Lily had a beautiful smile plastered all over her face.
She glanced at the group of women’s fake smiles and patted her back inwardly.
Lily was not always the type that would accept what the society foists on her. It wasn’t because she likes to piss people off — alright, maybe that was one of her reasons. But her main reason was that she wanted to create her own identity.
Just like her grandmother, Lily would rather be called different than blend in and let society define her identity. This was one of the things that her late grandmother always told her.
‘Forge your own identity. Work hard, command attention, and master your own image.’
This sounds simple. But in a world where society always had something to say about everything, having your own identity is quite difficult.
Lily continued to smile until the tea party finished. Of course, she did not miss the uncomfortable glances that some women gave her, but who cares? She was enjoying such stares.
“You must be… Lily?” Lily turned to look at the man behind her. She lifted an eyebrow.
“Oh. My apologies. Where are my manners… I’m Gannon Liu. At least that’s my business name.” The man towered over Lily as he held his hand in front of her. Seeing Lily just stare at him, he shook his head and continued. “I am the eldest and heir apparent of Liu Enterprise.”
Lily only nodded. Judging by the facial features, this man must be Liu Chin’s elder brother. She then turned her attention back to the ladies that were busily appreciating a painting that Madam Liu bought in an auction from Italy.
“Bored?” the man seemed to ignore Lily’s bleak reaction as he stood next to her. His hands in his pockets as he eyed the painting. “You don’t like arts?” he asked. Lily was standing by the door and was really far from the group of women.
“Hmmm.” She nodded and crossed her arms across her chest. She then languidly leaned against the wall. “This is supposed to be a tea party for the women… don’t tell me… you— “
The man’s eyes widened before she chuckled and shook his head. “I have some important matters to discuss to my… mother.”
Lily pursed her lips and nodded. Gannon must have thought that Lily didn’t see his gaze was not in his mother but to the woman who seemed to be close friends with Liu Chin. The woman named Madam He. A knowing glint flashed in her eyes.
She shifted her gaze back at the women and that was when she realized that Madam He was also looking at their direction. She turned her head towards the woman and met her gaze. Of course, Lily didn’t miss the fury in the woman’s eyes.
Judging by the woman’s look, she seemed to be in her late twenties. But Lily could be wrong. Because of technology, every woman here looked younger than their actual age. The absence of pores in their faces only made them younger.
“Alright… it seems that she is still busy.” Gannon said. “It is nice to meet you.” He said.
Lily was expecting the man to leave, but then she heard him clear his throat, trying to get her attention. Lily shifted her gaze towards Gannon. She lifted an eyebrow and waited for him to speak.
“Here is my card,” he handed her a small business card. “Call me if you need anything.” He then winked at her. “And… I mean… anything.”
Lily felt goosebumps all over her body as she looked at the man smirked at her. This was totally unexpected, ah! Lily thought the man was sleeping with Madam He… so… what is he doing now? She shifted her gaze at Madam He and as expected, her face already turned red.
It was as if she was about to cry!
Not long after, she excused herself and told everyone that she is not feeling well. She needed to leave ahead of them.
Lily could only chuckle at the woman’s actions. She could not really laugh out loud and risk them thinking that she had gone crazy, right? Lily instantly made a mental note to ask Yang Mi to give her every little dirt of these people. Who knows… maybe she could find some information enough to blackmail people for some information.
Lily laughed at her own thoughts. A pregnant woman should avoid thinking about blackmails and other nasty stuff! Of course, she was quick to correct herself. Pieces of information will give her knowledge and well… knowledge means money!
After a few more uncomfortable conversations, the tea party finished before five. And just like what Zhou Jingren told her, he was also there to drive her home.
“Did you have a great time?” he asked after kissing her lips.
“Hmmm.” She beamed. “Tell me… do you have the files of people living here?” she asked. After seeing her husband, Lily realized that she doesn’t need to wait anymore. Her husband should have the files of everyone living here, right?
After all, Zhou Jingren would not come to this neighborhood without knowing that this is safe for his family.
“I do,” he started driving out of the Liu Family Mansion. He then glanced at his beaming wife before turning his eyes on the road. Zhou Jingren doesn’t need to ask if Lily was planning anything. She could already feel the mischief behind her wife’s smiling face.
He shook his head inwardly. This neighborhood has some scandalous secrets. He wondered what kind of storms will his wife raise soon. Zhou Jingren then sighed inwardly.
Maybe he should double or even triple the security at the mansion. Then… add another person to guard Lily.
“I want to see it.” Lily’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I can see that this neighborhood is very interesting. Maybe all those gossips will help me survive my first trimester.” She then let out a dry, sinister chuckle.
Seeing this, Zhou Jingren could only smile. Helplessness flashing in his eyes. Love is indeed mysterious. Love is indeed Lily.
….
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