The incessant chatter from the phone continued to spill out, the topics all revolving around Shi Mei, Xie Fangfang, and what Shi Lingyan had said.
Tang Jingming also acutely noticed that every single person still had an expression of burning desire to watch the spectacle unfold.
On the many faces, the group name was clearly displayed: High School Reunion Group.
Was it just now that Xie Fangfang had opened this group, wanting these nosy classmates to see Shi Mei's embarrassment?
Angered, Tang Jingming ended the call and handed it directly to a security guard, "Go return this to that woman!"
After that, he turned to check on the little fool.
The little fool followed pitifully behind Shi Lingyan; if he sped up, so did she; if he slowed down, so did she.
As she walked, she hunched her small shoulders, giving an air of grievance and desolation.
Tang Jingming, feeling a pang of distress, caught up and called out, "Sister Shi."
Shi Mei turned to look with a sob, her large eyes glistening red, her mouth pouting as if she was about to cry again.
Tang Jingming, startled, quickly leaned in closer and made a funny face by pulling at his eyelids, "Lulululu, don't cry, lulululu, brother will buy you ice cream!"
Shi Mei couldn't help but let out a light laugh.
Ah, her silly little brother.
Still as naive and cute as ever.
When Tang Jingming saw her laugh, he put even more effort into making funny faces.
Shi Lingyan had long since grown impatient with being followed and scowled at him from the corner of his eye.
Tang Jingming instinctively flinched but, seeing Shi Mei, he felt he couldn't afford to lose face in front of the fool.
After a moment's thought, Tang Jingming approached Shi Lingyan and whispered, "Brother-in-law, can we make a deal?"
Shi Lingyan glanced at him and remained silent.
Tang Jingming was used to it and simply went on, "Could you be less fierce with me in front of Sister Shi? Otherwise, it makes me look very bad..."
"I'm fierce?" Shi Lingyan's eyelids lifted slightly.
Just a calm look from him made Tang Jingming involuntarily soften his voice and instinctively quiet down.
Tang Jingming scratched his head.
It was just that Shi Lingyan's presence was so strong that he couldn't help but feel the pressure.
Moreover, he truly respected him deep down, feeling an awe that was etched into his bones and could not be erased.
Shi Lingyan, observing his worried expression, chuckled lightly and patted his shoulder, "She has the intelligence of a five-year-old, T Jing, just treat her as a sister, that's all."
That single sentence pierced through the high hopes Tang Jingming harbored, deflating them entirely.
Looking at Shi Mei, who clearly wasn't like normal people, Tang Jingming felt a sense of defeat, and mumbled, "I wasn't thinking of advancing any other kind of relationship, don't think so poorly of me. I wouldn't have such thoughts for a five-year-old girl."
After being single for so many years, he finally found his type, how could fate be so cruel!
If she were just foolish, that would still be bearable.
But no, Sister Shi was not only foolish, but she was also the wife of the brother-in-law he respected most...
As Tang Jingming said these words, his face was a tapestry of barely concealed conflict.
Shi Lingyan glanced at him deeply, "Good."
That look from Shi Lingyan made Tang Jingming feel even more like he was committing a crime, and he bowed his head meekly, mumbling a low affirmation.
Wan Lili: Forgive my bluntness, but Old Shi really has your best interests at heart.