Astonishment
1318 Words
"Young Master Shen, let’s head inside."
Su Changsha, a broad-shouldered and imposing figure, slightly bowed as he spoke, his face adorned with a polite and accommodating smile.
"Miss Su—"
Shen Chen leaned toward the car, calling softly.
A moment later—
A girl in a pristine white dress gracefully stepped out.
And at the very instant she emerged—
It felt as though the world became brighter.
The crowd waiting in line stared blankly at her, their eyes losing focus as if momentarily entranced.
S-So beautiful…
How could someone be this breathtakingly gorgeous?!
Even those with girlfriends found their gazes involuntarily fixed upon her.
Su Mengning—the most coveted socialite among the elite—needed no introduction.
Her beauty was undisputed among aristocratic youth.
And to ordinary people, accustomed to filters, heavy makeup, and cosmetic enhancements—
Her pure, natural radiance was simply irresistible.
"Let’s go."
Without acknowledging the dozens of stunned gazes behind them, Shen Chen and Su Mengning walked through the grand entrance.
Although Su Mengning rarely appeared in public before—
She had endured an apocalyptic world.
Few things could now truly faze her.
And as for Shen Chen—
He had grown up under the constant scrutiny of the elite.
His mental fortitude and composure far exceeded his peers.
Liaojiang District Administration
"Young Master Shen! Miss Su!"
Sun Yun, grinning widely, hurried to their side, eager to guide them.
"The scenery here at dawn is breathtaking—I hope you both have a wonderful time!"
As Shen Chen and Su Mengning strolled deeper into the park, Sun Yun turned toward Su Changsha with a fawning smile.
"Director Su, would you like me to temporarily close the district to ensure Young Master Shen and Miss Su enjoy their time without disturbance?"
"Once the park officially opens, the crowd will be quite… overwhelming."
Su Changsha’s response was curt and decisive—
"No need."
He scanned the surroundings, then fixed his gaze upon Sun Yun.
"Just ensure there are no security risks. We cannot afford any mistakes."
"O-Of course! I will handle everything personally!"
Sun Yun nodded frantically, his heart pounding.
He had been informed that a highly influential figure would be arriving—
But he hadn't been told exactly who.
He didn't recognize Young Master Shen.
But the surname alone was enough to send his mind racing with wild speculation.
Shen…
If he recalled correctly—
Wasn’t the Grand Elder of the Imperial Cardinal Bureau named…
Shen Fei?
The Crowd’s Reaction
"Who the hell is that guy? And… that unreal beauty?"
"No idea…"
"That looked like a Su family car…"
"Wait… does that mean…?"
The entrance buzzed with murmurs, faces filled with shock.
A mysterious young man.
A stunningly perfect woman.
Military-clad guards stationed all around.
The entire scene felt surreal—
Like something straight out of a novel.
Among them—
The pockmarked university student and his roommate stood completely frozen.
For just a fleeting second—
It felt like they had locked eyes with that exquisite young man.
Yet, despite being the same age, despite standing in the same space—
It felt as though they lived in entirely different worlds.
Within the Park
"These must be the Qingshan trees unique to Jiangcheng."
Shen Chen’s voice was casual as he observed their surroundings.
"They thrive by the Liaojiang River, favoring the sunlight. Would that be correct, Miss Su?"
"Yes," Su Mengning replied softly—
Then lowered her head slightly, her ears tinged with pink.
"Actually… Young Master Shen, you don’t have to call me ‘Miss Su’… You can just call me… Mengning."
Shen Chen paused briefly, then chuckled.
"Alright. Mengning, then."
Su Mengning!
This was beyond strange.
Shen Chen’s mind was already brimming with questions.
Her attitude toward him was far too different from his past life.
Back then, their interactions were few—
But Shen Chen was an excellent judge of character.
He had long noticed her aloof and reserved nature.
Yet in this life—
She was so obedient.
So affectionate.
Even in her speech and demeanor, there was a subtle trace of humility.
Shen Chen did not believe this was mere coincidence.
"Mengning, do you like willow trees?"
He asked the question seemingly offhandedly.
"I noticed that Governor Su planted many around the Governor’s Residence. They really enhance the air quality there."
Willow trees…
Su Mengning froze.
Hearing that word—
She was instantly reminded of that horrific nightmare from her past life.
That "accident"—
It all began with a single willow tree.
A tree she had personally gifted to her father.
Suddenly—
Her face went pale, an uncontrollable fear surging within.
"N-No…"
"Mengning, are you alright? You don’t look well."
Shen Chen’s brows furrowed slightly, his tone laced with subtle concern.
"It’s nothing!"
Su Mengning quickly forced a playful smile, blinking up at him.
"I just meant… My father likes willows. But I actually don’t."
"I see…"
Shen Chen’s eyes darkened briefly, nodding in acknowledgment.
As he turned his gaze back toward the scenic surroundings—
Su Mengning took the opportunity to steal a glance at him.
Shen Chen…
In her past life, they had never interacted deeply.
So only now was she realizing just how perfect he truly was.
Despite holding one of the most powerful positions in the entire Empire—
He was never arrogant.
Never oppressive.
Instead, he carried himself with an effortless grace, his demeanor as warm as jade.
A man of wealth, power, and unmatched talent.
And when the apocalypse struck—
He became humanity’s strongest Awakener.
He built Free City, the last bastion of civilization, shielding countless survivors from extinction.
In a world where humans devolved into beasts—
He alone remained noble, untarnished.
Yet she had been blind.
In her past life, she had foolishly distanced herself, squandering the opportunity to know him.
But this time—
She had been given a second chance.
And she would not let it slip away.
Shen Chen…
He would save the Su family.
And beyond that—
Every moment she spent by his side—
She felt something new.
Something undeniable.
Something that set her heart racing.
Jiangcheng Governor’s Mansion
"Su Xiao, what the hell do you think you’re doing?! How dare you block me?!"
A sharp, furious voice echoed through the grand estate—
Even the gardeners outside flinched in fear.
"Big Sis, you should just stay put for now."
Su Xiao, smirking mischievously, showed no fear of Su Qingying’s fury.
"Y-You…!"
Su Qingying’s face flushed red with rage, her chest heaving as she pointed an accusing finger at him.
She never imagined—
That one day, she, the eldest daughter of the Su family—
Would be confined to the estate!
While countless noble heirs flocked to Liaojiang for a chance to meet Shen Chen—
She was trapped here.
"Move aside! I’m going!"
She had to see Shen Chen!
Her intense, enchanting gaze burned with ferocity.
She was just as beautiful as Su Mengning.
But while Su Mengning was merely cold and distant—
Su Qingying was ruthless.
Yet Su Xiao—
Remained unfazed.
"Enough, Su Qingying."
"You know exactly why this is happening."
Su Qingying’s fingers clenched, her expression darkening.
She knew.
She knew all too well.
This wasn’t just Su Xiao’s doing.
The real culprit—
Was none other than Su Mingshuo himself.
- Writer
