LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 67
This banquet was more formal than the last one Shen Tang had attended. The people here had more status and would not behave as vulgarly. Everyone was here to seek cooperation, not conflicts.
Shen Tang walked in arm in arm with Gu Huaian, attracting quite some attention.
Gu Huaian first brought Shen Tang to greet two kindly elders, "Uncle, Auntie, this is my wife Shen Tang."
"Tangtang, this is Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen."
"Nice to meet you, Uncle and Auntie."
"Oh, what a nice girl," said Aunt Shen, taking off her jade bracelet and putting it on Shen Tang's wrist.
"I can't accept this, it's too valuable," Shen Tang really wanted to pull her hand back but didn't dare to use force.
"Good child, don't reject it. Huaian is like my own child, having watched him grow up." Gu Huaian also signaled Shen Tang to accept the gift.
Then, Aunt Shen pretended to complain, "When did you get married? How come I wasn't informed?"
"We haven't held the wedding yet. You'll definitely be invited when we do," Gu Huaian replied.
"Alright, alright."
After some small talk, Gu Huaian brought Shen Tang away.
He explained in a low voice, "Uncle and Auntie's child is my childhood friend. He met with an accident years ago and his whereabouts are still unknown. I visit his parents when I have time to accompany them."
There wasn't much he could do except be there for his friend's parents.
Shen Tang didn't expect there to be this story behind it. She immediately said, "I'll visit them more in the future too."
As soon as she said it, she felt something was off. Seeing the smile in Gu Huaian's eyes, Shen Tang felt like she had been tricked.
Next, many people actively came over to greet them. Shen Tang put on her professional business smile.
After meeting another group of people, Shen Tang's calves were aching from standing so she unconsciously adjusted her stance into a more comfortable one.
Noticing her small actions, Gu Huaian told her to go sit and rest at the side.
Shen Tang didn't stand on ceremony and nodded, "I'll go wait for you there."
Shen Tang took some food and sat in a corner, preparing to enjoy the delicacies.
Soon, a few women with elegant makeup walked over too.
"Hello there. Do you mind if we sit here?"
"Not at all."
What followed next was these women turning on their flattery mode.
Shen Tang was praised so much she almost forgot who she was. Of course, she understood they weren't sincere but only being nice because of Gu Huaian.
Until one woman said, "Mrs. Gu looks a bit familiar."
Only then did Shen Tang calm down and gave a faint smile. "Perhaps we've seen each other somewhere before."
She didn't think these women would pay attention to stuff online, they might not even know who she was.
A strange expression flashed across that woman's face before she resumed her composure.
The women continued chatting, talking about clothes, jewelry, skincare, weight loss, men, children and gossip - typical topics between females.
But since they weren't familiar with one another yet, they only discussed the first two topics.
Shen Tang didn't understand those brands so she quickly lost interest. However, she didn't show it.
From time to time, she looked towards Gu Huaian who stood out clearly amongst the crowds.
She then saw him frowning at a female server who kept bowing non-stop in front of him.
Shen Tang's first thought was - could this be like in the novels where the poor hardworking girl accidentally spills wine on the CEO's clothes, garnering his attention?
Shen Tang pricked up her ears, wanting to hear what was happening over there. But they were too far away and the music drowned out the voices.
Seeing Shen Tang staring in that direction, the woman understandingly suggested, "Sitting so long must be tiring. Why don't we take a walk?"
"Good idea."
Shen Tang looked at the leftover mini cakes in her hand. She opened her mouth wide and gobbled them down in one go.
Waste not, want not!
As they approached, before Shen Tang could speak, Gu Huaian looked over pitifully, "Wife~"
Shen Tang was stunned by this term of address. Oh my god, Gu Huaian was actually acting cute!
How much did he drink? His face was all red too.
Shen Tang's ears involuntarily twitched. They felt hot and her heart skipped a beat.
Keeping calm on the surface despite the teasing looks from the others, she asked, "What happened?"
"My clothes..." They were wearing couple outfits.
Indeed, Shen Tang saw his clothes were stained by red wine.
The female server kept bowing and apologizing nonstop, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"I can help clean it..."
Gu Huaian looked quite intimidating when he was stern. Seeing the girl on the verge of tears, Shen Tang said, "It's fine, just change out of it."
Gu Huaian pressed his lips together without answering.
But his meaning was clear - he didn't want to change.
"Do you want me to accompany you to change?" Shen Tang tried asking.
After all, it wasn't ideal to keep wearing wet clothes.
"Okay." Only then did Gu Huaian relent.
The others jokingly teased, "Chairman Gu and his wife are so loving."
"That's right, a perfect match made in heaven..."
"Excuse us for a moment," Shen Tang showed an awkward but still polite smile.
Only when they reached the resting lounge did Shen Tang heave a sigh of relief. She drank some water and asked, "What happened to you just now?"
When she turned her head however, she was greeted by the sight of a half-naked Gu Huaian.
Those pecs, that six pack, that figure... *drools*
The impact was too great that Shen Tang almost forgot what she wanted to ask.
"Why...why aren't you wearing clothes?"
Gu Huaian pouted sadly, mumbling in a small voice, "It's so hot..."
This was completely different from his usual demeanor. Shen Tang's instincts told her something was off about him.
"Let me turn on the air conditioner for you."
When Shen Tang went to find the remote control, she was pulled into an embrace from behind.
Her petite figure fit perfectly against him. She could clearly hear his vital, powerful heartbeats.
Thump thump thump!
Shen Tang's voice unconsciously became strained, "What are you doing?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she really wanted to slap herself.
Why did she have to sound so pretentious!
"Wife~" Shen Tang's ears twitched uncontrollably once more. There was no need to stand so close when talking right?
Gu Huaian chuckled softly.
"How much did you drink? Let me go!" Shen Tang was shy yet perturbed at the same time. This was the closest she had ever been physically with a man in two lifetimes.
What was up with Gu Huaian? Was he really drunk? How could he have two sides to him like this?
Although the gap moe was pretty cute... She wondered if he would still remember this when sober and feel awkward about it later.
Gu Huaian nudged his head against Shen Tang's, "Wife, you smell so nice..."
If it was anyone else, it would be considered sexual harassment.
But this was Gu Huaian...
Shen Tang only felt extremely embarrassed. "I'm wearing perfume."
"It's not the perfume..." Gu Huaian sniffed around her like a puppy, "It's your own scent."
Shen Tang couldn't handle such a huge shock. She slowly pried his hands off her, "Alright alright, so hurry up and put on your clothes, okay?"
Gu Huaian looked sad like a big puppy being abandoned, "I want to cuddle with my wife..."
Shen Tang didn't understand why he was being so clingy when drunk. But they were still in public. It wouldn't be good for them to be away for so long.
"Put on your clothes first. We'll cuddle more when we get home," Shen Tang brushed him off.
"Okay!"