In the evening of the next day, Xi Songzhou arrived as scheduled and picked up Professor Zhou, Mrs.
Zhou and Meng Lanting to go out for dinner.
He had a new haircut and wore a dark blue striped suit and tie with a diamond buckle.
Apart from being elegant, he also showed the calmness and grace of a mature man.
It was so eye-catching that even Mrs.
Zhou was stunned when she saw it.
His eyes lit up and he couldn't help but joke: "Song Zhou, today is not a birthday, but a blind date."
Xi Songzhou smiled: "Auntie made fun of me.
I have free time today, so I just cleaned up."
He glanced at Meng Lanting.
Meng Lanting also smiled and followed Mrs.
Zhou into the car.
The place to eat in the evening is an old Chinese restaurant called Songhelou.
It is located near the Brahma Palace.
The location is not the busiest, and the lineup is not as good as those big hotels and Western restaurants with black-skinned Asan standing at the door.
However, The cook has a very good background, he came from the former palace.
There are several secret dishes that you will never taste the same anywhere else.
There are no bad gluttons in the Shanghai celebrity circle, so the private rooms are extremely tight.
Ordinary diners generally cannot book a table unless they arrive ten and a half days in advance.
Fortunately, Xi Songzhou had someone to meet him.
After making the call yesterday, tonight the restaurant gave him a private room that was reserved for emergencies.
The four of them arrived and were ushered into the dining room.
A waiter in old-fashioned clothes wearing a melon cap, a short jacket, and a snow-white towel hanging on his shoulders followed him.
He neatly poured tea, ordered dishes, and served melon seeds.
While they were waiting, Mrs.
Zhou took out the tea from her bag.
A flat silk box with ocher leather and swastika pattern was pushed over and said with a smile: "Songzhou, it's your birthday, those good things Xi, even if Lao Zhou and I can get it, it will probably be difficult for you to get it.
After thinking about it, I still gave you this inkstone.
It is an acquaintance of Lao Liulichang when Lao Zhou and I were at Peking University a few years ago.
The one I received there is said to be Fang Songyan.
Lao Zhou has been focusing on mathematics these years and has no intention of doing ink.
You are an elegant person, so I just gave it to you.
Don't dislike it. " Xi Songzhou stood up quickly, took it with both hands, and sincerely thanked Professor Zhou and Mrs.
Zhou, saying: "Today I just wanted to take this opportunity to invite the two gentlemen to come out for a dinner.
It's really a blessing to have him give me such a valuable treasure."
I'm sorry.
I will take good care of it."
Professor Zhou waved his hand and said with a smile: "Although you studied Western economics, I know that you are also very skilled in calligraphy.
This Song inkstone is just dust in my hand, and it will be fully utilized when it reaches your desk."
Use it, why should you be ashamed?”
Xi Songzhou thanked him again.
Meng Lanting also took out the ink pen he bought last night, handed the box over, and said with a smile: "I knew I was in a hurry, so I bought a pen to express my feelings.
I hope that every year will be like today, and every year will be like that."
There was a faint twinkle in Xi Songzhou's eyes.
He took it, gently held the pen case, looked at her, nodded slowly, and said, "Thank you."
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Meng Lanting smiled slightly, looked back, picked up the teacup in front of him, and took a sip.
The dishes were all served quickly and all were delicious.
The four people present here, Professor Zhou, Xi Songzhou and Meng Lanting, are not good talkers.
Fortunately, there is Mrs.
Zhou.
Everyone eats and listens to her talk.
The atmosphere is extremely relaxed and the meal is very enjoyable. .
After finishing the meal, it was only after eight o'clock.
Xi Songzhou drove a few people back.
When they arrived near Zhou's house and approached the Aimeng Road, Mrs.
Zhou said she was too full and suggested parking the car and taking a walk to eat.
Professor Zhou is completely at the mercy of his wife in his daily life.
Everyone came out, and she said she wanted to take a walk, so she naturally wouldn't object.
Xi Songzhou parked the car on the side of the road and got out.
