Chapter 150: "If you dare lay a hand on him, may you be struck by lightning."

The next day, old Mrs. Shen arrived at the private dining room dressed in magnificent and opulent attire. Looking down her nose at the waiter, she commanded, "I am hosting an important guest today. Prepare only the absolute best of everything for us."

"Understood."

Liu Shuhua had also deliberately put on her finest, most expensive clothes, taking a seat right beside Shen Xuejun.

A triumphant smile danced in the depths of her eyes. She was about to become the mother-in-law of the Crown Prince!

At the mere thought of this, Liu Shuhua could no longer contain the radiance on her face. Before long, among all the high-society matrons, she would be the one reigning supreme!

Shen Xuejun harbored the exact same ambitions. Although his company had been suffering losses lately, with the Crown Prince backing him, those were trivial matters. Soon, his wealth would rival nations!

Shen Tingting was adorned with dazzling jewels today as well. Convinced that she was far more attractive than Shen Chuotang, and knowing that even a wretch like her could capture the Crown Prince's fancy, she was certain she could make the Crown Prince find her even more enchanting and unforgettable!

Once the Crown Prince fell prostrate beneath her pomegranate skirt, she would cast Shen Chuotang out and issue a strict decree that no one was to offer her any help or sustenance.

By then, she, Shen Tingting, would be the universally revered Crown Princess, while Shen Chuotang would be nothing more than a street rat, reviled and beaten by all.

With such pleasant thoughts, Shen Tingting was in high spirits today, even taking out her compact to touch up her makeup.

Soon, the appointed hour arrived, yet the Crown Prince was nowhere to be seen.

Shen Tingting could not help muttering, "You don't think the Crown Prince is going to stand us up, do you?"

Old Mrs. Shen spoke up, "Impossible. The people on his side confirmed the time with me again last night. He won't fail to show up."

"Then why is he so late?"

Liu Shuhua chimed in, "The Crown Prince is a man of vast affairs with a million things on his plate. He might have been delayed by something. Let's wait a little longer."

Just then, the door was pushed open, and a waiter entered carrying a tray with four cups of tea.

Old Mrs. Shen glanced at them and frowned. "We haven't asked for tea yet, why are you bringing it in now? We are entertaining a distinguished guest later—is this tea of the finest quality?"

The waiter replied, "It was your guest who sent word that they were caught in traffic and would be arriving a little late, and asked us to serve you some tea first to quench your thirst while you wait."

Realizing this was tea specially ordered by the Crown Prince, Old Mrs. Shen was finally satisfied.

After the waiter stepped out, Liu Shuhua said delightedly, "The Crown Prince even took the initiative to have tea sent to us. It seems he places great importance on this meeting!"

Each of the four harbored their own hidden agendas as they picked up their cups and began to sip the tea.

Shen Xuejun could not resist praising, "The Crown Prince's taste is truly extraordinary. This tea is magnificent!"

The others nodded in agreement, draining several cups in succession.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. The four instantly stood up to welcome the Crown Prince, showing him the utmost respect.

The door swung open, and the waiter made an inviting gesture. Smiles immediately bloomed across all four faces.

However, the person who walked in was Shen Chuotang, not the Crown Prince at all!

Old Mrs. Shen's expression shifted instantly, her tone turning venomous. "Shen Chuotang, why is it a cheap little wretch like you! Where is the Crown Prince?"

To think they had just wasted their smiles greeting the door—they had all been played for fools by this little beast!

Shen Xuejun joined in with a furious curse, "What are you playing at? Why are you the one showing up!"

Shen Tingting plopped back down onto her chair in a rage. "What is the meaning of this? The Crown Prince didn't come at all; this cheap girl must have stopped him from coming!"

Liu Shuhua glared at Shen Chuotang with utter revulsion. "You wretched little beast, what kind of petty tricks are you pulling now? Call the Crown Prince out here this instant!"

Shen Chuotang offered a faint, leisurely smile. "Why are you all losing your tempers so quickly? Isn't the Crown Prince right behind me?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Tingting, who had just sat down, sprang back to her feet. "Your Highness!"

Liu Shuhua immediately squeezed out a sycophantic smile. "Oh, you naughty girl, you just love teasing us and playing pranks, don't you? By the way, what would you like to eat? Mother will order it for you."

Shen Xuejun also hurriedly put on a friendly smile. "You girl, why are you still acting so foolish at a time like this? Stop messing around and come sit down."

Old Mrs. Shen's expression softened as well. "You're acting up again, aren't you? Come here to Grandma. Grandma has missed you so much. Where is the Crown Prince? Hurry and invite him in."

A flicker of profound disdain crossed Shen Chuotang's eyes. "I'm sorry, I was just joking. The Crown Prince never intended to come."

At this, all four of them were struck dumb, freezing in place on the spot.

Shen Xuejun, itching to vent his fury yet not daring to lash out, hurried to the door of the private room to look outside. Confirming that the Crown Prince was indeed absent, he turned back and pointed an accusing finger at Shen Chuotang, unleashing a torrent of curses.

"When on earth do you think this is, you little animal, that you still dare to pull such a stunt!"

Shen Chuotang raised her eyelids, casting a languid glance at him. "When on earth is it? Wasn't it you who conspired to throw me into the Crown Prince's bed? Now that it's all over, you fancy yourselves the Crown Prince's in-laws and believe you've risen above everyone else?"

"It was your good fortune!"

Shen Chuotang let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Very well then, Shen Xuejun. You're not that old yourself; another day I shall have you thrown into someone's bed so you can experience the blessing for yourself. Don't refuse—after all, this is your good fortune."

"Absurd!"

Shen Xuejun raised a hand to strike her, but Shen Chuotang instantly intercepted his arm. In a fraction of a second, Shen Xuejun realized she had pinned the exact pressure points on his arm, rendering one of his hands completely paralyzed and unable to move.

Liu Shuhua shrieked shrilly, "Shen Chuotang, you are utterly lawless! How dare you lay a hand on your own father? Lightning will strike you down!"

Shen Chuotang feigned a puzzled frown. "Is this what you call laying a hand on someone? Why, just a moment ago, I had them brew your tea using water straight from the toilet bowl. If this counts as violence, wouldn't what I did to your tea be worthy of execution by being torn apart by five horses?"

What!