"Miss Shen, it's nice to see you again."
Shen Tong put down her wine glass and saw Xie Sangyan standing next to her. Up close, this woman appeared graceful and elegant, exuding a maternal kindness that seemed common among mothers.
Shen Tong couldn't bring herself to dislike such a woman and responded with a smile, "Miss Xie, I was very impressed with you at the last dinner at your home. I'm glad to see you again."
Xie Sangyan seemed surprised by Shen Tong's politeness and paused briefly before asking, "When did you and Xiaoyuan meet?"
"Are you surprised?" Shen Tong smiled faintly. "You might not know how I met him, but I do know he cares a lot about you."
Xie Sangyan nodded. "I'm actually quite ashamed. As his good friend, I haven't shown him much care. Miss Shen and I have only met once, but you knows so much. You must care about him a lot too."
"Good friend?" Shen Tong's tone had a hint of mockery. "Are you trying to clarify your position? It's unnecessary. I know Liang Xiaoyuan likes you. Anyone who isn't a fool can see that."
Xie Sangyan was thoroughly taken aback by Shen Tong's words. The girl in front of her seemed barely in her early twenties but had an astute perception of the situation. Surprised, she asked, "Since you know, why do you still...?"
"Why do I still stay with Liang Xiaoyuan?" Shen Tong countered. "These things can't be explained in a few words. If you really want to know, why not ask Liang Xiaoyuan?"
"I know you two aren't really a couple. But in fact, I hope you get together. I can see that he feels differently about you. You're outstanding and a good match for him," Xie Sangyan said.
Shen Tong looked into Xie Sangyan's eyes and didn't see any deceit. But matters of the heart couldn't be forced. Shen Tong never thought anything would happen between her and Liang Xiaoyuan. Looking at the pampered Xie Sangyan, she couldn't help but smile bitterly. "You know everything. You don't need to feel any burden. Everyone who gives does so willingly. I don't know much about you, but someone Liang Xiaoyuan likes must be kind and sensible."
Liang Xiaoyuan was a true gentleman. Even when Shen Tong was being unreasonable, he still took care of her. It was only natural that he liked Xie Sangyan, who was so similar to him. However, such similarities often meant they couldn't be together.
"Thank you." Xie Sangyan then looked at Shen Tong with some concern. "You probably know that Xiaoyuan and I are both going back to China soon. What are your plans?"
Shen Tong was aware that Liang Xiaoyuan was returning to China, and she was not surprised that they would be returning together. Liang Xiaoyuan's return was indeed because of Xie Sangyan. Shen Tong couldn't help but admire her intuition and asked, "I'm going back to China too, but not right away. If you don't mind me asking, where are you planning to develop your career back home?"
"Didn't Xiaoyuan tell you?" Xie Sangyan asked, surprised.
"No, he didn't," Shen Tong replied. Anything related to Xie Sangyan was a topic Liang Xiaoyuan avoided.
Hesitant, Xie Sangyan finally said, "I'm going back to City S with Xiaoyuan. That's where we were before going abroad."
"City S?" Shen Tong couldn't believe her ears. Liang Xiaoyuan was going to City S, the same place where she planned to return. She had grown up in City S, where her aunt and cousin still lived.
"Yes," Xie Sangyan seemed unwilling to say more about City S.
Shen Tong, skilled at reading people, noticed that Xie Sangyan had been abroad for three years, had a child around three years old, but no husband. It was clear she had experienced a heartbreak.
"I'll be going back in less than two months, to City S as well," Shen Tong said.
"That's great! All these years, you're the only one I think could truly reach Xiaoyuan's heart. I hope you two can be together," Xie Sangyan said, her tone genuinely enthusiastic.
Shen Tong realized that Miss Xie Sangyan was quite naive. Being well-protected wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Just as she was about to say something, Liang Xiaoyuan approached them.
"Sangyan, Shen Tong, what are you two talking about that's making you so happy?" Seeing Shen Tong with Xie Sangyan made Liang Xiaoyuan uneasy. This woman was always so crafty; who knew what she might be saying?
Seeing Liang Xiaoyuan, Xie Sangyan's guilt lingered in her eyes. "Nothing much. Just that Miss Shen said she'll be returning to City S in two months. Don't forget to pick her up at the airport."
"Oh, I won't forget that," Liang Xiaoyuan said, a bit startled. He hadn't known that Shen Tong's hometown was City S.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Liang Xiaoyuan pulled Shen Tong aside and said to Xie Sangyan, "Sangyan, I have something to discuss with Shen Tong. We'll talk later."
"Alright. I have something to do anyway. You two go ahead," Xie Sangyan said, noticing the exchange of glances between them, and naturally walked away.
"What's the matter? Afraid I'd eat up your Sangyan? You looked so nervous seeing us together," Shen Tong teased. She knew he cared about Xie Sangyan but hadn't realized just how much.
Liang Xiaoyuan broke into a cold sweat. "I wouldn't think that. By the way, your hometown is really in City S?"
"Sort of," Shen Tong replied. "But this time, I'm planning to develop my career there. Why, Mr. Liang, are you planning to keep employing me?"
"I can't afford to employ you. Your performance fee is too high. It's better for us to stay friends," Liang Xiaoyuan said helplessly.
Shen Tong picked up her wine glass and clinked it against Liang Xiaoyuan's. "There's nothing you can't afford, just things you're unwilling to pay for. As for being friends, we've already been that for a while."
"What are your plans after returning to China?" Liang Xiaoyuan sipped his wine and asked.
"I promised my cousin I'd work at the same company as her. She's quite naive, so I want to go back and see how she's doing first," Shen Tong replied.
"You and I are alike, both like to protect others," Liang Xiaoyuan said with a bitter smile.
"The people I protect are worth it. In my world, giving is mutual," Shen Tong said meaningfully, but regretted it immediately. It wasn't her place to comment on his affairs.
Liang Xiaoyuan responded, "Only the person themselves can understand their own feelings."
Indeed, everything Liang Xiaoyuan did was of his own will. The company's third anniversary party was lively and reached its peak with everyone drinking and dancing late into the night. The company had booked the entire hotel, so everyone stayed there to rest.
Shen Tong insisted on returning to school, so Liang Xiaoyuan drove her back. After just a few minutes on the road, he noticed Shen Tong had fallen asleep beside him. She must have been very tired. Liang Xiaoyuan suddenly stopped the car.
He took off his suit jacket and draped it over Shen Tong. Her sleeping posture was adorable, unlike her usual feisty self. Liang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but smile.
When Shen Tong woke up, Liang Xiaoyuan had already called out to her several times.
"I have to go. Here's your jacket," Shen Tong said, realizing it was late. She hurried back to school, leaving Liang Xiaoyuan standing there, watching her slender figure disappear.