It was early summer, the night breeze was blowing, and there were people walking in twos and threes on Aimeng Road, and some were sitting on the rocks beside the tree trunks and fanning themselves to enjoy the cool air.
Mrs.
Zhou took Meng Lanting's arm and walked slowly for a while.
Looking at Xi Songzhou who was walking and chatting with her husband in front, she said: "Lanting, Songzhou is really rare.
If I have a daughter, she will definitely be there every day."
Invite him to your house for dinner.”
Meng Lanting remained silent.
Mrs.
Zhou added: "Lanting, don't think your aunt is too wordy.
I know you are tied up in your brother's affairs and have no intention of thinking about yourself, but this is not inconsistent with life.
There is no news about my nephew, and it is not a day or two.
It's okay, I'm also looking forward to having him soon Good news, but it's useless to be anxious.
Song Zhou has actually been helping you to find out.
He found out that there was someone who was a bit like your brother, so he dropped the matter and went to find him.
It turned out to be a misunderstanding and he would be disappointed if he found out. , I simply didn’t mention it to you.”
"There are really not many people like this with such good conditions and impeccable character.
It would be a pity to miss them."
"Auntie, tell the truth.
I agree with you when you call me an old-fashioned person.
Don't look at the newspapers nowadays which advocate women's equality and self-reliance every day.
Equality and self-reliance are good, but if you have a considerate man who treats you well, if there is another storm in the future, You don’t have to work so hard to support everything by yourself, wouldn’t it be better?”
"Do you think my aunt can't see that in the past few months in my house, you have never complained on your face and smiled at everyone, but you are probably suffering more than anyone else in your heart.
We women, sometimes we have to be strong and be patient, which is not a blessing."
Since the death of my mother, except for the time when I met Feng Kezhi on the street when I first came to Shanghai and was bullied by him for no reason.
At that time, out of extreme shame, anger and helplessness, I lost control of my emotions and almost shed tears in the street.
In the past few months, The less news she had about her brother, the less she allowed herself to think about the possibility that he might never come back.
But at this moment, Mrs.
Zhou's kind words made Meng Lanting suddenly feel extremely uncomfortable, and even felt a feeling of heat in his eyes.
But she remained silent.
At this time, Xi Songzhou and Professor Zhou who were walking in front stopped.
Xi Songzhou turned around and walked back, glanced at Meng Lanting, and said, "Lanting, can you come with me to the front?
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I have something to tell you."
Mrs.
Zhou was stunned for a moment, then showed a look of surprise.
She hurriedly let go of Meng Lanting's arm and said, "Okay, okay, you guys can talk slowly.
I happened to be talking to Lao Zhou.
He usually thinks I talk too much.
When I come back, I go to the study and don’t even show my face in front of me except for eating and sleeping.”
While Mrs.
Zhou complained, she went to Professor Zhou who was waiting for her in front.
She took her husband's arm, and the two of them walked forward slowly, side by side.
Meng Lanting stopped.
Xi Songzhou stood in front of her and didn't speak at first.
The night wind blew by, and there was a rustling sound of leaves in my ears.
"Lanting, I like you" A moment later, Xi Songzhou's voice, accompanied by the sound of leaves blowing in the wind, reached Meng Lanting's ears.
In fact, Meng Lanting was not unprepared for this.
Ever since she accidentally learned about Xi Songzhou's purpose of returning to Nanjing from Mrs.
Zhou that day, she vaguely guessed that it might have something to do with her.
Out of concerns about not letting down his feelings, she tried to avoid being alone with him.
She could feel that he liked her.
But just like that, Meng Lanting still felt a little embarrassed when he suddenly heard these words coming from his mouth.
She hesitated for a moment, wanting to say something, but she didn't know what to say.
"Don't have any psychological burden."
Xi Songzhou said quickly.
"If you allow me, can you listen to me and tell me what's on my mind?"
His tone was very sincere, and the strange feeling in Meng Lanting's heart gradually dissipated, and she finally raised her eyes and looked at him.
"Lanting, I like you very much" He emphasized again.
"I thought that I would never meet a partner who would make me want to marry her and spend a lifetime with her.
Until I met you."
