"Son, that can't be! Your second uncle is feeling a bit guilty too, just like your dad when you brought that deceitful girl home. I really don't understand what those merchants are thinking. When other kids bring home a partner, everyone rushes to take a look. What's the point? Now look, they've broken them up!"
"Hehe, everything has its reasons! Anyway, you and Dad just focus on living well. Don't get hung up on this little matter! Also, take good care of my driver. Old Zheng isn't young anymore; don't neglect him!"
"Aiya! What are you saying? Our family has rules! We treat Old Zheng with warmth! Anyway, I have to go make dinner now! I've gained weight from all the meals I've had at your place these days!"
After her mother hung up, ignoring whether Shang Yunyan had anything else to say, he pressed the call pause button with a speechless expression and put on his bathrobe to head downstairs for dinner.
After dinner, Shang Yunyan took a stroll in the Tianhua Yipin community to digest his food. While daydreaming in the scenic area, he suddenly spotted Xu Yiru walking with her mother!
"Mom! It seems the situation at home isn't good, but I really don't know the details. It's just my older brother and the other two helping Dad out. I only go to work in the morning and leave in the afternoon. We aren't discussing business or any projects, so when you ask me, I really don't know anything! I've asked my second brother and the others, but they haven't given me a clear answer either!"
"Sigh, your dad doesn't tell me anything. Our Xiao family used to be prominent, but unfortunately, we didn't survive the financial crisis years ago. Now the Xiao family can't help at all!"
"Mom! I rarely hear you talk about Grandpa's side. You... huh? You... what are you doing here? Did you get a haircut?" Xu Yiru just happened to see Shang Yunyan sitting by the scenic path, lost in thought!
"Oh! Auntie, Miss Xu, hello!" Shang Yunyan stood up to greet them, feeling a bit shy after hearing Xu Yiru's words and scratching the back of his head!
This was the first time Xiao Wei, Xu Yiru's mother, looked closely at Shang Yunyan. And once she did, she couldn't help but like him. His gentle demeanor and the faint aristocratic aura he exuded reminded her oddly of her first love!
"That hairstyle… it looks good! You seem very sunny!" Xu Yiru stared at Shang Yunyan, making him feel a bit bashful. The way this girl was looking at him made even this big guy feel shy!
"It's okay, hehe! Are you two out for a walk?"
"Yes! I'm here to help Mom clear her mind. How about you? Not busy today?"
"Actually, I'm too busy and need a moment to think. Mind if I join you for a stroll?"
"Not at all! Let's walk together, right, Mom? Let's go!"
Xiao Wei didn't say anything; she just stared at Shang Yunyan for a moment before suddenly asking, "Is your last name Song?"
"Mom, what are you talking about? Mr. Shang, of course, my last name is Shang! What's going on with you? Why are you looking at Mr. Shang like that?"
"Nothing! I just remembered there are some things at home I need to handle. I'll head back now! You two enjoy your walk, and come home early!"
"Mom, Mom?" Xu Yiru looked at her mother's retreating figure, puzzled!
"Sorry, Mr. Shang. My mom might have something to take care of!" Xu Yiru said awkwardly.
"It's fine! Just call me Yunyan. Mr. Shang sounds a bit distant."
"Hehe, okay! By the way, which university did you graduate from? How's your company doing lately? I'm telling you, my family is really worried! Our company used to have a lot of cooperation with the Jiang family, but didn't they offend Ai Hongcheng? The Jiang family's downfall has cost us a lot of money. Is this affecting you?"
"Not really. Most of my business is just starting out, and I don't have any ties to the Jiang family! But I know the Jiang family has completely disappeared among the six major families, and it seems the other five families have also been greatly affected! Is your family doing okay?"
"Not really! I'm not too clear. My brothers don't tell me much, maybe they're afraid I'd worry!"
"That makes sense. You just entered society and are working in your own family's company. You need to gain more experience and learn. Going through some challenges now might actually be good for you! If you ever need my help, feel free to find me! We've met quite a few times, so let's add each other on WeChat?"
"Sure!" Xu Yiru took out her phone, and they added each other on WeChat. Suddenly, she felt a mix of luck and purpose being achieved, which confused her. Did she have some inexplicable feelings for Shang Yunyan?
After adding Xu Yiru on WeChat, Shang Yunyan quickly browsed through all of her posts. He found that she mostly shared about her life and studies, which surprisingly felt quite relaxing. The best part was that he didn't see any pictures of her with other men!