Chapter 279: Return The Recording To Him
Fireworks were set off at the Lin family banquet, and the sky was resplendent and hazy.
Liancheng saw nearly a hundred unfamiliar faces, old and young, news figures, and behind-the-scenes magnates. Her Cantonese was not good, so most people accommodated her by speaking English. A few madams from the mainland spoke Mandarin.
After Liancheng recognized who was who, she moved towards the group that spoke familiar Mandarin.
However, the madams carefully chose their words, avoiding the Liang family, avoiding Liang Chaosu, and also avoiding the most discussed topic of the moment—Liang Wenfei’s abrupt marriage.
Furthermore, they couldn’t bring up past events involving the Lin family on Lin family grounds. Since Liancheng had just returned, it was natural for her to share family anecdotes herself to foster closeness.
Secondly, if such things were spoken of by outsiders, even if with good intentions, it would make Liancheng seem ignorant and even more distant than outsiders.
In noblewoman socializing, when there are no benefits to gain, the emphasis is on stability and caution, not seeking merit but avoiding fault.
Safe topics included jewelry, accessories, clothes, and manicures.
Liancheng spent a long time there, not hearing what she wanted to hear, and not wanting to ask.
Tearing, struggling, floating, and sinking.
She got up and went to the backyard.
Fireworks continued to be ignited one after another, with strands of brilliant light intertwining, blooming into large, fluffy balls of light and shadow that reflected in the swimming pool and scattered among the blue jacaranda.
On that day, Liang Wenfei’s return to the Liang family also had such grand and continuous festivities.
Liancheng also hid in the backyard, went to Yao Nianci’s glass greenhouse, and stopped at the foot of the steps, not going in for some reason.
When Liang Chaosu found her, the night wind made her eyes sting. The colorful fireworks shimmered on the glass, and the whistling sounds seemed to last for the entire night. Liang Chaosu silently handed her tissues.
One by one, he had prepared them in advance, but it wasn’t enough, so he took off his jacket.
Liancheng buried herself in them for a long time. In the dark backyard where no one was around, under the colorful night sky, all her inexpressible anxiety and despair were gradually soothed by the warmth of his jacket.
He stood in the dim shadow of the flowers, amidst the gray smoke of the falling fireworks, and said, “Go upstairs and sleep.”
His tone was a calm command, but his silent eyes were truly burning.
Liancheng’s heart was in utter disarray.
“Miss Mo.” A hand suddenly rested on Liancheng’s shoulder from behind. “Why aren’t you going in?”
Liancheng turned around. “Madam Bai?”
The madam who had spoken so eloquently about clothes and manicures just moments ago, the older sister of Liancheng’s former boss, Bai Xiwen, was married to the southeastern coast and was in a cooperative investment with the Lin family in maritime trade.
The list of guests invited tonight was actually quite telling, filtering out those related to the Liang family, and even Bai Ying and Shen Lichuan were not on it.
Liancheng understood Lin Xianzi’s caution.
However, as wealthy families in the mainland developed to a certain level, their marital connections were intricate, linking north, south, east, and west, forming a network. It was impossible to completely avoid them.
“It’s me.” Madam Bai looked back at the banquet hall and sat down next to Liancheng. “Shall we chat?”
Her actions were more decisive than her words. Liancheng didn’t speak, nor did she refuse.
“You were dealing with them for so long earlier, and it seemed very boring. You didn’t like our conversation?”
Liancheng tucked away her hair, which had been messed up by the wind. “It was alright.”
Madam Bai, seven years older than Bai Xiwen, was nearly forty and a skilled socialite. She easily understood Liancheng’s small actions and the emotions hidden beneath her calm demeanor.
“Then, what I’m about to talk about, you might dislike even more.”
Normally, Liancheng would reply, ‘If I know I won’t like it, let’s stop here.’
At this moment, she remained expressionless. “Madam Bai’s speaking style is very similar to Young Master Bai of Shenheng. You truly are sisters.”
Madam Bai smiled.
“You are correct about that. Among so many siblings, Xiao Wen and I are the closest.” She tilted her head. “Therefore, Director Liang, who helped Xiao Wen establish herself in Nan Province, has entrusted me with a task, and I have to trouble you this once.”
Liancheng’s hands tightened. Since the conversation had reached this point, she spoke frankly, “How is he?”
