Chapter 331 Bumper Cars

Song Ni took off her wedding dress and changed back into the clothes she wore that morning. She then noticed another person beside Tan Zheng. Hugh was not in formal attire today. Perhaps on his last visit, he had observed that Tan Zheng and Song Ni’s outfits were rather casual. To match their style, even for a day he considered important and formal, he dressed casually. Of course, his casual wear was simply a polo shirt, a common choice for successful men. Thanks to Hugh’s distinguished demeanor, his attire didn’t appear overly business-like; instead, it exuded humility and warmth. Hugh was generally like this, at least in front of outsiders. As Song Ni walked in, she heard Hugh complaining to Tan Zheng, "Why didn't you invite me to your birthday?" Song Ni paused, then saw Tan Zheng raise his eyebrows and say nonchalantly, "Didn't you receive one?" Indeed, he had, but it was an invitation card sent by Song Ni. Hugh had spent years trying to get closer to Tan Zheng, and now that he had finally found an opening through Song Ni, he naturally wanted to push his luck further. "Your wife sent it to me," Tan Zheng said, in a good mood today, and willing to humor Hugh’s trivial remark. "My wife represents me." Moreover, he was present when Song Ni wrote the invitation. Hugh seemed flattered; his savior was finally accepting his overtures. Hugh took out an envelope and handed it to Tan Zheng. Tan Zheng paused before reaching out to take it, but he didn't open it. "What is this?" Hugh smiled. "Open it when you get back." Tan Zheng’s fingers brushed over it, and he could gauge its thickness, knowing roughly what it contained. Without further thought, he handed it back. "I've already received a house full of gifts; this one is unnecessary." Hugh refused to take it back. "Those things are nothing." They were indeed nothing compared to the value that could purchase thirty to forty percent of the sports cars he owned at Yu Long Villa. When Hugh wouldn't accept it, Tan Zheng also withdrew his hand, leaving them in a stalemate. Hugh, realizing he couldn't out-argue Tan Zheng, said helplessly, "You know I never take back what I give. You can even throw it away." Tan Zheng raised an eyebrow. "You also know I never accept what I refuse." With that, he made to tear it up and discard it. Seeing this, Song Ni wanted to step in and ease the tension. Before she could move, Hugh spoke urgently, "I wrote your wife's name on it." As expected, Tan Zheng's hand movements stopped. Hugh breathed a sigh of relief. "I also couldn't figure out what you would like. You already have enough cars, and you're far more of an expert in that area than I am. The only other thing that could rival racing is your wife. Perhaps giving it to your wife would make you happier than giving it directly to you." Hugh, a man of high standing, was adept at understanding people's desires. Tan Zheng withdrew his hand. Whatever Hugh was giving Song Ni would undoubtedly be related to fashion. He did, after all, hold significant shares in a leading fashion conglomerate. This gift was no trifle. It was something money couldn't buy and would be beneficial to Song Ni's future career. Tan Zheng slightly furrowed his brow. "What do you want?" Upon hearing this, Hugh knew Tan Zheng was considering accepting the token gift. "Zheng, this is a gift, not a transaction." Tan Zheng's brow knit tighter. Hugh noticed this and added with a smile, "If it's convenient, could you give me a car that you've personally modified? My nephew is a big fan of yours." Tan Zheng agreed. Only then did Song Ni walk over. The two men, with perfect tacit understanding, did not mention the gift. Seeing their reaction, Song Ni pretended not to know. The last event on the schedule was a bumper car game. Naturally, their bumper cars were modified from real vehicles, making them vastly different from the ones played in childhood, and considerably more thrilling. They paired up two by two. Just as Tan Zheng had taken it for granted that he would be paired with Song Ni, she walked towards another car. Tan Zheng: "What are you doing?" A mischievous glint flashed in Song Ni's eyes. "Just racing. I haven't competed against you yet." Song Ni's impromptu decision caused everyone else to cheer. Sheng Jiang almost jumped up, wanting to be paired with Song Ni. "Sister Ni, Sister Ni, look at me!" Song Ni looked down at his leg, which was still healing, and waved her finger. "Rest up and recover. We'll play next time." Next time? Only a child would believe that. Sheng Jiang was displeased and insisted on getting into Song Ni's passenger seat but was dragged away by two club staff members. Vivian also wanted to participate, but Song Ni felt that such an intense scene might frighten her, suggesting she watch one round first before deciding. Scanning the crowd, Song Ni noticed Huan Yuan's expectant gaze and asked, "Huan Yuan, do you want to join?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Huan Yuan eagerly replied, "Okay." He cherished every opportunity to race against Tan Zheng. Song Ni chuckled, unsure how Huan Yuan could remain so quiet amidst the boisterous crowd at the club. Having chosen her teammate, Song Ni raised an eyebrow and looked provocatively at Tan Zheng. "You're not scared, are you?" What could Tan Zheng possibly be afraid of? This was merely a simple bumper car game, which, in Tan Zheng's eyes, was child's play. Tan Zheng didn't reply and directly got into the car. Naturally, many people wanted to be paired with Tan Zheng, but beside him was someone who appeared to be a distinguished guest, clearly a person of importance. Despite their desires, they dared not approach. Hugh had been left with a psychological scar from a car accident years ago, and he hadn't driven since. His family had dedicated chauffeurs and drivers, and he always sat in the back, never having to drive himself. But with Tan Zheng there, he wasn't afraid. He handed his cane to someone beside him and, under Tan Zheng's watchful gaze, got into the car. His expression was impassive, but as soon as he was inside, he immediately fastened his seatbelt. Tan Zheng observed his actions and let out a soft laugh. "If you're scared, don't pretend." "I'm not scared." Tan Zheng glanced at his tightly clasped hands on the seatbelt. Hugh: "People always break through their limitations." There was indeed a shadow, and he was indeed afraid, but with such a good opportunity, and Tan Zheng driving, what was there to fear? Even if it was in the form of bumper cars. Hearing Hugh say this, Tan Zheng didn't ask further. He looked directly at Song Ni opposite him, with some interest, but not a great deal. This game was simple and brutal; it was a direct collision. However, the car was not small, and even after modification, the impact felt by the body would be considerably more significant than in normal bumper cars. If it were against Song Ni, he genuinely wasn't sure he'd dare to collide with her wantonly.