Meng Huaijin sat in the main hall, his thoughts drifting to Wu Na and Fu Wenying. He wondered if Fu Wenying would be treated poorly over there.
If Fu Wenying knew what he was thinking, she would undoubtedly have been speechless and thought, "You underestimate me far too much."
"Grandfather, elders, please continue your conversation; I am going to find my elder brother and the others." He stood up and took his leave of the seniors.
"What is this about finding your brother? I suspect you just miss Wenying," Meng Yunfeng teased. Meng Yunhuai chimed in with a grin, "Who would have thought that the formidable Meng Huaijin, a titan of the business world, had such a side? Truly a rare sight."
"Uncle, Second Uncle, be careful, or I shall tell your wives."
"Huaijin, it was just a joke, no need for that," Meng Yunfeng said in a hurry. The renowned general was well-known for being henpecked.
After Meng Huaijin left, Elder Wu spoke up. "I have watched Huaijin grow up since he was a boy. Among all the families of his generation, when it comes to business, he is the most outstanding and exceptional. His future is limitless."
Elder Meng did not bother with false modesty. "I am satisfied with every single thing about Huaijin."
"What a pity that such an exceptional young man is not my grandson-in-law."
Upon hearing this, Meng Yunheng’s expression turned grim. It was not that he was unaware of Wu Na’s actions; he simply had chosen not to pursue the matter. However, how could Elder Wu possibly know about the affairs of the younger generation?
Elder Meng steered the conversation elsewhere. "I suppose that was not meant to be."
The topic shifted to other matters.
Meanwhile, Meng Huaijin arrived outside the conservatory.
Meng Huaining was the first to spot him approaching. "Hello, Third Brother."
Meng Huaihuang looked at Meng Huaijin and said, "A-Jin, come quickly. A-Zhen’s chess skills have improved lately; it is time for you to put him in his place."
"Big Brother, you should let A-Xuan help you; I have no interest in that right now."
Meng Huaihuang knew his younger brother wanted to spend time with his new bride, so he said nothing more.
Meng Huaining quickly vacated her seat and moved to sit beside Wu Na.
Meng Huaijin walked over and sat down next to Fu Wenying.
"Why have you come over? I thought you were discussing business with Grandfather and the others."
"I missed you," Meng Huaijin said with a smile.
"Brother, how is it that I never realized you were so smooth with words?" Meng Huaining rolled her eyes at him.
Watching Meng Huaijin’s gentleness, so completely different from the stern, humorless man she remembered, Wu Na felt a surge of jealousy.
Meng Huaijin crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, his arm resting behind Fu Wenying. To Wu Na, it looked as though he were cradling Fu Wenying in his arms.
"Brother Huaijin, how did your discussion with my grandfather and the others regarding the forum go?"
Hearing that voice, Fu Wenying suddenly felt a wave of nausea. She poured two cups of tea, handing one to Meng Huaijin and drinking the other to settle her stomach.
"Thank you, dear."
Fu Wenying sipped her tea, smiling.
Meng Huaijin glanced at Wu Na. "It went nowhere. I have no intention of attending this year; I am going on my honeymoon."
"Third Brother, where are you planning to go for your honeymoon? I think Ireland is quite nice. Let me give you some recommendations," Meng Huaining interjected.
"You should give those recommendations to your sister-in-law. She is the one in charge of our home."
Meng Huaining scooted over to the other side of Fu Wenying and began telling her about Ireland and other destinations. Meng Huaijin chimed in occasionally, but mostly he listened to the two of them.
Wu Na watched their laughter and conversation, feeling as though she were being pricked by needles.
After a while, Uncle Li arrived to announce that dinner was about to begin, which finally brought her awkward ordeal to an end.
As the others waited for Lin Zhiyun and her group to lead the way, Meng Huaijin took Fu Wenying’s hand and walked behind them.
"Third Brother, why do you have to hold Sister-in-law's hand everywhere you go? Are you afraid she might get lost?" Meng Huaining teased, watching them display their affection.
"You wouldn't understand—you haven't got a boyfriend, and you aren't married," Meng Huaijin retorted playfully.
Fu Wenying pinched his palm, and he stopped teasing her.
Walking behind them, Wu Na felt like a clown.