"Mom—"
The moment Shen Lang saw Song Qingyi, a smile appeared on his face as he called out in unison.
"Son..."
Seeing Shen Lang, Song Qingyi's joy was evident, her entire face lighting up as she smiled.
After calling out to Shen Lang, Song Qingyi noticed Wang Yuyan standing beside him.
Wang Yuyan was eighteen, with long black hair, a snow-white dress, and a face of unparalleled, stunning beauty.
Upon seeing Wang Yuyan, Song Qingyi could hardly believe her eyes. Was there truly such a beautiful girl in this world?
Song Qingyi, once hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world in her youth, was still incredibly stunning even in her forties. She was fully confident in her own beauty.
However, at the sight of Wang Yuyan, Song Qingyi felt a slight sense of inadequacy.
"You're Yuyan, aren't you?"
Song Qingyi had investigated all the women around Shen Lang and knew Wang Yuyan was a beauty in the making, but she never expected her to be this stunning. She exclaimed in disbelief.
"Mom, I'm Yuyan. Welcome to our home."
Song Qingyi, known in her youth as the world's most beautiful woman, had left behind countless legends.
When Song Qingyi was eighteen, she was invited by the President of the Western Nations to give a lecture on economics at the White House, and by the President of India to give a lecture on Buddhism. The Queen of England even invited her on a cruise.
At that time, Song Qingyi was as beautiful as a celestial being, radiating brilliance, admired by countless young men and adored by countless young women.
More than twenty years have passed, and Song Qingyi is no longer young, but she is still worshipped by countless young girls, Wang Yuyan among them.
Wang Yuyan felt that if any woman in this world could be described with the four characters "feng hua jue dai" (graceful and peerless), it would be Song Qingyi.
Nobility, dignity, beauty, temperament, and knowledge all resided in Song Qingyi, making Wang Yuyan feel a sense of nervousness towards her prospective mother-in-law.
"Yuyan, my good child."
Hearing Wang Yuyan address her as "Mom" just like Shen Lang did, Song Qingyi was delighted. She stepped forward, held Wang Yuyan's hand, and said, "You are even more beautiful than I imagined, more breathtaking. Having you as a fiancée is a blessing Shen Lang has cultivated in his past lives."
With that, Song Qingyi released Wang Yuyan's hands and took out a box from her bag, handing it to Yuyan with a smile. "It's our first meeting, and I don't have much to give you, my daughter-in-law. It's just a small token, a mere trifle."
"Thank you, Mom—"
Wang Yuyan knew this was her prospective mother-in-law's, or perhaps her actual mother-in-law's, affirmation of her as a daughter-in-law. Thus, she did not refuse the gift, offering a warm smile before accepting it graciously.
Of course, Wang Yuyan, with her excellent upbringing, did not open the gift in front of them, as she knew it would be extremely impolite.
Song Qingyi came from a scholarly family, and when interacting with her, one must always maintain proper etiquette. Wang Yuyan was very aware of this.
Seeing Wang Yuyan accept the gift with such impeccable grace and composure, Song Qingyi became even more pleased with her daughter-in-law.
This girl is excellent. She and Shen Lang are truly a perfect match.
Only...
Song Qingyi suddenly thought of Ye Shishi's mother, and then of Ye Shishi.
She was also very fond of that girl, Ye Shishi, who even had a marriage engagement with Shen Lang. Song Qingyi was a bit unsure how she would bring this up to Ye Shishi's mother.
However, as Shen Tianjun's son, it probably wasn't a bad thing for Shen Lang to be liked by several beautiful girls.
After all, as a mother, who wouldn't want their son to be constantly surrounded by romantic attention?
"Mom, you're too kind. You didn't need to give any gifts."
Seeing Song Qingyi present Wang Yuyan with a meeting gift the moment they met, Shen Lang felt a warmth in his heart and said to Song Qingyi, "Your presence is enough. Why bother with gifts?"
"Silly boy, this is a meeting gift from a mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law. It's essential."
Song Qingyi shot Shen Lang a glance and said, "Having a fiancée as beautiful as a celestial being like Yuyan is a blessing you've cultivated for ten lifetimes. You must cherish her and never bully her, understand?"
"Mom, that's not right. Who do you think I, Shen Lang, am? I am a dignified man of integrity. How could I possibly bully a girl?"
Shen Lang looked at Song Qingyi and vowed solemnly, "I will never bully her."
"Good, you said it."
Song Qingyi patted Shen Lang's sturdy shoulder and smiled, "You'd better keep your word, or don't blame me if I don't help you."
"Mom, shall we go inside?"
Seeing this, Wang Yuyan smiled and said to Song Qingyi.
"Alright—"
Hearing Wang Yuyan's words, Song Qingyi smiled, and then followed Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan into the house.
Upon entering the villa, Wang Yunchuan was already there to greet them.
Upon learning that the visitor was Song Qingyi, Wang Yunchuan became extremely respectful and stepped forward, calling out, "I am Wang Yunchuan. Your presence in my humble abode truly brings glory to it. I am immensely honored."
Wang Yunchuan, now seventy, had become worldly and shrewd. He addressed Song Qingyi as "Madam" rather than "Mrs. Shen." The omission of one word made a world of difference.
Song Qingyi had already divorced Shen Tianjun. If he had called her "Mrs. Shen," Song Qingyi might not have been angry, but she would have been uncomfortable.
However, this "Madam" was just right.
"Old Wang, please don't be so formal. I am the one intruding."
Song Qingyi looked at Wang Yunchuan and smiled, "Shen Lang is my son, and Yuyan is my future daughter-in-law. We are family, and we will see each other often in the future."
When Song Qingyi uttered the word "son," her tone clearly deepened. Wang Yunchuan, being a shrewd individual, understood Song Qingyi's implication.
After a brief moment of surprise, Wang Yunchuan gestured for Song Qingyi to enter and said, "Madam, please have a seat."
"Old Wang, please—"
Song Qingyi never neglected her manners. She returned the gesture to Wang Yunchuan, waiting for the elder to sit down before slowly taking her own seat. Her posture was also elegant and proper, leaving no room for criticism.
After sitting down, Song Qingyi took a gift box from her bag and handed it to Wang Yunchuan, saying, "Old Wang, this is our first meeting, and I haven't prepared any substantial gifts. Please accept this."
"Madam, you are too kind. We are family now, there's no need to be so distant."
Wang Yunchuan accepted the gift graciously and smiled.
"Mom, you and Elder Wang chat first. Yuyan and I will go to the kitchen to cook. Don't worry, dinner will be ready soon."
Seeing this, Shen Lang said.
"Alright, you two go ahead."
Song Qingyi smiled and said, "This is a good opportunity for Mom to taste your cooking."
"Okay—"
Shen Lang smiled upon hearing this and then led Wang Yuyan into the kitchen.
After the kitchen door closed behind them, Song Qingyi looked at Wang Yunchuan and slowly said, "Shen Lang is not my godson, but my biological son, Shen Qiye."