Chapter 254: Chapter 252: Raising a Daughter for Over 20 Years, She Actually…

“Is there anything else?”

Liew Menglu gave a polite smile, which seemed like a courteous inquiry but was actually her way of showing the guest to the door.

Moreover, her expression and words carried an implicit message, “I have the privilege of entering and leaving Shen Yuan’s office, while you don’t have that right.”

Qiao Lei glared at her coldly before walking out of the office.

What’s there to be so proud of?

It’s just the ability to stay in his office, and I disdain to be in there anyway!

Liew Menglu watched Qiao Lei’s retreating figure with a trace of triumph in her heart, but after savoring the victory, self-mockery soon followed.

What is there to be proud of in beating a girl who’s only 20 years old?

If I really had what it takes, I’d be able to take Nana’s place by now.

Nana is the real winner in life, she has a car and a house, and even children; plus, she gets to travel with Shen Yuan, and there’s a faint tendency of her becoming the official wife.

Liew Menglu thought that Qiao Lei shouldn’t see her as the enemy but should set her sights on shaking Chen Na’s position, the undisputed NO.1 in Shen Yuan’s favor.

But Shen Yuan’s women are indeed plentiful… Liew Menglu sighed silently.

Back when she worked at the fitness center, everyone was ranked based on performance; Liew Menglu took half a year to climb from the bottom to the top spot among dozens of fitness coaches, and she still felt proud when she thought about it.

After becoming one of Shen Yuan’s women, Liew Menglu thought she wouldn’t need to be as ambitious as before.

Gradually, she realized she had thought too much.

To secure her position in Shen Yuan’s heart, she needed to invest more thought and effort than she ever did at the fitness center.

Maintaining her basic figure wasn’t enough; she had to work on having a slimmer waist and rounder hips.

Her training frequency was now even higher than when she worked at the fitness center, and she was even planning to convert a bedroom into a gym in her newly purchased house.

Not to mention her daily skincare routine, using only the best skin care and makeup products, with 1-2 weekly spa visits–a necessity for which she had even bought a yearly membership at a high-end spa.

Then there was massage technique; since Shen Yuan liked massages, Liew Menglu often watched tutorials online and even bought a mannequin to practice on daily.

Just learning massage wasn’t enough; Liew Menglu also enrolled in ballroom dance classes to increase her body’s flexibility.

Her waist, legs, hips and other parts of her body would benefit, and dance would also improve her posture, accentuating the feminine charm in her stance.

These were enhancements in appearance and physique, but just as much effort was needed in her work.

From initially helping Shen Yuan with weight loss and muscle gain to visiting stores later on, and now serving as a special consultant.

In each aspect, Liew Menglu devoted a great deal of time and energy, much more so than when she was at the fitness center.

And these efforts did not elevate her status in Shen Yuan’s heart but merely prevented it from falling.

That’s why she found it much harder than going to work.

Liew Menglu had been brainwashed by those TV dramas, thinking that being a goldfinch meant having loads of leisure time, spending her days petting cats, walking dogs, running a cafe or a tea house, and just being attentive to her man at night.

Looking back now, it was all nonsense!

If a TV series ever depicted it like that again, it would definitely get a bad review from her!!

If she really lived like the women in those dramas, failing to maintain her figure and appearance, lacking ambition, and not knowing how to please a man, she’d undoubtedly be dumped after he grew tired of her.

To continue as the steady goldfinch for a man like Shen Yuan is not that simple… The competitive pressure is also intense.

Not to mention, the younger sisters nowadays are full of drive, such as Qiao Lei who just left.

Liew Menglu is already 26 years old; if she doesn’t put in the effort, how can she compete with those 18-20-year-old girls?

However, Liew Menglu’s efforts over the past two months have indeed paid off handsomely.

A monthly allowance of 100,000, random shopping trips where she would at least spend 200,000 each time.

Plus, a Porsche 911 and a house worth 3 million–altogether, that’s over 5 million.

With such high rewards, it’s no wonder so many women throw themselves at Shen Yuan.

