SMWOM 32

Luo Sheng took a deep breath and said to his friends, “Today’s party was specially arranged to celebrate my little dad winning first place in his competition. All of the people who came here today will be friends in the future, so I hope you can get along well and not argue with each other anymore.”

Nearly all of them were astonished by the turn of events. They looked at each other, thinking that they were either hearing things or dreaming. Otherwise, how could such things come from Luo Sheng’s mouth?

Meng Yang smiled, then looked at the wine on the table next to him, motioning for Luo Sheng to get him a glass of wine.

Luo Sheng went over and poured a glass of red wine for Meng Yang.

Meng Yang looked at the wine in his hand and said, “White wine.”

Before everyone’s shocked eyes, Luo Sheng immediately turned to change it. Secretly taking a deep breath, he put down the red wine and poured a glass of white wine for Meng Yang.

Once he took the glass, Meng Yang said to the crowd, “Thank you for coming to celebrate with me today. As you can see, Luo Sheng and I have made up. Luo Sheng is willing to respect my status as his elder, and my heart is very happy, so I’ll let go of things he did in the past. The present and future are the most important things. I’d like to have a good time today, and I hope you all have a good time and enjoy yourselves. I want to propose a toast to all of you to show my gratitude.”

Meng Yang took up his glass and sipped it lightly, then gave it to Luo Sheng. He said to everyone with a smile, “Don’t just stand here; it’s rare to have such good weather. Go and have fun.”

Though the other people still didn’t understand, after Meng Yang left, they walked out in twos and threes and whispered about what was happening.

“What’s wrong with Luo Sheng? Did he really acknowledge Meng Yang as his stepfather? That’s impossible, isn’t it?!”

“When Luo Sheng talked about Meng Yang before, he was gnashing his teeth and wanting to tear him up. Now this sudden change is too unbelievable.”

“Isn’t it because of the news from before?”

“But wasn’t that just news without any followup? Luo Sheng’s father didn’t admit that the news were true.”

“I need to find a chance to ask Luo Sheng what’s going on.”

While enjoying the scenery, Meng Yang walked into the pavilion and said to Luo Sheng, who was following him, “It’s said that the mountain spring water of Bishui villa is very good. You have people make me a pot of tea with mountain spring water for me to taste.”

“Yes.” Luo Sheng immediately turned back and asked people to make tea for Meng Yang. 

Meng Yang went into the pavilion and sat down, and Luo Sheng soon brought the tea in person.

Meng Yang opened the lid of the teapot and took a look, then said, “I don’t drink green tea. It hurts my stomach. Make me a cup of black tea.”

“Yes.” Luo Sheng didn’t say anything else, just immediately turned around and asked people to make a new pot of black tea.

Luo Sheng’s actions shocked and appalled all the guests, not to mention Yu Junchen. Now he finally understood what Luo Sheng had said, but seeing Luo Sheng treat Meng Yang with respect and such a servile attitude made him feel extremely distressed and uncomfortable.

After the tea was made and delivered, Meng Yang took a sip from the cup and placed it on the stone table beside him. He said to Luo Sheng, “I hope everything you do today comes from the heart and can be maintained in the future. Then we’ll be able to live in harmony without fighting. Go and talk to your friends, as they must be waiting for an explanation. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

“Okay,” Luo Sheng nodded, then turned to his friends. 

Xiao Ke went up to Meng Yang and asked in a low voice, “Have you really reconciled with Luo Sheng?”

Though Xiao Ke thought it was impossible, he was still worried.

“It’s true on the surface, but not true in my heart…” Meng Yang said with a smile, “True or false, I can go back on my word at any time. Now I just want to see how much tolerance he has.”

Xiao Ke immediately understood what he meant and nodded slightly, “Would you like me to test his patience for you?”

“Alright.” Meng Yang agreed.

“This is just the beginning, and it’s better not to go farther than is appropriate, otherwise you won’t be able to play any longer,” Lu Yunjing whispered. 

“I know, I know the score,” Xiao Ke said, “It’d be a shame if you just play with it once and don’t get to play with it anymore.”

((((I know the score is an idiom for I get the situation, does that need to be clarified? Or just replaced?)))) Just make a note to clarify.

Wu Feng came up to Meng Yang and said, “What’s going on? Didn’t you come to have fun today?”

“Senior brother, you just have to play as much as you want. You should enjoy yourself and eat; you don’t need to pay attention to other things,” Meng Yang said.

“Then we’ll go and look around. The scenery here is really nice. If there’s anything you need, you can call us.” Wu Feng said.

“Okay, go ahead.” Meng Yang nodded.

After drinking his tea, Meng Yang also walked around with Xiao Ke and Lu Yunjing.

Xiao Ke suddenly pointed to the watery surface of the pond and said, “Those fish are nice, with gold stripes over the red and beautiful shapes. You can see that they’re expensive. Why don’t you try out your son’s filial piety with these fish?”

