Chapter 166: The Reason That Demands Independence

As a subsidiary of the Hua family launched a new store, Lin Shuo was naturally among the invitees. However, he attended not in a personal capacity, but as a representative of Maoyuan. Xiaoxiao accompanied him throughout the evening as his female companion. Although she thoroughly disliked the pretentious socializing, she forced a polite smile for the occasion, clearly adapting quite well to the role of a future Mrs. Lin.

Throughout the entire reception, Hua Mei could be seen fluttering among various guests like a colorful butterfly. Whenever anyone occasionally inquired about her romantic life, she would exchange pleasantries with a smile and even crack a joke from time to time, having seemingly walked out of the shadow of her failed marriage.

Watching Hua Mei from a distance as she skillfully maneuvered the room, Xiaoxiao could not help feeling a sense of gratification. Hua Mei had changed; she seemed to possess the ability to stand on her own two feet. Perhaps a failed marriage had not left entirely negative impacts on her, and had even given her a reason she had no choice but to be independent.

After Hua Mei finished dealing with a crowd of business associates, it was finally Xiaoxiao's turn to exchange a few intimate words with her. Displaying great tact, Lin Shuo allowed himself to be buttonholed by people seeking to curry favor, leaving them ample space.

Hua Mei repeatedly apologized, claiming that her busyness had led to neglect of Xiaoxiao, for which she felt terribly guilty. Xiaoxiao expressed her understanding—soon the entire Hua family would belong to Hua Mei, leaving her no choice but to put in her utmost effort. Besides, having a focus at a time like this was a good thing; perhaps as Hua Mei's horizons gradually broadened, the pain of the past would become insignificant. To this, she was ready to give her wholehearted approval.

"I originally thought that once I stopped being a housewife, I could join you for women's afternoon tea, but who could have known that the moment I returned to the company, I would be swamped by piles of matters and unable to break away. In a few days, I even have to go out of town to negotiate a deal. It shouldn't really be me going, but you know how my dad is aging. If I were still lacking in sense, he wouldn't even be able to close his eyes in peace when his time comes." Hua Mei tossed her long, curly hair, the charm of a mature woman radiating like the scent of exquisitely packaged perfume lingering in the venue.

If Zeng Ziyu could see her now, would he feel a twisp of regret? Pondering such a regret-inducing question, Xiaoxiao couldn't help but sigh with exasperation on Zeng Ziyu's behalf.

Just as she was about to say something, an assistant hurried in with a shifty expression and whispered something in Hua Mei's ear. Hua Mei turned her head to look toward the entrance, and following her gaze, Xiaoxiao understood what had happened. Dozens of flower baskets were arranged at the door, and someone had just carried another one and placed it at the very end. The banner bore auspicious phrases, indistinguishable from ordinary congratulatory gifts, and it was quickly swallowed up by the bustling, floral-decked atmosphere. The only thing that stood out was the signature at the bottom: Zeng Ziyu.

Turning back to look at Hua Mei, she saw only a faint smile on her face as she calmly instructed her assistant, "Help me return a call to him and say I thank him for his thoughtfulness." She was so composed that it hardly seemed like she was dealing with someone she once loved desperately and incurably.

On this point, Xiaoxiao truly admired her.