Ye Qiu was Tang Guo's bodyguard, responsible for ensuring her safety. However, having become acquainted with Shen Monong, he felt obligated to help her, even though she was somewhat indifferent. She was kind-hearted, mature, and treated him well. She even included him when she cooked, and her body exuded a natural fragrance. He couldn't just ignore her.
Worried that Shen Monong was being followed, Ye Qiu hailed a taxi and instructed the driver to follow the two silver Mercedes-Benzes ahead. Remembering how he had done the same thing yesterday, following Jin Haili, he found it amusing. He felt more like a detective than a bodyguard, constantly tailing people.
The two Mercedes-Benzes ahead were driving at a steady pace. Shen Monong didn't seem to notice the car behind her, nor did she speed up. The car following her maintained a safe distance, not too close but not trying to hide its presence either.
Ye Qiu found it strange. Given the distance, Shen Monong should have noticed the car behind her. He wanted to call and alert her, but his phone only had the numbers of Tang Buyi and Wang Bo. He didn't even have the contact information for Tang Guo, Lin Bao'er, or Shen Monong, who lived in the same villa.
Feeling a bit frustrated, Ye Qiu recalled how, in his village, a single call would bring dozens of followers, ready to do his bidding. Yet here in the city, he seemed unable to adapt.
The route the two cars were taking became increasingly familiar, ultimately leading to the Blue Apartments. Ye Qiu started to wonder if they knew each other. If that were the case, his intervention might be unnecessary. However, recalling Shen Monong's fleeting expression, he felt something was amiss.
Seeing the two Mercedes-Benzes turn into the Blue Apartments, Ye Qiu got out of the taxi at a distance and walked toward the complex. He didn't want to be mistaken for a stalker.
Sure enough, upon returning to the courtyard, Ye Qiu heard voices inside the living room.
As "Sexy Bikini" and "Cute Little Apron" were busy playing World of Warcraft, they heard the sound of two cars braking in the yard. They paused their game and ran to the door to see what was happening.
From the first car emerged Shen Monong. From the second, a very handsome man got out. Shen Monong didn't acknowledge the man behind her and walked straight to the living room. The man, unbothered, politely smiled at Lin Bao'er and Tang Guo and said, "You two must be Miss Tang from the Tang Group and the young prodigy Miss Lin from the Lin family. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The man was strikingly handsome, with a sophisticated demeanor. His smile revealed charming dimples, and he wore a stylish yet casual black suit with a black bow tie, not appearing too formal. His eight white teeth gleamed as he spoke, instantly winning the girls' favor.
"Monong sister, who is this handsome guy?" Lin Bao'er playfully asked Shen Monong.
Tang Guo, on the other hand, maintained her composure. As the sole heir of the Tang family and future leader of the group, she couldn't afford to appear childish or rude. She politely stood aside and said, "Thank you, you flatter us."
"I'm just speaking the truth. Your reputations precede you, even in distant Suzhou and Hangzhou," the man replied with a light laugh, following Shen Monong into the hall.
"Monong, when I came to Yanjing, I specifically visited Grandpa and Uncle and Aunt. They are in good health but miss you dearly and asked me to check on you," he said with a smile.
"Thank you. I'm fine," Shen Monong replied coldly, sitting calmly on the sofa without offering tea, clearly distancing herself.
"Monong, you don't need to be so formal with me. Aunt misses you and wants you to come home if you have time," the man said with a smile.
"I'm busy with work for now. I'll find time to visit later," Shen Monong replied.
The man's eyes glanced at Lin Bao'er and Tang Guo, feeling annoyed. These girls, despite their prestigious backgrounds, didn't know basic etiquette. They should have excused themselves by now, yet they lingered.
"Aunt hopes we can go back together in mid-month. The 16th is my grandfather's 60th birthday. My main reason for coming to Yanjing is to deliver invitations to close friends and relatives of the Bei family."
"I'm sure someone from the Shen family will attend," Shen Monong replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"But you not going would upset Grandpa. After all, you're my girlfriend, Grandpa's granddaughter-in-law—" Bei Kexiong said with some difficulty.
Upon hearing this, Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er were shocked. Tang Guo managed to maintain her composure, but Lin Bao'er's mouth formed an 'O' shape, her eyes nearly popping out. This was news to both of them.
No wonder Shen Monong had moved alone from Suzhou to Yanjing, struggling to start her own business without any help from the Shen family. Only Tang Guo knew the hardships she endured, and if it weren't for her father's secret assistance, Shen Monong's company might not have survived, and she might have fallen prey to those who coveted her.
Tang Guo felt a pang of sadness. In wealthy families, marriages were often alliances of interest. So-called love was a joke compared to family prosperity. Shen Monong's marriage must have been arranged by her parents with this Bei family young master.
What about herself? Would her father also arrange a marriage for her to a man she didn't love?
"Bei Kexiong, I think you're mistaken. I never agreed to be your girlfriend, nor am I your family's granddaughter-in-law. I have no connection to the Bei family. I probably won't attend your grandfather's birthday, but please convey my regards," Shen Monong said.
"Monong, why be so harsh? Although I initially disliked the idea of a marriage alliance, I am now sincere towards you. I hope you understand this sentiment. Moreover, this is the wish of our elders. How can we bear to disappoint them?" Bei Kexiong, unperturbed by Shen Monong's words, continued. If he hadn't anticipated her reaction, he wouldn't be worthy of his reputation as one of Suzhou's four young masters.
Before meeting Shen Monong, he had no interest in an arranged marriage with the Shen family. Despite the Shen family's substantial assets, they were still inferior to the Bei family. But from the moment he first saw Shen Monong, he knew that even if she had no background and was penniless, he wanted to pursue her.