The reporters eagerly thrust their microphones forward. "President Shen, why are you attending the Blue Zhen new product launch? Rumor has it that your two companies were planning to collaborate. Is that why you're here today?"
Standing outside the crowd, An Ruowei frowned slightly. She hadn't heard Gu Chao mention any cooperation with the Shen Group.
The man, surrounded on all sides, had a faint smile on his thin lips. His gaze cut through the chaotic crowd, locking directly onto the stunned girl. "Not entirely."
"Then why are you attending this launch, President Shen?"
The man's smile deepened. "To support my wife."
"Wife?" A wave of shock rippled through the reporters.
Rumor had it that the eldest son of the Shen family had vanished for two years after an accident. Many noble ladies and heiresses had kept their distance. How could he have a new wife?
As the event coordinator, An Ruowei heard the commotion and came over to calm the excited reporters. "Excuse me, everyone. The Q&A session is about to begin. Please move to the hotel lounge area. After a short break, President Gu will be available for interviews."
These gossip reporters had finally dug up the famous eldest Shen of Shanghai. Not only was this his first public appearance, but he'd also revealed his marriage. There was no way they'd let this go!
"President Shen, which person in the venue is your wife? Could you ask her to say a few words?"
"Yes, President Shen. We're very interested in the eldest daughter-in-law of the Shen Group. Your marital status is a top concern for all of Shanghai."
With the Shen family's absolute power in Shanghai and the aging patriarch, the most watched issue in recent years had been the selection of the heir. The eldest Shen, once the most outstanding and a force in the business world, was the public's favorite. But fate had dealt a cruel blow. After a plane crash two years ago, he was left nearly crippled. Some secretly speculated that the heir would be the idle and reckless second Shen.
No matter how much of a scoundrel the second Shen was, at least he was physically sound compared to the eldest. With some training, he could still be presentable.
Just as they were all siding with the second branch, the eldest Shen miraculously regained his sight. Not only did he take over as president of the Shen Group, but he also held half the shares on the board.
Now, back in the business world, he'd never appeared in media or public interviews before. Yet here he was, making his debut at a launch and voluntarily revealing the bombshell that he was married!
Those who had sided with the second branch secretly switched allegiances, drawing even more attention to his marital status.
The woman worthy of the eldest Shen had to be a noble heiress, or at least from a prestigious family.
But...
Standing nearby, An Ruowei felt a prickling sensation at the words "Mrs. Shen." Even without turning her head, she could feel the man's burning gaze on her.
She hadn't expected him to reveal their marriage in front of the media, in broad daylight.
Seeing the reporters' curious questions, she quietly slipped out of the crowd, ready to make a getaway.
"Director An." A sly smile curled on the man's lips as he watched her hunched over, trying to leave. He raised his voice. "They want to know about my wife. As the event coordinator, care to say a few words?"
Say what?
An Ruowei froze mid-step. The reporters' eyes all turned to her, and the scene grew awkward.
Forcing a smile, she turned around. "This is President Shen's personal matter. As an outsider, I have nothing to say."
Hadn't she told him not to be so obvious in front of the media? Not only had he revealed their marriage without permission, but he'd also shamelessly called her out.
Shen Xiaoxing crossed his hands on his knees, his narrow, phoenix-like eyes lifting with a seductive curve. "I'd like to hear Director An's opinion."
He was like a cunning male fox spirit!
"I have no opinion."
"Really? No opinion?" He deliberately twisted her words, repeating them in fragments.
An Ruowei kept a composed smile. "I didn't know about your marriage, President Shen. Let me offer my congratulations. I wish you and Mrs. Shen a harmonious union and lasting love!"
"I asked you to say a few words about their curiosity regarding my wife's private life, not to offer congratulations." The man smiled like a sly fox. "But thank you for the kind words, Director An. I will definitely cherish and respect my wife."
This man...
The reporters listened to their back-and-forth, utterly confused, with blank expressions.
It felt like they were flaunting their relationship.
Worried that if he kept talking, the sharp reporters might catch on, An Ruowei found an excuse to disperse them, calling security to escort them to the hotel entrance.
"So afraid of us being photographed together?"
An Ruowei took a deep breath, her face darkening as she turned around. "If I hadn't interrupted just now, were you about to reveal our marriage?"
"I already did."
An Ruowei was exasperated. "What good does that do you?"
"We're legally married, with a certificate. Why can't I tell them?"
An Ruowei didn't understand. "You're in a dangerous position now. The second branch is watching us closely. Is it wise to expose our marital status?"
Shen Xiaoxing knew what she was worried about. He reached out, taking her uneasy hand, his thumb gently stroking it. His voice was low. "Trust me. I have the power to protect you and Xiaoche now. There's no need to hide our relationship."
The second branch already knew she'd married him. But... An Ruowei wasn't worried about them targeting her or Xiaoche. She just didn't want the "Mrs. Shen" title to invite unnecessary trouble.
She and Shen Xiaoxing were on the weaker side. Only by lying low, building up strength, and waiting until their wings were full could they strike decisively and win!
"Director An."
Secretary Feng rushed over urgently. The two were gazing at each other affectionately. Hearing the voice, An Ruowei quickly let go of the man's hand.
"President Shen is here too." Secretary Feng didn't notice her awkward expression and smiled, nodding at the man.
Shen Xiaoxing's expression was cold. He clenched his now-empty hand slightly, shooting a dark look at Secretary Feng, annoyed at the interruption.
An Ruowei smiled. "President Shen, if you have any more questions about the new product, I can explain them to you later."
"Is President Shen interested in the new jewelry?" Secretary Feng adjusted his tie, looking experienced. "If you don't mind, I can introduce it."
"No need," the man said flatly.
"It's no trouble, President Shen. Don't hesitate. I can—"
The man's eyes were icy. "I mind." Did he have to spell it out?
An Ruowei was taken aback. This man was usually gentle at home, but with others, he was so cold and sharp, leaving no room for a reply.
She interrupted Secretary Feng. "Is there something you need?"
"There's an issue over there. The president wants you to come."
Hearing it was the big boss calling, An Ruowei knew she couldn't delay. Without waiting for the man to say anything, she hurried off.
A chilling aura radiated from the man. Even Yun Li, standing two meters away, could feel the drop in temperature.
Shen Xiaoxing's jaw tightened. That Gu Chao was treating his woman like a servant?
Giving her every task!