“This is the Cheng family’s villa. Luo Sheng is just the grandson of the Cheng family and might not be able to act as the master and give things away here, right?” Lu Yunjing said. 

“Though Luo Sheng is just his daughter’s son, Old Master Cheng’s expectations of him are even higher than those of the grandson in his own family (1), and his investment in Luo Sheng is more as well,” Meng Yang said, “We can also take this opportunity to see to what extent Old Master Cheng is willing to compromise for his grandson, Luo Sheng.”

“Shall I call him over then?” Xiao Ke asked.

Meng Yang nodded.

Xiao Ke turned and walked for a few paces, then called out, “Luo Sheng, come here for a moment.”

Not only did Luo Sheng hear the call, but the others around also heard it. Seeing Luo Sheng walk by, people couldn’t help but gather around, wanting to see what they wanted Luo Sheng to do.

“Luo Sheng, your little dad said that these fish in the pond are enjoyable to watch. If he likes them, he might as well take them back to enjoy them. What do you think?” Xiao Ke asked, looking at Luo Sheng.

Luo Sheng was stunned as he looked at the fish in the pond. The price of the fish was secondary, but they were difficult to buy with money. The most important thing was that his grandfather liked these fish very much and had to see them every time he came here.

“It seems impossible.” Xiao Ke turned to Meng Yang and said, “I really thought that your son would be filial to you from now on.”

“Meng Yang…” Yu Junchen wanted to say something, but was stopped by Luo Sheng.

“A few fish aren’t worth anything. Since my little dad likes them, I’ll have people grab stuff to get them. Little dad can take them home and play with them.” Luo Sheng turned and pulled Yu Junchen away.

Yu Junchen looked at him, eyes wide with surprise. Those fish were his grandfather’s favorite, and he didn’t even get his grandfather’s permission and would just send them away?

Luo Sheng wouldn’t give the fish to Meng Yang without his grandfather’s consent, because without his grandfather’s consent, the villa’s manager wouldn’t let people catch them. As such, once he’d called his grandfather, he took people to fish in the pond. 

After putting the fish into a white porcelain fish tank that had to be lifted by two people, they specially carried it over to Meng Yang to show him.

Meng Yang nodded in satisfaction and said, “Yes, they’re even more beautiful up close. Send them to the main house on Longling Mountain, and have the housekeeper put it in my lounge.”

The fish tank was carried away, and Meng Yang said that he was hungry. Luo Sheng immediately sent people to inform the kitchen, and then took them to the dining room.

Entering the classic and elegant room, Meng Yang sat at the main seat of the table, and the others divided and sat on both sides of him.

Meng Yang turned his head to look at the incense burner that was emitting smoke outside. He got up and slowly walked over, looking at it carefully. The bronze censer was just the right size, and the patterns decorating it were very beautiful. Meng Yang could clearly see that this was a very valuable antique.

Before Meng Yang spoke, Luo Sheng said, “If little dad likes it, you can take it back with you.”

“Then I won’t be polite with you,” Meng Yang said with a smile, then walked back to sit down on the couch.

Yu Junchen’s head lowered as he clenched his fists tightly. Before, he’d told Luo Sheng that he liked the censer very much. Luo Sheng told him it was a pity that his grandfather also enjoyed it very much, otherwise he’d give it to him. Meng Yang only looked at it now and Luo Sheng directly sent it to him. Although he knew Luo Sheng had his reasons, his heart was still angry.

The waiter arrived with a serving tray.

“This is boiled fish in spring water. The fish meat is soft and tender, and the fish soup is sweet and delicious. It’s our signature dish here at Bishui Villa. Please have some soup to warm your stomach, then try the fish,” the service personnel said to Meng Yang.

Meng Yang took a mouthful of the fish soup, nodded in contentment, then asked, “Does this fish have bones?”

“There are no pin bones (2), only a few little bones and spines. I’ll help the guest pick them out.”

“You don’t need to.” Meng Yang put the soup bowl down and looked at Luo Sheng.

“I’ll do it,” Luo Sheng said.

The service personnel looked at Luo Sheng, surprised, but still got up and stood aside. 

Luo Sheng helped Meng Yang pick out the fish bones and spines, then put the fish meat in front of Meng Yang. 

Taking a small bite with his chopsticks, Meng Yang said, “Yes, this is indeed a signature dish.”

After that, Luo Sheng helped Meng Yang set up all the dishes. 

Yu Junchen had no appetite. Watching Luo Sheng serving Meng Yang, he felt heartbroken and sad. Luo Sheng had told him not to say a word though, otherwise all his patience would have been in vain.

Luo Sheng’s friends, looking between Luo Sheng and all the food in front of them, couldn’t eat. They were very angry for Luo Sheng. Lu Yunjing and Wu Feng ate very happily, as the dishes were very tasty despite all.

“Meng Yang!” Luo Sheng’s friend couldn’t stand it, slamming a hand on the table and suddenly standing. He yelled at Meng Yang, “Don’t go too far!”

