Сhарtеr 6: Shе’s Still Young
Shen Сiуing withdrеw thе glоom lingering in her еуes from mеmories, brightеning hеr ехрrеssion оnсе mоre. She rаised her hand to fееd Fu Ye а рiесе of jujubе раste cаkе and аsked, “Any nеws from thе orphanаge аnd the littlе оnes latеly?”
Although shе hаd lеft thе orphаnаgе, Shеn Ciying hаd alwаys keрt a clоse watсh on it.
Fu Ye reрliеd, “Еverуоne’s doing well—рeасeful and hаppу. Thеу’rе all studуing normallу, and thosе with sреcial talents are being aсtivеly nurtured.
Yike has jоinеd the military аs shе wished, cut her hair short, and looks really cool.
Brother Zhou has also made progress. He can now follow his mentor to crime scenes and even enter the autopsy room, no longer limited to just learning from forensic textbooks.
Jiachen participated in the Youth Computer Network Security Competition and won first place.
Oh, right, and You Lin in the U.S. just won a racing competition today. He called this afternoon to share the good news, but you were resting, so I didn’t wake you.”
Shen Ciying listened, her lips gradually curving into a smile as she praised cheerfully, “Everyone’s amazing. That’s wonderful.”
Happily feeding herself a piece of jujube paste cake, she continued with a casual laugh:
“Hmm… seems like I’m the only one slacking off a bit.”
She said this without a hint of self-deprecation, shame, or any lack of confidence—it was purely self-mockery.
Shen Ciying never dwelled on self-doubt or belittled herself.
And Fu Ye, familiar with her temperament, didn’t offer any comforting or encouraging words. Instead, with a resolute look, he added:
“But without you, we’d all still be in hell.
You pulled us out of hell. In the future, it’s our turn to protect you.”
Shen Ciying glanced at Fu Ye, her lips curling into a silent, radiant smile. “Give everyone some rewards to celebrate their achievements, progress, and victories.
If there are any needs along their paths to success, do your best to help them.
May they reach the top soon.
Keep the cash Shen Rangchen gave us safe. Cash is often more secure.”
Her own strength was too limited, and being by Shen Rangchen’s side often meant her actions and whereabouts were constrained.
Because Shen Rangchen only wanted her to be a caged canary for his amusement.
He didn’t want her to have ambitions or aspirations.
So, in terms of building her own worth, the only thing she could openly do was strive to dance and stand at the pinnacle of classical dance.
But dancers or actors, while admired by ordinary people, were often viewed by top-tier elites as mere entertainers or performers from ancient times.
Since she couldn’t become a “big shot” herself, she would use Shen Rangchen’s money and leverage his influence to nurture a group of “big shots.”
Being “Mrs. Shen” was her initial dream, but the companions she was cultivating were her safety net.
Just as Fu Ye was about to respond, his phone rang with a video call.
It was You Lin.
Fu Ye handed the phone directly to Shen Ciying. “It’s You Lin. He’s probably checking if you’re awake.”
Shen Ciying took the phone. The moment the video connected, she saw You Lin in the frame, removing his black motorcycle helmet to reveal a head of striking silver hair, which he shook lightly.
As You Lin was about to casually tidy his hair, he spotted Shen Ciying on the screen and exclaimed excitedly, “Xin’er, you’re finally awake.”
Xin’er was the name she used to have at the orphanage.
She disliked this name—it always reminded her of those hellish times.
But You Lin didn’t like her name “Shen Ciying.”Shen Ciying didn’t bother arguing with him about the name, but hearing his disrespectful tone, she frowned, “Call me ‘sister’! Don’t be so rude!”
You Lin: “I won’t—”
Beep.
The video call was instantly hung up by Shen Ciying.
You Lin: “…”
Without a word, he dialed again, reluctantly and obediently calling out, “Sister.”
Only then did Shen Ciying speak to him with satisfaction, “You won the championship, impressive.”
“Fu Ye already told you.” You Lin said excitedly, “I’ll soon become a world-class racing driver.”
Shen Ciying smiled lazily at the camera, “That’s amazing. What do you want? I’ll buy it for you.”
You Lin suppressed his excitement and frowned slightly, “I don’t want anything. I called to tell you that I’ve started a club. It’ll grow slowly, become wealthy and influential.
At most five years, no, three years…”
In the future, wherever you want to go, I’ll take you there. Whatever you want to do, you can do it.
And you’ll never have to answer to anyone again.
Shen Ciying seemed to know what he left unsaid and deliberately said, “Alright, I’ll wait for your success. Keep it up.
If you need any help, just ask. Money, connections—I’ll do everything I can.”
Hearing her deliberately emphasize the word “sister,” a flicker of disappointment flashed in You Lin’s bold and unrestrained eyes, but he still smiled and said, “Okay.”
He added, “I’m returning to the country next week. I’ll bring you a gift.”
Shen Ciying: “Wishing you all the best.”
Fu Ye had always been aware of You Lin’s feelings for Shen Ciying, but she also knew that Shen Ciying only saw him as a younger brother.
So, she never commented on the subtle dynamics between them.
Seeing Shen Ciying end the call, she simply asked, “Is Shen Rangchen coming over tonight?”
