Chapter 35: Bo Jinhang’s Fiancée

"You, your tongue really is sharp," Mrs. Liu teased with a laugh, showing no sign of offense. The atmosphere around the table grew even more congenial.

Noting that it was about time for the gathering to come to an end, Shen Ling finally felt the heavy stone in her heart ease. As they stood to bid their farewells, Bo Jinkan arrived.

He was as impeccably dressed as ever, his demeanor cold and utterly devoid of warmth. Accompanying him was a woman of similar age, an elegant hat perched atop her head. Her jet-black hair cascaded freely, her brows arched gracefully, eyes smiling, lips small and cherry-red. A gentle smile adorned her face.

Mrs. Liu, ever the chatterbox, brightened at the sight of the young woman and quipped with a laugh, "Young Mr. Bo is always so upright; it's rare to see a lady by his side."

Mrs. Bo rose to introduce them. "This is my son's fiancée, Wen Ruqin. She has just returned from abroad."

"Mr. Bo's taste is truly impeccable," the others chimed in with eager flattery, their enthusiasm undampened by the first meeting.

At that moment, Shen Ling wished she could retreat like an ostrich, burying herself beneath protective wings.

Bo Jinkan's frosty gaze swept over her without lingering, his expression as unsightly as ever.

Suddenly, Wen Ruqin reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "The wind has tousled your hair," she said softly.

Bo Jinkan's expression stiffened for a moment, but seeing Shen Ling's unperturbed face, he swallowed his displeasure and replied in a subdued, gentle tone, "Thank you."

It was a rare display of tenderness.

Wen Ruqin stood there, momentarily stunned but inwardly elated. On their way over, though they'd shared a car, Bo Jinkan's attitude toward her had been icy at best. She'd begun to think he didn't care for her at all. Now, it seemed, she might have been mistaken.

Bo Jinkan's gaze, however, continued to drift toward Shen Ling, ignoring the playful teasing from those around him.

"Having a girlfriend really changes a man—he's grown so gentle and considerate," someone remarked.

Mrs. Zhou, noticing his gaze, thought nothing of it. Assuming he simply didn't recognize the newcomer, she warmly took Shen Ling's hand and introduced her. "This is my son's fiancée, Shen Ling."

All anxiety vanished from Shen Ling's heart. Now, more than ever, she had to maintain her composure. With a polite, businesslike smile, she responded, "Mr. Bo, I've long admired your reputation. Meeting you and your fiancée today is truly an honor. You make a remarkable couple."

A dangerous glint flashed in Bo Jinkan's eyes, his brows nearly knotted with suppressed fury. After a long pause, he managed to speak, voice tense, "Fiancée?"

Shen Ling could feel his rigidity and coldness, but she remained unruffled.

Women are sharp to such subtleties, and Wen Ruqin sensed something amiss. Though she and Shen Ling had ended things long ago, Bo Jinkan's demeanor shifted the moment Shen Ling appeared—his entire presence seemed to radiate coldness.

Clinging to Bo Jinkan's arm, Wen Ruqin pressed her soft body closer, her tone sweet and demure. "Jinkan, I don't know any of the ladies here. Will you introduce me?"

Bo Jinkan withdrew his gaze. Looking at Wen Ruqin, his expression softened to a tender warmth. "These are all friends of my mother. There’s plenty of time to get to know them."

Wen Ruqin nodded obediently. She pulled a delicate handkerchief from her small purse, rose on tiptoe to reach his forehead, and dabbed at it gently, murmuring, "We were in such a rush—you've started to sweat."