Chapter50

Cen Zhen was stunned by the sudden scene in front of her, unable to speak. Perhaps, at that moment, words could not describe the shock and happiness she felt inside.

She stood by the window, watching the fireworks, watching the flashing names and confessions, unwilling to blink, afraid of missing something, afraid of missing Meng Fanchuan's feelings again.

Passersby and tourists did not know who had planned such a grand event, but that didn’t stop them from taking photos to record the scene—

On the first day of the New Year, a man named Lewis confessed to a girl named Zhen with a romantic fireworks display and subtitles on several buildings across Victoria Harbour.

The advertising space on the highest building, the International Finance Centre (IFC), was incredibly luxurious, with prices calculated by the second. Usually, it was used for government promotions, and even when people occasionally used it for proposals or blessings, they only lasted a few seconds or at most three to four minutes, which was already extravagant.

But tonight, the sentence “Wishing her dreams come true” lasted a full 20 minutes. The phrase couldn’t even be described with the words "spending money like water." The citizens of Hong Kong were curious—what kind of dream needed such a grand blessing? And what kind of girl made this Lewis put her in such a dazzling center?

In the restaurant, Cen Zhen finally received Meng Fanchuan’s New Year gift in full. She turned around and looked at him, her eyes slightly red but still restrained, “...Why waste money?”

“Do you like it?” Meng Fanchuan simply asked.

Cen Zhen nodded, nodding vigorously. Meng Fanchuan smiled, “You like it, so how can it be called wasting?”

Perhaps Cen Zhen didn’t understand either, but the gap between them was more than just her hesitation and contemplation. As the towering mountain she gazed at, Meng Fanchuan often feared losing her, afraid that one day she would not want to bear such pressure and would turn to find a man "on her level" and live a carefree life.

So, sometimes Meng Fanchuan didn’t know what he could do for her. If spending this money could make her happy, he would feel relieved.

At this moment, Cen Zhen voluntarily wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She curiously called out his name, “Lewis?”

Her eyes seemed to still hold the fading fireworks, hiding light, flowing toward his world.

Meng Fanchuan responded softly, paused for a moment, then kissed her back, “Call me something else.”

“I like this one,” Cen Zhen smiled at him, “It suits you.”

But perhaps wanting him to be happy, Cen Zhen tilted her head and asked, “What do you want me to call you?”

Meng Fanchuan was not shy at all, “Husband.”

Cen Zhen: “...?”

Cen Zhen was caught off guard by his directness, “Aren’t you being a little too straightforward?”

“Then I’ll be a little more indirect.” Meng Fanchuan reorganized his words and deliberately teased her, “I hope Miss Cen will call me husband.”

Was there any difference from before?

Cen Zhen bit her lip and smiled, avoiding him, “No.”

“Miss Cen, I’ve spent millions on fireworks. Can you show me some face?”

“No.”

“...”

In the second half of the fireworks show, as they talked about how she would call him husband, the two of them were sweet and playful, finishing their dinner in a happy mood.

At 9:00, after finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, completely unaware that two pairs of eyes across the street were staring at the restaurant exit.

“Are you sure they’re here?” Zhuang Jiayi was very skeptical of Meng Songnian’s guess. Whether the fireworks were arranged by Meng Fanchuan still needed verification. After all, people could have the same name, or it could just be a coincidence.

Even if it was him, was it really that coincidental? Did he even reserve the restaurant that Meng Songnian wanted?

Could father and son be that in sync?

Meng Songnian didn’t speak, only staring silently in that direction.

Three minutes later, seeing the two young people emerge, Zhuang Jiayi was stunned, once again amazed by her husband's wisdom, “...Alright, you win.”

After a moment of looking outside, she smiled wryly and said, “But now, no one is around him. Who is he putting on this act for?”

The two people across the street, hand in hand, waited for two minutes because the driver hadn’t arrived yet. During that time, they seemed to be chatting. Cen Zhen rested her head on Meng Fanchuan’s chest, and he looked at her, seemingly smiling, before lowering his head to gently peck her lips.

