Chapter 167: Chapter 167

Tian Xiang returned to school and wrote a letter to her family about choosing a date for the wedding.

She let her family decide the exact date after they looked it over.

Half a month later, Hu Honglian replied, advising her to stay home for the New Year and set the date for after the holiday.

Actually, Tian Xiang had the same thought.

Tian Xiang made a trip to the military-political compound to discuss the date with the old man.

Since the dates weren’t too far apart, the old man had no objections.

For the next two weeks, Tian Xiang focused on preparing for the performance next month and didn’t go back there. On weekends, Meng Cheng’an visited her, they had meals together, or he watched her rehearsals.

After a few visits, everyone quickly learned that the new campus beauty had a boyfriend—tall and handsome, the two were a perfect match, standing together like a golden couple.

This past month, Tian Xiang was busy at school, and nothing much happened.

At the end of the month, the school organized performances and selected three programs to recommend for the National Day show at Red Mountain Grand Theater.

Tian Xiang’s program just made it to third place and was honored to be selected.

Red Mountain Grand Theater is the stage of dreams for theater people.

Tian Xiang was very happy and made a special call to Meng Cheng’an to tell him about it.

Meng Cheng’an: "When does it start?"

Tian Xiang: "It’s an evening show, starting at 6:30 and ending at 9:30."

Meng Cheng’an: "Okay. I’ll come with Grandpa then."

Meng Cheng’an was aware of the gala every year, which was an important celebration.

The old man would usually attend such events, so if Meng Cheng’an wanted to go, he could just tag along.

After hanging up the phone, Tian Xiang noticed it was already late and quickly went back.

When she returned to the dormitory, she found Chang Wan also there tonight.

Chang Wan had a spot there but rarely came back. This time, she probably stayed because of the performance, as it was more convenient to stay at school.

The performance this time was a joint effort between two classes, with many group performers, and everyone participated.

Seeing Tian Xiang, Chang Wan smiled and exchanged a few words with her.

Tian Xiang responded with a light smile.

Returning to her bed, Xiao Lei told Tian Xiang she had already fetched hot water for her.

Tian Xiang softly thanked her, and the two chatted for a while before going out to wash up.

There were four people in the dorm, and she had a closer relationship with Xiao Lei.

The girl had a good personality, albeit a bit weak, but she had a righteous mind and liked to keep things tidy.

Another girl named Zhao Qian also lived in the dorm. Her family was in Beijing too, so she went home during holidays, and the contact with the two was minimal, with an ordinary relationship.

In the next two days, Tian Xiang followed the team to the Grand Theater for rehearsals twice, and then it was the formal performance on National Day.

Although the evening show started at 6:30, they had to go and prepare early in the morning.

After breakfast, the school arranged a car to take them over.

Upon arriving there, they were met by organizers’ staff.

Tian Xiang just got off and saw Wei Xiaoman.

She was surprisingly part of the event’s staff.

Wei Xiaoman was delighted to see Tian Xiang and came to hold her hand, asking with concern if she had had breakfast.

"I had it at school."

Tian Xiang withdrew her hand, unaccustomed to being overly intimate with unfamiliar people.

Wei Xiaoman didn’t mind and told Tian Xiang she was an organizing committee member and would be at the event site until it ended. If anything came up, she could find her directly.

Tian Xiang nodded, "Got it, Aunt Wei, go ahead with your work."

Wei Xiaoman smiled and left first.

Xiao Lei leaned in to ask Tian Xiang, "Who was that?"

Tian Xiang: "A relative."

After all, a stepmother is still a relative.

The group went into the dressing room arranged by the theater since there was to be a final rehearsal that morning. They had to change clothes and rehearse once more.

Last night, Meng Cheng’an had come to see Tian Xiang, accompanied her for dinner, and they agreed he would come over after lunch.

So after the rehearsal, Tian Xiang quickly changed and went out to find him. As soon as she exited, she saw Meng Cheng’an under a tree not far away, chatting with Shen Yingqiu.

Earlier, she was already surprised to see Wei Xiaoman here; now it was Shen Yingqiu too.

A stepmother and a biological mother, heaven was giving them a chance to arrange a meeting?

Tian Xiang felt speechless.

Upon seeing her, Meng Cheng’an impatiently said something to Shen Yingqiu before heading over directly.

Shen Yingqiu turned around and also saw Tian Xiang and smiled at her.

Meng Cheng’an saw she had already removed her makeup and asked, "Finished rehearsing?"

Tian Xiang nodded, "How long have you been here?"

Seeing Shen Yingqiu had already left, Tian Xiang asked, "What did she say to you?"

Meng Cheng’an chuckled, "Not much, just that she’s divorced."

Tian Xiang wasn’t surprised.

Shen Yingqiu was known to be selfish.

Her new husband’s investigations rendered him trapped, so her divorce was expected.

Besides, it wasn’t her first time abandoning her husband and child.

Tian Xiang: "Let’s just have lunch at the cafeteria here, no need to rush around."

"By the way, I also saw Aunt Wei in the morning. She’s one of the event staff." Furthermore, she wore a badge, suggesting a minor leadership role.

Meng Cheng’an: "She’s from the Publicity Department, and this event is related to her unit."

So that’s how it was.

The two slowly walked to the cafeteria.

Meanwhile, outside the side office of the auditorium, Wei Xiaoman assessed Shen Yingqiu in her work attire, laughing, "Second sister, what’s up with you? Started working! Oops, I heard you divorced! How sudden? You wouldn’t happen to have a bad fate, dooming husbands, would you? Whoever marries you gets unlucky."

Wei Xiaoman and Shen Yingqiu had an eleven-year age gap and were cousins.

Hearing Wei Xiaoman’s sarcastic remarks, Shen Yingqiu smiled coldly.

"What? You talk like you’re a spouse-bringer. You only married Xiu Yuan seeing the Meng Family rising, shamelessly clinging on. Otherwise, you wouldn’t dare. Stop pretending to be noble; you’re just as money-minded."

Wei Xiaoman’s smile waned coldly, glaring at Shen Yingqiu, "However I married Xiu Yuan doesn’t matter. Our family lives well now, so stop thinking nonsense, and don’t disturb Cheng’an.

Think of how you abandoned him back then. Still have the face to come around? You think people are fools? You think your intentions are hidden? Stop humiliating yourself; I’m embarrassed for you."

Having said her piece, Wei Xiaoman entered the office.

Shen Yingqiu stared at her departing figure, her breath gradually becoming hurried.

A chef’s daughter, simply because she married into the Meng Family, dared to ride on her head. Didn’t she remember how her family flattered hers years ago?

Shen Yingqiu muttered under her breath before leaving for the auditorium.

Coming here today was a rare opportunity she applied for. Not only would the old man and Cheng’an be in attendance, but Xiu Yuan would also be present; she wanted to see them.