Chapter53

Those hands suddenly grasped hers. The response transmitted from the skin was familiar, reassuring. So Cen Zhen, without any panic, turned around and saw Meng Fanchuan standing next to her.

The boyfriend she had just spoken to on the phone moments ago, saying he would rush back soon, was now standing right in front of her.

And in such a setting, in such a way.

Cen Zhen vaguely began to realize that this "platform" role was never a stroke of good luck that had randomly fallen into her lap from the start.

During the few seconds when her thoughts were in turmoil, Meng Fanchuan had already taken her hand and walked toward the center of the media's focus. Cen Zhen didn’t even know how she had ended up walking there, every action was instinctive, and her mind was blank. But it didn’t stop her from remembering the staff’s instructions: smile at the camera.

As soon as she faced the camera, Cen Zhen displayed excellent expression management, smiling gently and calmly. The media below were frantically photographing the Meng family’s second son, who was making his first public appearance, but they didn’t forget to shoot the woman standing beside him.

The fast-reacting media outlets had already transmitted photos back to their offices, racing to get a draft written up quickly and sent to Asia Bay Group’s PR department for review. Whichever outlet managed to secure the scoop first would reap the greatest amount of traffic.

However, to the disappointment of all those trying to grab the entertainment headline, it seemed that this report had been pre-arranged. The higher-ups had already decided on the narrative. The topic of a romantic relationship between the young movie star and the second son of a top-tier family wasn’t something they could play up.

On the stage, Meng Songnian and the Director of the Tourism Bureau jointly unveiled the State Guest House’s plaque. The eldest son and second son stood on either side, tall and elegant, each radiating their own charisma. Anyone watching would quietly praise them for being children of a prestigious family. With just a casual stance, their confidence and composure naturally drew attention.

The flashes from cameras were nonstop. Even though Cen Zhen’s smile was beginning to look a little stiff, she maintained her expression. Thankfully, the unveiling ceremony ended soon. Meng Songnian then signed a cooperation agreement with the Director of the Tourism Bureau, and the event concluded with a group photo.

Still holding Meng Fanchuan’s hand, Cen Zhen didn’t return the same way but followed the direction in which Meng Songnian had left. A reporter, bold enough, stopped Meng Songnian and asked, "Mr. Meng, could you introduce the second young master and Miss Cen to everyone?"

The question was quite subtle, essentially seeking confirmation of the young couple’s relationship from Meng Songnian.

Meng Songnian could easily tell the reporter’s intention. Some things didn’t need to be said out loud. The Meng family’s status in Beicheng was apparent; their presence was already public. What more was there to say?

Saying anything would only seem forced, even degrading.

So, Meng Songnian casually smiled and said, "I’m just bringing the kids out to see the world. It’ll be good for my early retirement."

After speaking, he waved his hand and went inside.

The media exchanged glances, and the phrase "the kids" answered all their questions.

Until they stepped off the stage, with no more cameras tracking them, Cen Zhen’s heart, which had been pounding in her chest, gradually settled. But she didn’t let it settle completely, especially since she was walking behind Meng Songnian, whose imposing back and dignified aura made it hard to guess what he was thinking.

For example, Cen Zhen still didn’t know what was happening.

A large group of staff followed them, and she had no idea where they were headed. Cen Zhen subtly slowed her pace and quietly asked Meng Fanchuan, "Can you tell me what’s going on?"

"Didn’t you say you missed me?" Meng Fanchuan, looking ahead, responded with a half-smile, "I’m back now."

Meng Fanchuan, who was rarely dressed so formally, looked striking in his impeccably tailored black suit, handsome and attention-grabbing.

Cen Zhen deliberately pinched his hand. "Be serious, okay?"

Meng Fanchuan smiled gently, squeezing her palm to reassure her. "I’ll tell you later. There’s another meeting, let’s listen to it first."

"Ah?" Cen Zhen looked at Meng Songnian and the Director of the Tourism Bureau, walking ahead, and asked, "Do I have to go too?"

