Compared to this elder brother who she hasn't seen for over twenty years, isn't she closer to the cousins she grew up with?
At least they care about her, take care of her, play with her, and give her gifts. She did trust her cousins more, so under their influence, she became more and more disgusted and afraid of Song JinXing.
She pretended he wasn't her brother, just like he pretended she wasn't his sister.
They were unrelated and owed each other nothing!
But now he was interfering in her life, and she was unexpectedly not averse to it, and even felt that lingering sense of anticipation she had when she learned he would be coming home.
Realizing this, Song Shuling was immediately ashamed and angry.
On what grounds! He ignored her when he wanted, and meddled when he wanted! She must look so ridiculous like this! Just like a spoiled child who was easily satisfied with a little candy!
Song Shuling paused in her steps.
Zhong Ruanxing noticed that the little cat whose fur she had just smoothed was bristling again. She looked at Zhong Ruanxing angrily, "I can go home myself, no need to walk me back."
As she spoke, she reached to take the bag of rice from Zhong Ruanxing's hand.
Zhong Ruanxing said, "It's heavy."
More than ten pounds.
Song Shuling didn't listen and insisted on grabbing it. Zhong Ruanxing could only let go. Then she saw Song Shuling stumble.
Zhong Ruanxing said, "...I said it was heavy."
Song Shuling was even more ashamed and angry. She hugged the bag of rice in both arms and charged forward fiercely.
It was still kind of cute.
Zhong Ruanxing leisurely followed behind her and watched the little cat throw a tantrum.
When they got home, Fu Ling and two of his very capable subordinates had already left. Seeing that Zhong Ruanxing had followed her back, Song Shuling pursed her lips, but didn't say anything, tacitly allowing her to enter the house.
It was almost dinner time. Zhong Ruanxing asked, "Want to have dinner together?"
What was going on? Why did she get so excited just because he suggested having dinner together?
Song Shuling fiercely suppressed that undignified thrill in her heart and said coolly, "I already have plans with sister Wei."
Sister Wei?
Seemingly aware of her confusion, Song Shuling gave a low snort. As expected, he didn't even remember these siblings! But still explained, "That's Song Jiawei, my cousin. She's Uncle Da's daughter."
Zhong Ruanxing had no impression at all. This whole big family of Song's was like NPCs that she had to unlock one by one. Judging by Song Shuling's tone, she seemed to be very close with this cousin. This was a good chance to meet her circle of friends and find the root of her crooked thinking.
So she asked, "Can I come along?"
Song Shuling was astonished. He...he was actually asking for her opinion?
Legendary Song JinXing, whose word was law, who did things his own way, was someone even the company elders were wary of. But now he was lowering his head to ask her, his tone and gaze both gentle.
Song Shuling seemed to be stunned by this question, blankly looking at Zhong Ruanxing for a long time. The previously bristling cat put away her claws, "O-Okay..."
Zhong Ruanxing smiled, "Then let's go."
Luckily the driver was there, so they didn't have to drive over themselves. This was Song Shuling's first time riding in her brother's exclusive car. Until the car started moving and she smelled the cold pine scent inside, catching sight of the person next to her opening his laptop to work, it felt like a dream.
The rebellious, aloof rich young lady was uncharacteristically a little restrained, silently looking out the window.
After Zhong Ruanxing finished organizing today's project progress and sent it to Song JinXing, the car had arrived at its destination. Song Shuling and Song Jiawei were meeting at a very famous private kitchen in Beijing. This restaurant only served 6 tables of guests per day, reservations had to be made a month in advance.
But today Song Jiawei had booked the whole place, and the "Occupied" sign was hung up early just for her alone.
These rich young masters and ladies of prominent families always put on a big show when going out.
She had thought it was just a family dinner, but when they went in she saw several people already chatting and laughing at the table. A violinist was playing dreamy spotlight music on the stage. When they saw this unexpected guest "Song JinXing", the only sound left was the melodious violin.
Everyone looked as if they had been petrified, dumbly staring at the man following Song Shuling.
Song Shuling had been floating ever since she got the WeChat message from her big brother that afternoon. She hadn't thought to give Song Jiawei a heads up beforehand. Now seeing everyone frozen there, she became a little nervous.
Sister Wei had always disliked big brother a lot and cursed him plenty behind his back. Barging in with him unannounced, she must be very angry...
Song Shuling was most afraid of angering Song Jiawei. She stammered an explanation, "Sis...today Wenfei came to my house to steal stuff, and my brother caught him. Then he suggested having dinner together..."
Song Jiawei finally broke free from her petrification, her expression very complicated.
As soon as Song JinXing returned to the country, he had taken most of the company's shares and became the new head of the Song family. He took more, so of course he encroached on others' interests. Because of this, Song Jiawei did not lack complaints about Old Master Song's favoritism. They were all grandchildren, so why?!
Even if she was inadequate, her father had devoted his whole life to the group. The CEO position should not have fallen to Song JinXing, who was equivalent to a stranger after being abroad for 20 years!
She both hated and feared him. Usually she even avoided him if they ran into each other. Yet Song Shuling had actually brought him here!
Was she brainless?!
But with him already here, she couldn't very well kick him out in front of her friends.
Let alone that she didn't have the guts to treat this living Yama King so rudely. She could only squeeze out a smile, "Brother San."
Other than Song Jiawei who had vested interests, the rest were especially excited by Song JinXing's arrival.
This was the famously formidable and unapproachable head of the Song family!
They had heard he was not just a top student, but also very handsome. Now seeing him in person, handsome was an understatement. With looks like his, he would have no rivals if he entered the entertainment industry! Song Jiawei's two girlfriends were practically sprouting heart eyes.
Tycoon! Marry me!
Aside from Song Jiawei and her two girlfriends, there was also a stylishly handsome young man at the table. But Zhong Ruanxing didn't like the calculating look in his eyes when he stared at people.
She had to maintain Song JinXing's tycoon image in public. She gave a slight nod in greeting and sat down in the empty seat next to Song Shuling.
After all she was a young lady of a prominent family. Song Jiawei had steadied herself after the initial shock, and now her smile and demeanor betrayed no trace of anything unusual. She laughed and asked, "Brother San is always too busy to even see his shadow on normal days. How do you have time to come to my little gathering today?"
Both raised in the same family, Song Jiawei was generous and dazzlingly self-confident, while the Song Shuling across from her was like a maidservant, head lowered without uttering a word, devoid of brilliance.