In public, under the gaze of many, he showed no restraint in his affection.

Their intimate posture clearly showed they were in a passionate relationship. Meng Songnian, having been young, naturally understood this feeling of wanting to hold hands with the other person anytime and anywhere—it was how much he liked them.

He also understood whether his son was a flirtatious playboy.

The R8 finally arrived. They got in the car, and Meng Songnian calmly instructed the driver, “Follow the young master’s car.”

So, for the next hour, Meng Songnian secretly observed his son accompanying his girlfriend to a 7-Eleven, a supermarket smaller than their own restaurant. They spent a full ten minutes there.

Afterward, they went to Temple Street Night Market, a noisy place. The two of them ate various street snacks, curry fish balls, and poached rice cakes. Whatever the girl was interested in, his son bought a serving, and in the end, they both held a cup of milk tea, sharing it one sip at a time—

It was truly a sight that was hard to watch.“He’s too poor to buy two cups of milk tea?” Meng Songnian cursed while watching.

Zhuang Jiayi, who was forced to secretly spy on her son’s relationship, was speechless. “Can we go back to the car? This feels like we’re thieves.”

But the father, who was secretly watching his son’s happiness, didn’t want to leave. Although he never ventured into such crowded and noisy places, he still followed Meng Fanchuan closely.

He wanted to see clearly.

It was unclear whether he wanted to see his son at this moment or understand the insurmountable gap between himself and his son that had built up over the years.

—

Going to the night market was a spontaneous decision, but it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Cen Zhen enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong, feeling reluctant to leave. The Cantonese opera was so beautiful that she wanted to stay longer. However, she remembered that Meng Fanchuan had woken up early this morning and didn’t want to tire him out.

Around 10 p.m., when they returned to the hotel, Cen Zhen persuaded Meng Fanchuan, “Can you send me back and then go home and sleep?”

“No.” Meng Fanchuan answered simply.

His gaze casually fell on the rearview mirror.

“But you didn’t go back last night, and now you’re not going back. Uncle and Aunt will be worried.” Cen Zhen continued to persuade.

Meng Fanchuan didn’t really listen. After a while, he suddenly pulled out his phone and made a call. Cen Zhen didn’t know who he was calling but heard him say after the line connected:

“Aren’t you going back to sleep?”

Suddenly, Meng Songnian, who received his son’s call, was a little surprised. It turned out he had already noticed him.

But actually, he should have expected it. His son, though a little reckless, was calm and smart, no less capable than the eldest son.

But Meng Songnian still deliberately said, “What does it have to do with you if we sleep or not?”

“Hmm, it has nothing to do with me.” Meng Fanchuan mocked, “Then what were you doing the whole night?”

Cen Zhen didn’t know who he was talking to. She listened attentively, looking sideways.

On the other end, Meng Songnian spoke bluntly, “I’m seeing how much you really like her.”

“Is that so?” Meng Fanchuan seemed to sneer, pausing briefly, then turning to the driver, “Pull over.”

Cen Zhen froze, not understanding what was happening, as Meng Fanchuan took her hand, “Let’s go.”

“Where to?” Cen Zhen was caught off guard as he led her out of the car and stopped behind it.

Only then did Cen Zhen notice that a black Bentley had slowly parked behind them. Although she didn’t know who was inside, the car was parked quietly, exuding a sense of oppressive authority.

“Look clearly, in front of you.” Meng Fanchuan spoke indifferently into his phone.

Cen Zhen stared at him in shock, then turned back to the car, finally seeming to understand something. Her heart began pounding wildly. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away from Meng Fanchuan, but he held it tightly, not letting her move.

He coldly stared at the car in front of them. The cold aura surrounding him made Cen Zhen nervous and fearful. She lowered her head in confusion, as if the air around them had stopped flowing.

Meng Songnian knew that his son was declaring war on him. By standing in front of him like this, he was telling him that he had decided on this person and would not give any room for compromise.

Zhuang Jiayi, standing beside them, tried to advise, “You shouldn’t do this. You’ll scare the girl.”

