Volume One, Chapter 4: Even Little En can Make a Dance Entrance

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Shen Zhi’en felt utterly absurd, almost laughing in anger. “So you want me to be trapped in the Li residence in her place, becoming a mere accessory of the Li family?”

Li Shen said nothing in response. “If you want to be my wife, you’d better improve yourself a bit. Want me to sign you up for a etiquette class? Otherwise, you’ll definitely make a fool of yourself later.”

Shen Zhi’en pressed her lips tightly, her face paling slightly. Anger swelled inside her, yet she was powerless.

“Aren’t we supposed to go to Dongshan Huashu? Mr. Li, let’s get going.” Her voice was completely emotionless.

Li Shen drove with Shen Zhi’en to the Shen family first. As they neared the neighborhood, Li Shen took a work call. Shen Zhi’en pointed to the roadside, indicating he should let her off there.

Twenty minutes later, Shen Zhi’en came out of the house. Li Shen was still on the phone in the car. She lightly tapped the window; Li Shen turned and, seeing her completely transformed, his eyes brightened slightly. He opened the door and invited her in.

“How did you manage to change so completely in just twenty minutes?” When she got out, she was the Dunhuang goddess; now she was a gentle, refined lady.

“I’m a professional,” she said confidently.

No room for doubt there. After returning home, she took out a treasured white embroidered qipao, quickly removed her previous makeup and hairdo, pinned her hair into a simple bun, and applied light makeup. Shen Zhi’en’s complexion was alabaster, with delicate features perfectly suited to a vintage style.

Li Shen nodded, unusually refraining from retorting.

Upon arriving at the Li residence, they immediately saw everyone gathered around one person like stars circling the moon.

Grandfather Li Zhenting wept openly, embracing the person tightly, murmuring repeatedly, “You rascal, you’re finally back.”

Li’s father, Li Qitai, tenderly patted the person’s back, saying, “It’s good you’re back.”

Even the butler, Old Jin, discreetly wiped away tears at the side.

Shen Zhi’en was utterly baffled. Li Shen whispered in a voice only she could hear, “That’s my cousin, Li Heng,” then led her forward.

“Ah Heng!” Li Shen called out.

Li Heng looked up, saw Li Shen, and came over to embrace him. “Ah Shen.”

“Zhi’en’s here, come over,” their grandfather beckoned Shen Zhi’en.

“This is my future granddaughter-in-law, Shen Zhi’en,” Li Zhenting introduced her to Li Heng, then turned to Shen Zhi’en, “And this is Li Heng, cousin to Li Shen, your uncle’s son.”

So this was the most mysterious figure of the Li family, often discussed on Weibo and forums—Li Heng.

Shen Zhi’en had recently immersed herself in the gossip about the Li family and knew Li Heng was the son of the original heir, Li Qidong, who had been groomed carefully from birth.

But when Li Qidong was in his thirties, he died young in a plane crash. A year later, his widow and son disappeared from the public eye and never showed up again.

“Pleased to meet you,” Shen Zhi’en and Li Heng said in unison.

Li Heng’s voice was pleasant, his features somewhat resembling Li Shen’s but softer. His smile was like a spring breeze, full of youthful charm—a real pretty boy. Shen Zhi’en suddenly felt that Li Heng looked rather familiar.

“I’m a fan of the famous actress Zhi’en,” Li Heng said.

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Shen Zhi’en was surprised but smiled and waved her hand, “You flatter me, I’m honored.”

“Ah Heng, your taste is pretty sharp,” Li Shen teased.

“Ah Heng, how have you been all these years?” Li Qitai asked, eyes full of concern and tenderness.

Beside him, Xu Huaying smiled and nodded at Li Heng.

“We’re fine. Mom’s been busy, handling some company affairs. She won’t be back until next month,” Li Heng explained to Li Qitai.

“I heard you’re helping Lian at her company now?” Li Zhenting inquired. “Why not come see your grandpa? There’s always a place for you at Li Group.”

“I want to help my mom first, to build up my own skills. Grandpa, if you ever need me, just call,” Li Heng said obediently.

Xu Huaying’s face flickered briefly with displeasure but it vanished quickly.

“Ah Heng is the most considerate. Unlike Ah Shen, who’s been stern since childhood, acting like he’s always at the office, formal and stiff,” Xu Huaying said, her compliment veiled with criticism.

