Fu Corporation Building
In the spacious CEO’s office, the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city’s bustling skyline, yet the room was filled with an oppressive, suffocating tension.
Fu Huaixu leaned lazily against the black leather chair, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the glowing screen of the phone on the desk.
From yesterday until this morning, he had sent several friend requests to Shen Zhaoning, but none had been accepted.
Picking up the phone, he tapped the screen once more, sending another friend request with the note: “I’ve uncovered the truth.”
“CEO.” Lin Jing’s voice came from the doorway, tinged with caution.
“Come in.” Fu Huaixu’s voice was hoarse and icy, devoid of any warmth.
Lin Jing entered, holding a stack of documents. He could clearly sense the heavy atmosphere emanating from his boss, and each step he took was measured and careful.
“CEO, regarding Miss Shen… much of her information remains deliberately concealed, just as it has been for the past few years.”
Fu Huaixu looked up at his assistant, his gaze piercing. “So?”
“But this time, the investigation yielded more results than the complete dead ends we’ve encountered over the years. For instance, Miss Shen is now the founder of the jewelry brand ‘Wilder.’ She came to Shanghai to attend the brand’s new product launch event.”
Fu Huaixu’s fingers, which had been idly stroking his phone, suddenly stilled. His deep, cold eyes slowly rose to meet Lin Jing’s. “Wilder?”
Lin Jing continued his report. “The ‘Wilder’ brand was founded four years ago. Less than a year after its establishment, the then-popular child star Lu Xingran became its spokesperson. Over the years, the jewelry designed by ‘Wilder’ has gained significant fame among the socialites of the capital and even the entire upper class. Its unique design style has made it highly sought after.”
As Fu Huaixu listened, a flicker of barely perceptible admiration flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
As expected of his wife.
“And,” Lin Jing’s tone shifted slightly, as if carefully choosing his words, “through the ‘Wilder’ connection, we also discovered that Miss Shen has a close relationship with Su Zelin, a rising star in the capital. The two frequently attend business events together, but beyond that, we couldn’t uncover Miss Shen’s address.”
The calm in Fu Huaixu’s eyes instantly froze over.
His hands clenched involuntarily into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force. A powerful sense of possessiveness and inexplicable anger surged within his chest.
He had thought she, like him, had spent these years alone, tormented by longing. Yet, it turned out she already had another man by her side?
Fu Huaixu’s voice turned abruptly cold. “What else did you find about this Su Zelin?”
He practically spat out the question through gritted teeth.
Lin Jing felt the temperature in the room drop several more degrees. A bead of cold sweat formed on his forehead as he hurriedly reported, “Much of Su Zelin’s information is similarly difficult to trace, just like Miss Shen’s. So far, we only know he studied finance at Capital University, started his own business during college, and maintains a low profile. However, his methods are ruthless. He’s a dark horse who has risen rapidly in the capital’s business world in recent years. It’s said he has deep connections, even ties to the military and political circles.”
“Hah…”
A short, cold laugh escaped Fu Huaixu’s throat.
He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, concealing the turbulent emotions swirling within—anger, jealousy…
Shen Zhaoning, just who are you?
He opened his eyes again, his gaze deep and unfathomable, filled with a ruthless determination that left no room for doubt.
“I will attend the new product launch event for the ‘Wilder’ brand.” His voice was low, yet carried an undeniable command.
Lin Jing understood immediately and nodded. “Understood, I’ll make the arrangements right away.”
The lighting in the dressing room was soft yet bright, the air filled with the faint scent of perfume and foundation.
Lu Xingran sat before the mirror, allowing the makeup artist to meticulously sculpt her face, accentuating her charming features.
However, her gaze kept drifting toward Shen Zhaoning, who was seated at the adjacent vanity.
“Zhaozhao, what’s going on with you today?” Lu Xingran finally couldn’t hold back, her voice tinged with a mix of helplessness and concern.
“When I was talking to you earlier, your mind was clearly somewhere far away.”
Shen Zhaoning snapped back to reality and looked at Lu Xingran, forcing a faint smile.
“Sorry, Xingxing, I… I was just distracted.”
“Tell me, what could possibly unsettle someone as composed as you?”
Shen Zhaoning unconsciously traced the edge of the vanity with her fingertips, remaining silent for a moment.
“Fu Huaixu came to see me yesterday,” she finally said, her voice soft yet like a stone dropped into a calm lake.
“Who?”
“Fu Huaixu.”
“Oh, Fu Huaixu.” The next second, she sprang up from her chair, completely ignoring the makeup artist’s startled gasp.
“What? Fu Huaixu! That scoundrel who broke up with you right after graduation, went home to get engaged, and took over the family business?”
Lu Xingran’s reaction was even more intense than expected. “He actually had the nerve to come looking for you? What does he want? Did he bully you? I’ll go give him a beating.”
Shen Zhaoning watched Lu Xingran’s indignant expression, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart.
“Calm down, sit back first. Would your fans recognize you like this?”
“Don’t change the subject. Tell me, what did he want?”
She sighed and recounted everything from Fu Huaixu’s visit to the conversation they had.
After listening, the anger on Lu Xingran’s face gradually subsided, replaced by a complex mix of emotions.
She remained silent for a moment, looking at Shen Zhaoning with a serious tone. “So, do you believe him?”
“Actually, he has no reason to lie to me. He’s not that kind of person.”
“If… and I mean if, there really was a misunderstanding between you two, and he came to reconcile, how do you feel about it?”
The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Shen Zhaoning looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes filled with confusion.
“I don’t know.”
She spoke softly, her voice tinged with helplessness. “Xingxing, honestly, right now I just want to focus on raising the two little ones well. As for everything else, I’ll take it one step at a time.”
Lu Xingran looked at her, her concern deepening. She knew Shen Zhaoning’s strength but also understood her inner fragility. Over the years, she could see that Shen Zhaoning still hadn’t forgotten him.
“No matter what you decide, I’ll support you.”