After a long while, Chen Yutong's emotions gradually subsided. The first thing she did upon regaining her composure was to say to Zhan Yangyi,
"Yangyi, promise me this matter can just be forgotten, okay?"
Hearing this, Zhan Yangyi couldn't help but frown. Since Chen Yutong had already told him so much, he naturally couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Chen Yutong spoke slowly, "I know you care about me, but this matter involves a lot. I don't want our relationship to worsen because of this. And regarding Grandpa, I don't want him to worry about it either. Besides, we never intended to compete with them for anything from the start, so let's just drop it."
Zhan Yangyi looked at Chen Yutong and sighed, "It's precisely because you always yield to them that they always think you're easy to bully."
But Chen Yutong stubbornly shook her head, "I do understand Yu Meng's concerns to some extent. Speaking of this matter, perhaps it's not entirely their fault. In any case, can you promise me?"
Zhan Yangyi felt somewhat helpless. Since Chen Yutong meant well, if he refused again, it would only make things difficult for her.
"Alright, I promise." Hearing this reply, Chen Yutong finally smiled at him.
For the past few days, Wei Yumeng had felt that Zhan Yangyi seemed to be deliberately avoiding her. He never stayed in the same space as her, and even when outsiders were present, he would find an excuse to leave.
She had originally intended to hint at things to Zhan Yangyi, to give him some mental preparation when he learned the truth. But now, she couldn't even see Zhan Yangyi, let alone talk to him properly.
Wei Yumeng couldn't help but sigh. She had to think of another way.
In a few more days, it would be Zhan Yangyi's birthday. Wei Yumeng thought it was a good opportunity. No matter what rift existed between them, it should be temporarily put aside by then.
She was about to go and tell Zhan Mohan her thoughts when she saw Chen Yutong walking into the study, where Zhan Mohan was currently working.
Chen Yutong entered the study, appearing somewhat reserved. Zhan Mohan, however, did not look up at her.
"What is it?" Zhan Mohan asked casually.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you," Chen Yutong said. "Yangyi's birthday is in a few days. I'd like to ask for your help in choosing a suitable birthday gift for Yangyi."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Mohan couldn't help but frown. He was well aware of Chen Yutong's ulterior motives. What was she up to this time?
Seeing Zhan Mohan's expression, Chen Yutong hurriedly explained, "I'm sorry, if you don't want to help, that's fine too. I can find someone else. It's just because your build and preferences are similar to Yangyi's that I wanted to ask for your help."
Zhan Mohan stopped his work and looked up at Chen Yutong. It was Chen Yutong, however, who shyly lowered her head.
"Alright," Zhan Mohan replied.
Chen Yutong was stunned. Zhan Mohan agreed? Had she misheard?
Zhan Mohan continued his work, saying, "Speaking of which, it's Big Brother's first birthday celebrated at the Zhan family's home, so I should indeed do something."
Chen Yutong's face was filled with joy. She had only approached him with a hopeful attitude, but she never expected Zhan Mohan to agree so readily. It was completely beyond her expectations.
"Then will you be free that day?"
Zhan Mohan was indifferent, "You decide."
"Then tomorrow afternoon, we can go to the commercial street together to take a look."
"Okay."
Until she left the study, Chen Yutong still felt as if she were dreaming.
She had never managed to ask Zhan Mohan for something so easily. She even wondered if Zhan Mohan had started to change his impression of her, otherwise, why would he have agreed so readily?
At this moment, she couldn't think of anything else. Her uncontrollable joy was already evident on her face.
Wei Yumeng, who had been hiding nearby, had overheard their conversation. She couldn't understand why Zhan Mohan would agree to Chen Yutong's request, especially when he knew that Chen Yutong was targeting him.
She didn't want to believe that Zhan Mohan had any actual feelings for Chen Yutong, but his attitude towards Chen Yutong just now had been too friendly. How could she not overthink it?
But then she thought again, Zhan Mohan was such a shrewd person, how could he knowingly fall into a trap?
What if Zhan Mohan had genuinely changed his mind about Chen Yutong?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She couldn't help but bite her lower lip and paced outside the study for a long time, unable to decide whether to go in and ask for clarification.
Just as she had decided not to go in, Zhan Mohan's voice came from inside the room.
"Yu Meng, come in. I know you're at the door."
Wei Yumeng's spirits immediately deflated like a leaky balloon. Now, she couldn't even turn around and leave.
She had no choice but to push open the door and walk in, her disgruntled expression clearly visible.
Zhan Mohan looked at Wei Yumeng's appearance and found it both helpless and amusing. "You heard the conversation just now?"
"Yes," Wei Yumeng said indignantly. "Not only did I hear it, but I also saw it through the crack in the door. Someone readily accepted an invitation and agreed to go shopping so easily."
Zhan Mohan reached out and pulled Wei Yumeng to his side, but asked her about something else, "Have you thought about how you're going to handle the matter from before?"
Wei Yumeng froze. She knew exactly what Zhan Mohan was referring to. "I... I don't know. I originally planned to talk to Big Brother first, and then tell him the truth depending on the situation. But I haven't been able to see him these past two days, so I thought Big Brother's birthday in a few days might be a good opportunity. It wouldn't be too late to find him then."
"But I have a more direct method. Although this method might not be as gentle as yours, it is the most effective."
Hearing this, Wei Yumeng understood. "So you agreed to go shopping for gifts with her because of this matter?"
Zhan Mohan looked at her and nodded, "Yes."
Wei Yumeng looked at Zhan Mohan, and Zhan Mohan quietly looked back at her.
Finally, Wei Yumeng gave in. "Alright, since you have a better plan, I'll naturally listen to you. It's just... I'm still worried it will hurt Big Brother."
Zhan Mohan hugged her tightly. "I know, but these things always need to be clarified. I think it's time Big Brother accepted all of this."
Just then, a figure flickered past outside the study. Wei Yumeng's eyes widened slightly. Although the footsteps were light, she still noticed them.
"Mohan, there was someone outside the door just now," Wei Yumeng said nervously. What if Chen Yutong had heard all of that? What would they do then?
But Zhan Mohan continued to hold her, and simply whispered in her ear, "It's alright. Trust me."
Although Wei Yumeng didn't know why Zhan Mohan wasn't bothered at all, she still chose to trust him and hugged him back.