Volume One, Chapter Seven: If You Want to Run Away, I Can Help You

“Ah?”

Hearing Li Shen say that, Shen Zhi’en was very surprised. Looking at his expression, his black, deep, bottomless eyes were filled with sincerity and calmness.

She thought for a moment and felt that perhaps he was right. Youth is precious; rather than forcing themselves to stay together and torment each other, it would be better to let go at the right time. He has someone he likes, and she can have a future as well. Giving the future one more option seemed quite good.

Suddenly, she felt that this usually stern young master wasn’t so annoying after all.

Was it infatuation? Shen Zhi’en shook her head, trying to clear her mind.

“What’s the plan for later?” Li Shen asked.

“I want to visit my sister at the hospital; she’s being discharged tomorrow.”

“I’m free this afternoon. I’ll drive you there.”

Li Shen drove the car toward the hospital with Shen Zhi’en. She rolled down the window, and the afternoon breeze, warmed by the sunlight, drifted in gently.

The phone rang. Li Shen glanced at it, pulled over, got out, and answered the call.

“Ah Shen, if I had agreed to you that day, would everything have been different?”

“Xiao An...” Li Shen’s voice was laced with helplessness.

“Do you remember when we were in Anaya, and we saw a proposal by the seaside? I said I love the ocean so much that if someone proposed to me by the sea, I would definitely say yes.” Zhuo An choked on her words.

“Why did you rush to propose?”

“Why didn’t I say yes then?”

“Did you really want to marry me?”

“But why did you so easily choose someone else?” Zhuo An pleaded.

“Xiao An, look forward.” Li Shen sighed.

“I can’t. You’re too cruel, Ah Shen.”

“You’ll regret giving me up so easily.” Zhuo An’s final words carried a hint of reluctance, regret, and hate.

Li Shen stood there for a moment. A delivery guy rushed past him. He frowned and dusted off his clothes.

Just as he was about to get back into the car, he noticed the passenger seat was empty. Frowning, he took out his phone and received a WeChat message.

“Crazy Actress: You go ahead, I took a taxi to the hospital.”

“Phantom Thief Shen: Why did you leave?”

“Crazy Actress: Nothing.”

Since she refused to say more, he didn’t press further. With his thoughts tangled, Li Shen started the car and headed back to the company.

The wind picked up, and ginkgo leaves drifted down. Shen Zhi’en stood by the roadside, watching Li Shen’s car slowly disappear until it was out of sight.

Li Shen forgot to turn off the car’s Bluetooth, so she heard the entire call clearly.

Reality was like cold rain, dousing the flames that had just been kindled.

*

At the hospital ward, Shen Zhi’en saw her parents and sister.

Her sister’s condition was quite good; she could already walk a little. At the moment, their parents were supporting her as she slowly moved outside the room.

Seeing Shen Zhi’en, her sister was excited, “Sister!”

“Don’t move, I’ll come to you.” Shen Zhi’en waved and hurried over.

Her father, Shen Limin, and mother, Su Ling, smiled as well.

The family of four embraced warmly, then returned to the room and sat by the bedside.

“This time, the Li family really helped a lot. They arranged a top-notch surgeon for Dian Dian’s operation, paid for the surgery and medical expenses, and even got us a single room,” Shen Limin sighed.

Hearing this, Shen Zhi’en felt a bit better; at least she wasn’t completely useless after marrying in.

Su Ling seemed to notice Shen Zhi’en’s hidden exhaustion and tenderly held her hand, asking, “Are the Li family treating you well?”

“Quite well. The Li grandfather seems to like me a lot; he says I resemble grandma.”

“Old Master Li is the head of the family. If he likes you and protects you, we can feel more at ease,” Shen Limin said.

“How about Li Shen? I saw online that he’s quite difficult,” Su Ling still worried.

“Well, he grew up adored by everyone, so some quirks are normal. Besides, his father and the old master keep an eye on him.”

Shen Zhi’en tried to speak well of Li Shen to ease her parents’ worries.

“The Li family gave a 6.66 million dowry and covered Dian Dian’s treatment expenses. Mom has kept track of the money. We won’t touch the dowry. When I earn money, I’ll transfer the surgery fees to you. Don’t use it yourself,” Su Ling said.

“Yes, we have hands and feet; we shouldn’t rely on them,” Shen Limin reminded.

“I know. Li Shen’s dad doesn’t seem too keen on me being an internet celebrity. After marriage, I’m thinking of shifting career paths; hopefully, I can continue acting.”

“Your dad and mom haven’t been much help, with one of you always unwell and the other having to work from a young age. Xiao En, remember, whenever you’re unhappy, come home. We will always be your support.”

“Mm. Don’t worry, mom, I won’t let you down. The wedding is soon, and I’ll get ready properly. Make sure you dress beautifully too.”

Shen Zhi’en buried her head in her mother’s embrace, silently tears welling in her eyes.

*

On the wedding day, early morning outside Dongshan Huashu Villa was packed with media and internet celebrities, all eager to get exclusive shots of the ceremony first.

