Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Cat treats were definitely out of the question. Shen Tingzhou caught sight of a banana on the table and hesitated before breaking off one to hand to Xu Xun.

Xu Xun didn’t take it, still looking at him.

Shen Tingzhou paused for a few seconds, peeled the banana, and offered it again.

Xu Xun... accepted it, though he still looked unhappy.

After pacifying the original resident, Shen Tingzhou continued to happily pet the cat.

-

That evening, Shen Tingzhou didn’t take the silver tabby home because the atmosphere between the two cats wasn’t as tense.

Although slightly disappointed, seeing the silver tabby integrate into the group made Shen Tingzhou very happy.

Driving back home, while preparing to shower and sleep, Shen Tingzhou received a call from Zhou Zitan.

Zhou Zitan’s adoptive mother was having a birthday and invited Shen Tingzhou to come over that day.

Zhou Zitan earnestly said, “Come, come. I’ll introduce you to my mom so she knows I have proper friends.”

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Shen Tingzhou had initially wanted to refuse but couldn’t resist Zhou Zitan’s persistent persuasion.

The birthday was this Friday.

Zhou Zitan’s father had booked the top floor of the Platinum Joy Hotel, inviting many close friends and business partners to celebrate his wife’s birthday.

Zhou Zitan had an excellent relationship with his adoptive mother and even dyed his hair black the day before her birthday.

When Shen Tingzhou arrived, Zhou Zitan was by his adoptive mother He Ranjie’s side.

He wore a simple shirt and trousers, his hair neatly combed back, revealing a full forehead. The way he spoke to He Ranjie looked very obedient.

Such a Zhou Zitan was something Shen Tingzhou had never seen before.

Even in front of He Yanting, Zhou Zitan wasn’t as well-behaved as if he were about to receive an award.

Zhou Zitan spotted Shen Tingzhou and waved, "Doctor Shen."

Shen Tingzhou walked over and nodded to He Ranjie, saying, "Auntie, happy birthday."

He Ranjie had a striking appearance, still beautiful despite her age. Her gentle demeanor softened the aggressiveness of her looks, and her eyes, carrying a faint smile, made people feel warmly welcomed.

"I’ve heard Little Tan talk about you many times. It’s great to finally meet you. You’re the first friend he’s brought home to introduce to me."

Shen Tingzhou had an inexplicable vision, "Are you the first girlfriend he’s brought home?"

Shen Tingzhou could only say, "I haven’t known... Zitan for very long."

He Ranjie: "True friendship isn’t measured by time. Sometimes Little Tan can be a bit spoiled; thank you for taking care of him."

Shen Tingzhou: "You’re too kind."

Zhou Zitan leaned forward in front of He Ranjie, "I’m very well-behaved; I haven’t troubled Doctor Shen."

He Ranjie smiled.

Zhou Zitan hesitated and asked softly, "Mom, will Brother come today?"

"He should," He Ranjie replied, seeing through him, "Did you have a fight?"

Zhou Zitan fidgeted but shook his head, "No."

Afraid He Ranjie would ask more, Zhou Zitan pulled Shen Tingzhou away with an excuse.

Sitting on the sofa next to the food area, Zhou Zitan kept glancing at the entrance.

Suddenly, he asked, "Doctor Shen, do you think my brother will bring that... that person?"

Shen Tingzhou: "Probably not."

Bringing someone would mean coming out publicly.

This answer made Zhou Zitan’s expression improve a little.

Soon, a tall and cold figure appeared at the entrance. Zhou Zitan, like a hungry dog seeing meat buns, immediately got up and stuck close.

Watching Zhou Zitan fawning around He Yanting, Shen Tingzhou was momentarily speechless.

Suddenly, a tsk sounded behind him.

Turning around, Shen Tingzhou saw Qin Shiyao, dressed elegantly and made up beautifully, standing behind him.

Qin Shiyao stared at the fawning Zhou Zitan and said meaningfully, "The harder he licks now, the hotter the crematorium will burn later."

Shen Tingzhou broke her fantasy, "It might not burn. Xiao Zhou probably doesn’t have those feelings for President He."

"Shut up!" Qin Shiyao snapped, "That crematorium must burn, no other possibility!"

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Alright then.

Shen Tingzhou sought common ground while reserving differences and rationally changed the subject, "Why are you here?"

Qin Shiyao’s expression softened, "Our families have a collaboration. By the way, I was actually looking for you."

Shen Tingzhou vaguely knew why the other party was looking for him, but he could only feign ignorance. "Is there something you need?"

Qin Shiyao asked, "Do you know about Jiang Ji's first love? I received a text from Zhou Zitan and had someone look into this Lin Xueyan."

Shen Tingzhou lowered his eyes, feeling guilty.

In fact, it was he who sent the text, informing Qin Shiyao of the hospitalized address of Jiang Ji's first love.

Lin Xueyan had been in a coma as a result of an accident six months ago and was still in the hospital.

Shen Tingzhou told Qin Shiyao about this to help her understand why Jiang Ji stayed by He Yanting's side.

Qin Shiyao's expression was worth savoring. "This Lin Xueyan, huh."

Shen Tingzhou: ?

Qin Shiyao dropped a bombshell. "His car accident wasn't simple."

Shen Tingzhou: !!!

How did it turn from melodrama into a mystery?

Just as Shen Tingzhou was about to ask for more details, Qin Shiyao suddenly raised her hand, making a hushing gesture.

She perked up her ears to listen to the conversation of a few wealthy ladies ahead.

