48

If he hadn't seen those two familiar faces on the screen, Duan Baiting would have really thought that this was a family-themed TV series.

The phone was connected, and the man's tone was very respectful: "Mr. Duan, I heard about the project. Do you need me to come over now?"

The current situation was not suitable for discussing business, so Duan Baiting hung up the phone.

Song Wanyue stayed in the bathroom for more than ten minutes and finally came out holding on to the wall.

What she didn't expect was the scene before her.

Duan Baiting appeared in the living room at some point and was sitting on the sofa.

Grandma's voice came out: "I heard what Wanwan said. Don't worry, take care of the important things first, and then find time to come over when you are free."

Duan Baiting was still calm and answered in a gentle voice - "Okay",

but the calmness he showed when dealing with elders was different from his usual calmness.

No longer arrogant, but humble and respectful.

Song Wanyue cried out in her heart, "Oh no!" She actually forgot that Duan Baiting was also at home.

I guess it was an accident.

Since I was at home, I didn't dress up. I just wore an apricot knitted long skirt and a casual shawl.

I chose red as it suits the occasion.

Her long curly hair was loose, and her skin was still fair and smooth without any makeup.

Apart from the fact that he looked a little pale after falling ill, fortunately it wasn't noticeable through the video.

As an elderly person, grandma usually shows some pity towards the younger generation.

What's more, the other party is his grandson-in-law.

So the smile was extremely kind.

The rest of the people dispersed, only Song's father and mother were still sitting there.

Maintain basic decency.

Song's father smiled and said in an official tone: "Wanyue chose to bother you at this time. She is not sensible. Please bear with her."

Duan Baiting's reputation is not good, perhaps because of the burden of his family.

Coupled with his own personality, over time, the outside world's evaluation of him has been mixed.

As a superior and the person in charge of the group, his abilities are naturally impeccable.

But as a person, he is too cunning, too arrogant, and too emotional.

Not a good match.

When Song Wanyue married him, Song's father felt guilty towards his daughter.

An engagement with Mr. Duan many years ago eventually became the straw that saved the Song family from danger.

Song Wanyue walked over and sat down next to Duan Baiting naturally.

It was also because of her arrival that the somewhat awkward conversation was slightly eased.

She rubbed her numb ankle and said that her feet were numb because she had stayed in the bathroom for too long.

Her mother's expression softened as she gently reminded her: "Don't be too rude when you speak in public."

The Song family is a scholarly family and they attach great importance to etiquette and education.

Although he dotes on Song Wanyue on weekdays, he is still extremely strict in this regard.

Song Wanyue smiled and took Duan Baiting's arm, saying in a cheerful voice: "I'm at home, not outside."

Duan Baiting lowered his head and looked at the arm that was being hugged tightly.

The first time I met Song Wanyue's parents was at a charity auction.

He was accompanying his seriously ill grandmother.

There was nothing to do, but I took some photos of a few pieces of jewelry and jade.

At the reception after the auction, he was called by his grandmother to toast.

He was only twenty-three at the time and had just taken over the family business.

Grandma said, "This is your Uncle Song, and next to him is Aunt Jiang."

He toasted and greeted, "Uncle Song, Aunt Jiang."

In the eyes of the elders, although he was young, he was calm and didn't talk much.

Not an enthusiastic person.

Everything should be done in moderation, including politeness. Seems distant and difficult to approach.

Duan Baiting was used to this kind of cocktail party culture when he was abroad, so he handled it with ease.

During this trip, he was toasted by his grandmother and even though he could drink a lot, he still looked a little tipsy.

He raised his hand and rubbed his slightly painful forehead.

But he heard his grandmother introducing him: "You probably don't know about the marriage your grandfather arranged for you. These are your future father-in-law and mother-in-law. I'll bring you to meet them in advance."

She smiled and shook Song's mother's hand, speaking kindly, "I thought you would bring your daughter here today. I wanted to let them meet first and get familiar with each other."

Song's mother smiled helplessly: "Wanyue went to Paris with her friends. She said she wanted to watch a show. Let's wait for the next chance."

Duan Baiting was mostly sober.

He had never heard of his engagement, nor did he know the real purpose of his grandmother asking him to come.

All I know is that he is firm in his attitude. Even if it means letting him give up the project cooperation, he still wants him to accompany her to the auction.

Song's mother's gaze lingered on him, her gentle and kind face made it impossible to tell whether she was satisfied or dissatisfied with him.

She just smiled and said to her grandmother, "It's a good thing she didn't come. The little girl is very noisy and might bump into you."

Her grandmother was an old acquaintance of the Song family. She was married from Shanghai.

