Chapter 256 - 97: A Bar Meetup, Splashing Cash for Brother Mozi (Part 2)

Jiang Li had actually given Xie Wan the day off, but Xie Wan refused and insisted on working. In the end, Jiang Li paid her triple.

The afternoon was spent at the automatic mahjong table, and the wins and losses weren’t particularly large.

Jiang Li wasn’t sure if it was because of her pregnancy or if her luck was just naturally good, but she won nearly ten thousand, while Xie Wan lost over three thousand.

After all, it was their first New Year as a married couple. Plus, Jing Shiyun wasn’t getting around very easily, so they had dinner at home.

Shen Yanzhi was in charge of the cooking, and he made six dishes and a soup.

After dinner, the dishes were cleared and put in the dishwasher. While everyone was still chatting, Shen Yanzhi took Jiang Li’s hand. "Dad, Mom, Xiao Li and I made plans with friends, so we’re heading out."

Jiang Manshu waved her hand. "Go on, go ahead."

Jing Shiyun looked at Jiang Li, her gaze landing on her belly. "Be back early. Don’t stay out too late."

’She has no sense of responsibility as a mother, going out to have fun while pregnant.’

’But with Shen Yanzhi there to watch over her, it should be fine.’

It wasn’t until they reached the parking garage that it dawned on Jiang Li. "I thought I was going to get an earful back there," she said.

She’d had a similar experience back when she was with Zhao Sinian.

Except Liu Mei wasn’t as easygoing as Jiang Manshu. Wanting to go out and have fun was simply impossible.

’This is why you have to learn to cut your losses.’

Shen Yanzhi asked, confused, "Why would you get an earful?"

Jiang Li shrugged. "I just thought that ditching our parents to go out on New Year’s Day might be a bad look."

A look of realization crossed Shen Yanzhi’s face as he looked at Jiang Li. "Don’t tell me that when you were with that... Zhao what’s-his-name, his mother wouldn’t let you go out?"

Jiang Li rubbed her nose, embarrassed. "If you know, you know. No need to say it out loud."

Shen Yanzhi wasn’t the type to dwell on the past. Since the matter was over and done with, he wouldn’t make a big deal out of it.

After all, no one could change what happened in the past.

Shen Yanzhi tilted his chin. "Let’s go."

This time, they didn’t bring Xu Shijie or any of the others; it was just Jiang Li and Shen Yanzhi.

Shen Yanzhi drove while Jiang Li took the opportunity to message Zhong Mufeng and tell her they were on their way.

Earlier, after getting off the phone, she had messaged Sheng Mingyue and asked her to arrange for a bar.

On paper, Sheng Mingyue was her caregiver and personal assistant, but behind the scenes, she was helping Jiang Li manage her business ventures.

It was already 8:30 PM when they arrived at Sky City. Zhong Mufeng was waiting for them in the outer lounge.

When she saw Jiang Li and Shen Yanzhi approaching in the distance, she finally stood up, speaking with mock annoyance. "I was beginning to think you two were part turtle. What took you so long?"

Jiang Li pointed at Shen Yanzhi. "Not my fault. Blame him."

’He insisted on driving extra carefully because I’m pregnant.’

’We drove for over forty kilometers, and he went so slow I almost wanted to get out and ride an electric scooter instead.’

Zhong Mufeng clicked her tongue. "You made me wait forever. You’d better make it up to me!"

Jiang Li nodded emphatically. "Absolutely!"

She gestured inside with her chin. "Let’s go, the private room is all set." Her hand naturally looped through Zhong Mufeng’s arm.

Zhong Mufeng raised her eyebrows at Jiang Li and whispered, "So? First time at a bar with your husband. Is it a total thrill?"

Jiang Li gave it some serious thought. "It’s... fine, I guess."

’It’s not like I came to the bar to check out hot guys, so I don’t feel like I’m doing anything wrong by him. Especially since I brought him with me.’

’If I actually had a guilty conscience, I wouldn’t have been honest when Shen Yanzhi asked about it.’

Zhong Mufeng pouted playfully. "Of course it’s ’fine’ for you. Last time we were here, you didn’t even get to touch Brother Mozi’s hand."

At her words, Jiang Li instinctively glanced toward Shen Yanzhi. Seeing that he was walking ahead and apparently hadn’t heard their conversation, she turned back and said irritably, "Are you trying to get me killed?"

’If Shen Yanzhi found out this wasn’t my first time at this bar, my back would probably be broken by the time we got home.’

’She’d discovered something: when it came to *that*, men seemed to have a natural talent for it.’

’He was so inexperienced at first, but now he was like a seasoned pro with a whole repertoire of moves.’

Zhong Mufeng’s interest was instantly piqued. She asked teasingly, "What? If your Shen finds out, is he going to punish you?"

Jiang Li narrowed her eyes. "Girl, are you trying to be annoying or what?!"

Zhong Mufeng put her thumb and index finger to her lips and made a zipping motion. "Okay, okay, my lips are sealed."

Shen Yanzhi, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stopped and turned. Seeing the two of them fooling around, he asked, "What are you two talking about? It sounds lively."