His eyes shone slightly in the night, his voice was a little uncertain when he spoke, and he suddenly stopped, as if he was very excited.
Meng Lanting lowered his eyes again, bit his lip, and was about to speak.
"Please don't reject me first and listen to me."
As if aware of what she wanted to say, Xi Songzhou immediately interrupted.
"To tell you the truth, when I was studying abroad, my family arranged a marriage for me, but before I came back, the young lady unfortunately fell ill and passed away.
I was a third-year-old at home, and I had two older brothers, both of whom were married.
Thanks to their support of the family, I was able to live and work abroad without worries for six or seven years.
Last year, my mother had some health problems.
No, I went back to China.
As soon as I came back, my mother arranged for me to get married again.
But I was no longer the same person as before.
I didn't want to accept an arranged marriage, so I accepted Zhida's offer last year.
I came to Shanghai.
Firstly, I felt the great academic atmosphere, and secondly, I wanted to avoid more friction with my mother.”
"It was an unintentional move.
I didn't expect that I would meet you because of this."
"Lanting, the first time I saw you, you impressed me deeply.
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The more I interact with you, the more I realize that you are my ideal soul mate.
If I can also get your love, And happily agreed to become my wife, then this will be the greatest blessing in my life."
"But before, I didn't dare to pursue you because I was afraid that you would be innocently involved in the friction between me and my mother.
So more than a month ago, I made a special trip back to Nanjing to explain my situation to my mother.
I told She, I have no intention of accepting an arranged marriage.
If she insists on arranging my marriage according to her will, I will never marry in this life."
"I took advantage of a mother's love for her son and finally forced her to give in.
It was extremely unfilial.
Moreover, after my mother knew that I already had a crush on someone, she was you."
He looked at Meng Lanting who quickly looked up at him and paused.
"Please forgive me for mentioning your name in front of my mother without your consent.
In my opinion, it is not a secret that I am in love with you.
My mother learned After you, she also recognized my feelings.
Her biggest wish now is that I can successfully win your favor. " Xi Songzhou turned his head and looked at the backs of Professor Zhou and his wife holding arms and walking slowly side by side.
"Lanting, am I lucky enough to get your approval?
From now on, let me be the one who can stay with you for life, just like Professor Zhou and his wife."
Meng Lanting felt confused for a while.
Although I was very surprised and even a little displeased by his unilateral move to push himself in front of his family.
But with his calm attitude, this displeasure was not worth mentioning and quickly disappeared.
Meng Lanting is not hard-hearted, nor is he heartless and desireless.
With Xi Songzhou's conditions, coupled with his intentions and feelings for him, it is naturally impossible to say that he was not moved at all.
She was also a little surprised by his execution ability.
Under his gentle and expectant gaze, perhaps out of emotion, or perhaps because of the aftertaste of emotions caused by Mrs.
Zhou's words just now, for a brief moment, Meng Lanting clearly understood He felt weak as never before and almost burst into tears.
But deep down in her heart, it seemed as if there was an invisible villain stopping her from crying.
She quickly resisted the impulse, turned her face slightly, pushed back the tears in her eyes, and said, "Song Zhou, thank you for everything you have done for me.
I am really touched."
After she spoke her first words, Xi Songzhou seemed to have a premonition of something, and the ray of hope in his eyes was instantly extinguished.
Meng Lanting saw it clearly, hesitated for a moment, and said, "You are so kind.
I think it is impossible for any woman to have no reaction after receiving your confession.
But after all, we have not known each other for a long time. , Besides, there is no news about my brother yet, and I am not ready to think about my own relationship and marriage, so."
The fire of hope that had just been extinguished in Xi Songzhou's eyes suddenly lit up again, as if it had been saved.
He nodded immediately, his voice a little urgent.
"I understand it very well and understand it very well.
I am expressing my feelings and hopes to you tonight, not to ask you to give me an answer immediately.
I will wait for you to think about it, no matter how long it takes."
"I'm not in a hurry.
The reason why I'm taking the risk of being flatly rejected by you to show you my heart now is that I just hope you won't avoid me as you did before.
