Stealing ML’s White Moonlight C03

Chapter 3

Shen Lihuan suddenly laughed at these heart-wrenching words. The crowd stared at her in confusion. “You, why are you laughing?”

“First of all, thank you for acknowledging the Shen family’s status in Lan City.”

Ignoring the crazed looks from the public and the ecstatic expressions of the reporters, Shen Lihuan spoke each word powerfully and clearly. “Since the founding of Jialan Group, it has employed a total of 15,321 people. This means Jialan has provided 15,321 jobs, lifting 15,321 families out of poverty.”

“Moreover, Jialan transfers at least 20 million green country coins annually to its foundation, funding school construction, road repairs, nursing homes, and orphanages. The total funds allocated have exceeded 200 million green country coins. Given Jialan’s contributions, we have earned our place in Lan City, and our conscience is clear!”

Shen Lihuan’s words made many in the crowd blush with shame. They accused the Shen family of using their status to oppress people, but they never considered how the Shen family had achieved their position.

Jialan had done so much for charity—had they ever done anything themselves? What right did they have to criticize the Shen family?

Shen Jiashu smirked slightly. He had always known his precious daughter was no ordinary person. It was only natural that she would surpass him.

Still, some people stubbornly refused to accept this. They believed this did not mean the Shen family had never driven a poor man to his death. A man in black-rimmed glasses, hiding in the crowd, suddenly shouted, “Just because you’re powerful, does that mean you can force the poor to their deaths?” His words reignited the crowd’s uproar, and many people followed suit.

“If that’s what you believe, then let me ask you a question. What does the Green Country Penal Code say about major traffic accidents?”

Shen Lihuan’s gaze was sharp as she scanned the crowd. The young man leading the protest suddenly turned pale. A middle-aged man in a suit thought for a moment, his expression growing stiff. He stammered out the answer.

“Green Country Penal Code, Article 93: Violating traffic regulations and causing a major accident that results in serious injury or death is punishable by the death penalty. If the victim’s family petitions the court to revoke the perpetrator’s death sentence, it will be commuted to life imprisonment.”

As soon as the words fell, the crowd fell silent, as if someone had pressed a pause button.

“So, everyone understands the law. Gao Qiang broke the law and was sentenced to death—was that the Shen family’s doing?”

Shen Lihuan’s expression was solemn, her aura as sharp as a blade. “The law could not tolerate him. Uncle Li, the driver he killed, could not tolerate him.”

“He claimed he was poor and that his daughter had leukemia. I sympathize with him. But does being poor justify driving while fatigued? Does being poor justify killing or injuring others? If simply saying ‘I am poor’ allowed someone to do whatever they wanted without consequences, then who would uphold the dignity of the law and the justice you seek?”

Her words left the banner-wielding crowd bewildered. Their hands, once holding signs high, now unconsciously lowered.

Yes, even if the Shen family had done nothing, Gao Qiang would still have been sentenced to death. Why would the Shen family need to “force” him into it?

Moreover, he had killed someone. Could a few tears about his hardships erase the fact that he was a murderer?

So why were they forcing an innocent family to apologize to a killer? Was that what they called kindness?

This realization left them unsettled.

Shen Lihuan glanced at her watch and placed her hands on her wheelchair, ready to push her mother forward. Her calm eyes swept over the crowd. “Everyone should go home. It’s natural to sympathize with the weak, but I hope you won’t let your kindness be exploited again.” Kindness is precious—don’t let it be tainted.

The crowd silently parted, making way for them. Shen Lihuan and her family walked out of the hospital with steady steps and got into a car heading for the airport.

Imperial Capital

Shen Zhongyuan sat in front of the television, watching the scene unfold. His clouded eyes were filled with satisfaction. As expected of the Shen family’s bloodline—not only was she unshaken, but she controlled the entire situation. She was born to stand above others.

Behind him, a girl with her arms crossed stared at the screen, her face filled with undisguised wariness and hatred.

Dingshang International

You Changqing watched the poised and imposing Shen Lihuan on the screen, gradually becoming entranced.

Behind her, several employees stood, noting her cold expression. Remembering the minor conflicts between the Shen and You families, one worker assumed she disliked Shen Lihuan and tried to flatter her. “Miss, don’t be fooled by how well she speaks. Who knows what underhanded means the Shen family used to force that man to his death?”

You Changqing withdrew her gaze from Shen Lihuan’s refined face and shot the man a cold glance. “Are you deaf? Her words are logical and well-supported. You still slander her—what does that say about you?”

The man instantly felt bitter. Even a fool could see that his attempt at flattery had backfired. He silently recited the saying, “A true man can endure humiliation,” then shamelessly pleaded, “Yes, yes, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have spoken carelessly. Please forgive me, Miss.”

You Changqing was furious that he had used such a malicious mindset to judge the girl. She initially wanted to fire him, but remembering Shen Lihuan’s words about “kindness,” she restrained herself. Coldly, she said, “Since you know you’re wrong, I’ll only deduct two months of your salary. As punishment, you’ll clean the toilets for a week.”

