ATMAWTPM Chapter 17

Chapter 17: He should have taught Shen Minghuai a lesson long ago…

Chapter 17: He should have taught Shen Minghuai a lesson long ago…

The exquisite desserts were smashed to pieces on the floor, the cream and bread paste smeared on the white tiles, no longer resembling their previous shapes.

Shen Minghuai only came to his senses after seeing the mess on the floor. However, he didn’t believe Liang Yuting’s words at all. “You’re really daring to say anything now.”

How could Ye Tingtong possibly be involved with his little uncle? At most, they’d met a few times through him. Last time, it was him who begged Shen Jun so that Ye Tingtong could escape the clutches of the Ye family.

Seeing that he was impervious to reason, Liang Yuting found it amusing. “I’m just asking you, did you invite Ye Tingtong to this year’s annual meeting?”

Shen Minghuai had mentioned several times before that he didn’t want to attend the Shen family’s annual meeting, claiming that his studies were heavy and he wanted to go back to school to revise. Liang Yuting knew very well that he just wanted to find Ye Tingtong.

It was just that the elders’ attitude was strong, and they forced him to come.

Before entering the main hall, Shen Minghuai was still frowning, but when he saw Ye Tingtong, his eyes almost glued to the other person.

If Shen Minghuai’s mother hadn’t ordered him to stay by her side, Shen Minghuai probably would have flown over already.

Liang Yuting observed more carefully than him. She saw Ye Tingtong being led in by Shen Jun.

She gave Shen Minghuai a cool glance. “You look stupid when you’re lying to yourself.”

Shen Minghuai was speechless at Liang Yuting’s retort.

Actually, he had also noticed that something was wrong. Who invited Ye Tingtong? Where did Ye Tingtong get the expensive and beautiful clothes he was wearing? He also saw Shen Jun’s assistant, Liu Hao, respectfully leading the way…

Shen Minghuai irritably ran his fingers through his hair. He was deliberately ignoring these things, but how could Ye Tingtong have married someone else in such a short time? And that person was his solemn and aloof little uncle, Shen Jun.

He gritted his teeth, lifted his foot, and walked straight towards Ye Tingtong.

He had to ask him in person.

Liang Yuting followed closely behind, prepared to watch Shen Minghuai make a fool of himself.

Ye Tingtong was sitting on the sofa eating an egg tart. Yu Huanhuan had stayed with him for a while before leaving, so now he was alone.

However, in the past, no one paid attention to him. Now, people would come over from time to time to exchange pleasantries with him. He had received a stack of unfamiliar business cards, and even the waiters would come every now and then to ask if he needed anything, offering him milk and juice.

Ye Tingtong was very uncomfortable. He just wanted to quietly enjoy the food.

Just as he picked up an egg tart and took a bite, someone suddenly stood in front of him, a shadow powerfully covering him, making it difficult for him to either bite or not.

Hesitating, Ye Tingtong chose to stuff the entire egg tart into his mouth. He looked up, ready to say something polite and accept a business card.

Then, he saw Shen Minghuai’s complicated expression.

The chewing frequency slowed down. Ye Tingtong decided to finish eating before talking to the person.

Ye Tingtong’s eating manner was not elegant at all. His cheeks were puffed out, and there were still crispy egg tart crumbs on his lips. Seeing that it was Shen Minghuai, he canceled his initial intention to stand up and instead sat on the sofa calmly.

His attitude was quite impolite, even bordering on dismissive.

Liang Yuting thought Shen Minghuai would get even angrier, but the other person just stood there dumbly, as if rooted to the spot.

Only today did Shen Minghuai realize that Ye Tingtong’s attitude towards him had always been like this. He seemed warm and considerate, but when he didn’t need anything from him, he wasn’t even as important as an egg tart.

Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to get angry. Seeing Ye Tingtong’s blank and puzzled expression, all the questions he had prepared were swallowed back into his stomach, and most of his previous anger dissipated.

Liang Yuting, who was ready to watch a good show, saw that the two of them didn’t say a word and got angry herself. “I thought you were going to confront him, why did you suddenly go silent?”

She walked forward and looked down at Ye Tingtong, who was still chewing slowly. “What, is a broken egg tart that delicious?”

She was in a terrible mood right now. After snapping at Shen Minghuai, she was now targeting Ye Tingtong. She had foolishly thought that the two of them were just normal friends. She must have been blind.

Liang Yuting felt disgusted when she recalled her earlier kindness towards Ye Tingtong on the cruise.

Just as she was about to mock Ye Tingtong for being unrefined and never having seen the world, the other person reached out, offering her the only remaining egg tart on the table.

“It is quite delicious, would you like to try some?”

Ye Tingtong recognized Liang Yuting. Seeing that she seemed to be in a bad mood and had mentioned the egg tart, he offered her some of his.

Earlier, the waiter had said that it was made with high-end ingredients and was very popular. The two on his table were the only ones left.

Ye Tingtong hadn’t tasted anything special, but Liang Yuting was a girl, so he should be generous.

Liang Yuting looked at the plate that Ye Tingtong was offering her. The sarcasm at the corner of her mouth froze.

She thought that Ye Tingtong was being sarcastic, but the other person’s expression was quite sincere. Looking closely, there was even a hint of reluctance.

Liang Yuting: “…”

If you felt bad, why would you give it away!

She bit her lip and pushed away Ye Tingtong’s plate. “Who wants to eat your things?”

Her volume had decreased by half compared to before.

