Shan Minglang was cheerful, and the man in front of him, although he didn’t know him, didn’t stop him from joking around.

Su Xiaomeng went to the washroom to wash her hands and said to Zeng Xiaocheng,

"It’s actually my oversight. I should have taken you, Mr. Zeng, to the best restaurant in Beijing for dinner. But after learning from you this afternoon, I just forgot..."

"It’s okay, I think the food Ming Lang brought smells great. Home-cooked meals can’t compare to those made by restaurant chefs, can they?"

Hearing Zeng Xiaocheng say this, Su Xiaomeng felt a bit more at ease.

"I’ll go wash my hands too."

Zeng Xiaocheng said, striding out with his long legs, walking so confidently, as if someone would watch his back as he went to the restroom.

Feigning calm and composed as he entered the restroom, once the door shut, his face lit up with a cheerfully exuberant expression, though he made no sound!

Earlier that noon, he had just glanced at Shan Minglang briefly, found that boy handsome and appealing to his taste, with his bright greetings showcasing his enthusiasm and cheerfulness.

Honestly, just like that, he was quite intriguing to him.

At this moment, getting a closer look at Shan Minglang, Zeng Xiaocheng was utterly delighted, feeling overwhelmed just by the sight of him.

The "Stock God" who came from Wall Street had always been a free-spirited playboy by nature.

Even though some gossip and entertainment media painted him wrongly as someone who lingers among flowers with no resistance to beautiful women, he wouldn’t deny the playboy nature within him.

Though Mr. Zeng wasn’t as keen as Yin Shaohui on family reputation and prestige, he was still a tycoon respected in his own right, so reputation remains important. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Even if Zeng Xiaocheng bore the reputation of a "playboy," his private life wasn’t scandalous enough to affect the family name.

However, if his sexual orientation issues were to be publicized, that wouldn’t be a situation the Zeng Family would want to see.

So, even though Zeng Xiaocheng loved having fun and liked men, he rarely acted on his interest in someone he liked.

But now, a white and tender little rabbit had jumped into his line of sight, exuding... an air of innocence, and with his experienced nose, Zeng Xiaocheng sniffed it out easily!

Zeng Xiaocheng felt on edge, barely able to contain himself.

Such a pure feeling... just because of this person’s looks, the few words he spoke, and those glowing amber eyes, ignited a fiery passion inside him.

Zeng Xiaocheng hadn’t felt this way in a long time.

At seventeen or eighteen, upon realizing his own sexual orientation, he felt a desire and impulse towards emotions and physicality, born from the unknown and novelty.

Now, at twenty-six, he was still young, yet Zeng Xiaocheng was a man not old in age but rich in experience.

More than anyone, he realized his heart stirred upon seeing Shan Minglang.

————

Shan Minglang set the table, while Su Xiaomeng sat next to him helping with the napkins, introducing Zeng Xiaocheng briefly, concluding with,

"Previously, your little uncle also asked for his help, so he should be a reliable person, and with the trouble Yin Family is facing, we’ll need to bother him too."

"But I look at that man, he seems a bit untrustworthy, is he really reliable?"

Shan Minglang furrowed his forehead slightly, fearing Su Xiaomeng might be deceived.

Su Xiaomeng was a bit surprised to hear this,

"I see him as honest-looking, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, how did he become sly-eyed with you?"

"Aunt, just as women can easily tell who’s a blooming white lotus, only men can immediately spot who’s a jerk or a ’male bitch’."

Shan Minglang stated confidently, leaving Su Xiaomeng shocked.

She truly hadn’t expected such words to come from Shan Minglang.

"Anyway, Aunt, it’s good to stay vigilant. That Mr. Zeng, from the first glance, I just feel his intentions aren’t pure."

Shan Minglang spoke with certainty, making Su Xiaomeng feel a chill, really thinking of being wary of Zeng Xiaocheng.

Unbeknownst to them both, Zeng Xiaocheng had already come out from the restroom.

And Shan Minglang’s judgment of him was all heard word for word.

He should’ve been angry, or at least displeased, but instead...

Zeng Xiaocheng wasn’t angry, nor unhappy, but rather pleasantly surprised.

Sly-eyed, impure intentions, man slut...

All these derogatory words, Zeng Xiaocheng accepted them all, because that’s the kind of person he is.

Sly-eyed carries the meaning of cunning and deep scheming, impure intentions means ulterior motives, and man slut... is about being someone who puts on an act.

Shan Minglang and he had only met twice, yet he had such an accurate assessment...

Suddenly, Zeng Xiaocheng’s interest in Shan Minglang grew even more.

Shan Minglang’s voice wasn’t loud, and after the last sentence, he figured Zeng Xiaocheng should be back.

And Zeng Xiaocheng did indeed return at that moment.

Su Xiaomeng invited him to sit.

"Let’s just make do today, tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll definitely treat you to a good meal."

"Sister, there’s no need to stand on ceremony with me. I really find this home-cooked food good, just not sure if Ming Lang will still be willing to bring some over tomorrow?"

Shan Minglang raised his eyebrow, just scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes and paused, eyes meeting his,

"If Mr. Zeng comes to the company to help my aunt tomorrow, bringing more food over is definitely not a problem."

"Haha! It’s settled then!"

Zeng Xiaocheng laughed delightedly, as did Shan Minglang, half-jokingly, half-seriously adding,

"But our Shan Family food can’t just be eaten casually, Mr. Zeng had better help my aunt with something. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Zeng Xiaocheng raised an eyebrow, with unhidden amusement in his eyes towards Shan Minglang.

"Otherwise you’ll rot your intestines out!"

Shan Minglang said very seriously.

"Haha, Ming Lang, you’re quite the joker."

"Heh heh."

Shan Minglang squinted and smiled at him, warmly saying, "Mr. Zeng, eat more!"

But those squinted eyes believed they had seen through everything.

Look at this man, with his sly-eyed servility... Hmph! Want to make a move on my aunt!?

Don’t even think about it!

"I called you brother, so call me Brother Zeng, it seems too distant calling Mr. Zeng."

"Sure, I’ll call you Brother Zeng then!"

Shan Minglang agreed gladly, but what he thought inside was:

Just the first meeting, already calling each other brothers, what’s up with that? Think getting close to me will win my aunt’s heart? Dream on!

Zeng Xiaocheng ate the food, smiling brightly on the surface.

Seeing Zeng Xiaocheng and Shan Minglang getting along, Su Xiaomeng felt at ease.

Getting along is good.

In any case, although Zeng Xiaocheng frankly said he was willing to help Yin Family through hardship, someone is currently acquiring Yin Family shares in large amounts. To stop the plummeting of the shares requires a significant amount of funds too.

For now, Yin Family doesn’t have enough funds to mobilize immediately.

Whether Zeng Xiaocheng can help Yin Family financially is still unknown.

If getting closer can help, then get closer.

The three had dinner, each with their own thoughts.

After dinner, after clearing up, Shan Minglang left, with Zeng Xiaocheng just nonchalantly saying goodbye.

Heavens know how hard he suppressed the impulse to offer him a ride home.

"Your nephew... looks really nice."

Su Xiaomeng laughed and said,

"Right? He even has a twin brother, and they look really alike."

"Oh?"

"His brother is in the army, I’ll introduce you next time."

"Great. By the way... you said he’s Brother Shixiu’s nephew..."

Seeing her nod, Zeng Xiaocheng’s eyes widened suddenly, surprise flashing through them!

"He’s Third Sister Shi Hua’s son."

"..."

Zeng Xiaocheng stood there, his eyes wide open, shock momentarily flashing in them.