Chapter 34: My Future Daughter-in-law

Shen Ling knew this matter would have to be addressed sooner or later, and she had no intention of hiding it from her. After a moment of silence, she said, "Auntie, we’ve already broken up."

Zhou Bin's mother had never known about her cooperation with Zhou Bin, so calling it a “breakup” was not untrue.

Zhou’s mother was stunned, not expecting the news to come so suddenly. Although she felt a deep sense of regret, she nodded in understanding. "What a pity. But when it comes to matters of the heart, if it doesn’t feel right, breaking up is perfectly normal."

Shen Ling said nothing more. Things between her and Zhou Bin had indeed ended unpleasantly, but ultimately, they were only partners. As for feelings, there truly hadn’t been any. And with Zhou’s mother, there was no need to explain further.

Zhou’s mother, however, wore an expression of hesitation, her emotions somewhat conflicted, as if she needed something from her. After quite some time, she finally spoke. "I have a personal request. There’s a banquet the day after tomorrow, and I hope you can attend as my future daughter-in-law."

"Auntie, I don’t think that’s appropriate."

"I’ve already promised my friend. Shen, just do this one last favor for me."

Given all the help Zhou’s mother had provided her before, Shen Ling could not bring herself to refuse. After a moment’s thought, she nodded in agreement. "All right, Auntie."

Zhou’s mother beamed with delight. "Good girl, thank you so much."

That afternoon, Zhou’s mother sent a car to pick her up.

It was not a grand affair, so there was no need to dress extravagantly. She chose a light-colored long dress, paired with an ivory lace shawl for embellishment, and swept her hair up, giving her an air of elegance and intelligence.

Zhou’s mother had already arrived. When she saw Shen Ling, she warmly took her hand.

Most of the attendees were wealthy ladies, all adorned with glittering jewels, sipping tea gracefully and nibbling on pastries.

Zhou’s mother led her over, introducing her to the group. "This is Shen Ling, my future daughter-in-law."

A lady dressed in extravagant fashion turned to size her up, then looked back at Zhou’s mother, arching her brows with a smile. "Whose daughter is she? I’ve never heard of her."

Zhou’s mother maintained a perfectly polite smile. "She may not be from a prominent family, but I personally selected her as my daughter-in-law. Her character and abilities are exceptional."

She could see that the lady meant to stir trouble, so she spoke up in Shen Ling’s defense.

Shen Ling relaxed a little, and Zhou’s mother began introducing the others one by one. "This is Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Xu, and this is Mrs. Bo."

Shen Ling greeted them all with poise and respect. With Zhou’s mother standing up for her, the others naturally showed her courtesy, nodding in acknowledgment as a return gesture.

After introducing Mrs. Bo, Zhou’s mother leaned in and whispered quietly in Shen Ling’s ear.

"This lady is quite influential. Her son is Bo Jinhang, the renowned president of Vine Group in our city. Befriending her can only bring you benefits."

At those words, Shen Ling’s face instantly went pale.

She glanced around the room restlessly. Fortunately, it seemed that today was merely a tea gathering for the society ladies, and she was unlikely to run into him. She let out a silent sigh of relief.

Suppressing the waves of emotion in her heart, she took the initiative to raise her glass and toasted the group. "It’s my first time meeting you all. Allow me to offer a toast."

Mrs. Liu, perhaps intentionally or perhaps absentmindedly, remarked, "There are so many people here—just one toast?"

Shen Ling smiled awkwardly, but before she could respond, Zhou’s mother stepped in to shield her. "She’s a young lady—getting drunk would be most unseemly."

Only then did the others let her off lightly.

Though her tolerance for alcohol was not great, Shen Ling knew how to please people with her words. She soon had the ladies laughing and, with her own knowledge and grace, recommended certain pieces of jewelry. Mrs. Liu, especially, was charmed, and lavishly praised her to Zhou’s mother.

"No wonder you like her so much and brought her here. We’ve taken a liking to her, too."

Hearing such flattery put Zhou’s mother in an excellent mood, and she joked with delight, "Your son is already married, so don’t get any ideas."