Chapter 92 - 92: The Calmness Before the Storm
“Doesn’t the Shen family only have two ladies? Where did this Third Lady come from?”
“An illegitimate daughter, you know?”
“In this day and age, even a concubine’s child can rise to greatness. Madam Shen’s level of tolerance is truly exceptional.”
“It was her husband’s decision, and with the Old Master’s approval, even if she dislikes it, she has to tolerate it. But speaking of that, whose family doesn’t have an illegitimate child? Even if they bring them into the family, these kids need to be disciplined. Those who don’t obey will face consequences. However, the issue is that the Shen family’s illegitimate child started causing a stir. I’m afraid that once this precedent is established, others will do the same. It will undoubtedly disrupt the established norms. How can we, as the heads of our households, accept this?”
“What’s the matter? You’re still upset about having an illegitimate child?”
“She’s not an ordinary illegitimate child.”
“What do you mean?”
“The young girl has caught the attention of the Sixth Lord. Right now, the Shen family probably considers her a treasure, ready to present her to him, to please him. They’ll give him whatever he wants.”
“All! Are you saying the Shen family is trying to sell their daughter for fame and fortune?”
“Shh! Keep your voice down; they have no shame.”
Two elegant ladies exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
Because of Shen Wan’s connection with Quan Hanting, she forcefully entered Ning City’s elite social circle, shining brightly but also attracting the displeasure of a select few.
Not only was she criticized, but the Shen family was also condemned for their servile behavior, bending over backward to curry favor with Quan Hanting, even willing to sacrifice their daughter for business gains.
As the center of attention and the focal point of discussion, Shen Wan was far from being as fragile as the outside world imagined. She continued to live her life, occasionally tending to plants, going shopping, and showing no inclination to engage in social activities.
She remained gentle, obedient, and entirely non-confrontational.
“…Uncle Ding, it’s done.” Shen Wan set down the scissors, her pristine fingertips gently caressing the leaves, seemingly satisfied with her creation.
“The Third Lady’s skills are getting better and better,” Uncle Ding praised sincerely after taking a close look.
Trimming bonsai is quite different from arranging flowers. The former demands absolute precision and patience because one wrong cut can ruin the entire work. On the other hand, the latter is relatively simpler. As long as you have a good sense of aesthetics, even if you make a mistake, you can start over.
Shen Wan, at such a young age, possessed the patience and resilience required for bonsai trimming. Her future prospects were boundless, and Uncle Ding, with his experienced eyes, saw this quite clearly.
“Would the Third Lady like to sit down and take a break? Perhaps have some tea?”
Shen Wan didn’t decline, smiled, and graciously thanked him.
Soon, a cup of steaming hot black tea was placed in front of her. Uncle Ding said with a smile, “I made it myself. I don’t know much about tea etiquette, but it tastes decent. Would you like to try it?”
Shen Wan took a sip and honestly replied, “It’s very fragrant.”
Uncle Ding beamed like a child who had just received candy.
Fifteen minutes later, Shen Wan bid farewell and left. Uncle Ding watched the slender figure of the young girl until it was no longer visible. Then, he slowly withdrew his gaze and let out a sigh. “A hidden talent should not be understimated.”
Perhaps someone would regret it in the future.
Back in her room, Shen Wan first watered her cactus, then retrieved her yoga mat, laid it out, changed into looser clothing, and began following an instructional video.
After completing the entire routine, it took exactly forty minutes.
She went into the bathroom to wash her face and came out to drink a full glass of water before sitting down to rest.
After this period of intensified training, Shen Wan could clearly feel her physical fitness improving. Previously, she would be panting and exhausted after running for half an hour, but now she could easily endure for a full hour. While she still felt tired, it wasn’t as strenuous as before.
Everything was progressing in the direction she had hoped for—
This was very good!