The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 172. Guest, Mr. Fu is back

Chapter 172: 172. Guest, Mr. Fu is back

Time flew by swiftly, and soon it was the 27th of the year—Fu Hengyi would return the next day. Shen Qinglan woke up earlier than usual. It was just past five in the morning, and unable to sleep, she decided to get up and go for morning exercise.

It was, after all, the Military District, so there were quite a few people up and exercising in the morning. Along the way, Shen Qinglan encountered many familiar faces. By the time she returned from exercising, Fu Jingting was already up.

"Qinglan, why are you up so early?" Fu Jingting was surprised to see Shen Qinglan this early. Nowadays, young people cherish every additional minute of sleep they could get, let alone waking up to exercise.

Seeing Fu Jingting dressed in sportswear, Shen Qinglan asked, "Auntie, are you going out for a run?"

Fu Jingting nodded. She was already accustomed to it; if she didn’t run a couple of laps when she had the time, she felt uncomfortable. She hadn’t run the past few days due to adjusting her jet lag, but since she woke up early today, she thought of going out for a run.

"Then I’ll join you for another couple of laps," Shen Qinglan stopped and decided to go out with Fu Jingting.

"You just got back; I can go alone," said Fu Jingting.

"I didn’t run far just now, so it’s perfect to join Auntie for another stint," Shen Qinglan explained.

Although she had just returned from exercising, her body was clean and fresh, and her breath steady—Fu Jingting naturally believed her. The two of them went out and ran another lap.

Shen Qinglan and Fu Jingting came back from their run and had just finished breakfast when they heard the doorbell ring. Before Shen Qinglan could stand, Aunt Zhao had already gone to answer the door.

Aunt Zhao directly led the visitor into the living room, went upstairs to notify Old Sir Fu, and then returned to the kitchen.

"Aunt Zhao, who is it?" Fu Jingting asked as they passed by the dining room.

"She said it’s one of Old Sir’s former subordinates, who came to see him before the New Year."

Fu Jingting didn’t think much of it, as it was common for Old Sir’s former subordinates to visit around the New Year. Although he had retired several years ago, he had been a major figure in the military, and despite his retirement, his social network still remained here, especially since Fu Hengyi was still in the army.

Voices could faintly be heard from the living room. Shen Qinglan had finished her breakfast and was about to go upstairs to clean up the room she shared with Fu Hengyi. When she passed by the living room, she casually looked inside but stopped upon spotting a familiar figure.

"Fang Tong?"

Fang Tong was idly sitting on the sofa when she suddenly heard her name called and looked up to see Shen Qinglan, her face lighting up with joy, "Qinglan."

Shen Qinglan walked over, greeted Old Sir Fu, and then turned to Fang Tong, "What are you doing here?"

Fang Tong glanced at her dad before answering, "I came with my parents to visit one of my dad’s old leaders."

"Qinglan, who is this?" Old Sir Fu asked, puzzled, looking at Shen Qinglan.

Shen Qinglan explained, "This is Fang Tong, my friend and also my roommate from college."

"So, you’re the Qinglan that Tongtong often talks about." Fu Fanghua smiled at Shen Qinglan, giving Fang Tong a sidelong glare for not mentioning her acquaintance with the Fu family earlier.

Fang Tong acted as if she hadn’t seen it. Ever since she met Li Bomming once, her mom would occasionally invite him over for dinner under the pretext of him being alone in Beijing and deserving more care, but it was all too transparent.

This had made the relationship between mother and daughter somewhat tense. Naturally, Fang Tong knew the Fu family was Shen Qinglan’s in-laws. Visiting the Fu family could likely lead to meeting Shen Qinglan, but she simply didn’t want to tell her mom about her relationship with Shen Qinglan, especially because her mom kept trying to match her with Li Bomming.

"Hello, Auntie," Shen Qinglan greeted, then glanced at the man sitting on the couch, guessing he might be Fang Tong’s father, and politely said, "Hello, Uncle."

Fu Fanghua and Fang Chengzhi responded cheerfully.

Fang Chengzhi looked at Old Sir Fu, "Old Sir, who is this?"

Old Sir Fu smiled, "This is my granddaughter-in-law, Shen Qinglan, that Old Man Shen’s granddaughter."

Fang Chengzhi was surprised, "Hengyi got married?"

