Chen Liang entered the study with the confidence of a man accustomed to commanding attention. Tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit that whispered of wealth and influence, he cut an impressive figure. His sharp features, meticulously styled dark hair, and penetrating gaze gave off an air of endless control and calculation.
Chen Liang's calm comportment immediately put Wang Wei on alert, while Wang Zhiqiang sat back, his narrowed eyes betraying his lingering suspicion of the Chen family's intentions.
With practiced grace, Chen Liang ( William Chen) greeted the two men with respectful bows. "Mr. Wang," he said, addressing the elder first, his voice smooth and firm. "Mr. Zhiqiang. Thank you for receiving me on such short notice."
Wang Wei motioned for Chen Liang to sit, his own face a mask of polite interest. "To what do we owe this unexpected visit, Mr. Chen?" he asked, his tone neutral but Overlayed with curiosity.
Chen Liang settled into the offered chair, his posture relaxed yet alert. He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on his lap. "I'll be direct," he began, his voice calm but firm. "The recent... events surrounding your family have not gone unnoticed in our circles. I believe this situation has left the Wang family in a dangerous position, and I'd like to propose an alliance that could benefit us both."
Zhiqiang's jaw tightened, but Wang Wei's expression remained impassive, encouraging Chen Liang to continue.
Liang's eyes moved between father and son as he spoke. "The business world is unforgiving, as we all know. Reputations built over generations can crumble in a day. But I see an opportunity here – not just to weather this storm, but to emerge stronger."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before delivering his proposal. "I propose a marriage alliance between myself and Wang Xiaoyun."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Zhiqiang's eyes darkened, his voice tight with barely contained anger. "A marriage? With a Chen? Do you think we need your help to recover from this?"
Wang Wei, however, remained thoughtful, his sharp eyes studying Chen Liang intently. "Mr. Chen," he began, his tone measured, "What you propose is indeed a bold move. You believe this would benefit both of our families equally?"
Chen Liang nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Absolutely. Wang Xiaoyun is highly respected in the business world, but this scandal, if left unchecked, will linger like a shadow. A marriage would shift the story entirely. I can offer your granddaughter stability, support, and a united front against any who would seek to take advantage this situation. Together, our families could lead Qingyun City into a new era of prosperity."
Zhiqiang scoffed, but before he could voice his objections, Wang Wei raised a hand, silencing him. The Old man's eyes never left Chen Liang's face as he spoke. "I will consider your proposal, Mr. Chen. It is... unexpected, but these are unexpected times. You may leave now. I will have my answer for you soon."
Chen Liang (William) stood, offering one more respectful bow before leaving. As the door closed behind him, Zhiqiang could no longer contain his frustration. He stood abruptly, his voice rising. "Father, you can't be serious about this. A marriage to a Chen? Have you forgotten My clash with his Father?"
Wang Wei fixed his son with a stern look. "Think logically, Zhiqiang. You let your pride and old grudges blind you to what's best for the family. This alliance could save us from further public embarrassment and strengthen our position in ways we couldn't achieve alone."
"But Xiaoyun—" Zhiqiang began, only to be cut off by his father's raised hand.
"I want what's best for Xiaoyun, and Chen Liang fits the type of man I want for her. His business capability is undeniable, and his family's influence could prove invaluable. Sometimes, Zhiqiang, we must set aside our personal feelings for the greater good of the family."
Zhiqiang stood speechless as his father's words sank in. Wang Wei had made up his mind, and Zhiqiang knew from experience that once his father reached a decision, it was all but set in stone.
****
Meanwhile, across the city, Lan Feng sat anxiously in a small, dimly lit room of his family's hospital, staring at his phone. His once-perfect features – the sharp jawline, neat hair, and light brown eyes that had charmed so many – now appeared strained and weary. The weight of the scandal, combined with the news that he and his family's hospital had been sued for an outrageous amount, pressed down on him like a physical force.
He couldn't afford to lose everything he had worked for. He needed to talk to Wang Xiaoyun, to explain, to find a way out of this mess that threatened to engulf them both, the mess he caused, because he couldn't keep his head straight, only to be seduce by the slaying fox Ruo Shui. And he fell totally for it.
His fingers hovered over Xiaoyun's contact, trembling slightly before he finally pressed the call button. Each ring felt like an eternity as he waited, his heart pounding in his chest.
****
Wang Xiaoyun was in her office when her phone buzzed. The moment she saw Lan Feng's name on the screen, her stomach twisted with a conflicting mix of anger, heartbreak, and a traitorous flicker of longing. She stared at the phone, letting it ring several times as she debated whether to answer.
Finally, steeling herself, she accepted the call. "Lan Feng," she said, her voice carefully controlled.
"Xiaoyun, please," Lan Feng began, his voice low and overlayed with desperation. "I need to see you. I need to explain. There's so much you don't understand about what happened."
Xiaoyun closed her eyes, fighting against the urge to give in to the familiar warmth of his voice. "I think I understand plenty, Lan Feng. The scandal makes things quite clear."
"No, you don't—" he started, then paused. "Please, Xiaoyun. Just meet me. One last time. I owe you an explanation, and... and you deserve the truth. All of it."
Against her better judgment, a part of Xiaoyun – the part that still clung to memories of happier times – wanted to hear him out. Perhaps she needed answers, or maybe she was searching for closure. Whatever the reason, she found herself agreeing. "Fine. One meeting. That's all."
"Thank you," Lan Feng breathed, relief evident in his voice. "The usual place? Our restaurant?"
Xiaoyun's heart clenched at the mention of 'their' restaurant, the place where they had shared so many intimate conversations and built dreams that now lay shattered. "Alright," she said after a moment. "In an hour."
As she ended the call, Xiaoyun leaned back in her chair, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't notice the shadow that passed by her office door – the figure of her younger sister, Wang Yuhan, who had overheard enough of the conversation to spark her protective instincts.