"I heard that this birthday party was arranged by President Zhou himself. Mrs. Zhou, you've finally seen better days."

"What do you mean by 'better days'? Mrs. Zhou and Mr. Zhou grew up together. They supported each other all along."

"Yes, yes, look at me, getting nervous and losing my words."

He Ranjie smiled. "We're all friends; just speak freely."

Qin Shiyao couldn't help but chuckle.

He Ranjie and Zhou Zhizhong, this famous bickering couple in high society who have been together for over twenty years, have many stories.

Shen Tingzhou had heard some of them, so he knew what Qin Shiyao was laughing about.

Some people tried to flatter He Ranjie but ended up embarrassing themselves. Fortunately, the current He Ranjie is gentle and gave them a way out.

When she was young, He Ranjie had a temper even worse than Qin Shiyao's.

In her twenties, He Ranjie was domineering and arrogant, with a powerful father and a protective brother.

She had a smooth life until she stumbled in matters of the heart.

She and Zhou Zhizhong were childhood sweethearts, but before they got married, Zhou Zhizhong had a white moonlight.

Old Master Zhou intervened and drove the woman out of the country, forcing Zhou Zhizhong to marry He Ranjie.

After marriage, their relationship was terrible. Zhou Zhizhong was constantly involved in scandals, surrounded by numerous women.

He Ranjie wasn't one to hold back either. When Zhou Zhizhong didn't come home one night, she stormed into the company with a knife and almost stabbed him in the meeting room.

The incident became widely known.

Zhou Zhizhong's friends often joked about it.

Everyone wondered when they would divorce, but year after year, things only got worse.

Zhou Zhizhong maintained his playboy lifestyle, with a list of mistresses long enough to form several teams.

Every time a scandal broke, he would end up with new injuries.

There were cuts from fruit knives, bruises from ashtrays, and knocks from golf clubs. His arm dislocated twice, and once he spent two months in the hospital.

All of these were inflicted by He Ranjie.

At the time, everyone jokingly called He Ranjie the first domestic abuser in high society. Zhou Zhizhong's friends were all terrified of the He family's eldest daughter.

Eventually, both sets of parents intervened to suggest separation, but the couple refused to divorce.

Four years into their marriage, a female celebrity claimed to be carrying Zhou Zhizhong's child.

Over the years, Zhou Zhizhong had acted like a Casanova, juggling various women, making it hard to tell who was genuine and who was not.

Most of the time, he was charming and generous, but on that occasion, he showed a cold and ruthless side.

That celebrity disappeared afterward, reportedly selling her car and house to pay off a large sum of breach of contract fees.

Later analysis suggested that either the child wasn't Zhou Zhizhong's or he simply didn't want children.

Regardless, Zhou Zhizhong would face severe consequences if he went home. Friends advised him to stay away, knowing how deadly serious He Ranjie could be when angry.

Zhou Zhizhong didn't leave, and surprisingly, He Ranjie didn't act violently that time.

Years later, He Ranjie transformed into the compassionate Mrs. Zhou.

And the most notorious playboy in the capital is now the respected Mr. Zhou whom many greet with deference.

This infamous bickering couple's relationship improved in middle age.

Mainly because Zhou Zhizhong, the aging playboy, seemed to be turning over a new leaf, publicly displaying affection.

It remains unclear whether he truly reformed or if it was just to maintain a good husband image for the shareholders.

The truth is that outsiders don't care; they just follow the topic to get closer to He Ranjie, asking her how she manages to keep Mr. Zhou in line.

He Ranjie's smile faded slightly. "There's no such thing as controlling; it's just respect and understanding."

Respect and understanding.

If these words had come out of He Ranjie's mouth a dozen years ago, they would have shocked everyone present.

Seeing that she didn't want to elaborate, everyone laughed and steered the conversation elsewhere.

At this moment, Zhou Zhizhong walked over. "Ranje."

Zhou Zhizhong is two years older than He Ranjie. Unlike his contemporaries who have grown paunchy, he remains elegant and graceful.

Time has mellowed the sharp edges of his youth, making him more reserved and refined. His gaze on He Ranjie was very gentle. "It's time to cut the cake."

Hotel staff pushed in the cake trolley, and the surrounding guests gathered around.

Zhou Zhizhong wanted to touch He Ranjie's hand.

He Ranjie subtly avoided it and turned to call Zhou Zitan. "Little Tan, come over and help cut the cake."

Zhou Zhizhong lowered his eyes but said nothing.

Zhou Zitan strode over, his eyes bright and sparkling under the lights, filled with admiration for He Ranjie.

On He Ranjie's left was Zhou Zhizhong, and on her right was Zhou Zitan.

With an outstanding and capable husband and a handsome and filial son, anyone would think she was a happy woman.

Even Qin Shiyao was momentarily fooled, leaning close to Shen Tingzhou to remark.

"You know, they look like a family of three."

"..."

Is it possible that they are indeed a family of three?

As He Ranjie was about to cut the cake, the ballroom doors opened.

The guests inside were quietly waiting for the cake cutting, so the sound of the door creaking was very noticeable, like an amplified sound effect signaling a dramatic turn in a play, drawing everyone's attention.

Everyone looked towards the entrance in unison.

A woman dressed in a black dress, wearing a black veil hat, and with a white floral brooch pinned to her chest walked in.

"Wow."

Qin Shiyao was the first to exclaim in surprise.

Shen Tingzhou's lips twitched slightly.

However, wearing black with a white flower feels less like attending a birthday celebration and more like attending a funeral...