Cen Zhen wasn’t the only one confused. Meng Fanchuan, who hated these endless meetings, knew all too well how boring and tiresome they could be—sitting through them for hours, listening to endless talk.

But things were different now.

Meng Songnian had given him such a big gift, so out of respect, he had to return the favor and maintain his father’s face.

"It shouldn’t take too long," Meng Fanchuan reassured Cen Zhen.

As they followed the group forward, Cen Zhen suddenly heard shouting from behind. Turning around, she saw Qin Shiyao, who was being stopped by security at the glass door.

It seemed she wanted to come in and was calling out "Uncle Meng," but Meng Songnian had already walked ahead and didn’t hear her.

"I ran into her by the elevator when I came in," Cen Zhen turned to Meng Fanchuan and said. "She was quite rude and even asked me what my relationship with the Meng family is."

"And what did you say?"

"…I didn’t answer." Cen Zhen could speak on behalf of Meng Fanchuan but certainly couldn’t speak for the Meng family. She didn’t want Meng Fanchuan to think she was being bullied, so she comforted him. "But actually, before that, I had already made her speechless."

Meng Fanchuan smiled softly and lowered his gaze to glance at her. "You’re quite something, huh?"

"Not bad," Cen Zhen straightened her back, pursed her lips, and looked at him. "Because I know you love me."

Her confidence, of course, came from his unwavering love and the trust they shared.

Their gazes locked. After being apart for almost two weeks, just one look was enough to ignite a spark. Meng Fanchuan silently watched her for a moment, struggling to restrain himself, before suppressing the impulse to kiss her.

The group soon arrived at a conference hall in the new State Guest House. Cen Zhen sat at a side position with a group of unfamiliar people. This was her first time attending such an event. She didn’t really understand what Meng Songnian and the senior officials were discussing, but the setting was formal and serious, so she could only play the part of a student attentively listening.

But she kept getting distracted by the people around her.The person’s expression appeared calm, even focused. But no one knew the mischief his hand was causing under the table, repeatedly pressing into Cen Zhen’s palm, or gripping her wrist, casually drawing circles on it, rubbing, and tightening as if slowly injecting an aphrodisiac, making Cen Zhen think of some inappropriate images.

Meng Fanchuan's hand was long, with distinct joints, and the slightly raised veins on the back of his hand exuded a perfect sense of strength—very seductive.

Cen Zhen, inexplicably, felt herself blushing in the formal, righteous meeting room.

She wanted to pull away but couldn’t.

Her gaze inadvertently fell on the seats next to her, where Meng Qinghuai and his wife were also holding hands under the table. Cen Zhen froze for a moment, recalling what Meng Fanchuan had said earlier about the Meng family's tradition of cherishing their wives. Now it seemed,

The two brothers truly inherited the same quality.

Cen Zhen couldn’t help but lower her head and suppress a smile. Then, she suddenly looked toward Meng Songnian, seated at the head of the table, curious if he and Zhuang Jiayi were also holding hands under the table.

The meeting lasted less than two hours. After the various rounds of handshakes, farewells, and group photos, it finally ended.

The event was now truly complete. At the elevator door, staff had already prepared the elevator. Several managers from the State Guest House escorted Meng Songnian to the door, politely bidding farewell: “Goodbye, Chairman, goodbye, Madam, goodbye, both young masters, and goodbye, both young ladies.”

Cen Zhen, still standing in the corner of the elevator with a polite smile on her face, was taken aback.

"Young lady? Both of them?"

Besides Meng Qinghuai’s wife, who else?

...

She looked around. Was she being called?

The elevator door slowly closed, and in her confusion, Cen Zhen didn’t have time to respond. After a moment, she figured it might have been a slip of the tongue.

The world quieted down. The entire elevator was filled with Meng family members.

The subtle pressure returned.

The event had been rushed, and Cen Zhen hadn’t had the chance to greet Meng Songnian and his wife earlier. Now, standing together, she politely nodded her head, “Uncle, Aunt.”

Meng Songnian was as cold as ever. His gaze briefly passed over her, giving a soft grunt as acknowledgment. However, Zhuang Jiayi smiled at Cen Zhen and asked, “Zhen Zhen, are you tired today?”

