allendalepharm Chapter 125 Meeting Lin Wan, the Shen family arrives
Chapter 125 Meeting Lin Wan, the Shen family arrives
"Xinlan! Are you still in Jiangcheng? I just rushed back from out of town!" Lin Wan's voice sounded very excited.
"I'm still here, I'm going back to Beijing tomorrow," Jiang Xinlan said with a smile. "Where are you? Let's meet up."
The two met at a quiet coffee shop. Lin Wan looked much better than before, with a confident smile on her face.
"You have no idea! After 'Wind from Chang'an' became a huge hit, the maid character I played also became famous!" Lin Wan said excitedly.
"I'm getting so many scripts and endorsements now, my agent is overwhelmed! I have to thank you and Shen Yu for all of this!"
She looked at Shen Yu, her eyes filled with gratitude:
"Mr. Shen, thank you so much. If it weren't for you helping me break Zhao Ergou's luck-draining talisman back then, I probably wouldn't even be alive, let alone famous. Now I sleep soundly every night and haven't had those nightmares since."
"It was nothing." Shen Yu nodded lightly.
"By the way, I'm going to Beijing next month to film a period drama. I'll come visit you guys then!" Lin Wan said with a smile.
"Okay, call me then, and I'll treat you to dinner," Jiang Xinlan said with a smile.
The two chatted for an entire afternoon, from funny stories about filming to everyday life, until the sun set and they reluctantly parted ways.
The next morning, the family packed up their old belongings at Yunjingtai and returned to Beijing by private plane.
The butler of the Jiang family mansion was already waiting at the door with the servants. As soon as the car came to a stop, the butler quickly came forward with a respectful smile on his face.
"Sir, Madam, Mr. Shen and his entourage arrived at nine o'clock this morning and have been waiting in the living room for almost an hour. Mr. Shen specifically instructed me not to call in advance and disturb your rest in Jiangcheng, saying that he would wait as long as it takes."
Jiang Xinlan was taken aback for a moment, then looked a little embarrassed: "Why did you keep Grandpa and the others waiting for so long? We should have taken an earlier flight back."
"They've been eagerly anticipating seeing you; they're overjoyed." Shen Yu took her hand, smiled, and opened the car door, casually picking up Gui Gui, who was running ahead.
The two men led Niannian into the living room, and the three who had been talking in hushed tones immediately stood up.
Seated in the main seat was Old Master Shen, Shen Jingshan. His hair was white but neatly combed, and he wore a dark blue handmade Tang suit. His eyes were sharp but carried an undeniable gentleness.
Standing next to him was Jiang Xinlan's uncle, Shen Jingchen, who was wearing a well-tailored dark gray custom-made suit and had a calm and refined demeanor. He was the current head of the Shen family.
The woman next to her, Su Wanqing, was dressed in a beige silk cheongsam, looking gentle and dignified, and she was holding two brocade boxes embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns in her hands.
When their gazes fell on Jiang Xinlan, the three men's eyes softened instantly.
"Xinlan's back!" Su Wanqing came over with a smile and took Jiang Xinlan's hand. "Are you tired from the journey? Sit down and rest."
"It's no trouble at all, Auntie. Thank you for waiting so long," Jiang Xinlan said with a smile.
When she first reunited with the Jiang family, the Shen family rushed back from abroad overnight to see her, but Shen Yu was in seclusion during his Foundation Establishment cultivation at the time and was unable to meet her.
Shen Jingshan also smiled and waved:
"Come sit down, Xinlan. The last time I saw you was a month ago. You had just finished filming 'Wind from Chang'an' and you didn't look well. You look much better now."
"Yes," Shen Jingchen nodded, his eyes full of affection.
"Your aunt and I watched 'Wind from Chang'an' every day. You were so handsome as Shen Qinghe. All the girls in our company idolize you and keep asking me for your autograph."
Jiang Xinlan felt a little embarrassed by what was said and smiled, "Uncle, please don't tease me."
Su Wanqing squatted down, smiling as she patted Niannian and Guigui's heads: "Niannian, Guigui, do you remember your great-aunt? Did you like the little rabbit dolls your great-aunt bought for you last time?"
"We love it!" the two children exclaimed in unison. "Thank you, Great-Auntie!"
