Chapter 32 Tan Zheng Compromised Last Time, Song Ni Took Half a Step Back This Time Tan Zheng sat opposite Song Ni, watching her wipe the table with a tissue without any pretense, raising an eyebrow, his eyes filled with a smile. He finally believed that Song Ni had once been the "school boss." Song Ni rolled up her sleeves, her arms crossed under her chin. "Speak, what do you want with me?" The setting sun cast an orange-red glow on Song Ni's hair and clothes. She had tied her hair up casually earlier, finding the wind too strong, and the stray hairs at her temples added a touch of allure. A floral shirt and jeans made her look like a muse from a 1990s Hong Kong magazine. Tan Zheng looked up at her, suddenly realizing what a versatile person Song Ni was. No matter what she wore, she always found a way to blend in effortlessly. Demure, capable, glamorous, cool, and the lazy charm she exuded right now. "What are your requirements for the wedding?" Hearing this, Song Ni paused for a moment. She looked at Tan Zheng, whose expression was composed, yet the sunset light couldn't hide the depth in his eyes. Song Ni sat up straight, resting her chin on her hand, and pondered for a while. Their marriage had always been a concern for both families, and neither of them had managed anything. Not to mention that the two families hadn't even met, let alone set a date, so how could they start planning the wedding? Yet, Tan Zheng had specifically sought her out at this moment to ask such a question. She couldn't help but suspect Tan Zheng had ulterior motives. Song Ni curved her lips. Just then, the ordered milk arrived. She didn't rush to answer Tan Zheng's question, but took sips, organizing her thoughts. By the time she finished drinking, she spoke, "Who wouldn't want a grand wedding?" As she said this, Song Ni kept her eyes fixed on Tan Zheng. Noticing his furrowed brow, she understood. It was indeed not good news that Tan Zheng had come to her proactively. "Just kidding, tell me your real reason for looking for me, otherwise I can't even enjoy this meal." Tan Zheng looked deeply at Song Ni, seeing the clarity on her face, and felt a pang of guilt. He had to admit that Song Ni was a very intelligent woman. "If possible, I hope to postpone the wedding for now." Song Ni wasn't very surprised by this answer. She had thought he meant never holding a wedding. She didn't insist on having a wedding. Honestly, she felt a wedding for such an arranged marriage was a bit of a mockery. A wedding, after all, was merely a different kind of venue for business networking. Song Ni nodded readily. "Alright, but I need you to give me a reason." Tan Zheng fell silent. Song Ni tapped her fingers on the table, each tap heavier and faster than the last. She still hadn't received an answer from Tan Zheng. Song Ni gave a cold laugh. "Mr. Tan, you should know your request is excessive. I've agreed, but is it so difficult to give me a reason?" Hearing this, Tan Zheng looked up at her. Song Ni didn't give him a pleasant look. She was like this: when she was in a good mood, she could softly joke and call Tan Zheng 'Uncle' or 'handsome guy.' But now, Tan Zheng was being too much, and she had no inclination to appease him. He was just a man she was interested in; there was no need to compromise her mood. "You came to me because tomorrow at dinner, it would be best if I were the one to bring this up, right? Let me guess, what's the reason you've planned? Oh, I haven't graduated yet, and we can have it after I graduate, can't we?" Song Ni was too smart; she had instantly guessed all of Tan Zheng's thoughts. The wind blew, then passed. Tan Zheng clearly saw the indifference in Song Ni's eyes. He was indeed wrong about this matter, and he deserved to be chided. He had intended to bring it up himself, but thinking it might sour the relationship between the two families and embarrass the young lady, he had come to find Song Ni today. He had indeed considered having Song Ni bring it up, and having the wedding after graduation. He himself felt rather spineless about this. "Song Ni." Tan Zheng's voice was a little hoarse. "I'm the one being spineless about this. I don't want to have the wedding now, and I can't tell you the reason." Because even he wasn't sure if it was guilt or fear. Even though he hadn't smoked, the man's throat felt as if it had been scoured by sand. His eyes were as deep as ever, but this time, Song Ni saw a hint of heaviness in them. He hid it well, but it was too intense, and she couldn't help but notice. Song Ni's fingers moved slightly as she tucked a stray strand of hair blown by the wind behind her ear. She hadn't expected the first time Tan Zheng called her name to be under such circumstances. His voice was as sexy as he was. Song Ni was reluctant to admit that these simple two words made her heart flutter. What secret was Tan Zheng hiding? What was he carrying? Why did such a proud scion suddenly retire five years ago, abandoning the racing he loved with his life? Who was that person in the American hospital? Song Ni let out a long breath, suppressing the heavy questions in her heart. She realized that every question that arose further piqued her interest in Tan Zheng. As the eldest daughter of the Song family, she always prioritized her own emotions. This was the first time she felt soft-hearted and conflicted. It was because Tan Zheng, someone who should be arrogant and defiant, had actually called himself spineless. Song Ni thought about what situations would make her call herself spineless, but found it impossible to imagine. How could such a proud person admit to being spineless? Song Ni lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop. She knew very well that the reason an arrogant person would negate themselves like this could not be a simple matter. "Will you be able to tell me in the future?" Song Ni took half a step back. Tan Zheng had compromised with her once at the bar that day, so this time she would take half a step back. Tan Zheng didn't give a definitive answer, but Song Ni saw a softening in his eyes. "Alright, whether you can tell me depends on my ability, right?" Song Ni suddenly called the owner. "Bring a dozen beers." The owner glanced at Song Ni, then at Tan Zheng. Only after seeing Tan Zheng nod did he bring out the beer. Song Ni took a beer and, without a bottle opener, pried it open directly on the corner of the table. Tan Zheng watched her actions, a sense of inexplicable restlessness rising within him. He instinctively wanted to smoke, but after taking out a cigarette, he merely placed it on the table. Song Ni took a sip. She hadn't drunk beer in years, and the taste was difficult to adapt to. She said, "Tan Zheng, one day I will make you willingly tell me all about your past." She took another sip of beer. "I can bring this up at dinner tomorrow, but you have to promise me one thing." The eldest daughter of the Song family never treated herself poorly and was extremely skilled at making deals. Tan Zheng's eyes moved swiftly, and he pressed down on Song Ni's hand as she was about to pour more. "Alright, you can bring it up anytime." Song Ni's lips curved into a smile. She rotated the beer bottle and poured some into the cup in front of Tan Zheng. "Take me to your racing club. I want to sit in your co-driver's seat." Song Ni stared intently at Tan Zheng. She knew Tan Zheng hadn't touched racing for many years, and she knew he hadn't competed for many years, not even in a simple friendly race. But she was determined to be the one to break Tan Zheng's taboo.
Tan Zheng: I don't want to have the wedding for now.
Song Ni: If you can, never have it!
Tan Zheng: Then I guess I'm not capable of that.
(End of this chapter)