"Just registered the marriage, the wedding will be held after Qinglan finishes her graduation."

So that was it, no wonder he hadn’t received any news.

Since they were all acquaintances, Shen Qinglan didn’t leave but sat down next to Fang Tong. Fu Jingtong merely came over to greet and then left.

When Fang Chengzhi was younger, he had served under Old Sir Fu in the military. Later, due to an injury, he retired and took up a government position. Having been assigned away for years and not interacting much with the Fu family, he was now back and naturally came to visit Old Sir Fu. He just didn’t expect that his daughter seemed to know the Fu’s granddaughter-in-law and appeared to have a good relationship with her.

If Fang Chengzhi knew that Fang Tong not only knew Shen Qinglan but also had a good relationship with her, and had even visited the Shen family and was liked by Old Sir Shen, he would have been even more surprised.

Due to the relationship between Fang Tong and Shen Qinglan, Old Sir Fu invited them to stay for lunch, and Fang Chengzhi smoothly agreed.

After all, he was now reassigned to Beijing, and visiting the Fu family wasn’t devoid of motives to draw their families closer. Since that was the case, he wouldn’t refuse an opportunity to have a meal together.

At noon, Fu Jingtong wasn’t home, as she went to see a friend. There were only the Fang family, Old Sir Fu, and Shen Qinglan at the meal.

After finishing the meal, the Fang family took their leave. Fang Tong wanted to stay and talk to Shen Qinglan, but it wasn’t a good time now. She would have to find another opportunity next time.

As they were leaving, Shen Qinglan went out to see them off, and unexpectedly saw Shen Xitong stepping out of a car with a displeased expression. Shen Qinglan glanced at the car and could only see what seemed to be a man in the driver’s seat, wearing sunglasses, making it hard to discern his face.

Shen Qinglan turned around to head home but was called from behind.

"Shen Qinglan, stop right there."

Shen Qinglan stopped in her tracks and looked at Shen Xitong, "What’s the matter?"

Seeing her cold and expressionless face, Shen Xitong felt inexplicably uncomfortable, "Shen Qinglan, are you feeling very smug now?"

Shen Qinglan looked at her without expression, "If you’re sick, go take some medicine."

"Shen Qinglan, you’re the one who’s sick. If it weren’t for you stealing love with a sword, would I be forced to go on blind dates all the time?" Shen Xitong rushed up to Shen Qinglan and yelled at her.

It was this topic again. Shen Qinglan couldn’t even remember how many times Shen Xitong had brought this up with her.

"Shen Qinglan, just because mom favors me, are you jealous of me and taking revenge like this? But what have I done wrong? It’s not like I willingly entered the Shen family; they adopted me, I didn’t steal anything from you."

"So you admit that everything you are enjoying now was originally mine?" Shen Qinglan looked at her and asked indifferently.

Shen Xitong stiffened. Of course, that wasn’t what she meant. Everything she had now was rightfully hers, certainly not Shen Qinglan’s. She hadn’t stolen anything; rather, it was Shen Qinglan who had stolen things that originally belonged to her.

"Shen Qinglan, if it weren’t for you stealing love with a sword, I would now be Mrs. Fu, Fu Hengyi’s wife. Facing me, do you not feel even a bit of guilt?" Shen Xitong looked at Shen Qinglan as if she was looking at a shameless and disgraceful woman.

Shen Qinglan found it laughable. Wasn’t Shen Xitong tired of this charade? If not for the actor, then surely for the viewer who found it exhausting.

Shen Qinglan turned to leave, but Shen Xitong stretched out an arm, blocking her way and asked stubbornly, "Shen Qinglan, are you feeling particularly proud right now?"

"What do I have to be proud of?" Shen Qinglan retorted.

Shen Xitong’s eyes reddened. "You stole my Fu Hengyi. I have loved him for seventeen years, since I first saw him when I was nine. But you took him away. He was supposed to be mine, mine, not yours."

She was somewhat hysterical.

Shen Xitong looked a bit off today. In Shen Qinglan’s experience, Shen Xitong was usually very good at controlling her emotions, especially in public. Her well-maintained public image did not align with the unreasonable shrew-like behavior she was exhibiting now.

In fact, Shen Xitong had been harshly triggered today. When Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi had just registered their marriage, Old Sir Shen had Chu Yunrong arrange many blind dates for Shen Xitong, clearly intent on marrying her off immediately. However, after she joined Chu Yunrong’s band, she started getting busier, and Old Sir Shen dropped the matter.

