Chapter 78: An Unlikely Pair

Everyone present understood the implication behind Shang Yucheng’s words—adults all do. Though he said he would “take responsibility,” his tone was far too casual, almost indifferent.

Qi Da was no ordinary match. The disparity between the two families was so vast that, unless one was a parent desperate to sell their daughter for money, facing a family as wealthy as the Shang’s brought more unease than delight.

What’s more, Shang Yucheng had so bluntly exposed, right in front of her elders, that he’d had an intimate relationship with Liang Jinshang. No matter how you looked at it, this seemed like a grave lack of respect for her family.

If he was already this disrespectful, how could anyone believe he truly wanted a serious future with Liang Jinshang?

Though Liang Yuanhan said nothing, his expression spoke volumes.

Liang Jinshang, ignoring the looks on everyone’s faces, dragged Shang Yucheng all the way to the car. After the momentary embarrassment, anger quickly took over.

“Shang Yucheng, why did you say that? Are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?”

How was she supposed to face her parents now? And, most crucially, Liang Xizhou…

“Did I say something wrong?” Shang Yucheng retorted. “Or were you expecting me not to take responsibility?”

The words hit Liang Jinshang like a punch to the gut.

Take responsibility? And how did he intend to do that?

How ironic. Was he planning to offer her money?

The last trace of color faded from her face. She asked him expressionlessly, “So, this time, how much do you intend to give me?”

The early autumn night was already tinged with a chill. Shang Yucheng loosened his tie, the motion abrupt, but paired with his strikingly handsome and cold face, from his jawline to his cuffs, he radiated perfection and nobility.

The night air was cool. After a long silence, his voice was equally cold when he finally spoke, “You can name your price.”

…

Naturally, Liang Jinshang didn’t leave with Shang Yucheng.

Not only did she not leave with him, but over the next few days, since he didn’t contact her, she felt no inclination to reach out either.

On the surface, it seemed she’d once again burned her bridges—Liang Yuanhan’s kidney transplant was done, the threat from Hu Zhinan had been eliminated, and she had no further need to rely on Shang Yucheng.

In truth, she felt perfectly at ease about it. In fact, she even thought it would be best if Shang Yucheng simply disappeared from her life.

It was a golden September: her family had weathered the storm, her career was on the rise, the skies high and clear, the breeze gentle and pleasant—Liang Jinshang was ready to embrace a better life!

She threw herself into the design project for the “Little Villa Cluster” at San Suo, working tirelessly for over ten days. Meanwhile, the veteran employees had already begun discussing Lehai’s annual staff retreat.

This year, with the company’s performance at an all-time high, there were both domestic and international trips to choose from.

Le Quan asked which trip Liang Jinshang wanted to join. Without a second thought, she replied, “Yunxi Fort.”

Yunxi Fort wasn’t a popular tourist spot, but as someone with an architectural background, she appreciated the leadership’s discerning choice. The site boasted an extensive collection of Ming and Qing dynasty residential architecture—perfect for sketching studies.

Le Quan couldn’t quite understand her enthusiasm. “You’re choosing the domestic route? This year, the retreat is in collaboration with Nantian Architecture. All the senior staff are heading to the Maldives. Haven’t you and Shang Yucheng discussed going there together?”

Liang Jinshang genuinely hadn’t known Nantian Architecture was joining as well. Hearing this only made her more determined to avoid Shang Yucheng. “I’m going to Yunxi Fort.”

“Then I’ll go with you,” Le Quan declared. “I’m sick of the Maldives anyway, and besides, I have no desire to see old man Le’s face again.”

Liang Jinshang had heard her complain before—ever since the two companies started working closely, her father had been dropping not-so-subtle hints about spending more time with Shang Yucheng.

Those hints became outright suggestions after Shang Yucheng called off his engagement to Gong Xueyuan.

“If they try to set me up with Shang Yucheng one more time, I’ll just embrace life as a lesbian,” Le Quan threatened enthusiastically. “It’s not for nothing that I’m a heartthrob in the queer community.”

…

On the day of the trip, both companies seemed to be vying to outdo each other’s wealth, each chartering a private plane.

Yunxi Fort lay in the south, amidst mountains and rivers. The moment they stepped off the plane, Liang Jinshang could feel the humid air; even the sky seemed bluer than in Jincheng.

She stretched contentedly, but before her arms could fully extend, she saw the passengers disembarking from Nantian’s plane.

Leading the group, sunglasses perched on his nose, his sharp jawline unmistakable.

Surrounded by a crowd, stood out like a star among lesser lights—who else could it be but Shang Yucheng?

Liang Jinshang grabbed Le Quan in alarm. “Why is he here?!”

“Who?” Le Quan glanced around, confused. “I didn’t expect so many people to sign up for Yunxi Fort. Clearly, everyone here lives and breathes architecture.”

Liang Jinshang pushed her way into the crowd. “Why is Shang Yucheng here?”

Hadn’t Le Quan said the executives were all headed to the Maldives?

“Shang Yucheng?” Le Quan shot her a strange look. “Aren’t you two an item? Why are you asking me about him?”

The word “item” was almost too apt.

Liang Jinshang was silent for a moment. “We’re not an item anymore. Actually… it was just a fling.”

Le Quan clicked her tongue. “So… he was just playing with you?”

Ever since she’d realized Shang Yucheng was the infamous ‘Wolf Brother,’ and recalled the merciless marks she’d seen on Liang Jinshang, she’d suspected Shang Yucheng only cared for her physically, not emotionally.

But even that physical relationship had ended rather abruptly.

Hadn’t he just staked his claim in Liang Yuanhan’s hospital room the other day?

After a moment’s thought, Liang Jinshang said, “You could also say I was playing him.”

Le Quan was left speechless, draping an arm around Liang Jinshang’s shoulder in genuine admiration. “There’s really nothing you could do that would surprise me anymore.”

The first day was mostly for everyone to rest up at the hotel and explore the surrounding area at their leisure.

Liang Jinshang couldn’t stand being idle. She’d spent years buried in study and work; this was her first time actually traveling for pleasure.

And since it was all expenses paid, she was determined to make the most of it.

She’d planned to go with Le Quan, but the young lady wanted a nap, so Liang Jinshang set out on her own.

Their hotel was at the foot of Qingchi Mountain, famous for its specialty—Silver Needle white tea.

Liang Jinshang loved tea, and the crisp, refreshing flavor of Silver Needle had captivated her ever since she’d tasted it once at Shang Yucheng’s place.

Now that she was at the source, even if she couldn’t afford to buy a lot, she at least wanted to sample some authentic local tea.

After a stroll through the nearby woods, she entered the tea village.

The most prominent teahouse at the entrance was built in a stately, traditional style—a clear sign of its high status.

Liang Jinshang lingered at the door, hesitant to go in for fear it would be too expensive.

But as she turned to leave, she suddenly spotted Yuan Xi.

“Miss Liang.”

“Director Yuan, are you here for tea?”

Yuan Xi gave her a meaningful look. “I’m not, but are you?”

She nodded honestly. “This place seems a bit pricey. I’ll check out the other options ahead.”

“Sometimes, the higher price is worth it,” Yuan Xi said with a faint smile. “Since you’ve found your way here, why not join me inside?”

It was hard to refuse such a warm invitation.

Only when they reached a private room upstairs and she saw the elegant man savoring his tea did Liang Jinshang realize what Yuan Xi had meant by “worth the price.”

Yuan Xi might be seeking that benefit, but it was certainly not one she wanted…