After saying that, she tried to get out of the car, but was stopped by Meng Songnian. “No need.”

He gave Meng Fanchuan one last heavy look and told the driver, “Drive.”

Then, the black Bentley passed by Meng Fanchuan and Cen Zhen without giving any response and drove away.

But Cen Zhen knew that in that less-than-a-minute time, they had witnessed a silent battle of wills. As the car drove off, her racing heartbeat gradually calmed down. In disbelief, she asked, “Did your parents follow us the whole night?”

Meng Fanchuan actually only wanted to give Cen Zhen a fireworks show, but Zhuang Tai told him to make the show complete. He advised him to learn from how Meng Songnian used to handle the media.

Zhuang Tai supported Meng Fanchuan’s decision to learn from his father, believing that if there were any grievances in the future, Meng Songnian couldn’t deny his past actions.

Meng Fanchuan wasn’t afraid that Meng Songnian would be displeased. He had long been unhappy with his father, and he didn’t care about that.

The reason he accepted his grandfather’s suggestion, besides it being a more perfect plan, was that there was a hint of rebellion in his heart.

Tonight’s grand romantic gesture was not only for Cen Zhen but also meant for Meng Songnian, in case he saw it and noticed.

So when they came out of the restaurant, Meng Fanchuan quickly realized they were being followed by a familiar car behind them. He intentionally pretended not to see it, letting them follow all the way.

He knew he had to face this issue eventually.

Knowing that Cen Zhen had been frightened, Meng Fanchuan rubbed her palm, preparing to comfort her when Zhuang Jiayi sent a message.

“Come back for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“Together.”

After understanding the meaning behind that word, Meng Fanchuan’s lips curled slightly, and he put his phone away. What was meant to be a comforting word for Cen Zhen became, “Let’s go, time to rest.”Cen Zhen was almost scared to death, her palms sweating. Even after they arrived at the hotel, she couldn’t calm down, still immersed in the confrontation they had just experienced. Along the way, she had already mentally scripted melodramatic scenarios like “father and son breaking apart,” “getting a check to make him leave,” and “Meng Fanchuan being kicked out of the Meng family.”

Qin Shiyao’s words, “abandoned by everyone,” had almost become Cen Zhen’s nightmare. She anxiously asked Meng Fanchuan, “When you wake up tomorrow, will your dad publicly announce that he wants to sever ties with you?”

Meng Fanchuan almost laughed but pretended to think for a few seconds. “It’s possible. What should we do then? I’ll have no one left.”

“I want you.” Cen Zhen almost blurted it out, then paused, slowed her speech, and said seriously and sincerely, “I will definitely want you.”

Meng Fanchuan looked into Cen Zhen’s eyes. Those eyes were pure and bright, the kind that would make anyone fall in love with them over and over again. Even now, he found it hard to resist.

A hoarse sound rose in his throat. He turned off the light with one hand, cupped her face, and kissed her. “Then let me have you now.”

Cen Zhen: “…”

The kiss was so gentle, so soft, it almost made her forget everything else, like they were back in that moment during the fireworks. They had just experienced such a romantic date, and that happiness should’ve continued. They should’ve been like this, endlessly entangled until death.

Cen Zhen closed her eyes, trying to forget the unsettling moment on the way back, holding him tightly. She let her clothes fall, and he slowly descended into her.

“It’s so hot inside.” The heat lingered near her ear, lightly kissing.

Their bodies were pressed together tightly. Cen Zhen naively thought that Meng Fanchuan was uncomfortable, and she tried to pull back, wanting him to withdraw. But before she could even move, he grabbed her waist and pulled her back sharply.

The distance between them vanished instantly.

Cen Zhen couldn’t help but let out a sound. Then, she heard him explain in a soft voice near her ear what he meant by “hot.”

That night, just listening to what Meng Fanchuan said made Cen Zhen’s face flush red.

