Chapter 27: Having Nothing More to Do with the Sheng Family in This Lifetime

Even though Qiaoqiao repeatedly promised to help her find a way, Wen Jin refused. She knew Sheng Yang’s character too well; cutting off the Qiao family’s capital chain was his way of issuing a warning. Although Wen Jin had lived in Beijing for many years, she was not truly a member of the Sheng family, nor had she ever been deeply involved in their social circles.

After being turned away for the umpteenth time, Wen Jin stood by the roadside, feeling a surge of agitation. It was easy enough to figure out: Sheng Yang must have made his stance known, ensuring no one would help her. At this very moment, he was likely watching her from somewhere, relishing her distress and waiting for her to come and beg for mercy.

Wen Jin closed her eyes, feeling the anxious thumping in her chest. She did not want to fall into the traps Sheng Yang had dug for her over and over again. She clenched her palms and started to walk, determined. It was impossible that everyone in Beijing obeyed Sheng Yang; she could not give up yet.

Before she had taken two steps, she heard a flippant whistle. A soft chuckle sounded behind her, followed by a young man’s clear voice: "With that look of resigned martyrdom, anyone who didn't know better would think you were heading to your execution."

Wen Jin stopped in her tracks. She stood dazed for a moment before turning to look. She saw a young man with black hair standing lazily not far away. He wore an embroidered black baseball jacket, and beneath his fresh, short hair, he wore a dark stud in his ear. His features were defined, yet softened by a gentle contour that tempered any sharpness. The curve of his lips gave him an air of flamboyant confidence—a stark contrast to Sheng Yang’s arrogance. His was an untamed spirit, one that radiated from his very bones.

Upon seeing his face, Wen Jin’s pupils dilated slightly, and she instinctively stepped back. Noticing her movement, Ning Lang arched an eyebrow and stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes filled with playful mockery as he asked, "Little Wen Jin, why aren't you happy to see me?"

Ning Lang. Sheng Yang’s close friend. Wen Jin’s only impression of him was that of a playboy who knew how to have a good time. Perhaps due to her upbringing, she didn’t care for his type, so she hadn't had much contact with him.

Ning Lang didn't miss the wariness in her eyes. He scoffed under his breath, straightened his posture, and stepped back. He remained as nonchalant as ever. "What are you doing at the Sun family's place all by yourself?" He glanced back at the spot where Wen Jin had just been turned away.

Wen Jin’s heart skipped a beat, fearing he had overheard something. She had to steel herself and change the subject. "Why are you here?"

"Didn't Sheng Yang tell you I returned to the country a few days ago?" Ning Lang countered. Seeing that she didn't answer, he thought for a moment and smiled. "It seems Zhao Yimo was right—you and Sheng Yang have been having some unpleasantness lately."

"Though, it makes sense. If Sheng Yang were still looking out for you, he wouldn't let you come to the Sun family—" Everyone in their circle knew the old man of the Sun family had peculiar habits and loved tormenting young girls.

Clearly, Ning Lang had hit the nail on the head; Wen Jin’s face turned pale. Ning Lang scoffed, but there was no mockery in his expression. He reached out and flicked her forehead with his finger, then turned and walked away with his long strides. Seeing that Wen Jin hadn't followed, he looked back and teased, "Still want to stay here? Do you want me to help you knock on the Sun family’s door?"

Wen Jin looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then followed. They didn't stop until they reached a corner. Wen Jin stopped as well, silent for a long time before asking tentatively, "You..."

Ning Lang’s phone rang just then. He glanced at the screen and hung up immediately. Only then did he look at Wen Jin. "Why are you following me? I’m not buying you dinner."

Wen Jin pursed her lips, feeling awkward. She fidgeted with her fingers and whispered, "Sorry." She turned and walked away, her steps hurried, as if she were fleeing in defeat.

Ning Lang watched her back, his eyebrows arching higher, looking as if he were in a rather good mood. His phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and didn't hang up this time. As soon as he answered, Zhao Yimo’s voice came through: "Hey, why did you hang up on me just now?"

