Three days later, Shen Yunli and Fu Linchuan accompanied the old master as they got into the car heading to the hospital for a check-up.
Just thinking about why he had to go for this check-up made Fu Linchuan’s expression sour. But with the old master in the car, he couldn’t vent his anger.
“I’ve arranged to meet an old friend at a teahouse later,” the old master said. “After the check-up, you two will come along with me.”
Though he spoke casually, his sharp eyes glinted with something more.
Shen Yunli’s instincts told her it wasn’t that simple, but she obediently replied, “Alright, Grandpa.”
Since the whole morning would be taken up anyway, Fu Linchuan simply nodded in agreement.
The old master sat in the front passenger seat, while Fu Linchuan and Shen Yunli sat in the back. Taking advantage of the old master not looking, Fu Linchuan shifted away from her, keeping his distance as if she were something filthy.
“Ah—” Shen Yunli suddenly exclaimed, falling against him, gazing at him “affectionately.”
You hate me that much? Perfect—I feel the same.
Then let’s make each other miserable.
Grinding his teeth, Fu Linchuan tried to maintain his composure and whispered angrily, “What are you doing?”
Shen Yunli replied sweetly, “Linchuan, what are you doing? Grandpa’s still here.”
Fu Linchuan: “??!”
The old master’s hearing was excellent. He caught the commotion in the back but sat upright, pretending not to notice—considerate as ever.
Young people, after all…
Fu Linchuan felt utterly disgusted, his face like he’d swallowed something foul.
Seeing his frustration with no way to react, Shen Yunli felt satisfied.
Out of sheer “kindness,” she decided to let him off—for now.
After the check-up, the group got back in the car and headed to the teahouse.
Shen Yunli had met the old master’s friend before—an elementary school classmate of his. The two often met for tea. After greeting him, she took the initiative to pour tea for them.
They chatted casually until a young girl approached cautiously and interrupted.
“Sir, would you like to buy a bouquet of flowers for this beautiful lady? Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Everyone turned. The girl looked barely in her teens, holding a large bouquet of roses, her eyes full of hope.
Only then did Shen Yunli realize—it was Qixi Festival today.
No wonder the streets had been so lively earlier, filled with couples.
She quickly put on an expectant expression.
Fu Linchuan didn’t think much of it. It was just a bouquet—he could buy one. Besides, the old master was watching, so he might as well go through the motions.
He casually picked one, paid for it, and stuffed it into her arms, stiffly saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Cheap bastard—only one bouquet? Shen Yunli grumbled inwardly.
“Thank you, I really like it.”
Holding the flowers, she smiled brightly, gently inhaling the scent of the roses. Looking up at him, she said, “Linchuan, this is our first Valentine’s Day together.”
For a brief moment, Fu Linchuan was stunned by her smile.
Had Shen Yunli always been this beautiful?
A fleeting image flashed through his mind—her in that thin nightgown, alluring and seductive.
Realizing what he was thinking, he was shocked and immediately forced the thought away.
The one he truly loved had always been Yan Yan.
As for Shen Yunli—her methods were crude, and her background didn’t match his. She couldn’t compare to the pure and kind Yan Yan.
Fu Linchuan reassured himself: he must just be too busy lately. He hadn’t had time to see Yan Yan, and that’s why his thoughts were wandering.
Yes, that must be it. He should go see her soon.
The old master watched the scene with satisfaction. His friend, hiding a smile behind his teacup lid, looked thoroughly entertained.
“We old folks are just chatting—you young people probably aren’t interested. Since it’s your holiday, there’s no need to stay here with us. Go on, enjoy yourselves.”
As he spoke, the old master even gave Shen Yunli a subtle wink.
Clearly, he was deliberately giving them some alone time.
Shen Yunli nodded shyly. Though Fu Linchuan was reluctant, he couldn’t refuse the old master, so he left the teahouse with her, arm in arm.
Shen Yunli pointed to a café across the street. “Linchuan, it’s so hot—let’s go sit in that café.”
Fu Linchuan’s gaze flickered.
Of all places, why this one?
His relationship with Wen Yan had always been a secret. The last thing he wanted was for the two women to run into each other.
So he pretended to be dissatisfied. “What’s so good about coffee? Let’s go somewhere else.”
Shen Yunli turned and complained to the old master, “Grandpa, look at him—he won’t even accompany me for a cup of coffee!”
“Tsk!” The old master was already reaching for his cane.
Fu Linchuan immediately surrendered, like a thief caught by the police. “Grandpa, I was just joking! If she wants coffee, I’ll go with her.”
Only then did the two enter the café.
Feeling slightly guilty, Fu Linchuan glanced around as soon as he stepped in. Not seeing any familiar figure, he relaxed.
Then he remembered—it was her day off today.
They sat down, and a server came over with a menu. Her tone was slightly unnatural—and to Fu Linchuan, very familiar.
“Welcome to Lingxia Café. What would you like to drink?”
Shen Yunli had seen Wen Yan’s photo before, so she recognized her immediately.
A classic “tragic heroine” look—porcelain-white skin, soft, pitiful eyes that stirred sympathy at first glance.
While Shen Yunli was observing the overly delicate waitress, Wen Yan was secretly looking at her too.
In fact, she had noticed them the moment they walked in.
Shen Yunli held a bright bouquet of roses, her arm wrapped intimately around Fu Linchuan, leaning toward his shoulder as if acting coquettish.
They looked so well-matched, so perfectly suited.
Wen Yan tugged awkwardly at her uniform, feeling out of place under the warmth between them.
Someone like her… was destined to have no future with Linchuan.
Fu Linchuan also felt uneasy. Though he was somewhat carefree, he had grown up in a well-mannered family—he knew his behavior wasn’t appropriate.
But he had always followed his heart. Love was love.
He couldn’t let go of Wen Yan.
And his body had already proven it—he only responded to her. If that wasn’t true love, what was?
After taking their order, Wen Yan brought them warm water.
Just as she was about to leave, Shen Yunli suddenly moved closer to Fu Linchuan, wrapping her arm around his.
“Let’s take a photo together, Linchuan?”
Fu Linchuan frowned. “Why take a photo out of nowhere?”
Shen Yunli blinked at him. “But Grandpa loves checking my social media. If he asks why we didn’t take any photos on such a special day…”
Fu Linchuan immediately gave in. “Fine, fine, we’ll take one!”
To control Fu Linchuan, one old master was more than enough.