—

The next day, since Meng Fanchuan was going to take Cen Zhen home, he didn’t do anything to drag it out. It was all over in one go. He was worried that she would be so nervous she wouldn’t be able to sleep, so he didn’t tell her about the dinner plans until the morning when they woke up.

As expected, Cen Zhen widened her eyes in disbelief, “...Are you joking with me?”

Meng Fanchuan rubbed her head. “Don’t worry, it’s my mom who wants us to come back.”

Cen Zhen still thought it was too sudden, staring blankly at the bed while Meng Fanchuan helped her get dressed. She worriedly asked, “What about your dad? Will he not want to see me?”

Zhuang Jiayi was always thoughtful. Even though she was caught between her son and husband all these years, she never acted impulsively. Everything would be decided only after prior consultation.

So Meng Fanchuan knew that since his mother sent that message, it must have been approved by Meng Songnian.

Since he had opened the door, Meng Fanchuan would, of course, take Cen Zhen back proudly for the meeting.

“I’m here.” Meng Fanchuan held Cen Zhen’s hand, comforting her repeatedly. “If you’re not happy meeting him, we won’t see him again.”

Cen Zhen quickly pressed his lips. “No.”

How could she let him and his parents never meet again? Wouldn’t that make it true that he was abandoned by everyone?

She would never let something like that happen.

Cen Zhen actually understood in her heart that no matter how difficult it was, she and Meng Fanchuan’s parents would eventually meet. She could avoid it today, but not forever.

“Okay.” Cen Zhen adjusted her emotions, took a deep breath, and said, “Let’s go back then.”

—

The Meng family’s house in Hong Kong was located in Deep Water Bay. The couple didn’t stay there often. Most of the time, it was the eldest son, Meng Qinghuai, and his wife who stayed there when they returned to Hong Kong. Occasionally, the whole family came back, and the house was spacious enough.

The three-story villa with white exterior walls stood in a prime location with a mountain behind and the sea in front. It was surrounded by lush greenery, and the Deep Water Bay Golf Course was next door.

When the gate opened and the R8 drove in, Cen Zhen’s heart, which had been calm all the way, started to beat faster again.

Meng Fanchuan noticed her nervousness and held her hand. “Just think of it as a tour.”

He even joked, “I’ll take a few photos for you later.”

Who would treat their own home as a tourist spot? Cen Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at his words, and her nervousness eased a bit.

They both got out of the car. A servant came over to offer them slippers. “Young Master, Miss Cen.”

A brand-new pair of slippers was presented to her, and Cen Zhen politely thanked them. When she put them on, she realized they fit perfectly. She glanced at Meng Fanchuan, and he replied, “My mom is very meticulous. She must have made a lot of preparations for your visit today.”

Cen Zhen later found out that Meng Fanchuan wasn’t wrong.

The servant was busy preparing breakfast in the dining room. Meng Songnian was sitting on the sofa reading the Financial Times. Suddenly, he heard a polite voice from behind.

“Good morning, Uncle.”

Meng Songnian paused for a moment, then turned around and saw his son and his girlfriend standing hand in hand behind him.

Yesterday, in the car, it was too dark to see clearly, but now that they were right in front of him, Meng Songnian carefully studied Cen Zhen.

When the photo had been posted online earlier, Meng Songnian had already had people look into Cen Zhen’s background. As a father, he was always worried about his child being hurt. Even though this son was troublesome and often angered him, he still did what needed to be done quietly.

The result was—Her father passed away early, and her mother was a dance teacher at a university in Hangzhou, well-regarded for her ethics and reputation, with a wide circle of former students. It could be considered a scholarly family.

Cen Zhen, on the other hand, had been an exemplary student, both in character and academic performance, ranking first in her major when entering university, and receiving numerous scholarships during her time there.

Now, looking at the girl in front of him more carefully, Meng Songnian realized that she was indeed beautiful, especially her eyes. No wonder she could become an actress.

As he stared at her, he suddenly thought—if his grandson inherits his mother’s eyes, he would probably be very handsome.

"Hey, I’ve been calling you for a while, Mr. Meng," Meng Fanchuan said with displeasure, reminding him.

