185: I stumbled upon something interesting

I stumbled upon something interesting

Laughter and lively talks filled the venue, and bursts of laughing could be heard as the Old Master He started his speech, also addressing the guests that had come to the banquet.  0

Waiters brought out delicious multi-course meals that looked as amazing as they tasted and as the night went on, the fancy dinner turned into a grand display of achievements. The guests started to leave their tables to associate with their friends and acquaintances, or to build connections that night. 

Noticing her son engrossed in conversation with a middle-aged woman who was introducing her daughter, Yuan Ru shifted her attention away from the group she was chatting with and politely excused herself. 

Moving gracefully through the gathering, she approached her son, Luo Zhelan, and lightly grasped his arm, causing him to turn his focus toward her. It was during this that Yuan Ru discerned a faint hint of irritation on Luo Zhelan's countenance, though he tried to hide it.

With a warm smile, Yuan Ru addressed the middle-aged woman, "Madam Wang, if my memory serves me right?"

  Madam Wang responded with an affirming nod and a radiant smile, "I didn't expect Madam Luo to recognize me." 

Yuan Ru then explained, her voice gentle and genuine, "I had the pleasure of attending Xifeng's recent fashion show," she stated, her hand gesturing toward the young woman standing beside Madam Wang, who was none other than her daughter, "I distinctly remember how your daughter skillfully showcased the elegance of Xifeng's creations. It was quite impressive, especially considering that she is just starting."

Upon hearing Yuan Ru's compliment, the daughter's face lit up with a smile, "Thank you, Madam Luo. While I do thoroughly enjoy modeling, it's just one of the many hobbies I have."

Madam Wang, noticing that Yuan Ru had a positive impression of her daughter, seized the opportunity to propose an idea. She spoke up, her voice eager, "How about we let our two young ones get to know each other? Lin here is a neuroscience graduate and she's thinking of joining a research organization as well."

Luo Zhelan, anticipating the direction the conversation was taking, was just about to respond when his mother lightly tapped his arm. 

He paused and pursed his lips, understanding her signal.

This scenario wasn't new for him. Many people are aware that he was a leading figure in the Research Organization and would often mention their daughters, nieces, or granddaughters who held science degrees.

Yuan Ru's smile remained graceful and unchanged. In response to Madam Wang's suggestion, she said,  "Oh, but my son here already has someone, Madam Wang. However, if your daughter is interested in joining the Research Organization, she's welcome to do so if she has the skills, and I believe she does."

Madam Wang and her daughter were primarily focused on Yuan Ru's initial statement. 

It was too much of a surprise to them considering that news about Luo Zhelan being linked to any female had rarely made its way into the public eye. Unlike his cousin, who had been featured in news articles for dating several celebrities, Luo Zhelan's relationship remained largely undisclosed.

However, a subtle realization flickered across Madam Wang's expression as she processed Yuan Ru's words, sparking another smile from her. "Then perhaps we should allow them to become acquainted. After all, I would enjoy your company as well, Madam Luo," she responded graciously while presenting her calling card.

Yuan Ru's phrasing caught Madam Wang's attention. Yuan Ru had mentioned that Luo Zhelan currently had someone, not explicitly stating that he was in a relationship. 

Madam Wang could infer that perhaps the Luo family hadn't yet granted their approval for the relationship to progress.

Before Yuan Ru could reply, Luo Zhelan acted swiftly, speaking before his mother could intervene. His words caused Yuan Ru's lips to twitch slightly as a reaction. "If it's not clear, Madam Wang, I already have a girlfriend. I would appreciate it if you stopped pushing your daughter toward me. Excuse me," Luo Zhelan stated, his tone firm and unwavering. With that, he turned and made a swift exit.

Yuan Ru, wearing an apologetic smile, addressed the two women before her. She excused herself and hurriedly followed after her son, catching up to him and grabbing his arm gently.

Addressing him with a gentle yet reproachful tone, she expressed, "You could have conveyed that more tactfully. Lady Lin seemed hurt by what you said."

