Before he had even regained his composure, he saw Aunt Li hurrying out from the inner room, holding a newspaper, "Old Shen, Old Shen, come take a look, our Chengzi has become involved with the Diamond Emperor!"
Shen Zhongming’s legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground, thankfully Old Li was quick to react and steadied him, "Old Shen, what’s wrong with you?"
Shen Zhongming waved his hand, "It’s nothing, nothing." Saying this, he quickly took the newspaper from Aunt Li’s hands.
The newspaper headline, in bold black letters, was strikingly clear: "Bombshell! Emperor’s Head Publicly Reveals Romance, Leading Lady is Du City’s Number One Beauty!"
Below, there was a beautiful photo of Shen Cheng in a gown, with a man who stood by her side like an emperor, looking down on everyone with contempt.
Aunt Li pointed to a section of the newspaper, saying, "Look here at the introduction, full name Shen Cheng, nickname Chengzi, also called darling."
Shen Zhongming was quite shaken, somewhat incredulous, "Is this... really my Chengzi, without a doubt?"
Aunt Li stated confidently, "Definitely not mistaken, there’s the photo and name right there! And let me tell you, our Chengzi really has presence! Saying she’s Du City’s number one beauty, that’s not at all an exaggeration!"
Old Li joined in, "That girl Chengzi was already naturally exquisite, but dressed up , she’s as beautiful as a movie star. I barely recognize her."
Shen Zhongming had no interest in their praise of his daughter; he just glanced at the matching pair on the newspaper before picking up the household registration book and hurriedly leaving.
"Old Shen! Where are you going?" Aunt Li called after his retreating figure, but sadly there was no response.
Approaching eight o’clock, the night grew darker.
The dim streetlights elongated Shen Cheng’s petite figure.
She walked slowly by the roadside, letting the night wind whip up her long hair.
In the darkness, a shadow flitted by and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Shen Cheng sharply sensed something amiss behind her and couldn’t help but slow down, turning her head to look back—
She furrowed her brows as she looked into the distance, but apart from the roadside flowers, trees, and the streetlights, there was nothing.
However, just as she turned around to continue walking, from the once-deserted area, a head suddenly popped out from the shadows.
After observing her retreating figure as if to confirm something, he gestured with his hand, and another person emerged from behind.
"Is it her for sure?"
The two exchanged a few brief words and continued to follow Shen Cheng’s steps.
On several occasions when Shen Cheng was about to detect them, they vanished into hiding places at top speed.
It wasn’t until they passed a crossroad that the two figures in the shadows exchanged a glance, took out a sack, and started to close in on Shen Cheng dangerously.
Under the reflection of the streetlight, Shen Cheng instantly noticed two shadows on the ground approaching her, getting closer and closer.
Was this feeling not an illusion?
Just as the shadows were about to completely engulf her, she suddenly turned around.
She lifted her leg and delivered a fierce kick towards the two approaching men.
One of them was hit in the groin and immediately crouched down clutching his crotch, while the other, seeing this and almost without thinking, lunged at Shen Cheng.
Shen Cheng cursed quietly and attempted another leg sweep, but she missed the man.
The man was burly and powerful; he easily dodged her strike, indicating that he was trained in martial arts.
Shen Cheng took a step back instinctively and narrowed her eyes.
This man was furious and fierce, looking as if he was eager to wring her neck.
Damn, what kind of deep grudge did this have to be!