Grandfather Cheng had once served under Fu Sili’s grandfather, so his relationship with the Fu family ran deep.
Fu Wanzhi watched as the man held Fu Sili’s hand and spoke. Like Grandfather Fu, he was stubborn and traditional at heart, valuing sons over daughters.
Thus, Fu Wanzhi only had a few polite words to exchange with him; she had no desire for further conversation.
“You’re back,” Grandfather Fu said, looking at Fu Wanzhi as he walked over to her.
“Yes, I’ve been quite busy lately and haven’t had the chance to visit you,” Fu Wanzhi replied.
“Have you been to see your father?” Grandfather Fu’s expression remained as stern and authoritative as ever.
Fu Wanzhi nodded. “I went with my brother.”
A significant part of why she had always pretended to be obedient since childhood was because of Grandfather Fu.
“Good that you went. Come visit the old house more often when you have time,” Grandfather Fu shifted his gaze away. Though the words were warm, his tone was grave and solemn.
“Understood, Grandfather.” Fu Wanzhi sensed that his attitude toward her had changed somewhat compared to before…
“Grandfather, the banquet is about to begin. Please have Brother Fu and Grandfather Fu take their seats,” Cheng Qingyue said softly.
Hearing this, Fu Wanzhi glanced at her. Back to “Brother Fu” again… What a variety of titles she uses.
As they took their seats, Fu Wanzhi noticed Shang Yan waving at her from across the room. Without pausing, she began walking toward him, intending to sit by his side.
But someone grabbed her wrist. The person’s fingertips carried a slight chill as he said calmly, “Where are you going?”
“Shang Yan is calling me,” Fu Wanzhi replied, glancing at the hand holding hers, feeling somewhat bewildered.
Fu Sili looked over.
Noticing his gaze, Shang Yan waved excitedly. The moment their eyes met, however, he suddenly felt a wave of coldness wash over him, seeping deep into his bones.
“Stay here,” Fu Sili said, releasing her hand, his fingertips now carrying a hint of warmth.
Fu Wanzhi sat down silently. She didn’t want to argue with Fu Sili in public, but she truly couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.
At this banquet, Fu Sili had become the center of attention, with many eager to curry favor and speak with him.
In Haicheng, the Fu, Shang, and Lin families were all deeply rooted aristocrats with long histories. However, the Lin family had now fallen into decline, with only Fu Wanzhi’s uncle left to hold things together.
The entire meal felt utterly dull and tasteless.
After it ended, Fu Wanzhi had no desire to linger. Fu Sili was kept behind by others to discuss matters, and he specifically warned her not to go anywhere—she was to wait downstairs for him so they could leave together.
Fu Wanzhi sat on a swing in the backyard, bored as she scrolled through her phone.
“Fu Wanzhi.”
A distinctly unfriendly female voice came from behind her.
Fu Wanzhi turned around to find Cheng Qingyue standing there, looking at her with disgust.
“Did Sister Qingyue need something from me?” she asked expressionlessly.
“They say you went abroad to study, but in reality, you were abandoned, weren’t you?” Cheng Qingyue crossed her arms, smiling smugly.
“Where did you hear that from?” Fu Wanzhi put away her phone.
Cheng Qingyue shared her perspective, scoffing, “Who goes abroad for eight years without returning? You only came back now because Uncle Fu is on his last legs.”
“So what? What does that have to do with you?” Fu Wanzhi spread her hands and swung lightly on the swing, indifferent.
“You were abandoned by Brother Sili, yet you still have the nerve to show off here.” Cheng Qingyue had disliked her since childhood for always clinging to Fu Sili.
Fu Wanzhi’s gaze turned cold. She pressed her toes against the ground to stop the swing. “It seems you still can’t let go of what happened back then.”
Mentioning that incident filled Cheng Qingyue with rage. Her voice rose, “If it weren’t for you, things wouldn’t be like this now!”
“But I don’t think I did anything wrong. Even if it happened again, I’d still throw away that love letter, because you’re not worthy of being my sister-in-law.” Fu Wanzhi stood up from the swing, letting out a light laugh, her eyes filled with mockery.