Cen Zhen shook her head. Zhuang Jiayi asked again, “When does your movie finish filming?”

“In about a week,” Cen Zhen replied.

“That's soon,” Zhuang Jiayi gently patted her hand. “Once it's wrapped up, Aunt has a few events I’d like you to accompany me to.”

Although Zhuang Jiayi hadn’t been involved with the group’s affairs since marrying Meng Songnian, she had her own charity foundation. The Asia Bay Charity Gala she had hosted many years ago was now one of the most influential events in the country. Over the years, she had even graced the cover of "People" magazine three times. She was frequently invited to high-profile social events in fashion and the arts, sometimes busier than even Meng Songnian.

Meng Songnian was the type to be low-key in his personal life but high-profile in his work, and Zhuang Jiayi was the same. She had her own way of introducing the future daughter-in-law to the public.

Since Zhuang Jiayi had said so, Cen Zhen naturally agreed. “Okay, you can tell me in advance, and I’ll make sure to arrange my schedule.”

The elevator door opened. Meng Songnian’s driver had already pulled up to the entrance. Just as he was about to enter, a sharp “Uncle Meng” came from the side. Everyone turned around to see Qin Shiyao suddenly appear. She must have been waiting for a long time in the parking lot and quickly ran over.

Qin Shiyao’s first glance landed on Cen Zhen, standing next to Meng Fanchuan.

She couldn’t believe that this woman had just appeared on stage with Meng Fanchuan to unveil the plaque. No, she couldn’t believe that Meng Fanchuan, who was not yet married, would appear publicly with her—especially not with Cen Zhen.

Qin Shiyao knew exactly what that meant.

And now, this woman could calmly stand with the Meng family, even at the center of it, like a beloved child, with everyone gathered around her.

“Uncle Meng—” Qin Shiyao’s gaze shifted away from Cen Zhen, her voice now strained, “What does this mean?”

Meng Songnian paused for a moment before speaking to Cen Zhen. “Zhen Zhen, you’ll go back in Fanchuan’s car. Come to our house for dinner tomorrow evening.”

Cen Zhen was stunned for a moment when he called her "Zhen Zhen." She didn’t react immediately, surprised that this cold, middle-aged man would address her so intimately.

“...Okay,” she responded, a little confused.

Cen Zhen didn’t know that after she and Meng Fanchuan left, Meng Songnian’s expression instantly turned cold. He turned to Qin Shiyao and said, “I will personally have your engagement with Fanchuan annulled with your father. The projects he wanted before, I can give him.”

Qin Shiyao’s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that her engagement was being dismissed so easily in exchange for a few projects. She wanted to argue further, but Meng Songnian swiftly interrupted her embarrassing attempts.

“Since Fanchuan already has a fiancée, then Shiyao…” Meng Songnian’s gaze was light, but it carried a heavy warning when it landed in her eyes. “Don’t say things you shouldn’t in the future. Do you understand?”

Qin Shiyao: “...”

When it came to marriage, Meng Songnian had been planning for his son’s future, but when choosing a wife, he valued virtue. He wouldn’t allow a woman who thought she could bully others just because of her family’s status to marry his son.

Moreover, it wasn’t even a good match.

Since it was already an unequal match, it would be better to choose a polite and humble girl, one whom his son loved and who would genuinely be devoted to him.

The Meng family had no shortage of money, and Meng Fanchuan was financially independent. Meng Songnian also feared that if he pushed his son too far, Fanchuan might just choose his wife over his father.

He didn’t want to lose a son in the latter half of his life.

After speaking, Meng Songnian got into the car, followed by Zhuang Jiayi. She didn’t say anything further. The two left in their car, leaving behind a cold and awkward silence.Qin Shiyao seemed unable to accept the situation, standing still for a long time. When she regained her senses, another car stopped in front of her.

She looked up and saw the familiar sleek black sports car. Realizing it was Meng Fanchuan's car, a light seemed to flash in her eyes. For the sake of their childhood bond, she wondered if he might feel some sympathy for her.

