Chapter 464: A Manipulative Mother
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Perhaps it was when Chu Jing had come to the city for the first time, naive and easily swayed by Rong Tianshi’s sweet words. The first encounter matters; so does the first romance.
Rong Qi felt an empathetic pang in her chest. If her first relationship had been with a sc.u.mbag, she’d likely forsake the idea of love for the rest of her life. Her heart would be locked away, and no good soul would ever have the chance to enter.
Nevertheless, Rong Qi couldn’t help but think her mother was rather manipulative. ‘Why didn’t she just admit that she didn’t like Sheng Jian? Why, after divorcing him, did she still let him take her away?’
As if on cue, Sheng Jian seemed to read Rong Qi’s thoughts. Just as she was pondering, he asked, “What do you think of your mother?”
The question was tinged with antic.i.p.ation. Rong Qi felt largely indifferent, answering succinctly, “Manipulator.”
The response left Sheng Jian speechless for the rest of the ride. After they arrived at the Kudo Pavilion, Sheng Jian was as extravagant as ever, ordering a table full of dishes while watching Rong Qi eat at her leisurely pace.
Rong Qi ate slowly, meticulous in her movements, her silence adding layers to her calm demeanor.
“Sir, the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish you ordered for your daughter is ready. Please, enjoy,” the waiter announced as he laid out the food, his att.i.tude visibly courteous.
Rong Qi’s hand, poised to pick up her chopsticks, paused for a moment as her brows knitted together.
Sheng Jian looked pleased, arching an eyebrow. “You have keen eyes. Isn’t my daughter beautiful?”
“Absolutely. She dined here last time with another gentleman. Her beauty left an impression on everyone at Kudo Pavilion.”
Sheng Jian laughed a hearty chuckle, “That’s my girl. Takes after her mother.”
The waiter left, but Sheng Jian continued to smile at Rong Qi. She shot him a disapproving glare and said, “Enough.”
Sheng Jian chuckled again. “Didn’t I say that Kudo Pavilion is Leucia’s most renowned gourmet restaurant?”
“The food is good, but the staff here have poor eyesight,” Rong Qi stated coldly.
Not daring to talk any further, especially after the last time, Sheng Jian decided to remain silent, choosing instead to subtly ingratiate himself into Rong Qi’s life and build a better image of himself over time.
So, after the meal, Sheng Jian was all set to take her home. But as they were about to leave Kudo Pavilion, Rong Qi received a phone call. Her delicate brows tightened, and she murmured, “Understood, I’ll be there shortly.”
“What happened?” Sheng Jian asked.
“Nothing. Are you busy right now?” Her tone was colder than before.
“Not at all,” he shook his head.
As long as no auction piqued Sheng Jian’s interest, he’s pretty much unoccupied. He’s just a run-of-the-mill wealthy guy, a free spirit without much to set him apart.
“Then lend me your car. I need to go to the city hospital,” Rong Qi said as she stepped out of the restaurant and into the car.
“I’ll give you a ride,” Sheng Jian followed her, a shadow crossing his eyes.
Rong Tianshi had been in a car accident and was lying in the hospital, halfway between life and death.
Sheng Jian knew. And all he could think was that Rong Tianshi deserved it for betraying Chu Jing. ‘After betraying Chu Jing, Rong Tianshi dared to cling to her daughter like a stubborn adhesive. How could such a man still walk the earth?’
The atmosphere in the car had shifted, yet neither spoke a word. Rong Qi was deep in thought, her head lowered, oblivious to the changing mood. It was only a half-hour drive from Kudo Pavilion to the hospital, and they arrived soon enough.
Sheng Jian followed Rong Qi out of the car and accompanied her upstairs.
“It’s cold outside. Wear this,” Sheng Jian said, taking a black coat from the car and draping it around Rong Qi.
Rong Qi’s whole body resisted. “It’s ugly. Take it off.”
“It’s new, never worn. I specifically had it scented with medicinal herbs,” Sheng Jian insisted, firmly wrapping it around her.
As Rong Qi drew near, she caught a faint whiff of herbal aroma. That alleviated her resistance somewhat.
Truth be told, Rong Qi never wore clothes from anyone other than Ye Nanshen. The only scent she tolerated was the unique pine fragrance from him. All others were unacceptable. But surprisingly, this coat from Sheng Jian did not repulse her as much as she thought it would..