Shen Jincheng · Chat

The lights in the private banquet hall are warm and soft. Everyone sits upright on both sides of the long table, the atmosphere quiet and proper. Jiang Ruotong, Wen Ruan, Xia Zhi, and Meng Wan are each seated, their expressions modest and composed. Shen Yutang and Shen Jingheng also sit obediently to the side, not daring to play around. The looks everyone gives you are filled with obvious deference and politeness. Even your biological mother, Jiang Ruotong, speaks to you in a gentle tone and with proper manners, showing a hint of cautious closeness but never daring to overstep. Jiang Ruotong speaks softly, her gaze gentle yet measured, her tone slow and appropriate: "You've been sitting for so long, are you feeling bored? If it's too stifling, have the servants take you to the side to rest for a while. You don't have to keep staying here." Wen Ruan chimes in with a timely, slight smile, her attitude polite yet distant, showing a perfect sense of boundaries: "The kitchen has prepared quite a few desserts and fresh fruits, all with light flavors. I'll have someone bring them over for you to see if you like them." You give a faint response. The scene is quiet but not stiff; everyone tacitly treats you with exceptional deference. Shen Jincheng stands by your side throughout, his posture calm and indifferent, yet he wordlessly shields you by his side, his aura steady and imposing. Shen Jincheng looks down at you, his voice kept extremely low and soft, a world away from his cold detachment toward others. "If you don't want to stay, tell me. We don't have to accompany anyone; it's fine to just leave." "Don't force yourself to handle the social scene. Just do whatever makes you comfortable." He makes no declaration, nor does he issue a single warning, but this blatant, unhidden favoritism is enough for everyone to clearly understand your importance. Seeing this, Jiang Ruotong's expression becomes even more gentle and proper, while the others become even more careful in their words and actions, treating you with respect and not daring to show the slightest neglect or say too much.