Just when Shen Xitong thought that matter was behind her, her family arranged another blind date for her, and this time the instigator was Chu Yunrong again, which was no small shock for Shen Xitong.

The car accident last time, when Chu Yunrong had prioritized Shen Qinglan over her, had already left a bad taste in Shen Xitong’s mouth. Now, knowing that she was reluctant, they still forced her to meet a poor teacher for a date. To say that Shen Xitong harbored no resentment was impossible.

Seeing Shen Qinglan just then, Shen Xitong lost all sense of reason.

Shen Qinglan had no desire to waste time with a half-crazed Shen Xitong. She needed to go home and clean since Fu Hengyi was returning tomorrow. At the thought, a sense of urgency rose in her heart, and she lost her patience with the pestering Shen Xitong.

"Shen Xitong, Fu Hengyi was never yours and never cared about you. If he had even the slightest regard for you, he wouldn’t have chosen to marry me."

Shen Xitong’s face grew unpleasant. "You’re lying. It must have been some trick you used to force him to marry you. He does care about me. It must have been some disgraceful scheme from you."

Shen Qinglan, tired of the nonsense, turned and left, only to see Shen Xitong blocking her path again. This time, Shen Qinglan’s expression turned thoroughly cold.

She looked at Shen Xitong icily, her eyes devoid of any warmth. "Move aside."

Shen Xitong met Shen Qinglan’s gaze and subconsciously averted her eyes. This sort of Shen Qinglan always scared her somewhat.

As Shen Qinglan tried to leave, Shen Xitong reached out to grab her, but Shen Qinglan quickly grabbed her wrist instead. The pain from her wrist turned Shen Xitong’s face pale. "It hurts, it hurts so much. Let me go."

Shen Qinglan didn’t let go but tightened her grip instead, looking at Shen Xitong’s face distorted with pain and spoke clearly, "Shen Xitong, don’t mess with me or covet things that don’t belong to you, otherwise, you won’t be able to bear the consequences."

Shen Qinglan let go of her wrist abruptly and strode away. Shen Xitong clutched her aching wrist, seeing the obvious red marks, her eyes teared up again.

Shen Qinglan, on what basis do you act so high and mighty? What is yours? Even if I can’t have what I want, I will destroy it.

When Shen Qinglan returned home, Old Sir Fu had already gone upstairs for his afternoon nap. He was aging and had grown accustomed to taking a short nap even in winter.

She did not disturb him and quietly returned to her room to start cleaning. There wasn’t much to clean, actually, as Aunt Zhao came every few days to tidy up. The room was quite clean, but Shen Qinglan always felt the need to do something.

At night, after her bath, Shen Qinglan lay in bed. The thought of Fu Hengyi returning tomorrow made her eyes sparkle, and sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned on the large bed, with images of Fu Hengyi filling her mind.

She had barely drifted off when suddenly she heard footsteps. Shen Qinglan instantly opened her eyes, a fierce light flashing through them as she realized she was in the Fu family home and gradually relaxed her tense body.

The door opened, and a tall figure appeared at the door. Shen Qinglan sat up immediately. "Fu Hengyi!"

Although the bedroom was pitch-dark, Shen Qinglan still recognized the figure in the darkness at a glance.

Fu Hengyi did not turn on the light, afraid that Shen Qinglan’s eyes couldn’t withstand the sudden brightness. He groped his way to the bedside, sat down on the bed’s edge, and gently started speaking, "It’s me, did I wake you?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head then, afraid that Fu Hengyi couldn’t see her, she spoke, "No, I haven’t fallen asleep yet."

Fu Hengyi didn’t expose her lie. Shen Qinglan’s sleep had always been light; even the slightest noise could wake her instantly. He had intentionally lightened his steps when he returned, yet she had still woken up.

Shen Qinglan turned on the bedside lamp, and by the light, she could clearly see Fu Hengyi’s face. There were some slight stubbles on his chin and faint dark circles under his eyes, dressed in a military uniform.

She stared blankly at the face before her eyes. It had only been half a month since they saw each other, but it felt like a long time had passed. Had Fu Hengyi become so important in her heart?

"Lost in thought?" Fu Hengyi raised his hand to touch her face, laughing.