A person like you should stay in the restroom.

The man nearly coughed up blood. Losing his salary was already painful, but cleaning toilets too?! He didn’t dare protest and had to accept his punishment begrudgingly.

When the live broadcast ended, You Changqing lost interest and led the employees to the cafeteria. She didn’t want to eat at home today. Having a meal at the company allowed her to interact more with the staff, making it easier to manage the business when she took over Dingshang.

Yet, during the meal, her thoughts wandered.

She didn’t know Shen Lihuan’s name, but it was no secret that the chairman of Jialan Group was the Shen family’s long-estranged second son. That meant Shen Lihuan would be staying in the Imperial Capital.

She wondered which high school she would attend. If only she transferred to Ming High—that way, they would have a chance to meet.

Thinking of this, a rare blush crept onto You Changqing’s normally aloof face.

The Shen family successfully departed for the airport. Five hours later, they arrived at Imperial Capital International Airport.

As Shen Jiashu and Gu Qinglan looked at the Imperial Capital, which they hadn’t seen in eighteen years, they were overwhelmed with emotion.

Soon, the driver sent by Old Master Shen arrived, bowed, and said respectfully, “Second Young Master, Young Madam, Miss Sun, please get in the car. The Old Master is waiting for you at home.”

Shen Lihuan glanced at the man, assessing him for threats. Once the bodyguards helped her parents into the car, she got into the extended luxury vehicle.

The driver’s skills were impeccable, and the car smoothly entered the Shen family estate.

At the entrance stood an elderly man, straight-backed despite leaning on a cane. To his left was a delicate and charming girl, gracefully holding his arm. To his right was an elegant middle-aged woman in a gorgeous gown that accentuated her figure.

As soon as Shen Jiashu stepped out, the old man could no longer hold back. He quickly strode forward. “You unfilial son, you finally decided to come back and see this old man!”

The delicate girl’s eyes darkened slightly, while the middle-aged woman gently patted her back before stepping forward gracefully.

“Dad! Your son has returned.” Shen Jiashu’s thin lips trembled as he finally spoke the word he hadn’t uttered in eighteen years.

Gu Qinglan harbored resentment toward her father-in-law, but she was no longer the young girl who would crumble under his words. Time had given her more.

She smiled gracefully, as if there had never been any discord between them. “Dad, it’s been a long time. You’re just as full of energy as ever—not the slightest bit aged.”

Following her parents’ lead, Shen Lihuan greeted the elder with a bold smile. “Hello, Grandpa. I’m Lihuan.”

“Ah, ah, my precious granddaughter! You’ve grown so beautifully—truly worthy of being a Shen family child.”

The old man, Shen Zhongyuan, deliberately ignored Gu Qinglan and instead showed great enthusiasm toward Shen Lihuan.

Shen Lihuan, with her sharp perception, immediately picked up on his indifference toward her mother. She silently made a mental note of it.

The elegant middle-aged woman, upon hearing Shen Zhongyuan’s praise, looked at Shen Lihuan with a soft, admiring gaze, as if she were admiring a rare treasure. “Indeed. With a face like Lihuan’s, even as a woman, I can’t help but be captivated.”

After speaking, she raised her fair and delicate hand to cover her lips, then smiled brightly like a young girl. “Look at me, I haven’t even introduced myself yet. Lihuan, I’m your eldest aunt, Liang Yinqiu. This is your cousin, Shen Pingting. Pingting has been spoiled by your uncle and me, so she can be a bit willful. If she ever bullies you, just come to me, and I’ll take care of her for you.”

As she spoke, Liang Yinqiu affectionately linked arms with the delicate and charming young girl—Shen Pingting—her expression warm and intimate.

Before Shen Pingting could say a word, Shen Zhongyuan chuckled and said, “There are only two children in the family; they’ll definitely get along well. Girls always have plenty to talk about.”

“What you said is true, Dad. I’m just worried that Pingting’s temper might flare up and scare Lihuan, so I gave a little reminder.”

Liang Yinqiu’s smile was gentle, and with a slight shift of her autumn-water-like eyes, she exuded an effortless charm.

This harmonious family scene made Shen Lihuan’s teeth ache. She casually slipped one hand into her pocket, curled her lips into a smirk, and interjected in a relaxed manner, “Hello, Eldest Aunt. Hello, Cousin. You’re both such beauties—standing together, I wouldn’t even guess you’re mother and daughter.”

Liang Yinqiu smiled, about to say something, but Shen Lihuan didn’t give her the chance. She turned directly to Shen Zhongyuan and said, “Grandpa, Mom and Dad are still recovering. Let’s head inside first so they can rest before we catch up. We’re already in the Imperial Capital—surely there’ll be plenty of time to chat later.”

Liang Yinqiu’s smile slowly faded from her face.