“Besides welcoming Ah Heng, today we need to discuss the details of Ah Shen and Zhi’en’s wedding,” Li Zhenting invited everyone to sit down.

“Though this engagement was arranged early by the elders and is a bit rushed, it’s easier for young people to get along—feelings can always be cultivated,” Li Zhenting said, taking Shen Zhi’en’s hand and pointing at Li Shen, “If he ever dares to bully you, tell grandpa and I’ll teach him a lesson.”

Li Heng looked at Shen Zhi’en and Li Shen, sensing they were not very familiar with each other.

“Grandpa, are you still arranging arranged marriages these days?” Li Heng joked half-seriously.

“That’s a long story. Actually, Zhi’en’s grandfather once saved your father’s life,” Li Zhenting said.

“Looks like I’m late coming back,” Li Heng said meaningfully to Li Shen, smiling, “Ah Shen, you better treat Zhi’en well and not give me any chance.”

Li Shen snorted lightly, “Too late.”

Seeing Shen Zhi’en’s embarrassed expression, Li Heng said to her, “Zhi’en, I’m just joking, don’t take it seriously.”

Shen Zhi’en hurriedly waved her hand, indicating it was fine.

“Grandpa, you guys continue chatting. I need to get back to work; I won’t disturb you here,” Li Heng glanced at his phone and said warmly to Li Zhenting.

“So busy?” Li Zhenting was reluctant. “Why not stay here since you’re back? Your villa has been empty.”

“I rented an apartment near the office for convenience. I’ll come visit you more often, grandpa,” Li Heng soothed gently.

“Alright then, go ahead.”

Li Heng said his goodbyes and, before leaving, turned to Shen Zhi’en, “Zhi’en, I’m in the marketing department at Huaye Beauty. Hope we get a chance to collaborate.” He extended his hand.

“Ah, thank you… you,” Shen Zhi’en was flattered, lightly shaking his hand.

Looking at Li Heng’s smile, Shen Zhi’en finally recognized him—it was Li Heng, the crush Zhu Yan had sent her about. But why did he sometimes use the surname Li and sometimes Li?

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Her thoughts were quickly brought back. Li Zhenting said to Shen Zhi’en, “Zhi’en, I called your father yesterday. He said he and your mother will be at the hospital taking care of your little sister. We’ll handle the wedding arrangements.”

“How’s your sister?” Xu Huaying asked with concern.

“She’s stable, surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.”

“That’s good,” Xu Huaying nodded.

“We’re thinking to hold the wedding on the 10th of next month at the exhibition center. It’s spacious there. Since the media attention is high, we’ll invite the media and livestream the entire event,” Li Zhenting said.

There were three weeks left, but hearing that the Li family was rushing the wedding, Shen Zhi’en, having agreed, resolved to cooperate fully.

“Weddings these days are so trendy. I heard the second son of the Zhou family danced when he and his bride made their entrance,” Xu Huaying said to Li Zhenting. “It even trended on social media, gave the Zhou family quite the face.”

Xu Huaying had long been uncomfortable with Mrs. Zhou’s antics, showing off with their son and daughter-in-law’s dance for over a month.

“That’s hardly dignified!” Li Qitai disapproved.

Shen Zhi’en always felt a bit intimidated by Li Qitai. She glanced at Li Shen, who was coldly watching his father. Catching her eye, he looked over and spoke.

“Zhi’en can dance her entrance too.”

What?!

Shen Zhi’en’s eyes widened. “No, no, no, I can’t, I don’t…”

“She can perform the Dunhuang Flying Apsaras dance,” Li Shen added. “I saw her do it well when I picked her up.”

“Zhi’en, you can dance the Flying Apsaras dance?” Xu Huaying was overjoyed. “As long as you perform well, the media will report it, which will benefit both our company’s image and your career.”

“No, no, it’s just staged,” Shen Zhi’en quickly waved her hands.

Li Shen pulled out his phone and found the video he had just taken that afternoon, handing it to Xu Huaying. “Video proof.”

Xu Huaying was amazed, repeatedly exclaiming, “You dance wonderfully! Zhi’en, you have a strong dance foundation.”

“Then it’s settled,” Li Shen decided proudly, glancing at Shen Zhi’en.

Watching the mother and son agree so smoothly, Shen Zhi’en’s jaw tensed.

He actually took the video without telling me!