Lan Lan already knew what he was thinking. She didn't expose him, but simply hugged him with a smile, stood on her tiptoes, and lightly kissed him on the cheek. "From now on, I'll have your back. We have a home."
Lan Lan was different from Liang Yufeng. He was reserved, did more than he said, and sometimes wouldn't even speak about what he had done. Lan Lan, on the other hand, was never afraid to express her thoughts. She would channel all her passion into actions and words.
Upon hearing this, Liang Yufeng hugged her back, and his bad mood seemed to vanish instantly. He smiled knowingly, "Thank you."
She was right. He had a home now and no longer needed to dwell on the past. His letting go didn't mean forgiveness, but rather genuine indifference. At least, when Xu Zhengxi was mentioned, he shouldn't lose control of his emotions like this.
"Aunt Jiang asked to notify him, so let's notify him. I happen to have nothing to do lately, so I'll do it." Lan Lan took on the task herself.
Liang Yufeng, however, worried that she might be at a disadvantage with Xu Zhengxi, as Xu Zhengxi had never particularly liked her. Lan Lan, seeing Liang Yufeng's concern, smiled and said, "Don't worry, he can't out-argue me."
In the previous encounters, Xu Zhengxi had sought her out but gained nothing from her. Lan Lan didn't care about him at all, so she maintained an indifferent attitude no matter what he said.
Lan Lan had originally intended to look for a job, but after the wedding date was set, she became busy again. After some thought, she decided to wait until February or March of next year to search. Since she had resigned, she might as well take a good rest.
The wedding venue and arrangements were fully entrusted to Yu Ran and Lan Zhong. Lan Lan had confidence in their taste. Within a few days of returning to Nanjiang, the wedding invitations were printed. Lan Lan took an invitation and went to the Xu family to find Xu Zhengxi.
She and Liang Yufeng had originally planned to go together, but Lan Lan didn't wait for Liang Yufeng and came alone, keeping it a secret from him.
This was Lan Lan's first time visiting the Xu family. The Xu family's villa was large, with flowers and plants in the yard. She stopped her car and walked in, and a nanny approached her.
The nanny must have recognized her, and her expression was complicated. "Miss, who are you looking for?"
"Mr. Xu Zhengxi," Lan Lan replied.
The nanny was surprised by Lan Lan addressing Xu Zhengxi by his name. "Do you have an appointment? If not, please wait a moment, and I'll help you ask Mr. Xu."
Presumably due to the Xu family's rules, Lan Lan didn't make things difficult for the nanny. "Yes, go and ask."
Just as the nanny was about to leave, Xu Zhouyue happened to come out. Seeing Lan Lan at the Xu residence, Xu Zhouyue wore a playful smile and walked directly towards her, teasing, "Long time no see, what wind blew you here today?"
Xu Zhouyue's words were sarcastic. Ever since Liang Yufeng was suspended last time, Lan Lan had listed Xu Zhouyue as an enemy. Anyone who opposed Liang Yufeng was her enemy.
Lan Lan ignored Xu Zhouyue. The nanny, sensing the awkward atmosphere, said, "This lady is here to see Mr. Xu."
Xu Zhouyue raised his eyebrows. "Looking for my dad? Alright, come with me."
Lan Lan asked, "You'll take me in?"
Xu Zhouyue replied, "Yes."
Lan Lan said, "Okay, let's go." It seemed he was somewhat useful.
Xu Zhouyue told the nanny to continue her work outside and personally led Lan Lan into the living room. Upon entering, Lan Lan saw Xu Zhengxi and a middle-aged woman dressed in luxury sitting on the sofa in the living room. That woman was likely Xu Zhengxi's wife. Xu Zhouyue resembled her quite a bit; it was obvious they were mother and son.
Xu Zhengxi hadn't gained any advantage from Lan Lan before, and seeing her, his expression soured. "What are you doing here?"
Lan Lan took an invitation out of her bag and placed it on the coffee table. Everyone's attention was drawn to the invitation. It was a white, embossed gold invitation, clearly indicating an important event.
Amidst their confused gazes, Lan Lan said, "Just to inform you, Liang Yufeng and I have registered our marriage. The wedding date is set for November. When my parents met Aunt Jiang in Runcheng, Aunt Jiang hoped to inform you. I've delivered the invitation; whether you come or not is up to you."
Her tone was not polite. As she said, she was there to inform, not to invite, and certainly not to discuss it with them.
Xu Zhouyue and his mother's expressions were relatively calm. After all, who Liang Yufeng married had little to do with them. However, Xu Zhengxi's expression was difficult to read.
Xu Zhengxi was aware that Liang Yufeng and Lan Lan had registered their marriage. He had been asked by friends about it frequently during this time. Lan Lan was quite well-known in the financial circle, but she was ultimately a woman from an ordinary background and had dated many boyfriends...
But the fact was settled, and Xu Zhengxi couldn't control them. However, they were holding a wedding without consulting him, their father, for arrangements. How could he maintain his dignity?
"Who set the wedding date for you?" Xu Zhengxi asked displeasantly. "Shouldn't such matters be discussed with elders?"
Lan Lan had anticipated Xu Zhengxi's question. He was just like that. He himself hadn't done much as a father, yet he demanded Liang Yufeng to obey his every word. Lan Lan smiled and said, "We did discuss it. The date was set by my parents."
Xu Zhengxi: "I'm asking why you didn't discuss it with me!"
Lan Lan always had a way of igniting his anger with a few words. "Do you put your father in your eyes at all?"
Lan Lan chuckled silently. Did he remember he was a father now?
"Of course, it's because it's unnecessary," Lan Lan said. "After all, you haven't taken much care of him since he was young. Do you know his birthday? Do you know what he likes to eat?"
No answer was needed; Xu Zhengxi's expression revealed the answer. He didn't understand Liang Yufeng at all, or rather, he had never tried to understand him. To him, Liang Yufeng was merely a tool to inherit his family business and develop the company. This tool happened to have a blood connection, making it easier for him to control.
Xu Zhengxi was rendered speechless by Lan Lan's questions. He indeed didn't know Liang Yufeng's preferences. "This has nothing to do with what we were discussing."
"It doesn't really matter," Lan Lan asked, "but you were the one who said you weren't put in your eyes. I'm just answering your question and telling you why you weren't put in your eyes."
Xu Zhengxi: "..." This Lan Lan truly had a sharp tongue.
"I've conveyed Aunt Jiang's message. We'll reserve seats for you on the wedding day. Of course, it's up to you whether you come or not." Having said what needed to be said, Lan Lan didn't want to linger there and turned to leave.
Xu Zhengxi was quite angered, but he still opened the invitation, which stated the wedding date and venue.
After leaving the Xu residence, Lan Lan felt refreshed. She had a cup of coffee outside and then went home to pick up Mai Xuanfeng for a bath.
The pet grooming salon where Mai Xuanfeng usually got bathed was the only one. When Lan Lan took her there, she unexpectedly ran into Jiang Rong again.