eartily at the steering wheel, making Lin Meng blush even deeper, her entire face burning with embarrassment."Let's go eat first. I know a pretty good private kitchen!"This was the first time Feng Tan...Lin Meng got off the car and didn't walk away to talk as Jiang Chengfeng had suggested.

That day, she chose to protect Jiang Chengfeng, not because she was foolish and had no principles when it came to him. But rather, Jiang Po浪 was dead, and she couldn't bear to watch the only son of the Jiang family be associated with misfortune again. However, Jiang Chengfeng's action of locking her up did hurt her. She also knew that this incident made Rong Ling wronged. Therefore, in the big picture, she would prioritize the Jiang family. But in some private matters, she thought it was better to keep things low-key.

Her persistence surprised Jiang Chengfeng slightly. He had already raised his foot to leave, but upon hearing Lin Meng's refusal, he calmly said, "Let's talk right here," and that was when he suddenly realized the change.

He had guessed this kind of change, after the day he did that thing to Lin Meng. Only, he didn't want to think deeply about it, he hoped that he could still be her completely trustworthy elder brother Jiang. But why, time and again, before Lin Meng left, the last look she gave him was like a phantom flitting before his eyes. The meaning contained within it was complex, he didn't want to guess too deeply, because instinctively he would be afraid.

But his intuition was right. This woman was going all out to protect him, but her heart, too, had been hurt for a moment because of his recklessness and momentary lapse in judgment.

"Dreamy."

He looked at her, a bitter taste in his mouth. He wanted to say something to explain, but -- he didn't know where to begin.

He claimed to be giving her a grand, dignified reason to leave Rong Ling, but the truth was, his words concealed his own selfish desires. He wanted to possess her, so he would seize any opportunity to sabotage their relationship. But he absolutely did not want to see her drift away from him.

"Dreamy..."

He called out again, his voice a mixture of sigh and pleading.

Night blurred his face, blurred his eyes. And in doing so, it brought to the surface a kind of faint fragility and melancholy that was absent from his usual fierce appearance.

Lin Meng sighed in her heart, but still raised a smile and asked him softly.

"Brother Jiang, what do you need me for"

He clutched what was in his hand, a flicker of darkness crossing his mind, and an inexplicable frenzy rising within him. Toward her, he had long been trapped in a cage. He yearned for her, but even if he were ferocious, he could not seize her and hold her deeply in his embrace. For he was inside the cage, while she was outside. It was such a short distance, yet they could only gaze at each other from afar.

He lowered his eyes, a look of sadness passing through them. The beast within him howled in agony as well.

The night wind blew across his bangs, tousling his brows and eyes, making it even harder to see clearly. But it also added a strange kind of melancholy that seemed to entwine him.

Lin Meng felt it, but she didn't know how to express it. Especially, being someone else's wife, with her husband sitting right there, she had to be even more mindful of her identity. Some things, some actions, couldn't just be said or done without thinking.

"Sorry!"

But it was his low apology, a belated one.

"I'm sorry about what happened that day."

What he said was very difficult. This is also a very proud man, even if he did something wrong, because of his pride, he would rather make amends than say the three words "I'm sorry".

Lin Meng let out a soft breath. She really needed to apologize this time.

He said heavily again.

"About those things that happened before, I owe you an explanation. I'm sorry that you were looked at with suspicion. I don't know if you believe me, but those things weren't done by me. When my father did them, I had no chance to stop him. Mengmeng, my father really... loved Xiaolang very much!"

He lifted his eyes and looked straight at Lin Meng. His black eyes shone faintly in the night, like moonlight, with a hint of sadness. But he stared straight into Lin Meng's eyes without flinching, showing that he was innocent and unafraid of her scrutiny.

"I can try to explain things to the outside world, say that leaking data was not your doing. But, Mengmeng, I cannot! My father has a demon in his heart. If he doesn't release it this way, I fear he won't do anything at all and will eventually… will eventually…"

He hesitated for a moment, choosing to suppress the chilling words. He only added in a weak voice.

"I'm his son, I don't have any reason to argue with him, and besides, I'm Xiao Lang's older brother!"

As soon as he spoke, a surge of inexplicable power seemed to well up within him. He was no longer fragile, but once again the sharp-edged Jiang Chengfeng emerged. His eyes shone with renewed brilliance, brighter even than the moon on the horizon.

"Dream Dream, just stay out of this. It's a battle between men, and they settle it themselves!"

Lin Meng didn't say a word.

Jiang Cheng gave her bag to her, riding on the wind.

"Here, the phone you dropped that day is in there."

Lin Meng stretched out his hand and took it.

Jiang Cheng rode the wind but suddenly turned his face, his sharp eyes fixed on Rong Ling, and he shouted loudly.

"What did you put on her!"

Rong Ling's heart skipped a beat. But he was a seasoned warrior, and he wouldn't be defeated by Jiang Chengfeng's single question. His expression remained unchanged. So when Lin Meng turned her head to look at Rong Ling in surprise, all she saw was his calmness and composure.

"Logically, you shouldn't have been able to find Mengmeng so quickly. You must have planted something on her!"

Jiang rode the wind, cutting through with sharp analysis.

That day's events, he had thought about them many times afterward. He was still very confident in himself; everything he had arranged could be said to be flawless. So where did the problem lie, allowing Rong Ling to find him so quickly He didn't believe in coincidence; there were not that many coincidences in this world! As a detective, he had dealt with too many cases, all shapes and sizes. Many at first were attributed to coincidence, but in the end, after his investigation, most turned out to be clever human arrangements. Therefore, after much deliberation, he boldly guessed that Lin Meng still had something unknown to him, something that could allow Rong Ling to find her quickly.

He saw Rong Ling's composure, and at the same time did not miss Lin Meng's slight surprise. It seemed that Lin Meng really didn't know. Then, if his guess was true, what did Rong Ling want to do He knew that by secretly putting things on someone else's body, it would be a kind of harm to the person involved. This could be said to be a great lack of trust.

Rong Ling remained unmoved. What Jiang Chengfeng wanted from him was simply wishful thinking.

Jiang Chengfeng understood, so he didn't continue to pursue it. After all, a seed of distrust had been planted in Lin Meng's heart. Whether it would sprout depended on the changes in the external environment.

"Mengmeng, if anything happens, you can always come to me. If Rong Ling changes his heart, remember what I always say, come find me. I'll protect you and give Rong Ling a good lesson!"

The victim in the car finally spoke up. He let out a sneer!

He got out of the car and pulled Lin Meng over, holding her close. He looked arrogantly at Jiang Chengfeng.

"Don't overestimate yourself, Jiang Chengfeng, you are not my opponent!"

Jiang Cheng laughed coldly. "Ride a donkey to watch a play, just wait and see!"

but was not to be outdone.

"Ready whenever!"

Rong Ling also let out a cold snort, then narrowed his eyes, giving a slightly chilly and teasing remark.

"However, I must remind you that being in your position and openly tempting another man's wife is a crime of deliberately destroying a marriage, which you—cannot bear the responsibility for!"

The last four words, he bit them with extreme force.

Jiang Chengfeng is a public official, and his future depends entirely on this. Since he knows the law but breaks it, he can't afford to get hurt. When he chose this path, the glory was dazzling, sometimes even enough to frighten many powerful figures. However, there are two sides to everything. That means he must inevitably be bound by constraints and unable to do whatever he pleases.

As she wished, Rong Ling saw Jiang Chengfeng's fury flash across his face in an instant.

He chuckled softly, but gently pushed Lin Meng.

"Come on, let's go!"

Lin Meng looked at this turbulent situation, and at the two men who were once again on edge, destined to stand together without peace of mind. She shook her head slightly.

Never mind!

Let's just see how it goes.

"Brother Jiang, it's late. You should go home and rest early." She smiled at Jiang Chengfeng. "Rong Ling and I are leaving first."

Jiang Cheng nodded expressionlessly as the wind whipped around him.

Lin Meng was protected by Rong Ling and got into the car first. Rong Ling followed suit. As the car door closed, Lin Meng suddenly leaned over and pressed against the window, shouting at Jiang Chengfeng.

"Brother Jiang, I believe what you said!"

Jiang Cheng suddenly froze.

"It's late, go to sleep early. Good night!"

She waved at him and then leaned against Rong Ling.

The car, just at that moment, was started by the driver. As it slowly passed him, Jiang Chengfeng saw Lin Meng shrink back and lean against Rong Ling's chest, half her face pressed against his.

The way a bird leans against someone is so endearing!

She didn't disguise this intimacy.

His heart ached faintly!

"Dreamy..."

He whispered softly, watching the car speed away. He lagged a few steps behind, then sighed and murmured softly—

"Good night!"

This carries a faint tenderness, destined not to reach the ears of the beloved who is far away. Just like this, it dissipates into the slightly cool night breeze. Just like his feelings, no matter how intense, he can't express them openly to her. He can only gaze at her with longing when she turns her back, and sigh softly in helpless sadness.

Ronald said it right!

He has too much to worry about, so much!

Back home, Rong Ling asked Lin Meng.

What do you think!

As for his attitude towards Jiang Chengfeng, this little wife of his, he had grasped some things but not all. However, he was very clear that things were developing in a way that was beneficial to him.

"What do you mean!" she feigned ignorance.

He didn't give her a chance to escape, stating bluntly, "Jiang Chengfeng, Jiang family."

"Just now, Brother Jiang said that this is a matter between men, and as a woman, I shouldn't interfere. You guys should settle it yourselves!"

"So, you're completely giving up" His eyes suddenly shone brightly, like they were set with two diamonds.

Lin Meng laughed and shook her head at him.

"Whatever, but I'll also take care of it."

This statement carries a hint of Zen.

"What do you mean!" he pressed.

“I will ensure the safety of the Jiang family, this will never change. When facing the Jiang family, if possible, please go easy on them. This is my hope!”

This statement isn't entirely wrong. Compared to before, asking Rong Ling not to harm the Jiang family is already a huge step forward. With Rong Ling's intelligence, he naturally understood her meaning instantly. He gazed at Lin Meng with his intoxicating eyes, a tender smile gracing his lips.

"Little sweetie, what's wrong with you!"

She feigned anger. "What Isn't this what you wanted to see"

"Think, how could I not!" He scooped her up in his arms and rubbed his chin against her delicate cheek with force, smiling.

"My wife suddenly lifted so many restrictions, leaving me both surprised and terrified!"

He rubbed against her, making her itch and giggle. This man, he was starting to be a little strange again. Hmph, it would be good for the sons to see their usually serious father acting so unmannerly!

She followed his words, smiling playfully and feigning annoyance. “Since you’re so frightened, I’ll take it back.”

"That won't do, if you dare to take it back, I'll go crazy with you..."

As he spoke, he kept rubbing her face with his chin, making her little face gradually turn red. He also used his hand to tickle her, causing her to twist back and forth in his arms like a snake, giggling uncontrollably. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore and begged for mercy in a soft voice.

"No, stop... giggle... stop... ha ha, no... don't... giggle..."

She asks for what she wants, he gives in to his whims.

He just suddenly stopped making a fuss about it.

She blushed, panting softly, slowly retracting her smile, thinking that he had finally relented and spared her. However, she heard the man's somewhat reproachful voice.

"How come you're not asleep yet"

What's going on!

This wasn't said to her!

She wore a smile that couldn't be retracted, she turned her face. Under the dim wall lamp, she saw Xiao Youyou standing at the kitchen door, her eyes wide open, staring blankly at them.

That look, as if they had seen something particularly astonishing!

Whatever I think of comes to mind!

Lin Meng immediately felt embarrassed and hurriedly wanted to jump down from Rong's body. She thought, she was already a mother, being seen by her son in such a childish way was somewhat embarrassing.

Rong Ling forcefully pulled her into his embrace, preventing her from moving. He simply stared at the young girl, raising an eyebrow as he coldly asked.

"Why aren't you replying!"

It's as if the person who was just giggling and acting like an irresponsible young man moments ago is not him at all!

A little kid's tender voice came over.

"I'm thirsty, I'm going to find some water to drink!"

The voice, somewhat faint.

"Daddy!"

He questioned again, as if confirming, whether the man before him was his father.

Rong Ling gave him a light reprimand.

After you finish drinking, go to sleep right away. Also, don't drink too much, or you'll have to use the bathroom all night!

The little guy, driven by instinct honed by constant bullying, meekly replied, "Oh," to this.

Rong Ling was satisfied, she solemnly hugged Lin Meng and went upstairs.

Then, there was the sound of "thump, thump, thump" running footsteps behind him. A little furball suddenly bumped into him. Two little arms also wrapped around his legs.

"Daddy!"

The little guy seemed to have confirmed it, this time his voice was a bit higher, and there was a kind of joyful excitement like that of a little bird.

Rong Ling lowered her head silently to look.

The little boy opened his arms and lifted his clean face, saying with a hint of coyness.

"Hugs!"

Lin Meng let out a low chuckle. Rong Ling, with a cold expression, remained unimpressed.

The little boy raised his hands and stared at him with big, dark eyes. His face, which bore a resemblance to his mother's, seemed particularly adorable because of the late hour and the lingering drowsiness in his eyes. It softened one's heart just looking at him.

Of course, Lin Meng naturally softened her heart immediately. Seeing Rong Ling's motionless expression, she pushed him and jumped down. From behind, she scooped up Xiao Youyou and forcefully shoved him into Rong Ling's arms.

"Mumble, hug me."

Of course, you should spoil your own children appropriately!

The little boy's two small arms immediately wrapped themselves around his neck, and at the same time, his two legs scrambled upwards.

Then Rong Ling reached out and hugged the little one tightly.

The little one tilted his head and rubbed against Rong Ling's chin, his eyes half-closed in a gentle crescent moon shape. A quiet sweetness radiated from him. Rong Ling's face darkened first because he was absolutely certain that his son had seen things he shouldn't have. This caused a slight awkwardness and embarrassment in his heart.

However, he was strong-hearted and quickly overcame this hurdle. Seeing his son like this softened his heart; not only did he follow his son, but he also, as his son wished, rubbed his face against him.

The son giggled, drowsy and sleepy, causing Rong Ling to lose his composure and inadvertently break into a faint smile.

Let's go!

He reached out his hand toward the dream forest.

Lin Meng smiled and placed her small hand in his big one. He clasped it tightly, then followed him up the stairs step by step.

The light cast upon the three figures, stretching their shadows long and thin until they intertwined and merged into one.

Night, so peaceful!

It's very nice too.

The next day, Rong Ling took action. He first went to find Rong Qi and expressed his willingness to return. Naturally, Rong Qi was overjoyed and immediately called everyone over. Everyone sat together, chatted briefly, and then said that in order to welcome Rong Ling's return, they would hold a banquet and invite many guests. This move, on the one hand, formally announced Rong Ling's appointment and expressed their respect for him; on the other hand, it also let others see that Rong Ling was back, so those who had small actions should be careful; thirdly, the Rong family had been hit hard recently and was struggling to cope. The overall morale was a little low. This banquet could also warm up everyone's mood; fourthly, the banquet was a good opportunity to interact with various business tycoons. If there was a chance to promote several big deals, it would be very good. At worst, it could also contact various parties and build relationships. Even if they invited people who were not on good terms, they could still observe their reactions to get some insights.

Rong Ling expressed approval of this approach. Li Lanqiu mentioned that power, and he might as well make it bigger, so they could see it clearly, and also tell him what he wanted sooner.

As Rong Ling's spouse, Lin Meng was obligated to attend such a banquet. Once Rong Ling made the decision, he immediately called Lin Meng and informed her about the dinner party, asking her to prepare well.

In fact, this should be considered her first official appearance at a social event in City B as Mrs. Lin. The previous time at Shuangmu was only an internal employee exchange meeting and wasn't a formal social gathering. This time, she was invited to attend the gathering of City B's top business tycoons, wealthy individuals, influential figures, talented scholars, and socialites. It can be said that this event gathers all the elite figures in City B. Such an occasion would be a small challenge for Lin Meng, but it would definitely be a great opportunity to showcase her charm.

Therefore, Lin Meng took this matter very seriously. She hoped that when she and Rong Ling attended together and stood before those extraordinary people, they would feel that she, Lin Meng, was absolutely worthy of standing in this position!

At the same time, although she wasn't particularly fond of the Rong family in her heart, compared to their previous outright rejection of her and their condescending attitude, the fact that the Rong family now allowed her to attend such events openly filled her with a faint sense of joy.

This is a huge step forward!

And she firmly believed that everything would only get better.

She sought help from Miao Qing, asking her to help with her styling and outfit selection. She also asked Miao Qing to prepare a brief overview of the invited guests so she could familiarize herself with them. A good hostess should be able to recognize every guest and make each one feel respected. At the right time, she hoped she could offer her assistance to him.

When she was preparing all this, Rong Ling laughed at her, saying that she didn't need to be so serious. She just had to be herself, and she would definitely amaze the audience. In fact, he didn't want her to get too tired. It wasn't easy to jot down so much information about guests in one day.

"Little darling, I have faith in you," he soothed her.

She smiled sweetly.

But, she will prepare nonetheless. She is not a parasitic vine reliant on him, nor a mere pretty vase. If she makes an appearance, she will undoubtedly stun everyone and make him feel utterly envious!

But just as she was preparing for all this with a touch of joy and high fighting spirit, Rong Ling called her, apologizing that she couldn't go!

Why!

---Aside---

I highly recommend my friend A Li's novel "The New Bride of the Middle School", book number 383147.

This is a high-quality romance novel, incredibly exciting and currently being serialized. Don't miss out! ^_^

Introduction:

On their first meeting, she was caught off guard by a kiss from the unfamiliar stranger.

At their second meeting, he was in a crisp military uniform that made him look imposing and handsome. He was chatting and laughing animatedly with a lady.

Ugh, even soldiers can be hooligans She ruined his good time, so he grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving.

She looked at his dark hand gripping her wrist, her brow furrowing in displeasure. "What are you doing"

He solemnly said, "You scared off my future wife."

So what

"You must compensate me with a wife!" On the spot, this domineering man forcefully took her to meet his parents as his fiancee. ...ly made him anxious, his normally resolute face was wrinkled up like a steamed bun. Even Fu and Zhen, who should have come over to console him, ended up shedding tears instead of calming him down.The...