Chapter 83

Although You Changqing had originally intended to punish Shen Lihuan a little, there truly was a lot of work at the company. Everyone knew she was the future successor, but she still started from the bottom, busy every single day. In just half a month, she’d already lost three jin.

Shen Lihuan felt terribly distressed. Regardless of whether she could cook or not, she had the servants prepare the ingredients and chop the vegetables every day so she could personally make nourishing soup or congee and deliver it to You Changqing herself, refusing to let her settle for the employee meals at Ding Shang International.

You Changqing didn’t even lift her head while eating. She wasn’t a picky eater, but after tasting Lihuan’s cooking, she honestly couldn’t stomach anything else.

Shen Lihuan gently wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue, her expression so tender that even bystanders felt their hearts melt.

Everyone at Ding Shang International knew You Changqing’s identity, but Shen Lihuan was a relatively unfamiliar face. Still, since it wasn’t a secret that their young executive was dating the Shen family’s eldest daughter, seeing how close the two of them were, most could guess who Shen Lihuan was.

Some new hires watched their interaction with stars in their eyes, feeling like the scene before them was straight out of a painting. Two beautiful young women in one frame—it was simply thrilling.

“What kind of divine romance is this? I believe in love again. Who says wealthy families are all about fake feelings? I totally disagree.”

When You Zongzheng was patrolling the employee cafeteria with a subordinate, he happened to spot the little couple. Watching his daughter—usually cold and distant—smiling and acting sweet with Shen Lihuan, You Zongzheng couldn’t help feeling both emotional and gratified.

At the You family’s level, there was no need to sacrifice their children to arranged marriages. That Changqing had found someone she loved who loved her back was truly her fortune.

Still, thinking of his own lady, Yang Zhiying, You Zongzheng’s composed expression softened with a faint smile. His luck hadn’t been too bad either.

Shen Lihuan had no idea her future father-in-law was so pleased with her. If she had, she might’ve needed to take a lap or two just to calm down.

After accompanying You Changqing until she had to get back to work, Shen Lihuan reluctantly took her lunchbox and headed home. In the living room, Gu Qinglan was introducing some blind date candidates to Gu Tingyu, who looked completely helpless.

It was Shen Lihuan’s first time witnessing something like this in person, so she stayed out of curiosity.

“Tingyu, I’m not trying to force you to get married quickly. I just worry about you being alone all the time. If you don’t like these people, just forget it. But if any catch your eye, go meet them. Even just making a new friend wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

Gu Qinglan was genuinely worried about her younger brother. She understood that some people preferred to be on their own, but she felt bad seeing him so solitary. She hoped he’d try finding a partner—man or woman, it didn’t matter. She’d support him either way.

Shen Lihuan glanced at the thick photo album in her mother’s hands and leaned over for a peek. On the page was a photo of a pretty woman, accompanied by a brief profile—age, height, weight, interests. The only thing missing were her body measurements.

Shen Lihuan: “…”

Now that was professional.

Gu Tingyu rubbed his temples. “Alright, let me see the photos. But if there’s no one I like, you’re not allowed to set me up.”

He hadn’t wanted children before. But now that he knew his true background, the idea of marriage didn’t seem so off-putting. He kind of wanted a daughter—one as cute as Lihuan.

Glancing at his niece beside him, Gu Tingyu couldn’t help picturing what his future daughter might look like. If she resembled Lihuan even a little, that would be perfect.

Finally getting her brother to soften, Gu Qinglan hurriedly handed him the album. Shen Lihuan wasn’t shy either—she immediately leaned in and started flipping through the pictures with her uncle.

“Uncle, I wanna see too! If you’re getting married, I need to help pick out my future aunt.”

Gu Qinglan gave her daughter a helpless look—your uncle’s the one choosing, why are you jumping in too?

Gu Tingyu fondly ruffled Shen Lihuan’s hair. “Of course I need your approval. If I bring someone home who doesn’t get along with you or your mom, this house is going to be pure chaos.”

Gu Qinglan quickly added, “You’ve got to like her first, otherwise it’ll only make you miserable. I’d regret it more than anyone.”

“Exactly. Don’t worry, Uncle. Your niece here is lovable as can be—I’ll definitely get along with whoever you pick.”

Shen Lihuan reeled him back from his daydream. “You’ve got to trust Mom’s judgment. Everyone in here has been carefully vetted. She wouldn’t have you meet them otherwise. There’s nothing wrong with their character.”

Gu Qinglan nodded with a smile. She’d thoroughly looked into all these people, even met them in person. She genuinely wanted her brother to find someone, but she wasn’t about to set him up with someone problematic just for that.

Knowing his sister’s personality, Gu Tingyu didn’t argue and just continued flipping through the photo album with Lihuan.

There were both men and women in the album. Some came from affluent families, others from middle-class backgrounds, but they were all accomplished individuals—graduates from top universities with strong professional reputations and pleasant personalities.

Gu Tingyu wasn’t entirely sure about his orientation—he’d never dated or even had a crush—so the presence of both men and women didn’t surprise him.

