ATMAWTPM Chapter 6

Chapter 6: They are about to be engaged.

In a corner of the cruise ship’s lobby, Shen Minghuai was being scolded.

“I told you to stay with Xiaoting, where did you run off to?”

A young woman in luxurious attire wore a stern face. Seeing Shen Minghuai’s indifference after she spoke, she grew even angrier. “Do you know how much the Liang family treasures their daughter? This marriage was originally arranged for Shen Jun. If it weren’t for the Liang family’s daughter taking a liking to you, how could this good fortune have fallen on us?”

“Mom, I don’t like her,” Shen Minghuai retorted, displeased. “It would be better to let her marry my little uncle; why drag me into it?”

Yao Mingzhu, hearing his defiance, was furious. “The entire Shen family is now under Shen Jun’s control. If Shen Jun marries her, where will that leave the rest of us?”

Her face was cold. “You’ve been fooling around outside for years, and I’ve never interfered. You being incompetent is one thing, but acting foolish at this crucial moment is another.”

Shen Minghuai remained silent, not yielding.

Yao Mingzhu had only one son and couldn’t bear to scold him too harshly. “The Liang family is a well-established enterprise with a solid foundation, which will greatly benefit us. Furthermore, Xiaoting is a good child. We are choosing an engagement date. Be nice to her.”

“Also, stay away from your roommate, or don’t blame me for being rude.”

After saying the last sentence, she ignored Shen Minghuai’s unpleasant expression and turned away.

Shen Minghuai subconsciously glanced towards the casino.

He had been driven away by Shen Jun, and Ye Tingtong hadn’t followed him. He hadn’t come up yet.

He probably went to some other corner to play.

Shen Minghuai retracted his gaze, feeling conflicted. He knew his marriage wasn’t his to decide, but he hadn’t expected the day to come so quickly.

*

Meanwhile, Ye Tingtong, having received praise from Shen Jun in the casino, happily went upstairs.

Hu Cheng and Ye Guodong, like defeated mice, had slunk away from the casino. Without his main source of amusement, he might as well go find Shen Minghuai for some social media content.

When he found Shen Minghuai, he was in the game room, wearing headphones and playing games. Liang Yuting was sitting next to him.

He was just about to quietly leave when Liang Yuting noticed him first, reminding Shen Minghuai, “Minghuai, your friend is here.”

Shen Minghuai first glanced at the entrance of the game room before taking off his headphones to greet Ye Tingtong, “How did you wander over here?”

Ye Tingtong naturally sat down on the empty seat next to him, “I came to find you!”

He was only familiar with Yu Huanhuan and Shen Minghuai on the cruise ship. Yu Huanhuan had social duties, so he naturally came to find Shen Minghuai.

Based on their usual routine, a day was enough for Shen Minghuai to display his charm and flirt, and he, the third wheel, wouldn’t get in the way.

“Playing League of Legends? Add me.”

Although the cruise ship was luxurious, it was limited in space. He didn’t have many friends, so playing games was good.

Shen Minghuai, seeing his excited expression, had something to say, but ultimately swallowed his words.

Ye Tingtong originally thought this was a normal way to pass the time with games, but after playing two rounds, he sensed something was wrong.

His usual position was mid-lane, but Liang Yuting was also in that position, so he went to play the versatile side lane.

Ye Tingtong’s skills were average, but he had a good understanding with Shen Minghuai. In the first few rounds, Shen Minghuai directly ganked his side, creating a significant advantage for him. However, Liang Yuting’s mid-lane suffered, often getting ganked by the enemy jungler.

After the game, Liang Yuting, looking at her lower economy than even the support, complained to Shen Minghuai, “You’re too biased. You only see Ye Tingtong, right?”

Ye Tingtong didn’t pay any attention and casually opened a soda.

Shen Minghuai was quite ruthless with his ambiguous partners and hated others interfering with his decisions, especially when it came to games. He only wanted to win.

There was a similar situation once, and Shen Minghuai got annoyed, leaving a sentence, “If you can’t play, then get out.”

Then he kicked the person out of the team.

Ye Tingtong originally thought Shen Minghuai would react the same way this time, but he didn’t expect him to be very nice and coaxing, “Okay, okay, I’ll help you next time.”

He looked at Shen Minghuai in surprise, but Shen Minghuai looked away the moment their eyes met.

