Chapter 33: Do Not Judge a Person by Appearances

Song Huan Yan thought for a moment and said bluntly, "Mr. Leng, we've only just begun to get to know each other; this gift is inappropriate—no reward without merit."

She said that while gently pushing it back, pursed her lips in a faint smile, giving him a graceful out, "It's my oversight for not preparing a gift for you, Mr. Leng. My apologies."

Leng Jian Yue slowly raised an eyebrow, his gaze taking on an even more predatory hint, and laughed, "Miss Song, you're truly intriguing."

Song Huan Yan didn't know what he meant at all, and could only purse her lips.

Fortunately, the dishes arrived.

Song Huan Yan breathed a sigh of relief; just then her phone lit up, easing much of her embarrassment.

She picked up the phone; it was a message in the group from Sang Wan and Tang Chenge.

Sang Wan asked: "How's Yan Yan? Is she okay?"

Song Huan Yan replied: "Can't really say… we've only just started talking."

Tang Chenge said, "Then you go ahead and chat first."

Song Huan Yan put the phone down.

Leng Jian Yue picked up his knife and fork, "Let's eat while we talk."

Song Huan Yan nodded.

As she ate, it seemed less awkward for her.

Leng Jian Yue, not one to be shy, saw her stay silent and proactively said while eating, "Since this is a blind date, I'll be straightforward."

Song Huan Yan nodded, "Alright, go ahead."

Leng Jian Yue said, "I have a strong affection for Miss Song and hope we can successfully form a Marriage Alliance. I am the sole eldest son of the Leng Family, and your family happens to have only one daughter; I think we're a match made in heaven."

Song Huan Yan cut her steak, eyes lowered, then lifted them to glance at him, wanting to say something but remaining silent.

Leng Jian Yue added, "My requirements for a wife are simple. Outwardly she must uphold the family's reputation—not necessarily be the best, but her reputation must not be poor, preserving the family's face. At home she should be loyal, obedient, beautiful as a flower, supportive of her husband, raise children, and manage the family affairs."

Song Huan Yan's hand paused while cutting the steak; the request was a conventional, idealized one.

From an ideal standpoint, it wasn't unreasonable.

But it was clear she was already dissatisfied with his "reputation must not be poor, preserve the family's face."

Because she needed to deal with Qin Zi Mo and Qiao An, she would inevitably involve some of her own dignity.

Song Huan Yan said bluntly, "Mr. Leng, are you aware of the turmoil at my birthday banquet? If you know…."

"I know." Leng Jian Yue cut her off, "I was there that day."

"Oh." Song Huan Yan nodded, "Then it seems I don't meet your requirements."

Leng Jian Yue said, "It's fine. Since I know what happened that day and still chose you, that means I accept you."

Song Huan Yan raised an eyebrow.

"It's just…" Leng Jian Yue continued, "That matter ends here. Since it's already been dealt with, it's over; no need to dwell on it."

Song Huan Yan pressed her lips slightly, "What if it hasn't passed yet?"

Leng Jian Yue frowned, "Do you still have any involvement with him?"

Song Huan Yan, unable to say too much in an unfamiliar setting, replied, "It's not really a tie, but it's not over. I can only tell you, Mr. Leng, that a storm will follow. So I…"

Before she finished, Leng Jian Yue said, "Can't we just let it go for the sake of the face after our Marriage Alliance?"

Song Huan Yan answered resolutely, "No."

Leng Jian Yue was momentarily speechless, fell silent, and his gaze grew heavy as he stared at her.

Song Huan Yan said, "Then it seems we…"

"Allow me to consider." Leng Jian Yue replied.

Because he said that, Song Huan Yan remained silent.

But she knew in her heart that this meal was likely ending here.

Nevertheless, since he said he needed to consider, she couldn't leave immediately and asked, "So I also can't work?"

Leng Jian Yue smiled, "My woman doesn't need to work."

Song Huan Yan: "...."

That's the logic, that's how it is.

But…

Song Huan Yan hadn't spoken when Leng Jian Yue added, "All you need to do is stay obedient at home, play cards, go shopping, have several children, and raise them well. Miss Song, you're so beautiful; your children will surely be beautiful too."

Song Huan Yan set down her knife and fork, looked at him, but before she could speak, he cut her off.

Song Huan Yan fell quiet, thinking, "Fine, I'll let him finish first."

Leng Jian Yue said, "My mother is very fond of you, but you previously refused the Marriage Alliance. Fortunately I waited all these years, not in vain. I think that Miss Song's former low‑status boyfriend should absolutely have no further contact; that would avoid the whole storm. It'd be best to drive him out of Kyoto so people won't gossip."

Song Huan Yan raised an eyebrow, "Gossip?"

Leng Jian Yue said, "Your birthday turned into such a scene; although the ending wasn't too unsightly, do you think no one will gossip?"

Song Huan Yan looked at him coolly, "Mr. Leng, does it matter to you?"

So his 'consideration' was exactly this.

Leng Jian Yue said, "There is one point, but it's not important. For you, I could have ignored it before."

Song Huan Yan laughed, "If I'm with you I won't work, but what about the Song Clan? When my father grows old, the Song Clan will still belong to me."

Leng Jian Yue sipped his red wine, "If you become my wife, I'll naturally manage the Song Clan for you thereafter."

Song Huan Yan said, "Mr. Leng… don't you think you're a bit overconfident?"

Leng Jian Yue paused, "I admit I certainly have flaws—everyone has flaws. I am the Leng Eldest Son, and from childhood I've had to learn to stand tall and firm. I may be somewhat overbearing and dominant, but Miss Song, I truly wish to become your husband. Even if I later help you manage the Song Clan, it's because you'll be my wife. Are you still afraid I'll encroach on the Song Clan? Moreover, our children will inevitably inherit both families' enterprises; it's only a matter of time, so Miss Song, why should you mind?"

Song Huan Yan, having had enough, said, "You make some valid points. But Mr. Leng, we've only just sat down here and it's too early to discuss this; I haven't agreed to anything."

Having said that, Song Huan Yan tried to stand up.

Leng Jian Yue said, "I understand. Isn't it better to be straightforward and clear from the start? If I've made you unhappy, I apologize."

Song Huan Yan took a deep breath, suppressed her temper, nodded, "Hmm, then I think…"

Mr. Leng cut her off, "During the years you refused the Marriage Alliance, I was waiting for you. I didn't expect Miss Song to be because of a Phoenix Man…"

"Sorry, Mr. Leng, I think we truly have affinity but no destiny. I don't like any of what you say, you mind my love history, and those demands—I can't fulfill any of them." Song Huan Yan stood up.

She didn't expect that after just coming for a meal, without having said anything, she would be bombarded with a bunch of demands and even be critiqued.

Mr. Leng was stunned, then said, "Being concerned is natural; I said it because I don't care for you. Being a wife and teaching children is what a woman should do— isn't a quiet, idle life at home fine? This is a good thing that others can't even hope for."

Song Huan Yan picked up her bag, nodded, "Your idea is nice, but I can't meet it. Sorry, I'll be leaving now."

Mr. Leng stood up, "Miss Song!"

Song Huan Yan ignored him and hurried away.

Mr. Leng also set down his knife and fork, stepped forward, "You can't be serious, can you? I only told the truth—do you think I'd deceitfully lie to you?"