The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 173. Shen Junyu, Forced into a Blind Date (Second Update)

Chapter 173: 173. Shen Junyu, Forced into a Blind Date (Second Update)

Fu Jingtong certainly knew he didn’t mean any harm, and she even knew that this man had been waiting for her all along, but what had happened, had happened. She couldn’t convince herself to pretend it never happened and continue being with him; she simply couldn’t do it.

Fu Jingtong stayed silent, turned around to leave, and Gu Bowen instinctively grabbed her wrist, "Jingtong, can you really not forgive me?"

His tone was sorrowful, and even without turning her head, Fu Jingtong could imagine the expression on his face right then. A dull pain emanated from her heart, and her body stiffened slightly, yet she didn’t turn around, "Yes."

A single word, final and decisive.

Gu Bowen’s hand, holding hers, fell limply, and as Fu Jingtong looked at the shadows on the ground, it seemed as if something flashed in her eyes, but ultimately she left without a word.

Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi had turned a corner before Fu Jingtong saw them, and went to the other side of the large courtyard.

"Aunt and Uncle?" Shen Qinglan hesitated.

Fu Hengyi shook his head, "I’m not clear about this matter either. Grandfather has pressed them about it many times, but neither of them is willing to say anything. Apart from the people involved, no one knows what actually happened."

"You can tell they care a lot about each other." Shen Qinglan said. Even though Fu Jingtong maintained a cold facade, at the lunch table, there were several dishes that seemed to be Uncle’s favorites. If she didn’t care, how could she still remember the other’s preferences after more than twenty years?

"Qinglan." Fu Hengyi suddenly called her.

Shen Qinglan looked up.

He gazed into her eyes, serious in expression, "If there’s ever anything between us in the future, we must talk about it. Let’s not hide anything from each other."

Shen Qinglan was taken aback, something swiftly crossed the depths of her eyes, and ultimately, under Fu Hengyi’s gaze, she slowly nodded.

Fu Hengyi smiled and embraced her.

Shen Qinglan leaned against his chest, her expression inscrutable. Fu Hengyi, if one day you knew about my past, would you still treat me the same way? Could I tell you everything?

She closed her eyes, concealing the emotions welling up within her.

**

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Shen Qinglan had gone to the teahouse a couple of days ago to distribute bonuses to the staff and give them the holiday off.

She had taken over the teahouse completely half a month ago. Although she didn’t visit often, she would still check on it once a week. Old Sir Fu knew about her purchase of the teahouse and had personally visited it twice, very fond of the place. Now, he had become one of its regulars, often joining Old Sir Shen there to enjoy tea.

There were quite a few elderly people like Old Sir Fu who had retired and had time to spare, and the two had thus made a few like-minded friends.

Early in the morning, Fu Hengyi had plunged into the study. When Shen Qinglan walked in, he was leaning over the table, writing couplets on red paper with bold and powerful black characters. Shen Qinglan realized for the first time that Fu Hengyi could write calligraphy, and moreover, that he did it so well.

"How about?" Fu Hengyi looked up and saw her, asking with a smile, the sharpness he exuded when in military uniform had disappeared in his casual home clothing.

Shen Qinglan looked carefully, then nodded her approval, "Very good."

She didn’t praise people lightly, and such an answer was obviously a great affirmation.

Fu Hengyi laughed. He had been practicing calligraphy ever since he could hold a pen, taught by Old Sir Fu, and had not neglected it even when he was studying abroad. He could not compare with the masters, but it was still presentable.

"Go get the paste, and help paste up the couplets," Fu Hengyi ordered naturally.

"Where’s the paste?"

Without looking up, Fu Hengyi said, "Second drawer on the right over there."

Shen Qinglan did as instructed and indeed found the paste. She picked up a pair of couplets, "Is this one for the front door?"

Fu Hengyi finished the last stroke and put away the brush, leaving the couplet to air dry.

"Yes, these are for downstairs." He picked up another two pairs and, together with Shen Qinglan, headed downstairs.

Old Sir Fu left the house early in the morning with a guard, and nobody knew where he went. Fu Jingtong was also not around.

"Higher," Shen Qinglan stood in the yard, instructing Fu Hengyi.

Fu Hengyi held a couplet in his hand and was trying to affix it to the door, "How about now?"

Shen Qinglan took a step back to assess, "A little to the left."

His hand shifted a bit to the left.