In the following rounds, he saw Shen Minghuai subconsciously heading towards the top lane several times, but halfway there, he would force himself to turn back.

In fact, Ye Tingtong didn’t care who Shen Minghuai helped. He could withstand the pressure. What he couldn’t understand was that Shen Minghuai was almost compliant with Liang Yuting.

He had never been this way towards any other girl.

After the game, Ye Tingtong wanted to stretch his stiff body. When he stood up, he didn’t watch his step and tripped on a chair leg. Shen Minghuai quickly grabbed him, “Why are you so careless? Did you hit anything?”

Ye Tingtong looked at his anxious expression and said, feeling annoyed, “Am I made of porcelain, Shen Minghuai?”

“But my foot is numb, help me a bit.”

Liang Yuting watched from the side, feeling like she was the outsider. She forced a smile, “You guys have a good relationship. I don’t have such good sisters.”

Through Shen Minghuai’s shoulder, Ye Tingtong could see the doubt and probing in Liang Yuting’s eyes.

He was just about to straighten himself up and clarify their relationship when Shen Minghuai suddenly let go of him, explaining, “Tongzai is just like that, clumsy. We’re in the same dorm, so of course, I have to take care of him.”

This sentence instantly distanced their relationship, not even making them ordinary friends.

This sentence successfully dispelled Liang Yuting’s doubts. She picked up her bag, “I’m going to the restroom to touch up my makeup. You guys talk.”

After she left, Ye Tingtong pulled Shen Minghuai aside, directly asking, “Are you two dating?”

Shen Minghuai laughed, “How could we be? Just playing around; you know how I am.”

Ye Tingtong frowned, “It’s because I know that I feel something’s off.”

Aside from eating, most of Ye Tingtong’s thoughts were focused on Shen Minghuai. He could clearly sense how different the girl was to Shen Minghuai.

“You’re too sensitive,” Shen Minghuai sighed. “Is it because I didn’t help you in the top lane? Yuting is a girl, so let her have it.”

This even-handed approach made Ye Tingtong feel uncomfortable. In the past, Shen Minghuai was very clear, and he wouldn’t get jealous, so these awkward scenes rarely happened.

Seeing Ye Tingtong’s silence, Shen Minghuai added, “You don’t understand the Liang family’s background. By being nicer to her, their family will help my dad with his business. Isn’t that a win-win?”

The half-truth explanation made it impossible for Ye Tingtong to analyze anything wrong.

“If you like her, or if you’re dating, you have to tell me,” Ye Tingtong said seriously. “Shen Minghuai, this is very important to me.”

Shen Minghuai agreed without hesitation, “Of course.”

He had known for a long time that Ye Tingtong didn’t want to be a third party.

Afraid of causing another conflict, Ye Tingtong didn’t join the three of them. After thinking for a moment, he turned to Yu Huanhuan for help.

Yu Huanhuan was chatting with a middle-aged man. Seeing Ye Tingtong hesitantly looking around not far away, she gave the middle-aged man a sweet smile, excused herself, and said goodbye.

Once the man was out of earshot, Yu Huanhuan’s expression relaxed. She wearily took a glass of low-alcohol red wine from a waiter, took a sip, and looked at Ye Tingtong, “Why are you here at this time?”

Ye Tingtong should be with Shen Minghuai right now.

She leaned against the railing, smiling, and asked, “Do you have gossip to share?”

However, after Ye Tingtong finished speaking, she slowly straightened up, “Is he talking about the Liang family, the century-old enterprise in this city?”

The Liang family’s development wasn’t as good as the rising Shen family, but they had very positive national trust, with stable income and a long history, so no one dared to look down on them.

“It’s normal that you don’t understand this,” Yu Huanhuan keenly detected a hint of strangeness, “but I can tell you clearly, if Shen Minghuai can win the favor of the Liang family’s daughter, it won’t just be for fun.”

The Shen family was powerful, but it was mainly controlled by Shen Jun, and it didn’t have much to do with Shen Minghuai’s branch.

If they had the help of the Liang family, their power within the Shen family would be much greater.

No one would refuse a pie falling from the sky.

Ye Tingtong remained silent, looking down at his toes, like a wilted little cabbage.

“The situation isn’t that bad,” Yu Huanhuan comforted, “you can maintain the status quo. Shen Minghuai wouldn’t be willing to give you up.”

Ye Tingtong, who usually didn’t have many ideas, firmly rejected Yu Huanhuan’s suggestion this time, “No.”

