The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 21. Grandparent-Grandchild Talk (Three More, Seeking Acceptance)

Chapter 21: 21. Grandparent-Grandchild Talk (Three More, Seeking Acceptance)

Editor: Larbre Studio

Shi Feng had stayed at Shen Qinglan’s place for half a month, expecting Shen Qinglan to return soon. However, she never appeared, and when Anan investigated the owner of the house, he found a man’s name. Yet, they couldn’t locate this man in Beijing.

Having no other choice, Shi Feng gave up looking and returned to Shi Gang.

What had Shen Qinglan been doing during this half month? Apart from occasionally going out with Yu Xiaoxuan, she had spent most of her time at home with Granny Shen.

Granny Shen’s condition had been worsening, her complexion deteriorating daily, and she spent most of her time sleeping. Shen Qinglan had already realized that Granny Shen genuinely didn’t have much time left.

She sat by Granny Shen’s bedside; Granny Shen had just fallen asleep. She held Granny Shen’s skinny hand, looking at the elder’s peaceful sleeping face, her expression calm.

Old Sir Shen walked in and gently patted Shen Qinglan’s shoulder. She stood up and followed Grandpa Shen out.

The grandparent and grandchild went to the garden.

It was summer, and the garden’s gardenias were blooming beautifully, filling the air with their faint fragrance.

These were Granny Shen’s favorite flowers, and Grandpa Shen had specially planted some in every corner of the garden.

"Lalan, unnoticed, you are already twenty-one years old, you have grown into quite a young lady," Old Sir Shen sighed as he looked at his granddaughter’s perfect profile.

Shen Qinglan’s eyes flickered, "Grandpa, what do you want to say?"

"You’ve always been a smart and insightful child, understanding things even if we don’t say them. This has always been the joy and also the concern for your grandma and me. As the saying goes, extraordinary wisdom necessarily brings harm."

He never denied his granddaughter’s intelligence; it had been apparent since she was little. But as she grew, especially after Shen Qinglan returned to the Shen Family, things changed.

Old Sir Shen prided himself on having met countless people in his lifetime; few had ever baffled him as much as Fu Hengyi, and now his granddaughter also did.

Shen Qinglan appeared aloof, but her heart was tender. Yet, if one said she was kind, sometimes she indeed seemed indifferent. This indifference extended to people, matters, and even life itself.

Old Sir Shen had someone investigate the people who had trafficked Shen Qinglan. Other than discovering that she had been adopted by a couple and then sent to an orphanage once they had their own child, where she grew up, he found nothing.

Old Sir Shen never doubted that Shen Qinglan was a Shen. With today’s advanced technology, verifying truth was easy; moreover, the Shen Family had already done so long ago.

"Grandpa, I’m not overly attached. I just want to stay by Grandma’s side in her final days to avoid future regrets."

"It’s best that you understand. Lately, you haven’t left the house, and your grandma worries about it. Your grandma and I are old; this day was bound to come. We have prepared ourselves mentally, and we hope you’ll see it that way too."

Old Sir Shen spoke sincerely. Although he couldn’t see through his granddaughter, her respect and love for his wife were unmistakable.

His wife’s time was short, and he feared this child wouldn’t withstand the blow and spiral into despair.

"Your grandma often muses over what kind of person would be worthy of our beautiful Lanlan."

"That’s because Grandma loves me and thinks I’m good in every way. In others’ eyes, I might just be an ordinary person." A hint of warmth surfaced in Shen Qinglan’s eyes. She had heard her grandma say this before.

Old Sir Shen glared, "Nonsense! How is my granddaughter ordinary? Only those blind wouldn’t see it."

Shen Qinglan chuckled, a genuine smile shown on her face for a change, "Grandpa, others might say you’re just like a peddler boasting about their wares."

"I am not; you know. Your Grandpa Fu has long wanted you as the daughter-in-law for their Fu Family. Every time he sees you, his eyes light up like green beans."

This time Shen Qinglan burst into laughter, "Grandpa, if Grandpa Fu hears this, he’d probably go all out against you."

"As if I’d be afraid of him!" Old Sir Shen snorted coldly. Seeing the smile on his granddaughter’s face improved his mood as well.

These days, his wife’s health was deteriorating, Shen Xitong was still in the hospital with a fracture, and Chu Yunrong ran to the hospital daily. At home, she looked at Shen Qinglan with a face full of resentment, especially on the day of the orchestra performance. It was said that Shen Xitong almost attempted suicide by taking sleeping pills in the hospital. Chu Yunrong returned home and caused a big scene, which was finally quelled by Old Sir Shen.

The home’s atmosphere had been quite gloomy lately. After that day, Shen Qinglan spent her time either in his wife’s room or her own, rarely even staying in the living room.

"Grandpa, what are you chatting about here?" Shen Junyu returned from work and, hearing from Sister-in-law Song that Shen Qinglan and Old Sir Shen were in the garden, came out to find them.

"Just talking with your little sister. Why are you joining the fun?" Old Sir Shen now found it irritable to see his grandson, always busy with business and not keeping his sister company.

Unreasonably disliked, Shen Junyu touched his nose, feeling quite innocent.

**

In Bian City, Fu Hengyi finally relaxed upon returning to his hotel.

Due to a client being dissatisfied with the people he had sent, after negotiating, he ultimately had to show up in person to ensure that person’s safety.

He hadn’t had a good rest for days, so this time he managed to carve out some time for a short break.

From his luggage, he took out his phone, which had long run out of battery. He plugged it in to charge and then headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Five minutes later, Fu Hengyi exited the bathroom, feeling refreshed. He picked up his phone to check; there were no missed calls or messages, nothing at all.

His eyes were deep, revealing no emotions.