But Shen Yuan is also picky; for example, her good friend Hou Qianqian desired to board the luxury cruise but lacked the qualifications to get on the ship.

Although Qianqian didn’t have the qualification to board, the recently met Qiao Lei was obviously on board already, and tomorrow there may be a Lili, and the day after a Hanhan.

The competitive pressure would really keep increasing.

Not to mention, with everyone’s time with him being limited.

Shen Yuan was only available at night, and if the number grew, the frequency at which each woman was chosen would decrease.

Liew Menglu had a simple idea; since she couldn’t control the number of women boarding the ship, she would do her best to improve herself and make Shen Yuan choose to spend more time with her.

Thus, her path was filled with heavy responsibilities and a long journey ahead.

Liew Menglu also dreamed of bearing Shen Yuan a child.

Every woman has her day past prime, but having a child makes a difference.

Even if Shen Yuan’s interest in her waned with age, he surely wouldn’t neglect his own child.

…

While Liew Menglu was planning her future, Qiao Lei had already returned to Long Jinghan’s workstation next to him.

Frowning her delicate eyebrows, she complained discontentedly, “Why does Shen Yuan have so many women; that Liew Menglu just now, she is also his woman.”

“Uh…”

Long Jinghan didn’t know what to say, but knowing Shen Yuan’s character, her having numerous women wasn’t surprising.

After thinking a bit, she asked, “How’s she?”

“What exactly are you referring to?”

“Her personality or something like that.”

“We barely spoke two words to each other, how would I know her personality, but she seemed very confident, and I have no idea where that confidence comes from.”

Qiao Lei had been crossing her arms over her chest, but the pressure was making Xuezi uncomfortable, so she lowered her hands and instead propped up the generous bosom.

“I see….”

Long Jinghan actually really wanted to get in touch with that woman. Her desire to compete was completely different from Qiao Lei’s; she approached the situation with a mindset of learning.

Being able to come and go freely from Shen Yuan’s office, she must carry a lot of weight in Shen Yuan’s heart, right?

Just at that moment, as the lunch break was almost over, Liew Menglu stepped out of the office early and happened to pass by Long Jinghan’s workstation upon heading to the meeting room.

Liew Menglu noticed another unfamiliar face, a graceful visage with a fairly tall stature, and the nameplate on the workstation read–Long Jinghan.

Damn it, there really is another Hanhan.

Liew Menglu cursed inwardly, but when passing by, her face nevertheless revealed a polite smile.

“See that, it’s her.”

Qiao Lei did not hide the dislike in her eyes one bit.

“I think she seems quite nice, very amiable looking.”

Long Jinghan said softly.

“Jinghan senior, I have to tell you, you’re not a little girl anymore, how can you still be so naive?”

Qiao Lei, even younger than Long Jinghan, lectured her as if she were an adult, “The more seductive a woman appears on the surface, the more vicious her heart is likely to be. So we need to open our eyes and not be deceived by her.”

Long Jinghan muttered, “Is it really as terrible as you say? It’s not like we’re in some palace drama.”

“What’s the difference between the environment we’re in now and a harem?”

Qiao Lei spoke seriously, “With so many women around Shen Yuan, there’s bound to be a hierarchy. Since the statuses aren’t equal, there’s bound to be competition. So yeah, our situation isn’t much different from being in a palace.”

Long Jinghan was at a loss for words: “….”

….

Just as tensions at Jingfu were subtly escalating, Shen Yuan had already helped the siblings’ parents with the hotel check-in process.

Shen Yuan had booked them JW Marriott’s executive suite, 2100 a night. He originally wanted to book the Grand Hyatt, but considering there was a long-term suite there, he might meet Coach Liew in the next few days, so he decided not to take the risk.

After all, Old Lih was an experienced former detective, and Shen Yuan was genuinely afraid he might notice something amiss.

Loo Zhen was very satisfied with the suite. The hotel they had originally booked was just over 200 a night, so this was a tenfold increase.