He wouldn’t be a third party; that was his only remaining bottom line.

Despite not being sure of the specific situation, Ye Tingtong still subconsciously kept his distance from Shen Minghuai. However, the cruise ship was so big, and he used to stick to Shen Minghuai all the time. Now, his obvious avoidance made it difficult for Shen Minghuai to ignore.

However, relying on the fact that he had wandered around the cruise ship for a long time, he was familiar with the terrain and could always shake off Shen Minghuai.

On the last day of the birthday banquet, the Shen family gathered in a VIP room on the cruise ship.

There were four brothers in the Shen family. Shen Minghuai’s father was the eldest, and Shen Jun was the youngest, but he sat in the position second only to Old Master Shen.

They were gathered this time to discuss the engagement date between Shen Minghuai and Liang Yuting.

In marriages of convenience, there was no need for them to waste time fostering feelings.

Everyone discussed enthusiastically, but Shen Minghuai, the main character, was absent-mindedly playing with his phone.

He was waiting for Ye Tingtong to reply to his message.

“Shen Minghuai, are you even listening to your elders?” Yao Mingzhu said coldly, “We’ve discussed it and feel that we can announce your upcoming engagement with Xiaoting on the last day of your grandmother’s birthday banquet, which is tomorrow, to add to the joy.”

Those who attended this birthday banquet were all influential figures in society. If they made the announcement at this time, it would maximize the benefits of the engagement.

Shen Minghuai raised his head abruptly, “What?!”

After saying that, he realized his rejection was too obvious and tried to explain, “This is too fast; she and I are not ready yet.”

“We’ve talked to the Shen family,” Yao Mingzhu didn’t leave him any room to back down. “Xiaoting agreed.”

Shen Minghuai remained silent, but his face clearly showed resistance.

The two sides were deadlocked. Old Master Shen, sitting at the head of the table, spoke in a deep voice, “If he is unwilling, then forget it. Announce it to close friends first. Rushing it makes it seem like we are clinging to the Liang family.”

Yao Mingzhu was unwilling, “Dad, don’t indulge him.”

Old Master Shen glanced at her, “Haste makes waste.”

His meaningful words made Yao Mingzhu feel embarrassed. She gave a look to her husband beside her, and the man immediately said, “Dad, Mingzhu didn’t mean that. She simply thinks the two children are suitable and wants to settle things sooner.”

Old Master Shen ignored this explanation and looked at Shen Jun on the right side, “What do you think? This marriage was facilitated by you.”

Shen Minghuai looked at Shen Jun in shock after hearing that.

Shen Jun was handling official business on his computer. Upon hearing that, he didn’t even raise his head, coldly dropping two words, “Whatever.”

He had not participated in the discussion, like an outsider.

Even so, this matter still had to go through his agreement.

With the matter settled, Yao Mingzhu’s face held a hint of smugness as she covered her mouth and laughed, “It turns out that the little uncle was helping with this matter. You’re not young anymore; you should start worrying about your own marriage.”

She seemed to suddenly remember something, “My niece just graduated and returned from abroad. She’s a good match for you; should I set you two up?”

As soon as she said that, the other brothers’ wives immediately chimed in, “That’s right, my niece just turned eighteen, charming and lovely. Would you consider it?”

“You’re being too ridiculous. At such a young age, how could she be suitable?”

The crowd chattered, discussing more enthusiastically than they had discussed the engagement date earlier.

With a soft click, Shen Jun closed his computer, and the VIP room fell silent.

Shen Jun stood up, “You continue, I’ll go first.”

The blatant disregard made the faces of the other branches pale, but they didn’t dare say anything and could only watch him leave.

After the family meeting ended, Shen Minghuai was in an extremely bad mood. At this time, he only wanted to be with Ye Tingtong, even ignoring the messages that Liang Yuting sent him.

After wandering around the yacht a few times, he finally found Ye Tingtong on a secluded terrace. To his surprise, Shen Jun was also there.

They each occupied a table. Ye Tingtong’s table was filled with snacks and a pile of sunflower seed shells, obviously having been there for a while, while Shen Jun was likely just looking for a quiet place to work. They had happened to bump into each other.

Shen Minghuai first greeted Shen Jun, “Little Uncle, what a coincidence.”

Shen Jun gave a perfunctory “hm.”