Ning Lang walked slowly toward his car. "Speak if you have something to say."

"What could there be to say? You’ve been away for so long; surely your brothers should throw a welcome-home party for you?" Before Ning Lang could say he didn't have time, Zhao Yimo added, "Don't even think about refusing. I went to great lengths to convince Sheng Yang to come, too." He continued, "I don't know what you two are playing at. You’re friends—why are you acting so distant?"

Ning Lang countered, "Sheng Yang is coming?"

Zhao Yimo replied, "Obviously."

***

Wen Jin didn't have much time; she had taken leave from Sister Shuang that morning and had to return to the office in the afternoon. Sister Shuang knew a bit about the situation and had given her as much leeway as possible. However, upon returning to the office, she noticed that everyone was looking at her strangely.

Sister Shuang was standing at the office door watching her, and Wen Jin walked straight over. Sister Shuang didn't beat around the bush; she looked exhausted, even beginning to wonder if her decision to let Wen Jin stay and help had been a mistake.

"I heard you hit Wen You," Sister Shuang said, rubbing her temples, looking at Wen Jin with a complex expression. "The Wen family filed a complaint directly with the boss."

Wen Jin did not deny it. "This matter has nothing to do with the company. I will bear full responsibility myself."

"How will you bear it?" Sister Shuang asked. "What kind of compensation do you think will satisfy them?"

Wen Jin remained silent for a long time before saying, "I will handle this properly and not bring trouble to Xinyue." She had hit Wen You, and regardless of the outcome, it was her responsibility. But even so, if Wen You insulted her family again, she would do it again. Qiaoqiao once said that Wen Jin possessed an stubbornness that was hard to detect. Once she decided on something, she wouldn't give up, nor would she regret it.

Wen Jin returned to her desk. She hadn't had a moment of rest all morning. She was busy working until the afternoon when she suddenly received an anonymous call.

Ning Lang’s voice came through. "Wenshan Villa. Are you coming yourself, or should I come pick you up?"

Wen Jin paused. Just as she was about to refuse, she heard Ning Lang say, "I heard about what happened with your family. I’ll help you out as a gift for our long-awaited reunion."

Wen Jin didn't speak. It was true—in all of Beijing, the only person who could compare to the crown prince, Sheng Yang, was Ning Lang. She had to try.

She arranged to meet Ning Lang that afternoon, but she didn't expect to see Sheng Yang’s car parked outside the company when she left. Wen Jin instinctively wanted to avoid him, but Sheng Yang had already spotted her. He looked at her with a mocking smile. "Trying to hide?"

Wen Jin had no choice but to walk toward him. "You can't be here at Xinyue to see me."

Sheng Yang curled his lip, lowered his eyes, and looked at her coolly. "Of course I am here to see you."

Wen Jin frowned instinctively, but before she could speak, Sheng Yang continued, "You need to give the Wen family an explanation regarding your incident with Wen You. Go and apologize to her later."

Wen Jin’s expression turned cold. "Then I hope Wen You will also apologize for insulting my family."

Sheng Yang stared at her, a dark shadow flickering in his eyes, his brows suppressing displeasure. "Your family? Do they even deserve to be compared to Wen You?"

"Wen Jin, don't forget that you are still a member of the Sheng family. The Sheng family will not fall out with the Wen family because of someone like you."

He stood in front of her, casting a shadow that blocked her from any light. His words were like needles piercing into her bones. "Your actions now make me wonder if Wen Chaosheng and Guan Fangqin were intentional about it—just to have you sent to the Sheng family to be raised."

Wen Jin’s body trembled. She stared intently at Sheng Yang’s face, her heart twisting with pain. After a long while, she finally found the strength to speak: "If I could, I would wish that I never had anything to do with the Sheng family in my entire life."

Nothing to do with the Sheng family, and even less to do with Sheng Yang.

Sheng Yang scoffed, not taking her words to heart. "If you really wanted nothing to do with the Sheng family, you shouldn't have come to Beijing in the first place."