Chapter 22: “Aboveboard” Flirting

Just as they had begun to relax, Master Su actually spoke to them kindly as well.

The two were both excited and terrified, and didn’t dare make a sound.

Shen Xiuyan smiled and introduced, “This is my uncle, and this is my aunt. They’re not very eloquent—please forgive them.”

“Oh, Young Master Shen, how could you say that? That’s not ineloquence, that’s honest simplicity. I love dealing with people like this. You must come by more often.”

The uncle and aunt were flattered and overwhelmed. “We wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare.”

Shen Xiuyan: “……”

If only you weren’t smiling like a sly old fox, I might’ve believed you.

Just look at that face—you’re clearly an old fox trying to trick a naive little rabbit.

Feels like he just led the lamb to the slaughter…

For the first time, he wondered if this business deal was even worth pursuing…

In the front hall, as soon as Master Su stepped inside, he ran into Su Mingyue.

He shot Cui Cui a look—why hasn’t the young miss left yet?

Cui Cui shrugged innocently. Leave? She hadn’t done anything outrageous in front of other,,,,,,,s, Master, you should count your blessings!

Master Su could only stare as his daughter stood up and greeted softly, “Greetings, Young Master Shen.”

Shen Xiuyan smiled back. “Miss Su.”
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The two exchanged a smile, their pleasant faces glowing with warmth like a spring breeze.

Even Master Su couldn’t help but praise inwardly—what a perfect pair. If these two had a child, it would surely be stunning.

Such a pity… Young Master Shen didn’t meet Mingyue’s expectations.

Such an outstanding young man—if only he would give up business and try the imperial exams instead!

“Xiuyan, who is this?” A timid female voice rang out.

Su Mingyue’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Has Shen Xiuyan gone mad?

Bringing another woman to the Su Family and She even calling him so affectionately in front of her?

Furious!

Glare!

Shen Xiuyan, full of survival instinct, immediately sensed that Su Mingyue had misunderstood.

He gave a little shiver and hastily explained, “This is Miss Su Mingyue of the Su Family. Miss Su, this is my aunt, and this is my eldest uncle.”

His aunt’s gaze met Su Mingyue’s, and the coldness in her eyes made her involuntarily shudder.

Why did it feel like Miss Su’s eyes were glowing green?

As if she might devour her…

A little scary.

Once Su Mingyue clearly heard who the woman was, she froze, then quickly adjusted her expression and smiled warmly. “Hello.”

Sob sob sob, it turned out to be Shen Lang’s aunt. Of course—now that she took a closer look, it was obvious this woman was older…

How could she be so jealous over something like this? Unforgivable.

And that fierce expression she had just now—had everyone seen it?

At that thought, she wished she could faint on the spot.

The aunt cautiously said, “Hello, Miss Su.”

“Wonderful, wonderful. Please come sit here.” Su Mingyue gently pulled the aunt over to sit beside her and cheerfully offered her some pastries. “These pastries are delicious, please try some.”

“Thank you, thank you.” The aunt accepted them a bit stiffly.

What a kind and easygoing young lady! Not a trace of the temper one would expect from a wealthy heiress—she must have misunderstood her earlier!

Master Su was dumbfounded by the scene. Since when was his daughter ever this agreeable?

In eighteen years, she had never been this attentive to her own father. Had she gone mad?

Sensing her father’s suspicious gaze, Su Mingyue decided to quit while she was ahead. After all, just seeing her beloved today was enough to bring her joy!

It would keep her in a good mood all day!

Under her father’s scrutinizing eyes, Su Mingyue said, “I have some things to do, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Go ahead.” Master Su waved casually. He knew it—his daughter could never sit still for long.

“Goodbye, Young Master Shen.” As she turned away, Su Mingyue blocked the others from view and cast a bright, glimmering glance at Shen Xiuyan.

Shen Xiuyan subtly shifted to the right to block the line of sight, winked, and smiled back. “Goodbye.”

Once again, Shen Xiuyan was convinced—when it came to business, it had to be with Master Su.

This was all still staying within the family. Better they profit than outsiders.

Even if his aunt and uncle lost a bit, it would all benefit his future wife anyway.

His own recipe, making money for his wife to spend—what could be more righteous?

With that, Shen Xiuyan got down to business. He gestured for his uncle to bring over the cake.

Master Su’s eyes lit up in surprise—it was that same pastry Mingyue had eaten before!

He’d thought it was good back then and even sent someone to inquire, but no one had heard of it. No one even knew what the word “cake” meant in the market.

Later, when he took over the sugar business, Shen Xiuyan had been so generous—offering both name and profit—that he’d been too pleased to remember to ask about it.

After all, there was bigger money to be made in sugar—who would still care about cake?

He hadn’t expected the cake to reappear before him like this.

He looked at Shen Xiuyan with a strange expression.

This rascal hadn’t been making a move on Mingyue behind his back, had he?

Otherwise, how would Mingyue have gotten that cake?!

Master Su’s gaze was filled with suspicion. “This pastry’s called cake, right? I’ve seen it—Mingyue had some before.”

Shen Xiuyan froze for a moment, then quickly scrambled to explain, “Is that so? What a coincidence! To be honest, I’m the only one who can make this cake. I made a batch before and gave some to a few people—how unexpected that it ended up with Miss Su and that you happened to see it!”

“It must be fate!” he added, emphasizing his words with emotion.

Good. As long as he didn’t panic, Master Su wouldn’t see through him.

Sure enough, after that, Master Su didn’t press the matter.

After all, his daughter had sworn never to marry anyone who wasn’t a scholar. No matter how good Shen Xiuyan was, his daughter probably wouldn’t be interested in him—let alone accept a gift.

He was well aware of that.

Seeing Master Su nod, Shen Xiuyan knew this hurdle was cleared.

“I’ve passed the recipe to my uncle, so I’m here today to help them discuss a business deal with you.”

Master Su was delighted. “Excellent!”

It really was fate. This cake had gone full circle and ended up right in front of him again.

He was destined to make money off this!

“Young Master Shen, however you’d like to handle this business, just say the word.”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “My idea is to have my uncle and aunt produce it, and you handle the sales.”

“Exclusive rights?”

“Exclusive.”

“Good!” Master Su looked at the young man in front of him, convinced more than ever that he was his lucky star.

“Since you’re generous enough to give me exclusive rights, I won’t treat you unfairly either. We’ll do a seventy-thirty split, same as the sugar business.”

“Agreed.”

Shen Xiuyan accepted without hesitation. After all, in his heart, this man was already his future father-in-law.