Chapter Sixty-One: An Unwelcome Visit

When he heard these words, Shen Guodong’s body trembled ever so slightly. To be honest, this was somewhat difficult for him—not because he was unwilling, but because striking a balance was nearly impossible. Yet, having already taken that fateful step, he knew he would have to shoulder the consequences that came with it.

Zhou Meiniang had chosen to be with him in the prime of her life; it was only natural she would think of her own future. Shen Guodong had his own family, so the time he could spend with Zhou Meiniang was inevitably limited. In that light, her wish for a child was a reasonable request.

Still, such a choice was fraught with danger.

For now, Zhou Meiniang only sought companionship. But what about later? No one could predict how things might develop as time passed. If, in the end, Zhou Meiniang caused a disturbance and affected Liu Yueru, what then? Shen Guodong’s heart was always heavy with guilt toward that pitiful woman—not just because of his ambiguous entanglement with Zhou Meiniang, but also because of how he had treated Liu Yueru in the past. Despite everything, she had never considered leaving him; instead, she stayed by his side, steadfast and unwavering.

To have such a woman beside him, yet still commit such acts—if word got out, he would be branded a scoundrel. Yet, heroes throughout history have fallen before beauty. In the presence of a woman as enchanting as Zhou Meiniang, how many men could truly restrain themselves?

There was no need to elaborate further.

Zhou Meiniang’s beauty was self-evident.

Given the circumstances, all he could do was take things one step at a time. As for Zhou Meiniang’s current request, Shen Guodong truly didn’t know how to respond—nor did he dare make any promises.

Zhou Meiniang lifted her stunning, delicate face. Seeing Shen Guodong silent and unresponsive, her expression dimmed; in his heart, she was always an illegitimate, unacknowledged woman. To ask for a child from him was, frankly, too much.

She forced a smile and said, “I’m sorry. Perhaps I’m asking too much. Don’t worry—I won’t force you into anything. As long as you stay by my side and don’t abandon me, that’s enough. We can talk about these things later. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Shen Guodong nodded slightly and held her tightly in his arms.

“No matter what happens, I will give you a future,” he said. “As for the matter of a child, I’m not ready to discuss it yet. My career hasn’t even taken off—talking about having a child is simply too soon.”

They held each other quietly.

But just then—

A commotion arose outside.

It turned out Cai Juhua was not so easily dismissed; she stormed in with a large group in tow.

“There he is! This brat slapped me twice just now, and even kicked me. My whole body aches—son, you have to stand up for your mother!” Cai Juhua wailed piteously, her grief-stricken sobs worthy of an Oscar. Her acting was truly something to behold.

Several rough-looking youths accompanied her, each oozing insolence. They glared at Shen Guodong with open hostility.

“So you’re the punk who hit my mom? Are you looking to die?”

“Who do you think you are?”

“You’d better get on your knees right now, kowtow to Brother Li’s mother, and cough up some compensation. Otherwise, you’re in for a world of trouble today.”

“Look at that—this guy’s woman is quite the beauty. What a catch.”

“You sure are lucky, kid.”

The gang of hooligans sized up Shen Guodong, their gazes lingering hungrily on Zhou Meiniang. Though the man himself seemed unremarkable, the woman by his side was anything but; her beauty was truly extraordinary.

If any of them could possess such a stunning woman, they’d never want to leave home—holding her every day would be enough for a lifetime.

Exaggerated as it was, this only underscored just how breathtaking Zhou Meiniang truly was. Otherwise, why would Shen Guodong be so captivated, wanting both Liu Yueru and Zhou Meiniang, each a rare beauty in her own right?

Women who caught Shen Guodong’s discerning eye were few and far between.

Shen Guodong frowned, deeply displeased by their crude remarks. Zhou Meiniang was now his woman, and he would never allow anyone to ogle her with impunity.

Brothers are like limbs; women are like clothing!

Limbs may be lost, but clothing must not be shared.

This was Shen Guodong’s creed—what kind of man gives away his own woman?

In a certain sense, a woman is a man’s pride.

You could tell a man’s worth by the beauty of the woman at his side.

“Do you understand the meaning of ‘disaster springs from the tongue’?” Shen Guodong narrowed his eyes menacingly. “Your mother insulted my woman first; I retaliated after. An eye for an eye—seems fair to me.”

“Punk, I don’t care about any of that,” the self-proclaimed Li Hu sneered. “Since you laid hands on my mother, you’re going to pay. I’m laying it out right now—give us a solution, or don’t blame me for what happens next.”

“A solution?” Shen Guodong replied coolly. “There is none. If you insist on making trouble, you’ll pay the price. I’ve said my piece—whether you believe me or not is your business.”

Shen Guodong never went looking for trouble, but he was never one to shy away from it, either. That simply wasn’t his way.

At his words, those assembled stared at him in disbelief. Was this guy serious? Did he really mean what he said?

Impossible—surely no one could be that bold.

For a moment, the room was silent. Then, laughter erupted.

“Hahaha! Is this guy for real? I can’t believe someone actually said that!”

“Well, I’ve seen it all now. Useless, but great at running his mouth.”

“Do you know who you’re talking to? You’ve got some nerve, acting tough in front of us!”

These ruffians were used to getting their way, and now they jeered and mocked him, not a single one taking Shen Guodong seriously. Their faces were full of ridicule and scorn, convinced he was nothing but a joke.