Fu Cheng Shen had come in a hurry and hadn’t brought his work laptop with him, so he had Lin Sheng deliver it to him, along with some instructions regarding work matters.
After finishing their discussion, Fu Cheng Shen escorted Lin Sheng to the study door.
“President Fu, I know the way. I can go down by myself.”
Lin Sheng had been to the Fu residence twice before and wasn’t likely to get lost. He still remembered the first time he came to the Fu residence. He had thought that following Fu Cheng Shen meant he had seen the world, but arriving at the Fu residence still left him stunned. He thought it was some kind of park or exhibition hall—the land area was so vast it was almost absurd. Suddenly, he understood why his boss had thought the house at Dijing Court was too small when he bought it.
“Alright, arrange the work and come with me on a business trip next week.”
“Understood, President Fu.”
After Lin Sheng left, Fu Cheng Shen stood in front of the desk, organizing the scattered documents and materials.
Knock, knock, knock—
The study door. He looked up toward the entrance and saw Fu Shen Nan. Without waiting for Fu Cheng Shen’s response, Fu Shen Nan had already closed the study door, walked in, pulled out the chair in front of the desk, and sat down. She interlaced her fingers and placed them on the desk, her gaze sharp and fixed on Fu Cheng Shen.
“To what do I owe the honor of Aunt’s visit?”
Fu Cheng Shen also sat down, leaning back in his chair, which tilted slightly backward. His entire demeanor seemed to ask, “What business do you have?”
“You deliberately let me see it today, didn’t you?” Fu Shen Nan cut straight to the point, laying it out plainly.
The simple and direct question piqued Fu Cheng Shen’s interest. He straightened his back, leaving the chair’s support, and leaned slightly forward. He, too, interlaced his fingers and placed them on the desk. The aunt and nephew didn’t seem to be having a casual chat but rather a negotiation.
“If I said yes, what would Aunt plan to do?”
Fu Shen Nan stood up, the chair’s wheels scraping against the floor with a squeak. With a loud “smack,” she slammed her hand on the table, her face filled with anger.
“Fu Cheng Shen, your wings have hardened. I can’t control you anymore. But have you considered Yan Er? Can the Fu family accept her? Can Grandfather accept the girl he raised as his own granddaughter becoming his grandson’s wife?”
“I will handle it,” Fu Cheng Shen raised his voice, his tone carrying an unyielding firmness.
Fu Shen Nan sneered twice, her eyes coldly fixed on him as she reminded him word by word, “Do you want Yan Er to walk the same path your mother did?”
Fu Cheng Shen’s eyes darkened, like a bottomless abyss, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
“If my father could protect my mother back then, I can protect Yan Er too.”
Fu Shen Nan was not intimidated. What she needed to do was lay out all the pros and cons clearly for him.
“If you had the ability to protect her, you wouldn’t have sent her abroad four years ago. Back then, your father had already taken control of the Fu family, but when your mother was about to give birth, on the way to the hospital, there was still a car accident. She hemorrhaged heavily and almost lost both her life and the baby’s.”
“Eldest Brother and I stood right outside the ICU door. Eldest Brother was covered in blood, holding a pen with his bloodstained hand, trembling as he signed. I had never seen him so helpless before. He aged ten years overnight, and his hair turned gray all at once.”
“Later, Sister-in-law was safe, and you were born healthy, but some…”Fu Shen Nan choked up and didn’t continue. This was an eternal pain in her heart, like a sick tree—its bark smooth and healthy on the surface, but peeling it back reveals the rot inside, beyond saving.
She sat in her seat, both hands pressed against her forehead, trying to conceal her emotions.
Fu Cheng Shen placed a hand on her shoulder. He couldn’t bring himself to say those empty words like “it’s all in the past” or “you should let go.” Some pains are never truly released in a lifetime.
“Aunt, what I can promise is that I will protect Yan Er. She is my life too, and my love for her is no less than yours.”
Four years ago, he had just taken over the Fu family, his wings not yet fully grown, unable to even ensure his own safety. Sending her abroad was the best way to protect her.
Four years later, he had gained enough strength. The Fu family was now under his control, and Second Uncle’s people had been almost entirely cleared out. Those remaining were no longer a threat. In Jingbei, no one could harm Su Luoyan.
Fu Shen Nan had said all she needed to say. She composed herself, returning to her usual elegant and languid demeanor.
“I have only one request: you must protect Yan Yan.”
“If you need help with Grandfather, I’ll speak to him for you.”
Fu Cheng Shen offered a genuine smile. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“I’m heading back.” Fu Shen Nan walked to the door, then turned around. “The two of you are already living together, aren’t you?”
Fu Cheng Shen: “…”
Fu Shen Nan teased, “You even smell the same. Only Grandfather wouldn’t notice these things. Take it easy—his heart isn’t strong, and I want him to live a few more years. And, make sure to take precautions.”
Fu Cheng Shen replied helplessly, “Aunt, we know our limits.”