The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 416 - 418. Clingy Young Master Fu (Second Update)

Chapter 416: 418. Clingy Young Master Fu (Second Update)

Jiang Chenxi’s eyes darkened with deeper sorrow. Shen Qinglan had been keeping an eye on Pei Yinong from the corner of her eye, only to see that Pei Yinong’s lips wore a faint smile, betraying no other emotion.

Shen Qinglan sighed in her heart. She wanted to give Jiang Chenxi a hand, but there was nothing she could do.

"Qinglan, I’m going inside first," said Pei Yinong, and then went in with her parents.

Shen Qinglan turned to look at Jiang Chenxi. Jiang Chenxi withdrew her gaze from Pei Yinong and smiled at Shen Qinglan, "Sister-in-law, thank you."

Shen Qinglan slightly curved her lips, "If some things can’t be forced, it’s better to give them up." Looking at the gloom in Jiang Chenxi’s eyes, Shen Qinglan also felt a pang of sympathy.

Jiang Chenxi’s eyes were gentle, "Some people walk into your heart and never leave. Let’s not talk about this. Sister-in-law, I’ll go inside first."

Shen Qinglan nodded.

Once most of the guests had arrived, Shen Qinglan also went inside. Anan was looking for mommy and, seeing Shen Qinglan, immediately abandoned daddy and clung to Shen Qinglan’s neck, refusing to let go.

Shen Qinglan had no choice but to hold him. The little guy had a pacifier in his hands, which Fu Hengyi had given him to soothe him just recently.

Once in his mother’s arms, Anan turned into an obedient little angel. The frown that had been on his small brow smoothed away, greeting everyone he saw with a chubby smile.

"This child really does stick to Qinglan," commented Chu Yunjin, watching the little one and laughing.

Chu Yunrong’s eyes never left her grandson. Hearing her sister’s comment, she joined in, "He’s clingy with mom when there are many people around. Usually, it is Hengyi who spends more time with him."

Indeed, although Shen Qinglan had suffered greatly when giving birth to the child, raising him had been worry-free. Fu Hengyi had quietly taken care of many things. From this perspective, Fu Hengyi was better than many men.

Many men didn’t really care much about domestic affairs. Chu Yunrong had seen numerous friends complain that the men in their households wouldn’t lift a finger at home. Although it might be due to having well-off families, more often, it was because those men thought that working hard outside was tiring enough. If they had to deal with housework too, then what was the point of having a partner?

Yet, such chauvinism couldn’t be seen in Fu Hengyi. Chu Yunrong had on more than one occasion seen Fu Hengyi washing Anan’s diapers, and even twice had seen him washing Shen Qinglan’s underwear. He had looked completely natural, clearly accustomed to it.

"Qinglan marrying Hengyi is a good thing," Chu Yunrong said with a smile, her eyes brimming with contentment.

Seeing her older sister’s demeanor, Chu Yunjin smiled with relief, "Qinglan is lucky indeed."

As Anan clung to his mother, the duty of attending to the guests mostly fell on Fu Hengyi. This time, almost all of the Fu family’s relatives had come, many of whom Shen Qinglan had not even met. In fact, it wasn’t just Shen Qinglan, even Fu Jingtong didn’t know them. With so many aunts and uncles, Shen Qinglan felt slightly dizzy. Even though her memory was good, introducing herself to everyone in one go was quite a feat.

And as Anan refused to leave his mother’s side, not even Fu Hengyi could carry him away. Shen Qinglan had no choice but to hold Anan for nearly an hour. Fu Hengyi, feeling distressed, eventually had to forcibly take his son away from Shen Qinglan’s arms.

As Anan saw himself being moved away from his mother’s embrace, he began to cry. Shen Qinglan hurriedly stuffed the pacifier into his mouth and gently patted his head to console him, "Mommy is not going anywhere, Anan, don’t cry."

Anan did not understand his mother’s words, but as Shen Qinglan held one of his little hands, he was eventually soothed.

"Sister." Ya Xi’s voice suddenly sounded. Shen Qinglan turned toward the sound and indeed saw Ya Xi standing next to Doug, in a small dress, grinning charmingly.

