Chapter 792: Too Good at Hiding
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Su Shen did not offer any opportunity for discussion. With a steady voice, he declared, “I’ve already purchased and sent out the items. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself. What brings you here? Speak plainly.”
Su Shen was well aware that neither Hu Bing nor Huo Jing were in charge of the training base here. There was no reason for them to appear unless they needed something from him.
Accustomed to Su Shen’s cold and aloof demeanor, Hu Bing was not embarrassed by the rejection. He stated frankly, “It’s all because of my cousin, Hu Jie. She’s set her heart on renewing the marriage contract with you. The Hu family also believes they can support you, so they sent me as a mediator. I had no choice but to come and play the part. Su Shen, please don’t take it personally.”
Like the other members of the Hu family, Hu Bing had once hoped to salvage the marriage that had been ruined by Hu Jie’s maternal family. He wanted to fulfill the late Master Hu’s wish, to unite Hu Jie and Su Shen, and then the Hu family would fully support Su Shen.
Su Shen was already quite capable, and with the support of the Hu family, it would undoubtedly create a win-win situation. Su Shen would be able to establish a firm foothold in the capital, with a promising future. The power of the Hu family would also rise to a higher level.
However, ever since his last visit to Daqing Village, where he personally witnessed the demeanor and intelligence of Su Shen’s wife, Hu Bing had abandoned this idea, even beginning to think his own family was naive.
Regardless of whether Hu Bing was sincere or not, Su Shen turned his attention to the unusually silent Huo Jing. He knew that the quickest solution lay with Huo Jing. He said to Huo Jing, “Isn’t Hu Jie’s maternal family most fond of you? In my opinion, a marriage alliance between the Huo and Hu families wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
The people in Hu Jie’s maternal family were all cunning old foxes. Their choices might not respect Hu Jie’s wishes, but they would certainly be the most advantageous.
The Huo family was wealthy and held significant power. If they could form a marriage alliance with the Hu family, the future of the Huo family would be prosperous. This would also provide the strongest support for Hu Jie’s maternal family. Even if the family’s power declined one day, they would not fall into a state of destitution and despair.
Huo Jing leaned against the railing, taking a drag from his cigarette. The hazy smoke veiled the contemplative look in his eyes. “Su Shen, you know me,” he began, “I don’t have any particular demands when it comes to love and marriage. I let nature take its course. After all, every man needs a woman. Hu Jie, apart from her unlikable personality, meets the standards in terms of looks and figure. But she’s not someone I’d go out of my way to pursue.”
Su Shen, of course, understood his friend well. Was there a woman that Huo Jing desired but couldn’t have?
On the contrary, if Huo Jing had no interest in a woman, he wouldn’t compromise himself to please her. Su Shen could see that Huo Jing had some interest in Hu Jie. The message he was conveying to Huo Jing was clear, and Huo Jing was not one to misunderstand.
Upon hearing this, Hu Bing, who was standing nearby, was stunned. He looked at Su Shen, who could read people like an open book, then at Huo Jing, who was always out of tune. His mouth fell open in surprise. “Brother Huo, you’re really good at hiding your feelings. I thought you were forced into a relationship with my cousin. Turns out, you actually have some feelings for her? Why don’t you make a move? That way, Su Shen and his wife can be free.
“To put it bluntly, my cousin has been pampered by those around her since she was a child. She’s been put on such a high pedestal that she can’t see herself clearly. You just go ahead, with your shameless character, are you afraid she’ll hate you?”
Once Hu Bing understood this, he felt a sense of relief. He was Hu Jie’s cousin, true, but his friendship with Su Shen was also genuine. As an observer, he could see things more clearly now. If Hu Jie couldn’t find someone she was willing to be with, then someone who could tame her would do, and Huo Jing with his thick skin was just right.
Huo Jing looked at his two good friends, both of whom were now targeting him, and couldn’t help but feel curious. “Hu Bing, is Su Shen’s wife really that charming? You’re even willing to switch sides and speak for her?”
Hu Bing replied, “She’s indeed a rare beauty. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also very intelligent and gets the big picture. To be honest, after meeting her, I can’t even bring myself to help my cousin out of guilt. A woman like her should be happy and content with anyone she’s with. You’ll understand once you meet her.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Jing felt a sense of anticipation. “Alright, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. I’m not worried about not meeting her. But as for being a shield for your happy married life, I’ll have to think about it.”
It was a Saturday when Gu Zi received the items sent by Su Shen. Her family was planning to return to town that day, so early in the morning, Li Hua and the others began packing their things. Meanwhile, the elderly Lin couple was also busy.