Shi Wenqian paced back and forth in the living room with an anxious look on her face. She seemed to be waiting for someone.
Just then, the housekeeper who was also her personal assistant came over.
"Ma'am," she said trying to get her attention first. Shi Wenqian stopped in her steps and glanced at her, and then she continued.
"The table is set." Secretary Cha announced.
Shi Wenqian scoffed. "I'm not interested. You can go and notify my husband first," she said waving her away.
How could she be interested in eating when she was bothered by something?
Secretary Cha did not immediately leave. She gazed at the back of her mistress in contemplation before daring to step forward.
"Ma'am, are you concerned about the young miss's marriage?" She probed with one brow raised.
Instantly, Shi Wenqian turned her full attention to her. "Of course! I don't think anything has worried me so much like this. I feel that I am slowly about to lose my mind."
Secretary Cha sighed. She didn't know what to tell her for her stress level to go down. Mainly, she was afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Even if she was one of her trusted aids, she needed to tread carefully to avoid her face getting spanked.
Shi Wenqian on the other hand didn't look bothered that she wasn't saying anything. Now, she used this as an opportunity to inquire about another important matter.
Taking a few steps toward her, which in turn scared the shit out of her, because she (secretary Cha) thought she was coming over to hit her. But because of her training, she remained standing in place as a glint of fear flew past her eyes.
Stopping in front of her, Shi Wenqian glanced around from the corner of her eyes before leaning in.
The housekeeper felt her hot breath fan her cheeks as her expensive perfume assaulted her nose.
"Has that girl been found?" She whispered.
Immediately, the housekeeper felt the hairs on her neck stand upright.
This question was a serious one and she was scared of giving the wrong answer but more than that, she was more afraid of leaving her hanging.
"Ma'am, unfortunately, we haven't set our eyes on her yet. I'm thinking she is hiding somewhere hence, we will continue with our plans to wait for her at Fang group."
She whispered back while holding her breath.
Shi Wenqian leaned her upper body away and said while still standing so close to her. "If you lot fail to bring her to me in the morning…"
She never finished her words, but Secretary Cha well understood the remaining words that were never let out.
"Yes, Ma'am, we understand." She hurriedly replied.
Shi Wenqian let out a deep sigh before taking some steps backward before waving her hand.
The housekeeper got that as a cue to leave and bowed slightly to her before disappearing.
Not long after, Shi Wenqian heard the sound of heels coming from ahead, knocking against the tiles. Instantly, relief washed over her as she felt her tensed nerves start to slowly relax.
Zhang Xiaoling had returned, and as soon as she stepped foot into the living room, Shi Wenqian went to her side.
"How was your date?" She asked as her brows arched upwards after her eyes had darted over her body.
Zhang Xiaoling glanced at her before walking past her with a frown. "You have asked that question before."
Shi Wenqian got annoyed as her brows drew together. "I know, but you are back now, and I want to know everything you think about your date."
Xiaoling paused in her steps and turned around to look at her with a smirk. "I don't want you to concern yourself with my matters anymore unless I request your help. Good night."
Shi Wenqian gritted her teeth and clenched her fists by her sides as she watched her throttle away.
How could she not be infuriated after the time spent on getting worked over her matter only to be given this attitude?
That night, Shi Wenqian did not appear at the dinner table for her stomach was far too filled up with anger.
She didn't want to get all riled up on seeing the faces of her husband and daughter.
At the dinner table, Zhang Renshu seemed very excited as a big smile spread across his face.
He was happy about the date, and couldn't help asking Zhang Xiaoling about it.
He asked other questions apart from what she thought of Tan Enlai. This showed he was interested in knowing whether she liked him or not.
Zhang Xiaoling on the other hand didn't bother to make mention of what she thought about Tan Enlai.
Zhang Mingyu watched the father and daughter chat with subtle smiles on their faces and couldn't help interjecting.
"Dad, when is Xiaoling getting married?" He asked, successfully cutting off their conversation and drawing their attention to him.
"This topic will come sometime later." Zhang Renshu replied, which ended up settling Xiaoling's rapid breathing.
She had been afraid of him giving a response that wouldn't suit her stance but luckily, it seemed like he was not in a hurry for her marriage to take place.
Zhang Mingyu glanced at his sister to watch her facial expression and smiled to himself, with his own thoughts floating in his head.
Xiaoling had felt his gaze on him and had tilted her head to his side, but by then, he had already averted his gaze.
Zhang Renshu's gaze rested on his son as he thought of something then without hesitation, he said to him, "Mingyu, get your acts together, I will give you 2 years before you settle down."
'Huh?'
Zhang Mingyu hurriedly looked up from his food with a look of confusion.
They were all talking about Xiaoling, how did he remember him?
Zhang Renshu didn't want him to settle down soon because he was still young, hence, he was giving him some time to become more mature to be able to take up the responsibility of building a family.
Zhang Xiaoling guessed this fact so she did not bother to think that her stepfather's treatment was unfair and unjustified.
*******
After doing the little laundry, Zhang Liling left to go mop the stairs before going to the kitchen to get her dinner.
"Would this one be enough for you?" The chef asked.
Zhang Liling glanced at the two plates in her hands. One contained rice boiled with a little butter and thyme, while the white ceramic bowl in her right hand contained some kind of casserole.
"Umm…" Her parted lips uttered in contemplation. "I need more of the sauce," She finally said with a warm smile as she handed the bowl plate to him.
The Chef returned her smile and took the bowl from her. Dipping the serving spoon into the pot of sauce, he scooped from it before adding what he got to her plate.
"Here," he said handing the plate back to her.
"Thank you." Zhang Liling said before leaving happily.
She went straight to the dining area meant for the servants to eat. After enjoying her meal alone, she went back to the kitchen to do the dishes.
When she was through with that, she took a bottle of water and went up to Mr. Fang's bedroom.
"He is not in?" She mumbled to herself when she stepped into the room and noticed no sign of life.
Zhang Liling was somewhat tempted to go and find him in his study, but remembering that she had to appear at Fang Group the next day, she decided to retire to bed early so she could get her beauty sleep.
Putting the table of water down on the nightstand, she turned around and left for her bedroom with a satisfied smile.
A few minutes later, she was done washing up and stepped into her bedroom dressed in her pajamas when she saw her phone screen light up and was soon followed by a ringing tune.
"Who is calling by this time?" She mumbled to herself with furrowed brows as her step quickened towards the bed.
On getting to the side of her bed, she hurriedly stretched forth her right hand to pick up her phone before glancing at the caller ID.
Seeing the word 'Mum' on her screen, the corners of her lips turned up in a smile and she hurriedly slid her fingers across the screen.
"Mum!" Her excited voice rang out immediately as she backed her bed before slowly settling on it.
From the other end, Song Jujing let out a long sigh as her heavy breathing let out into the phone.
"Liling, is everything okay with you?" her soft low tone inquired.
A subtle of confusion flashed past her face. She noticed that her mother's tone seemed different, and it sounded as if she was sad.
Regardless, she still responded to her, "Mum, I'm fine. How are you?"
"I sent you something since, 2 days now, but you haven't opened my chat."
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