Meng Yang slowly raised his head and coldly looked at him.

Meng Yang had deliberately asked Luo Sheng to serve him, and Luo Sheng restrained himself and earnestly served him as a filial son. However, Luo Sheng’s friend couldn’t help but be angry, hitting the table and scolding Meng Yang for doing too much. In fact, Meng Yang thought this wasn’t much for what Luo Sheng had done to him in his previous life. If he didn’t put Luo Sheng’s face on the ground and step on it, it was already him being kind. It wasn’t too much to ask him to serve a few dishes. 

He simply looked coldly at the man and didn’t speak. At this moment, he didn’t need to say anything.

“Isn’t it just a natural matter to be a filial son to one’s father?” Xiao Ke looked at the man and said, “It’s a family matter anyways. Luo Sheng didn’t say anything, so why are you shouting here? You’re rather nosy aren’t you?”

“Luo Sheng, you’re your father’s own son, why should he be served by you? If you still have any guts, slap his face and drive him out of here!”

“Shut up!” Luo Sheng roared, standing up, “My business has nothing to do with you! If you don’t like it, get out of here!”

“You…” Du Ming looked at Luo Sheng in disbelief and said, “I’ve known you since I was only a couple years old and have been your friend for more than ten years; how many of these friends are really sincere to you like this? Don’t you know this in your heart?! Even real elders should respect others, but he’s just deliberately torturing you! Do you think that the things you’re doing will really make him let go of the past and get along with you?! Wake up!”

“I told you to mind your own business. What I do is my own concern. From today on, I don’t have someone like you as a friend, get out of here!” Luo Sheng roared at him with an ugly face. 

“Fine, I’ll just feed my kind intentions to a dog!” Du Ming turned away in anger.

Meng Yang took a sip of fish soup and sneered. He thought to himself that this man really saw Luo Sheng as a friend, but not only was his brain a bit dull, he was also too emotional.

“I’m sorry everyone. He has such a self-righteous and hot-tempered character; please don’t take it seriously.” Luo Sheng said to everyone, “Don’t be angry, little dad, I’ll take the opportunity to teach him a lesson.”

Luo Sheng’s friends looked at each other, all feeling that Luo Sheng’s servile posturing was too much. Not having any dignity or face, was it really worth it?

Yu Junchen’s friends had been unable to figure out the situation since Meng Yang appeared. Now they were even more unsure, and therefore, were in no position to interrupt. However, they also began to worry. Even Luo Sheng had given into Meng Yang. They’d stood by Yu Junchen before because of the relationship between Yu Junchen and Luo Sheng, but now it seemed that their efforts to try and please Yu Junchen were in vain.

After dinner, Lu Yunjing, Meng Yang, and his senior brothers strolled around the villa before leaving.

Luo Sheng helped Meng Yang open the door of his car and said, “I’ve sent people to the main house with the things my little dad liked.”

Once he was in the car, Meng Yang said, “I was very satisfied with your performance today, and I hope you can continue to maintain it in the future.”

“Thank you, little dad.” Luo Sheng closed the door and watched the car leave, hands trembling.

Meng Yang believed that Luo Sheng’s patience was for the sake of the property of the Luo family. He knew though that Luo Sheng wasn’t Luo Xiu’s biological son and the Luo family’s property had nothing to do with him, and that Luo Sheng couldn’t obtain anything no matter how hard he strived for it. What kind of expression would he have in the future when he recalled everything happening now? Meng Yang was very happy as he imagined it and couldn’t help but laugh. In this life, he wouldn’t be a purely good or purely bad person. Instead, he’d be better to the good people and worse to the bad people. 

Luo Sheng returned to his own room in the villa and smashed everything that could be smashed. However, the anger in his heart could not be cleared. Eyes red and veins bulging, he wanted to grab a knife and hack Meng Yang into a thousand pieces. But now he must endure this. He trembled with anger at the thought that this was only the beginning.

Yu Junchen had been standing in the corner, watching Luo Sheng destroy things and tremble in fury. He closed his eyes in pain, then walked over to hold and console Luo Sheng, “It’s okay, your patience now will be worth it. You should be proud of yourself, because all sinners in life must have a period of time experiencing things that ordinary people could not bear. After you succeed, everything happening now will be proof of your perseverance.”

Luo Sheng tightly hugged Yu Junchen and slowly calmed down as he listened to his words. 

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This is part of a batch-upload from chapter 28-33. Make sure you’re not reading out of order!

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1. Again with the very specific words for familial relationships in Chinese. When Luo Sheng is referred to, the grandson means daughter’s son. The Cheng family’s grandson, who we don’t meet, is Old Master Cheng’s son’s son, and as such is still surnamed Cheng, so he’d usually be more valued.

2. Pin bones are like the tiny white bones that you see people remove with pliers. I’m not actually sure they’re referring to pin bones since they just said small spines (刺 ), but I’m guessing that’s what they mean?