Meng Songnian snapped back to reality, cleared his throat, and replied with a grunt, "Good morning."

He put down the newspaper and stood up, walking toward the dining room. After a few steps, he suddenly turned around and glared at Meng Fanchuan, "What did you just call me?"

"Mr. Meng, Mr. Meng, all day long, don’t you even know how to call me 'Dad'?"

At that moment, Zhuang Jiayi came downstairs, followed by Meng Wenruo, who was still yawning. Seeing her son brought his girlfriend, she quickened her pace and smiled as she greeted them, "You’re back?"

Cen Zhen nodded and politely replied, "Good morning, Auntie."

"Hello, Zhen Zhen," Zhuang Jiayi smiled gently, "Is it alright if I call you that?"

Cen Zhen shook her head. Meng Wenruo excitedly stepped forward and linked arms with Cen Zhen, "Sister-in-law, how could you not look for me when you came to Hong Kong?"

"Look for you for what?" Meng Fanchuan removed her arm and tightened his grip on her hand, "Go wash your face."

Already seated at the dining table, Meng Songnian, who had been quietly observing his son, frowned slightly in disdain as he looked at their hands, which seemed like they wanted to be glued together with superglue, silently thinking how unbearable it was to watch.

After a round of polite pleasantries, everyone finally took their seats. The family’s chef was from Hong Kong, so the breakfast was served in the local style. Zhuang Jiayi’s favorite Ricotta Toast was made for Cen Zhen, but she found it hard to get used to.

"Zhen Zhen, do you not like it?" Zhuang Jiayi asked thoughtfully.

Before Cen Zhen could respond, Zhuang Jiayi added, "It’s okay, I asked the chef to make something you like, just wait a moment."

As she spoke, the coconut cream pie was brought to the table.

"Try this," Zhuang Jiayi smiled, "I just don’t know if our chef can replicate the taste from back in Shanghai."

"..."

Cen Zhen was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Zhuang Jiayi to have already inquired about her preferences, and the only person who knew she loved this dessert was—

Across the table, Meng Wenruo subtly coughed, as if to remind someone.

Meng Fanchuan laughed softly and decided to go along with his sister’s intentions, "Got it, I’ll remember this favor."

Meng Wenruo: "Hehe!"

Cen Zhen immediately took a bite and said to Zhuang Jiayi, "Thank you, Auntie, it’s really delicious."

"I’m glad you like it."

...

Cen Zhen thought she would be tested or questioned, but the breakfast was actually very calm, even harmonious. Zhuang Jiayi kept a smile on her face and showed her care.

However, the pressure didn’t disappear, coming from the silent Meng Songnian.

The father seemed absorbed in his own world and didn’t participate in any conversation at the table. Meng Fanchuan, however, seemed unconcerned by his father’s attitude, focusing only on caring for Cen Zhen’s feelings.

But the aura of this middle-aged man was so strong that even without speaking, just his presence made Cen Zhen feel uneasy. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking, whether he was planning in his heart how to tear apart her relationship with Meng Fanchuan.

Finally, after enduring the breakfast, Zhuang Jiayi told Meng Fanchuan that the family’s home theater wasn’t working well and asked him to go check it out.

At that moment, Cen Zhen and Meng Songnian had just come out of the dining room and sat on the sofa. Meng Fanchuan, not wanting to leave her alone, called to Cen Zhen to follow him. But Meng Songnian snapped at him, "What’s the matter? Do you think I’ll eat her if she stays here?"

Cen Zhen: "..."

Now that Meng Songnian had said that, it would be awkward for Cen Zhen to follow Meng Fanchuan. It would make it seem like she was really afraid that Meng Songnian would "eat" her.

She smiled at Meng Fanchuan, signaling him, "It’s okay, I’ll stay and chat with Uncle."

Meng Fanchuan paused for a moment, then shot a look at his sister, who was still at the dining table. She gave him an OK sign from across the room, which reassured him. He finally felt comfortable enough to go with Zhuang Jiayi to the basement home theater.

