Mu Lintian stared at Meng Nianchu. "You've really changed."
Mu Junze had reached the limit of his patience. He put his arm around Meng Nianchu's slender waist and stared intently at Mu Linfeng.
Seeing Mu Junze's growing hostility, Mu Linfeng didn't want to provoke him in front of so many people. He stopped pushing his luck and went elsewhere.
As he walked, he kept looking back at Meng Nianchu, the shock in his eyes extremely obvious.
Meng Nianchu's attitude towards him was completely the opposite. She sneered at his back.
Suddenly, a pair of big hands covered her eyes.
She laughed. "Mu Junze, what are you doing?"
"The lights are too bright."
"Are you jealous?"
Mu Junze tightened his grip on her waist.
Meng Nianchu clicked her tongue twice and teased, "If you're jealous, just say so. No one will laugh at you. I'm so charming. It's normal for a couple of flies to buzz around me."
"Shut up. I'm not."
Meng Nianchu pried his hands off. "You're being hypocritical."
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the lingering glances from over there. She stood on tiptoe and whispered in Mu Junze's ear, "Be careful. Someone's eyeing me. If they get the chance, I can't guarantee they won't come over and talk to me."
Mu Junze looked in the direction of Mu Linfeng.
The two men locked eyes, and Mu Linfeng looked away.
Whether it was because of her gentle reminder or not, Meng Nianchu clearly felt that Mu Junze became even more attentive to her. As long as she made the slightest move, Mu Junze would immediately notice and care.
This kind of considerate care made Meng Nianchu secretly delighted.
At this moment, the noisy hall suddenly fell silent. Mr. Zhang Zhen, looking energetic, came out of the room on the second floor. Mu Junze put his arm around Meng Nianchu and took the lead to walk over. Then Mu Linfeng also stood beside them.
"Boss Mu, it's been a while."
A waiter brought over champagne. Mu Junze picked up a glass and handed it to Zhang Zhen. "Mr. Zhang, you're looking more and more energetic."
"Haha, indeed."
Mu Linfeng clinked glasses with him, gave a signal to his subordinate who was observing the situation not far away, indicating for him to bring over the gift. And when Zhang Zhen opened it.
There was a fine bottle of red wine in the exquisite leather case.
Zhang Zhen said happily, "Linfeng, you're really thoughtful. It must have cost you a fortune."
"I didn't know what you like, so I could only buy this kind of wine that all men like. This red wine was specially brought by a buddy who owns a winery. The taste is definitely pure. If you like it, just let me know."
"You're still the same as when you were a kid."
Meng Nianchu watched Zhang Zhen and Mu Linfeng chatting animatedly. She quietly tightened her grip on Mu Junze's warm, large hand.
The Meng family had had interactions with Mu Linfeng's parents before, and the relationship between the two families was quite good. With such a strong bond, Mu Junze was in a rather difficult situation.
It was the same before. Coupled with Mu Linfeng's underhanded tactics, Mu Junze lost this cooperation project. Not long after, problems arose within Mu Junze's company, and the capital turnover was difficult, dealing a heavy blow to him.
Meng Nianchu lowered her eyes, reining in her wandering thoughts. She lifted the corners of her lips and said gently, "Mr. Zhang, has your rheumatism improved? You should still pay more attention not to catch a cold in normal times so that it will recover faster."
Hearing this, Zhang Zhen looked over.
Meng Nianchu said regretfully, "It's a pity. I heard that you're very good at playing chess. I was still looking forward to having a match with you and learning from you. But it doesn't matter. When your rheumatism gets better in the future, you must teach me some powerful skills!"
"Chess?"
Hearing these two words from her mouth, Zhang Zhen gasped. He couldn't help but take a good look at her.
He had never mentioned his love for chess to the outside world. How did this little girl know?
"I once attended a chess class taught by Teacher Lin in Huaibei. I happened to see you there at that time. But there were so many things going on then, so I forgot to say hello to you. Please don't take it to heart, Mr. Zhang."
"Of course not."
Finding something in common with another person is the fastest way to get closer to them.
Learning that Meng Nianchu not only knew how to play chess but also had been in the same chess courtyard as him, such a coincidence and shared interest made Zhang Zhen like her even more.
He smacked his lips. "As people get old, they tend to get sick easily. I haven't touched chess for a long time. I'm itching to play."
"It's really a pity. I just saw a really good set of chess on my way here. It's in the car now. It would be great if I could really have a match with you, Mr. Zhang."
"Is it outside?"
"Yes."
Zhang Zhen felt a burning fire in his chest. He rubbed his hands together, looking excited. "There's a room on the second floor. Let's have a game."
"Is that okay?"
"My problem won't get better anytime soon. Playing for a while won't do any harm. I also want to see what Miss Meng's chess skills are like."
Meng Nianchu looked at Mu Junze. Immediately understanding her meaning, Mu Junze turned around and went to the car to get the chess set.
Zhang Zhen invited Meng Nianchu to the second floor. Mu Linfeng also followed, saying he wanted to watch.
Mu Junze came back in two minutes. The chessboard was set up, and Meng Nianchu and Zhang Zhen got ready.
Once Zhang Zhen started playing chess, he shed the false politeness he showed in business. His expression was serious and extremely solemn.
Knowing the saying that one's character can be seen from their chess-playing, Meng Nianchu didn't dare to be negligent. She summoned all the skills she had learned from her friends to deal with the game.
In the end, Meng Nianchu naturally lost.
Meng Nianchu conceded defeat convincingly. "Mr. Zhang is really amazing. I can't compare with you at all."
"To be able to play like this after just starting, Miss Meng has great talent."
During the game, Zhang Zhen could tell how good Meng Nianchu was. He also understood the purpose of her deliberately losing.
Even though he knew it clearly, he still had a great time playing chess. Meng Nianchu was also very eloquent and made him very happy.
Not feeling ashamed at being seen through, Meng Nianchu admitted with a big smile, "Mr. Zhang has really good eyesight. I thought I had hidden it well, but I didn't expect to be seen through. It seems that Mr. Zhang's chess skills are really profound!"
The flattery was so pleasant to hear that it made Zhang Zhen laugh heartily.
He looked at Mu Junze and said with admiration in his voice, "The girl you married is really eloquent. She's really nice and likable."
Hearing this, Mu Junze looked proud. He glanced at Mu Linfeng as if provoking him.