Chapter 85: Chapter 40: Fiancé_2
Shen Qian felt puzzled why Ma Chengteng would bring Yueyao to the restaurant, yet his expression revealed nothing. He said warmly, “Niece, please rise. Conghao, come, meet the Lian family’s younger sister.” He didn’t care any more about Yueyao’s cold voice.
Ever since Shen Conghao became sensible, he knew he had a fiancée. The fact that his fiancée was at the restaurant didn’t concern him. Eating a meal with adults wasn’t improper, as it wasn’t like she came alone. The only regret was that he couldn’t see her face: “Lian family’s younger sister, hello.”
Yueyao didn’t address him by name, merely performing a greeting ritual. She didn’t want to talk to Shen Conghao. It’d definitely be rude not to greet Shen Qian properly, but ignoring Shen Conghao could be interpreted as shyness, especially since her face was covered and invisible.
Ma Chengteng initially wanted to catch up with Shen Qian, but Yueyao softly said, “Uncle, I want to go to the bookstore to buy a couple of calligraphy manuscripts.” The implication was they could catch up later, but buying manuscripts was the most important thing for now.
Ma Chengteng didn’t even know Yueyao wanted to buy calligraphy manuscripts. However, he doted on his niece, and with a smile, he replied, “Alright, Brother Shen, we’ll catch up another time.”
Shen Qian smiled at Yueyao and asked, “May I know which calligrapher’s manuscript my niece is looking for? I happen to have a ‘Cold Food Manuscript’ from the great Su.” He remembered Yueyao should have been practicing Li calligraphy like her father. Why would she want to buy a different manuscript now?
Ma Chengteng was about to agree when Yueyao continued, still with her voice as cold as before, “Thank you, Uncle Shen. However, the manuscript Yueyao wants to buy is in the Ou style. It’s best for my brother who is just learning to write.” Ou Yangxun’s calligraphy is renowned for its strict measures and perilous brushstrokes, unmatched in the world and considered the best among the Tang dynasty calligraphers. And the Ou style is the cheapest for beginners. Of course, these are all excuses; Yueyao didn’t want to become too entangled with the Shen family.
Shen Qian was somewhat astonished by Yueyao’s rejection. It’s taboo to refuse a gift from an elder. Without hesitation, she had refused, and her voice remained cold, as if she was reluctant to have any more contact with him. And she was also unwilling to talk to his son.
If it was someone else, Shen Qian naturally wouldn’t mind, but this was his second son’s fiancée. Such behavior seemed too disrespectful to him as the future father-in-law. Because of the friendship with Lian Dongbo, and also owing a debt of gratitude, he didn’t think much about it. He simply assumed that since the child lost her parents, her nature became cold, and she didn’t understand social interactions well, which wasn’t good.
Not just Shen Qian, even Shen Conghao looked at Yueyao with surprise. Others might not know, but he was aware that his father cherished that manuscript. He didn’t expect his father to offer it to Yueyao so readily, and what was even more astonishing was that she refused it.
Ma Chengteng also noticed something off in Yueyao’s tone, and with a smile, he took his leave. When Yueyao walked past Shen Qian and Shen Conghao, her pace quickened a bit.
Nanny Deng looked puzzled. What’s wrong with the young lady? She looked at Second Young Master Shen, more and more pleased with him. He was a perfect match for the young lady; the Old Master had chosen a good match for her. But why was the young lady so indifferent to the Shen family, and even a bit panicked, resulting in her hurried steps? Could there be something amiss?
Yueyao boarded the carriage and removed her veil cap, pondering how to withdraw from this marriage. She didn’t want to end up like in her previous life, when the Shen family secretly called off the marriage, leaving her with an undeserved reputation while they benefited. If she were to withdraw, it would be openly. She wouldn’t allow them to dissolve the engagement secretly while maintaining a façade of good reputation.
Yueyao sighed softly. The engagement needed to end, but for now, it couldn’t. Not only did she lack the authority to speak, but having the Shen family as in-laws was currently like a shield for her. Regardless, as the officially recognized fiancée of the First House’s legitimate second son, the Lady family had to give her some respect. Therefore, to break off the engagement, she could only do so when she was capable of protecting herself. Otherwise, even after breaking off the engagement, who knows where the Lady family might send her next.
Nanny Deng grasped Yueyao’s hand, “Miss, is there something inappropriate with the Lian family?” The mistress could dream that the Lady family harbored ill intentions; perhaps she also mentioned other things, like the engagement with the Lian family.
Nanny Deng couldn’t be blamed for overthinking. Yueyao’s behavior was indeed suspicious. When the marriage topic had come up before, Yueyao always appeared coyly shy. Even though she had lost her parents now, it still seemed out of character for her to be so indifferent and even cold towards her future father-in-law and fiancé.
Yueyao hesitated slightly, then smiled and said, “What are you thinking about, Nanny? There’s nothing like that. I was just caught off guard by the sudden meeting.” Both the Shen and Lian families were scholarly families that valued reputation above all else. Who would believe that the Shen family would call off the marriage!
Nanny Deng wanted to ask more, but seeing her young lady’s unwillingness to elaborate, she dropped the subject. Perhaps she was overthinking it. The Shen family’s reputation in the Capital City was unparalleled, suggesting that nothing should be amiss.
Shen Qian turned to look at his son Shen Conghao, who wore a puzzled expression, “Haohao, what’s wrong?” He hadn’t expected Yueyao to be resistant. With the marriage arranged by the parents and the matchmaker’s words, there should be no objections. And with all his son’s good qualities, there shouldn’t be any dissatisfaction. He simply thought Yueyao, having lost her parents and living as a dependent, had grown somewhat cold in disposition. Shen Qian thought about finding an opportunity to speak with Brother Lian. He couldn’t let the child become so reclusive.
Shen Conghao shook his head, “Father, it’s nothing.” He wondered if it was just his misconception that his fiancée seemed not to like him, or even to be repelled by him. But Shen Conghao quickly dismissed the thought, convincing himself it was all in his head.