TMLSG -Chapter 59 Rival

Here it came—the topic of breaking up, arriving late but inevitable.

Tang Zhen didn’t want to discuss such a topic with her mother in this setting. “I already know what’s in my heart.”

Her mother took a deep breath. Today she was dressed in all pearls and jewels, radiating the elegance of a wealthy matron.

She didn’t want to lose her temper on such a day, so when she heard Tang Zhen’s answer, she merely said calmly, “You better really know what’s in your heart.”

As far as she knew, Tang Zhen hadn’t been dating her current boyfriend for very long.

How much deep affection could there be in such a short time?

If she doesn’t break up now, it’s probably just out of rebelliousness.

The more the parents push for a breakup, the more she resists.

It’s just teenage rebellion.

So Tang Zhen’s mother didn’t want to push too hard.

She planned to check in with Tang Zhen about breaking up from time to time.

After all, Zhou Xusi was at home—he wasn’t going anywhere.

After finishing the breakup discussion, Tang Zhen’s mother looked Tang Zhen over and said with satisfaction, “No wonder you’re my daughter—so beautiful.”

Tang Zhen had fair skin and delicate features. Today, her combination of a black dress and white fur made her look noble. Who would guess that over ten years ago, she had lived in a slum, barely able to afford meals?

Just standing there, she radiated a brilliant aura.

Having finally married into the Zhou family, Tang Zhen’s mother truly wanted nothing to do with the past.

She didn’t want to recall those times—and Tang Zhen probably didn’t either, right?

But in fact, Tang Zhen was curious about her original self’s father.

In her impression, Tang Zhen’s father was a talented painter, but too rigid and inflexible to monetize his art—or perhaps he simply didn’t want to.

To him, making money was far less important than meeting a kindred spirit.

It wasn’t that no one wanted to buy his paintings, but the buyers didn’t understand art; they just thought his paintings were cheap and would look good as decorations at home.

In the end, the paintings still didn’t sell.

Perhaps, if there was a chance, she could discuss painting with Tang Zhen’s father.

After talking with Tang Zhen for a while, Tang Zhen’s mother went to join her current husband and stepchildren.

Once she left, Ren Yanjing walked over and asked, “What did Aunt say?”

The main point of Tang Zhen’s conversation with her mother had been about when she would break up.

But there was no need to tell Ren Yanjing that.

Tang Zhen stepped forward, linking her arm with his, and said playfully, “Nothing much. She just told me not to take Yu Yu’s words to heart.”

Ren Yanjing smiled, not exposing her little white lie.

Someone like Tang Zhen’s mother would never have comforted her by saying not to take those words seriously.

But his baby was just too considerate—always looking out for others.

Tang Zhen’s personality clearly came from her father, nothing like her mother.

Though it was a pity about Tang Zhen’s father, at least he wasn’t short of money and had the ability to earn.

It looked like she would need to work even harder to make money in the future.

Almost the entire Ren family attended the wedding, and many celebrities and acquaintances were invited as well.

The wedding scene was bustling and lively.

At the wedding, Tang Zhen met Ren Yanjing’s parents.

They were a middle-aged couple with gentle temperaments, dressed in matching formal outfits. Their faces still carried traces of youthful handsomeness and beauty.

Upon their first meeting, Ren Yanjing’s mother gifted Tang Zhen an emerald bracelet.

Even someone like Tang Zhen, who didn’t understand jewelry, could tell the value of the bracelet.

It was extremely expensive.

Tang Zhen felt awkward and unsure whether she should accept it.

Ren Yanjing’s mother smiled gently. “Take it, little Tang.”

Tang Zhen pressed her lips together. “Thank you, Aunt.”

Ren Yanjing’s mother couldn’t help herself and leaned in to lightly pinch Tang Zhen’s cheeks.

Tang Zhen blinked, a little dazed.

Ren Yanjing’s mother said, “It’s nothing, I was just checking your skin. You’re not wearing makeup?”

Tang Zhen nodded. “Yes, Aunt.”

Tsk.

So soft… and so pinchable.

Really too lucky for Ren Yanjing.

Ren Yanjing’s parents were busy today, having to help entertain many guests, so after chatting briefly, Tang Zhen left them to their duties.

Once they stepped out of Ren Yanjing’s sight, his mother couldn’t help raising her right hand. “Old Ren, you have no idea how good this feels.”

Ren Yanjing’s father cleared his throat, saying nothing. As an elder, he couldn’t casually comment on the younger generation.

Ren Yanjing’s mother went on, “Really too good to pinch. I envy my son—such a lucky life, and such good taste.”

Ren Yanjing’s father laughed. “He didn’t fancy a single daughter from our family’s friends. Some think he’s destined to be a monk, but it’s really just that his standards are too high.”

Tsk.

Truly unexpected.

Not long after, Ren Yanju, sharp in his suit, walked over.

He was holding a glass of champagne, greeted Tang Zhen, then turned to Ren Yanjing. “One of the groomsmen got sick and can’t go on stage. Yan’en says you should fill in. What do you think?”

Tang Zhen’s system pinged with a new task, but Ren Yanjing had already declined. “No thanks.”

This was the first time Tang Zhen experienced a task glitch.

Ping, ping… then a beep, followed by static.

Was it stuck?

Task 24 was supposed to refresh, but halfway through, it got canceled.

Tang Zhen asked, “111, what’s going on?”

111 explained, 【The system always tailors tasks to match the character of the female lead. This one might not be suitable—either it wasn’t appropriate from the start, or it became inappropriate midway—so it was canceled.】

Tang Zhen nodded, not thinking much of it.

Ren Yanju looked surprised. “What’s wrong? It’s just filling in for a bit.”

He was one of the groomsmen too.

Ren Yanli as well.

Since this was a Ren family wedding, it was incredibly lavish, with a huge entourage.

There were twenty-four groomsmen and bridesmaids in total.

Now one groomsman was unavailable, and there really wasn’t anyone suitable to step in.

After thinking it over, the only option they could come up with was Ren Yanjing.

Ren Yanjing asked, “Do you need a bridesmaid?”

Ren Yanju said, “No, just one groomsman is missing.”

What a situation—the groomsman dropped out last minute. Completely unreliable.

Ren Yanjing said, “Then I’m not very suitable.”

Ren Yanju looked puzzled at first, then realized something and asked, “Does your wife mind?”

Usually, any unmarried person could serve as a groomsman or bridesmaid. There’s no rule requiring a single status to be a groomsman.

Tang Zhen didn’t really mind. If Ren Yanju came looking for Ren Yanjing, they must have been really short-handed.

For the smooth running of the wedding, having Ren Yanjing fill in as groomsman wasn’t impossible.

Just as she was about to speak, Ren Yanjing said, “Have you asked Zhou Xusi?”

“He’s single. There won’t be any inconvenience.” When he said “single,” his tone was slightly emphasized.

“He should be suitable.”

Then he added casually, “During the event, who knows—he might fall in love at first sight with one of the bridesmaids.”

Ren Yanju paused, then laughed heartily.

There’s definitely something going on.

So Zhou Xusi really is Ren Yanjing’s rival? Previously it was just speculation and teasing. Donating the building could be said to pave the way for his stepsister, but now it seems confirmed.

Ren Yanjing even emphasized that Zhou Xusi is single.

Interesting. This is really interesting!