Chapter 19: This Is a Matter Between Us
Shen Ling shook her head with a gentle smile. “Work keeps me busy. I could never be in the same state as during university. You’re just being kind. But look at you—more energetic than ever. Among all our classmates, you really are the most impressive. I saw that magazine feature—you looked great.”
“I mean it,” Xu Shengye said suddenly, his expression earnest, as if eager to prove his words weren’t just idle pleasantries after so long apart.
Shen Ling hadn’t expected this. She was caught off guard for a moment, then a genuine smile blossomed on her face. “Thank you. That’s truly uplifting to hear.”
She snapped her fingers, signaling the waiter to bring over the menu.
Taking it, Shen Ling handed it to Xu Shengye. “Today, it’s on me. Order whatever you like.”
Xu Shengye smiled warmly, meeting her gaze. “How could I let a lady pay for the meal? Allow me.” He carefully selected a few of the more expensive and rare dishes and then passed the menu back to her.
With a helpless, troubled look, Shen Ling pressed the menu closed. “If you’re going to be this polite, I won’t even know how to bring up my reason for inviting you.”
She wasn’t sure if Xu Shengye would be willing to help her. Perhaps by insisting on treating, he was trying to avoid being asked for a favor, and this was her way of testing the waters.
Xu Shengye paused, then broke into a bright, delighted smile, as if secretly pleased that she’d thought of him when in need. “We’re old friends. If there’s anything I can do for you, I absolutely will.”
Shen Ling quietly breathed a sigh of relief, letting the subject drop for now. She opened the menu and casually ordered a few dishes.
After handing the menu back to the waiter, she turned to find Xu Shengye regarding her with a look full of gentle warmth. Feeling a bit ill at ease under his gaze, Shen Ling touched her face. “Is there something on my face?”
A fleeting trace of inexplicable panic crossed Xu Shengye’s eyes before vanishing. He shook his head. “No.”
The light that had so recently shone in his eyes seemed to dim. He asked softly, “After graduation, why did you disappear? You lost all contact.”
A lump formed in Shen Ling’s throat. His words pulled her thoughts inexorably back to the past—to the time when she’d broken up with Bo Jinhang and family troubles had forced her to change her contact information. She simply hadn’t had the energy to keep in touch with old friends.
Sensing the shift in her mood, Xu Shengye—ever attentive—changed the subject with gentle tact. “It’s all right. At least we’ve reconnected now. We should toast to this reunion.”
“Yes, it’s all in the past,” Shen Ling replied, lifting her teacup and finally relaxing enough to smile from the heart. “Let’s use tea instead of wine—cheers.”
At that very moment, Bo Jinhang entered and saw them. His expression darkened. He told his business associate to go ahead to the private room and then strode directly toward them.
Shen Ling’s smile was dazzlingly bright at that moment, almost blinding. Only when Bo Jinhang’s gaze landed on her did he speak, his words sharp and merciless: “Two days apart, and you’ve found yourself another companion?”
All color drained from Shen Ling’s face, her smile freezing on her lips. “President Bo? What a coincidence.”
She could only maintain her composure, silently praying he wouldn’t say anything too outrageous.
But Bo Jinhang was never one to oblige. One glance told him the man before him was of understated wealth, which only confirmed his suspicions.
He looked down, forcing down his fury. “Shen Ling, the contract’s already signed, and now you’re out fishing for another sugar daddy? Is this your way of doing business?”
Shen Ling bit her lip so hard she feared he might say something truly humiliating. She dared not retort, not even a little.
It was Xu Shengye, still unclear about the situation, who stood up indignantly on her behalf. “I think you’re mistaken. Miss Shen isn’t that kind of person. We’re just friends.”
“And you know her well enough to make that claim?” Bo Jinhang retorted coldly, clearly intent on exposing her past. “She’s nothing but a gold-digger.”
Xu Shengye’s expression changed, and he looked as if he’d say more.
But Bo Jinhang was in no mood to listen. He seized Shen Ling’s wrist, his eyes burning with accusation, each word spat out with deliberate emphasis. “Quite the scheme, isn’t it?”
“I…” Out of the corner of her eye, Shen Ling saw Xu Shengye rise, about to intervene. She quickly stopped him. “This is between us—just a personal matter.”
No sooner had she spoken than Bo Jinhang, paying her wishes no mind, dragged her out toward the exit.
Unable to resist, Shen Ling could only follow, giving Xu Shengye a reassuring look as she went.
Once in the parking lot, Bo Jinhang shoved her roughly into the car. His fury was palpable. Shen Ling, anger rising to match his, lifted her chin and met his gaze. “I have the right to make friends. You’re interfering—”
Before she could finish, Bo Jinhang’s shadow fell over her. He pressed her in, sealing her lips with his in a fierce, domineering kiss, claiming her without restraint.
The ruthlessness in his eyes sent a chill straight through her.