Tang Si clenched his phone, watching Shi Ran standing not far away. His hand tightened on the phone, his knuckles visibly creaking.
He knew his mother’s temperament too well. If she personally came to Imperial Vista Villa and saw Shi Ran, she would surely show her no respect and instead, verbally humiliate her.
In such a scenario, even he as a man would find it harsh, let alone Shi Ran, who had disfigured her face and was currently suffering from low self-esteem.
"I'll be back immediately."
After some hesitation, Tang Si replied with a message.
Upon sending the message, he walked up to Shi Ran and took her hand.
Shi Ran, who had been gazing into the distance, turned back with a smile. "Are you going to work?" She turned to face Tang Si, raising a hand to tuck a strand of hair blown by the wind behind her ear. "A Si, you've been with me for a long time. It's time for you to go back to work. Otherwise... otherwise, how will you support yourself in the future, and how will you support me?"
Shi Ran's face held a smile, but upon closer inspection, her smile didn't reach her eyes. It seemed a little forced.
Shi Ran hadn't intentionally overheard the phone call. It was just that her standing position allowed her to hear Tang Si's voice.
Although she didn't catch the entire conversation, she vaguely heard words like "arranged marriage" and "don't interfere with my marriage."
With a little piecing together, Shi Ran could guess the situation.
"Hahahaha..." Tang Si threw his head back and laughed. "You're right. Fine, I'll listen to Ranbao'er. I'll head to the company now, earn more money to support our Ranbao'er, and save more money so Ranbao'er can have more children. We'll be lively and live our own happy little lives. Okay?"
He was planning a beautiful future, and just by imagining it, a heartwarming and harmonious family scene materialized in his mind.
Shi Ran nodded heavily. "Okay, very okay."
They exchanged a smile.
"Let's go."
Shi Ran led Tang Si back to the living room, had him get his car keys, and then went with him to the garage. She watched Tang Si get into his car and drive away from the villa.
Bored, Shi Ran watched the car drive out of the villa and couldn't help but follow it, walking to the villa entrance.
Wearing a mask, she stepped out of the villa, wanting to breathe in the outside air and feel the taste of freedom.
But at that moment, a car emerged from behind the villa and stopped in front of Shi Ran.
A slightly plump woman emerged from the black luxury car. She was adorned with jewels and exuded an air of nobility. Looking at her features, she bore a few resemblances to Tang Si.
Shi Ran immediately guessed her identity.
"You are Shi Ran, aren't you?" the woman asked, approaching her and scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Facing the imposing woman, Shi Ran felt an inexplicable nervousness but still mustered her courage and nodded. "Yes. Hello, Auntie Tang."
"You actually know me," the woman, dressed in a black dress, said with a cold smile. "Since you know who I am, you should understand the etiquette of meeting someone. Do you know that it's rude to talk to someone while wearing a mask?"
Hearing her words, Shi Ran's heart sank.
She vaguely suspected that Tang's mother might already know about her disfigurement.
"I..."
Shi Ran raised her hand to touch the mask on her face, her breathing momentarily faltering with nervousness, her eyes darting around. "I have a slight cold, so I'm wearing a mask to prevent spreading it."
"Is it a fake cold, or are you truly too ashamed to show your face?"
The sharp words struck Shi Ran’s heart like a needle, causing her to tremble.
As expected, Tang's mother had come prepared.
Feeling the pressure from the noblewoman, Shi Ran gradually felt an insurmountable gap between her and Tang Si.