Chapter 187 - Chapter 187: A Pang In Her Heart
Chapter 187: A Pang In Her Heart
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Recognizing that someone was advocating on her behalf, Jiang Chun clasped her palms together and adorned a charming expression while addressing Wen Nian. With gentleness in her voice, she uttered, “Please join us.”
Observing Jiang Chun’s unwavering countenance, Wen Nian pondered the situation. Furthermore, as Shen Jun desired her company, she acquiesced. Regardless of Jiang Chun’s underlying motives, Wen Nian harbored no fear.
In addition to Wen Nian and Shen Jun, Jiang Chun extended an invitation to her deskmate, Wu Hao.
Initially, Jiang Guo had intentions of creating a more extravagant affair for his niece. However, Jiang Chun, desiring simplicity, opted against making it overly intricate. She merely invited a select group of classmates and a few individuals from the social circle that Jiang Ning had introduced her to over the past three months, among whom was Wei Lai.
The Jiang couple had the butler decorate the birthday venue, which happened to be located in the Jiang family’s backyard. Following Jiang Chun’s specific instructions, the chosen format for the celebration was a combination of a buffet and barbecue. The overall ambiance exuded a sense of relaxation and comfort, despite not being excessively luxurious.
Wei Lai’s hand was already encased in a plaster cast as she arrived with Jiang Ning, a little later. The sight of Wen Nian, her rival, ignited a surge of anger within her.
As Wei Lai caught sight of Wen Nian in the garden, her eyes blazed with fury. She also took notice of Shen Jun seated beside her rival.
Lost in a daze, Wei Lai coincidentally witnessed Shen Jun turning around and flashing a smile at Wen Nian. In that moment, she felt a pang in her heart, causing her face to flush with warmth. In a hushed tone, she inquired of Jiang Ning, “Who is that person beside Wen Nian?”
Jiang Ning responded, “That’s Wen Nian’s boyfriend, Shen Jun. He’s also from the capital. He transferred to our school last semester. Furthermore, he is Jiang Chun’s childhood friend.”
Jiang Chun had never provided Jiang Ning with extensive details about her relationship with Shen Jun, but this small piece of information was sufficient for Wei Lai to grasp the situation.
Wu Hao’s parents, being teachers and doctors, belonged to a middle-class family. The grand villa of the Jiang family, as well as the attire of the socialites and affluent young individuals present, expanded his perspective and widened his horizons.
Wu Hao concealed the surprise in his eyes, yet a trace of delight lingered in his voice. “Jiang Chun, 1 never anticipated that your family would be so affluent.”
Jiang Chun smiled. “This isn’t my house. This is Jiang Ning’s house. We’re cousins.”
Upon hearing this, the two girls beside her quickly showered Jiang Chun with compliments and started telling everyone about Jiang Chun’s family background, causing Jiang Chun to display a hint of embarrassment. Blushing bashfully, Jiang Chun modestly replied, “My father’s business acumen is only marginally above average. Our family doesn’t excel in the business world.”
Upon hearing Jiang Chun’s humble response, Wu Hao felt that she was the girl he had always dreamed of. She possessed wealth, yet remained humble and down-to-earth. Her kindness and warmth were undiminished despite her family background. When he looked at Jiang Chun, his enthusiasm couldn’t help but grow stronger, evident in his gaze.
Wen Nian, having skipped dinner, dispensed with formalities and loaded her plate with steak, seafood, and spaghetti. She joined Shen Jun in the corner, taking a seat.
After relishing a large lobster, Wen Nian pursed her lips and smiled. “With such culinary skills on display, this visit has been truly worthwhile.”
Shen Jun took a sip of champagne, unable to contain his smile. “Save some room in your stomach. Don’t you still want to enjoy the barbecue?”
Wen Nian savored the last bite of the sliced steak, finally feeling a sense of fulfillment in her stomach. Contentedly, she remarked, ‘Til save some room. The grill has only just started heating up. By the time the first batch is ready, there will still be enough space for the food we’ve just eaten.”
Located near the sea, Hai City offered a level of seafood freshness that the capital couldn’t match. And so, Shen Jun chose to fill his plate solely with an assortment of delectable seafood.
Wei Lai, at the age of 14, donned a black dress with delicate straps. Despite her young age, her figure boasted curves that even surpassed Wen Nian’s.
With her smooth thighs partially exposed, Wei Lai leaned in close to Jiang Chun’s ear, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Sister Jiang Chun, could you introduce me to Brother Shen Jun?”
, her smile slightly faded upon hearing Wei Lai’s soft request. Nevertheless, her tone remained friendly as ever. She jokingly remarked, “Are you telling me you’ve developed a crush on my childhood friend? Well, 1 must inform you that he already has a girlfriend.”
Wei Lai’s eyes filled with disdain as she muttered, “Wen Nian is nothing. She’s not deserving of Brother Shen Jun.”
Despite Wei Lai speaking in a hushed tone, Jiang Chun’s keen ears caught fragments of her words. She cast a sidelong glance at the two individuals chatting and laughing under the shade of a distant tree, her fingers gripping the champagne glass tightly until they whitened with tension.
Upon reconsideration, Jiang Chun’s expression shifted, and a new idea dawned upon her. The smile on her lips deepened once more. “I can introduce you, but you mustn’t entertain any other intentions. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to justify myself to Wen Nian,” she cautioned.
Jiang Chun set down her wine glass and approached with her arm draped around Wei Lai’s shoulder. Speaking in a clear and loud voice, she exclaimed, “Shen Jun, allow me to introduce you to a dear little sister of mine..”