The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 654 - 653: Arriving at Ao City

Chapter 654: Chapter 653: Arriving at Ao City

"Fake."

Shen Mingzhu blurted out two words, dousing Pei Yang with cold water through and through.

He lay dissatisfied on top of Shen Mingzhu, whining, "I don’t believe it, you must be lying to me."

"Don’t believe it, too bad."

Pei Yang looked up at her with eyes that held a hopeful light, "Wife, you wouldn’t already be pregnant, would you?"

Shen Mingzhu smirked, "You’re dreaming before you’re even asleep?"

Pei Yang, as if he hadn’t heard her, immersed himself in his beautiful fantasies, pressing his ear against Shen Mingzhu’s soft, flat belly.

"I’ll listen, maybe the little one will say hello to me."

Shen Mingzhu rolled her eyes skyward.

On the matter of having a second child, she and Pei Yang had always held different opinions.

She was adamantly against it, while Pei Yang was eager to have another. He would nag her every now and then, annoying her to no end like the preaching Tang Seng.

"I can’t hear anything, I want to have a look."

Shen Mingzhu puzzled, "Look at what?"

"To see where you’ve hidden the child."

Shen Mingzhu held down the man’s hand that was attempting to lift her dress, "Are you sick, where would a child come from?"

"None? Then let’s make one tonight..."

"Hey, stop messing around!"

"I’m not messing around, I’m serious."

...

At around four in the afternoon, the ferry carrying Shen Mingzhu and the others arrived smoothly at Ao City’s port.

As soon as they got off, a man in his thirties, dressed in a business suit, came forward to greet them.

"Ms. Shen, I’m Akuan, specially instructed by Madam Four to bring you to the hotel. The car is over there, please follow me."

Following the man’s gesture, they saw a stretch white Lincoln parked quietly outside the port, with a handsome young man standing on either side of the car, responsible for reception.

In any era, such welcoming etiquette and standard were undeniably top-tier and a symbol of high society.

Zhou Shuhuan and Qiao Ya both looked at Shen Mingzhu, clearly curious and astonished by her extraordinary connections in Ao City.

Shen Mingzhu herself was also taken aback; La Shiran hadn’t informed her in advance that someone would pick her up, let alone in such grand style. Those unaware would think she was an international VIP.

"Excuse me, I need to make a phone call."

Akuan smiled slightly, "Of course, please go ahead."

After Shen Mingzhu called La Shiran to confirm the person and the car were sent by her, she then led everyone into the vehicle.

The stretch limousine was spacious and comfortable, with a luxurious interior, and came fully equipped with drinks and snacks, serving as a mini reception hall.

Not to mention the novelty and excitement felt by Pei Yang, Zhou Shuhuan, and Qiao Ya, even Shen Mingzhu herself, who had lived two lifetimes, was experiencing such treatment for the first time, and her mood was inevitably stirred.

The car glided smoothly and steadily through streets filled with European charm and soon stopped in front of a towering, magnificent building.

Thirty years later, such skyscrapers would be unremarkable.

But in the present, this was the tallest landmark in Ao City, as well as the most longstanding and luxurious five-star hotel.

La Shiran had arranged a luxury suite for the four of them, second only to the presidential suite.

After dropping them off at the hotel and leaving his contact information, Akuan departed.

The service at the five-star hotel was impeccable, covering everything from door opening to check-in and elevator assistance with luggage.

Once in the room, Shen Mingzhu followed the local custom and tipped each service staff member fifty Hong Kong dollars.

As a city, Ao City is rather complex, and this complexity is evident in various aspects, including its currency system.

US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and Australian dollars are all accepted here.

After entering the room, Shen Mingzhu washed up quickly, preparing to lie down and rest, when Qiao Ya came from the next room to borrow a sanitary pad.

Shen Mingzhu did bring sanitary pads, but her luggage wasn’t unpacked yet, and she didn’t want to rummage through it, so she lied about having run out and told Qiao Ya to return to her room and call housekeeping.

Expecting Qiao Ya to leave, Mingzhu was surprised when the topic suddenly changed.

"Sister-in-law, I never expected you knew such important people in Ao City. This Fourth Madam not only sent a car for us but also arranged a five-star hotel stay. Shuhuan and I feel quite embarrassed, and we’d like to invite the Fourth Madam for a casual meal to express our gratitude. Could you mention it to her, please, and ask her to grace us with her presence?"

Shen Mingzhu really wanted to say, "Your scheming is hitting me in the face."

"Since you’re already settled in, just stay and relax, don’t overthink it."

If you truly felt embarrassed, you could have simply not stayed, but since you didn’t refuse at the beginning, what’s the point of saying this now?

Seeing her goal unachieved, Qiao Ya directly broached the subject, "Sister-in-law, you’re going to dine with the Fourth Madam tonight, aren’t you? Would it be possible for Shuhuan and me to join? It would be a good chance to thank her personally."

"Sorry, it’s not convenient."

Qiao Ya, probably not expecting Shen Mingzhu to refuse so frankly, stiffened her smile.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Pei Yang stepped in to smooth things over, "Xiao Ya, we’re not really close with the Fourth Madam either; it’s just your sister-in-law who had a passing acquaintance with her in Hong City. I haven’t even met her before, and this trip is to show our gratitude for saving my life. It’s uncertain if she’ll even have time for us."

"I see, never mind then."

Qiao Ya was clever enough to back down gracefully from the situation.

"What’s up?"

Noticing her sulking return, Zhou Shuhuan casually asked with concern.

Qiao Ya recounted the story, exasperatedly criticizing Shen Mingzhu’s pettiness, "...When the two of you came to Sui City, we treated you to the best food and introduced you to wealth and the chance to meet Thirteenth Young, hoping you’d get rich with us. But look at her, hoarding her valuable connections, as if afraid we’d steal them."

Zhou Shuhuan, however, held a different view, "Despite the grand arrangements by the Fourth Madam, she didn’t show her face. What does that tell you?"

Qiao Ya shook her head.

With an unconcerned smile, Zhou Shuhuan said, "It shows she doesn’t really care about Pei Yang and your sister-in-law. This Fourth Madam is obviously someone with a significant background. Even Mingzhu and Pei Yang might not hold much sway before her, so what difference would it make if we went?"

Qiao Ya had a moment of realization, "You’re right, Shuhuan, you’re the smart one."

Zhou Shuhuan pinched her cheek, feeling the collagen-rich skin that was plump, soft, and elastic—a great tactile experience.

His voice softened unconsciously, "Not upset anymore, are you?"

"Hmm!"

"Go wash up, change clothes, and later we’ll go out for a walk."

Qiao Ya happily wrapped her arms around his neck, pouting and coquettishly suggesting, "You join me for the wash."

Zhou Shuhuan snuffed out his cigarette and, bending down, lifted her sideways in his arms amidst her girlish laughter, striding towards the bathroom.

Next door.

After resting for half an hour, Shen Mingzhu got out of bed to change clothes and do her makeup, ready to head out.

Although it was only 5:30 PM and they had an hour and a half until their 7:00 meeting with La Shiran, it was better to leave early to avoid being late due to traffic congestion.

While waiting for the elevator, the couple ran into Zhou Shuhuan and Qiao Ya, who were also heading out.

Qiao Ya, having brushed off her earlier displeasure, enthusiastically invited Shen Mingzhu, "Shuhuan and I are planning to try some local dishes at the pier and then head to the casino to have some fun. If you finish early, come join us."

The ’casino’ in Ao City refers to the gambling houses.

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