Chapter 2 — Queen of Startups

3 At dinner time, I changed into a moss green cheongsam, tied my hair in a neat bun, and wore jade earrings given to me by Tong Nam Lang. The person in the mirror looked dignified and elegant - with an aura no different from that of a prestigious matriarch in a wealthy family. In the dining room, a few close relatives of the Song family were seated. Tong Dan sat below. As soon as he saw me, his eyes flashed with disgust. I pretended not to see, leisurely walked over and sat down next to Tong Nam Lang - a seat that only Tong Dan's biological mother was qualified to sit in in her previous life. “I heard the boss is checking the books?” – aunts Tong Dan and Tong Le spoke sarcastically, "Just entering the door, you're already in a hurry to fight for power, aren't you?" I leisurely scooped a spoonful of soup and slowly replied: "You're exaggerating. Sharing the burden with your husband is a wife's duty." I turned to look at Tong Nam Lang: "Is that right, darling?" Tong Nam Lang nodded: "Man Man is very good, he discovered a few problems. Let me handle this matter." Tong Le's face changed clearly, she didn't dare to speak anymore. "Oh right," I suddenly remembered something and turned to Tong Dan, "Your father and I have already discussed your marriage. This weekend, Miss To family will come to visit, remember to prepare well." The fork in Tong Dan's hand "jingles" and falls onto the plate: "What?" “Miss To Nhuoc Hanh – haven't you always admired her?” I pretended to be surprised, "Or did you remember wrongly?" Tong Dan's expression at this moment was very special - first surprise, then doubt, then finally turned into distorted joy: "Mom... you two intend to let me and Nhuoc Hanh..." "The Su Mon family is a good match, Nhuoc Hanh is both beautiful and talented." Tong Nam Lang continued, "Your mother's suggestion is very reasonable." Hearing the word "mother", Tong Dan's face darkened. But the name "To Nhuoc Hanh" clearly made him unable to get angry on the spot. He bowed his head and ate rice, his ears turning red. I slowly enjoyed the foie gras, the corners of my lips curled coldly. Look forward to it, Tong Dan. Your "beautiful dream" will soon turn into a nightmare. The weekend comes very quickly. To Nhuoc Hanh went to the Tong family's house with his parents. She wore a designer one-piece dress, ten-centimeter high heels, and sophisticated makeup as if she was about to step on the red carpet. “Hello, Uncle Tong!” As soon as she entered the door, she sweetly greeted him. Then as soon as he saw me, he clearly froze: "This person is...?" “I am his wife – Giang Man Man.” I smiled and nodded. Tong Nam Lang introduced: "Man Man, this is Miss To Nhuoc Hanh." “Miss Su is indeed as beautiful as rumored.” I said politely. To Nhuoc Hanh tried to force a smile, but his eyes kept glancing at Tong Dan. Today, Tong Dan is dressed very neatly, but his pale face and thin body make him look completely inferior when standing next to his tall, strong father like Tong Nam Lang. During lunch, To Nhuoc Hanh's parents seemed very excited about this relationship. Although the To family is also wealthy, it is still one step lower than the Tong family. "Since childhood, Nhuoc Hanh has been pampered, but has a gentle personality." Her mother smiled and said, "He and Tong Dan are similar in age, so they will definitely get along." I noticed that To Nhuoc Hanh's smile was a bit forced. When Tong Dan thoughtfully poured her wine, she frowned slightly, then discreetly moved away little. “What major did Miss To study in England?” I took the opportunity to ask. “Art History.” Her voice was full of pride, "I like Victorian paintings best." “What a coincidence.” I smiled, "Tong Dan also loves art. He also collects many copies of famous artists - right, Tong Dan?" Tong Dan briefly paused, then nodded frantically: "Yes, yes! I especially like... the... Mona Lisa!" The corner of To Nhuoc Hanh's lips twitched slightly: "That was the Renaissance, Da Vinci's..." The atmosphere became awkward for a moment. Tong Dan's face turned red, and To Nhuoc Hanh's hateful eyes became more and more obvious. After lunch, while the elders were chatting, I deliberately led To Nhuoc Hanh and Tong Dan to "walk" in the garden. Through the ground-level glass window, I saw To Nhuoc Hanh walking in front with his arms crossed, and Tong Dan gingerly following behind, like a tail. “Seems like you two get along well.” – Tong Nam Lang said with satisfaction. I pursed my lips and smiled: "Yes, a very good match." One month later, the engagement ceremony between Tong Dan and To Nhuoc Hanh was solemnly held. I, as the female head of the Song family, personally take