Li Nanchuan looked at her, his expression remaining unchanged.
"Our relationship may not be suitable for any change in address."
Bai Ningxi was not surprised by his reaction. She was confident.
After all, even a rational and clear - headed person like Li Nanchuan might not be able to avoid the "slow - boiling - frog" approach.
"Maybe I can first tell Mr. Li a story."
Out of gentlemanly courtesy, Li Nanchuan nodded. "Miss Bai, please go ahead."
Bai Ningxi's beautiful eyes flitted around. She parted her red lips slightly, and her voice was as refreshing as a mountain stream in a secluded valley.
The story was not long, but the heart - ache and sadness in it made people can't help but frown.
"My grandparents agreed to my parents' request back then that one of the children they gave birth to must be sent to live with them. Originally, it was supposed to be my elder brother, but I took his place..."
Leaving her hometown for more than a decade and only being able to go home during festivals was unimaginable for a girl in Li Nanchuan's mind.
If someone wanted to take away Li Beiyin, he would surely be heart - broken.
"Although my living conditions in the south were no worse than in Kyoto in terms of food, clothing, housing, and transportation, my grandparents probably didn't like my mother, so I had to be extremely cautious there." Bai Ningxi picked up the teacup and smiled. Thinking of the dark, windowless room and the so - called "family rules" passed down from generations, there was a look of relief in her eyes. "Fortunately, I'm back now. Otherwise..."
Li Nanchuan, being an elder brother himself, looked at her with a softened expression. "Things will get better in the future. Miss Bai doesn't need to dwell too much on the past."
Bai Ningxi responded. "I'm not telling these things to seek Mr. Li's sympathy. I just feel that... Mr. Li makes people feel very secure."
Li Nanchuan didn't comment. Maybe this sense of security was something Shen Youjin no longer wanted.
There was already someone else by her side to protect her. Did his presence still matter?
"Miss Bai, you can make another request. Whether it's a project from the Li family or something else, you can ask."
Bai Ningxi was stunned. Looking at Li Nanchuan's charming face, she didn't expect him to be even more... difficult to conquer than she thought.
She was always confident in herself. If it were another man, he would have been moved to some extent. This instantly aroused her competitive spirit.
"I haven't thought it through yet. I'll tell Mr. Li when I do."
Li Nanchuan nodded. "When are you planning to mention the annulment of the engagement? It's better to set a date so that I can handle the follow - up matters conveniently."
Bai Ningxi thought carefully. "Before my birthday."
Li Nanchuan readily agreed. This matter should respect the woman's opinion. It was just a few months, and he could accept it.
But during this period, what about Shen Youjin... Would she still give him a chance?
At the same time, Shen Youjin had arrived at the gate of the new community.
When she was about to get out of the car, Fu Qingye grabbed her arm. "Xiaojin."
Shen Youjin was stunned and turned her head in confusion. "What's up?"
He looked at her, his voice low. "Do you still like Li Nanchuan?"
Shen Youjin didn't expect him to ask such a direct and decisive question. It was quite in line with his style.
"It's over." She slowly withdrew her arm, as if seeing through his thoughts. "I wanted to save him because he got into trouble for me. I don't like owing people favors."
Hearing her say this, Fu Qingye held the steering wheel and asked, "Really?"
Shen Youjin nodded. At least at this moment, it was true.
"He already has his own fiancée. Do you think the Bai family is a non - entity?"
Thinking of this, Fu Qingye finally smiled.
Indeed, although Bai Beichen was useless, his elder brothers and sisters were very capable. Otherwise, the Bai family would have been kicked out of the top five families long ago.
"Go back and rest well! Remember to call me."
Fu Qingye made a phone - call gesture at her and then stepped on the accelerator and drove away.
Shen Youjin stood there, watching his sports car disappear from sight, and then turned around and went home.
Looking at the house she had listed for rent on her phone, due to the fact that someone had died in front of the door, even though she had lowered the price, there were still no takers. She couldn't help but feel a bit worried.
Should she lower the price even more? She felt a bit heart - broken.
Just as she was thinking about this, a new WeChat message popped up.
The avatar was familiar yet strange. She had already forgotten when the last time she had talked to this man was.
Shen Guoliang's avatar was a patch of green grass, and his name was "Virtue Carries All Things", which was a typical case of naming something based on what one lacked.
Humph! Did this man really have virtue? Even if he did, it wasn't for her and her mother.
"Put off what you're doing and come here in fifteen minutes."
Then came the location of a restaurant. She frowned. How could Shen Guoliang order her around so casually without any sense of guilt?
Not to mention that she had nothing to do now. Even if she did, she wouldn't put off her business for this so - called biological father of hers.
"I can't go." She replied to him. "You have no right to order me around."
It was really funny. He didn't fulfill his duties as a father but wanted to use the privileges of a father. How shameless!
Shen Guoliang almost crushed the screen when he saw the message.
Shen Tianzhen beside him also saw it and immediately fanned the flames. "Dad, she doesn't take you seriously at all. Forget it! Such a nice restaurant. It's a waste to reserve it for her!"
It was a joke. A restaurant with a per - person consumption of over ten thousand yuan for Shen Youjin? Was Shen Youjin worthy?
Shen Guoliang didn't say a word. His heart was stung by Shen Tianzhen's words. He glanced at Shen Tianzhen.
That face looked a lot like his current wife. Although it was still quite pretty, compared with Shen Youjin, it was rather ordinary.
Even a bit mean, especially when she said these things. He had also heard such words from his current wife.
For some reason, he missed the time when he was with Shen Youjin's mother. Only she could truly understand him.
"I'm going out for a while!" After a long time, Shen Guoliang finally spoke. "If your mother asks, tell her I have a business dinner."
After saying that, he picked up the car keys and left. Only Shen Tianzhen was left standing there, feeling quite puzzled. Did she say something wrong?
Why did it seem that Dad was a bit unhappy after she said those things?
Driving to the gate of Shen Youjin's new home, he called her directly.
Shen Youjin was feeling sleepy and wanted to take a nap, but before she could get into bed, the community security guard called her.
"Miss Shen, a gentleman is waiting for you at the gate. He's holding a bunch of gardenias and says he's your father. Should I let him in?"
White gardenias, a symbol of eternal love and promise. They were her mother's favorite flowers when she was alive.
All of a sudden, she was wide awake, and even her usually gentle voice took on a cold tone. "No need. Let him wait. I'll go out later."