Chapter 36

Translator: Larbre Studio

Editor: Larbre Studio

Shen household, at the capital.

“Father, Tongtong’s injuries have healed. I want to hold a solo concert for her, what do you think?” At the diner table, Chu Yunrong looked at Grandpa Shen and said, “Do what you want. Is Xitong planning to return to Vienna this time?”

The hand holding the chopsticks froze. Shen Xitong turned to Grandpa Shen with respect, “Not for the time being. I’ve already finished my studies and the orchestra is performing elsewhere. The teacher says I should just keep up with my practice at home, so I plan to stay here with you and Mom.”

Ever since Grandma Shen had given her the speech, Shen Xitong had largely restrained herself, especially in front of Grandpa Shen. She could not be sure how much Grandma Shen had told him, so she did not know how much of the matter was Grandpa Shen aware of. She felt nervous.

She did not want to leave the Shen family and was unwilling to. If she left, she knew she would be just a nobody.

Grandpa Shen nodded, “Yunrong, do what you want in regards to the solo concert. I know nothing about it anyway. But there’s one other thing I hope you can consider.”

“Father, what is it?”

Grandpa Shen glanced her way. Shen Xitong suddenly felt a strong sense of unease.

“Lan Lan has been married to Hengyi. There’ll be a wedding once she graduates. Hengyi’s a good man. He’ll treat her well, I’m sure of it. On the other hand, Xitong’s not getting any younger. In the past, she had been busy with her studies, so I didn’t say anything. Now that she’s back, as a mother, you ought to think about her marriage.”

Shen Xitong’s face instantly paled, the hand holding the chopsticks tightened. “Grandpa, I’m only twenty-five. There’s no rush. I want to spend a few more years with you, Mom, and Dad.”

“Children will get married eventually, especially when they are of age. I can’t keep you for a lifetime. A grown girl can’t be kept at home, eventually you’ll resent us,” Grandpa Shen grinned, but no one could tell what was really on his mind.

“But I don’t want to get married so soon. I still want to stay with you, Mom, and Dad,” Shen Xitong said in a low voice.

She had never expected Grandpa Shen would mention her marriage out of the blue. She could overlook it if this had happened in the past, but it was happening then. She did not buy that Grandpa Shen did not know about her crush on Fu Hengyi. Shen Qinglan had just gotten married, and now the family could not wait to send her away? 

From her perspective, Grandpa Shen just wanted to get rid of her, and remove all obstacles for Shen Qinglan.

Was the bloodline of the family really that important?

Shen Xitong lowered her eyes, her expression unrecognizable.

Chu Yunrong looked at her daughter who kept her head down, then she turned to face her serious-looking father-in-law. In an attempt to smooth things over, she said, “Father, we can’t rush these things, but I’ll have a look around and take note of any young, talented men in the capital.”

Satisfied, Grandpa Shen nodded, “However, we don’t have to place too much of an emphasis on family status. What’s most important is character. Shen Xitong is a daughter of the Shen family, after all. We have to find a good man for her.”

But Shen Xitong received a different message from that statement. They would marry her into an impoverished family if it meant it could cut off her hopes.

—-

Shen Qinglan had been in Hangcheng for several days. During the day she would explore the city, go sightseeing, and taste the local cuisine. Sometimes, she would find a deserted area, set up the easel, and spend all day painting. She would return to the hotel only after sunset.

Occasionally, she would stay until past midnight to admire the night view of West Lake.

Fu Hengyi had not called again since the first day. She supposed he must have been carrying out some sort of mission.

Still, she would send photos to Fu Hengyi’s number every day. It was always either one or two, but she did not care whether he received them or not.

During that time, Daniel had called her one other time. He had hoped to persuade her to join the salon, but when he had heard that she was busy making art, he had cheerfully hung up the phone.

Shen Qinglan had been staying at Hangcheng for a week. She planned to head to Yuecheng the following day. It was said to be the birthplace of the Yue opera, as well as the hometown of the great calligrapher, Wang Xizhi. Although she was not a fan of calligraphy, her grandfather loved it.

She recalled Yu Xiaoxuan’s reminder to pick up some local specialty, or else the girl would ban Qinglan from entering their dorm room, so she changed her clothes and headed out. She intended to bring home some delicacies, or silk. In the few days she was here, she heard that the most authentic osmanthus cake was actually not the one she had eaten the other day. In fact, there was an old lady in one of the alleys in the eastern part of the city who specialized in making osmanthus cakes. The ones made by her had a unique taste, unparalleled to the ones made in other places.

That place was a bit far from where she was staying, so she hailed a car and gave the address.