“Don’t know.” Shen Ciying stretched lazily, speaking nonchalantly, “Up to him.”
Fu Ye asked again, “Should we have the kitchen prepare some of his favorite dishes?”
“No need.” Shen Ciying stood up from the chaise lounge, holding Little Snowball, looking proud and aloof, “If he comes and there’s nothing he wants to eat, let him go hungry.”
Fu Ye narrowed her eyes slightly, noticing that whenever Shen Ciying mentioned Shen Rangchen, she would unconsciously become haughty, willful, and even more vivid and radiant.
Shen Ciying walked out holding Little Snowball, “By the way, have someone check the recent schedules of those two siblings from the Fu family.”
“Fu Yutang’s birthday is tomorrow. The birthday banquet will be held at the Fu family’s restaurant. It’s quite grand. Shen Rangchen’s father and stepmother will also attend.” Fu Ye said, “But an invitation is required, and we don’t have one.”
“Birthday banquet?” Shen Ciying was intrigued, “A little invitation? I’ll ask Shen Rangchen for it.”
She glanced at Fu Ye, lifting her chin slightly, “Let’s go have some fun together tomorrow. Wear the most beautiful and expensive clothes.”
Fu Ye: “Okay.”
Shen Family Old Mansion.
A traditional Chinese-style manor.
Fu Yunxin whispered into Shen Rangchen’s father, Shen Guozhi’s ear, urging him to marry off Shen Ciying.
Under the guise of caring, she said the girl was grown up, and as the family who raised her, they should plan for her marriage, not neglect or delay it.
Shen Guozhi then relayed this to Shen Rangchen.
Shen Rangchen’s voice was cold and indifferent, “She’s still young, no need to rush into marriage. The person I raised doesn’t require your concern.”
“She may be young, but you’re not.” Shen Guozhi sighed, “Even if you don’t want to get married right away, you should at least get engaged first.”Shen Rangchen leisurely picked up the tea set in front of him and took a sip. After all, the conversation had finally steered toward this topic. With a scheming smile, he countered, “Engaged to whom?”
Shen Guozhi replied, “Yutang is a good child—well-behaved, sensible, educated, and cultured. I quite like her.”
“You quite like her…” Shen Rangchen scoffed. “What a pity, you’ve already married her aunt.”
Hearing the sarcasm and mockery in his words, before Shen Guozhi could speak, Fu Yutang, standing nearby, hurriedly interjected, “Cousin, you really know how to joke.”
Shen Guozhi followed with an embarrassed and angry rebuke, “Nonsense! I’m suggesting you two get engaged—it would strengthen our family ties.”
“Strengthen family ties…” Shen Rangchen finally looked up at Shen Guozhi and Fu Yunxin. “That phrase sounds familiar. It reminds me of yesterday’s trending topic.”
His gaze settled on Fu Yunxin, his tone casual yet laced with undeniable pressure:
“The whistleblower claimed certain remarks misled him. I hope it’s a one-time occurrence.
Being dragged into a trending topic against my will is quite displeasing.”
He didn’t elaborate, leaving it at that.
After all, Fu Yunxin’s remarks during the interview hadn’t been explicit—just skillfully crafted, seamless guidance.
Fu Yunxin was adept at deflecting and redirecting.
Guiding the media to leak information.
If it trended, it could further entangle him with Fu Yutang. Even if it failed, she could retreat and, if he blamed her, play the innocent victim in front of Shen Guozhi, claiming she never intended it and the media had overinterpreted her words—thereby winning her father-in-law’s sympathy and affection.
Either way, she wouldn’t lose.
Shen Rangchen leisurely adjusted the cuffs of his suit and finally said, “A Ying and I don’t need you worrying about our marriage. Everyone should focus on their own duties and manage themselves.”
Just then, a servant called them for dinner.
As Shen Rangchen lowered his head to adjust his suit cuffs, his gaze suddenly deepened, noticing the row of faint bite marks still visible on his wrist.
The image of the little fox’s charming, petulant tantrum instantly flooded his mind.
He had been a bit rough last night.
When he left this morning, the little girl was still sound asleep.
He wondered if she had thrown a tantrum after waking up.
Shen Rangchen suddenly stood up and tossed out, “You all eat. I have matters to attend to.”
Seeing him about to leave, Fu Yutang wanted to stop him but didn’t dare. She mustered her courage and said, “I’ll see Cousin out.”
Following him outside, Fu Yutang specifically handed him her birthday party invitation, asking:
“Cousin, it’s my birthday party tomorrow. Will you have time?”
Shen Rangchen glanced down at the invitation, thinking the little girl might need it, and signaled Zhuo Feng to take it. He tossed out, “I’ll try my best.”
He didn’t outright refuse, which made Fu Yutang very happy. After all, she had been on edge about the trending topic until now. She immediately felt relieved, watching Shen Rangchen’s retreating figure with hopeful anticipation.
She knew it—with her looks and refinement, no man could remain completely indifferent to her.
Once in the car, Shen Rangchen sent a message to Shen Ciying.
[Have you had dinner?]
Half an hour passed.
There was still no reply.