Luo Zhelan turned his gaze towards his mother, a mixture of annoyance and resignation in his eyes. "Mom, do we need to discuss this?"

Yuan Ru responded with a slight sigh, "What's wrong with asking you to choose your words more carefully? Is it too much to ask?"

Annoyance was evident on Luo Zhelan's face as he ran his hand through his hair, displaying a hint of frustration, "No, but don't you think it's equally excessive for them to persist even after being turned down? Madam Wang keeps trying to discuss with you for me and her daughter to be acquainted, as though I cannot make my own decisions. If they wish to avoid hearing harsh responses, perhaps they should reconsider their approach, to begin with."

Upon hearing her son's response, Yuan Ru stated, "Alright, I understand. Just remember to choose your words carefully next time," she advised her tone both understanding and cautionary.

Luo Zhelan was already old enough to know what he was doing. 

It was just that she couldn't help but notice how Madam Wang's daughter appeared soft-hearted and gentle and seeing the sad look on the young woman's face with her son's words, Yuan Ru felt sorry for her. 

She understood how the girl must have felt.

Luo Zhelan acknowledged his mother's words with a nod, and the two made their way back to their table. 

Unbeknownst to them, their conversation hadn't gone unnoticed. Another individual had overheard the conversation between the two of them and the pair of mother and daughter. 

After a while, Luo Zhelan decided to take a stroll through the He family's garden, leaving the table temporarily. 

Luo Lina casually settled back into her seat, her lips curled into a smug smile, "Ah, who would have thought I'd stumble upon something quite interesting while making a quick trip to the restroom?" she remarked with a hint of mischief in her voice.

Luo Zhenkang, who had also returned to his seat, responded with a touch of indifference, "What about it?" His tone conveyed little interest, as though he was asking for the sake of it. 

With a smug air about her, Luo Lna responded, "Well, it's not exactly my secret to share, is it, Auntie Ru?" She turned towards Yuan Ru, who had just taken a leisurely sip of her wine.

Yuan Ru gently placed her wine glass back onto the table, maintaining her composed smile, even though she was well aware of the matter to which Luo Lina was talking about.

She responded calmly, yet her gaze fixed on Luo Lina was tinged with warning, "You're correct in understanding that. So, you should refrain from mentioning anything about it."

Out of all the people who might have overheard their conversation, it has to be this girl, Luo Lina, who always goes against her and Luo Zhelan as though her life depended on getting a reaction from the two of them. 

However, Luo Lina was not one to easily back down. She responded, "But isn't it common to share the good news with the family? And where's our cousin? He should be present to tell Grandpa and Grandma," she turned her gaze to Luo Zexian, who appeared confused, "Oh, it seems even Uncle here is unaware of what's going on as well."

Luo Zexian's brow furrowed as he sought clarification, "What are you talking about?"

Observing the confusion on her husband's and in-laws' faces, Yuan Ru realized that evading the topic would not suffice. 

It was a conversation that couldn't be brushed aside. 

Faced with the situation, she had two choices: offer a vague explanation herself or wait for Luo Zhelan to address it later. As he wasn't present at that moment, she opted for the former.

"It's a matter involving Luo Zhelan, so he should inform you. We can discuss this when we're back home," Yuan Ru suggested, her tone carrying a blend of caution and concern.

Luo Lina's ears caught onto Yuan Ru's words, and her suspicions were confirmed. 

Luo Lina hearing those words, finally confirmed her suspicion. With the way Yuan Ru was acting, If Luo Zhelan's girlfriend were a person of equal standing to their family, Yuan Ru would likely have addressed the matter straightforwardly. 

But since Yuan Ru was avoiding talking about it, it seemed like she was worried about how their grandparents might react, which implies that Luo Zhelan's girlfriend might not hold the same elevated status, which oddly pleased Luo Lina.

Luo Zhenkang who had no interest in her daughter's words a while ago already has his lips curved into a wry smile, and stated as he leaned forward slightly, "Well then, why don't we have your son come back and deliver the news himself?" he suggested, turning to address his son, "Xin, why don't you go find your cousin and bring him here?"

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