Shen Qinglan was happy to see Ya Xi and walked over, "Ya Xi, what brings you here?"

Ya Xi beamed, "Today is sister’s baby’s hundredth day, how could I miss it?" She handed a small pouch to Shen Qinglan, "Sister, this is a birthday gift I made by hand for the baby, I hope you don’t mind."

Shen Qinglan accepted the gift with a warm smile and pulled out a small hat and a scarf knitted with wool. It was clear that the knitter wasn’t skilled, but the yarn was very soft and comfortable to the touch, a sign that Ya Xi had picked it out carefully.

Ya Xi laughed sheepishly, "I’m not skilled with my hands, it took me a long time yet I still haven’t learned well. Don’t dislike it, sister."

"It’s very beautiful. The baby will like it, and it will be just right to wear in winter," replied Shen Qinglan, her smile gentle.

Ya Xi’s eyes lit up, "If the baby likes it, I will knit him another one next time. My skills will definitely improve, and I will make a beautiful scarf for the baby."

Watching Ya Xi’s enthusiastic demeanor, Shen Qinglan’s eyes twinkled with amusement, "Do you want to see the baby?"

Ya Xi nodded emphatically, even forgetting to introduce Shen Qinglan and Doug properly.

Shen Qinglan glanced at Ya Xi’s retreating figure and then turned to Doug, "Why did you bring her here?"

Doug replied helplessly, "She insisted on coming. She was always regretful about missing your childbirth and the baby’s full-month celebration. She’s been talking about it since a month ago, adamant about not missing this time. I was afraid restraining her would only arouse her suspicions, so I simply accompanied her here."

"She still doesn’t know about Yan Anbang, right?"

"Hmm, but I plan to take her to Nancheng after the banquet ends. After all, he is her father; it’s not possible to keep them apart forever. Plus, this time Yan Anbang was seriously injured. Eden secretly visited him and said that there are aftereffects, and his health will only deteriorate over time."

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan fell silent, her gaze landing on Ya Xi who stood by Fu Hengyi’s side, looking at Anan with a face full of innocent joy.

"Then bring her along," Shen Qinglan said softly.

"I haven’t congratulated you yet, for the joy of having a son, although this comes a bit late," Doug said.

"Thank you. How are you getting along with Ya Xi?"

"Very well, we’re very happy together," Doug said tenderly, "We plan to get married after she graduates."

"That soon?" Shen Qinglan was surprised.

"If I could, I’d marry her right now."

Shen Qinglan watched Doug’s face, filled with indulgence and doting, and smiled. Perhaps getting married sooner would be good for Ya Xi. If something happened to Yan Anbang’s health and he couldn’t make it till then, at least Ya Xi would have someone by her side.

"I’ll go over first, feel free to join," Shen Qinglan said as she saw Ya Xi waving at her.

Doug nodded, glanced around, and then spotted Jin Enxi and walked towards her.

"Sister, the baby just smiled at me," Ya Xi said with curving eyes, bragging.

Upon seeing her mother return, Anan immediately became excited again.

"Commander Fu," a man approached and greeted Fu Hengyi, while Shen Qinglan noticed his military-like stride and handed her son over, "Ya Xi and I will have a word first."

Fu Hengyi nodded, "I’ll come and find you later."

Shen Qinglan walked away with Anan, Ya Xi followed at her side. The three of them approached Chu Yunrong.

Anan’s gaze stayed on Ya Xi, his big eyes twinkling, making Ya Xi’s heart melt, "Sister, can I hold him?"

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly, "Of course you can."

Ya Xi extended her arms, but Anan didn’t want to leave his mother’s embrace, turned his head away, leaving his back to Ya Xi. Ya Xi felt disappointed, "Sister, it seems like he doesn’t like me."

Hearing this, Chu Yunrong laughed and comforted her, "Today, apart from Qinglan and Hengyi, Anan isn’t letting anyone hold him, not even his grandparents. Come over when there are fewer people; Anan will definitely let you hold him."

Ya Xi looked curiously at Anan, "Is he feeling shy?"

"Probably so."