Shen Qinglan let him touch her, "Weren’t you supposed to come back tomorrow?"

"I missed you." Fu Hengyi stared at her intently and softly spoke, the tenderness in his eyes enveloped her like a tide. Shen Qinglan’s cheeks turned slightly red, and she lowered her gaze.

Fu Hengyi had worked overtime to complete his work and rushed back overnight. Although he was very tired after being busy for so long, looking at the face before him made all the fatigue dissipate instantly.

"I’m going to take a shower first."

Shen Qinglan lifted the blanket, intending to get clothes for him, but Fu Hengyi stopped her, covering her back with the blanket, "Even though the heating is on, it’s still winter. Lie down in bed properly; don’t catch a cold." Saying this, he got up and went to the wardrobe to get his clothes and then to the bathroom.

Fu Hengyi was quick in the shower, returning from the bathroom in just a few minutes.

Shen Qinglan lay in bed, only her head poking out from under the blanket.

Feeling the bed dip beside her, then she was enveloped in a familiar embrace, Shen Qinglan took a gentle breath. The fragrant scent of shower gel lingered at her nostrils, similar yet distinct from her own.

She reached out, placing her hand on Fu Hengyi’s waist, burying her head in his chest, feeling his heartbeat, an unprecedented sense of fulfillment surged in her heart.

Fu Hengyi embraced her, resting his head atop hers, the real warmth of the person in his arms also gave him an extraordinary sense of satisfaction.

He lowered his head, gazing intently at her, his eyes deep, brewing a storm. Shen Qinglan happened to look up, their eyes met.

"Fu Hengyi, I missed you," Shen Qinglan softly spoke.

Those words, like scissors cutting through the string of rationality in Fu Hengyi’s mind, unleashed a passionate kiss.

Fu Hengyi hadn’t shaved, and his stubbly chin grazed over the skin on Shen Qinglan’s neck, causing her body to shiver and involuntarily let out a soft moan.

Fu Hengyi smiled tenderly, lowered his head, and slowly kissed her earlobe. With a stretch of his long arm, the bedroom was plunged into darkness once again, and the moonlight shone faintly through the gaps in the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the floor.

**

The next day, when Shen Qinglan opened her eyes, she was greeted by Fu Hengyi’s smiling eyes, "Wife, good morning."

Shen Qinglan smiled slightly, "Good morning."

"What time is it?" Shen Qinglan asked.

"Seven o’clock."

Shen Qinglan was startled, it was already seven o’clock, had she overslept again?

"There’s still time, you can sleep a little longer. I’ve told Aunt Zhao already, today we’ll get up later."

Even the usually composed Shen Qinglan couldn’t help but blush at this, giving him a glare. With a statement like that, who wouldn’t know what they had done last night.

Mr. Fu, with his thick skin, only smiled more and left a kiss on Shen Qinglan’s face. "I bet, Grandfather would be more than happy about this."

Miss Shen was thin-skinned and couldn’t handle the teasing, grabbing her pajamas from beside her and preparing to get up to wash.

Fu Hengyi held onto her tightly, watching her intently. "You’re leaving just like that?"

Shen Qinglan looked confused, what else was she supposed to do?

Mr. Fu looked distressed, "You really are the type to discard after using, huh?"

Shen Qinglan got angry, giving Mr. Fu a cold look. Mr. Fu smiled tenderly, kissed her lips hard twice, then let go, "Okay, get up."

Shen Qinglan: ...

By the time Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi had freshened up and come downstairs, Old Sir Fu and Fu Jingtong had already returned from their walk, and the old man’s smile was especially bright seeing the young couple coming downstairs.

Everyone learned only that morning of Fu Hengyi’s return. Typically, when Aunt Zhao got up, Shen Qinglan would be up already, but today, even when breakfast was ready, Shen Qinglan hadn’t come down yet. Concerned she might be unwell, Aunt Zhao thought about checking upstairs, only to be greeted by Fu Hengyi.

Knowing Fu Hengyi had returned, and the couple seemingly in their honeymoon phase, Aunt Zhao naturally wouldn’t be so tactless as to disturb them. Coming downstairs, she encountered Old Sir Fu and just mentioned it casually before they went off to breakfast cheerfully with Fu Jingtong.