From Shen Lihuan’s perspective, none of them looked as good as her beloved Changqing. Still, they were all decent-looking—at least above average.

When she turned to a page featuring a cheerful woman with dimples, she paused and said, “Uncle, I think this one’s great. Her eyes look really clear, and her smile is bright. She gives off a grounded, generous vibe.”

Gu Tingyu looked closer and immediately noticed the beauty mark by the corner of her eye. The dimples made her seem sweet, but the tear-shaped mole added a hint of allure. It was a mix of qualities that shouldn’t go together, yet somehow they drew him in.

He continued reading the accompanying description: Guan Kening, 25 years old, currently a department manager at a subsidiary of the Ye Group, 165 cm tall, weighing 48 kg. Hobbies include reading, surfing, and skiing; skilled in playing the violin.

“Looks like we have pretty similar taste, my dear niece.”

Since his niece liked this girl and he found her decent too, there was no harm in trying to get to know her. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about future awkwardness between them.

Seeing that her brother actually took interest in someone, Gu Qinglan was overjoyed. “Then I’ll arrange for you two to meet as soon as possible. You agreed to this yourself, so don’t go messing it up on purpose when the time comes.”

She reminded him, clearly worried.

“Do you think I’m that immature? Meeting someone without any interest in them? I wouldn’t force myself, and I wouldn’t make it hard on someone else either.”

Gu Tingyu closed the album. Now that he had a favorable impression of someone, there was no need to keep looking.

He wasn’t the type to fall for multiple people at once. If he liked someone, that was that.

Shen Lihuan gave her uncle a few encouraging pats on the shoulder. Her diamond-grade bachelor of an uncle was finally entering the blind dating game. She wondered how long it would be before he brought home her future aunt.

That evening, Shen Lihuan told You Changqing about it. “If Little Uncle gets a girlfriend, he’ll probably move back to his own villa.”

“Why? Even if he’s dating someone, it’s not like—”

You Changqing suddenly stopped mid-sentence, her eyes lighting up with amusement. “Lihuan, I can’t end my internship just yet. Can you wait a little longer?”

Why would Little Uncle move out just because he has a girlfriend? Of course, it’s to enjoy some private couple time. Lihuan’s words were clearly a hint—she wanted her own alone time too, and was telling her to hurry up and move in.

Shen Lihuan flopped onto the bed in disappointment, her whole expression drooping. “Changqing, I miss you so much. I can’t sleep without you by my side at night.”

You Changqing’s heart ached. “Then I’ll come stay with you at night, okay? I’ll just wake up a little earlier and leave for work.”

“No, that would tire you out.”

Shen Lihuan rolled over. “How much longer is your internship?”

“Just over a month.”

Shen Lihuan and her classmates had already finished finals and were preparing for break, so naturally, You Zongzheng had brought his daughter into the company for training.

You Changqing had always gone through the same routine in the past and never felt anything unbearable. But now, with Lihuan as her girlfriend and unable to stick to her side, every day felt endless.

“Then I’ll just move in with you at your place.”

Shen Lihuan said it so naturally. Even though they couldn’t be too affectionate in front of her future in-laws, just living together was enough to make her happy.

“You’d better be careful my dad won’t let us share a room.”

You Changqing laughed. Her dad probably still wasn’t thrilled about his daughter being the one who got “stolen away.” If Lihuan moved in, he’d definitely put his foot down about them sleeping together.

Shen Lihuan let out a wail. “What should we do then? How about I buy a ready-to-move-in apartment near your company? We’ll live there until your internship ends.”

“Huh? Isn’t that a little over the top?”

You Changqing was a bit surprised but tempted nonetheless. Honestly, she hadn’t been sleeping as well ever since they stopped sleeping together.

“It’s not over the top. You’re worth it.”

After hanging up, Shen Lihuan got up immediately and summoned 521, asking it to look for any ready-to-move-in apartments near Dingshang International.

521 wasn’t sure what its master was planning but began searching as instructed, and came back with two options.

“Huixin Complex and Jintang Complex both have ready-to-move-in units. Huixin is less than three kilometers from Dingshang International, but there’s construction nearby and the area is noisy. Jintang is five kilometers away, but it’s peaceful and near Nanhu Park, which is a great spot for evening walks.”

521 added its recommendation: “I suggest the Jintang Complex.”

“Thank you, 521, you’ve been a huge help.”

Eyes shining, Shen Lihuan patted 521’s head and then clattered off in her slippers toward her parents’ room.

She made her request to temporarily move out and looked at her parents with hopeful eyes.

Gu Qinglan frowned. “You’re perfectly fine living here. Why move out all of a sudden?”

Shen Jiashu closed his book with a snap and said plainly, “She misses her girlfriend.”

Ah yes, father knows best.

Shen Lihuan threw him an admiring look. Shen Jiashu chuckled. This little rascal.

Thinking about how Changqing was interning at the family company and couldn’t come home to stay, Gu Qinglan suddenly understood and gave her daughter a half-amused, half-exasperated glare. “Go ahead and stir up trouble. But who’s going to cook for you and Changqing if you’re living out there?”