Chapter Sixty: The Disguise Falls "Patriarch Shen, I must apologize."

Late November, before the Shen family banquet.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Xiaozheng, are you sure you really want to announce your identity?” Qin Xiaonan looked at her and asked, “Once you announce it, there’s no turning back.”

“Let’s wait and see.” Leng Zheng gazed into the mirror, adjusting her qipao.

She wore a bright red qipao. Although to most, red was a gaudy color, on Leng Zheng, its vibrant hue contrasted beautifully with her pale skin.

Her hair was now short, making it impossible to style it up, so she simply let it fall.

Just then, Cheng Yunting pushed the door open and came in, embracing Leng Zheng from behind.

Seeing this, Qin Xiaonan hurriedly left, unwilling to suffer another round of witnessing their affection.

“Darling, you look so stunning like this,” Cheng Yunting murmured near her ear. “I want to tear it off.”

“Behave, we still have to attend the banquet. Don’t make trouble.” Leng Zheng pulled Cheng Yunting to the sofa, resting against his shoulder.

“Mm…” At this moment, Cheng Yunting acted like a pitiful little wife.

“Ah, let’s hurry to the banquet, so my brother and the others don’t have to wait too long.”

“Alright.”

Hand in hand, the two descended the stairs together.

…

In the car, Lu Lan was driving when he suddenly spoke. “Mr. Cheng, the Shen family has been targeting us lately, as if they want to swallow us whole. This might be a trap tonight.”

“Yes, I know.” Cheng Yunting nodded. The rumors of the Shen family targeting the Chengs had already spread in business circles; it was no secret.

“The Shen family? The same Shen family hosting tonight’s banquet?” Leng Zheng asked curiously. “They’re not that impressive. Their total revenue is easily surpassed by any one of my companies. Nothing to worry about.” She had spent the past few days resting in bed, barely touching her phone.

“You’re the most formidable.” Cheng Yunting looked at Leng Zheng with indulgent affection, chuckling softly. “So, is the master of the Qin and Su families about to reveal her identity?”

Leng Zheng shook her head and settled on Cheng Yunting’s lap, sighing. “My brother wants me to announce it, but I plan to watch and see how things unfold.”

“If you don’t want to announce it, that’s fine. Just let things be.” Cheng Yunting held her close.

“Even if I don’t, my brother would do it for me. Forget it, I’ll just announce it myself.” Leng Zheng shook her head.

“Alright, do as you see fit.” Cheng Yunting smiled indulgently. “Do you want to nap a bit more?”

“Yes!” Leng Zheng nodded vigorously in her heart, and soon fell asleep nestled in Cheng Yunting’s arms.

Cheng Yunting smiled and covered her with a blanket.

…

They arrived at the venue for the Shen family banquet a bit early; if they’d come later, traffic might have been much worse.

Cheng Yunting got out first, then opened the car door for Leng Zheng and offered his hand. “Step out, my Queen.”

Leng Zheng smiled, took his hand, and got out. “Isn’t this a bit childish?”

“Not at all. If it’s for you, I’ll do even the most childish things.” Cheng Yunting laughed, answering.

Leng Zheng took Cheng Yunting’s arm and entered together.

…

Master Shen Wangqiu of the Shen family was scanning the room, looking for any influential guests.

He was especially interested in the Cheng family, whom he intended to merge with. Rumor had it that the Cheng family had a woman of stunning beauty, the girlfriend of Cheng Yunting. He wanted to see for himself just how beautiful she was.

Little did he know, this beauty was not so easily tamed.

As he searched, he finally spotted them and, with a glass of red wine in hand, approached.

“Master Cheng,” Shen Wangqiu greeted, but his eyes never left Leng Zheng.

She was exquisite—a rare gem in this world. Shen Wangqiu couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

“Master Shen,” Cheng Yunting nodded, clearly displeased with Shen Wangqiu’s blatant stare at Leng Zheng.

“Tsk, Xiaozheng, I’ve been waiting ages for you. Why are you only just arriving with my brother-in-law?” Chu Yuxiu, also dressed in a qipao and draped in a cloak, came over and wrapped one around Leng Zheng as well. “This must be Master Shen. I’ve heard your reputation, but never met you. Now, seeing you in person, it seems you truly live up to your name.”

Shen Wangqiu was nearly infuriated by Chu Yuxiu’s words, but what could he do? She was under the master of the Qin and Su families—someone he dared not provoke.

And rumor had it that Miss Chu had few close friends besides that one person. As for Leng Zheng…

Shen Wangqiu surmised that Leng Zheng was also a confidant of the master of the Qin and Su families, hence their acquaintance.

“By the way, Master Shen, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Our Xiaozheng is not to be trifled with. With a single word, she could make your company vanish. Would you like to try?” Chu Yuxiu smiled slyly, her fox-like eyes fixed on Shen Wangqiu.

“You two carry on. I won’t intrude.” Shen Wangqiu’s face darkened as he walked away.

“Xiaozheng, look at this one—what a clown,” Chu Yuxiu laughed. “Tsk, is that all?”

“Well, your sharp tongue is notorious in our circles. Who would dare challenge you?” Leng Zheng smiled in reply. “Tsk, so this is the master of the Shen family? That’s all?”

“Alright, enough. Shall we grab some food?” Cheng Yunting felt Shen Wangqiu’s intense gaze lingering on Leng Zheng and wanted to steer her away.

“Of course. You stay here and mingle, I’m off to eat.” Leng Zheng nodded and went to eat with Chu Yuxiu.

“If Master Shen has something to say, just speak.” Cheng Yunting took the initiative and sat on the sofa next to Shen Wangqiu. “You keep staring at my girlfriend. Is there something you need?”

“I’ve taken a liking to your girlfriend. If you give her to me, I’ll stop targeting the Cheng family. One woman for the safety of the Chengs—seems fair.” Shen Wangqiu sat on another sofa.

“Sorry, no matter how good the terms, it’s impossible.” Cheng Yunting took a sip of wine. “Excuse me.”

“Very well.” Shen Wangqiu nodded, took the microphone, and stepped onto the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention. Tonight, I formally declare war on the Cheng family. Either the Cheng family leaves, or I do. Let’s see who prevails.”

From below, Leng Zheng clearly saw this spectacle on stage, smiled, and walked up.

Shen Wangqiu’s eyes lit up when he saw her approach, thinking this little beauty might side with him.

“Since Master Shen has declared war on my husband, I see no reason to hide any longer. Here and now, I, Qin Xinxi, declare war on Master Shen. Let’s see who claims victory in the end,” Leng Zheng smiled. “Master Shen, my apologies.”