Shi Mu's eyebrows twitched, and she looked at Shi Xinxin with a serious gaze. "Between you and Mr. Sheng, only one can compromise. Otherwise, neither of you will be happy. You've been too protected by me since you were little, and you don't know the dangers of the world. Mom is afraid that after you marry into the Sheng family, you'll be at a disadvantage, and even more afraid that you'll be wronged."
Shi Xinxin's eyes changed, and then she lowered her gaze, murmuring, "There can be no future between him and me at all..."
Shi Mu's expression froze for a second, then she continued, "Xinxin, believe me, Mr. Sheng is a very outstanding man, and he's sincere towards you. I want you to be happy, and I want you to find a good husband. So, promise me, you must cherish him."
"Mom, I'm tired, I want to rest," Shi Xinxin said.
"Alright, Xinxin, get some sleep quickly."
Shi Xinxin lay down on the bed and pulled the covers up.
After Shi Mu left, Shi Xinxin opened her eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Her eyes slowly became moist. She didn't understand why her life had to be like this.
The man she loved had betrayed her.
Her closest parents were forcing her to get married.
All of this was her own fault.
The next day, Shi Xinxin got up early, put on makeup, and changed her clothes.
She wore a white long dress and a silver necklace.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Shi Xinxin smiled.
"Mom, I'll go back to your place to see you today. Don't worry, I'll take you away from that cage soon."
Shi Mu was cooking in the kitchen.
At this moment, a servant brought in dishes. Seeing Shi Mu busy in the kitchen, she couldn't help but advise, "Madam, please stop working. Just order takeout. You work late every night, and now you're cooking. It's too hard."
"It's alright, I'm just idle anyway. There's nothing for me to do at home. You all go about your business, I'll handle it here."
Seeing this, the servant went out.
Shi Mu glanced at the empty living room, and a trace of sadness welled up in her heart.
She sighed, shook her head, and buried herself in the stove again, preparing lunch.
--
As soon as Shi Xinxin arrived at her parents' home, she saw them waiting for her at the main entrance.
Her eyes suddenly turned red.
"Xinxin, you're finally here!" Shi's father excitedly took Shi Xinxin's hand.
"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry for making you worry," Shi Xinxin said.
Shi Mu glanced at the white dress her daughter was wearing and nodded with satisfaction. "Yes, this dress is very beautiful."
Shi Xinxin smiled faintly. "Thank you for the compliment, Mom."
Shi's father also looked pleased.
"Come inside quickly," Shi Mu said, holding Shi Xinxin's hand as they entered the house.
Shi Xinxin looked around.
In her memory, this was the house where she had lived since childhood. Now, things had changed, and everything here felt both strange and familiar.
At this moment, she heard her mother's voice, "Husband, let's tidy up Xinxin's room."
Hearing this, Shi Xinxin's heart ached, and her eyes instantly turned red.
"Dad, Mom, there's no need to trouble you. It's very clean here, and I'll stay here for now." Shi Xinxin sniffled, trying to suppress the surging emotions within her.
"Silly girl, you are our only daughter, how can we let you stay outside? Don't worry, although this house is a bit old, Mom will find someone to repair it as soon as possible. You can make do with it for a few years."
Shi Xinxin fell silent. She hadn't expected her mother to say that. This was what she had always longed for, and now it had become a reality.
She didn't say a word and turned to walk towards the stairs.
Shi's father frowned, "Xinxin she..."
Shi Mu glared at her husband. "Husband, why are you meddling so much? Our precious daughter finally came home, so say less and don't upset her."
"Sigh!" Shi's father sighed.
--
At six in the evening, Shi Xinxin took a car to the airport.
Sheng Chenjin had already booked her flight. He was flying back to City A at 3:30 PM, and she would arrive in City A around 5 PM.
When she arrived at the airport, Sheng Chenjin was already waiting for her in the VIP lounge.
Sheng Chenjin looked at Shi Xinxin's white chiffon dress and raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing admiration.
"Secretary Shi, should I congratulate you?"
Shi Xinxin's cheeks flushed. "Mr. Sheng, I took leave today and didn't go to work. Do you mind?"
Sheng Chenjin smiled faintly. "Of course. You can be absent for as long as you want."
Hearing this, Shi Xinxin was stunned.
"Mr. Sheng, do you have an important meeting this afternoon? Do you need me to accompany you?"
Sheng Chenjin glanced at Shi Xinxin faintly. "I have two video conferences this afternoon. The other is a private business reception. I've arranged for a driver to take you there. You can have fun at the reception, but you're not allowed to drink."
"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Chenjin nodded, picked up the file beside him, and began to read it carefully.
Shi Xinxin stood there, quietly watching Sheng Chenjin.
His profile was flawless and handsome, and the charm he exuded with every move made it impossible to look away.
He was the idol she had admired for many years, and now he was standing right in front of her, but she didn't have the courage to approach him.
"Mr. Sheng," Shi Xinxin called out.
Sheng Chenjin looked up.
Shi Xinxin pursed her lips. "Well... I'll go change into a gown first. Wait for me here."
Shi Xinxin turned and hurried away.
Sheng Chenjin stared at her retreating figure, his brow furrowed.
--
After Shi Xinxin changed into her gown, she tidied her hair and left the lounge.
She walked towards the VIP room.
At this moment, outside the VIP room door, Shi's father and Shi mother were anxiously pacing.
"Why isn't Xinxin here yet?" Shi mother mumbled.
Shi's father sighed. "Let's wait a bit longer."
Shi Xinxin knocked on the door.
"Come in."
She pushed the door open and walked in. Sheng Chenjin was sitting upright in a armchair, his gaze fixed on the computer screen, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hello, Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Chenjin looked up at Shi Xinxin, then looked down at the file in his hand.
He tapped his fingertips on the table. "Sit down."
Shi Xinxin sat down, her legs together, her back straight, and her eyes looking straight ahead.
She clearly saw a hickey on Sheng Chenjin's neck, and it was fresh.
"Mr. Sheng, I'll accompany you to the reception tonight, okay?" Shi Xinxin asked.
"Secretary Shi, are you afraid your parents will misunderstand?" Sheng Chenjin raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just worried my parents will overthink things," Shi Xinxin explained through gritted teeth.
"Oh, I see. Since Secretary Shi is so worried about your parents misunderstanding, then I should definitely go to the reception with you."
Shi Xinxin was stunned. Did he agree?
She thought he would refuse.