin to agree or refuse, she set the date right away, "How about next Saturday? I’ve spoken to Julie, and she’ll schedule you for a day off. The place will be Honggu Hot Spring Resort. Try to get there early in the afternoon."

Saying this, her gaze fell on Han Zibin’s waist, and she gave him a tip: "These next few days, try to slim down a bit and tone your figure. It would be too much of an eyesore to take off your shirt and reveal nothing but flab."

Finally having a chance to speak, Han Zibin said, "President Shen, I appreciate your consideration and concern, but I don’t need it."

"You’re seeing someone already?"

"I haven’t yet, but there is someone I like."

Shen Mingzhu was both puzzled and curious.

Though Han Zibin had been with Shenji for many years and was popular among the ladies, he never seemed to date anyone seriously.

"Who is it?"

"I’d rather not say for now; I don’t want to cause her any trouble."

Shen Mingzhu nodded understandingly, "Male or female? You can at least tell me that."

Han Zibin forced a smile, "President Shen, what kind of question is that?"

Shen Mingzhu thought to herself: With all the beauties surrounding you every day, and you never making a move, isn’t it normal to wonder if you’re gay?

...

Shen Mingzhu was so worried she felt her hair might turn gray.

She had never been optimistic about Han Zibin and Yan Su., considering how different they were in so many aspects, and now Han Zibin already had someone in mind.

Sigh~

After much thought, Shen Mingzhu had no choice but to wrap up the Purple Platinum bag and take it to meet Yan Jing.

"Madam Ning, I’ve truly let you down. I’m returning the bag to its rightful owner."

Yan Jing glanced indifferently at the paper box Shen Mingzhu placed on the table, "I never take back what I’ve given away."

Shen Mingzhu forced a laugh: "If I couldn’t complete the task, I’d be too ashamed to keep it."

Yan Jing looked at her, "You didn’t tell Han Zibin who his blind date was with, did you?"

Shen Mingzhu waved her hands hurriedly, "I didn’t tell him. Rest assured, Madam Ning, I haven’t even told my husband. Su Su’s reputation certainly won’t be tarnished by this."

For someone of Yan Su’s background, showing interest in Han Zibin was already slumming it.

If Yan Su looking down on Han Zibin was normal, then Han Zibin snubbing Yan Su would be a disgrace for both the Yan Family and Yan Su.

This reluctance was why Shen Mingzhu was hesitant to take on this hot potato, though she did hope that Yan Su would find a partner soon.

After hearing her explanation, Yan Jing scoffed lightly: "You seem quite clever for your looks."

That didn’t sound like a compliment at all.

But unable to discern the hidden meaning in her words, Shen Mingzhu decided to play dumb: "Thank you for the compliment, Madam Ning."

"I wasn’t complimenting you."

"Then, thank you for your guidance, Madam Ning."

After receiving a sidelong glance from the other party, Shen Mingzhu suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.

Just like how Pei Yang would act sweet and charming in front of her.

Eager to please regardless of dignity or face.

But she acted this way, both in deference to Yan Jing’s status and out of respect for her.

Yet her relationship with Pei Yang was different; they were equals, and he didn’t need to behave like that.

"Didn’t you ask Han Zibin who his beloved is?"

Shen Mingzhu collected her scattered thoughts, "I did, but he didn’t want to say, and I couldn’t force him, right?"

"A brain is a good thing to have..."

"I have one."

—Go use that nearly negligible brain of yours to think about why I approached you.

After being put down, Shen Mingzhu could only take Xiao Zi and leave from whence she came.

Although she didn’t understand why Yan Jing took a liking to Han Zibin, she knew Yan Su well enough to know she’d never accept an arranged marriage, otherwise she wouldn’t have reached this age still single.

Leaving the Ning Family’s home, she called Yan Su to arrange a meal.

Guided by the principle of keeping good things within the family, she decided to have the meal at Shenji, as Yan Su also enjoyed dining there regularly.

"Let’s not go to Shenji this time; I was just there a few days ago, and I’m a bit tired of it. Let’s try a different place."

So Shen Mingzhu agreed to meet Yan Su at a Cantonese restaurant instead.

After hanging up, her mind suddenly itched, as if cracked open, letting in a sliver of light.