"I'm glad you like them," Su Wanqing said, beaming from ear to ear. She took out two pure gold longevity locks, each inlaid with a lustrous pearl, from the brocade box in her hand, and placed them around the necks of the two children.
"This was specially made for you by your great-aunt. It has your names engraved on it for good luck."
Shen Jingshan smiled and waved, beckoning the two children to his side. He took out an antique sandalwood box from his pocket, opened it, and inside were a pair of jade safety buckles, their texture warm and translucent, clearly of considerable value.
He carefully put the gloves on the two children, his rough hands gently stroking their heads: "This was prepared by your great-grandfather for your mother, and now it's being passed down to you. Wearing these will ensure you grow up safe, sound, and healthy."
Once everyone was seated, the servants brought out freshly brewed pre-Qingming Longjing tea. Only then did Shen Jingshan's gaze fall on Shen Yu, who had been standing quietly beside Jiang Xinlan.
He scrutinized Shen Yu closely, his eyes filled with curiosity and examination.
When they rushed back to see Jiang Xinlan last time, Shen Yu was in seclusion. They only heard Jiang Zhenbang say that he was a member of the Xuanmen sect, with extraordinary abilities, and that he was very kind to Jiang Xinlan and the children.
Seeing it today, I can see that it truly lives up to its reputation.
The man in front of me was dressed in a simple black casual outfit, without any logos or decorations, yet he exuded an aura that others could not match.
He stood there, his posture as upright as a pine tree, surrounded by a faint, otherworldly aura, like a mountain breeze or a bright moon in the sky, completely out of place with the mundane world around him.
It's right in front of you, yet it feels so far away.
Shen Jingshan had lived for over seventy years and had seen countless high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and celebrities, but he had never seen anyone with such an aura.
He nodded to himself, no wonder Jiang Zhenbang praised this son-in-law so highly; he was indeed no ordinary person.
"This must be Shen Yu?" Shen Jingshan nodded with a smile, his tone very polite. "We've been waiting for so long, and we're finally able to see you. Last time we came back, you were in seclusion, so we couldn't meet you. We've been thinking about you ever since."
"Grandpa." Shen Yu nodded slightly, his tone calm yet respectful, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"It's alright, it's alright." Shen Jingshan quickly waved his hand.
"You're a capable person, so you should focus on your work. Xinlan has had a hard life; she's suffered so much in the past. I'm counting on you to take good care of her from now on."
"Of course." Shen Yu nodded, his eyes resolute. "I will protect them, mother and children, with my life."
Shen Jingchen also extended his hand to Shen Yu and said sincerely:
"Mr. Shen, it's an honor to meet you. From now on, we're family. If there's anything the Shen family can do to help, just let us know. Of course, if Xinlan suffers even the slightest injustice, we'll be the first to hold you accountable."
"That day will never come." Shen Yu grasped his hand, his tone unwavering.
The group chatted for a while about Jiang Xinlan's new drama and the Shen family's business overseas, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
Shen Jingshan then revealed the main purpose of his visit:
"By the way, Xinlan, next Wednesday is Grandpa's 70th birthday. We originally wanted to hold it at the Shen family's old house, but we were worried that the distant relatives would make a lot of noise and bother you and the children."
So I discussed it with your uncle, and we decided to hold it at the Jiang family's place. We'll only invite Shen's immediate family and a few close friends. It won't be many people; we'll just have a quiet meal.
"Yes," Shen Jingchen continued, "We've arranged everything for the birthday banquet. The venue, menu, and guest list have all been shown to you and Uncle Jiang."
You don't need to worry about anything. Just bring the children over. Wanqing has also prepared three dresses for you, all haute couture. Try them on in a bit and see which one you like.
Su Wanqing added with a smile, "I've also prepared clothes for the children, which match your dress. Our whole family will look great in matching outfits."
Jiang Xinlan felt a warmth in her heart and nodded, "Thank you, Grandpa, thank you, Uncle and Aunt. You've all been so thoughtful."
"Why are you being so polite with us?" Shen Jingshan said with a smile, "You are the only granddaughter of the Shen family. If we don't love you, who will we love?"
Just then, the glass door to the living room was pushed open with a bang.