Anan was gnawing on his pacifier, drool dripping onto Shen Qinglan’s shoulder. Chu Yunrong quickly took a tissue from her bag to wipe Anan’s drool, "You little guy, you sure do have a lot of saliva."

Anan flashed a big grin; whenever he was in his mother’s arms, Anan was all smiles, no matter who was around.

On the other side, Fu Hengyi had already moved to a quiet corner with the man who had come to find him.

"Commander Fu, it seems your leg injury has recovered quite well," the man said with a smile.

A faint smile appeared on Fu Hengyi’s face, "Yes, I’ve recovered. I’ll report to the Military Region next Monday."

The man hesitated before speaking, "Commander Fu, actually, there’s another purpose for my visit today."

Fu Hengyi looked at him as the man continued, "The leadership still believes that your talents are underused in the Beijing Military Region. If possible, they hope you can return to your original unit."

The smile faded from Fu Hengyi’s face. "Since I’ve already left, there’s no reason to go back. Please convey to the leadership that I do not intend to return to Sharp Blade. The Beijing Military Region suits me fine."

The man knew this would be the answer, "Commander Fu, everyone recognizes your capabilities. Your current position is just wasting your talents."

Experts had already diagnosed that even though Fu Hengyi’s leg injury might heal, it would not return to its original condition, and he would not be fit for front-line duty. Thus, the leadership in the Beijing Military Region had arranged for Fu Hengyi a position more scholarly in nature. Although it came with significant authority, it was essentially a waste of Fu Hengyi’s skills.

Fu Hengyi didn’t see it that way. For over a decade, he had devoted his youth and blood to the unit, to the country. Now that he had a wife and child, he wasn’t just a husband but also a father. He needed to shoulder the responsibilities of a family. Whether it was called sentimental or short-sighted, he was indeed growing tired of the days filled with danger.

"It’s not about wasting or not. Personally, I think this arrangement is very good. I’m not young anymore. My physical strength is not what it used to be. To remain in my former position would be to waste the spot. We need to give younger people more opportunities. Besides, there are many excellent soldiers in Sharp Blade. Even without me, they will perform well," Fu Hengyi said earnestly, causing the man to be at a loss for words.

Fu Hengyi was now only thirty-three years old, at the prime age of a man’s life, yet he was saying that he was already old. Didn’t he know that even if he were indeed in his forties or fifties, his combat experience would still be very valuable?

"Commander Fu, the higher-ups still hope that you can seriously consider this proposal—it is, after all, a rare opportunity." It was quite uncommon for a senior leader to hold someone in such high esteem, but Fu Hengyi was indeed such an individual. After all, his performance in Sharp Blade had been outstanding, which was why he attained the rank of Young Commander at such a young age.

"I will discuss this matter personally with the senior leader. Today is my grandfather’s ninetieth birthday, so let’s not talk about this now."

The man apologetically smiled, "I’ve been presumptuous, Commander Fu, please forgive me. I forgot to mention earlier, your wife is very beautiful, and your son is quite adorable."

Upon hearing this, Fu Hengyi couldn’t help but soften his expression, "Thank you. Please feel at home today, I need to attend to other guests."

"Of course, please go ahead." The man smiled in response.

As Fu Hengyi walked back, he didn’t see Shen Qinglan but did spot the little kid Pei Hao, who seemed to be looking for someone. Fu Hengyi approached and called out, "Haohao."

When Pei Hao saw Fu Hengyi, his eyes lit up, "Uncle."

Fu Hengyi slightly leaned over, "What are you looking for?"

"My mom and Uncle Jiang are both missing. I just saw them a moment ago," the little fellow said in a childishly sweet voice.

A waiter happened to walk by, almost bumping into the little kid, likely because he didn’t see him. Fu Hengyi reacted quickly and picked the child up. The waiter got startled, "Mr. Fu, I’m sorry."

Fu Hengyi shook his head to indicate it was fine. The waiter apologized several more times before leaving.

Pei Hao wasn’t scared at all. After being lifted by Fu Hengyi, he looked around the scene but didn’t find Pei Yinong, "Uncle, I don’t think my mom is here."

Fu Hengyi could already guess what might have happened from his words and, carrying the little boy, said, "Let’s go find your brother first."

