“Children are like that,” some family friends chimed in to smooth things over. “My own rascal is a handful all day, it’s a headache for us too.”
“Yes, yes, mine too. When I told him to go on blind dates, he insisted on talking about true love and freedom, saying he needed to build his career first before dating. Then he ran off abroad, and we haven’t seen him since.”
“Madam Chen, what are you saying?” Fang Yuan calmed down, gave Zhou Wenjing a look, and then walked towards the crowd of guests.
Damn it. He had planned to strike first and put Fang Miaomiao in her place, making her obedient and allowing him to have some influence with the Wen family. He hadn’t expected her to turn the tables on him, almost leading him down her path.
However, he didn’t believe Fang Miaomiao had the brains to not only resist him but also counter-attack. It seemed Fang Miaomiao held some sway in the Wen family, which was why such strategies were taught to her.
Still, this also confirmed one thing: Fang Miaomiao was useful, and immensely so.
Zhou Wenjing nodded slightly, indicating she understood.
Once most of the onlookers had dispersed, Zhou Wenjing stepped forward and took Fang Miaomiao’s hand. “Miaomiao, it’s been a long time since we last met, hasn’t it?”
“Mrs. Fang, if you have something to say, please say it directly.” Fang Miaomiao took a step back and sat down in her seat.
Zhou Wenjing gave Fang Yanhuan a look before sitting down beside Fang Miaomiao, her face etched with worry. “Child, are you still angry with us?”
“What makes you say that?”
She remembered that the original host had intended to leave immediately after learning she wasn’t a member of the Fang family, but for some unknown reason, she had stayed.
“Child, please don’t blame us. After you ran away, we wanted to find you, but a traitor suddenly appeared in Fang Group and absconded with half of our efforts. We were busy stabilizing the situation and neglected our search for you,” Zhou Wenjing said, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Later, when we learned you had entered the entertainment industry, we wanted to look after you. But we were afraid you were still angry and never dared to show ourselves,” Zhou Wenjing said with a wry smile. “Miaomiao, perhaps you think what I’m saying now is useless, but I just want to say that you and Yanhuan are both my children. I don’t want to, and I won’t, neglect one for the other.”
Fang Miaomiao calmly glanced at Zhou Wenjing, who was dabbing her eyes, and remained silent.
Zhou Wenjing spoke for a long time but received no response from Fang Miaomiao. She glanced over and saw a child nestled in Fang Miaomiao’s arms, seemingly throwing a tantrum.
Because the spot was relatively dim, Zhou Wenjing, being slightly nearsighted, couldn’t quite make out who the child was. “Miaomiao, whose child is this?”
“My son,” Fang Miaomiao said calmly, handing a glass of champagne to Wen Yan'an.
Wen Yan'an looked at the champagne in Fang Miaomiao’s hand, pursed his lips, and took a sip.
It was sour and a little sharp, not very pleasant.
Zhou Wenjing’s expression changed. “Are you joking?”
When did Fang Miaomiao have such a grown son? Did the Wen family know about this?
“Kid, tell her who you are.”
“Wen Yan'an, my mommy’s child.”
Wen Yan'an.
Zhou Wenjing looked somewhat awkwardly at Fang Miaomiao. “Child, why are you letting the young master of the Wen family sit in this dim corner? Aren’t you afraid the Wen family will blame you if they find out?”
“Wherever Mom is, I am.”
A blush of embarrassment appeared on Wen Yan'an’s cheeks, and he leaned against Fang Miaomiao. His soft, tender words made Fang Miaomiao can’t help but reach out and pat him.
“Mrs. Fang, I apologize. Our An’an is shy around strangers, so I found a relatively quiet place for us to sit.”
Zhou Wenjing forced a smile. “Oh, I see. It was my mistake, I misunderstood.”
“Mrs. Fang, we’re all intelligent people. Let’s not beat around the bush. If you have something to say, just say it.”
“Miaomiao,” Zhou Wenjing said, steeling herself. “I just miss you.”
How could Fang Miaomiao have become so difficult to talk to in just a year? She remembered that a year ago, although Fang Miaomiao looked unapproachable and had a quick temper, she was always obedient to their words, as well-behaved as can be.
Now, Fang Miaomiao appeared easygoing, but in reality, she was unyielding and indifferent.
The current Fang Miaomiao was no longer easy to control.
This realization caused Zhou Wenjing to nervously twist her handkerchief.
“Oh, alright. You’ve seen me now. Is there anything else, Mrs. Fang?”
Zhou Wenjing’s smile could no longer be maintained. “I know you’re still angry with us. I’m not asking you to forgive us immediately. As long as you’re doing well, your parents are at ease.”
“Oh.” Fang Miaomiao picked up the gift beside her. “This is a birthday present for Mr. Fang. It’s not worth much.”
Zhou Wenjing glanced at the gift box, which wasn’t particularly well-packaged. A hint of disdain flashed in her eyes, but she said gently, “Child, why did you bring a gift when you came home?”
“Mommy.”
“Good boy.” Fang Miaomiao then noticed something was slightly off with the little one. “Did you really drink champagne just now?”
Good heavens, she had just been joking, but who knew this little guy had actually had some alcohol.
“Mommy, that water wasn’t good to drink.”
Fang Miaomiao wanted to laugh, but she knew laughing in this situation might traumatize the child.
With a modicum of care and pity, Fang Miaomiao suppressed her amusement. “How much did you drink?”
“Just a sip.” Wen Yan'an raised his hand and gestured a small amount.
Fang Miaomiao was torn between laughing and crying. “Okay, okay, just a little. Do you feel dizzy?”
Wen Yan'an shook his head.
“What’s wrong with the little master of the Wen family?”
“Nothing, he’s drunk.”
“How could you let the young master of the Wen family drink?” Zhou Wenjing habitually put on a senior’s air. “The Wen family letting you bring the young master out is already a great show of trust. Yet you let him get drunk. If the Wen family finds out, how will you explain yourself?”
“You old witch, can you stop talking? You’re so noisy.”
Before Fang Miaomiao could speak, the child who had been leaning in her arms poked his head out. His watery eyes glared angrily at Zhou Wenjing.
“Young master of the Wen family?”
“Shut up, don’t talk to me. I don’t like what you’re saying,” Wen Yan’an covered his ears with his hands. “Old witch, you’re bullying my mommy. Don’t talk to me. If you keep talking, I’ll hit you.”
Fang Miaomiao had never seen Wen Yan'an act so fiercely before. She was amused and touched, pulling him into her embrace. “Shh, shh, I’m here, I’m here.”
“Mommy, she’s bullying you,” Wen Yan'an wrapped his arms around Fang Miaomiao’s neck and mumbled, “I don’t like her.”
His slightly slurred, accusatory words warmed Fang Miaomiao’s heart. “Mrs. Fang, my child is a bit tipsy. We should take our leave.”
Zhou Wenjing wanted to say more, but seeing Fang Miaomiao’s now cold eyes, the words caught in her throat.