HBWMA -Chapter 19 First Encounter

“Son?!”

For a moment, Shen Zhi failed to react, his expression filled with shock and disbelief.

Everyone knew that Chairman Shen only had one son—an infamous playboy in Country A. So this… where had this one suddenly come from?

“Steward Shen, lead the way.” Shen Qian’s expression remained calm, as if he hadn’t noticed Shen Zhi’s expression.

Shen Zhi quickly came back to his senses and composed himself. “This way, sir.”

It couldn’t be blamed on Shen Zhi for overreacting. Shen Qian had an outstanding political record in Country A and was widely known for his refined and gentlemanly reputation. He and his wife, Yao Ge, were chosen every year as one of the model couples in the hearts of the public. No one expected such a man to secretly keep a grown illegitimate son. If this had happened to anyone else in the Shen family, it still wouldn’t have been this explosive.

The three of them each had their own thoughts as they stepped into the courtyard, when suddenly a string of silver-bell-like laughter drifted from the pavilion. The laughter was infectious, making even Shen Zhuang beside it break into a wide, delighted smile.

Shen Qian looked toward the two people in the pavilion for a moment, then turned and instructed Shen Guilling, “Wait here for now.” After speaking, he walked toward the pavilion alone.

The sky had already darkened. Warm orange ambient lights illuminated the courtyard, but the lighting was dim and hazy.

Shen Guilling stood still, his gaze passing through the dim light and landing directly on the old man in the pavilion. The elder wore a brocade Tang suit, leaning on a dragon-headed cane, looking at the child beside him with a face full of affection. The “little one” had his back turned, gesturing animatedly at the old man—like an octopus performing on stage.

Before long, Shen Qian entered the pavilion.

Shen Guilling lowered his eyes slightly and calmly shifted his gaze.

In the pavilion, Jiang Huashan was telling Shen Zhuang stories from her childhood when an unexpected visitor suddenly arrived behind her.

“Dad.”

That voice…

Jiang Huashan’s lively expression instantly froze.

“Sit,” Shen Zhuang said, pointing to the seat beside him.

Shen Qian politely inclined his head and sat down. Then, smiling, he looked Jiang Huashan over. “Haven’t seen you in a while—you’ve grown quite a bit. Do you still remember me?”

Jiang Huashan slowly straightened up, a little restrained. “Mr. Shen.”

Shen Qian paused slightly, then smiled gently. “Why so distant? I’ve heard they say you’re quite free-spirited. Since you’re part of the Shen family, you can just call me like Sui’er and Mianzhi do.”

Jiang Huashan raised her head timidly, testing him with her eyes. “Really?”

Shen Qian nodded patiently. “Of course.”

Jiang Huashan looked a little shy. “Smiling tiger.”

“?”

Shen Qian’s smile stiffened. For a moment, he thought he had misheard.

Even Old Master Shen was stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Jiang Huashan continued, “Hypocrite, traitor.”

The moment the words “traitor” came out, Shen Qian’s expression completely collapsed. The old master quickly covered Jiang Huashan’s mouth before he could react.

But Jiang Huashan looked innocent. “Grandpa, Mr. Shen told me to call him that.”

Fair enough.

Old Master Shen looked up at Shen Qian. “Mianzhi is the best-behaved; it definitely wasn’t her. Sui’er’s personality… I don’t know who she takes after. I’ll discipline her properly another day. As her uncle, don’t take it to heart.”

“…”

Shen Qian’s mouth twitched. Over the past few years, he had been busy with affairs outside and rarely returned home. He had occasionally heard rumors that the old master favored an unrelated girl, but he hadn’t taken them seriously. Now that he saw it for himself, the rumors were still understated.

“Alright, alright. I still have matters to discuss with your uncle. You should go back first. In a few days, Grandpa will take you out to relax.”

Jiang Huashan stood up. “Good night, Grandpa.” Before leaving, she even politely added, “Goodbye, Mr. Shen.”

Shen Zhi kept his eyes lowered, acting like a tool with no thoughts, and led Jiang Huashan out of the pavilion.

A gentle breeze drifted through the courtyard. As they passed the front garden, Jiang Huashan suddenly stopped.

In the center of the flower hall stood a black-clad youth, lowering his head to smell a blooming peony on the flower rack. His brows were lowered, his gaze gentle and clear. Sensing someone watching him, he slowly lifted his eyes. At that moment, his delicate eyelashes fluttered slightly—like butterfly wings trembling.

Jiang Huashan stood expressionlessly under the corridor, watching him under the moonlight.

In the later political and social circles of Country A, a saying spread widely: no woman could hold eye contact with Shen Guilling for more than three seconds—because after three seconds, she would fall for him and willingly surrender her soul.

One second, two seconds, three seconds…

Jiang Huashan raised an eyebrow. She easily held it for ten seconds.

This scene looked different in Shen Zhi’s eyes. He thought to himself: Miss Jiang is really not reserved—why is she staring so openly at a handsome man?

“Ahem. Miss Jiang, it’s getting late. We should head back.” The children of the Shen family represented the family’s face. Shen Zhi even worried that if he didn’t stop her, she might lose control and pounce.

“Ah? Oh.” Jiang Huashan smiled awkwardly and naturally looked away. “Steward Shen, the wind just now got in my eyes.” She even pretended to rub them seriously.

Shen Zhi glanced at the young man under the moonlight and thought: indeed, what strong wind.

“Let’s go,” he said, not exposing her.

“Mm.” Jiang Huashan obediently followed while still rubbing her eyes. Only after leaving the courtyard did she lower her hands.

Shen Zhi found it slightly amusing and thought her attempt to cover it up was unexpectedly… cute.

Shen Guilling calmly withdrew his gaze, looking at the peony in front of him. After a moment, as if thinking of something, a faint, meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

The Shen family really was interesting.

Rubbing eyes with the middle finger?