“He woke up at dusk.”
Liancheng’s fists relaxed.
“After meeting Secretary Su, he might have been stimulated and fell into a coma again.”
Liancheng felt like a toy being manipulated, her hands tightening once more.
Madam Bai had no malicious intent and did not want to tease her. “Secretary Su asked me to convey his request: you must undergo a medical examination as soon as possible. Director Liang is very worried.”
Worried.
Liancheng was quiet.
Those fighting for their lives in the ICU were worried about her, someone who was alive and well and seemingly perfect in every way.
“Anything else?”
Madam Bai shook her head. “The entrustment was only this one sentence. Secretary Su seemed to have a lot more to say.”
Liancheng asked, “Didn’t he say it?”
Madam Bai saw that Liancheng wasn’t resistant and smoothed her skirt. “He didn’t say. But I imagine it has to do with those few sensational matters outside, Liang Wenfei getting her marriage certificate with Liu Qingsong, with whom you previously had a blind date, Director Liang’s illness, the chairman’s position being temporarily held by Old Director Liang, and—”
She hesitated.
Liancheng’s heart churned with a wave of emotion. Suppressing it, she looked at Madam Bai. “And what else?”
“Your engagement with Director Liang, the news of its dissolution reported by Hong Kong media, and mainland media resurfacing the story of you being forced.” Madam Bai’s curiosity was hard to suppress, and she took advantage of the current rapport to probe naturally. “If it’s slander, it would be best for you to come forward and clarify. Director Liang is in a difficult situation, and public opinion is strong. It might stir up tremendous waves later on.”
Liancheng managed to maintain a poker face and thanked her before leaving.
After the banquet ended and the last guest had departed, it was already half-past nine.
Servants and banquet staff bustled around the hall tidying up. Liancheng walked through the corridor, and in the living room, the younger generation of her age group were chatting in a cluster.
Seeing her, they called out enthusiastically, “Liancheng, we heard Auntie and Grandfather discussing changing your nickname to Duole from now on, to pair with Third Brother, for good fortune and joy. Hurry and stop Auntie; Third Brother has been resisting this nickname for over twenty years. It’s so tragic.”
Liancheng met a pair of eyes in the center of the crowd. The contour of their brow bones was not as deep as the Liang family’s, their eyebrows were thick, and their pupils were light in color. Their frank, uninhibited defiance strongly resembled Lin Lanfeng’s.
Lin Lanfeng was a staunch bachelor, and his three sons came from three different mothers. This eldest son was the most favored and relied upon.
Two years ago, he joined Lin’s shipbuilding industry and had a close cooperative relationship with Madam Bai’s husband, with frequent private interactions. Lin Xianzi had considered this point when selecting guests.
Tonight, she knew the situation outside, and to some extent, she benefited from his influence.
“Third Brother.”
She nodded.
This person was particularly close to her. He came over, put his arm around her shoulder, and led her upstairs. “Elders giving nicknames wish for as much fortune and happiness as possible. But sometimes, they can easily clash with the names of the madams’ pets. Your name is very good, ‘Liancheng’ (worth a city), equivalent to a precious jade.”
Liancheng inexplicably felt his latter remark was meaningful.
Without dwelling on it, Lin Qijun pushed open Lin Lanfeng’s study door. “Dad, Auntie, Liancheng has something to tell you.”
Lin Xianzi sprang up from the sofa in an instant. Suddenly, a solemnity lingered on her face, and in Lin Lanfeng’s eyes across from her, a storm was brewing. The atmosphere was oppressive and urgent.
Liancheng unconsciously dug her fingernails into her palm and entered.
Lin Lanfeng waved his hand. “Ah Qi, you go downstairs first. Your aunt and I also have something to tell Liancheng.”
Lin Qijun closed the door.
“Liancheng.” Lin Xianzi strode around the sofa and tightly grasped her hand. “Tell me honestly, Mom, did you receive an injection of the Far East Pharmaceutical pregnancy preservation needle in Iceland?”
Liancheng was stunned; she had come for this very reason.
Previously, the situation had been tense, and things were left at a point. Now that the situation was clear, she intended to reveal everything tonight, including her attitude towards Liang Chaosu.
Whether to seek revenge.
Whether to continue hating.
Or, to consider right and wrong settled, and return the recording to him.