But when the car window rolled down, Meng Fanchuan's gaze indeed lingered briefly on her.

But it wasn’t sympathy.

He just silently looked at her for a few seconds and casually asked, “Now do you know who she is in the Meng family?”

“...”

Qin Shiyao felt as if her heart was struck. Meng Songnian's last words echoed in her ears: Fanchuan already has a fiancée.

—Fiancée.

So, Cen Zhen had already been recognized and accepted by their entire family.

It turned out the fool was herself.

That day in the parking lot, Qin Shiyao's hysterical sobs echoed for a long time. Passersby glanced at her but just walked away indifferently.

In the sports car, Cen Zhen was still in a daze, processing everything that had happened that afternoon. Everything had come so fast, so suddenly. She found it hard to digest. In disbelief, she asked Meng Fanchuan, “Did you hear what your dad just called me? He actually called me Zhen Zhen.”

Meng Fanchuan chuckled as he drove. “Isn’t that bad?”

It wasn’t that it was bad, but Cen Zhen just felt... a bit like Chi Yu, about to get goosebumps.

She asked, “So what exactly were you guys doing today? Why did you call me over, then suddenly pull me on stage?”

Meng Fanchuan paused for a moment, “My dad wanted to formally introduce you.”

Cen Zhen blinked, somewhat understanding but still confused. “Introduce?”

“Do you remember when our photos were posted online, and the PR department erased all my personal data?”

“Yeah, you said you and Nuo Nuo never appeared in public.”

“Do you know why we didn’t show ourselves?”

Cen Zhen thought for a moment, beginning to analyze it in a dramatic way. “Did your parents fear that you might get kidnapped?”

“...”

Meng Fanchuan sighed with a smile. “It’s because of our family rules. The children are not allowed to appear in the media before marriage.”

“So that’s it,” Cen Zhen nodded in understanding, then suddenly furrowed her brow, recalling the scene earlier. “Then today you…”

She didn’t finish her sentence because, combining that with the earlier statement “wanted to formally introduce you,” Cen Zhen suddenly realized the reason everyone was present today.

She froze, looking at Meng Fanchuan. “You mean—”

“Exactly.” Meng Fanchuan pulled over to the side of the road, took Cen Zhen’s hand, and said, “Miss Cen, now the whole world knows you are the future young mistress of the Meng family.”

He smiled at her, leaning back nonchalantly, “What now? You can’t escape.”

Cen Zhen: “...?”

Cen Zhen couldn’t believe it. She lowered her head, trying to process everything, then suddenly raised her hand. “Wait.”

She seemed to remember something. “So, earlier in the elevator, when that person said ‘goodbye, both young ladies,’ was he really calling me?”

Meng Fanchuan pulled her into his arms as she sat. “Otherwise?”

The day Cen Zhen was sent back to Bei City, Meng Songnian called Meng Fanchuan back and only asked him two questions:

“Is it absolutely necessary for it to be Cen Zhen?”

“Is it that you won’t marry anyone except for Cen Zhen?”

After receiving affirmative answers to both questions, Meng Songnian decisively made his decision. The formal appearance at the State Guest House was his way of supporting his son and also shutting down all external criticisms of Cen Zhen.

His daughter-in-law would, without a doubt, be respectable and unquestionable.

...

Cen Zhen took a while to process everything and finally understood. The entire event today was part of the Meng family’s plan to boost her image. It all felt like a dream, so unreal and so wonderful that Cen Zhen couldn’t quite believe it. “...Uncle didn’t use any threats on you, did he?”

Meng Fanchuan raised an eyebrow and clicked his tongue. “You really understand Mr. Meng.”

Cen Zhen gasped. “Did he really threaten you?”

“No.” Meng Fanchuan chuckled as he looked down. “He just told me not to call him Mr. Meng anymore. Does that count as a threat?”

Cen Zhen was stunned for a moment, then pictured the fierce yet adorable image of Meng Songnian in her mind and couldn’t help but laugh.