care of everything - from the stage layout to the guest list, leaving nothing behind. Tong Nam Lang trusted and relied on me more and more, even openly calling me "good housewife" in front of everyone. At the engagement party, Tong Dan wore a custom-made suit but still did not exude the required temperament. To Nhuoc Hanh wore a white dress and was gorgeous, but her reluctant eyes couldn't be hidden. “Congratulations, Tong Dan.” – his cousin, Tong Minh, patted his shoulder and winked meaningfully – "To Nhuoc Hanh is famous for his hot temper, can you control it?" Tong Dan tried to force a smile: "Nhuoc Hanh is very gentle." "Really?" – Tong Minh tilted his chin into the distance – “So why is she chatting so loudly with that model?” I followed his eyes - To Nhuoc Hanh was laughing and chatting happily with a tall, handsome guy, even occasionally linking arms with him. Tong Dan's face immediately became ugly. “I'll go take a look.” – he said through gritted teeth. I followed quietly, hiding behind a pillar to observe. Tong Dan walked closer to To Nhuoc Hanh and whispered something. To Nhuoc Hanh frowned: "What if I talk to you? Can you handle it?" “But today is our engagement ceremony…” Tong Dan's voice was clearly pleading. “So what?” – she smiled faintly – “Do you still want me to kneel down and thank you for giving me the kiss?” She deliberately said loudly: "If it wasn't for my father forcing me, who would want to marry a weak guy like you?" Tong Dan seemed to be struck by lightning and stood frozen in place. To Nhuoc Hanh immediately took the model's arm and walked away proudly. I appeared at the right time, pretending to have just passed by: "Tong Dan, what's wrong? Your face is so pale?" He turned to me, eyes full of resentment: "Are you satisfied? Is this the good relationship you found for me?!" I pretended to be surprised: "What's wrong? Doesn't Miss To really like you?" "Prefer?" – Tong Dan laughed coldly – "She basically despises me! It's all because of you! You deliberately..." "Tong Dan!" – Tong Nam Lang's voice rang out from behind – "Pay attention to your attitude!" Tong Dan gritted his teeth and remained silent, but the anger in his eyes seemed to be about to burn. I immediately took Tong Nam Lang's hand and said softly: "Maybe because I'm too stressed. After all, this is the first engagement.” Tong Nam Lang patted my hand: "You are always gentle and understanding." That evening, the Tong family held a small family party to celebrate their engagement. Tong Dan didn't show up because he wasn't feeling well, and To Nhuoc Hanh came, but didn't pay attention throughout the party and kept looking at his phone. “I heard that Tong Dan's health is not very good?” – In the middle of the meal, To Nhuoc Hanh suddenly asked – “What specifically is wrong?” The atmosphere at the dining table immediately became tense. Tong Nam Lang put down the wine glass: "Just a little weak, it's okay to nurse." “Is that so?” – To Nhuoc Hanh raised his eyebrows – “Why does your friend say he has a long-term medical record at Nhan Hoa hospital? And he said he used to..." She suddenly stopped, as if realizing she had said something wrong. Tong Nam Lang's eyes became cold: "Who is your friend?" To Nhuoc Hanh panicked a bit: "It's just... a friend studying medicine..." I promptly changed the conversation: "Miss To just cares about Tong Dan. Come on, try this lobster dish – just flew back from Australia this morning.” After dinner, Tong Nam Lang called me into the study: "To Nhuoc Hanh is not simple. She is investigating Tong Dan.” "For young people, it's normal to get to know each other before marriage." – I poured you a cup of tea. Tong Nam Lang shook his head: "It's not that simple. I suspect she has her own agenda.” He pondered for a moment: "But the rice has been cooked into rice, the engagement cannot be canceled. The Song family cannot bear to lose face like this.” I was secretly happy. Just what I wanted – a marriage full of suspicion and hatred. “Oh right,” Tong Nam Lang suddenly changed the subject, “How have you been feeling lately? Are there… any signs?” I understand what you are asking. Since getting married until now, we have hardly used any contraceptive methods. In my previous life, I got pregnant three months after marrying Tong Dan, so this life probably won't be much different. “There are no signs yet.” – I gently rubbed my flat belly – “But the doctor once said that I'm physically very fertile, I'm sure I'm about to.” Tong Nam Lang's eyes flashed with anticipation: "If you need any nourishment, just tell me, I will send someone to prepare it." “You're so good to me.” I leaned on his shoulder, hiding the cold light in my eyes.