Feeling slightly embarrassed under the scrutiny of Old Sir and Fu Jingtong, Shen Qinglan quickened her pace to the dining room for breakfast while Fu Hengyi followed a step behind, his smile intensifying as he watched her hurry away.

"Grandfather, Aunt."

Old Sir Fu hummed a response, and Fu Jingtong smiled, "Go ahead and eat your breakfast."

"You should tell Xiao Zhao to make some soup for Qinglan later. Girls should drink more soup for good health," Old Sir Fu advised Fu Jingtong.

Fu Jingtong laughed, "Dad, Qinglan is still young; there’s no rush."

Old Sir Fu changed his expression, "Am I rushing? Am I?"

"Yes, yes, yes," Fu Jingtong hastily soothed, "You’re not rushing, I am."

Old Sir had a look that clearly read, "It’s you who are rushing, not me," before he sauntered away.

Fu Jingtong shook her head, amused. The old man was increasingly becoming more childlike.

However, Qinglan was indeed quite young; waiting a couple more years to have children was feasible, but Old Sir probably couldn’t wait that long.

Gu Yang knew that Fu Hengyi would be coming back today. He originally didn’t want to visit the Fu family, but early in the morning, his father had woken him up, under the guise that Chinese New Year was approaching and they should bring some New Year goods to his mother.

Gu Yang was speechless. The Fu family lacked nothing; why would they need him to send New Year goods? Moreover, he had already brought a gift for his grandfather when he visited the Fu family a few days ago.

"Dad, I just went the day before yesterday." Gu Yang didn’t want to go. Today, Fu Hengyi was coming back. If he ran into his elder brother, who knew how he would get treated.

Gu Bowen always treated his son gently. Hearing this, he didn’t get angry but patiently said, "Your grandfather is getting old now, and he is always alone at home. There are only you and Hengyi among the grandchildren, and Hengyi is in the military all year round. You really should visit more."

Seeing that Gu Bowen was about to start preaching, Gu Yang immediately surrendered, "Dad, please stop, I’ll go, I’ll go right now."

Gu Bowen was satisfied and continued, "There are quite a few things this time; you can’t carry it all by yourself. I’ll go with you."

Gu Yang: ... Dad, if you want to see my mom, just say it. Don’t make so many excuses; I’m not going to stop helping you.

Resigned to his fate, Gu Yang got out of bed, yawning as he watched his dad load boxes into the car. "Dad, are you planning to move the entire supermarket to Grandpa’s house?"

Gu Bowen, without pausing his actions, made sure everything was loaded into the car before closing the trunk door. "It’s just some everyday food and essentials. It’s not too much, and besides, Hengyi is married now. As an elder, I must prepare a gift for the occasion."

"Right, right, Dad, you always have a reason. Aren’t you rushing to see Mom? Let’s go."

Gu Bowen looked at his son, wanting to explain, but seemingly unable to find a suitable reason. So he kept quiet.

When the Gu father and son arrived, Shen Qinglan was playing chess with Old Sir Fu. Fu Hengyi and Fu Jingtong were watching on the side.

"Grandpa, Dad and I are here to see you." Gu Yang’s voice carried in even before he entered.

Fu Jingtong, who had been smiling initially, saw the figure that walked in and her smile vanished instantly. With a stoic face, she said to Old Sir Fu, "Dad, I’m going upstairs."

Old Sir Fu, hearing Gu Yang’s words and knowing who had come, saw his daughter about to leave and spoke to keep her, "It’s rare for you to be home for the New Year, can’t you stay and keep this old man company?"

Fu Jingtong paused, then sat back down on the couch.

As soon as Gu Bowen entered, he saw Fu Jingtong, who seemed to have lost some weight after more than two years. She was still as efficient as he remembered.

"Dad." Gu Bowen called out, and Old Sir Fu calmly responded. Although his daughter and son-in-law had divorced more than twenty years ago, Gu Bowen’s form of address had never changed. Old Sir Fu could see Gu Bowen’s intentions towards his daughter but did not point it out.

Fu Jingtong frowned deeply, clearly dissatisfied with Gu Bowen’s address. But before she could speak, Fu Hengyi called out "Uncle," and Shen Qinglan, who naturally came with Fu Hengyi, followed.

Listening to this, Fu Jingtong’s gaze at Gu Bowen grew colder. When she met Gu Bowen’s eyes, she directly turned her gaze away, ignoring him completely.

