Shen Yunli changed into a neat, well-chosen outfit and stepped out of her room—only to run straight into Fu Linchuan, who was just coming out of the study.
Her steps paused as she took in what he was wearing, her gaze lingering a moment longer than usual.
Fu Linchuan frowned. “What is it?”
Ever since that reckless encounter with Wen Yan—and rushing back home just before curfew—he had been feeling oddly guilty. Even he couldn’t quite explain it. Maybe it was because Shen Yunli had been unusually kind to him lately, or maybe it was because he hadn’t bothered to cover his tracks that day, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease.
As a result, when facing Shen Yunli now, he actually felt a faint trace of guilt. His attitude toward her had softened noticeably in recent days, and even under her slightly strange, probing gaze, he didn’t immediately snap or lose his temper like before.
Shen Yunli pointed at his collar. “Why are you wearing that tie today? I don’t think I’ve seen you wear that color before.”
Truthfully, she never cared what he wore. But today was… special.
And of all days, he had chosen to wear that deep green tie—so green it was almost blinding.
A ridiculous thought crossed her mind: Could he have realized something? That color was just… too symbolic.
No, impossible. His mind was completely occupied with Wen Yan. He barely stayed at home, let alone paid attention to her movements. There was no way he could have guessed her plan.
Still… the color was hard to ignore. Why not just wear a literal green hat while he’s at it?
Fu Linchuan glanced down at his tie, his expression turning slightly awkward.
Wen Yan had bought it for him. Whatever she gave him, he liked, so he wore it.
Normally, Shen Yunli wouldn’t comment on his clothes. Why today…?
Did she realize a woman picked this out? Has she noticed something? Did she tell Grandpa?
“Uh… a business partner gave it to me. I thought the color looked good—matched today’s outfit. What’s wrong?”
Shen Yunli pressed her lips together, thinking: Oh, it matches perfectly.
She shook her head. “Nothing. It looks nice… really suits you.”
The irony was almost laughable—this was the most “harmonious” their relationship had been, all because of a green tie. Shen Yunli didn’t even know what to say about it.
Each of them turned their faces away, lost in their own thoughts.
Yet their movements were perfectly “in sync”: he smoothly tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and she leaned lightly against him. Like that, they descended the stairs together.
To the old master watching from below, however, it meant something entirely different.
They looked much closer now—just a bit shy, perhaps, not daring to meet each other’s eyes.
Ah, young people these days… so awkward, so indirect!
But he had a feeling—at this rate, it wouldn’t be long before he’d be holding a great-grandchild.
With that thought, the old master shot a subtle glance at the housekeeper.
Perfect timing—he had prepared a little “surprise” for his grandson.
Shen Yunli and Fu Linchuan sat down side by side.
Feeling the old master’s overly eager gaze from the head seat, Fu Linchuan felt a chill down his spine, a vague sense of foreboding creeping up on him.
Shen Yunli, on the other hand, remained calm, smiling sweetly at the old master while letting her gaze briefly sweep past Fu Qiwén seated across from her.
One by one, the servants brought dishes to the table.
The moment Fu Linchuan saw what had been placed in front of him, he froze.
Scrambled eggs with chives. Stir-fried pork kidneys. Spicy oysters…
“Grandpa, this—”
The old master met his eyes with a meaningful look. No words were needed.
Shen Yunli recalled the medical report from before.
When it showed that Fu Linchuan had no physical issues, she had taken it calmly—but the old master had been deeply troubled.
It would’ve been better if something was wrong! he had thought. If there’s a problem, you treat it and fix it. But if there’s no problem… what then? We can’t let Yunli suffer!
And so, these “tonic” dishes began appearing on the table.
Fu Linchuan clearly remembered that report too. His expression turned darker—almost more dramatic than the dishes themselves.
How he wished he could just shout that there was nothing wrong with him!
But he couldn’t.
That would expose Wen Yan.
So under the old master’s watchful, slightly threatening gaze, he could only endure the humiliation and take a few bites.
Shen Yunli picked up a piece of okra, using it to hide the faint trace of amusement at the corner of her lips.
The atmosphere at the table remained relatively pleasant. Madam Fu chatted warmly with Shen Yunli.
“Yunli, you don’t look too well lately. Are you under too much pressure? How about this—let’s go get a spa treatment together in a couple of days, relax a bit?”
Shen Yunli smiled and nodded. “Alright, Auntie.”
Meanwhile, the old master began questioning Fu Linchuan about company matters.
Previously, the company had mainly been managed by Fu Qiwén. He was older and more experienced, while Fu Linchuan had been in charge of a subsidiary entertainment company.
But half a year ago, an accident injured Fu Qiwén’s eyes. Inevitably, he couldn’t oversee everything as before, so the old master transferred Fu Linchuan to headquarters to assist him.
Now, the old master was asking about a major project Fu Linchuan was handling with Ling Company.
“Boss Ling is a tough one—very good at psychological pressure and price-cutting. Linchuan, this is your first major project. Be careful. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask your uncle. Got it?”
His tone was earnest.
Among all the children, the one he trusted most had always been Fu Qiwén. Unfortunately… that accident.
Still, his eyes were under treatment, and Linchuan, though not as capable, was diligent and eager to learn. Given time, perhaps he could become another Qiwén.
“Yes, Grandpa. I’ll remember. I’ll do my best to assist Uncle.”
He then poured a cup of tea for Fu Qiwén. “I’ll be relying on you more in the future.”
Fu Linchuan was quite good at polite talk—years in business had taught him that.
But deep down, he disliked this uncle of his, who always overshadowed him.
The old master constantly compared them, and over time, it bred resentment—and a strong sense of crisis.
But now, that unease had faded.
His uncle was blind and needed support. And he was the best candidate.
Fu Linchuan believed he wasn’t incapable. Before, he couldn’t surpass his uncle—but now?
A blind man was nothing to fear.
Sooner or later, the entire Fu family would be his.
Fu Qiwén simply nodded. “We’re family. No need to be so formal.”
Shen Yunli, uninterested in corporate matters, lowered her head as if focusing on her meal—but in truth, most of her attention was on Fu Qiwén.
In front of him sat a plate of fresh, bright red cherries—specially prepared by her.
As long as he ate them, this untouchable man would fall from his pedestal… and she would be free to stain him with desire.