Jiang Yuanrui was wrapping his arms around Lin Tang's waist, chatting and laughing with other guests when he turned his head and locked eyes with someone in the crowd.
Instantly, Jiang Yuanrui's grip tightened uncontrollably.
"Yuanrui, what's wrong?"
Lin Tang felt a pain in her waist and tugged at the man's sleeve with a hint of reproach.
"Nothing... nothing!"
Seeing the woman, Jiang Yuanrui broke out in a cold sweat, his pupils rattled, exhibiting a look of utter shock.
Shen Chu'an? How did she come here?!
At the same time, Shen Chu'an also noticed the man's look of panic.
Can't handle it now? Heh, there's more for him to endure later.
Shen Chu'an's face was cool, but her full red lips curled up slightly. Fu Huaichen, sensing something off about the woman, followed her gaze and his expression darkened abruptly.
"What are you looking at that makes you so happy?" Fu Huaichen asked with a cold face.
"Nothing, that must be your newly married niece, right? I was just wondering if I should go over and say hello."
Shen Chu'an kept a steady face under the man's inquisitive gaze, though her mind was already in turmoil.
How can this bastard be so sensitive? He even wants to control where I look!
"No need."
Fu Huaichen spoke indifferently, "If anyone should come say hello, it would be them to you. Don't be nervous."
The man's demeanor was aloof and imposing, his handsome face carried an intimidating sense of pride. However, in a corner unnoticed by others, his warm palm was gently caressing Shen Chu'an's wrist.
The calloused fingertips kneaded her wrist, alternating between light and firm pressure, causing Shen Chu'an's entire arm to go numb. She exerted force secretly, trying to withdraw her wrist.
"Fu Huaichen, you..."
"Uncle, Aunt!"
Lin Tang, pulling along a somewhat pale-faced Jiang Yuanrui, came over to greet them. Her eyes lit up when she saw Shen Chu'an.
"Aunt, you look so beautiful! I thought with an unemotional block of wood like Uncle, it would take forever for him to get married. Aunt, you must be really charming!"
Lin Tang was all smiles, her delicately made-up face radiated naive innocence. She sneaked a glance at the man beside her, noticed Fu Huaichen's suddenly grim expression, and immediately turned around to cling onto Shen Chu'an's arm.
"Speaking of which, why didn't Aunt come with Uncle to my wedding? Oh right, let me introduce you, this is my husband, Jiang Yuanrui. Isn't he handsome?"
"Though not as handsome as Uncle, of course..."
Just as the two drew closer, Shen Chu'an promptly pulled away from Fu Huaichen's grasp.
"He is quite handsome, but who knows what his character is like."
Shen Chu'an's face still bore a flush, and while her voice was soft as she spoke, there was a barely detectable chill in her tone.
It was clear that Lin Tang was a well-protected young lady from a wealthy family, naive and innocent, probably sweet-talked into marrying Jiang Yuanrui.
Jiang Yuanrui felt a sting from the woman's words, and the sweat on his forehead grew worse.
Fu Huaichen, on the other hand, watched Shen Chu'an thoughtfully for quite a while.
"Don't worry Aunt, if he dares to treat me poorly, Uncle won't let him get away with it, right?" Lin Tang said, smiling with her eyes curving into crescents, her gaze filled with adoration as she looked into Jiang Yuanrui's eyes.
"Now that you're married, behave more maturely, stop acting like a child."
Though Fu Huaichen's voice was even, Lin Tang immediately let go, standing obediently with her head down. It was Shen Chu'an who spoke:
"All right, we're all family here. I was too busy with work to make it to Xiaotang's wedding. I'll treat you both to dinner another day."
"Aunt is the best!"
Lin Tang's face broke into joyous laughter as she tugged at Jiang Yuanrui beside her.
"Yuanrui, hurry up and call someone. Although my aunt by marriage is young, her seniority is set, we can't just not say a word, right?"
"Xiaotang, I..."
Jiang Yuanrui hesitated for a long while, his mouth opened and closed repeatedly, yet not a sound came out.
"If it's such an effort, then forget it."
Shen Chu'an turned in surprise, meeting Fu Huaichen's deep and inscrutable gaze, and her heart skipped a beat.
"No, it's not an effort!"
As soon as Fu Huaichen spoke, how could Jiang Yuanrui dare not call someone?
Grinding his teeth, Jiang Yuanrui finally managed to squeeze out a difficult "Hello, aunt by marriage."
No matter what, he absolutely couldn't let anyone find out about his relationship with Shen Chu'an!
The family banquet began, and relatives greeted Shen Chu'an one after another. She responded to each, her face always wearing an appropriate smile.
"My granddaughter-in-law here is indeed Achen's capable assistant. Although she comes from a humble background, her conduct is proper and she is educated and sensible. Most importantly, Achen likes her."
"It's this brat who always kept hiding it, but now that they are finally married, I can rest easy!"
The Grand Dame Bai, who was Fu Huaichen's grandmother, spoke indifferently.
The guests listened, but they didn't take her words too seriously.
Among the wealthy clans, profit is paramount; the current lady is only in the limelight for the moment, and in case of conflict of interest, she could be replaced at any time. In their eyes, Shen Chu'an was merely relying on her young and pretty face to marry into a wealthy family—if Fu Huaichen tired of her, kicking her out was nothing.
Throughout the banquet, Jiang Yuanrui remained tightly wound, his gaze constantly flicking in Shen Chu'an's direction, terrified she would reveal everything in public.
Yet, while he was fearful and frantic, his anger was equally intense.
He had thought he owed Shen Chu'an in the past, but who would have guessed she'd turn into his aunt by marriage overnight? It was clear she had been unfaithful while she was dating him!
The family banquet lasted a long time, and although Shen Chu'an did not even glance at him, nor say anything inappropriate, Jiang Yuanrui still couldn't relax and barely ate anything.
It wasn't until he saw Shen Chu'an rise to leave that he made an excuse to follow her.
"Shen Chu'an, what exactly are you trying to do?!"
Before Shen Chu'an could enter the bathroom, a large hand yanked her over forcefully.
When she saw who it was, Shen Chu'an's gaze slowly chilled.
"Let go!"
"You need to make yourself clear first!"
Jiang Yuanrui firmly gripped the woman's slender wrist. The hallway's yellowish soft light shone on Shen Chu'an's face, making her radiant countenance even more captivating.
"You're quite capable, hooking up with someone like Fu Huaichen. Shen Chu'an, had I known you were such a vain woman, I wouldn't have wasted so many years on you!"
Jiang Yuanrui had intended to warn her not to have any ideas that could ruin his future, but now seeing her covered in brand names, with any given diamond necklace around her neck starting at seven figures at auctions, he could barely contain his resentment.
"Don't think that marrying into the Fu Family means you're safe and sound. With someone of Huaichen's status, do you really think he married you because he likes you? Let me tell you, in the eyes of these rich people, you're nothing more than a disposable plaything!"
Jiang Yuanrui's words became increasingly crass, his eyes filled with disgust and contempt.
He adopted a lofty attitude, "Just keep quiet, swallow the story of our past and don't tell anyone, and perhaps when you get kicked out of the Fu Family I might give you a hand. Otherwise—"
A loud slap interrupted him; Jiang Yuanrui covered his burning cheek, his expression growing menacing.
"Shen Chu'an, you've really got some nerve, daring to hit me?!"
Shen Chu'an sneered, "The slap was meant for you!"