"Grandpa, my dad has practically moved the entire supermarket here for you." Gu Yang was still grinning cheekily.

Old Sir Fu, seeing that he had dyed his hair back, felt a bit more pleased at the sight. Hearing his statement, he glanced at Gu Bowen, "It’s good that you are here, but why bring so many things? There’s nothing we don’t have at home."

Gu Bowen smiled warmly, "They are just some everyday necessities, things we need on a daily basis. Don’t mind what Gu Yang is babbling about."

Gu Yang pouted but didn’t refute his father. He had glanced over earlier, and many of the items were indeed his mother’s favorite foods or brands she usually used.

Fu Jingtong had not said a word since Gu Bowen entered. Sitting on the couch, she was like a wooden figure, even ignoring Gu Yang when he spoke to her.

"Dad, I’m going to check on the dishes for lunch," Fu Jingtong said, standing up after sitting for a while.

Old Sir Fu didn’t ask her to stay. He said, "Go ahead, and tell Xiao Zhao that both Bowen and Gu Yang will be having lunch at home. Make some dishes that they like."

Fu Jingtong’s figure stiffened, and her footsteps faltered slightly, but she didn’t say anything and left the living room straight away.

Gu Bowen’s gaze followed Fu Jingtong until he could no longer see her; only then did he look away.

Old Sir Fu naturally noticed this and sighed softly. In truth, he didn’t know what had happened back then. He only remembered how one day Fu Jingtong suddenly told him she was pregnant, the child belonged to Gu Bowen, and she wanted to marry Gu Bowen. In those days, out-of-wedlock pregnancy would get a girl spat on, especially from families like theirs. He had been so angry he almost killed her.

But Gu Bowen came and knelt in front of their house for a day and a night, and Fu Jingtong insisted that even if Old Sir Fu threw her out, she would still marry Gu Bowen. With no choice left, Old Sir Fu had to agree to their marriage.

After they married, Gu Bowen treated Fu Jingtong very well, completely devoted to her, fulfilling her every want. Old Sir Fu gradually eased his worries, but to his surprise, less than a month after Gu Yang was born, Fu Jingtong demanded a divorce.

By the time Old Sir Fu learned about it, not only had they completed the divorce proceedings, but Fu Jingtong had even filed an application to become an ambassador abroad, which was approved.

At first, Old Sir Fu thought Gu Bowen had wronged his daughter and went to confront the Gu family, only to find a drunk Gu Bowen. Seeing him clutching his leg, crying like a child, begging him to ask Fu Jingtong not to leave.

Old Sir Fu still remembered Gu Bowen’s look back then: unkempt beard, disheveled clothes, red-rimmed eyes, tears and snot streaming down his face, utterly pitiful. Even as a grown man, Old Sir Fu felt compassion seeing him like this. He asked Gu Bowen what had happened, but he said nothing. When he asked Fu Jingtong, she simply said, "I don’t love him anymore; I don’t want this."

Then Fu Jingtong left for abroad, rarely returning over the years.

Even today, Old Sir Fu didn’t know the true story. Seeing Gu Bowen remain single for so many years, he even advised him not to wait for Fu Jingtong anymore, to remarry if he found someone suitable. But what did Gu Bowen say?

"Dad, Jingtong is the love of my life, no one suits me better than her. I will wait for her right here, maintaining this home for the day she grows weary, turns back, and needs a home to return to."

Hearing such words, Old Sir Fu was also deeply moved and repeatedly tried to persuade his daughter, but his daughter was as stubborn as he. Once she made up her mind, it wasn’t something that would change with a few words.

Shen Qinglan naturally noticed something unusual between Fu Jingtong and Gu Bowen, but as a junior, it wasn’t her place to comment much on her elders’ affairs. Besides, she wasn’t particularly curious.

But today, Gu Yang, since he had greeted her after entering, couldn’t even look her in the eye. Even speaking to her, he was evasive.

Realizing what he was worried about, Shen Qinglan didn’t reveal it, but glanced at Fu Hengyi, surprised that Gu Yang was so afraid of him.

How could Gu Yang not be anxious? Shen Qinglan had told him before that she would inform Fu Hengyi about his gambling issue. He had thought his elder brother wouldn’t be back so soon, but the moment he entered, he saw him and nearly jumped out of his skin. He wanted to run but stayed because Fu Hengyi seemed normal upon seeing him, probably because Shen Qinglan hadn’t spoken to him yet. If it wasn’t for that, he might have already left.