"That’s good."

Fu Hengyi stuck the couplet properly in place.

When Shen Junyu and Shen Xitong arrived, this was the scene that greeted them—Shen Junyu’s face was full of smiles, but Shen Xitong almost ground her silver teeth to dust with irritation, especially when she saw the smile in Fu Hengyi’s eyes as he looked at Shen Qinglan. It felt like a mouthful of blood was stuck in her throat, neither going down nor coming up.

"I say, you two are here displaying your affection early in the morning, aren’t you afraid I’ll come down with a stick?" Shen Junyu teased with a smile.

Fu Hengyi glanced at him, the smile on his face disappearing as he replied indifferently, "If you don’t want to keep your hands, you’re welcome to try."

Shen Junyu choked, so what if you’re good at fighting? After all, I’m still your uncle, and that’s how you treat me? Be careful I’ll persuade my sister to ignore you, humph.

His eyes were full of complaint, but Fu Hengyi didn’t even spare him another glance, taking the other half of the couplet from Shen Qinglan to continue his task.

"Sis, why have you come?" Shen Qinglan queried, not wanting to see that aggrieved look in Young Master Shen’s eyes; it was truly unbearable.

Shen Junyu then remembered his actual purpose for coming and cleared his throat, "Well, Daddy is coming back today, he wants you both to come home for lunch."

Was this petty matter really worth a special trip? Couldn’t a phone call have sufficed?

Noting the implication in Shen Qinglan’s eyes, Shen Junyu spread his hands; it wasn’t his idea, someone had insisted on coming along.

Shen Qinglan: You couldn’t make a phone call?

Shen Junyu: Can’t I go out for a walk?

Shen Qinglan averted her gaze, not wanting to look at him. Feeling rejected by his own sister, Shen Junyu felt slighted and grew even more irritated with Shen Xitong’s presence.

"We’ve delivered the message, let’s go back," Shen Junyu finally said.

"Brother," Shen Xitong called out to him; she didn’t want to leave. She rarely got to see Fu Hengyi and wanted to stay a little longer, "Sister is hanging the couplets, we could help her."

Shen Junyu smirked sardonically, "The sweet couple is enjoying their time together, and we’re standing here like a couple of lightbulbs, craving more dog food?"

His eyes held a trace of chill, and as they settled on her, they felt like needles. Shen Xitong’s expression stiffened as she awkwardly said, "It’s just that having more people helping would make it faster, and then we could all go back together."

"That’s their fun as a couple, what’s it to you, an outsider? Let’s head back," Shen Junyu replied coldly, then turned to look with a gentle expression at Shen Qinglan, "I’ll go first, come over early for lunch."

Shen Qinglan nodded, indicating that she understood. As she watched Shen Xitong reluctantly follow Shen Junyu out, a trace of chill crossed her eyes.

After all the couplets and paper-cut decorations were affixed, Shen Qinglan called Old Sir Fu and learned he wouldn’t be home for lunch, so she informed Aunt Zhao and left.

As soon as she arrived at the Shen Family’s house, she heard a strange woman’s voice inside. Upon entering, she discovered there was a visitor—a girl sitting on the sofa, her long hair draped over her shoulders, the tips slightly curled, her features delicate and informed, and she carried herself with composure and grace.

Chu Yunrong smiled upon seeing Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi enter, "This is Uncle Zhang’s daughter, Zhang Hui. Uncle Zhang is one of your father’s old comrades-in-arms. Hui just returned from abroad today and wanted to visit your grandfather."

Chu Yunrong then turned to Zhang Hui, "This is my youngest daughter, Qinglan, and this is my son-in-law, Fu Hengyi."

Zhang Hui was quite surprised; she hadn’t expected the Shen family’s daughter to be married to the Fu family’s young master. Despite her surprise, she maintained a graceful and composed smile, "Hello."

"Hello," Shen Qinglan responded coolly, while Fu Hengyi merely glanced at the other party and did not speak.

Zhang Hui of course knew who Fu Hengyi was and had heard a bit about his personality. She wasn’t concerned by his attitude; it was Shen Qinglan’s response that took her by surprise.

Knowing that the Shen Family had a daughter, who usually kept a low profile and didn’t like to make public appearances, many speculations about this daughter had arisen in Beijing. Now it seemed that this Shen Family daughter was somewhat different from the rumors. With her distinctive temperament and her ethereal beauty... Her gaze shifted meaningfully toward Shen Xitong, who had been quietly sitting to the side.

