Sweet Chief Secretary

It was fair to say that tonight was Shen Mo’s home court and he was energetic all the time. Some sophisticated shareholders took the opportunity to stand on his side, flattering him incessantly.

Old Madame watched it all in her eyes, but she didn’t say anything. After exchanging a few words as a matter of courtesy, she went to the lounge for a rest. Standing for too long caused pain to an old lady.

“Old Madame, it seems that you have many worries in your heart.” Ningjing’s father pushed the door open and came in to sit beside Old Madame.

“You’ve seen it all. These two children, I can do nothing to deal with them.” In front of Ningjing’s father, Old Madame didn’t want to conceal anything, so she was outspoken.

“These children are very capable. Old Madame ought to feel happy for them.” Ningjing’s father gave a faint smile. Things of this sort happened a lot in many families like Shen Family. He was quite used to it and felt there was no need to worry about it.

“But they’re too capable.” It would be dishonest to say she was not worried. As Old Madame was in charge of the family, she was the one who got the right to decide. But she was in a dilemma, no matter who she would choose, she was wrong.

“Old Madame, would you like to listen to my advice?” Ningjing’s father smiled. It was necessary to be discreet when choosing a successor. But he had a good idea, which could help Old Madame solve the problem.

“That’s what I want.” Old Madame was sure to be delightful to listen to his advice. At present, she was in great need of someone giving her any constructive advice. Ningjing’s father’s word saved her from great worries.

“Old Madame probably can…” Ningjing’s father gave his opinion.

Hearing his word, Old Madame kept nodding, “Good idea. Do it as you’ve said.”

Seeing Old Madame’s eyebrows relieved, Ningjing’s father stood up with a smile, “Since Old Madame’s worries have been solved, can we join the banquet now?”

Ningjing’s father came over because he wanted to invite Old Madame.

“OK. Of course.” The two talked and laughed, walking to the banquet hall.

At this moment, Xia Yu entered after them. Ningjing’s father saw her and then said to Old Madame, “Xia Family’s child has grown up. I once saw her many years ago. I heard she had much in common with you when you were in the prime.”

Old Madame looked at Xia Yu, too. This child was really a genius. Recalling her golden days, Old Madame sighed with emotion, “I was not as capable as this child.”

Ningjing’s father laughed, “Old Madame, are you modest or are you praising your granddaughter-in-law? Or both?”

Hearing his word, Old Madame pointed to him and laughed as well, “You, what a sweet tongue! Well, I surrender.”

“Old Madame hasn’t laughed so happily for a long time. Uncle Ning is so good at it. Look, Old Madame is so delighted.” Second Madame aside saw it and said to Shen Yan.

“Yes, these years Granny misses Uncle Ning very much.” Although these years Old Madame didn’t mention the incident of Ningjing, her heart was always harassed with it. Now, it could be said that all was well. That was why Old Madame felt so happy.

“Mother, Uncle Ning, everyone is waiting for you. If you don’t come over, they dare not take a seat.” First Madame smiled pretentiously. She went over to hold Old Madame’s arm as if she would be the one who in charge of Shen Family in the future.

Wasn’t it obvious? Her son avenged Ningjing and figured out the truth. Additionally, President Ning thought he was promising and always favored him. If President Ning spoke for him, Old Madame would agree for sure.

So, First Madame was waiting to seize the opportunity to have a word with President Ning after the birthday banquet.

“Little Yan, why not greet Xia Yu and ask her to come over?” Ningjing’s father waved to Shen Yan and said with a smile.

As for Xia Yu and Shen Yan, President Ning was very grateful. But for their unremitting efforts, it would be impossible to do Ningjing justice. However, he chose to put his gratitude in his heart.

Hearing President Ning’s word, Shen Yan cast a look at Xia Yu, only to find she was walking over with a smile and greeting President Ning, “Hello, President Ning!”

“Hello! Old Madame was praising your capability.” President Ning looked at Xia Yu with a smile. Her generosity was quite incomparable.

Hearing President Ning was praising Xia Yu, First Madame aside felt unhappy, “Where’s Zhang Hanyu? With so many guests here, why he doesn’t come over to help receive them?”

First Madame happened to remind Shen Mo. He suddenly recognized that Zhang Hanyu had gone for a long while. He was indispensable on this occasion. So, Shen Mo intended to send someone to look for him.

“Young Master Mo, don’t look for him. I saw President Zhang at the back just now. He was fetching something in the barn at the back. He fell over and got injured because he was not familiar with the road conditions there. Luckily, it is not severe, but the injury is on his face. I’m afraid he can’t receive the guests.” Xia Yu said to Shen Mo.

“Since there are so many waiters, why should he fetch the thing in person? What a fool!” First Madame murmured with great discontent.

Right, why should President Zhang fetch the thing in person? That was the big question, which was worth pondering.

Shen Mo turned his eyes to Xia Yu while she deliberately evaded his eyes. The injury was for sure. The problem was why did he go there? If you really wanted to know, why not ask her secretly? After all, Zhang Hanyu used to be Xia Yu’s immediate boss. She had to care about Zhang Hanyu’s dignity and help to keep his privacy, right?

Shen Mo understood it all from her expression. Obviously, Zhang Hanyu ran into trouble and Xia Yu knew about it.

When Shen Mo was about to inquire Xia Yu of it aside, President Ning asked, “What about Zhou Yan? I saw he was talking to his grandpa just now. Why did he disappear in a blink?”

