Meng Nianyao sipped her water and remained silent.
Clearly growing impatient, Meng Haotian finally spoke up. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you having second thoughts?"
"I told you to give me time to consider," Meng Nianyao's tone was frosty. "Why the rush? I'm starting to question your motives. You claim to still love me. Do you truly love me, or do you love what I can bring to you?"
Meng Haotian was rendered speechless. He realized he had been overly hasty and had exposed his true intentions. He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Nianyao. Please don't misunderstand me. I do love you, but the company... Time is running out, and I hope you understand... I won't bother you further. Reach out when you've made your decision."
"I'll hang up now," Meng Nianyao asserted.
"Wait..." Meng Haotian attempted to halt her. "Nianyao, have you eaten yet? Let's grab a meal together, okay?"
"No need, I'm hanging up." With that, she ended the call.
On the other end of the line, Meng Haotian stared at the darkened phone screen, his expression deeply discontented. Jiang Shanshan, standing nearby, noticed his mood and approached, gently taking hold of his arm. She cooed, "Hubby, don't be upset. If Meng Nianyao doesn't have the capability, we can simply disregard her. After all, our company is thriving, and the income we generate is sufficient for us to live comfortably."
"You don't understand," Meng Haotian no longer concealed his emotions. He forcefully shook off Jiang Shanshan's hand. "Gu Corporation is a towering entity. Many aspire to align themselves with it, but not all are worthy. Previously, when I worked as a minor manager in Gu Corporation's sales department, I reaped numerous benefits... Now that Meng Nianyao has fortuitously positioned herself beside Gu Corporation's CEO, if I can effectively leverage her, our company can skyrocket to the pinnacle!"
Jiang Shanshan was shoved aside by Meng Haotian. She contemplated arguing but opted to hold her tongue. She had reached her current status and managed to supplant Meng Nianyao as Mrs. Meng by virtue of her patience, astute judgment of circumstances, and an understanding of what men desired.
Jiang Shanshan's eyes welled with tears. She clutched her stomach, feigning discomfort, and whimpered, "I'm sorry, hubby. I was thoughtless."
Meng Haotian cast an impatient glance at her. Jiang Shanshan attempted to pull him away. "Hubby, our child... My stomach hurts... My stomach really aches..."
Meng Haotian halted in his tracks and turned back.
Two days later, Gu Wencheng and Ping Yang returned from their business trip. Over these days, Meng Nianyao had fully come to terms with her relationship with Gu Wencheng. If she wanted to exact revenge, she couldn't do it without Gu Wencheng's assistance. Having acknowledged this, Meng Nianyao began to furnish her bare apartment with everyday essentials. As she ventured out to buy groceries, her phone unexpectedly rang, and when she saw the unfamiliar number, she had an inkling. She pressed the answer button.
"Mrs. Gu, please come pick me up," came the voice on the other end.
Meng Nianyao hesitated momentarily, then asked tentatively, "Gu Wencheng?"
"Yes, whose Mrs. Gu are you?" Gu Wencheng countered.
Meng Nianyao was at a loss for words, uncertain how to respond. After a two-second silence, she inquired, "Where are you?"
"At the airport."
Meng Nianyao nodded and proceeded to pay for her groceries. An hour later, she arrived at City B's international airport, laden with bags of vegetables. Gu Wencheng seemed to have waited for some time. When he spotted Meng Nianyao, he couldn't help but notice the vegetables she carried. "Where have you come from? You're still toting vegetables?"
Meng Nianyao glanced at the shopping bag in her hand and then surveyed the other travelers at the airport, each laden with suitcases or backpacks. She indeed appeared out of place with her supermarket vegetables.
"I was shopping at the supermarket when I received your call," Meng Nianyao explained with a hint of awkwardness.
"I see. It appears I still hold a place in Mrs. Gu's heart," Gu Wencheng remarked with a smile, reaching out to take the shopping bag from her. "Alright, let's go." With that, he wheeled his suitcase ahead.
Meng Nianyao caught up with him, her curiosity piqued. "Where's Ping Yang? Why didn't he return with you?"
"Mrs. Gu, why don't I see you having that much concern for me?" Gu Wencheng noted, looking at her.