C23 Angel House

Chen Xuan felt truly miserable. It wasn't his fault the person got away, so why was all the anger directed at him? He had just overslept by a few minutes and didn't manage to stop them. Who would have thought that girl would dare to escape? The entire garden needed tending, and he couldn't finish it all by himself even if he worked until tomorrow. It was a tough break...

By the time Shen Geyao returned to the Shen family home, the sun was nearly overhead. In the front yard, a tall figure stood in the sunlight, seemingly waiting for someone. Although Shen Geyao hadn't come home all night, she wasn't feeling guilty; she just wanted to avoid trouble. She lowered her head, pretending not to see, and tried to take another path back to her room.

Someone quickly approached and blocked her way. It was Han Zhong, Liang Xinghao's assistant. "Miss Shen, my boss wants to have a word with you," he said. Han Zhong's tone was a bit forceful. While it wasn't obnoxiously overbearing, it certainly wasn't polite either.

Shen Geyao pressed her lips together, her demeanor cool. "I'm busy. Whatever it is, it can wait," she replied. She hadn't been home all night, and if Shen Nianxin found out, there'd be a confrontation for sure. She was exhausted and just wanted to get to her room to rest. She still had to visit the orphanage in the afternoon. As for Galaxy Anime, she couldn't go back there, not after being framed and nearly getting into serious trouble.

But everyone over there is so superficial. Going back would mean being sent straight back to Chenyu. She can't go back; it would be like walking into a lion's den. Yet, the orphanage still needs so much money, and she has to find a way...

Shen Geyao turned to leave, but Han Zhong stepped forward, blocking her path.

"Miss Shen, my young master said he has something to discuss with you about Angel House."

Shen Geyao was taken aback, glancing at the distant figure with surprise. How did he know about the Angel House orphanage?

After a moment's thought, Shen Geyao decided to follow Han Zhong to the pavilion in the front yard. Liang Xinghao was sitting there, with refreshments already served by the staff who then quietly left. Han Zhong also stepped outside the pavilion, either to stand guard or to give them privacy.

Shen Geyao didn't feel there was much to discuss with Liang Xinghao.

"Honestly, neither of us wants this engagement. I can see that," she said, getting straight to the point as she sat across from him.

"I understand what you mean, Mr. Liang. I won't cling to this. If you want to call off the engagement, I have no objections."

This was only their second official meeting, and there were no feelings between them. It was understandable that he wanted to break it off.

"In that case, why did you feel the need to prove your innocence to me last night?"

Xinghao held a cup in his hand, his slender fingers strikingly elegant. Yet, after meeting Chenyu, Geyao realized she was immune to good looks.

Catching Xinghao's gaze, Geyao was about to speak when she noticed his eyes were remarkably similar to Chenyu's—deep, dark, and inscrutable.

She wondered what Chenyu was doing after she ran off. Was he furious enough to want to drag her back and tear her apart himself?

Shaking her head, Geyao felt a mix of emotions. Why was she thinking about that jerk now?

Composing herself, she looked at Xinghao seriously. "Last night's incident was indeed a setup by Nianxin. She's quite manipulative and not suitable for you."

"You can call off the engagement, but you're a good person. If you want to get married, don't consider Nianxin."

Xinghao raised an eyebrow but remained silent. A good person? Heh...

"So, are you saying you don't intend to marry me?" he asked, his tone flat, revealing nothing of his true feelings.

Geyao was momentarily taken aback. Did he sound displeased?

"Didn't you come to see me today to discuss calling off the engagement?"

"Of course not." He took a sip of his tea before setting the cup down, looking at her intently. "I'm here to ask when you'll come back home with me."

"Back... home?" Is he serious? Last night, he saw her come back looking quite disheveled.

Even though she said she could prove her innocence, can a man really trust a woman so easily?

"Hold on!" Shen Geyao rubbed her temples, feeling a bit exhausted. "Can you first tell me why you're so insistent on marrying me?"

"No, I'm just asking when you'll come home with me, Miss Shen."

"..." At first, Shen Geyao didn't understand, but after a moment, it clicked.

"So, you mean I'm just coming home with you, but not marrying you?"

"I enjoy talking to smart women." He smiled slightly, though given her age, she could only be called a girl.

Such a handsome man, when he smiles, really gives off a refreshing feeling.

Even though Shen Geyao thought she was immune to good looks, she couldn't help but glance at the smile on his lips a couple more times.

Why does this smile feel so familiar? Had she met him before?

Or had she met someone who looked like him?

Shen Geyao tapped her head, still puzzled. "Why?"

"My grandmother is getting on in years and her health isn't great. She hopes to see me settle down while she's still around."

Shen Geyao was taken aback, not expecting the man in front of her to be such a devoted grandson. She always had a soft spot for people who valued family, but...

"So, you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend and go back with you?" She shook her head. "I can't. I have school and a lot of other responsibilities..."

"Xiaoping from Angel House needs surgery. I can cover her medical expenses and even donate to the orphanage."

Liang Xinghao had already done his homework on her. "With your salary at Galaxy Anime, there's no way you can afford Xiaoping's surgery."

"You looked into my life?" Shen Geyao was a bit upset, feeling like all her secrets were laid bare before him.

Liang Xinghao smiled lightly. "It's only natural to know a bit about the girl I'm bringing home."

"Your grandmother just wants to see you settle down. I'm sure there are plenty of girls willing to pretend to be your girlfriend."

She still shook her head. This wasn't something she could do. She was sure she'd slip up in front of his grandmother. Besides, she didn't want to leave here; she needed to visit the orphanage regularly. Joining the Liang family would come with many restrictions, and she wouldn't have the freedom she was used to.

Liang Xinghao didn't press the issue, simply saying, "I'll be staying at the Shen family for a couple more days. If you change your mind, you can come find me."

"As for now, I'm not considering anyone else."

He stood up and left.

Not considering... How domineering does that sound? It doesn't match his gentle and refined appearance at all. There's a feeling that this man is definitely not as simple as he seems.

Shen Geyao was about to head back to her room when, unexpectedly, someone came knocking.

"This is your bag and your phone."

Hee Siman handed over the items with a worried look. "The hospital just called. There's been a change in Xiaoping's condition."