Shen Minghuai was long used to his attitude. He didn’t try to get closer and sat down next to Ye Tingtong, “Why did you hide here?”

Ye Tingtong pretended to be dumb, “What hide? I just think the scenery is good here.”

“Then why didn’t you reply to my messages?” Shen Minghuai said through clenched teeth. “Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?”

Ye Tingtong, listening to his interrogation, put down the half-peeled pistachio and said disappointedly, “My phone died.”

As soon as he finished speaking, his phone on the table beeped, and when the screen lit up, the battery indicator was clearly a healthy green.

Luckily, Ye Tingtong’s mind worked quickly, and he blurted out, “I just charged it and haven’t had time to look yet!”

Shen Minghuai clearly didn’t believe him, and directly picked up his phone, having Ye Tingtong face-unlock it, and went into WeChat, finding that all his messages were unread.

Ye Tingtong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Minghuai had sent messages one after another, but he was eating snacks and too lazy to open them.

Besides, Shen Minghuai was acting strangely. Before, he was the one chasing after people, and Shen Minghuai was cold. How come now that he wasn’t chasing, Shen Minghuai was sticking to him instead?

Shen Minghuai looked at the latest message on Ye Tingtong’s WeChat, narrowing his eyes, “Yu Hui said he helped you write an extra copy of your public course assignment? When did you two get so close?”

Yu Hui was in the same dorm as them and was also the dorm head. He usually took good care of Ye Tingtong.

Ye Tingtong snatched his phone back, “It’s rude of you to look at my messages like that!”

He had asked the other party to help him with his homework before coming on the yacht for three days.

Shen Minghuai’s family was powerful, and the teachers would turn a blind eye, at least giving him a passing grade. But Ye Tingtong was different, he didn’t have such connections and could only obediently hand in his homework.

Ye Tingtong was a little angry, “Besides, is it wrong that I’m close to him? I didn’t interfere with your affairs!”

Shen Minghuai had a strange sense of control over him and didn’t like him having too much contact with other guys, not even those in the same dorm.

Before, when their relationship was stable, he didn’t need any friends either and kept his distance from everyone.

But now, Shen Minghuai was getting angry over a message, making it hard for him to understand.

Seeing Ye Tingtong getting angry, Shen Minghuai realized that he was being too rash and backed down to coax him, “I didn’t mean it like that, don’t be mad.”

Ye Tingtong finished the half-peeled pistachio, “Forget it, there’s nothing to say. Go keep your girlfriend company.”

He wasn’t sure what the relationship between Shen Minghuai and Liang Yuting was. He could only test Shen Minghuai to see if he would go along with his words when his emotions were unstable.

He didn’t expect Shen Minghuai to deny it right away, “What girlfriend? I’m not dating Liang Yuting.”

Ye Tingtong, hearing his decisive tone, felt a little swayed again.

But Yu Huanhuan’s analysis was also very reasonable…

While he was hesitating, the sound of Shen Jun’s keyboard typing suddenly stopped. He subconsciously looked towards the man.

As dusk approached, Shen Jun was slightly lowered his head, focused on his computer. The screen light illuminated his cold and pale face, devoid of any warmth.

Ye Tingtong’s train of thought was suddenly derailed. Wasn’t he typing away furiously earlier? Why was there no sound now?

Shen Minghuai naturally noticed Ye Tingtong’s gaze. He gritted his teeth and turned to Shen Jun for help, “Little Uncle, I’m not dating Liang Yuting, please clarify it for me.”

Shen Jun looked up, glancing at the two people opposite him, “I have no interest in testifying to your chaotic private life.”

Shen Minghuai panicked, “Little Uncle, but I really am not dating Liang Yuting…”

He spoke while imploringly looking at Shen Jun.

With Shen Jun’s experience, he couldn’t possibly not see his purpose. Besides, on another level, he wasn’t lying.

Their conversation was like encrypted nonsense, and Ye Tingtong couldn’t figure out the meaning at the moment.

Perhaps Shen Minghuai’s earnest gaze touched Shen Jun. Shen Jun said, “They are indeed not dating.”

Shen Minghuai let out a heavy sigh of relief.

As expected, as members of the same Shen family, there was no reason for Shen Jun not to give him this much face.

Ye Tingtong believed Shen Jun’s words without any doubt and murmured, “Really not dating!”

Shen Jun looked at the somewhat bewildered expression of the person in front of him, paused for a moment, and added, “They are about to be engaged.”