A Twisted Love Affair-Chapter 169: Time-Limited Addiction (Part 2)_1

In the living room’s tea area, several elders were seated, discussing Shen Ci’s dowry. They deliberated on how much should be given to uphold the prestige of the Shen Family’s eldest daughter.

The Shen Family had been merchants for generations, and from their discussion, it sounded like they were prepared to be quite generous.

It was said she would marry the eldest son of the Xie Family, though no one knew exactly which Xie Family that was.

She nodded at Shen Rongyi. "Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, Aunt."

The discussion halted.

Shen Rongyi had just brought his teacup to his lips. He tilted his head up slightly to look at the young woman before him.

She was wrapped in a large scarf, revealing only a part of her lovely, refined face. Her voice was sweet and tender. He had almost thought that Feng Jian had raised her to be sallow and gaunt. After all, before she turned eighteen, the Shen Family had certainly given Feng Jian plenty of money for her education and pipa lessons.

Judging by her expensive clothes and the healthy color in her cheeks, she had been raised well enough to pass for a young lady of means.

Shen Rongyi suppressed his surprise, his expression unchanging. "You still speak just like you did as a child. Your uncle almost thought some little girl had wandered in."

The lady beside him, who was elegantly sipping her tea, also smiled. "Your eldest sister is upstairs trying on her wedding gown. If you hadn’t come soon, you would have missed her wedding tomorrow."

Old Liang told her, "This is the Lady of the House."

Shen Jing nodded again. "Eldest Aunt."

The other party merely gave a slight nod and an "Mm."

After the customary pleasantries, Shen Jing followed Old Liang to the fifth courtyard in the back. This courtyard was where her father had lived before he married and established his own household. He had bought a house on the Jinghang Canal and moved out. Though it was in the same city, he only returned occasionally to visit his parents.

The Shen Family had reserved a table at a restaurant for a family feast. It was to celebrate the eldest daughter’s wedding the next day and to welcome home the fourth daughter, who had just returned.

The Old Master had just woken up, so Shen Jing didn’t go, choosing instead to go upstairs and chat with him.

Their conversation was ordinary, mostly about whether she had been happy and if life had treated her well over the years.

"What about Feng Jian?"

"He had a serious gambling addiction and was forcibly sent for rehabilitation."

"All the money Grandfather sent him over the years... did he gamble it all away? Didn’t he provide for you?"

Seeing the Old Master was on the verge of anger, Shen Jing didn’t admit the truth. "Of course, he did! Look, hasn’t he raised me to be plump and fair-skinned?"

The Old Master waved his hand dismissively. "I can see for myself. You haven’t gained any weight, child."

Shen Jing had to continue patiently coaxing him, telling him amusing things.

With her return, and amidst the various joyful events concerning his grandchildren, the Old Master was in a rare state of happiness.

He had her help him into his wheelchair, and they went out into the courtyard to stroll and chat.

A light snow was falling, the streetlamps cast a dim glow, and Old Liang held an umbrella.

Shen Jing pushed the wheelchair.

The Old Master rambled on, "Ah, you were always so delicate when you were little. Your grandmother’s heart always ached for you."

"If you hadn’t come back, Grandfather would have almost forgotten. Your grandmother used to love listening to Pipa and Pingtán storytelling. After all these years in this profession, are you tired? Is the money enough?"

Indeed, her passion for this line of work stemmed from being immersed in it since childhood.

Shen Jing replied softly, "Money isn’t important. I simply enjoy it."

"Are you planning to stay here with Grandfather, or will you live by the Jinghang Canal?"

"I’ll do whatever you wish."

"Your father’s house hasn’t been sold. It’s been kept for you."

As the night deepened, Shen Jing saw a black sedan pull up. It was likely someone from the Xie Family bringing her eldest sister home.

She watched as a man in a suit, as gentle and refined as jade, carefully opened the car door. He held his hand over her sister’s head, shielding her as she stepped out.

The two embraced at the main gate before parting.

The Old Master smiled with contentment. "Your eldest sister is twenty-nine, an old maid already. Look, she’s finally found a suitable match. If she hadn’t married soon, I’d have a hard time explaining things to your grandmother when I pass on."

"The snow is getting heavier. Shall we go inside?"

"Push slowly, child... COUGH, COUGH..."

"I know."

The Shen Family wanted her to be her eldest sister’s maid of honor. Among all the Shen children, she was the only one still unmarried. That evening, the bridesmaid dress was delivered to her room.