Not to mention the suite was on a high floor with an open view, overlooking the river.

However, Lih Shenghua’s mood was somewhat somber. It was hard enough losing one ‘little cotton-padded jacket,’ and to learn that he might lose the other was even more heart-wrenching.

He had been ‘wearing’ both cotton-padded jackets for more than 20 years, but overnight, they seemed to have ended up on someone else–indeed, it appeared that both might be worn by the same person.

How could he accept that?

But fortunately, Old Lih didn’t think too deeply into it, only believing his younger daughter also liked Shen Yuan.

Before any fond feelings could ferment, he absolutely had to nip it in the bud.

So, taking the chance while his older daughter was accompanying his wife looking around the suite, and Shen Yuan was in the restroom, Old Lih quietly called his younger daughter aside.

“Mengmeng, I have something to ask you.”

Lih Shenghua rubbed his hands together, more nervous than when apprehending fugitives.

“Dad, what is it?”

Lih Meng was actually a bit guilty; after all, she had called someone else “Dad” the previous night. She tried to appear as nonchalant as possible.

“Mengmeng, have you been dating anyone recently?”

Lih Shenghua started by beating around the bush a little.

“No.”

Lih Meng thought Old Lih was pushing her to get married and said impatiently, “My sister isn’t even married yet, why are you rushing me? At the very least, wait until she’s wed.”

“I’m not rushing. If you don’t want to get married, I absolutely won’t force you.”

Old Lih, a complete slave to his daughter, feared upsetting Lih Meng, immediately made a promise, then added, “Dad has no other intentions, just seeing Xiaoxiao with a boyfriend, I’m concerned about your love life.”

“I don’t have any plans to date for now.”

Lih Meng said noncommittally, “Don’t worry, if I find someone, I’ll tell you straight away. Besides, someone worthwhile of my affection hasn’t appeared yet.

Despite Shen Yuan’s good conditions and being quite the gentleman, he’s really nothing special. I don’t think he’s all that great.”

Lih Shenghua paused, taken aback. Hearing Mengmeng speak like this, she didn’t seem interested in Shen Yuan–could he have worried unnecessarily?

Since Mengmeng said so, he ought to eliminate the possibility from the root.

Lih Shenghua carried on with what Lih Meng said, “Exactly, wealth and appearance are just superficial things. You can’t judge a person solely by what’s on the outside. Despite Shen Yuan looking so good, that may not be the real him. He’s likely just putting on an act in front of us old folks.”

“Oh come on, enough already, why do you keep bringing him up,”

Lih Meng was somewhat displeased. She could criticize Shen Yuan herself but wasn’t happy with her father speaking ill of him.

Lih Shenghua smiled awkwardly, feeling sour inside. He’d raised his daughter for over 20 years, and now she was speaking up for another man–it was as bitter as Chinese medicine.

But with this, Lih Shenghua was even more confused. Mengmeng had just called Shen Yuan average, yet now she couldn’t stand to hear others speak ill of him.

Did she like him or not?

After Shen Yuan and the daughters left, Lih Shenghua was still brooding by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking somberly. He still couldn’t figure out what was really going on.

“Old Lih!”

Loo Zhen was taking out her toiletries when she saw Lih Shenghua smoking and got a bit annoyed, “Smoking day and night, can’t you cut down a little? Besides, didn’t our son-in-law buy you quality cigarettes? If you’re going to smoke, at least switch to the good ones.”

“I’m used to these.”

Lih Shenghua said sullenly, “Your daughter isn’t married yet, and you’re already calling him son-in-law.”

“Isn’t marriage just a matter of time?”

At that, Loo Zhen smiled contentedly, “Hey, Old Lih, did you see our son-in-law’s car? It’s a Benz G-Class. I just looked it up online–it costs over 3 million. And the driver they arranged for us, driving an Alphard, that’s over a million too.”

Lih Shenghua smoked in silence, and Loo Zhen, not getting a response, became somewhat displeased, “Old Lih, come on, say something!”