Chapter 23: Hah, let us hope she is not a barren hen.

Tang Yuan went upstairs and began searching for information on her computer. Relying on her past connections, she finally identified a role suitable for Fu Yansheng.

As luck would have it, this was for a television series being produced by Shen Zhou’s aunt.

Shen Zhou’s aunt, Shen Tingshui, was a renowned director. She was the one who effectively ran the various entertainment companies under the Shen family banner. Shen Zhou himself looked down upon the entertainment industry, viewing it as a trivial slice of the pie. Furthermore, Shen Tingshui was exceptionally capable; she consistently produced one high-quality work each year and currently enjoyed immense national popularity.

Her upcoming drama was in the pre-production phase, and the casting for the male lead was underway. If she could secure this role, Yansheng’s profile would certainly be elevated.

Tang Yuan stared at the name "Shen Tingshui." She had never interacted with this nominal aunt; Shen Tingshui spent most of her time filming abroad and rarely returned home even once a year. Still, this role was something she had to fight for.

She stretched, only then realizing she had been researching for over four hours. As she rose to leave, she noticed a servant standing at the door.

"Madam, the main residence called. They want you to come over for dinner tonight. It is the birthday of the Master’s aunt."

The aunt—that would be Shen Tingshui, wouldn't it?

She hurriedly changed her clothes and asked, "Has Shen Zhou returned yet?"

The servant’s gaze flickered. "The Master asked you to go ahead. He said he would meet you at the main residence."

Tang Yuan understood immediately. Song Qianqian had suffered a humiliating defeat at noon today; Shen Zhou was likely busy comforting his little mistress.

A hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes. As she dressed, she picked up a jade "peace pendant" that Shen Zhou had previously given her, deciding to use it as a birthday gift. Shen Zhou had given her this pendant on their first wedding anniversary; it was worth nearly ten million. The wealthy socialites in their circle adored jade above all else. That specific shade of green exuded such luxury that anyone who received a piece of such quality would surely wear it out to show off.

Back then, when Tang Yuan received the gift, she had been moved to tears, foolishly believing that Shen Zhou had finally been touched by her and had developed real feelings. Now, it seemed laughable. Shen Zhou had no shortage of money; by casually gifting her something he had in abundance, he could ensure she remained at home, pouring her heart and soul into their marriage.

So, finding herself in such a difficult position now was only what she deserved.

She took a deep breath and packed the jade pendant away.

The servant nearby couldn't help but advise, "Madam, this pendant was a gift from the Master for your wedding anniversary last year. With your second anniversary approaching, this..."

Tang Yuan walked toward the door, her tone indifferent. "I suspect he has forgotten what he even gave me."

The servant said nothing. It was true; the Master did not care for the Madam.

Tang Yuan did not call Shen Zhou. She drove to the Shen family estate by herself.

Upon entering the main hall, she immediately spotted Elder Shen sitting in the center of the sofa, as well as Shen Tingshui, who was engaged in conversation. It was Shen Tingshui’s birthday, and having just won a "Best Director" award a few days prior, she had chosen to celebrate with her family rather than attend a dinner with industry peers.

It was well known that Shen Tingshui was a proud woman. With her extraordinary background and substantial wealth, she had no patience for the "hidden rules" of the entertainment industry. Those who could call her a friend were truly the elite.

Shen Tingshui did not dress like a typical socialite; she wore a sharp, professional jumpsuit, and her hair was cut into a chic, shoulder-length bob. She was only thirty-five.

When Shen Tingshui saw Tang Yuan, a flicker of confusion crossed her eyes, followed by a smile. "This must be Yuanyuan, right?"

Elder Shen leaned on his cane and nodded, telling Tang Yuan, "Your grandmother is waiting for you upstairs. She says her back is aching again, and only your massages seem to work."

Tang Yuan pursed her lips and spoke respectfully to Shen Tingshui, "Aunt, happy birthday. This is a gift I prepared for you. I originally intended to wear it myself, but I realized I couldn't pull off such an air of luxury, so I thought I would offer this borrowed flower to Buddha. Please continue your chat with Grandfather; I will go upstairs to see Grandmother and won't disturb you further."

She leaned over and placed the gift box containing the jade pendant on the tea table.

Shen Tingshui watched her poised demeanor, a look of satisfaction crossing her face. "Dad, Yuanyuan is actually quite a good child. She’s been good to everyone over the past two years. I heard she even developed a face mask for that girl Shen Ruan. You should tell that boy Shen Zhou to treat her better."

As the heir to the Shen family, Shen Zhou held a position of absolute prestige; even if he looked down upon a woman’s affections, he shouldn't trample on them.

Elder Shen chuckled. "Children and grandchildren have their own destiny. Why worry yourself over this? Little Zhou manages the company so well; he naturally cannot waste time on women. A man’s ambition lies in the wider world. Once he gets older, he will return to his family."

Shen Tingshui frowned. Having grown up in this circle, she knew that the older generation was deeply entrenched in patriarchal values—it was, unfortunately, the way of their thousand-year-old traditions. As a director in the entertainment industry, she knew better than anyone that one had to put in a hundred times the effort just to bridge the gender gap. However, she saw no reason to cause friction with her father over Tang Yuan.

***

Tang Yuan went upstairs. Through the curtains, she could smell the scent of traditional Chinese medicine. Elder Shen’s wife had been in poor health for years and had consulted many doctors. Hearing footsteps, her frail voice called out, "Is that you, Yuanyuan?"

A servant quickly pulled back the curtain.

Tang Yuan sat by the bed, her demeanor respectful. "Grandmother, I heard your back was hurting, so I came specially to massage it for you. Since it is Aunt’s birthday today, you will surely want to go downstairs for dinner later, so I will massage your legs and feet as well."

In the entire Shen family, no one actually liked her. On her first night after marrying into the family, she had come to see the old woman. The old woman’s words then had been severe: "It is your good fortune to marry into the Shen family. As for the rest, it depends on how Shen Zhou treats you. The Tang family taught you many rules, so I won't say more: respect your elders, respect your husband, and respect your juniors. If you fail to do so, Shen Zhou will replace you at any time."

Back then, she had nodded fearfully. "Don't worry, Grandmother. I will live peacefully with Shen Zhou for the rest of our lives."

Thinking of it now, aside from the bitterness, it felt like a lifetime ago. If she hadn't realized the truth now, she likely would have remained trapped in the cage of the Tang and Shen families for the rest of her life, never to escape.

She took a deep breath and began to massage the old woman’s legs with gentle, practiced hands.

"Has Little Zhou mentioned having children with you?" the old woman asked, leaning against the headboard with her eyes closed, the room filled with the scent of sandalwood. She wore jade beads and rings on her wrists, looking dignified and imposing.

"He said he wants to wait a few more years to see," Tang Yuan replied. To her, the Shen family was like a behemoth; until she had the ability to leave, she had to remain docile and sensible.

"Hmph," the old woman scoffed, "let's just hope you aren't one of those who can't lay an egg."