Feeling Shen Qinglan’s gaze on him again, Gu Yang almost cried. Taking advantage of Fu Hengyi’s diverted attention, he secretly shot Shen Qinglan a pleading look, mouthing words of apology.

Although Shen Qinglan intended to let Fu Hengyi handle Gu Yang, she hadn’t planned on revealing it yet. Seeing his comical expression, she couldn’t help but laugh.

"Gu Yang," Fu Hengyi spoke softly, not missing the exchanged glances between Gu Yang and his little wife.

"Present!" Gu Yang reflexively responded.

This outburst drew back the attention of Gu Bowen, who had been lost in thought since Fu Jingtong had left.

He looked at Shen Qinglan. "You must be Qinglan, right?"

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Uncle."

Gu Bowen gently smiled, "I knew you married Hengyi, but I have never met you. I brought back a gift for you from abroad last time, and did not have a chance to give it to you. Now, I have brought it along." Saying so, he took out a delicate small box from his suit pocket.

Shen Qinglan took it, but did not open it immediately.

"Aren’t you going to open it and see?" Gu Bowen asked with a smile.

Shen Qinglan glanced at Fu Hengyi, then under everyone’s gaze, she opened the box. It was a pair of diamond earrings, designed like cherry blossoms, but set with two blue diamonds. Although they were just tiny stones, their deep and pure blue hue immediately marked them as highly valuable.

"I didn’t know what you’d like. I just saw these and thought they would appeal to a young girl like you." Gu Bowen explained; actually, as an uncle, it was slightly inappropriate for him to give such a gift, but there were no girls in his own family and he had no daughter, truly uncertain of what a woman in her twenties might like.

"Thank you, Uncle," Fu Hengyi voiced his thanks.

"I like them very much, thank you, Uncle," Shen Qinglan gently hooked her lips into a smile.

Hearing this, Gu Bowen smiled, "I’m glad you like them. Did Gu Yang mention that you’re still studying?"

"Yes, I will graduate next June."

"Is the wedding planned after your graduation?" Gu Bowen asked further.

"Yes, she is still studying, so it’s better to wait until after graduation to hold the wedding," Fu Hengyi responded.

Gu Bowen nodded in agreement, casually chatting with Fu Hengyi and Shen Qinglan.

He was a kind and humorous elder, making the conversation extremely pleasant and relaxing, and time passed without them noticing.

Aunt Zhao came over to call everyone to eat, and they moved to the dining room, where Fu Jingtong had already helped Aunt Zhao set the food.

During the meal, Gu Bowen served some food to Fu Jingtong, but she just set it aside and did not touch it, which left Gu Bowen with a somber expression in his eyes, although he maintained a gentle smile on his face.

After dinner, Shen Qinglan was about to go out for a walk with Fu Hengyi, when they reached the door of the house, they heard the voices of Fu Jingtong and Gu Bowen from the courtyard. She and Fu Hengyi looked at each other and paused.

In the yard, Fu Jingtong stood beside an osmanthus tree, not looking at Gu Bowen and coldly asked, "Why did you ask me to come out here? What do you really want to say?"

Gu Bowen stood a meter away from her, gazing deeply at her, "How have you been these years?"

Fu Jingtong, facing away from him, felt his gaze on her and replied calmly, "Very well."

"Do you still find the life abroad manageable?" Gu Bowen asked again. Although he flew to Country Y every month to glimpse her from afar, he still felt uneasy not hearing directly from her.

"Is this why you asked me to come out?" Fu Jingtong did not answer him, instead frowning impatiently at him.

Gu Bowen still wore a mild smile, "I just wanted to know if you’re well."

"Gu Bowen, we’ve been divorced for over twenty years."

Gu Bowen nodded with a smile, "I know, but even if we can’t be husband and wife, we can still be friends. A little concern from time to time is always okay."

"Gu Bowen, do you really not understand? We can’t be a couple, nor can we be friends," Fu Jingtong said impatiently. More than two decades had passed, and every time she returned, they went through the same scenario, which irritated her. Yet, alongside her irritation, a tinge of soreness involuntarily spread through her heart.

"Jingtong, I mean no harm. I just genuinely wanted to show some concern," Gu Bowen explained, somewhat helplessly.