"Lan Quiren" Xiao Fengmian repeated the name that his cousin Meng Lujin had mentioned. He turned his gaze to his wife while Ziyuan picked up a napkin to dab her mouth, appearing completely unconcerned about the name of the man that had just been mentioned.
With a serene expression, Ziyuan commented, "I had no idea you were acquainted with the Lan's, Lujin," as she took another bite of her food.
Fengmian and Lujin are distant cousins but given that they are both away from their homeland and their families are based in the US, it's only natural for them to be close. Also, their children, Xiao Zhan and Meng Ziyi, share such a close bond that they truly care for each other like siblings. However, the Meng couple knew nothing about Ziyuan's life prior to her marriage to Fengmian and that once in her life she associated with Lan Quiren.
They are at the Meng's home, having been invited by Linran for a gathering. They are set to announce the upcoming engagement of their eldest daughter, Ziyi, to the son of Lan Quiren.
Lujin let out a deep breath, then grabbed the water and took a sip before he began to speak.
"I was in the same class as Quiren at Texas University, Ziyuan," he answered, glancing at his wife and forced a smile. "Since we are both from China, we easily get along and became friends. Back then, we were both young. We used to joke about the idea that if we ever got married and started a family, we would let our kids to marry one another. When you're young, it's just one of those silly things you might say."
"If he hadn't turned into who he is today, you could easily forget all about it, honey," Linran replied to her husband. "You have to be practical in life, and the Lans are not just any ordinary family."
Lujin was taken aback by his wife's words. He looked in Ziyuan again and continued, "We were at a party with my boss who I didn't know was Quiren's business associate. We were both surprised. And I jokingly brought it up without thinking. But Linran here made it sure that Quiren grasped the seriousness of that, stressing that it wasn't a joke and that it was something I was genuinely thinking about.
"Of course, Lujin!" Linran replied with conviction. "If Ziyi ends up marrying a Lan, I'll feel much more at ease!"
Lujin turned to his wife and said, "Linran, your daughter is just nineteen, and Ziyi isn't happy with what you're doing."
"For now, Ziyi won't like my plans, honey. But once your daughter experiences the life of a princess, she'll be grateful to me." Answered Linran.
Fengmian and Ziyuan caught each other's eyes while the couple bickered in front of them. Both of them saw Linran's desire to be included in the clan of the respected Lans. And it seems that Lujin can't do anything about what his wife wants to happen.
"Quiren is an honorable man, Linran. He values his word, which is why he didn't dispute your claims. However, I can see that he's unlikely to push his son to agree with him on this topic."
"Your daughter is beautiful and smart, Lujin. You have nothing to be ashamed of. They accepted the photograph of our Ziyi to show to his son. And the conversation is over. We're simply waiting for Lan Quiren's to call so that Ziyi can head back to China, and the two of them can finally meet.
Fengmian interrupted the couple's heated discussion by clearing his throat. "Is Ziyi interested in marrying Quiren's son, Linran?"
Linran shrugged her shoulders and smiled contentedly. "Ziyi is an obedient child, Fengmian. She'll follow my wishes without a doubt. My daughter is not stupid enough not to love someone like Lan Wang Yibo. Considering his father's appearance, he's undoubtedly a good-looking man. Not to mention that they're one of the richest in China!"
Fengmian looked at his wife. Ziyuan shrugged her shoulders. Linran occasionally expressed her envy towards them, seeing how much more they were accomplishing in life compared to Lujin, who had only been working as an employee up to that moment. Ziyuan glanced at Lujin, saw the helplessness reflected in his face and and a wave of sympathy washed over her for him. Linran was one of the most manipulative wives she had encountered. Meanwhile, Lujin is also one of those husbands who struggles to assert his authority over his wife.
She turned her gaze to Fengmian and she smiled lovingly. He was the epitome of a gentleman. But he he wouldn't let anyone push him aside. And Ziyuan knows when to stop provoking her husband.
At that moment, she remembered Lan Quiren, she had often seen the Lan couple in the society pages of magazines and news in recent years. Occasionally, she found herself wondering if she regretted annulling her marriage to Quiren twenty-two years ago.
Being with Fengmian she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness contentment she had never known before. She knew she had made the right choice, she had made them all happy. Quiren had found his way back to Carmen and as far as she knew, the couple had two more daughters, along with their eldest son.
Although Fengmian might not match Quiren's power and riches. But Fengmian made her feel loved, secure and contented. She never felt about having a rival in Fengmian's life, whether it be a person or a thing. For Fengmian, everything revolves around her and their son, Zhan.
Unlike the time when she was with Quiren, she sensed from the very start that there was another lingered in the depths of Quiren's heart. And Quiren never truly understood how unwell and frightened she felt.
Maybe it was simply that Quiren wasn't paying her much attention. Or maybe because of the company that he was starting, and need to nurture to grow... Or maybe it was the cherished memories of his first love that lingered... Or because her love for Quiren is not that deep.
In all fairness to Quiren, from the first moment they met, Quiren was honest about wanting to forget his first love with her.
"Go to hell!"
"Believe me, my love, I've been there. And I want to go out for a while, and you will be my passes. Tonight."
Ziyuan sighed at the memories. What Quiren said that night had a lot of meaning. For a brief moment, the thought crossed her mind. Yet, like many others, she fell for the charming and gorgeous Lan Quiren. Who could resist? However, there's a big difference between falling and loving.
She thought she was in love with him. He was kind, thoughtful, and everything a woman could ask for. However, she came to understand that she was mistaken. Eventually, she realized that Quiren was more of a possession to her. Her security blanket in her chaotic life. But she had been foolish to think that she could possess the mighty Lan.
Ziyuan breathed in deeply and took her husband's hand in hers. Fengmian met her gaze with a tender smile, as if he could read her mind. And while Lujin and Linran still quietly bickering, Fengmian leaned closer to his wife and whispered softly.
"I love you..."
"And I love you back, darling."
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