Shen Keqin watched Gu Zhiyan and Song Qinian.
One was expressionless, as if nothing in the world could faze her.
The other was in disbelief, unsure of what to do, yet worried about Gu Zhiyan.
He felt utterly dreadful.
"Oh my, I think Third Uncle is determined to make Grandma acknowledge that Li Junshen. You two can't just stay silent, give me some reaction!"
Gu Zhiyan scoffed, "You might not believe me, but Shen Zhenghao is the biggest, stupidest innocent fool I've ever met. Ah, I misspoke, he's not sweet, he's rather sickening."
Shen Keqin and Song Qinian: "..."
"Look at how worried you are. They're just clowns with deluded fantasies, no need to even bother with them."
As she spoke, Gu Zhiyan pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray and extinguished it. She stood up, put on her coat, and said, "It's the first day of the Lunar New Year, staying home is so boring. Niannian, Qinqin, let's go shopping."
Shen Keqin and Song Qinian exchanged glances, then changed their clothes and followed Gu Zhiyan downstairs.
After Shen Zhenghao's disturbance, everyone else had left.
As the three descended, they bumped into Shen Chi Yan, who was just coming out of the old lady's room.
Seeing that Gu Zhiyan looked alright, Shen Chi Yan was about to speak, but Gu Zhiyan patted his shoulder, "Don't say anything. You stay home and take care of Grandma today. We're going out to have fun!"
Shen Chi Yan knew Gu Zhiyan wanted to vent, so he smiled and said, "Alright, buy whatever you want, play whatever you want. All your expenses today are on me."
"That's more like it! Qinqin, Niannian, let's go..."
Shen Keqin immediately exclaimed, "Great, the new year should be about happiness and joy!"
Knowing Shen Chi Yan had something to say to Song Qinian, Shen Keqin and Gu Zhiyan left the living room first.
Seeing Song Qinian's worried expression, Shen Chi Yan walked over and gently wrapped a scarf around her. "No matter what happens, your husband will be here to support you. Don't be afraid, don't overthink. Spend time with Mom today, buy whatever you want."
Song Qinian nodded obediently and slowly gestured, "Is Grandma okay?"
"Not great, but don't worry. She's been through so much, she won't be defeated by this little thing. Besides, she has me!"
Song Qinian felt a pang of sympathy for Shen Chi Yan. Anyone who knew their father had a son outside, and that son wanted to acknowledge his lineage, would feel terrible. Yet, he was the pillar of the Shen family, never showing his vulnerability to anyone.
Song Qinian wrapped her arms tightly around Shen Chi Yan's slender waist. She didn't know what to say, only hoping that this hug could bring him some comfort.
Shen Chi Yan lowered his head and kissed Song Qinian's forehead. "Go now, don't keep Mom and Qinqin waiting."
Song Qinian released Shen Chi Yan, quickly pecked his attractive thin lips, and seeing a servant watching them, she ran out of the living room, blushing.
Shen Chi Yan smiled at Song Qinian's adorable demeanor, then his face turned cold as he made a phone call.
Meanwhile, after Shen Zhengming escorted Shen Zhenghao out of the Shen family's old residence, the two brothers went to a restaurant.
Shen Zhenghao was in an unusually bad mood. He had thought that even if the old lady was angry, she would acknowledge Li Junshen as a member of the Shen family. This would have allowed him to give an account to Ji Luofei and Li Junshen.
But now, things had turned out this way. The old lady was furious, and he had pushed Luofei and Junshen into the spotlight.
Seeing Shen Zhenghao down several drinks, Shen Zhengming placed a hand on his arm. "Enough. If you keep drinking like this, you'll end up in the hospital on New Year's Day."
Shen Zhenghao didn't have a high tolerance for alcohol. After a few cups, his face was already red, and he was starting to feel dizzy.
"Second Brother... Second Brother, you said Mom could accept Qiwen into the Shen family, so why can't she accept Junshen?"
Shen Zhengming sneered inwardly. When he brought Shen Qiwen home, Shen Qiwen was living a miserable life. And unlike his foolish brother, who dared to bring his mistress and illegitimate son to the family reunion on New Year's Day, expecting acknowledgment from the old lady.
"I failed Luofei for over twenty years. When Junshen needed a father's love the most, I wasn't there for him for a single day. I just want to make it up to them, is that wrong?"
Shen Zhengming patted Shen Zhenghao's shoulder. "You're not wrong, but Gu Zhiyan is at home, and now Mom has basically handed over control of the Shen family to Ah Yan. Even if Mom loves you dearly, she can't possibly accept Junshen and the others all at once!"
Shen Zhenghao was extremely agitated. "Then what should I do? I brought them back from Australia, and now they can't even get through the door. What kind of man am I!"
Shen Zhengming's shrewd eyes darted around. "Third Brother, besides having Junshen acknowledge his ancestry, do you have any other intentions in bringing him back?"
"What other intentions?"
"Well, Junshen is so outstanding, and he's your eldest son. Have you never thought about letting him take over the Ding Sheng Group?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhenghao immediately shook his head. "That won't do. Dad said when he was alive that the future of Ding Sheng Group would definitely belong to Ah Yan. And since Ah Yan took over Ding Sheng Group, it has been flourishing. I can't..."
Before Shen Zhenghao could finish, Shen Zhengming interrupted him. "Are you foolish? Ah Yan is your son, that's why he can take over Ding Sheng Group. If he wasn't your son, he'd be nothing. Besides, Ah Yan is the one in charge of the entire Shen family now. He's Gu Zhiyan's son, do you think they'll accept you bringing Ji Luofei and Li Junshen back to the Shen family?"
"This..."
Seeing Shen Zhenghao's hesitation, Shen Zhengming smiled. "Third Brother, I actually envy you. Your two sons are both outstanding. Ah Yan is my nephew, and by rights, I should support him. But the current Ah Yan is too powerful, completely disregarding me and the company's shareholders. He even almost ruined the Shen family's reputation for a mute. Junshen, on the other hand, is my nephew. If I had to choose, I'd hope Junshen could replace Ah Yan. That way... you could also make amends for your shortcomings towards them."
Shen Zhengming wasn't saying this to help Shen Zhenghao solve his problems. He still felt that Shen Zhenghao hadn't caused enough trouble.
Shen Zhengming knew very well that as long as Shen Chi Yan controlled Ding Sheng Group, he would always be suppressed by Shen Chi Yan. But if Li Junshen and Shen Chi Yan fought, it was uncertain who would win.
He was merely planting a seed in Shen Zhenghao's mind. The direction things would develop was like Schrödinger's cat; no one would know until the moment arrived.
Moreover, Qiwen said Li Junshen was no simple person. Since Li Junshen had invested in the new railway project, he couldn't possibly have no interest in Ding Sheng Group.
With this in mind, Shen Zhengming patted Shen Zhenghao's shoulder. "Third Brother, I'm doing this for your own good, but Second Brother can't help you much. I can only say so much. Think it through carefully."