Chapter 46: Why Refuse This Marriage?
Madam Kasa realized her slip of the tongue, “It seems I spoke out of turn.”
She wondered if Kerwin would blame her for letting it slip.
Meng Shuyou suddenly understood; no wonder she had the opportunity to intern here—it was Mister Pei who had pulled strings.
Madam Kasa: “As for that painting, perhaps you can ask him yourself. I’m not convenient to discuss his private matters.”
Meng Shuyou understood.
Bringing the topic back, Madam Kasa continued: “Besides needing to be at the art gallery every Friday through Sunday, you can arrange the other times yourself. When free, you can paint here. If you need guidance, you can also ask me.”
Meng Shuyou nodded, “I do indeed have quite a few things I’d like to consult you on.”
“I’ve seen your paintings; the landscapes are very nice, but the portraits are a bit weaker.” Madam Kasa pointed out, “Actually, capturing facial expressions and demeanors in figures relies on your own observation and contemplation. If you don’t understand what the other person is thinking, you naturally can’t paint the essence.”
She spread her hands and smiled, “But every creator has their own style. You can explore slowly and find the techniques. These all require experience—not just knowledge, but also your age. Different stages bring different insights. You’re still young; no need to rush.”
Meng Shuyou learned from it and brought up another matter, “By the way, Teacher, do you know where nearby there’s a house available for rent?”
Madam Kasa said: “There’s a small apartment for rent next door, two bedrooms and a living room, nice environment. I know the landlord; I’ll take you over to have a look in a bit.”
“Good, then I’ll trouble you.”
“You’re coming to work for me; I should naturally handle the accommodation. The rent will be on me.”
Meng Shuyou hurriedly refused, “No need, no need. It’s my honor to come learn from you; others couldn’t beg for such an opportunity.”
Madam Kasa smiled: “I’m not some capitalist who exploits labor. Work is work; the due treatment must be given.”
Meng Shuyou smiled, “Then I’m too lucky. I haven’t even graduated and I’ve found such a good internship.”
“Fate.” Madam Kasa quite liked her personality.
Who wouldn’t like a generous, proper girl who’s pleasant to listen to.
–
In the heart of Manhattan, the skyscraper towered into the clouds, its exterior in a stepped outline.
At dusk, the sunset gleamed on the glass curtain wall.
Top floor office.
Mark came in from outside and relayed the phone call he had just received, “Sir, Old Mr. Kendi’s assistant just called; he wants to invite you to dinner this evening.”
Pei Yuzhou closed the document, “What’s it about?”
Mark: “He didn’t say explicitly.”
Pei Yuzhou thought for a moment, “Go reply that I’ll be there on time.”
The other was an elder, with decades of relationship between the two families and ongoing business intercourse; no matter what, this dinner couldn’t be declined.
Last time he had politely refused the marriage alliance, which had made them lose face; he really should make amends.
Mark nodded, “Alright, I’ll call back.”
–
Seven in the evening, Midtown Fifth Avenue western restaurant.
The rose gold revolving door was luxurious and stately.
The nine-meter-high hall had three crystal chandeliers hanging from the dome, lights spilling onto the silver tableware, refracting a few wisps of dim light.
The harp played a soft melody, lightly flowing.
The private room was exquisitely decorated, with a large cascade of flowers spilling from the end of the dining table, and a pink “Happy Birthday” standee placed beside it.
Jenny wore a purple strapless long dress, with light purple eye makeup that matched the formal dress well.
She kept glancing toward the doorway.
The graying elder at the side picked up his water cup for a sip, “Kerwin said he’d come; what’s the rush.”
Jenny checked the time again, a bit nervous, “Grandfather, do you think he’ll agree?”
“As long as he has ambition, there’s no reason to refuse such good conditions.”
Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at the private room door.
The server pushed open the door and gestured, “Please come in, sir.”
Jenny turned her head, her eyes lighting up; she stood to greet him, “Mister Kerwin.”
Pei Yuzhou took one look at the scene and guessed most of it, “I didn’t know it was Miss Jenny’s birthday today and didn’t prepare a gift. I’ll have someone send one over in a couple days.”
Jenny shook her head with a smile, “No need; I’m already very happy that you came today.”
Old Mr. Kendi spoke up: “Kerwin, sorry to invite you out for dinner on short notice.”
“Old Mr. Kendi is too polite.” Pei Yuzhou sat down across from him, “I was planning to visit and apologize at some point anyway.”
Old Mr. Kendi got straight to the point, “Then I won’t beat around the bush with you. I’m here today to talk with you again about the marriage alliance.”
“Please go ahead.” Pei Yuzhou listened attentively.
“I’d like to ask first: is there anything about my granddaughter that you’re dissatisfied with?”
Jenny’s hands on her lap tightened her skirt.
Pei Yuzhou’s expression was calm, hands resting on the table, twisting the platinum ring on his pinky, “Naturally not.”
“Since there’s nothing, why did you refuse this marriage?”
“I have only this one granddaughter, Jenny; spoiled her since she was little, and she’s never disappointed me. Now she likes you and thinks of you constantly. As her grandfather, I still have to thicken my face and fight for her.”
Old Mr. Kendi directly laid out the conditions, “If you marry her, I’ll additionally give you three percent of the group’s shares as a gift. In the future, our two families can also achieve deeper cooperation—benefiting all around. What do you say?”
“Sorry, I’ve always believed that marriage and benefits shouldn’t be mixed.” Pei Yuzhou’s attitude remained the same, refusing bluntly, “I don’t have those feelings for Miss Jenny; I believe she can find someone better in the future.”
Jenny gripped her palm tightly, lowering her eyes to hide her disappointment.
Old Mr. Kendi frowned, ultimately unable to see through the young man before him, “You really won’t agree?”
Pei Yuzhou said in a low voice: “Sorry.”
With things said to this point, Old Mr. Kendi had no choice, “Then it seems there’s no fate.”
This dinner ended early on the grounds that Pei Yuzhou had matters to attend to.
Leaving the restaurant, he instructed Mark to prepare a birthday gift and send it to the Kendi home.
Old Mr. Kendi was a shrewd one; on the surface using the three percent shares to show sincerity, but actually wanting to deeply bind the interests of the two families to pave the way for his grandson. No matter how much he doted on his granddaughter, he wouldn’t let Jenny inherit the company.
Marriage was merely a means to seek profit.
And Pei Yuzhou looked down on such benefits and didn’t need to achieve his goals through marriage alliance.
If he hadn’t met that clingy Meng Shuyou, perhaps he would have accepted the marriage arranged by his family—after all, not having to invest time in cultivating a marriage was also a good thing—but now, it seemed he couldn’t settle.
He only had physical urges toward Meng Shuyou.
Eight-thirty, the house was quiet.
Pei Yuzhou walked into the living room, tossing his suit jacket casually onto the sofa armrest, “Where is she?”
The servant replied, “Miss hasn’t returned yet.”
Pei Yuzhou tugged at his lips, a slight furrow between his brows, a touch displeased.
He dismissed the servant, sat down on the sofa, undid his tie, and closed his eyes, leaning back.
He didn’t know how long it had been when faint footsteps came from the doorway.
Meng Shuyou entered; the living room had only one dimly lit orange lamp on, and she spotted the man on the sofa at a glance.
He seemed to be asleep.
Meng Shuyou lightened her steps and walked over.
