Cynical Romantics - Chapter 5 Song Sheng

The Banquet was radiantly bright with lights and chandeliers covering the ceiling. There were white lilies on every table with Golden chairs and cutlery.

Only exclusive people could attend, and government state officials were seated with the Song Elders in the middle head of the Banquet were all chatting. As with every event, Qian Meigui felt like she did not belong in these lavish parties. Though it was important for her to attend once in awhile or people will be suspicious of her, as she was Song Mei. The siblings were seated with each other, and an empty seat where Song Sheng was supposed to sit daunted on them.

A young man who looked about Song Ren’s age approached them. “Song Ren, you look divine.” Alarmed, Song Ren replied, “Why the fuck are you here? I told you not never speak to me again, get lost!” Qian Meigui looked at her sister with widened eyes.

Though Song Ren is elegant and dignified, she had a short temper and was not afraid to speak her mind. When Qian Meigui looked at the man, she realized who it was. It was Su Feng, the eldest son of Su Liang, CEO of Sun group, a competing pharmaceutical company.

He was also Song Ren’s ex-boyfriend. Su Feng smiled as if her words did not affect him. “Jinyi, it is nice to see you again.” Song Jinyi nodded and said, “Hello brother Feng.” Su Feng then turned to Qian Meigui and said, “Good evening Song Mei,” he said with a smile. Song Ren did not appear fazed. She did not care to acknowledge Su Feng.

Qian Meigui wondered what happened between them, as she noticed the way he looked at Song Ren, half longing and half wishing for her. But she never asked why they broke up, Qian Meigui was always afraid to ask. Su Feng then shook hands with Song Jun before leaving. They all sat in silence waiting for an introduction of the banquet.

The opener of the event was the President’s brother, Song Li, the second son of the Song Elders and their uncle. He talked about memories, and wished them for more years to come. Grandmother then approached the stage with her microphone thanking everyone for attending.

“It is an honor that you are here with us celebrating 50 years of our union. I will be handing over the microphone over to my dear eldest grandson, Song Sheng.” Qian Meigui glanced around the table, waiting for a reaction to see if she heard right. Song Jinyi and Song Jun both had their mouths wide open. Song Ren did not look affected at all.

Qian Meigui returned her eyes to the stage and a tall, dignified and handsome man approached the stage. He wore a well-pressed navy-blue suit with chestnut brown shoes. His stark black hair long to his ears, though clean and straight. Qian Meigui’s eyes blurred, it really was Song Sheng!

Qian Meigui heard comments and whispers fill the room. Behind her two ladies spoke, “It’s Song Sheng! He is more handsome in person!” and another said, “And taller than I thought!” The ladies looked at him in awe-struck. Qian Meigui sighed, as expected of a Song family member.

Song Sheng approached the stage with an aristocratic ambience of a feudal lord. He looked at the stage composed and expressionless, similar to how Song Ren always looked. “Good evening,” he began with a deep, almost toneless voice. “I hope we can rejoice in this occasion, as they had for the last fifty years. I will like to express my gratitude for the opportunities that they gave me, and I hope that we will maintain this relationship for years to come. Though I would like to make an announcement.”

Qian Meigui’s moved forward, trying to place close attention. What announcement was this? He almost looked nervous, though he composed himself quickly.

“Although they gave me wonderful opportunities and memories with their gracious efforts with the company, I would like to resign my position from Song Group, as I would like to pursue a different Career,” everyone went silent. Qian Meigui could only hear the sound of her heart hastening in rapid speed.

Song Sheng returned the microphone to the opener and left the stage. Qian Meigui did not know what she felt. She was shocked. Resign from Song Group?

Whispers filled the room, and the Song Elders looked angry and disappointed. She then noticed Song Ren abruptly standing up, as she strode towards her brother Song Sheng while he was walking toward the exit. Song Sheng looked up at his sister and his face was met with a hard slap. Qian Meigui covered her mouth slightly from gaping. Song Sheng did not move or look at Song Ren. Song Ren looked at him with half-anger and half-pity and she straightened up and walked out of the exit before him, maintaining her good posture. Song Jun grabbed Song Ren’s unfinished wine glass and said, “typical drama,” as he downed it.

The night that was supposed to be a joyous evening became very awkward. The guests that were not part of the Song family had a great time after drinking glasses of wine and they thought that Song Sheng’s announcement was entertaining for media and tabloids. Qian Meigui was no longer in the mood and went inside a vacant room.

She found a man sitting on a bed in the dim lighting with his jacket removed, his hair tousled and his tie undone, a half-empty bottle of wine in hand. It was Song Sheng. Qian Meigui approached him slowly and knelt in front of him as she observed his face. It was red with scratches, as Song Ren must have hit him hard with her palm and nails.

“She hates me now,” he said somberly. “No! She is just angry at the moment, I am sure she will be over this soon,” Qian Meigui responded.

Song Sheng smiled sadly, one that made her heart hurt. His golden-brown eyes reflected at her with the dim lighting, making it look sadder than usual. “Do you even know why she is angry?” Qian Meigui bit her lower lip shyly, not knowing the answer. She shook her head and responded, “Why is she angry?”

Song Sheng eyes darkened as he looked at her seriously. “If I told you, would you hate me for what I did?” Qian Meigui shook her head vigorously. “How could I hate you?”

That was the truth. Even though Song Sheng had not been there for the past six months, she still remembered that day. The day Song Rui and Song Sheng showed up to her motel door and declared that they would take care of her. Qian Meigui felt uneasy, but it was Song Sheng who calmed her down and asked her dozens of questions. He then eased her transition into the family by purchasing her favourite food, and by taking her to places she liked without asking for anything in return. She would forever be grateful to him, in some ways, he saved her.

Song Sheng chugged a bit of his bottle of wine and said, “I decided to resign my position of Song Group. For many reasons, but the major one was that I want to pursue a different career,” he said deeply. “If I resign my position in the company that would make Song Ren, heir of Song Group. She would be the next president of the company.”

Qian Meigui seemed puzzled. Shouldn’t this be good for Sister Ren? Qian Meigui did not say anything, though Song Sheng continued, “Do you know who Su Feng is?” Qian Meigui nodded, “yes.” Song Sheng smiled, “Ren was unofficially engaged to him and they dated for a year. I am not sure why they broke up, but his family has powerful influence over the pharmaceutical industry. If Ren becomes president, our family will force her to marry Su Feng and their engagement will be official.” Qian Meigui was surprised to hear this.

Indeed. If Song Ren does not become president she could marry whomever she wanted. But as a president she needed to make a diligent choice in matrimony.

Qian Meigui reached out and took his hand in her grasp, as to let him know she was there for him. He quickly took his hand away. And Qian Meigui felt embarrassed by how uncomfortable he felt. She eyed away. “Hey, Xiao Mei,” Song Sheng said. Qian Meigui glanced at him. He smiled warmly, ” happy birthday,” breaking the silence. “You should go, and not spend it with someone like me,” Qian Meigui shook her head in agitation. This was the person who made her life feel easier when she felt like giving up. “Come with me, the night is not over yet. We will escape.” Song Sheng smiled.