These words completely enraged Cheng Qingyue. Her eyes widened in fury, and she stormed forward, her emotions unstable, ready to slap her.
Just as Fu Wanzhi was about to dodge, she noticed a figure approaching from ahead. Her brow twitched, and instead of avoiding it, she took the slap directly.
A sharp slap echoed through the empty backyard.
“Fu Wanzhi, you bitch—”
Before Cheng Qingyue could finish her insult, a cold, deep voice cut her off.
“Zhizhi.”
“Brother…” Tears quickly welled up in Fu Wanzhi’s eyes, and her left cheek flushed red, looking utterly pitiful.
Fu Sili strode over quickly. Seeing the injured side of her face, his gaze turned dark and stormy, as if a tempest was brewing beneath the surface.
“Brother Sili… it’s not like that, I just…” Cheng Qingyue panicked at Fu Sili’s sudden appearance. She didn’t know if he had seen what happened, her heart pounding in her throat.
“Does it hurt?” Fu Sili ignored her words, reaching out to touch her cheek, which felt slightly warm.
Fu Wanzhi shook her head without speaking, looking as if she had suffered immense injustice.
Fu Sili pressed his lips into a thin line. He took Fu Wanzhi’s hand and shielded her behind him, then turned to face Cheng Qingyue. Glancing at the Cheng family members who had hurried over upon hearing the commotion, his tone was icy cold. “Is this how the Cheng family teaches their daughter?”
“Qingyue! Apologize to Wanzhi immediately!” Mr. Cheng’s expression changed, and he quickly scolded his daughter.
Cheng Qingyue bit her lower lip, unwilling but forced to comply. “I’m sorry, Wanzhi. I didn’t mean it.”
Fu Wanzhi concealed the mockery in her eyes, maintaining her pitiful expression without saying a word.
“Did she hit the wrong person? In that case, Zhizhi, return the favor.” Fu Sili’s dark eyes were cold, his thin lips parting slightly, not sounding like he was joking.
Fu Wanzhi’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. He was still protecting her just like he did when they were children…
Cheng Qingyue’s face paled. “Brother Sili, I—”
Before she could finish, Fu Sili shot her a cold, indifferent glance, startling her into silence.
“Sili, this is just children’s playfulness.” Mrs. Cheng stepped forward with a smile, trying to smooth things over.
But before she could finish speaking, Fu Wanzhi took the initiative and slapped Cheng Qingyue back, the crisp sound even louder than before.
Cheng Qingyue’s head snapped violently to the side, her cheek rapidly swelling and reddening.
The sudden turn of events left everyone present stunned.
Fu Sili watched her actions, a faint smile curling his lips.
“Sorry, my brother told me to return it.” After delivering the slap, Fu Wanzhi pretended to look apologetic, as if she hadn’t been the one who struck.
“Fu Wanzhi! How dare you hit me!” Cheng Qingyue immediately jumped up in agitation.
“It’s getting late, and we’ve discussed matters enough for now. I’ll take my leave first.” After speaking, Fu Sili took Fu Wanzhi’s hand and, without offering any explanation, headed straight for the exit.
Cheng Qingyue’s father wore an unpleasant expression but forced a smile as he followed. “Sili, let me see you out.”
“No need. Uncle Cheng should focus on keeping an eye on your own daughter,” Fu Sili replied coolly.
Fu Sili’s current status was something everyone in Haicheng sought to align themselves with, and the Cheng family was no exception. They had managed to secure this meeting today thanks to Grandfather Cheng’s influence, but it now risked being ruined because of this incident.
At this thought, Cheng Qingyue’s father couldn’t help but snap angrily, “Look at the fine daughter you’ve raised!”
“Mom…” Cheng Qingyue burst into tears.
“Didn’t we say it was just children fooling around? Yet Sili actually had someone hit her back,” Cheng Qingyue’s mother complained resentfully, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter crying.
“You protect your own daughter, but others will protect their sister too,” Cheng Qingyue’s father lamented, frustrated by his family’s lack of foresight. He had seen it since childhood—Fu Sili was an absolute doting brother through and through.