Shen Qinglan glanced at Shen Junyu, who was idly sitting next to Zhang Hui, seemingly understanding something as a hint of a smile flashed in her eyes.

Shen Junyu met his sister’s gaze, his eyes expressing even greater helplessness.

"Qinglan, Hengyi, you’re back," Shen Qian entered from outside, his hands still caked with soil, apparently having been helping Old Sir Shen with some work in the greenhouse.

"Daddy," Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi called out to him.

Shen Qian smiled and went to the washroom to clean his hands.

Old Sir Shen came down from upstairs with several couplets in hand and saw Fu Hengyi, "Hengyi, you’ve come at just the right time. Jun Yu, you two go put up these couplets."

Fu Hengyi had no objections and stood up. However, Shen Junyu seemed to have seen a savior at the sight of Old Sir Shen, saying, "Grandpa, I’ll be right there."

Shen Qinglan watched with amusement. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Zhang Hui, who maintained her composure and was still engaging in lively conversation with Chu Yunrong. Shen’s beautiful eyes twinkled.

**

At lunchtime, Shen Qinglan sat down, and Fu Hengyi took the seat to her left. Just as Shen Junyu was about to sit on her right, Chu Yunrong called out to him.

"Jun Yu, come sit over here," Chu Yunrong pointed to an empty seat.

Shen Junyu looked over and realized that the seat was next to Zhang Hui. His own mother was certainly sparing no effort in trying to set him up with Miss Zhang.

Shen Junyu was always obedient. Since Chu Yunrong had spoken up, he naturally wouldn’t contradict her and sat down as told, his face still wearing a gentle smile.

Chu Yunrong was quite pleased and, while eating, kept hinting at Shen Junyu to serve Zhang Hui dishes, which Shen Junyu pretended not to notice.

Fu Hengyi sat between Shen Qinglan and Shen Qian, occasionally chatting with Shen Qian. Both being soldiers from different Military Regions, they found common language and hit it off quite well.

While talking, Fu Hengyi didn’t forget to peel shrimp for Shen Qinglan. She liked eating shrimp, but found peeling them too troublesome and would usually rather not eat them.

Shen Qinglan ate the shrimp Fu Hengyi put in her bowl. One peeled while the other ate, their coordination seamless and evidently not the first time. The Shen Family, except for Shen Xitong, noticed this and were very pleased with Fu Hengyi, their view of him becoming increasingly favorable—even Chu Yunrong, despite regretting that Fu Hengyi hadn’t ended up with Shen Xitong, was sincerely happy to see her younger daughter living well.

Zhang Hui also noticed their tacit cooperation, feeling a hint of surprise. She glanced at Shen Qinglan, realizing that this daughter of the Shen Family might hold a higher place in Fu Hengyi’s heart than she had thought.

Amidst her surprise, a faint envy appeared in her eyes. She glanced at the man sitting next to her, the brightness fading from her gaze. For families like theirs, speaking of love was a luxury.

The one who felt most uncomfortable during the meal was certainly Shen Xitong. Watching the couple across from her show their affection, she nearly bit through her lip.

Another person feeling uneasy was probably Shen Junyu. Despite the intentional matchmaking by Chu Yunrong and maintaining his smile, the mirth in his eyes gradually faded until it disappeared entirely.

After the meal, Zhang Hui timely suggested she should take her leave.

"Auntie, I have things to handle at home, so I’ll be going now. I’ll come visit you again when I have time."

Chu Yunrong beamed with delight, "Of course, come over whenever you have time."

Zhang Hui smiled back and nodded, "I will definitely come to bother you often, Auntie, I just hope you won’t find me a nuisance."

Her words brought smiles to Chu Yunrong’s face. She then called out to Shen Junyu, who hadn’t moved from his seat, "Jun Yu, Miss Zhang is leaving. Please see her out."

Shen Junyu stood up and escorted Zhang Hui to the door, remaining courteous and gentlemanly throughout the process. Yet, it was this very gentlemanliness and formality that made Zhang Hui feel that the man before her was like a mountain—admirable but unscalable.

"Miss Zhang, do you need me to call you a car?" Shen Junyu asked politely.

"No, thank you, I can call one myself," Zhang Hui declined with a smile, sensing Shen Junyu’s aloofness.

