Tang Renbie lacked talent, but he was a master at charming women.
He was handsome and well-maintained, unlike those middle-aged men who grew paunchy with age. He went to the gym several times a week, building a physique of toned muscle.
Such a mature man, both wealthy and fit, was indeed quite appealing.
With these external advantages, Tang Ren was invincible in the C-city dating scene. He perfectly embodied the classic saying: keeping the home fires burning while also flying colorful flags outside.
He knew that a beauty like Su Ying would undoubtedly have many suitors. But he was confident in himself, believing that with his usual tactics, he could definitely hook Su Ying.
Especially since Su Ying had never been in a relationship before, wouldn't she be easy to capture?
Thinking this, he became eager to try.
"Brother, take it easy, don't let Sister-in-law find out," Tang Sese couldn't help but remind him, seeing his confidence.
Tang Ren's wife was the result of a family alliance. Although they had little affection for each other, a woman's possessiveness was terrifying. Mrs. Tang was a tigress who knew how to deal with other women. Therefore, Tang Ren always carried on his affairs behind her back, never letting them reach his wife's attention.
Another thing he handled well was ensuring no illegitimate children.
His precautions were foolproof.
"Don't worry, I have a sense of proportion," Tang Ren drained his drink, a confident smile on his face.
*
"Boss, a Ms. Tang has come, wanting to order a custom gown." After receiving the call, the assistant dared not be negligent upon learning the caller's identity and quickly reported to Su Ying. "She said the price is negotiable, but she wants to discuss it with you in person."
Su Ying replied without even looking up. "No time! Don't you know the orders are booked until the second half of the year?"
Su Ying was sketching on paper with a pen, answering the assistant's question in between.
"So, should we turn her down?" The assistant was a little reluctant.
Her salary was tied to her performance.
Closing a deal meant she would earn a commission. Clearly, Ms. Tang was at least a VIP-level client, the kind who wasn't short on money. If she could successfully sign her, her year-end bonus would at least double.
"Ms. Tang's offered compensation is quite generous."
Su Ying's pen paused, and she replied impatiently, "Can't you see I'm busy?"
The assistant's face stiffened, and she lowered her head in a fluster. "I'm sorry, I know what to do now."
Su Ying shook her head, suddenly nostalgic for the days when Fu Zheng was around.
He never made such mistakes.
Mentioning Fu Zheng, Su Ying's gaze flickered to her phone.
He had taken three days off due to family matters. During these three days, he hadn't messaged her or called her. The last message was from her, asking about some work-related matters.
Su Ying didn't like him being too clingy, but three days without a greeting seemed unusual.
Could it be that he had encountered some trouble?
Thinking of this, Su Ying's usually proud concentration was broken.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she picked up her phone and dialed Fu Zheng's number. The phone rang for a long time before it was finally answered.
"Who is it?"
It wasn't the voice she was familiar with.
Su Ying swallowed the words she was about to say. "I'm looking for Fu Zheng."
"He's not available to take calls right now. If there's anything, I can help relay it." The speaker was a young girl with a somewhat sharp tone, seemingly full of hostility towards her.
Su Ying calmed herself and said, "It's nothing, I'll call back later."
With that, she hung up.
Over there, Fu Zheng had just returned from the restroom. Seeing that his phone had been moved, he frowned subtly. He hated it when people touched his things without his permission.
"Brother Azheng, your phone just rang, and I answered it since you weren't back..." The girl stood awkwardly in front of him, seeing his cold expression.
"Hey, what's the big deal? You two grew up together, what's wrong with answering a call for him?" Mother Fu glared at her son, forbidding him from wearing a sour face.
Although his baby face had no deterrent effect, there were other people at the table, and such an attitude was very rude.
Fu Zheng remained silent out of respect for his mother, but anyone could see his distant demeanor.
This was a blind date.
The blind date was with the daughter of Mother Fu's classmate, their former neighbor.
Fu Zheng had been tricked into coming home by his family, who claimed his grandmother had fallen. In reality, she had merely sprained her ankle while walking and hadn't even gone to the hospital.
Fu Zheng had been raised by his grandparents and had deep affection for them. Upon hearing about the incident, he immediately took leave and rushed back. However, the signal in the mountains was poor, and his grandparents kept him talking, leaving him no time to check his phone.
By evening, he finally remembered to call Su Ying, but her phone was turned off. To ensure sufficient sleep, Su Ying turned off her phone at ten o'clock every night, refusing to be disturbed by anyone for any reason.
Su Ying was very busy, and when she was busy, she neglected everything else. Therefore, they had had almost no contact for the past two days. Today, having finally returned to the city, he was tricked by his mother into a blind date, something he couldn't easily tell Su Ying about.
He only hoped that the dinner would end soon so he could fly back to B City.
It was truly unaccustomed to be away from Su Ying's side these past few days.
"Azheng, Mom is talking to you, did you hear me?" Mother Fu was chatting enthusiastically with her old neighbor, often calling out to her precious son. However, Fu Zheng kept his head down, looking at his phone, not saying a word, which inevitably made Mother Fu feel embarrassed.
Fu Zheng slowly raised his head and said calmly, "There's something at the company. I'm done eating, I'll be leaving now."
"Stop right there!" Mother Fu became even more incensed. "What's so great about your lousy job? Quit immediately! Your father has arranged a position for you at the company. Report there tomorrow!"
Fu Zheng frowned, his expression growing uglier. "I'm doing my job just fine, and I won't quit!"
"You! Why are you so stubborn! Are we trying to harm you?" Mother Fu, accustomed to being in control, was furious when her son disobeyed, disregarding the presence of outsiders.
"I said long ago that I would be self-reliant," Fu Zheng said, picking up his jacket from the back of the chair as if to leave.
"Azheng!" At this moment, Father Fu, who had not intended to intervene, spoke. "Your mother just doesn't want you to suffer out there! Tell me, what can your meager monthly salary do?"
"I'm not young anymore, and eventually, the company will be yours to manage. While I still have the energy, I can guide you..." Father Fu appealed to his emotions and reason.
"Besides, you're no longer young. You can get married in a few years. Men only truly grow up after they get married."
Fu Zheng pursed his lips and suddenly said, "I have a girlfriend. When the time is right, I will bring her back for you to meet."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room turned instantly stiff.
The girl sitting beside him looked as though she had been deeply struck and was on the verge of tears.