Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

04. "Are You Sizing Me Up?"

A hive of activity buzzed in the Chu household on Saturday morning. Preparations for the gathering were in full swing. The garden, glistening from a recent watering, showcased a meticulously mowed lawn, a vibrant welcome mat for their upcoming guests.

Inside, Mrs. Chu orchestrated the meal arrangements with practiced ease. Over an hour was meticulously spent selecting the perfect tableware, each piece arranged with purpose on the long table. This elaborate display wasn't just for show; it served as a silent apology for the Chu family's recent oversight in inviting Xiang Mingzhang. The meal itself was intended as a gesture of goodwill, a chance to mend fences.

But the invitation extended beyond reconciliation. Li Zangqiu, Yisi, and several other executives were also included. This was an opportunity to express sincere appreciation for their tireless work in recent times.

The Chus aimed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, a gathering that fostered both gratitude and a renewed sense of camaraderie.

On top of that, with Xiang Yue poised to become a major shareholder of Yisi down the line, it wouldn't be a bad idea to grease the wheels a bit and set up a casual get-together before things get official.

Having meticulously prepped everything, Mrs. Chu found herself in a delightful quandary. Should she use the gold or silver candlesticks? Deciding to leave that for later, she used the remaining moments to put the finishing touches on her own appearance.

She inquired, "Has Xiao Chen woken up yet?"

Aunt Tang, engrossed in arranging the flowers, replied in a hushed tone, "Oh, he's been up since the crack of dawn! It's quite the change, isn't it, especially after his hospital stay. Every morning at six, like clockwork, he's buried in a book. Can you believe it? Yesterday's choice? 'Economic Law'!"

A flicker of concern crossed Mrs. Chu's face. "Goodness, I hope he's not hatching some new scheme," she exclaimed with a hint of mock worry.

Aunt Tang chuckled, dispelling any lingering anxieties. "Heavens no! Let's be optimistic. Maybe this is a genuine turning point. Perhaps Xiao Chen has finally decided to turned over a new leaf."

Upstairs in the guest room, a weighty law book snapped shut with a finality that echoed in the stillness. Shen Ruozhen closed it, the leather cool against his fingertips. It was almost time for the gathering, so he got up and headed to the bathroom for a bath.

Over the past few days, Aunt Tang and Sister Xiu had diligently taken care of him, repeatedly asking throughout the day, "Would you like something to eat?" or "Would you like something to drink?"

Aunt Tang and Sister Xiu's concern, while well-meaning, was almost incessant. The only personal request he'd managed to voice was for a change of clothes.

In the past, life in the Shen mansion had been a well-oiled machine. Every third of the month, like clockwork, a tailor would materialize, taking measurements and whisking away the responsibility of wardrobe upkeep. Shen Ruozhen never had to worry about such matters.

He had written down his body measurements on a piece of paper and handed it to Aunt Tang, instructing her to find a tailor and order a few suits.

Aunt Tang glanced at the detailed measurements and remarked, "Oh, this is incredibly precise."

Unaware of what modern clothing stores were like, Shen Ruozhen meticulously accounted for every inch of his future suits was meticulously documented: five dimensions, three lengths, and a width, all meticulously accounted for. Different fabrics, he knew, held their shape differently – some draped with a languid grace, others held firm with a structured air. A perfect fit, regardless of material, was paramount.