Liang Yuting also realized that her words had no impact at all. She lost her desire to watch a good show and glared at Shen Minghuai. “You better have some self-control.”

After saying that, she stomped away in her high heels.

After she left, Ye Tingtong put the egg tart back and asked Shen Minghuai, “Did you argue with your fiancée?”

He didn’t feel like the anger was directed at him at all. After all, he hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Aren’t you very good at coaxing girls?”

Ye Tingtong was genuinely puzzled. You know, all the girls Shen Minghuai had dated in the past never gave him a bad review, even after they broke up. It was clear how good Shen Minghuai was at coaxing people.

Listening to Ye Tingtong’s unguarded words, Shen Minghuai felt bitterness in his heart. “That’s not important. I have something to ask you.”

Ye Tingtong gave an “oh” and signaled for him to continue.

Shen Minghuai took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “Did you marry my little uncle?”

After saying that, he stared intently at Ye Tingtong, not wanting to miss any abnormal expression on his face.

Ye Tingtong was stunned for a moment. His fingers, resting on the sofa, nervously grabbed the soft cushion underneath. Then, he gave a very light “yes”.

Shen Minghuai desperately wanted to define this reaction as avoidance or embarrassment, but his rich experience in relationships told him that Ye Tingtong was shy.

The anger that had previously subsided surged up again. His tone became louder. “Aren’t we doing well now? Why did you marry my little uncle? Can’t you wait for me?”

Ye Tingtong did not expect Shen Minghuai to suddenly become agitated. “Wait for what?”

Shen Minghuai raged, “Wait for me to deal with these things, wait for me—”

His voice suddenly stopped.

He wanted to say, wait for him to end things with Liang Yuting, wait for him to be free, for them to go back to how they were, and continue being together.

But given the current situation, even he would laugh at himself if he said those words.

If he truly had the ability to resist, he wouldn’t have attended this annual meeting with Liang Yuting. He would have gone to school to find Ye Tingtong a long time ago.

Ye Tingtong might not be very smart, but Shen Minghuai had already said so much. How could he not understand? “Shen Minghuai, the fact that I’m not hiding from you anymore isn’t a signal that we can continue. It’s because I’ve already gotten my marriage certificate with Shen Jun, and you are Shen Jun’s nephew.”

“Or are you saying, that I would give up my principles and become your lover after experiencing a little hardship?”

Ye Tingtong’s tone was not harsh, but each word was like a knife to the heart.

Shen Minghuai’s face was pale, and his lips trembled, but he didn’t say a word in rebuttal.

Seeing him silent, Ye Tingtong felt a little tired.

Did Shen Minghuai ever consider that the [wait] he casually mentioned meant endless torment from the Ye family for him?

The two parted on bad terms.

After the annual meeting ended, Shen Jun didn’t send Ye Tingtong back to school. Instead, he had the driver take them to the closer Taizi Bay.

During the almost half-hour journey, the car was silent.

Shen Jun wasn’t much of a talker, and Ye Tingtong was in a low mood, not wanting to speak.

The car’s heating was on, keeping the temperature comfortable. The occasional bumps acted as a sedative. Ye Tingtong held on for a few minutes before closing his eyes.

When they stopped at a red light, the red glow from the light shone through the window. Shen Jun felt a slight weight on his shoulder. He turned his head and saw the person beside him, asleep with his head resting on him.

His breathing was shallow, his cheeks were flushed a healthy pink from the warmth of the heating, and his lips were pursed. He didn’t look happy even in his sleep.

Liu Hao had told him that Shen Minghuai had spoken to Ye Tingtong and that something unpleasant seemed to have happened. He asked if they should intervene.

He remembered that he had said this at the time—

“This is Ye Tingtong’s personal matter, let him handle it himself.”

However, after the annual meeting ended, he couldn’t help but wonder what Shen Minghuai had said to him, seeing Ye Tingtong’s sullen expression.

He should have taught Shen Minghuai a lesson long ago.

A stray strand of hair fell onto Ye Tingtong’s nose, tickling him. He wrinkled his nose, clearly about to wake up. Shen Jun reached out and brushed the unruly strand of hair aside.

Ye Tingtong’s expression calmed down, and he lightly rubbed his cheek against Shen Jun’s finger.

His face was small, and Shen Jun’s hand could cover it easily. The touch of his fingertips was delicate and warm, and when he pressed gently, his fingers would sink softly into his skin.

Shen Jun only withdrew his hand when the light turned green and the car started moving again.

Ye Tingtong was woken up by Shen Jun. He rubbed his eyes and said vaguely, “Are we there?”

Shen Jun gave a “yes.” “Taizi Bay is closer.”

Ye Tingtong nodded. He was just about to get out of the car when a box was suddenly placed in his arms.

It was a small strawberry cake, with big, red, and beautiful strawberries on top.

No wonder he had thought the air was sweet when he had just woken up. He had thought he was hallucinating from eating too many sweets.

“I saw it on the way,” Shen Jun said. “I thought you would like it.”

Ye Tingtong’s dazed expression cleared up immediately, his eyes shining. The gloominess from before was gone. “Thank you! I like it very much!”

He hadn’t finished the delicious food that had been ruined by Shen Minghuai’s interruption, and he was too embarrassed to pack it up. He had been sighing in his dream just now.

Shen Jun watched as Ye Tingtong carefully held the ribbon on the cake box and got out of the car. He calmly looked away.

This time, when Ye Tingtong said thank you, he didn’t use the honorific.