At the mention of his brother, Pei Hao’s little eyes sparkled, "Alright, my brother is very cute, Uncle, I had prepared a gift for him, but Mommy said he’s too small to eat it."

Fu Hengyi raised his eyebrows slightly, "Oh? What did you prepare for your brother?"

Pei Hao took some candies out of his pocket, "Uncle Jiang just bought these for me a few days ago; they’re really tasty. I saved half for my brother."

Fu Hengyi looked at the candies in his hand, took one, unwrapped it, and put it into the boy’s mouth, "Your mother is right; your brother is too small to eat candies right now. You’re the big brother, so eating them for him is the same."

Pei Hao, with candy in his mouth, spoke unclearly, "Really?"

Fu Hengyi nodded earnestly, "It’s true."

Carrying the little one, he went in search of Shen Qinglan and finally saw her chatting with Chu Yunjin.

Pei Hao slipped down from Fu Hengyi’s arms and ran to Shen Qinglan’s side, "Aunt, where’s my brother?"

Shen Qinglan made a shushing gesture and pointed to her embrace. That’s when Pei Hao realized his brother had fallen asleep.

He raised a little finger to his lips and then whispered softly, "Brother fell asleep so early."

Shen Qinglan felt helpless, soon after sitting down, Anan had started to yawn, then dozed off on her shoulder. Since the noise in the surroundings didn’t wake Anan, she hadn’t gone to the back rest area and instead sat in a corner to chat with Chu Yunjin.

Seeing that Anan was asleep, Pei Hao snuggled into his grandmother’s arms and quietly watched his brother sleep.

"Haohao, where is your mother?" asked Chu Yunjin, seeing that Pei Hao had come over with Fu Hengyi.

"Mommy is missing, and so is Uncle Jiang," Pei Hao replied.

Chu Yunjin didn’t ask further, guessing that Jiang Chenxi must have had something to discuss with Pei Yinong, so the two of them went out.

Fu Hengyi had initially planned to carry his child himself but was declined by Shen Qinglan, "You go and attend to the guests for now, the banquet is about to start."

Seeing Shen Qinglan managing without difficulty, Fu Hengyi did not insist, lest he wake Anan. He leaned over, intending to take the pacifier from Anan’s hand to prevent him from putting it straight into his mouth upon waking—unexpectedly, Anan clung to it and refused to let go. Fu Hengyi didn’t force it and instead handed Shen Qinglan a clean pacifier that had been sterilized and packaged, "Use this when Anan wakes up."

Shen Qinglan was surprised, not expecting Fu Hengyi to have brought a spare. She had to admit, regarding some details, Fu Hengyi was indeed more thorough than herself.

Old Sir Fu was calling for Fu Hengyi, so he left.

"Qinglan, so you were here," the voice of a woman came. Shen Qinglan turned and immediately recognized who it was, "Aunt Jiang, you’re here. Where is Uncle?"

The visitors were indeed Jiang Chenxi’s parents.

Mrs. Jiang smiled. Before she could respond to Shen Qinglan’s words, she caught sight of Pei Hao. "Eh, Haohao, what are you doing here?"

"Granny Jiang." Pei Hao saw Mrs. Jiang, was very happy, and walked over from his grandmother’s embrace to hug Mrs. Jiang’s leg. "Granny Jiang, I missed you."

Mrs. Jiang immediately smiled with her eyes curved into crescents. "Oh my, such sweet talk." She squatted down and hugged Pei Hao, planting several kisses on him.

Chu Yunjin didn’t recognize Mrs. Jiang, guessing the identity of the newcomers only from her grandson’s address. "Haohao, won’t you introduce me?"

"Granny Jiang, this is my grandmother. Grandmother, this is Granny Jiang, Uncle Jiang’s mother. Granny Jiang is so kind; I really like Granny Jiang."

Chu Yunjin smiled, "Nice to meet you, I am Pei Hao’s grandmother, Chu Yunjin. Mrs. Jiang, this is the first time we meet, but I’ve heard Haohao mention you several times."

Mrs. Jiang laughed heartily, "Nice to meet you! I’ve always heard Haohao talking about his grandmother; it’s finally nice to meet you."

