As they talked, Shen Jianxi kept observing Cheng Wenyu. After all, she was now the spoiled eldest daughter, so looking a few more times wouldn't hurt.
Unlike the simple-minded Lin Xinglan and the dashing Qiu Tao, this man was clad in elegant brocade, exuding an air of scholarly refinement. He sat there like a pine tree in the woods, his every word and action impeccably courteous – a true gentleman.
At a glance, she knew who Lin Xinglan’s senior brother was.
Mother Shen turned her gaze to Shen Jianxi. Seeing her silence, she lightly tapped her forehead and said, "This is your Brother Wenyu."
Mother Shen didn't mention that he was also her fiancé. She feared her daughter might not accept it immediately and cause a scene, so she thought it best to let the two young people develop some affection first, especially since she was of marriageable age.
Shen Jianxi stood up and curtsied, "Hello, Brother Wenyu."
Cheng Wenyu stood up and returned the bow, "Hello, Sister Jianxi."
He had known since childhood that his elders had arranged a marriage for him. He had even visited this little sister from the Shen family before, though she was still swaddled in a blanket back then.
Over the years, he had always remembered his engagement and maintained a respectful distance from women in his conduct.
Although he had no particular requirements for his future wife’s appearance, he couldn't help but blush upon seeing her delicate features. This made him look forward to the wedding with a bit more anticipation.
77: "Ding! Affection +5. Current affection for Cheng Wenyu is 5."
A smile flickered in Shen Jianxi’s eyes. No matter how upright a person was, they were still swayed by looks.
Those who claimed, "I don't care about looks, only inner substance," were often just trying to deceive themselves.
Even if they truly valued inner qualities over appearance, the initial attraction that prompted them to engage with you would still be your looks.
"Let's eat." Although she was reluctant to see her daughter marry, Mother Shen had to admit that Cheng Wenyu was indeed a good match. Moreover, his mother and she were close confidantes, so her daughter wouldn't be mistreated by her mother-in-law after marriage.
Perhaps because there was an outsider at the table today, Shen Jianxi was very quiet. She ate without a word while they talked, occasionally looking up to meet Cheng Wenyu's gaze before shyly lowering her head.
This filled Mother Shen with relief, seeing it as a sign that her daughter was quite pleased with Wenyu. It seemed the wedding at the end of the month could proceed as planned.
However, Father Shen and Shen Ziqian, though their faces showed nothing, were inwardly displeased and tried to ply him with wine.
If you want to marry my daughter/sister, you'll have to get past me first.
Among everyone present, only Shen Jianxi was unaware that she was getting married at the end of the month.
Mother Shen was worried she might object, so she planned to discuss it after the two had interacted more. Father Shen and Shen Ziqian assumed Mother Shen had already told her and, disliking the idea of the marriage upon hearing it, neither brought it up. As for Shen Jiayi, he hadn’t returned yet and was also unaware of the matter.
The meal concluded in this "harmonious" atmosphere.
Although Cheng Wenyu was slightly tipsy, he remained courteous and well-mannered, which earned him some approval from Father Shen and Shen Ziqian.
Mother Shen silently glared at Father Shen and mouthed, "I'll settle with you later!"
Father Shen uneasily touched his nose. Wasn't he just feeling sorrowful about his daughter getting married and unable to indulge in a bit more drinking?
Seeing Cheng Wenyu preparing to leave, Mother Shen nudged Shen Jianxi from behind, "See your Brother Wenyu out."
She had been staring at her toes, lost in thought, and hadn't expected this. Unprepared, she stumbled forward and fell into Cheng Wenyu's arms.
A faint scent of pine emanated from Cheng Wenyu. Such close proximity made them both blush. Startled by the unexpected turn of events, they stood frozen, unsure how to react.
77: "Ding! Affection +10. Current affection for Cheng Wenyu is 15."
"Ahem!" It wasn't until Father Shen cleared his throat with evident displeasure that they snapped back to reality and quickly separated.
Shen Jianxi tidied her neatly arranged hair, lowered her head, and softly whispered, "Let me see you out... Brother Wenyu."
"Then, Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, Wenyu will take his leave now." Staying here was becoming quite awkward, and even Cheng Wenyu found it a bit overwhelming.
He turned and followed Shen Jianxi as they walked away. After the two left, Mother Shen smiled with great happiness.
...
The atmosphere between the two was far from relaxed at this moment, as the embrace had left them feeling somewhat shy. Furthermore, Mother Shen had instructed Lu Yuan not to accompany her, wanting to give them some private time together, leaving them in silence for a while.
They soon reached the main gate. A faint sense of reluctance stirred within Cheng Wenyu. Why was this path so short? If only it were longer.
"B-Brother Wenyu, take care," she said, still with that shy demeanor.
Cheng Wenyu didn't leave immediately. Instead, he took out a hairpin from his storage ring and presented it to her, "This is a meeting gift for Sister Jianxi, a defensive magical artifact."
Shen Jianxi looked at it. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, clearly a high-quality artifact, and Cheng Wenyu was indeed generous.
He hadn't thought too much about it, but when buying something for his future wife, it couldn't be too shabby.
Shen Jianxi didn't take it right away. Instead, she turned her head away from him, paused for a moment, and then shyly whispered, "C-could you please help me put it on, Brother Wenyu?"
The hairpin suddenly seemed to burn his hands. Cheng Wenyu could hear his own heartbeat.
He responded with an "Mm," stepped forward, and placed the hairpin into her bun with focused sincerity.
So close they were. Cheng Wenyu fought to keep his hands from trembling. It was his first time in such intimate contact with a woman, and moreover, this woman was to be his wife soon.
After he had adjusted the hairpin, Cheng Wenyu realized his palms were covered in sweat.
Putting his hands behind his back, he smiled gently and said, "It suits you very well, Sister Jianxi."
"Because Brother Wenyu has good taste~" Her voice was sweet and soft, with a trailing tone that hooked into Cheng Wenyu's heart, making it race.
77: "Ding! Affection +3. Current affection for Cheng Wenyu is 18."
However, he was always a man of principle, and he wouldn't do anything presumptuous before marriage. Even the thought of it filled him with shame.
He averted his gaze, "Sister Jianxi, you should go back in. It's enough to see me this far."
He paused, then added, "I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning."
Mother Shen had told him this before he came, with the intention of fostering their relationship. Originally, he had agreed out of a sense of duty, but now, it was also with a willing heart.
Although Shen Jianxi didn't know about this, since she had an opportunity for alone time with the target of her affection, she naturally wouldn't pass it up. She nodded, appearing somewhat demure, "Okay, Brother Wenyu."
She considered for a moment. She could go out with Cheng Wenyu in the morning and visit Lin Xinglan with some pastries in the afternoon. The timing wouldn't conflict.
"Brother Wenyu, take care," her eyes shimmered with moisture, causing Cheng Wenyu to blush again as she spoke.
"See you tomorrow."
Only after Cheng Wenyu's figure had completely disappeared did Shen Jianxi turn and walk back towards her courtyard.
As soon as she entered the room and closed the door, she was embraced from behind by a body that felt slightly cool.