The equipment in the home theater was a bit old, and since it wasn’t used much, Meng Fanchuan spent quite a while checking it. He discovered that the system just needed an update, so he patiently helped his mother adjust it. Halfway through the update, he suddenly received a message from Meng Wenruo:

"Bro, I just went to the bathroom. When I came back, Dad and Sister-in-law were gone. Looks like they went upstairs to the study!"

Meng Fanchuan instantly dropped the remote and sprinted out of the home theater.

Cen Zhen hadn’t expected Meng Songnian to suddenly invite her to the study for tea.

But deep down, Cen Zhen had already anticipated such a situation. This conversation was inevitable. Even though she knew it would be full of pressure, she still calmly followed Meng Songnian into the study.

"Sit." Meng Songnian’s tone was soft and calm, and he personally brewed a cup of tea for Cen Zhen.Perhaps knowing what she was about to face, Cen Zhen became calm instead, neither humble nor arrogant, "Thank you, Uncle."

She waited for her boyfriend's father to speak his first words.

Would he give her a check, or ask her to leave directly?

But after a few seconds, Meng Songnian spoke with a calm tone, asking, "What do you like about Fanchuan?"

Cen Zhen was stunned, taking a while to regain her composure, then lowered her eyes. "Actually, I’ve asked myself that question too."

Cen Zhen said seriously, "My father passed away when I was very young, so my mother was very strict with me. Growing up, I seemed like a quiet person, but actually, I’m not that quiet at my core. I’ve always longed for the outside world, which is why I became an actress—to experience more of life through acting."

"...The moment I really fell for Fanchuan was when we shot the promotional video, and he came to teach me how to ski."

"That was the first time I saw a different side of him. Before that, I always thought he was just an ordinary rich second-generation."

"If you ask me what I like about him, it's probably his carefree and unrestrained nature, that kind of free-spiritedness, like a lively flame, very vibrant."

Meng Songnian, however, sneered, "What you like, I hate."

Cen Zhen: "..."

"Instead of following the well-paved path at home, you choose to walk a road with no guarantee."

"But Uncle, nothing in life is guaranteed." Cen Zhen lowered her head and smiled lightly. "When I first met him, I really didn’t like him. I never thought I would like him this much later on, including now, being together..."

Cen Zhen paused slightly but continued speaking, "I never thought it would last forever."

Meng Songnian furrowed his brows, "Why say that?"

"I know you have other plans for his marriage." Cen Zhen was silent for a moment, her voice lowering. "Someone once asked me what I could bring to Fanchuan. I admit, I can’t give him a prestigious family background, nor can I offer him any help in terms of fame or status. What I can give him is only my whole, unreserved love and sincerity."

"I can go skiing with him, watch car races with him, do everything he loves and enjoys."

"That is all I can give him."

"So, you can rest assured, and please don’t make things difficult for him—"

Cen Zhen had long come to terms with this relationship. After hearing Qin Shiyao's words, she finally understood the pity she saw in Judy’s eyes back then.

She was going to be with him, willing to go through fire and water, knowing it would be difficult, knowing it would be a love that was hard to bear, and even in the end, all her efforts might come to nothing.

So, long ago, Cen Zhen told herself not to think about the future. Like Wen Hui had said, she would live in the moment. One happy day with him was enough. If one day, he really had to return to his family and fulfill his arranged marriage obligations, she would let him go.

To have loved him, even if just for a while, was enough for her.

"What I mean is..." Cen Zhen took a deep breath, calming the emotions she had kept suppressed, and said calmly to Meng Songnian, "You can rest assured. I never thought about marrying him, not that far."

Meng Songnian pondered her words and was about to reply when his gaze suddenly lifted, looking toward the door of the study.

He stared for a long time, making Cen Zhen feel something was off. Her heart raced and became erratic, and her hand, holding the tea cup, stiffened for a moment. She finally gathered her courage and turned to look.

Sure enough, at the door of the study, a familiar figure had appeared at some point.

But now, that person looked somewhat cold.

Cen Zhen: "..."