As she laughed, Meng Fanchuan suddenly kissed her. Cen Zhen didn’t react in time, a soft “mm” escaped her throat, and she felt his arms tighten around her waist, pulling her close as he kissed her deeply.After so many days apart, a kiss quickly brought back feelings. Cen Zhen placed her hands lightly on his chest, and as the kiss deepened, she heard him whisper in her ear, "I miss you too."

A delayed response to the words she had said in that afternoon’s phone call.

The two of them, lost in their passionate kiss, had no idea that ten minutes earlier, a Weibo post from the authoritative official North City News Channel had quietly stirred up a storm.

Today's event had been specially instructed by Meng Songnian to avoid publicity in the entertainment direction and to focus only on regular social news.

But it was hard to resist Cen Zhen’s natural ability to trend. Not long after the official message was posted, someone with a keen eye noticed something odd — how could such a formal news story feature Cen Zhen?

@North City News Channel: Today, the chairman of Yawan Group, along with his wife and second son, made a joint appearance at the State Guest House unveiling ceremony. The director of the Tourism Bureau, Fan Tao, also met with Yawan to reach several strategic collaborations.

“?? Is the woman standing on the left Cen Zhen? The one making movies?”

“No way, it really is!!!”

“This is a family-wide appearance for the unveiling ceremony, so what’s Cen Zhen’s identity here?”

“Wasn’t it rumored that she was dating the second young master of the M family? Could it be this Meng family!!”

“Click to read the full article... so it’s the chairman of the Meng family and his wife, the eldest son of the Meng family and his wife, the second young master of the Meng family and Cen Zhen. Do you get it now?”

“Help, doesn’t this mean she’s the future daughter-in-law?! Or have they already secretly married?”

“Probably not married yet, otherwise, they would have introduced her as ‘wife.’ Ah, they’re still in a relationship and already involved in Meng family matters. Looks like the relationship is pretty stable!”

“Cen Zhen just entered the industry and said she had a stable boyfriend, turns out he’s really the second young master of a top-tier rich family.”

“Okay, okay, Zhen Jie is next level now.”

Among the voices of people going crazy over gossip, there were, of course, some doubts:

“Am I the only one who thinks this is a normal job? I don’t know what you guys are hyped about. For events like these, they usually invite one or two celebrities to stand in.”

“+1, did someone get addicted to fame after once riding on someone else's coattails?”

“The rich family daughter-in-law persona has traffic, it works every time.”

“Do you know what level the Meng family is? Do you know who the mothers of the two young masters of the Meng family are? Do you think this kind of family would let someone ride on their heat? Go take a walk and then come back and see if you still think that’s funny.”

There were also plenty discussing Meng Fanchuan:

“Anyone else admire the looks of the second young master of the Meng family? Last time we only saw his blurry silhouette, this time his face—he’s so handsome!”

“He and his brother have completely different styles. His brother has a cool and aloof vibe, while he’s more carefree, a rebellious and elegant young master. Who understands?”

“Let’s revisit some fun facts. The black knight sports car that was spotted last time, worth over 60 million, is the second young master’s ride.”

“Sisters!! The Yawan Group website just updated the second young master’s profile! Go check it out!”

Since the official public appearance, Yawan’s PR department had also posted the shareholder profile of Meng Fanchuan on the official website.

“6, turns out he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, a high achiever.”

“He’s also the owner of the Mution Racing Team? Is that the F1 team Mution? Am I seeing things, or is this a huge leap in industries?”

“Not weird at all, feels like the second young master is just that cool kind of young master!”

“Wait a minute, the second young master’s English name is Lewis?”

“What’s wrong with Lewis? It sounds nice.”

The fireworks in Victoria Harbour on New Year's Day left a lasting impression on many. Tourists from all over the world watched the declaration by the harbor, leaving traces of their visit. There are always people who follow the trail to find the initiators behind the romance.

And so, a photo of a confession under the fireworks, with two names, was posted:

“Wow, turns out the guy who set off fireworks all night for his girlfriend on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong is Lewis, the second young master of the Meng family!!!”