Although Sheng Chenjin was the CEO of Sheng Corporation, he always appeared cold and aloof, and had never been seen being so gentle and caring towards anyone.
All his favoritism seemed to be directed solely at Shi Xinxin. Thinking this, Lin Qianqian couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Shi Xinxin's face flushed red. "Thank you, Qianqian. You'll find your own Mr. Right too."
"No, you don't have to thank me, Xinxin. All of this is thanks to the efforts of you and Sheng Chenjin. I only helped you out with a couple of small things," Lin Qianqian said with a smile.
"But neither of you would tell me what happened," Lin Qianqian asked a little dejectedly.
Though Lin Qianqian was a girl, she was kind-hearted. She could tell Shi Xinxin was troubled and didn't want to press her.
Shi Xinxin pursed her lips and smiled, a hint of melancholy flashing in her eyes. "Qianqian, we... we are actually..."
Shi Xinxin hesitated, seeming unsure how to explain.
"We are actually dating!" Finally, Shi Xinxin broke the silence and revealed the truth.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah? Dating? You and Chenjin? How is that possible? Weren't you two incompatible at work?"
Lin Qianqian was a bit taken aback, as Shi Xinxin and Sheng Chenjin were in a superior-subordinate relationship at work.
Shi Xinxin gave a bitter smile. "Between us... actually... I never expected things to turn out this way."
Lin Qianqian frowned, a bad premonition creeping into her heart. "What happened?"
Lin Qianqian could see that Shi Xinxin was somewhat distracted.
Shi Xinxin hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Actually... Chenjin's father had introduced me to someone for a blind date."
Shi Xinxin lowered her head, appearing a little ashamed.
Lin Qianqian was even more confused. "Then why did Chenjin refuse that person?"
Shi Xinxin looked up and sighed helplessly. "Because our families' companies have business dealings, and Chenjin's father hoped I would marry into the Sheng family..."
"Ah? So, that means... Chenjin likes you?" Lin Qianqian's eyes widened, her face full of shock.
"Mm..." Shi Xinxin nodded, looking a little embarrassed. "We actually fell out over this matter."
"So, it was because of this..." Lin Qianqian suddenly understood. No wonder Shi Xinxin had been so listless these past few days; it was because of this.
Lin Qianqian suddenly felt that the relationship between Chenjin and Shi Xinxin wasn't that bad after all!
"Then... do you still like him now?" Lin Qianqian suddenly leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a gossipy and expectant expression.
Lin Qianqian was a very simple person. She believed that if two people liked each other and were fond of each other, why shouldn't they try dating?
"I..." Shi Xinxin hesitated and then shook her head. "I'm not sure..."
Lin Qianqian felt a bit regretful. She had thought Shi Xinxin also liked Sheng Chenjin, which was why she left without a word when they argued. She hadn't expected her to leave due to uncertainty.
Lin Qianqian sighed, her voice tinged with worry. "Then... will you two... really end up together?"
"I don't know. I can't guarantee it either," Shi Xinxin replied, her gaze dropping, looking somewhat dejected.
"Then why did you... break up before?" Lin Qianqian asked.
Shi Xinxin shook her head. "We just broke up due to some misunderstandings."
"Then how did you reconcile later?" Lin Qianqian continued to press.
"His father's company was having some difficulties, so I..." Shi Xinxin trailed off. "I got together with him."
"But..." Lin Qianqian looked troubled. "But your marriage... has always been quite good, hasn't it?"
"But his father..." Shi Xinxin paused.
Lin Qianqian suddenly had an epiphany. "Oh, I see. You mean... you two... were just pretending?"
Shi Xinxin nodded slightly, a bitter expression on her face.
Lin Qianqian immediately became displeased. "How could you two do this? To deceive me like this! You're so disloyal!"
The more Lin Qianqian thought about it, the angrier she became. Shi Xinxin, on the other hand, looked awkward, unsure how to explain to Lin Qianqian.
She could only sigh. "Alas, we..."
"Are you two..." Lin Qianqian stopped mid-sentence, feeling a pang of hurt, not knowing how to phrase her question.
Shi Xinxin shook her head. "No... you're overthinking it."
"No, then why did you hide it from me?" Lin Qianqian felt wronged. She couldn't understand why the two people she knew wouldn't even tell her such a basic secret!
"Because we're not sure why this is happening, but we really can't delay any longer." Shi Xinxin's tone revealed a deep sense of helplessness and frustration.
"Why?" Lin Qianqian asked.
Shi Xinxin gave a bitter smile. "Actually, it's because of Chenjin's parents... their status dictates that... we cannot be together."
Lin Qianqian was stunned when she heard this. "Then... why don't you tell him?"
"What's the point? His father won't agree... and my parents won't allow it either." Shi Xinxin sounded helpless.
"Then are you willing to give up?"
Shi Xinxin nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Give up? Of course, I'm not willing, but... Chenjin's father said to give me some time to consider before making a decision. He will also arrange other blind dates for me, and I will agree to them then."
Lin Qianqian felt a surge of sadness for her upon hearing this.
She couldn't help but clench her fist and grit her teeth. "They are too much! Why should they force you to do something you don't want to do?"
Shi Xinxin offered a wry smile. "It's my own choice."
Lin Qianqian frowned. "You're so outstanding, why can't you choose your own happiness? Why must it be a commercial marriage? Your marriage is your own affair, why must others be involved?"
As soon as Lin Qianqian finished speaking, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get the door," Lin Qianqian immediately stood up and walked towards the door, intending to see who it was.
However, before Lin Qianqian could step out, she heard Shi Xinxin's anxious cry from outside.
"Wait, Qianqian, don't open the door!"
Unfortunately, Lin Qianqian's foot had already crossed the threshold. She could only freeze in mid-air and turn back to look at Shi Xinxin in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Shi Xinxin's expression was flustered. "They... they've come to cause trouble for you..."
Lin Qianqian froze, asking in disbelief, "Who's come to cause trouble for me? I had no idea?"
Shi Xinxin became agitated, stamping her foot. "It's about that incident last time when Chenjin and I argued! They've come to find you! Quickly hide in your bed and absolutely don't come out! I'll go and see!"
"Wait!" Lin Qianqian quickly grabbed Shi Xinxin's arm, stopping her. "Don't rush."