Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

116. Golden Threads, Wishful Knots.

Shen Ruozhen's eyes fixed on Xiang Mingzhang abruptly, realizing that this unexpected compensation was intended for him.

Xiang Mingzhang had shared his concerns about his uncertain future, the anxieties he had concealed from the start, and his desire to help him resolve them.

Mrs. Chu appeared to grasp the situation and asked perplexedly, "This... what mistake could Xiaochen make?"

Xiang Mingzhang pondered for a moment before responding, "Nobody is perfect. If he were to lie and conceal something, could you forgive him once, Auntie?"

"He won't," Mrs. Chu affirmed. "He used to say he would follow through on his promises, but after losing his memory, he isn't aware of how reliable he truly is. If he says he'll do something, he will definitely do it."

Shen Ruozhen felt a sense of shame and remained silent, while Xiang Mingzhang clutched his hands tightly, explaining, "Contingencies and insincerities are inevitable in life."

Mrs. Chu offered words of comfort, saying, "He didn't utter a word, and yet you've taken precautions for him. Who am I to refuse?"

Xiang Mingzhang inquired, "So, are you willing to grant this request?"

A soft smile adorned Mrs. Chu's face as she replied, "I am his mother. Which mother wouldn't forgive her child? I promise."

Bai Yongti had remained silent throughout. During Xiang Mingzhang's time in Manzhuang, he implied, either intentionally or inadvertently, that Shen Ruozhen was not actually "Chu Zhichen."

For now, Xiang Mingzhang had not revealed Shen Ruozhen's true identity, but he mentioned that his ancestral home was Ningbo, and that he had no other family in the world.

Bai Yongti found herself taken aback, and couldn't help but recollect every encounter and conversation she had shared with Shen Ruozhen. Upon reflection, she realized that regardless of Shen Ruozhen's true identity, her impressions and relationship with her thus far remained unchanged.

It was an easygoing meal, and the sudden matter of the shares had startled both Mrs. Chu and Chu Shihui, leaving them lost in thought.

The atmosphere at the table grew solemn, prompting Bai Yongti to suggest, "The dishes are getting cold. Let's eat first."

Mrs. Chu snapped back into focus, tossing her long curly hair from her chest to her back. Realizing it wasn't necessarily a bad thing, she straightforwardly declared, "Let's eat first, and from now on, we won't discuss company matters."

Xiang Mingzhang released Shen Ruozhen's hand, and the sound of bowls and chopsticks clashing against the table filled the air. He turned his head and lowered his voice, saying, "I didn't inform you in advance, so don't blame me for taking action before discussing it with you."

Shen Ruozhen picked up his chopsticks and took an abalone, asking, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Xiang Mingzhang responded, "I wasn't sure if it would be a surprise or distressing for you. I was afraid you would object."

Shen Ruozhen placed the abalone into Xiang Mingzhang's bowl and then picked up a tiger's palm mushroom from the dish, eating it himself as he said, "The vegetarian dishes in Sumanzhuang are bland. Have some meat to compensate."

Xiang Mingzhang smiled, and Shen Ruozhen brought him some food, assuring him that he wasn't to blame. However, he immediately looked away, saying, "This is a good thing. I was busy all night and couldn't sleep."

If he had known in advance, Shen Ruozhen would not have agreed. Feeling a sense of shame, he said, "You don't have to do this for me."

Xiang Mingzhang calmly chewed on the delicious abalone, as if he were only discussing the taste of the food. However, he had eagerly fixed his gaze on Shen Ruozhen all along.