Shen Junyu conceded amicably, but he didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he watched her get in the car before going back inside.

From the rearview mirror, Zhang Hui observed Shen Junyu’s receding figure, the smile on her face vanishing without trace, leaving only calmness. Her visit to the Shen Family wasn’t her own choice. With her father and brother holding military positions, a connection with the Shen Family would ensure her brother could go even further. Knowing that Young Master Shen Junyu was still single, her mother had set her sights on him.

Originally, she didn’t plan on returning home for the New Year, but her mother had specifically called her back, naturally to take advantage of the festive season to meet with Shen Junyu and foster a romantic connection.

However, now it seemed that the situation was less than ideal, and she felt a faint sense of regret in her heart—her first impression of Shen Junyu had been quite favorable.

When Shen Junyu got back home, Chu Yunrong was sitting in the living room waiting for him. Seeing that he was about to go upstairs, she called out, "Jun Yu, come and chat with Mom for a bit."

Shen Junyu stopped in his tracks, looking at his mom but didn’t walk over, "Mom, I need to take care of some company matters upstairs."

"You’re on holiday now, forget about company matters for the moment—come and sit with mom."

Shen Junyu looked at Shen Qian sitting on the couch, looking uninvolved, as well as his dear sister and brother-in-law, none of whom offered even a glance of support.

Truly a group lacking in sibling love.

Shen Junyu sat down on the couch, and Chu Yunrong looked at him with a beaming smile, "What do you think about Zhang Hui?"

He found it amusing how direct she was.

"She’s the daughter of one of Dad’s comrades, and she came to visit Dad today. What does it matter whether I think she’s good or not?" Shen Junyu played coy.

Chu Yunrong gave him a look, "Stop playing dumb; I don’t believe you don’t know what I’m talking about."

Shen Junyu smiled somewhat roguishly, "Mom, I really don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Alright, I’ll be upfront with you—You’re not getting any younger. Your sister’s already married, and it’s time to start thinking about your own life. I like Zhang Hui; I think she’s a good girl. What do you think?"

Shen Junyu spread his hands, "A man should stand on his own at thirty, and I’m not thirty yet." So what’s the rush?

Chu Yunrong became frustrated, "After the New Year, you’ll be thirty."

"Mom," Shen Junyu switched gears, "are you in a hurry to have grandchildren?"

Chu Yunrong: "..." When did she start wanting to hold a grandchild?

"Besides, Mom, look, you’re so busy now, even if you had a grandchild, you wouldn’t have time to hold them."

"If you really gave me a grandson, I’d go home and look after him. But the question is, I’m willing—are you?" Chu Yunrong calmly retorted, which left Shen Junyu speechless; he really wasn’t willing.

"Mom, my brother is so outstanding; there must be plenty of girls who like him. You don’t need to worry," Shen Xitong, peeling an orange, handed it to Chu Yunrong.

Chu Yunrong accepted it with a smile, "Zhang Hui is quite a nice girl. Besides, the two families know each other well. What’s not to like?"

"Mom, no matter how nice the girl is, she’s not my cup of tea."

"Then tell me what kind of girl you do like," Chu Yunrong seized the opportunity to ask. Not liking Zhang Hui was fine, as long as her son could articulate his preferences; that meant there was still hope.

Shen Junyu blinked at this prompt and met his mother’s hopeful expression with a shrug, "I, your son, am too outstanding. What ordinary girl would be a match for me?"

Chu Yunrong: "..."

Shen Qinglan: "..."

Fu Hengyi said, "..." That sounded somewhat familiar. Glancing at Shen Qinglan, he saw a hint of a smile flicker in her eyes.

"Look at Jun Yu, Dad," Chu Yunrong decided to pass the buck to Old Sir Shen. You might not listen to Mom, but you can’t disregard Grandpa too, right?

Old Sir Shen remained unconcerned, never one to meddle in the youngsters’ romantic affairs. However, since his daughter-in-law had spoken up, it was only proper to show some stance, "Jun Yu, your mother is right. You’re not getting any younger, Lanlan is already married, and Xitong has started dating; you need to hurry up."

"I get it, Grandpa—I’ll take the time to get to know Miss Zhang better someday," Shen Junyu responded with a smile, but only he knew how genuine his words were.

Shen Xitong had just been sitting quietly, but suddenly being mentioned by Old Sir Shen, and about the very topic she least wanted to discuss, her smile stiffened.