Chapter 8: The Queen Mother's Test
Su Wanqing never dreamed that her daughter—her obedient, disciplined Mianmian, who had a strict curfew of nine o'clock and had never been known to associate with the opposite sex—would be standing right at their doorstep, entangled intimately with a strange man.
For a split second, her vision went black. The shock hit her like a physical blow, nearly causing her to faint.
However, Su Wanqing was not an ordinary woman. She was the Chairwoman of the Brocade Famous Tea Company, a titan in the Modu business world who had weathered countless storms. Very quickly, the shock in her eyes faded, replaced by a sharp, scrutinizing gleam behind her gold-rimmed glasses. Her gaze became as cold and precise as a scalpel, dissecting Shen Anyu and Su Hongmian. The aura of a concerned mother vanished, instantly replaced by the imposing pressure of a business tycoon.
Su Hongmian was scared stiff. Her mind went blank, and her limbs felt as if they didn't belong to her. She stood there like a block of wood, the adrenaline of the speeding car ride instantly replaced by the primal fear of parental judgment.
Towards her mother, Su Wanqing, she held a complex mix of respect, love, and fear. Under that piercing gaze, the usually proud campus belle trembled like a small quail in a winter storm. Instinctively, she shrank back, burying herself deeper into Shen Anyu's embrace, seeking shelter from the impending hurricane.
Shen Anyu, however, remained as calm as a still lake.
He didn't flinch. Instead, he tightened his grip around Su Hongmian's waist, pulling her closer in a gesture of absolute possession and protection. His hand gently patted her back, a rhythmic, soothing motion that silently told her: I am here.
At the same time, a characteristic sincere smile appeared on his handsome face. He met Su Wanqing's icy stare without a hint of submission, his posture straight and elegant, exuding an aura of nobility that matched hers.
"Auntie, hello," his voice was steady, magnetic, and respectful, yet devoid of the nervousness typical of a young man meeting a girlfriend's parent. "I am Mianmian's boyfriend, Shen Anyu. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Su Wanqing's expression softened imperceptibly at his composure. Most young men would have stuttered or pulled away by now. She shot Su Hongmian an annoyed glare—a silent reprimand for keeping secrets—before turning a polite, yet scrutinizing smile toward Shen Anyu.
"Come in," she said, her tone leaving no room for refusal. "We need to have a good talk."
As her words fell, she turned and walked back into the villa, the click of her heels echoing with authority. She left the heavy mahogany door wide open—an invitation, and a challenge.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Shen Anyu looked down at the trembling girl in his arms. A reassuring smile played on his lips as he leaned close to her ear.
"Whatever happens, I'll handle it."
His warm breath tickled the sensitive skin of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold night air. Su Hongmian felt the heat of his body pressing against hers, and her pretty face flushed a deep crimson. The anxiety of facing her mother mixed with the lingering thrill of the high-speed drive and his proximity made her heart race violently.
She glared at Shen Anyu, her beautiful eyes filled with a mix of grievance and reliance. "If we can't get past this, I'll beat you to death!" she whispered fiercely, baring her white teeth like a threatening kitten.
Shen Anyu smiled faintly, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Beat me? Then welcome to try."
...
The interior of the Su Villa was a testament to old money and refined taste. The air was faintly scented with high-quality sandalwood, and the decor was elegant and understated.
Shen Anyu and Su Hongmian sat on a plush Italian leather sofa in the living room. Su Wanqing sat opposite them, her posture upright and graceful. On the small rosewood table between them sat three cups of steaming tea.
Wisp...
The steam curled upwards, carrying the refreshing, grassy fragrance of excellent tea leaves.
Su Hongmian sat primly, her hands resting on her knees, knees pressed together. She looked exactly like a well-bred young lady awaiting punishment, the epitome of elegance, though her knuckles were white from tension.
Shen Anyu, however, was relaxed. He leaned back slightly, crossing his legs with an ease that suggested he was the master of the house, not a guest. He reached out, his long, slender fingers lifting the delicate porcelain teacup. He brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply, before taking a small sip.
The liquid rolled over his tongue—first a hint of bitterness, followed immediately by a profound, lingering sweetness.
"Good tea," Shen Anyu commented, placing the cup down gently. "Pre-rain Longjing from the West Lake, picked by hand. The water temperature is controlled perfectly at eighty-five degrees to preserve the tender leaves. Auntie has impeccable taste."
Opposite him, Su Wanqing's eyebrows raised slightly. Her beautiful eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses had been constantly observing him—his clothes, his watch, his demeanor. She noted his calmness, his lack of fear, and now, his knowledge.
"Tea ceremony is human nature, and tea quality is character," Su Wanqing said slowly, her voice melodious but heavy with meaning. "A person who can calmly and leisurely enjoy tea in such a tense situation is certainly no ordinary person."
She looked at him deeply. "With a mind full of strategies, high aspirations, and remaining unfazed even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him... the ancients would describe such a person as worthy of being appointed a Great General."
Shen Anyu smiled humbly, though his eyes shone with confidence. "Auntie, An'yu has learned a lot just by sitting here. If, in the future, An'yu can often hear Auntie's guidance, he would wake up smiling even in his dreams!"
Su Wanqing chuckled, the tension in the room finally dissipating like the steam from the tea. The flattery was standard, but coming from him, it sounded sincere and charming.