The wedding had three main parts: the bride’s procession, the ceremony, and the afterparty.

Tycoons and celebrities from various fields gathered, and top stars came to offer congratulations. The Li Group invited three leading media outlets to cover the entire event and livestreamed it officially on Weibo.

The wedding planners were top-notch—refined but not tacky or dull. The bride’s and groom’s processions went smoothly according to schedule.

After a busy morning, at the exhibition center where the ceremony was to be held, Shen Zhi’en rested briefly in the bridal room, dressed in her wedding gown.

A wealthy family’s wedding lacked much warmth or intimacy. The Li elders and Li Shen were busy greeting guests and handling the media. The bride needed to maintain a certain aura of mystery, so upon arriving at the exhibition center, she went straight to the bridal room and didn’t appear before the ceremony.

As Shen Zhi’en’s legitimate eldest cousin, Zhu Yan was the only non-staff allowed into the bridal room. With her there, it didn’t feel so lonely.

“I’m so honored today! Just now outside the bridal room, I saw a gathering of entertainment stars—Lin Xingchen, Zhuo An, Zhou Ziqi, Li Qingquan—those are all hot young actors. Their managers wanted to come in and take pictures with you but were politely turned away by staff. Only I got in!” Zhu Yan said.

“I also saw Long Mianzou, the popular owner of Dragon Horse Park these past two years. He was chatting happily with your father-in-law. Your Li family truly is the top family in Jing City, with such extensive connections,” Zhu Yan teased.

These people were all artists under Hengxing Media, which originally belonged to the Li Group before becoming independent and changing ownership several times, but old ties remained. As for Long Mianzou, Shen Zhi’en had heard her father-in-law mention him a few times, so there was some acquaintance.

Shen Zhi’en patiently explained to Zhu Yan.

“I thought I’d be your bridesmaid, but you’re not having groomsmen or bridesmaids,” Zhu Yan complained a little.

“The wedding schedule was mostly set by their family. Since it’s livestreamed, they simplified it as much as possible. With time tight, fewer mistakes can happen.”

“Where are your parents and sister?”

“Dian Dian just got discharged and still needs a wheelchair. She had a rough night yesterday, so my parents stayed with her to rest. Oh, during the ceremony, my parents will go on stage. Can you help look after Dian Dian then?”

“No problem! Does that mean I get to sit at the main table?”

“No, you’ll be at the kids’ table.”

Zhu Yan pretended to hit her. Looking at Shen Zhi’en’s delicate reflection in the mirror, she sighed, “I really didn’t expect you’d get married just like that.”

Shen Zhi’en lowered her head with a bitter smile.

“En En, you must be happy,” Zhu Yan’s eyes reddened.

“Ah, you’re so annoying...” Seeing Zhu Yan like this, Shen Zhi’en couldn’t help but shed tears.

Happiness seemed so far away from her. Especially after learning about Li Shen and Zhuo An’s relationship, she felt like she was an immoral interloper. Could she ever be happy?

She carefully wiped her tears with a cotton swab, but the more she wiped, the more tears came.

Seeing her truly crying, Zhu Yan was at a loss.

“Oh dear, it’s my fault for being so emotional.”

Shen Zhi’en couldn’t bear it anymore and hugged Zhu Yan, crying, “I’m only 23, never even dated, and now I’m getting married—ahhh!”

Outside the door, Li Heng leaned against the frame, listening to Shen Zhi’en’s sobbing, eyes gazing at the ceiling with a complicated expression. He quietly stood there for a long while, waiting until Shen Zhi’en calmed down and started reapplying her makeup before adjusting his expression and entering.

“Xiao En, congratulations.”

“Li Heng? How did you get in? You’re so close to them?” Zhu Yan was shocked to see her colleague and crush here. This was supposed to be the bridal room only for the legitimate eldest cousin besides staff. Even top celebrities were denied entry. How did he get in?

Shen Zhi’en suddenly realized she’d forgotten to tell Zhu Yan about Li Heng.

“He’s Li Shen’s cousin.”

“But his last name’s Li, right?” Zhu Yan was puzzled for a moment, then quickly got it. “You’re Li Heng! Oh my God!”

Li Heng nodded, then shook his head. “I’m not some big shot.”

Seeing Zhu Yan’s mixed emotions, Shen Zhi’en patted her to comfort her.

“Why don’t you work at the Li Group, then? Why come to our small company?”

“Huaye was founded by my mother. I use the name Li Heng so people won’t treat me differently,” Li Heng admitted.

Shen Zhi’en saw Zhu Yan’s face change with every word.

“My second uncle said you were here, so I wanted to come see you. He spoke to the staff. Beautiful bride, you seem a bit nervous.”

Li Heng’s smile was warm and soothing. He stepped closer, whispering into Shen Zhi’en’s ear, his eyes fixed on her still-moist eyes reflected in the mirror.

“If you want to run away, I can help you.”