The group arrived in the living room, waiting for the dining room to be prepared.
"Ding… ding…" Meng Huaijin’s phone rang.
"I’m going to take this call. Please go ahead and take your seats if I’m not back yet."
"Alright, go ahead."
Meng Huaijin walked to the balcony at the back to take the work call from Meng Jie.
Watching Meng Huaijin head off alone, Wu Na decided she wanted to speak with him. She had not given up on him, even though he was now married; she believed that being married didn't mean they couldn't divorce, and that was of no concern to her.
She made an excuse about needing the restroom, then snuck onto the balcony when no one was paying attention.
Meng Huaijin finished his call and only then noticed someone else on the balcony.
Wu Na looked at him. He was the same as always: cool and detached, his expression revealing neither joy nor sorrow, a man who kept others at arm’s length—nothing like the way he was when he was around Fu Wenying.
"Is there something you need?" Meng Huaijin asked politely. His upbringing and breeding would not allow him to be cold to his grandfather's guest.
"Brother Huaijin, do you really love Fu Wenying? I know yours is a business marriage. Everything you did today was just to put on a show for Grandpa Meng, wasn't it?"
Even having seen how differently Meng Huaijin treated Fu Wenying, she refused to accept it; she wanted to hear it from his own lips.
The moment Meng Huaijin heard these words, his eyes filled with extreme annoyance.
He thought to himself that it was rare for Wenying to have married him and, rather than distancing herself from him due to certain circumstances, to have instead shown him such affection. If she were to overhear these words, she would certainly misunderstand.
"Miss Wu, my wife and I are very affectionate and very happy. There is no such thing as what you are describing."
"Furthermore, I can overlook the past for your grandfather's sake, but please, have some self-respect."
"Brother Huaijin, can't you really see it? Why did you choose her? In what way am I inferior to her?" As she spoke, she felt increasingly aggrieved, and tears began to fall.
"In every way, you are inferior. She is wonderful—truly wonderful. That is not something you need to concern yourself with. Please stay away from us, or suffer the consequences."
With that, he turned and walked back into the living room, returning to Fu Wenying’s side.
Wu Na stood there alone, struggling to process her emotions.
After a while, dinner began.
Wu Na took her seat and watched as Meng Huaijin thoughtfully pushed in Fu Wenying’s chair.
Everyone present was happy, laughing and talking. Even Meng Huaining, who used to be close to her, was chatting and laughing with Fu Wenying.
Suddenly, it felt as though she were the only one left behind in this world of hurt.
Meng Huaijin peeled shrimp and served food to Fu Wenying.
"Wenying, eat more. Huaijin, take good care of Wenying," Elder Meng said, noticing Wu Na as well. "Nana, you too, eat up and see what you think of the chef at Grandpa Meng’s house."
The two expressed their thanks politely.
After dinner, Wu Na left with Elder Wu. Meng Yunfeng and the others also headed home.
Fu Wenying went to the bedroom with her mother-in-law.
"Wenying, this bracelet was entrusted to me by A-Jin’s grandmother. She told me to give it to his wife once he married. You must keep it safe."
Hearing this, Fu Wenying could find no reason to decline. She accepted the box with both hands and thanked her.
"And Wenying, if he ever bullies you, remember to tell your father and me. We will take him to task for you."
Hearing her mother-in-law’s words, Fu Wenying felt a warmth in her heart.
"I understand, Mom. If that ever happens, I will definitely let you know right away."
After going downstairs, Elder Meng saw the box in Fu Wenying’s hands and knew what it was.
"Grandpa, Mom, Dad, we are leaving now."
Fu Wenying also said her goodbyes to the elders.
"Huaijin, Wenying, I will double-check everything for your return visit the day after tomorrow. I’ll have the driver bring it over tomorrow," Lin Zhiyun said as she saw them to the door.
"Alright, Mom, thank you." Meng Huaijin expressed his gratitude, then took Fu Wenying back to Qingfeng Manor.