Commander Yu had not just one son but three. The other two had passed away, one fifteen years ago and another seven years ago. Among these three, one was You Ran’s half-brother, and the other was his younger brother. Before marrying You Ran’s mother, Commander Yu had another woman and a child with her. However, for reasons unknown, they did not end up together. This child was raised by Commander Yu, almost spoiled to an extreme. As for You Ran and his brother, they were treated as if they were inconsequential. How the eldest son died was vaguely described by the housekeeper as an accident. The youngest, however, died at four years old from a fall while playing, while You Ran’s mother was taking him to piano lessons, and Commander Yu was out with the eldest son, leaving the youngest in the care of a nanny who was momentarily away. Old Zhang speculated this was the beginning of the family’s tragedy.
You Ran lost his mother the year after his brother died, succumbing to depression. Commander Yu’s attitude had left You Ran with an indescribable sense of loss. Now, Commander Yu only had You Ran left. Old Zhang watched You Ran’s slender back, sighed, wondering when this father-son feud would ever end.
Shen Qian suddenly sneezed, sniffed, and looked up at the clock; the hands pointed to ten past seven in the evening. She exhaled a long breath and stretched lazily; the day’s work was finally done. The entire pet hospital was especially quiet. At this time, unless it was a serious illness, dog owners would usually choose to come the next day. Li Meili held a magazine in her hands, looking quite leisurely. “Off work?” “Isn’t it past quitting time?” Shen Qian said with a touch of grievance, “I’m going to ask the director for overtime pay.” “Come on, we haven’t even seen the director’s shadow, and you’re asking for overtime pay?” “Uh…” Shen Qian slumped her shoulders, indicating her helplessness. Li Meili said, “I just bought this magazine thinking I’d read it during work, but I was so busy I didn’t even have time to pee.” Shen Qian was at a loss for words; at least eating is better than peeing, right? Li Meili continued, “What are you zoning out for? It’s time to go home. Hurry up and pack, I’ll take you home.” Shen Qian’s eyes immediately sparkled, her big, watery eyes looking at Li Meili, “Meili, I love you.” Li Meili, already seated on the sofa with her legs crossed and reading the magazine, casually said, “Mua~ Honey, I love you too.” However, the words were affectionate, but the attitude… Shen Qian decided to ignore it, packed up, and got ready to head home.
“Man, rich people are so extravagant nowadays. Just for an engagement, they’ve chartered a luxury cruise ship for a week-long world tour. Because the ship is too big and too few people were invited, they held a public lottery, and the winners get a free week-long world tour! Damn, what a good deal.” Li Meili mumbled while flipping through her magazine. Shen Qian echoed her sentiment, “Showing off, huh?” “It’s the richest man’s grandson, no wonder,” Li Meili snorted. Shen Qian paused for a moment. Li Meili continued, “Damn! What a… international joke, the groom’s father is white, and his mother is Asian, pfft… Qin Zheng, the richest man, is Asian, how could he give birth to a white child?” Shen Qian felt dizzy and stopped what she was doing to ask, “Can you simplify it?” Li Meili gave her a look, “Qin Zheng is Asian, would his son be a pure white?” Shen Qian shook her head. “That settles it then, so damn! Qin Zheng’s son must not be his biological child, so this groom… what’s his name again?” Li Meili glanced at the magazine, “Ah, ah… the groom is Qin Hao!” Qin Hao is so rich, the grandson of the richest man, though not by blood. Shen Qian didn’t pay attention to Li Meili’s exclamations; her first thought was just that.
“Wow, Qianqian…” Li Meili exclaimed again, suddenly looking up with eyes shining and a mischievous smirk on her lips, “Let’s go to the department store.” “For what?” “To buy stuff!” “I don’t need anything?” “Anyone who buys anything on the sixth floor of the department store gets a lottery ticket for a free world tour!” Li Meili seemed very excited. Shen Qian’s lips twitched as she glanced at Li Meili. Suddenly, Li Meili had an epiphany, “Oh, right, I forgot Qianqian has a thing for Qin Hao. The groom is Qin Hao, what a blow, the bride isn’t you. Poor Qianqian.” Li Meili shook her head with a look of considerable helplessness. Shen Qian had a poker face, completely speechless. Li Meili stood up, walked over, and patted her shoulder, “There are plenty of fish in the sea, why pine for a hybrid rice plant?” “I don’t.” Shen Qian said resentfully. “It’s okay, let’s go get drunk.” Li Meili put her hand on Shen Qian’s shoulder. “I don’t.” Shen Qian started to feel wronged. “Maybe we can pick up some guys at the bar, let’s go.” Li Meili started to drag Shen Qian out. “I really don’t.” Shen Qian resisted with all her might. “What are you afraid of? I’m here.” Ignoring Shen Qian’s resistance, she continued to pull. “I swear, I’m not upset at all.” “And there’s my husband at home.” Li Meili wasn’t listening and kept pulling. Shen Qian struggled hard but eventually gave in, saying with much pain, “Fine, let’s go shopping at the department store.” Li Meili chuckled wickedly, patting Shen Qian’s shoulder, “Good girl, go with your head high, smile, and watch him go to his grave.” Shen Qian gave a strained smile; the lottery hadn’t even been drawn yet, and she was already thinking of the future. Moreover, she knew Li Meili’s real aim wasn’t to comfort her but to trick her into shopping at the department store. What a terrible friend!