The relationships in wealthy families are complicated, but they always end up together somewhere.

Although the Song family is not as good as before, its reputation and connections are still there.

The elderly always think about the long term, so they arranged the marriage in advance.

"I like Wanyue very much. She is lively and cheerful. My grandson is too introverted. He just needs someone talkative to keep him company."

Wanyue.

Song Wanyue.

Duan Baiting pondered these three words over and over in his mind.

He raised his eyes slightly, and there was something more in his deep eyes.

The conversation that day did not last long. My grandmother was ill, so Duan Baiting took her away early.

But he had those items sent directly to the Song family.

That was the first time they met, and Song's father could not say whether he liked or disliked his future husband.

In terms of means and abilities, he is indeed a leader among the younger generation.

But it was just as his grandmother said.

He is too deep and introverted, and his eyes are not pure, but contain too much.

Calculation, scheming and consideration.

As parents, we naturally hope that our daughters can live a harmonious life.

People like Duan Baiting are too dangerous.

But they had no other choice. After all, this marriage was not just about the Song family.

There is also a whole clan behind him.

Fortunately, Song Wanyue was an optimistic person. Although she cried and made a fuss at the beginning, she finally accepted it obediently.

Married into the Duan family.

Over the past year, she had only recently started mentioning Duan Baiting in front of them.

A few days ago, she even said that she was worried about him being alone in North City and wanted to come back to be with him.

It's impossible to stop it.

Late in the evening, I drove directly to the airport.

If the couple is truly in love, they as parents will also be happy.

The scary thing is that Song Wanyue is just too enthusiastic about shaving.

The atmosphere was a little too heavy, so Song's mother smiled and tried to smooth things over: "We're going to have the New Year's Eve dinner soon, why don't we hang up first."

Song Wanyue couldn't understand her expression: "It would be so nice to just keep the video on, it would feel like I'm still at home."

She told the kitchen that they would not go to the dining room to eat today, but to stay in the living room.

Song's mother glanced at her grandmother, who smiled dotingly: "Okay, everything will be up to our Wanwan."

The servants set the table, and Song Wanyue whispered in Duan Baiting's ear: "I originally wanted to find a formal time to take you back to meet my parents, but it's rare that all the family members are here today, so I might as well meet them all at once."

Duan Baiting remembered what she had just said.

——Spent a long time in the toilet.

"Your stomach still hurts?"

She hung her head: "A little bit, and my head hurts a little too."

Duan Baiting parted her hair, put his fingertips on her temples, and rubbed them gently.

She raised her eyes and said softly and coquettishly, "You are still the best."

Duan Baiting smiled and said nothing.

As he pressed the button, he seemed to remember something and looked forward.

The servants who had set the table and dishes had already left, and the view was no longer obstructed.

On the TV screen, there was a large family sitting around a round table, and all eyes were on the two of them.

The expressions are...different.

Her cousin laughed at her, "You are so shameless, showing your affection in front of a whole room. It's not suitable for children."

He was young and didn't understand anything. He didn't have much feeling for his brother-in-law, whom he had only met once.

I only know that he comes from a prominent family and is handsome.

As for his personality, he is quite cold.

He didn't think that their relationship would be unhappy. After all, he was aware of Song Wanyue's charm.

From childhood to adulthood, countless classmates, and even their brothers, have asked him to help deliver love letters.

In the cousin's mind, there is no man in this world that his sister can't handle.

Song Wanyue rolled her eyes at him: "You little brat, what do

you know." The cousin took the opportunity to complain: "Brother-in-law, my sister is very good at acting like a spoiled child and making trouble. Don't be fooled by her innocent appearance."

Song Wanyue wanted to go back to Shanghai and beat him up immediately: "Stop slandering me here!"

The cousin was not to be outdone: "Really. She used to cheat when she played games with me and couldn't stand losing. Or she would complain to grandma and get me beaten." With her

reputation ruined, Song Wanyue was busy scolding him, and she also found the time to explain to Duan Baiting: "Don't listen to his nonsense. I'm not unable to lose. I just like to cheat."

The video ended in the end because Song Wanyue's stomach hurt several times again.

She was afraid of being discovered and making them worry.

After going to the toilet several times, I lost my appetite.

Duan Baiting didn't eat much either and just stayed with her in the room.

She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze, wondering what she was thinking about.

Duan Baiting poured a cup of warm water and handed it to her, but she didn't react.

He called her name twice, but still got no response.

After a moment's silence, he lowered his eyes and put down the glass.

"It's my first Spring Festival away from home. Do you miss home?"

