Chapter 333: Legally Family
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Wen Nian returned to the hotel and started packing her luggage. With her affairs here squared away, she felt the urgency of heading back. The new year was just two days away and she needed to go home as soon as possible. Otherwise, she would have to deal with her parents’ nagging.
Shen Jun reclined on the sofa, a reluctant expression crossing his face. “Are you sure about leaving today?”
Observing Wen Nian’s demeanor, he held back the question of inviting her to spend the new year at his place. He knew it wasn’t the right time, and there were other complications to consider, especially his mother’s presence. Even if Wen Nian did visit, it could lead to further complications.
Wen Nian hadn’t packed much, intending to return in just a day or two, so she swiftly sorted her clothes.
“I’ve made up my mind to head back first. Don’t worry; I’ll call you at midnight on New Year’s Eve.” She gently kissed Shen Jun’s forehead.
Shen Jun embraced her and allowed her to nestle into his arms.
He buried his face in Wen Nian’s long hair, his voice somewhat nasal. “I don’t want you to go.”
Wen Nian chuckled and affectionately tapped his head. “What’s gotten into you? You’ll be heading back to school in a few days. How about coming with me for the New Year?”
However, as soon as she said it, Wen Nian regretted it. Shen Jun was giving her a “seriously?” look, as though he’d pack his bags and leave in a heartbeat if she agreed.
“I-I was just joking. You need to be with your family,” Wen Nian awkwardly explained.
But Shen Jun persisted. “You’re my family too. Sooner or later, you’ll be an official member.”
His words flushed Wen Nian’s cheeks crimson. She gently broke free from Shen Jun’s embrace. “Official member? You’re not serious!”
They lingered at the hotel for a while before Shen Jun accompanied Wen Nian to the airport. He had considered following her, but Wen Nian found it unnecessary.
Fortunately, Shen Jiang also had plans to return to Hai City to visit relatives for the new year. With him as her escort, Shen Jun felt reassured.
As soon as Wen Nian boarded the plane, Shen Jun’s phone rang.
“Shen Jun, did you make a move against Fatty Wu?” Xue Jiang’s voice carried a note of urgency. “My family’s investment is tied up in the entertainment city project he’s building in the western suburbs. If you’re involved, you need to tell me beforehand!”
Shen Jun’s brows furrowed. He had indeed initiated an investigation into Wu Gang, but the evidence wasn’t strong enough. Without a surefire knockout blow, Shen Jun wasn’t ready to strike yet.
He replied with a measured tone, “It wasn’t me. What’s going on?”
Xue Jiang said resentfully, “It’s not you? Then Fatty Wu must have offended someone else. Damn it, my family is implicated too.”
Over the phone, Xue Jiang provided a brief overview of the situation. The incident from the previous day had just unfolded, and Wu Gang had regained consciousness in the hospital that morning. By noon, he’d received word from his subordinates that the project approval for the western suburbs’ entertainment city had been revoked.
This plan had been in the works for half a year. The Xue family had dedicated considerable effort and a substantial portion of their investment to it, never expecting it would come to a screeching halt without a shred of warning.
Wu Gang had tirelessly sought information from various sources, but no one seemed to have a clue. The management office staff all echoed the same line, “We’re just following orders from higher-ups.”
The Xue family put their heads together and couldn’t help but speculate that this unexpected twist was likely linked to Shen Jun. Who else possessed the influence to pull something like this off apart from the Shen family? However, they were in for a surprise; it wasn’t Shen Jun behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, as Wu Gang was desperately probing for answers, Shen Mo was comforting his wife, cradling her in his arms.
“Honey, don’t be upset. It was late last night, but 1 took action first thing in the morning. Wu Gang’s project approval for the entertainment city has been revoked. No need to be unhappy.”
Zhao Jiao, however, shot him a sharp look. “You should have acted yesterday. Our daughter-in-law has endured so much. We need to support her! Instead, you hesitated until morning. Besides, deducting just one of his projects isn’t enough satisfaction!”
In reality, despite the considerable capital at stake, the web of power among the major families was intricate, and the Shen family’s spies were everywhere.
Yesterday, the Xue family’s second son had rushed to Chuanliu, and Wu Gang had been hospitalized. Nearly all the families were aware of this, but since it didn’t concern them directly, no one pursued it.
Nonetheless, Zhao Jiao couldn’t sit idly by. She had already subjected the Shen family’s daughter-in-law to humiliation. She had managed to restrain herself from rushing to the hospital that night and tearing Wu Gang apart.
Seeing Zhao Jiao’s fury, Shen Mo swiftly suggested, “How about 1 have someone investigate the television drama he’s currently filming? I’ve heard he invested heavily in it. If it faces censorship, he’ll surely suffer financial losses.
Zhao Jiao looked at him angrily. “Then why are you still hugging me? Go!”
Shen Mo planted a fervent kiss on his wife’s cheek but was unceremoniously pushed away by Zhao Jiao’s disdainful gesture. Only then did he leave the house with a sense that his status as an old father-in-law would be downgraded once his daughter-in-law officially joined the family..