Chapter 36: We Are About to Get Married

Bo Jinhang instinctively grabbed her hand in displeasure, but as soon as he thought of Shen Ling, he forced himself to endure it. He simply used her hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"Your health isn't good, don't overexert yourself," he said.
He wanted to annoy Shen Ling, to accept all of Wen Ruqin's tenderness and respond in kind, but when he looked up, Shen Ling's icy gaze was as calm as a frozen lake, utterly infuriating.
Wen Ruqin was even more surprised, though inside she was wild with joy—Bo Jinhang finally no longer resisted her touch.
The couple flirted and fussed, sweet as honey, spreading their affection blatantly for all to see.
The ladies watching laughed and teased, "Miss Wen is truly impressive, to have Mr. Bo so attentive to your every need."
Wen Ruqin, embarrassed by their jokes, lowered her head, her cheeks so red they seemed ready to bleed.
Bo's mother hurried to shield her, "Enough, enough. Qin'er is shy. There will be plenty of chances in the future; you don't need to tease her now."
As more people arrived, the atmosphere grew livelier. Everyone was busy networking, and no one lingered on the little episode any longer.
Shen Ling understood now—no wonder he had disappeared for days; it turned out he was occupied with welcoming his fiancée.
Mrs. Zhou turned her head and, noticing Shen Ling's pale face, assumed she'd had a bit too much to drink. With maternal concern, she advised, "You can go get some fresh air. If you feel unwell later, it's fine to leave early."
Shen Ling actually did wish to leave the crowd and rest alone, so she gently replied, "Aunt, I'll go get some air."
There was a large terrace on the second floor. She opened the door and stepped outside; the terrace was filled with flowers—roses and peonies, blooming exuberantly in clusters, their fragrance delightful. She disliked drinking, and the breeze dispersed the scent of alcohol, making her feel far more comfortable.
She had thought this place would be undisturbed, offering a rare moment of peace, but before long, the door was pulled open. Wen Ruqin entered, lifting her skirt as she walked, her gaze fixed intently on Shen Ling, brows slightly furrowed and her tone oddly tense.
"Shen Ling, I know you."
Shen Ling's attitude was cool. She glanced at Wen Ruqin and smiled.
"Is that so? I know you too, Mr. Bo's fiancée. Pleased to meet you."
"I don't mean just now." Wen Ruqin stepped closer, staring fiercely at Shen Ling's face, her gaze almost contemptuous. "Years ago, you were with Bo Jinhang. For the sake of wealth and status, you gave him up. Now that you've learned of his distinguished background, do you want to come back?"
Shen Ling felt irritated. Those dust-laden memories were something she had no wish to revisit, and she was surprised Wen Ruqin knew about them—it seemed she must have known Bo Jinhang even then.
She feared Wen Ruqin would dredge up those matters, the deepest and most hidden wounds in her heart. She didn't want to linger and hear more nonsense, so she turned to leave, intending to vacate the space for Wen Ruqin.
But Wen Ruqin, unwilling to waste this rare opportunity, quickly grabbed her wrist, spun around, and blocked the doorway, her eyes gleaming with triumphant pride.
"You'd better give up. We're getting married soon."
"Oh?" Shen Ling raised her eyebrows.
To be honest, Shen Ling didn't care whether Bo Jinhang married or not, or whom he married. What she cared about was that if Bo Jinhang married and their relationship remained as it was, it would be rather unethical.
Seeing Wen Ruqin blocking her way, Shen Ling's expression grew colder, and she spat out icily, "Your affairs have nothing to do with me. There's no need to inform me."