Even the tone of his voice often gives people a feeling of secrecy.

Song Wanyue came back to her senses: "A little bit."

He nodded: "I will accompany you back tomorrow.

" Song Wanyue sat up: "Don't we still have to worship our ancestors?"

"I will accompany you back first, and I will come back later."

Song Wanyue said: "That's too much trouble."

Duan Baiting was afraid that the water would get cold, so he handed it to her: "It's added with honey."

After she drank it all in small sips, he took the cup from her: "No trouble, I will pick you up after the fifteenth."

Song Wanyue was stunned: "Pick me up? Aren't you going back with me?"

Duan Baiting had already stood up. He took off his coat and took out pajamas from the closet.

"I'll find another time to visit you."

Just because Song Wanyue didn't understand, it didn't mean he didn't understand either.

Because of his appearance, the atmosphere was frozen for a few minutes.

Even though they tried very hard to get closer to him, the awkwardness was still apparent.

The awkwardness of being difficult to approach.

They are not the same kind of people.

The Song family is rich and powerful. If they had not adhered to those noble principles, they would not have fallen into the situation where they need to rely on their daughter to arrange marriage.

If it were the same as in the past, Duan Baiting would just maintain his usual indifferent attitude.

But now, he began to think about Song Wanyue.

Song Wanyue refused to listen and insisted that he go.

"If you don't go, don't talk to me again."

She was indeed good at threatening people. You have to hit the snake at its most vulnerable part, but to deal with him, she only needed this light sentence.

Duan Baiting's brows relaxed and he hugged the person in his arms.

"Are you going to use this to threaten me every time?"

Song Wanyue thought for a while and said, "Use divorce next time..."

Before she could finish her words, Duan Baiting covered her mouth.

He said in a low voice: "Don't even think about it."

-

In the end, Duan Baiting returned to Shanghai with her.

It is the second day after the ancestor worship is over, the third day of the first lunar month.

She didn't inform her family in advance, wanting to give them a surprise.

Instead of giving a surprise, it turned into a fright.

The cousin was startled by Song Wanyue who suddenly appeared behind him, and his voice almost broke.

Luckily I didn't have a heart attack.

Song Wanyue said to him, "Why are you becoming more and more timid?"

The cousin complained, "I'll suddenly jump out from behind you and scare you!"

It was not the first time he came to the house, but today was different.

The last time was when I went to the door to deliver the marriage certificate and give the betrothal gifts.

And this time, he came as Song Wanyue's husband.

When Song's mother saw the two of them, she hurriedly welcomed them in and asked her aunt to pour tea.

With a kind smile, he asked about Duan Baiting's recent situation.

Everything is fine at home. I heard from Wanyue that you have been very tired these days. How are you feeling?

After Duan Baiting sat down, he answered the questions humbly and politely.

"Everything is fine. I'm fine." He took the teacup handed to him by Song's mother with both hands, "Thank you."

Song's mother smiled and said, "Wanyue didn't tell me in advance and didn't prepare anything. What do you like to eat? I'll ask my aunt to buy some groceries."

He finished his tea and put down the teacup, "No need to be so troublesome. I can do anything."

"How can that be possible? Wanyue said that you are very picky about food and you don't like to talk. If you encounter something you don't like, you either don't eat it or just eat a few bites perfunctorily." The only thing about Song Wanyue that is similar to her mother is her eyes. Her temperament and tone of voice are different.

Song's mother smiled gently and said, "It's a rare occasion for you to come here, how can I let you go hungry?"

Song Wanyue had had enough of the fight with her cousin outside, and judging from her expression, it seemed that she had won a great victory.

She happily sat down next to Duan Baiting: "He likes light food, and he doesn't like the sweet food we usually eat. Mom, just cook him a bowl of clear spicy hot pot."

Song's mother pretended to be surprised and tapped her forehead lightly: "What nonsense."

She put a gentle smile on her face again and stood up: "I'll go to the kitchen. Wanwan, you accompany Baiting for a walk around."

"Okay."

It had snowed heavily yesterday, and it was clean and white outside.

There is not even a footprint.

Song Wanyue took him to her room.

Her room is very large, with white and pink as the main theme, and an entire display cabinet filled with almost all kinds of dolls.

The dressing table is bigger than the desk.

The computer is near the window, and there is a bookcase above it.

There are also neatly arranged calculation books and collections of wrong answers next to them.

He immediately saw the doll that was stored separately.

There is a sticky note with a date on it on each doll.

Duan Baiting stopped in front of the cabinet.

Song Wanyue hurried over, stood in front of the cabinet, and explained guiltily: "These were...given to me by an online friend."

