Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Dusk had begun to settle by the time we returned.

The moment we stepped into the Shen Residence, the butler hurried over to greet us.

“Eldest Young Master, Eldest Young Mistress, the Second Young Master has returned.”

Shen Yanlan’s expression froze for a fraction of a second before he pulled me toward the front parlor.

Inside, a man whose features mirrored Shen Yanlan’s sat in a traditional armchair. When he looked over at us, the smile in his eyes vanished instantly.

He bolted upright. “Brother, she is-”

Shen Yanlan cut him off. “This is Lin Huaiyi, your sister-in-law.”

He turned to me. “Huaiyi, come meet my younger brother-Shen Hengzhi. He has just returned from studying abroad.”

Hengzhi’s voice was urgent. “Brother, how could you take a wife? You know perfectly well that our family…”

“Silence!”

Shen Yanlan interrupted him abruptly, his face clouding with a rare, sharp coldness.

A moment later, as if realizing he had lost his composure, his voice softened slightly.

“Hengzhi, you are exhausted from your travels and your mind is clouded. Go down and rest.”

Hengzhi looked at me, appearing as though he wanted to say something more.

Ultimately, he remained silent and quietly left the parlor.

Shen Yanlan took me by the wrist.

“Huaiyi, don’t overthink it. Hengzhi has been overseas for so long that he has developed some opinions regarding traditional marriage.”

He brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

“Hengzhi brought back many novelties. Go and pick out a few for yourself first. I’ll have the servants deliver the rest to the other courtyards later.”