Chapter 778 - 775: Wedding News
"Why are you here?"
"Why can’t I be here? Our family has collaborations with your company too."
It turned out that the person was Shen Siyuan’s long-unseen friend, Hong Wenqing.
The two hadn’t been in contact for a while. Well, actually it hadn’t been that long, just about three or four months, which is normal for friendships between men.
"Have you taken over the family business?" Shen Siyuan was quite happy to see his old friend.
"No, I’m just assisting the old man at home. I saw the invitation from Red Hearts International and figured you’d be attending, so I took the initiative to come." Hong Wenqing said happily.
He pulled a chair to sit down.
Shen Siyuan quickly introduced him to everyone present, even though Hong Wenqing probably wouldn’t have any future interactions with these people. It was a matter of courtesy.
Upon hearing this, everyone greeted Hong Wenqing and then continued chatting amongst themselves. However, each of them was eavesdropping with curiosity, eager to know everything about Shen Siyuan, as he was the guy who managed to win over President Ruan.
"Do you still play games?" Shen Siyuan asked curiously.
"Not anymore. Initially, I couldn’t resist logging in, but gradually it felt pointless, and I eventually gave it up entirely." Hong Wenqing sighed.
Speaking of games, he still felt a slight sense of loss. Yet, the thought of logging back in didn’t interest him, like reminiscing about an ended relationship.
Shen Siyuan could completely understand Hong Wenqing because his own process of quitting games was quite similar.
"And you? How have you been? Are things still good with your girlfriend?"
The last question was what Hong Wenqing truly wanted to ask.
Being friends with Shen Siyuan for many years, he had a rough understanding of Shen Siyuan’s family situation.
He knew very well that in this relationship, the identities were unequal. To put it bluntly, it was a strong woman, weak man dynamic. Having a long-lasting and perfect ending was not easy.
It’s not just about a stable relationship between them but also about the woman’s parents being non-opposing. However, in such situations, it’s rare for the woman’s parents not to oppose.
Shen Siyuan’s career was lacking, his abilities were average, and his family was ordinary. A family like Ruan Hongzhuang’s was among the top in the country; why would they agree to let their daughter marry an ordinary man?
Upon being asked about this, Shen Siyuan thought for a moment and replied, "We’re getting married after the New Year. You must come to our wedding."
"Whoa~"
Hong Wenqing was greatly shocked, stretching the tone of his word; he nearly stood up in surprise.
Those nearby who had been eavesdropping also cast Shen Siyuan looks of astonishment.
"When exactly?"
"Next year, March 18th," Shen Siyuan answered.
"I’ll definitely come if I have time," said Hong Wenqing.
"Even if you don’t have time, you’ll have to come. Plus, what could you possibly be busy with? I haven’t invited many friends, and you’re the first one," Shen Siyuan insisted.
"Don’t worry. I’ll surely be there."
"A small gift won’t do," Shen Siyuan joked.
"Do you really need my contribution?" Hong Wenqing exclaimed.
"Who complains about having too much money?"
"You rascal," Hong Wenqing grinned and playfully punched Shen Siyuan on the shoulder.
Then he added, "You really lucked out."
He understood that President Ruan of Eastern Shipping had only one daughter, Jiang Hongzhuang, and the family business would definitely be handed down to her. They would not want a son-in-law with too strong of a family background or too much capability. Thus, Shen Siyuan was the most suitable, with no strong presence or abilities, effectively making him a live-in son-in-law.
This way, he’s living off a woman, but with someone like Ruan Hongzhuang, many would want this opportunity, hence the notion of being lucky.
Shen Siyuan guessed what he was thinking but did not explain—it wasn’t necessary.
While they were chatting, Taozi walked over. Seeing Hong Wenqing, she seemed a bit surprised.
"You’re here too," Taozi said.
Last time when Hong Wenqing accompanied Luo Gaoyuan to the company, they met and she knew he was Shen Siyuan’s friend.
"Miss Jiang."
Upon seeing her, Hong Wenqing immediately stood up.
He might not have been aware of Taozi’s identity before, but since involving himself with the family business, he knew very well the influence of the Jiang family in Bin Hai.
Red Hearts International’s current standing in Bin Hai was largely due to Jiang Taoshi, so upon seeing Taozi, he dared not overestimate himself.
"Have a seat, no need to be formal," Taozi said politely and then turned her gaze to Shen Siyuan.
"Would you like to join us?" she asked.
"No, I’m comfortable here. I don’t know the people at your table, and I’d feel awkward," Shen Siyuan replied.
"Alright then," Taozi didn’t press further.
She handed him a bottle of milk, "Drink this; I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people seeking you for drinks tonight."
"Alright." Shen Siyuan accepted it immediately.
Even though no one could actually get him drunk with his current constitution, he didn’t want to reject Taozi’s kind gesture.
"I’ll let you get back to your conversation," Taozi said and left.
"Okay," everyone at the table responded.
After Taozi left, Hong Wenqing gave Shen Siyuan a puzzled look. He faintly sensed an unusual connection between Taozi and Shen Siyuan. Meanwhile, the others at the table weren’t surprised; they often saw the two having lunch together in the company cafeteria and sometimes even going out as a trio.
Hong Wenqing chatted with Shen Siyuan for a few more moments before returning to his seat.
Once he left, Zhang Hicheng leaned in curiously, "Are you having a wedding with President Ruan in March?"
"Yes, on March 18th."
"Then send me an invitation," Zhang Hicheng quickly said.
Other tablemates eagerly chimed in, "Yes, send us invitations too. We all want to join your wedding and share in the joy."
"I can send you invitations, but the wedding is held in Si Ming, and you might not be available," Shen Siyuan explained.
Everyone considered this, realizing that while Shen Siyuan would be marrying a rich and beautiful woman during work-hours, they’d still be slogging away at the company, which instantly dampened their spirits—maybe it wasn’t worth sharing in the joy.
Only Zhang Hicheng said, "As long as President Ruan approves my leave, I’ll certainly make it."
"Sure, go write your application. I’ll count it as a business trip."
"Really? Are you sure?" he asked excitedly. Anyone would agree if they could get paid without working.
"Yes, really. It’s a promise," Shen Siyuan assured.
As soon as everyone heard this, they all started clamoring to attend Shen Siyuan’s wedding.
"Stop making a fuss. Who will work if you all go?" Zhang Hicheng used his leadership position to scold.
"Then let one from each role go. We truly want to witness President Ruan’s wedding spectacle," they pleaded with enthusiasm.
Seeing their loud discussion, Shen Siyuan reminded, "Just keep this to yourselves, no spreading the word."
They all pounded their chests and vowed that their lips were sealed like a vault.
Yet somehow, the vault wasn’t secure, and within half a day, the entire company knew about it.