The Crazy Mother-in-law

Chapter 2: Making the Move

She had no time to grieve.

Taking over Nanhua Group from her husband, a colossal entity, a vast commercial empire intertwined with countless interests, the outside world speculated on how long she could last. How soon would she be torn apart by the wolves of the business world? But she did not fall. With almost insane perseverance, she not only stabilized Nanhua but also developed it further. She succeeded, but at the cost of her own life—she was no longer someone's wife but the queen of Nanhua, a woman envied and feared by those men.

Yet, she was still a woman after all.

In the dead of night, Shen Hua sat in the empty villa, holding a glass of red wine, gazing at the bustling city nightscape outside the window, a faint smile on her lips, but her eyes were as hollow as a desolate cemetery. It had been a long time since she had felt the embrace of another, and even longer since a man dared to approach her. They respected and feared her, thinking her cold, rational, and unfeeling. But what about her? She was just tired.

She had once been a vibrant woman, craving warmth, but over the years, she had poured all her passion into her work and all her patience into her child. She had completely closed herself off, like a cold yet magnificent palace, aloof and untouchable.

Until today.

When her daughter stood before her with that young man, she looked at his handsome features and steady demeanor, and for a moment, it was as if she saw her husband from her youth, the man who had once tenderly protected her. Something in her chest seemed to burst open, an emotion that had been dormant for years, burning her throat like strong liquor.

She finally realized that she had been lonely for too long.

It wasn't that she didn't love her daughter, nor was she intentionally trying to ruin her happiness. But she was accustomed to controlling everything, to getting what she wanted, to not sharing. She could give her daughter the best resources, the best future, but she could not tolerate her daughter taking away something she had longed for for so long—young flesh, burning warmth, long-lost passion.

This young man was too perfect for her tastes, too outstanding, too heart-stirring.

Shen Hua picked up her teacup, took a gentle sip, a faint smile on her lips, but her eyes were inscrutable.

She would not agree to this marriage.

She wanted to see for herself whether her daughter was more capable, or if she herself knew better how to conquer a man.

Shen Hua gently set down the teacup, her fingertips brushing the rim, her gaze calm and deep, like a lake that appeared tranquil but hid whirlpools beneath. She had been a calculating helmsman for too many years, and now, faced with this boy her daughter loved, she felt a long-lost, eager anticipation.

She watched her daughter holding the boy's arm, her face radiant with naive happiness, and couldn't help but sigh softly, her voice tender and doting: "In such a hurry to marry? You're still a child."

The girl grew anxious, tightening her grip on the boy's hand, and said earnestly: "Mother, I've grown up, I know what I'm doing. I love him, I want to marry him."

Shen Hua smiled slightly, but her eyes showed a trace of helplessness and tolerance, "If you love him, of course, I won't oppose it." She slowly stood up, gently stroking her daughter's hair, "But since your father passed away, you've stayed by my side, not seeing much of the outside world. Marriage is a lifelong matter, I can't let you make such a hasty decision."

The girl hurriedly said, "But..."

"Be good," Shen Hua's voice was soft, carrying an undeniable authority, "Take a trip to Europe, see the world, and cool down a bit. If your feelings haven't changed when you return, I will agree."

The girl wanted to argue further, but Shen Hua gave a light laugh, her gaze seemingly inadvertently falling on the boy: "If you truly love her, you should be willing to wait, right?"

The boy, slightly taken aback by her gaze, nodded: "Of course, I'm willing to wait."

Shen Hua's smile deepened, her eyes revealing a meaningful appreciation. She gently patted her daughter's hand, her voice tender: "Pack your things these next few days, I'll arrange the best itinerary for you."

Although reluctant, the girl knew her mother's domineering nature and could only nod in agreement.