Sheng Chenjin’s Adam's apple bobbed.
Shi Xinxin felt a dull ache in her lower abdomen, but she didn’t show it. Instead, she smiled at Sheng Chenjin and said, "I’m fine, really. I guess I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m just a bit weak."
"Didn’t sleep well? You mean you were awake all night?" Sheng Chenjin’s tone was thick with jealousy.
"Yes," Shi Xinxin nodded, then reached out and patted his shoulder. "It’s okay, I’m just a little tired."
Sheng Chenjin, seeing her flushed cheeks and hazy eyes, which didn’t look like she was lying, relaxed.
He turned and went back to his seat.
Shi Xinxin, meanwhile, sat at the dining table and began her lunch.
When Sheng Chenjin saw that she had finished her lunch, he called out to her as she prepared to leave, "I’ll take you home."
"Thank you!"
The two of them exited Sheng’s residence, and Shi Xinxin opened the car door and got in.
Sheng Chenjin also got into the driver’s seat, started the car, and drove in the direction of her home.
"Are you free tonight?"
Shi Xinxin paused for a moment, "Yes, I am."
Sheng Chenjin’s eyes flickered slightly. "Shall we go on a date?"
"Go on a date?" Shi Xinxin’s eyes widened in surprise. "But… we already saw each other last night…"
"Then we’ll go another day," Sheng Chenjin said calmly.
"Oh." Shi Xinxin nodded and said nothing more.
They returned to the Shi family home in silence.
Sheng Chenjin’s mother was waiting for her in the living room.
She quickly stood up upon seeing them return.
"Xinxin, come here quickly!"
Shi Xinxin frowned when she saw Sheng Chenjin also getting out of the car.
What was this man trying to do?
Seeing her hesitation, Mrs. Sheng couldn't help but take Shi Xinxin's arm. "Xinxin, what’s wrong? Come here quickly."
"Auntie, I…" Shi Xinxin hesitated for a moment before walking towards Sheng Chenjin.
"Miss Shi, I’ll excuse myself for a bit." Sheng Chenjin, noticing Mrs. Sheng’s eager gaze, spoke up tactfully.
Mrs. Sheng smiled and said, "You don’t need to leave. It’s nothing, I just have something to discuss with Xinxin."
Sheng Chenjin watched as Shi Xinxin and Mrs. Sheng sat down.
"Xinxin, Auntie wants to ask you something. Please answer me honestly, okay?"
"Mm-hmm, please tell me," Shi Xinxin nodded.
"I want to ask about you and Chenjin. Is he treating you well?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Xinxin’s cheeks couldn't help but blush.
"Mm, he’s quite good."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Mrs. Sheng smiled with satisfaction. "Xinxin, since you both appreciate each other, why did you break up? I can see Chenjin cares about you just as much as you care about him. Have you considered getting back together?"
Shi Xinxin’s face instantly turned pale when she heard this.
She had never mentioned this matter to anyone before.
Where had Mrs. Sheng heard rumors?
She couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward.
Seeing her daughter’s expression, Mrs. Sheng looked on with some concern and said, "Xinxin, what’s wrong? Could it be… you two haven’t reconciled yet?"
Shi Xinxin shook her head, "No."
"If not, then what’s been going on between you two recently?"
"...Because we're not suitable for each other."
"Why not? Aren't you two quite compatible?"
Shi Xinxin pursed her lips, "We’re not from the same world. We’re just not suitable."
"Xinxin…"
Just as Mrs. Sheng was about to say more, Sheng Chenjin’s cold voice interrupted, "Mom, don’t pressure her. I don’t want you to pressure her anymore. I gave her a choice, but unfortunately, she didn't want it."
"Chenjin…"
Mrs. Sheng was stunned.
Sheng Chenjin looked at Shi Xinxin, "Xinxin, let’s go home."
Shi Xinxin bit her lip and nodded.
She couldn’t refuse him.
He always managed to warm her heart unintentionally, making her willing to follow him forward.
Sheng Chenjin’s car stopped in front of a distinctive villa.
When Shi Xinxin got out of the car, she was stunned by the luxurious and high-class decor of the villa.
The Sheng family’s properties were incredibly expensive, and the houses were vast, occupying almost half of a commercial street’s area.
Two bodyguards stood guard outside the villa. Every time they saw Sheng Chenjin, they respectfully greeted him, "Young Master Chenjin."
Shi Xinxin sighed inwardly, seeing this scene. Rich people were truly rich, not only in wealth but also in influence.
Sheng Chenjin led Shi Xinxin into the villa’s living room.
The walls of the living room were adorned with various famous paintings, each seemingly worth millions.
"This is an empty bedroom, and it will be your room in the future," Sheng Chenjin said. "You can choose whichever one you like."
Shi Xinxin looked around the living room, her eyes widening in amazement.
Although it appeared simple, the facilities were complete, and the arrangement was extremely elegant, fitting her aesthetic preferences perfectly.
She looked at Sheng Chenjin and asked, "Does your father live here too?"
Sheng Chenjin nodded.
"Does he not like you?"
A hint of disdain flickered across Sheng Chenjin’s brow. "He doesn’t like my mother, so he kicked me out of the house."
"…" Shi Xinxin froze, unable to believe what she had heard.
"What’s wrong?" Sheng Chenjin noticed her reaction and asked.
Shi Xinxin shook her head, "Nothing. Please continue."
"My mother and father’s marriage was an arranged one," Sheng Chenjin paused. "Their feelings for each other weren't deep."
Shi Xinxin looked at him, feeling a pang of sadness in her heart.
Such wealthy family marriages were so tragic.
But, it was her fate.
She was helpless.
She couldn't imagine what Sheng Chenjin had gone through.
She didn't know. She truly didn't know.
Shi Xinxin lowered her head, remaining silent.
Sheng Chenjin looked at her expression and sighed.
"That memory must have been very unpleasant for you, so I don’t want you to be upset." Shi Xinxin’s eyes welled up, almost to the point of tears.
"So, no matter what you do, I will support you," Shi Xinxin said, gently hugging Sheng Chenjin.
"Silly girl," Sheng Chenjin stroked her head. "Do we need to say these things between us?"
Shi Xinxin sniffled and managed a smile.
This smile momentarily dazed Sheng Chenjin.
He suddenly leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek, "Shi Xinxin, this is how I feel about you."
Shi Xinxin's body stiffened abruptly, and she looked at him in disbelief. "You…"
"I'm serious. If you're willing, we can get married immediately." Sheng Chenjin's eyes were filled with sincerity as he pulled her close.
Shi Xinxin was so startled that she didn’t know what to do, even holding her breath.
She pushed him away, but his strength was too great.
"No," Shi Xinxin's voice trembled slightly.
Sheng Chenjin’s heart sank. He raised his head, "Are you afraid of me?"
"I… no," Shi Xinxin shook her head.
"Then why are you unwilling to marry me?" a trace of pain flashed in Sheng Chenjin’s eyes.