Please give me a chance to pursue you and learn more about you.
I, in the future, can be considered as one of the options when you consider it.”
"Lanting, I will do my best to win your heart in the end."
That night, Meng Lanting fell asleep again.
But this time, I couldn't sleep because I was not only concerned about my brother and confused about the future, but also confused about Xi Songzhou's feelings for me.
Just like Mrs.
Zhou said, if you miss such a good man, maybe there will never be another one in this life.
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Now that she has agreed to date him and become boyfriend and girlfriend, as a matter of fact, it will not affect her search for the whereabouts of her younger brother.
But that nod that was easy at first turned out to be so difficult for her.
She really isn't in the mood to think about feelings now.
Her intestines were full of knots and she could not sleep.
The next morning, she went to school early as before.
The next few days were also very busy, leaving early and returning late.
In the past few days, Mrs.
Zhou didn't ask Meng Lanting much about the conversation she had with Xi Songzhou when they were alone.
When Xi Songzhou faced Meng Lanting, he acted as usual, not letting her feel the slightest bit of embarrassment caused by his confession that night.
The only difference is that he comes to Zhou's house more frequently, often staying for dinner, sitting for a while after dinner, and then leaving.
"It's the end of the month again, and time flies so fast.
Day by day we are getting older."
That night, after Xi Songzhou left, Mrs.
Zhou tore off a piece of calendar paper hanging on the wall and muttered something.
As Miss Zhong's singing about lovesickness came out on the radio, Meng Lanting was inserting a bouquet of flowers left by Xi Songzhou.
Her face is as delicate as a flower, and her bare hands are like jade.
Hearing this, the hand stopped for a moment.
She glanced at the date on the calendar and suddenly remembered that tomorrow would be the day when her group of "students" from the military police regiment would participate in a military competition.
At the same time, in the living room of Feng Mansion, Feng Lingmei had just come back from outside.
She was sitting on the sofa, looking at Lao Yan who hurriedly ran to her, frowning in displeasure.
"Old Yan, I'm not talking about you.
What's going on with you lately?
You can't find anyone.
My company has been very busy recently.
I've wanted to ask you to drive a car for me a few times.
It's better for you.
I don't know where anyone has gone at night.
I had to borrow a driver from a friend.”
Lao Yan was sweating profusely and kept bowing to apologize.
"Ms.
Eighth, Lao Yan is very busy.
He leaves early and comes home late every day.
Last night, he didn't come back until after midnight.
I heard the concierge Lao Zhang said that he had saved some money and fell in love with someone's mother.
He wanted to marry her. " Feng Ma stood behind Feng Lingmei with her arms akimbo, looking at Lao Yan coldly, with a look of gloating on her face.
Because of dissatisfaction, in the past few days, Lao Yan's portion of the mung bean soup she made was not included.
"Oh, Ma Feng, you can't slander people like this.
Don't listen to Lao Zhang's nonsense.
I'm already old.
What kind of old woman is that?"
Lao Yan was so anxious that his face turned red and he defended himself, sweating constantly on his forehead.
"Then tell me clearly in front of the eighth lady, what are you doing if you don't see anyone every day?"
"I advise you to be careful and don't make a fool of yourself because of your age.
Even if you have no face, it will be bad if it affects our Feng Mansion."
Lao Yan opened his mouth but stopped talking.
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Feng Lingmei was already in a bad mood.
Seeing this, she lost her patience.
She stood up from the sofa, went upstairs and said, "Forget it, Lao Yan, you should go back to Nanjing.
You don't need to stay here."
Lao Yan was shocked.
"Miss Eighth, please don't drive me back to Nanjing.
I didn't do anything else.
I was sent by the Ninth Young Master, so I was running around all day."
"I don't want to either, I can't help it" Feng Lingmei stopped, turned her head, and looked at the frustrated Lao Yan suspiciously.
"Tell me clearly what Xiaojiu is doing again.
If you dare to hide it, let alone go back to Nanjing.
I will let you go back to your hometown tonight.
You will never come back again."
Feng Lingmei's tone suddenly became stern. gd1806102: