Chapter 92: Marrying In?

“All right, I have to go to work now. You go and tutor her. Maybe I’m just overthinking it—her rune grades are so poor that even if she becomes a divine being, her future achievements will be limited, which means she’ll face far less danger.” As Shen Man spoke, Driver Wang had already pulled the car up.

Seeing Shen Man about to leave, Chen Meng suddenly remembered something and, almost involuntarily, said, “Auntie, wait a moment.”

“Is there something you need?” Shen Man turned to look at Chen Meng, curiosity in her eyes.

Chen Meng scratched his head awkwardly. “Auntie, do you have any unused membership cards or VIP cards? Could you give me a few?”

Hearing this, Shen Man couldn’t help but laugh. “What, are you planning to collect them from me and then sell them? Last time, I really underestimated you. I had barely left Crimson, and you turned around and sold the supreme VIP card I gave you.”

Chen Meng was surprised. “Auntie, you knew about that?”

Shen Man shot him a look. “Is it strange that I know? But you—what are you thinking? Are you really so short of money?”

Chen Meng spread his hands helplessly. Short of money—he was desperate, more than he could ever admit.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shen Man looked at him. “I thought you’d just ask me for some cash. Is it too embarrassing?”

Chen Meng shook his head. “It’s not that I’m embarrassed. If I ask for too little, it feels like a loss; if I ask for too much, I probably won’t get it. And to just ask for money directly—that’s shameless, and I still have some pride. So, no need for money. Auntie, why don’t you consider this: you seem to need a son; what do you think of me?”

How much money could he ask for? Did she really think he was so unambitious? If she took him in as her son, he’d make sure she never lost a cent.

Shen Man stared at him in shock, needing a moment to recover. “You are the most brazen person I’ve ever met. But I don’t need a son—I do need a son-in-law. If you can win my daughter’s heart, I might consider letting you marry in. Then you’d have a share of my estate.”

Marry in as a son-in-law?

Chen Meng pondered—this was possible, but the money would come too slowly.

“Can you give me the money first, then I’ll marry in?” he tried, and even Shen Man, patient as she was, lost her temper. She flung the cup she was holding at him, and it was only thanks to his quick reflexes that he wasn’t hit.

Driver Wang, standing nearby, quietly gave Chen Meng a thumbs up, utterly impressed.

“Dream on! Money first, then marriage? You’re just after my money, aren’t you?” Shen Man said angrily. “If Wenjing really fell for a rascal like you, she’d never be happy.”

“Hear how you say that, as if I’m some heartless scoundrel. Besides, your daughter would never be interested in me. Our family backgrounds are worlds apart,” Chen Meng joked, never believing he and Tang Wenjing could ever be together. “And look at you, breaking your cup in anger. That thing must be worth a fair bit, right?”

“It’s nothing—I have plenty of money.” Shen Man fell silent, murmuring something under her breath.

“Auntie, what’s wrong?” Chen Meng asked, puzzled.

“Ten seconds have passed; I’ve probably made it back already,” Shen Man said calmly, leaving Chen Meng speechless. Then she called the cleaning lady to sweep up the broken cup. “I’m leaving—don’t bully my daughter.”

“I’m only here to tutor her, don’t overthink it.” Chen Meng spread his hands.

…

By noon, four hours of rune tutoring had passed, and for Chen Meng, it wasn’t as dull as he’d imagined.

He was now studying divine body secret arts, which were closely linked to runes; in fact, they were runes applied within the divine body.

The morning passed quickly, and soon it was twelve o’clock. Downstairs, the maid was already preparing lunch.

“Is this your business proposal?” Chen Meng had come across a sales plan for a new drug from Qianling Pharmaceuticals, filled with terms he barely understood.

Tang Wenjing nodded. “Yes, I sometimes help my mom with ideas. She says I have a talent for business. But I really dislike it. Still, we made an agreement—I can’t completely give up business studies. So every week, I spend a day at the company or take some business training courses. That’s why I couldn’t have you tutor me both days.”

“So that’s it. If only I had your business talent, I wouldn’t be so broke,” Chen Meng muttered.

At noon, Chen Meng enjoyed a wealthy family’s lunch. In truth, the dishes were ordinary enough; only the ingredients were better, and the chef’s skills superior.

After eating, it was already one o’clock. Tang Wenjing took an hour’s nap, while Chen Meng went to bask in the sun in the villa’s garden.

In the afternoon, tutoring continued. But at four o’clock, a young man arrived at the Tang home in a flashy sports car.

“Where’s Jingjing?” He got out, went straight into the yard, and the downstairs maid tried to stop him but couldn’t.

Tang Wenjing, upstairs, heard his voice, frowned, and walked out onto the second-floor balcony. “Zhang Hao, I told you not to bother me again.”

The man, Zhang Hao, ignored her and said, “There’s a King Liu concert tonight. I got front row tickets. You used to love his music—let’s go together.”

“I have no time. The college entrance exam is coming up, and I haven’t listened to music in ages.” Tang Wenjing replied coolly. “If you have nothing else, leave. I need to study runes.”

Zhang Hao wanted to say more, but then noticed Chen Meng behind Tang Wenjing.

“Who is he?” Zhang Hao pointed at Chen Meng, face darkening with hostility.

Before Tang Wenjing could respond, Chen Meng smiled and introduced himself. “I’m Chen Meng, Tang Wenjing’s classmate. I’m here to tutor her.”

Zhang Hao’s voice became cold. “You actually made it to the second floor—she allowed you up here? You just wait.”

With that, he drove off. Chen Meng was puzzled; apparently, only Tang Wenjing’s room was upstairs—not just anyone could go up.

Tang Wenjing snorted. “Ignore him. He’s like a stubborn patch you can’t peel off.”

Chen Meng smiled, guessing the situation. Another heartbroken youth.

At six-ten, Chen Meng finished tutoring for the day and was finally able to leave.

“Don’t forget to transfer the money,” Tang Wenjing said, expecting Chen Meng to say something else, but he simply asked for payment. She was a little annoyed; she had considered inviting him to dinner but decided against it.

Leaving the neighborhood, Chen Meng frowned—he sensed danger. Instinctively, he took a dagger from his backpack, and after a moment’s thought, tucked two pistols into his waistband.

He was about to hail a cab when a familiar sports car pulled up. Zhang Hao stepped out.

“I’ve been waiting for you, kid,” Zhang Hao said coldly. “I’m warning you—stay away from Tang Wenjing. She’s mine.”

Chen Meng was bewildered. How did he stumble into such a melodramatic scene?

But Zhang Hao—was he only good at threats? Chen Meng considered it and decided to prod him: “Don’t you want to give me a little money to stay away from Tang Wenjing?”

Zhang Hao froze. “Money? Why would I give you money?”

Chen Meng sighed. If you won’t pay me, how can you expect me to keep my distance? So arrogant—what an unqualified rich kid.