"You're exaggerating," she waved a hand gracefully. "It's about mutual learning. As they say, when three walk together, one is sure to be my teacher."
"Yes, yes, definitely. Auntie, let's learn from each other!" Shen Anyu nodded, his tone earnest.
Afterward, the conversation shifted. Su Wanqing began to probe, her questions wrapped in polite conversation but sharp as needles. She asked about his family, his work, his intentions.
Shen Anyu answered fluidly. He naturally didn't tell the whole truth—the dark, violent side of his world remained hidden—but he revealed enough of his family background and connections to impress without overwhelming. The mention of the Yanxia Shen Family was subtle, a hint dropped here and there, but for a businesswoman like Su Wanqing, it was enough to realize that the young man before her came from a background that dwarfed her own.
And, of course, the thirty-million-yuan red limited edition Lamborghini parked in her driveway was a clear proof of his standing.
'This woman is sharp,' Shen Anyu thought to himself, observing Su Wanqing's micro-expressions. 'She isn't looking for a rich son-in-law; she's looking for a capable one who won't take advantage of her daughter.'
His mind raced, analyzing the situation like a chessboard.
'Currently, I am still in the conquest phase. I must take it slow. Su Hongmian is a destined heroine because she possesses the quality of being unstained by the mud. She will not bow for "five pecks of rice" (money). If I tried to buy her love with a hundred million yuan, she would stubbornly refuse, feeling insulted.'
'But,' Shen Anyu's eyes flickered with calculation, 'if I spend a hundred million creating romance, constructing a fairy tale, then winning her over is not difficult. Romance is the key to the heart for these proud women. Money is just the fuel for the fire.'
He glanced at Su Hongmian, who was listening intently, her face flushing every time he mentioned their "relationship."
'I have saved the Lin family, which garnered over seventy favorability from Lin Keqing. But Su Hongmian... I've known her for half a day, and she's already at eighty. This "arrogant young miss" archetype is actually easier to crack than the "tragic beauty" type if you push the right buttons.'
Shen Anyu enjoyed this game. It was far more stimulating than simple bloodshed.
Su Wanqing, meanwhile, was coming to her own conclusions. Observing Shen Anyu's steady gaze and articulate responses, a satisfied expression appeared on her charming face.
She didn't care about family background in the sense of climbing the social ladder; she had enough money. What she cared about was character. As long as her daughter's future boyfriend was good to her daughter, that was enough. Most importantly, he shouldn't be a pretty boy who deceives for money and feelings—a common parasite in their social circle.
The scene she had witnessed earlier—Shen Anyu protecting Su Hongmian, the possessive way he held her, the red sports car that proved he didn't need her money—greatly added to Su Wanqing's impression.
After a round of conversation, Su Wanqing felt reassured. This young man was stable, respectful, and clearly cared for her daughter.
She turned to Su Hongmian, who was still sitting primly, looking like she was waiting for a verdict. Su Wanqing gave her an annoyed, yet affectionate look.
"You," she scolded gently. "Bringing a boyfriend back without a word... you gave me quite a fright."
"Mom..." Su Hongmian mumbled, lowering her head.
"However," Su Wanqing continued, a small smile playing on her lips, "you do have good taste. An'yu is a very excellent young man. Intelligent, well-spoken, and steady."
"Really?" Su Hongmian looked up, her eyes brightening.
"You're a university student now," Su Wanqing sighed, realizing her little girl was growing up. "You can date. I won't stop you. But be careful and safe. Mom isn't some old-fashioned feudal parent... just don't let your studies slip."
Su Hongmian breathed a massive sigh of relief, her tense shoulders finally relaxing. She shifted, sitting closer to Su Wanqing, and hugged her mother's arm, giggling coquettishly.
"Mom, you're the best! It's good that you don't blame me."
She didn't explain that Shen Anyu wasn't technically her boyfriend yet. In her heart, she had seemingly already tacitly acknowledged the title.
Shen Anyu watched the mother-daughter interaction with a graceful smile, accepting the role perfectly.
Splash!
Suddenly, a loud noise battered against the windows.
At this moment, it was already past ten in the evening. Outside in the darkness, a torrential rain had begun to fall without warning.
Boom!
Thunder rumbled in the distance, shaking the glass panes. The sky had opened up, pouring down sheets of water that turned the garden into a swamp in minutes. It was pitch black outside, visibility near zero.
Seeing this, Su Wanqing stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the curtain of rain. She frowned slightly.
"It's raining so heavily," she murmured. She turned back to Shen Anyu. "It's so dark, and the roads will be slick. Driving a sports car in this weather is dangerous. It's not safe to leave now."
She hesitated for a moment, then made a decision.
"An'yu, why don't you stay here for the night? It's too dangerous to drive back. There are plenty of guest rooms on the second floor."
There were no live-in nannies or servants in the villa; only a cleaning lady who came regularly during the day. Su Wanqing and her daughter valued their privacy and were not used to having outsiders constantly present at home. It was just the two of them in this large, empty villa.
However, the security in the high-end Villa area was excellent; it was almost impossible for malicious outsiders to sneak in, so they felt at ease having a guest they "trusted."
Shen Anyu stood up, a graceful and sincere smile on his face, though deep in his eyes, a flicker of hidden intent danced like a flame.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Auntie. I would be honored."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted briefly to Su Hongmian. The girl's face turned a shade of pink so deep it looked like a ripe peach. She bit her lip and looked away, but didn't object.
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