His mind moved slightly, and he lowered his eyes to look at her: "What online friend?"

If she could look up, perhaps she could see the faint hope in his eyes.

"Just an online friend."

Song Wanyue said.

"That's it."

Duan Baiting didn't ask any more questions. His expression returned to normal and he nodded.

She opened the curtains to let in the sunlight from outside.

There was a familiar scent of jasmine in the room, the same as the scent on her body.

Duan Baiting wasn't sure whether the smell came from the bath products or perfume she used.

He had smelled it since he first met her at the funeral.

Very light.

The reason I knew it was hers was because there was no jasmine planted in the yard.

There are only the imperial flowers and the ground lotus.

He didn't like those flowers, but they were valuable, so they were there.

Thinking of how well Song's mother knew him, Duan Baiting asked her, "Did she talk a lot about me?"

Song Wanyue nodded, "Yes, I talked to her on the phone all night yesterday."

"What did you talk about?"

She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I said I like you very much and asked them to be nicer to you. If you are unhappy, I will be unhappy too."

One has to admit that under the law of all things, there is indeed a limit to what one can control.

He can tell at a glance whether what some people say is true or false.

But some people, even if they told him in advance, they were telling lies.

He will believe it too.

The phone call really worked, and Song's father went to the backyard and dug out a jar of wine.

It is said that they were buried on the day Song Wanyue was born. Several jars were buried, but all the liquid evaporated.

Only this jar is left.

Because it is grain wine, the alcohol content is very high.

Song's mother was hesitant to speak: "Bai Ting has been busy with the ancestor worship these days and he is already tired. You still let him drink such a strong liquor."

"It's okay." Duan Bai Ting took the jar of wine, poured himself a glass, and said in a calm voice, "You can drink a little."

He raised the wine glass to toast the other party, and was very polite and lowered the other person's glass by one end.

Father Song was drunk and passed out after just a few drinks.

He can actually drink quite a lot, it's just that the alcohol content of the wine was too high.

Song's mother and several cousins ​​helped him back to his room, and reminded Song Wanyue to take good care of Duan Baiting.

After all, he drinks more than her father.

But Duan Baiting was sober and even took out a box of cigarettes.

Seeing this, Song Wanyue snatched the cigarette away and said, "You just drank, you can't smoke anymore."

He raised his eyes and looked at her quietly, as if waiting for a reason.

She said seriously: "Drinking is harmful to your health, smoking is also harmful to your health. If you do both, it will be doubly harmful."

Duan Baiting smiled lightly. What logic?

Song's father only drank three cups of the wine, and the rest was drunk by Duan Baiting.

He doesn't talk much. Although he is very adept in business, he is not very good at facing dinner parties with his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

He really has no experience.

In order to gain that little bit of favor, I had to drink as much as I could.

At the end of the drinking, even if he has a good alcohol tolerance, he will inevitably feel drunk.

Fortunately, he was still conscious and able to walk steadily.

Song Wanyue helped him back to the room.

But he stopped in front of the cabinet full of dolls and refused to move.

He looked at me with deep eyes for a long, long time.

She didn't know if it was her illusion, but at that moment, in Song Wanyue's opinion, Duan Baiting seemed to be lost in deep thought about his memories.

Song Wanyue called his name softly, wanting to make sure he was still awake.

Perhaps because his breathing was not smooth after being drunk, he raised his hand to loosen his tie.

He looked from top to bottom, examining each doll.

He is thinking.

Think about the time you gave away these dolls and the reasons you made up.

To find a reasonable reason to give her a gift.

At that time, she always complained to him on the phone about how difficult it was to buy this little thing.

Limited edition, not only limited in quantity, but also in region.

It was indeed difficult to buy. He spent twenty times the market price and spent more than a month looking for someone to buy a complete set.

But he only gave her one each time.

He also had selfish motives, hoping that she would remember him for a while longer after all the gifts were given.

The night I decided to go back to see her, it was also windy like today.

Duan Baiting lowered his eyes slightly.

The throat was corroded by alcohol and was hoarse.

"Song Wanyue."

She was stunned and looked up at him.

I was stunned for a moment.

There was a slight redness in his eyes, probably because he was getting drunk.

Many times, Song Wanyue felt that what she liked most was his appearance.

Everyone says that appearance is just a bag of skin and will age with age.

What matters most is what's on the inside.

But some people are like this, they only care about the good appearance and ignore the inner qualities.

He lowered his head and rested his chin on her shoulder.

The low voice was in her ears, and Song Wanyue felt her eardrums slightly numb from the vibration.

"Song Wanyue, I didn't tell you."