My Wife Is a Superstar

Chapter 894 Is That Schadenfreude

Even though Nan Chen told Ning Ran to speak her mind, she still preferred to be cautious as it involved an elder of Nan Chen's.

Given that someone as outspoken as Nan Xing had to mind his tongue, she figured the issue would likely bother Nan Chen.

“Tell me!”

Nan Chen began to lose his patience at Ning Ran's hesitation.

“Back in the restaurant, Uncle Shikun recognized Nanshi Corporation headquarters at a single glance.”

“Is that all? The building is a city landmark. Why is it strange that he recognizes it?"

"But he hasn't returned to the country for many years. So how did he do so at first glance? Also, he recognized Nan Xing right away at the airport. Considering how close both of you resemble each other, why can he tell both of you apart with such ease?”

Nan Chen pondered for a moment. “You have a point. If neither of us speaks, only a rare few in Flower City can tell us apart.”

He looked up at Ning Ran and asked, “What does this mean?”

Ning Ran shook her head. She was just highlighting what she saw but didn't dare come to a conclusion.

“I don't know. There's something else that I'm hesitant to tell you about.”

“What is it?"

"But I—"

"Out with it.”

“Really?”

"Yes!" Nan Chen felt irritated.

“When the restaurant owner found Uncle Shikun familiar and mentioned that he had dined there with a man and a woman last month, Uncle Shikun denied it angrily, insisting that the owner had made a mistake.”

Ning Ran's words caused Nan Chen to fall into deep thought.

“It's common for restaurateurs to recognize their guests in order to entertain them. Under normal circumstances, they won't be mistaken,” Nan Chen replied.

“That's right. For someone working in the service industry, recognizing one's clients is a strength. It's unlikely they would be wrong. If we were to take into consideration all the evidence, I don't think this is Uncle Shikun's first time back in the country!”

Ning Ran had wanted Nan Chen to come to that conclusion himself but blurted it out as she got excited.

She was so used to being outspoken that she failed to hold back her words.

Fortunately, Nan Chen fell silent and didn't refute her supposition.

“Crap, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions,” Ning Ran remarked regretfully.

“No, you have a point, and this is an important observation. If Uncle Shikun came back before, why is he hiding it? Who has he met here, and what's the purpose of his return?”

“These are all the factors we should be considering. That's why I decided to raise it with you,” Ning Ran explained as the excitement within her grew.

“Mmm-hmm, is there anything else?”

“There is.”

“Go ahead, then.”

“Remember when I told you over the phone that he asked to see the children and we decided to decline? He brought the matter up in the hotel again, asking me to go to his room—"

Bam!

Before Ning Ran finished, Nan Chen slammed the table and jumped to his feet. The abrupt response gave her a shock.

"Did you go?” Nan Chen's voice took a frosty turn, bringing an icy atmosphere into the room.

"Of course, I didn't. I didn't think it was appropriate. Even though he's an elder, he's still a man. Going to his room would definitely reflect badly on me,” Ning Ran quickly explained.

Only then did the tension on Nan Chen's face ease. When he sat back down and kept mum, Ning Ran regretted telling him about it.

I wouldn't have told him about it if I had known that his reaction would be this strong. The birthday banquet is tomorrow. It would be terrible if Nan Chen humiliates Nan Shikun in front of the guests due to the resentment he harbored.

“Nan Xing is aware of it too, but he says that Uncle Shikun might not have thought it through, or he might have something private to discuss. That's why—"

“Even then, it's not necessary for you to go to his room. Isn't he aware of such simple etiquette?” Nan Chen snapped.

“You're right. It might have slipped his mind. Since I didn't go, let's just forget about it.”

“You should get in touch with Qiao Zhan and give him the name of the restaurant you went to. Get him to talk to the owner and find out if he has really seen Uncle Shikun before. Also, get the owner to describe the person whom Uncle Shikun was dining with. See if she has any unique features we can use to identify her.”

Ning Ran froze upon hearing the words. “You want me to give Qiao Zhan instructions?”

“Yes, I'm very busy lately and have no time to deal with this. Just get Qiao Zhan to report to you once he's done with his investigations,” Nan Chen confirmed in an exasperated tone.

"Got it,” Ning Ran acknowledged his words meekly.

The next afternoon, there was a hive of activity at Commoner Residence.

Ning Ran had assumed that all she needed to do was attend the evening dinner, but soon learn that she was wrong. At around ten in the morning, she accompanied Nan Chen to the airport to pick up Feng Wan's relatives who flew in from overseas. Among them were Nan Chen's granduncle, uncle, and a young female cousin.

When it came to picking up Nan Shiren and Nan Shikun, Ning Ran could go on Nan Chen's behalf due to them being his relatives.

As his granduncle and uncle hadn't visited in many years, Nan Chen had no choice but to personally welcome them at the airport.

Due to their long absence, Nan Chen's granduncle and uncle were awed by the huge change they saw in Flower City. They were so impressed that they couldn't stop taking photographs.

After sending his granduncle and uncle to Commoner Residence, Nan Chen and Ning Ran had no time to catch a break. They had to be at the door to welcome the stream of guests.

Under normal circumstances, this was the duty of Feng Wan's son and daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, Nan Shize and Bai Hua were unfit for the role because they didn't know many of the city's important figures.

Unlike them, Nan Chen controlled Nanshi Corporation and was well-known among the city’s elite. He also recognized many of them, so it was a lot easier for him to entertain the guests.

It would be awkward if the host didn't know who their guests were and had to introduce themselves by exchanging name cards.

Unfortunately, Ning Ran had to suffer in her heels. She never liked wearing them but was forced to do so due to the joyous occasion.

It was, after all, part of a lady's evening attire. Nonetheless, she had chosen a pair that wasn't too high, saving her a significant amount of discomfort.

“Can I change into flats?” Ning Ran asked softly.

“I'm afraid not, but you can take a break.” A slight smile accompanied Nan Chen's suggestion. "What's with that smile? Is that schadenfreude I'm detecting?” Ning Ran was a little upset.

“No. You're well aware that I'm bad at smiling,” Nan Chen explained anxiously.

“I know, but from the way you curled your lips, it's obvious you're laughing at me!” grumbled Ning Ran.

“I'm really not. I'm just curious why you don't like wearing heels,” Nan Chen whispered back. They're really uncomfortable. You think it isn't a big deal because you have never worn them. I really feel like taking them off and resting.”

Nan Chen pointed at the car parked by the side. "Why don't you rest in there.”

Given that the guests comprised of many illustrious individuals, taking off her shoes in public would reflect badly on the family.

“It's not like I'm a daughter-in-law of the Nan family,” Ning Ran mumbled.

“In that case, whose daughter-in-law are you?” Nan Chen retorted with furrowed brows. Thereafter, Ning Ran headed off to the car. “I really need a break.”