Chapter 47 - The More Complacent, the Bitterer
Chapter 47: The More Complacent, the Bitterer
In the afternoon.
Wen Yun was already waiting at the entrance.
When Lu Manman’s family of three appeared, Wen Yun greeted them respectfully and even opened the car door for them. Once they were settled in, he smiled charmingly as he opened the front passenger seat for Lu Manman. He then drove them to their house for dinner.
Her parents were very approving of Wen Yun’s performance today. They had even tried to persuade her to reconsider when she went to their house for dinner.
The car drove steadily toward the Wen family’s main household.
Along the way, Wen Yun’s and Lu Manman’s parents chatted casually. Their conversation was thoughtful, appropriate, and mature.
Lu Manman looked at how hypocritical Wen Yun was, and the more she looked at him, the more amused she felt.
Upon seeing the constant smile on her face, Wen Yun asked, “What’s so funny?”
Lu Manman paused for a moment and then smiled even wider. “I can’t help but laugh at the thought of going to your place.”
“Silly girl.” Wen Yun freed one hand and stroked her head affectionately.
Lu Manman simply accepted his touch with disgust.
The car arrived at the Wen family’s main household soon enough.
The Wen family was an aristocratic family.
The tall vermilion doors revealed the Wen family’s splendor and dignity.
The decor was not luxurious, but it had a vintage feel to it. The huge gazebo still had its old-style decorations—steps, gravel paths, streams, and pavilions.
Lu Manman really liked vintage architecture. She liked the richness of history and the beauty that was left behind by the ancient people. Hence back then, she had really liked the Wen family’s courtyard and had always hoped that Wen Yun would bring her here as a guest.
When they arrived at the living room, the Wen family’s two elders, Wen Weimin and Jia Qing, were already waiting at the door. The two families entered the living room harmoniously and did not have to sit for long before the meal was ready.
They exchanged some polite words.
Wen Weimin got straight to the point. “Wen Yun and Manman will be getting married in half a month. We should be the ones visiting you, but my wife’s rheumatism has taken over recently. I’m sorry to have to ask you guys to come over.”
“We’re all family. Don’t stand on ceremony with us. But Madam Wen has such a serious rheumatism disorder. Would you like to see the doctor to recuperate a little?” Lu Zishan asked with concern.
“It’s just an old illness, so recuperation won’t do much,” Jia Qing said helplessly. “It happens all the time, and I’m fine usually. I just have to bear with it for a while.”
“You’d better visit a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to take a good look,” He Xiuwen said with concern.
“I will,” Jia Qing hurriedly said.
Lu Manman ate her dinner quietly.
Rheumatism.
When she had first married into the Wen family, she had never heard that Jia Qing suffered from rheumatism before. It was only because the Wen family was an aristocratic family that they were not willing to bow down to a capitalist family. Otherwise, they would be mocked for currying favor with the Lu family and losing face for the Wen family.
Lu Manman sneered and kept quiet.
After a harmonious meal, Wen Weimin spoke again, “We’ve troubled you all to come over this time mainly to discuss the wedding. We don’t wish to aggrieve Manman, so if you have anything to say, just say it. We will try our best to satisfy your requests. But I have to say this. Our Wen family is an official’s household, after all. We are taking on heavy responsibilities in Wen City, and Wen Yun is also developing his career path. We might not be able to hold a too-luxurious wedding ceremony, but it will definitely be grand. It’s just that we have to maintain a low profile when it comes to food and necessities.”
“I’ve thought about it. Although our Lu family is one of the four large and powerful families, we don’t chase after such luxury. As such, you guys can make the decision regarding the wedding. My wife and I have discussed it, and Manman also agrees that you guys can arrange everything. As for the dowry, we will prepare it well.”
“Since Old Lu has said so, I’m relieved. We won’t neglect the betrothal gifts. Don’t worry.” Wen Weimin hurriedly promised.
“Uncle Wen.” Lu Manman suddenly called out to Wen Weimin.
Wen Weimin looked at her. “Does Manman have something to say?”
“As a junior, I shouldn’t interrupt my senior, but I just have a small request to make.”
“We’re all family. Go ahead.” Wen Weimin appeared magnanimous.
But after marrying into the Wen family, he did not pay much attention to her. He probably felt that she was just a rich missy who had been stained with the stench of money and did not deserve her status in the family. On the other hand, Wen Yun had been putting in good words for her in front of his father. But come to think of it, he was just putting on a show!
It was so that she would really think that Wen Yun loved her so much.
“I don’t really care about the wedding. I think that as long as Wen Yun and I have a good relationship, anything is fine. I don’t place much emphasis on the show of extravagance, but I would like to let everyone know that Wen Yun is sincere toward me.” Lu Manman’s voice was very clear and gentle, and she continued speaking while maintaining a gentle smile, “There was an interview program a few days ago with a relationship segment. The viewership ratings were very high, and Wen Yun and I have been invited to participate in it. I didn’t reject it right away and just wanted to hear what Wen Yun had to say. But now, I suddenly wish to appear on the television program with Wen Yun. I’ve thought about it. Wen Yun has a good image now, but although he has a good reputation in the media, he does not have much exposure to the public. I have to say that the charity event last time had a negative impact on Wen Yun as well. That’s why I want to take this program to clear our names in the eyes of the public. On the one hand, it can satisfy my vanity as a woman, and on the other, it can assist Wen Yun’s future.”
Wen Weimin froze.
The Wen family very rarely appeared on television shows.
But this suggestion was not a bad thing.
Wen Weimin turned to look at Wen Yun.
Wen Yun put down his cutlery and nodded. “As Manman said, I’m willing to accompany her on the show.”
Yes, he would accompany her.
But in fact, he would love to have a platform to promote himself but just could not bring himself down to find the media for publicity.
This was Wen Yun’s promotional period anyway. His opponents in the same batch might not be strong, but Wen Yun had always liked to be in the lead.
Lu Manman knew all of this, but at this point, she still smiled radiantly and sincerely. “Yun, it’s settled then. It’ll be in a few days’ time. Any later and we will have a lot on our hands.”
“It’s good that you’ve decided. I’ll listen to you.” Wen Yun was as gentle as the spring breeze.
Lu Manman smiled sweetly.
The more complacent he was, the more tragic his outcome would be.