At the same time, outside the main gate of the Su Residence.
The head of the Sujia, and the leader of the Su Group—Su Heng, was currently seated in the rear of his rather unremarkable sedan, silently pinching the bridge of his own nose.
He lifted his head, glancing up at the third floor of the Su Residence, toward the room with lights still shining.
As expected, he was late again, missing the chance for a conversation.
If only he’d come back earlier, instead of trying to orchestrate a “chance encounter” to lessen the pressure his presence always seemed to bring…
Tonight, there was no way he’d be able to speak with the girls. Was he really going to have Bai just wait here until morning?
But there was an important meeting at the Company first thing tomorrow…
Observing Su Heng’s troubled expression, the driver assigned to Su Xiaozhang—his exclusive chauffeur, Jin Wei—cleared his throat quietly from outside the car.
“…Sir, the two young ladies did play outside a bit longer than usual today. Plus, they watched a movie. By the time we left the theater to head home, it was already close to midnight.”
Looking at the brooding man before him, the driver nervously swallowed and raised a finger toward the sky.
“It’s true it got late, but I can swear to you, they didn’t go anywhere improper. After the movie ended, both young ladies came straight home, not a moment’s delay.”
“Relax, I’m not accusing you of anything.”
Su Heng waved his hand at the driver, then pressed his knuckles to his temples, letting out a heavy breath.
“Go ahead, bring that Gift from the trunk into the Yan Hui Ting. Also, what time do the young ladies usually wake up in the morning?”
“…Based on the usual pick-up time, it’s about seven o’clock?”
Seven, eh? Spending about ten minutes with them, then rushing from home to the seven-thirty meeting spot… it would just barely be possible.
No, the morning rush hour alone could take half an hour in traffic. That definitely wouldn’t be enough.
But at other times, he could be lenient. At least with this matter, he absolutely couldn’t just turn a blind eye…
Su Heng exhaled deeply once more, then picked up his phone and dialed his Assistant.
“Hello, push back the meeting scheduled for seven-thirty tomorrow morning by ten—no, twenty minutes.”
“If Director Qian can’t wait, attend in my stead. I’ll arrive a bit later.”
After giving a few more instructions, he hung up and let out a sigh from deep in his chest.
So that’s how it is. No wonder Xiaozhang’s attitude toward Bai has always been so complicated—so the one she really cares about is…
From a common sense, even a moral perspective, isn’t this all a bit… unconventional?
But what was he supposed to do? What could he possibly do?
Even the one Su Wanli has feelings for—Meng Huange herself—was someone he had personally brought into the Sujia…
Meng Huange was a good child. He knew that. She’d suffered a lot since she was little, had a tough time in the orphanage, but through her remarkable willpower, she managed to rise above her harsh environment and catch his attention.
Initially, he’d just wanted to find a peer and trustworthy helper for Wanli, but later, Su Heng gradually realized that what Su Wanli lacked might not be talent, but rather the indomitable spirit embodied by Meng Huange.
That’s why he had insisted on bringing Meng Huange to the Sujia. Perhaps, under such constant influence, Su Wanli might grow a little stronger herself.
…No, there was no need to sugarcoat his own motives. Though he said he hoped Meng Huange could support Su Wanli, what he really wanted was for Wanli to feel some unease upon seeing Meng Huange, to realize her own position wasn’t so secure, and thus to spark a sense of competitiveness in her.
But in the end, the competitive spirit never appeared—other emotions grew instead…
Recalling the scene he’d just witnessed via the driver’s video call, Su Heng irritably shoved his hand into his coat pocket, attempting to take out his fourth cigarette of the day.
No. He’d set himself a limit—three cigarettes a week, and today he’d already used up his entire weekly quota.
Gritting his teeth, he ruffled his messy bangs in frustration, and gazed up at the Moon.
If his wife were still alive at a time like this, what would she say?
With her easygoing nature, she’d probably just smile faintly and say, “Let her be.”
That’s right. Matters of the heart—what role did he really have to play?
They were so young, their thoughts so mercurial. Before he could even intervene, something might go wrong for some inexplicable reason.
Besides, his Assistant had already told him—he should trust his first instincts.
A few years ago, when Su Heng first saw that still-very-young Meng Huange, he’d immediately realized—this was exactly the person he’d been looking for.
In this child, beneath her quiet exterior and reserved manner, was a spirit that would never yield.
And that was what Su Heng wanted to see in Su Wanli’s eyes.
If Su Wanli could learn even a fraction of that from being around Meng Huange, then all his efforts these years would not have been in vain.
As for the side effects now… perhaps this was something he would have to accept as well.
Thinking this, he finally relaxed, exhaling as he waved at his driver outside the window.
“Old Jin, tomorrow morning, remember to tell Xiaozhang to divide those Gifts you brought for Wanli and Meng Huange.”
“Huh? Sir, you’re not going to give them personally?”
“No, there’s a meeting at the Company tomorrow. I don’t have much spare time.”
“Besides, I believe the girls will sort things out for themselves.”
With a gentle smile, Su Heng nodded at the driver, then called his Assistant again.
“It’s fine, no need to reschedule the meeting. I’ll return to the Company now.”
He gestured at the driver, who immediately turned the car around and drove away from the Su Residence.
Quietly watching as the Su Residence receded in the night behind him, Su Heng stretched his back a little, settling into the seat.
…Speaking of which, tomorrow was the Bai Family’s big banquet.
Previously, Wanli had always insisted he bring her along, but lately, she hadn’t mentioned it much.
Thinking carefully, could it be because Meng Huange said that if Su Wanli’s grades reached the class average, she’d be allowed to go together?
Heh, as if that’s possible. In just three days, even if that child is extraordinarily talented, how could the perpetually lagging Su Wanli suddenly make such miraculous progress?
Besides, the invitation the Bai Family sent this time included Su Tangjin’s name for the first time ever—it was clear they were up to no good. There’s no way he’d let them get their wish.
The waters of the Bai Family ran deep—he’d have to wade them alone.
As for Wanli’s later reaction, he’d already allowed her and Meng Huange to get so close—surely she wouldn’t turn around and resent him for it?
Su Heng shook his head in resignation, closed his eyes amid the warm yellow light.
He truly was exhausted these days. Might as well rest in the car for a little while.
Hopefully, all would be well for the Sujia in the future—and perhaps, this strained father-daughter bond could be softened just a little by Meng Huange’s arrival.