Mrs. Jiang paused, then looking at Chu Yunjin, "Have we met before?"

Chu Yunjin was about to say no when Shen Qinglan spoke up, "You probably met at my brother’s wedding. Aunt Jiang, this is my auntie."

Mrs. Jiang remembered then, but as she looked at Shen Qinglan and then at Pei Hao, a hint of hesitation flickered in her eyes. "Qinglan, Haohao is your..."

"He’s my cousin Pei Yinong’s son," said Shen Qinglan.

Recognition dawned in Mrs. Jiang’s eyes, "I didn’t realize everyone was acquainted."

Chu Yunjin knew that her daughter fancied Jiang Chenxi but stubbornly refused to accept him; one reason was her worry that the Jiang family wouldn’t welcome Haohao. Now seeing how Haohao got along with Mrs. Jiang, it was clear they had a good rapport. Yet judging by Mrs. Jiang’s earlier expression, she didn’t seem to know that Haohao was Yinong’s child. Could it be that Jiang Chenxi had never mentioned it at home?

Thinking thus, Chu Yunjin made her calculations.

"Before, Chenxi only mentioned that Haohao was a colleague’s child. I didn’t know he was Qinglan’s nephew," Mrs. Jiang said with a smile, seemingly not connecting Jiang Chenxi with Pei Yinong.

"Speaking of Chenxi, didn’t he come over earlier? Where is he?" Mrs. Jiang suddenly remembered that she hadn’t seen her son.

"He probably went to find Gu Yang," replied Shen Qinglan, then she stealthily winked at Haohao when Mrs. Jiang wasn’t looking.

Chu Yunjin realized by now that Mrs. Jiang truly was unaware that Jiang Chenxi was pursuing her daughter. Annoyance flickered in her heart, but she hid it well.

Unaware of the situation, Mrs. Jiang had a pleasant chat with Chu Yunjin.

As the banquet began, Shen Qinglan noticed Jiang Chenxi and Pei Yinong returning one after another. Nothing could be discerned from Pei Yinong’s expression, while Jiang Chenxi maintained his usual warm smile. However, one could guess his latest confession had likely failed by the occasional sorrowful glances he cast her way.

The Pei and Jiang families’ seating arrangements were certainly not together—the Pei Family, being in-laws of the Shen Family, had seats closer to the front. From Jiang Chenxi’s angle, he could see Pei Yinong’s profile as she chatted and laughed with those at her table.

"Chenxi, your mother was telling you..." Mrs. Jiang turned her head toward her son, only to catch him in a daze, following his gaze, she saw Pei Yinong.

A shock ran through Mrs. Jiang’s heart as she suddenly recalled Jiang Chenxi mentioning to her and her husband that he had someone he liked. Could that person be Pei Yinong?

Frightened by her own thoughts, Mrs. Jiang shook her head emphatically. Surely not, her son couldn’t have fallen for Pei Yinong. She must be overthinking.

"Chenxi." Mrs. Jiang called out to Jiang Chenxi. Snapping back to reality, he met his mother’s probing gaze, his eyes slightly flickering. "Mom, what is it?"

Mrs. Jiang smiled, her gaze searching. "What were you just looking at? I called you several times, but you didn’t hear."

"Did you call me? I was so engrossed in my thoughts I didn’t notice. Mom, what were you saying?"

Mrs. Jiang’s smile twitched slightly, "I wanted to tell you, today is a great opportunity. Look at all these young ladies here; do you fancy anyone? Hengyi’s child just had his hundred-day celebration, Jun Yu is married, and that leaves you. You should hurry up too."

"Mom, today is Grandpa Fu’s ninetieth birthday; it’s not really appropriate to talk about this now, is it?" Jiang Chenxi spoke with a smile.

Mrs. Jiang glanced at him sideways. "It’s only because you’re too worrisome. If only you would settle down sooner, I wouldn’t be in such a hurry."

Jiang Chenxi smiled faintly, "Mom, haven’t I told you? I like someone, but she hasn’t accepted my pursuit yet. When she does, I’ll bring her home."

Far from reassuring Mrs. Jiang, Jiang Chenxi’s words only intensified her worries. What if her fears were true?