President Ning had a lot to tell Zhou Yan. This young man was a good child although a bit stubborn. Unluckily, his daughter didn’t have the blessing. She passed away too early.

“Zhou Yan’s girlfriend feels uncomfortable. He has sent her to the hospital and asked me to convey his word to President Ning that he will make an apology to you someday.” Xia Yu explained to President Ning.

“Zhou Yan has had a girlfriend? Which family does she come from?” Old Madame asked aside.

“Wanru, Granny you know her.” When Xia Yu answered, she cast a look at Shen Mo.

Now, should he have known why Zhang Hanyu couldn’t come to treat the guests?

“Damn Zhou Yan. Since he came, why should he make trouble? If I should have known it earlier, I wouldn’t invite him.” Shen Mo felt regretful in his heart. Immediately, he asked someone to take the place of Zhang Hanyu because it was more important to receive the guests in the hall.

When it got done, Shen Mo went to the back to look for Zhang Hanyu. He knew the bastard, Zhou Yan, too well. Don’t be deceived by his appearance of a man of letters. He had an iron hand. Zhang Hanyu must have been hurt severely. So, he must go to check.

“Xia Yu, what’s going on?” Shen Yan glanced at Shen Mo’s back, drew Xia Yu to his side and asked in a low voice.

“Your guess is right. They all get injured.” Xia Yu whispered to Shen Yan’s ear.

The night wind started to blow, and the shadows of trees danced with it. Zhang Hanyu stood there still with discontent in his heart. The smell of blood lingered in the air.

Shen Mo gently pushed the door open. The yard of the grain barn was in a mess. The stools fell down and the fragments of the clay jars were spread all over. The blood marks were left on the ground and even on the stairs.

Shen Mo went over and picked up the handbag on the ground, which was made of blackish-green silk.

It was evident that there was a big fight here, including the proofs on the ground, blood and the broken wine glass. Shen Mo moved forward a few more paces to the door of the grain bar and bent to pick up an earring from the blood. He caressed it in his hand and rubbed it with his finger pulp.

Zhang Hanyu stood and watched every detail of Shen Mo’s moves silently.

“Let’s go, let me send you to the hospital.” Shen Mo sighed and said.

“Never mind!” Zhang Hanyu refused, because he thought it was pretentious to go to the hospital just for such a minor injury.

Zhang Hanyu didn’t get injured severely, which Shen Mo knew for sure. But the puddle of blood on the ground meant someone was severely injured. Xia Yu said Zhou Yan had sent Wanru to the hospital just now.

So Wanru got hurt and it was severe. Zhang Hanyu must have been worried about her in his heart. They had had too many misgivings on the matter of Shen Yan. Shen Mo didn’t want Zhang Hanyu to have more regret.

“You have to go!” Shen Mo dragged Zhang Hanyu’s hand and walked outside.

The birthday banquet in the hall had begun. Old Madame and President Ning were sitting in the center while Shen Yan sat on their right. But he was absentmindedly sitting there and wore a gloomy face all the time. Luckily, Old Madame could spare no time to inquire him because Shen Mo was missing suddenly. She sent someone to look for him and was told, “Old Madame, we’ve searched the whole hotel. We haven’t seen First Young Master!”

“You’ve called him?”

“Yes, but his phone is off!”

Old Madame didn’t inquire further, but First Madame changed her expression out of anger. It was understandable that her dear son was missing out of blue on such a grand occasion, additionally with so many guests present. What was it on earth? She could only subdue her anger considering the occasion.

Seeing this situation, Second Madame made a cup of tea, handed it over and said in a subdued voice, “Sister-in-law, please don’t feel angry. Little Mo is always considerate. Perhaps he has to leave for a while because of something urgent.”

“Hmm!” First Madame looked more annoyed, “Is there anything so important that he left without letting me know? Then who can accompany Uncle Ning to drink a toast?”

Didn’t he know the importance of this occasion? How could that child be so careless?

Second Madame was speechless. She knew First Madame had both a stubborn character and temper, so she could only motion Shen Yan with her eyes and said softly, “It’s not a big deal. When Uncle Ning is going to drink a toast, we might let Little Yan accompany him as well.”

Xia Yu added at once, “Yes, First Aunt. Today is Uncle Ning’s big day. Cheer up! Don’t get angry!”

Perhaps because there were non-family members present, First Madame moved her lips at last, “They won’t spare me from worries!” When she muttered this, she looked at Shen Yan, “Well, later you accompany Uncle Ning to drink a toast!”

However, there was extremely discontent in her heart because all their efforts finally paved the way for the lad, Shen Yan. Actually, she could not refuse this offer since he was Second Young Master of Shen Family and was supposed to take the responsibility when First Young Master was absent.

Shen Yan was silent, not knowing what he was thinking about. Xia Yu kicked him at once under the table and Second Madame motioned him with her eyes. Shen Yan got their hint and then nodded with consent.

First Madame felt a bit relieved secretly. She was at a loss for Shen Mo’s missing. Now she only hoped nothing would go wrong anymore.

President Ning’s initial purpose was to invite some old friends to have dinner and have a good chat, but First Madame insisted on holding a grand party. At last, he could only let it be.

Considering so many business friends present here, President Ning was supposed to make a speech in front of them. Shen Mo was supposed to be the person who accompanied him in the speech part earlier, but now they could only have Shen Yan on his behalf.