“A girlfriend? Yan?” Fu Heng shook his head in disbelief, “You know Yan’s character. He doesn’t even take a fancy to Song Jingyu, I bet he’s still not over that girl yet!”
However, Ning Xin disagreed with Fu Heng, “Heng, you know Yan as well, what do you think he abhors the most? Those two women did the exact thing that Yan hates the most. It’s no wonder he’s determined to cut ties with them.”
Ning Xin had brought up Fu Chengyan and she knew his disposition. “I have confidence in Yan. Since he called me over, I think he doesn’t want other people in this house to know about it. I shall go to his place then.”
“I’m his uncle, but he’s more intimate to you than he’s with me,” Fu Heng said with a sense of jealousy, though it was unsure whether he was jealous of Fu Chengyan or Ning Xin.
Ning Xin smiled, “You’ll hurt Yan’s feelings if he knows you think of him like that.”
“He’s a tough cookie, he’ll be fine!” Fu Heng said and then sighed, “Since we’re going, I’d better pack some clothes!” Fu Heng knew Ning Xin must be bored out of her mind since they had stayed in the Fu clan mansion for a long time. There was no harm for Ning Xin to stay for two days at Yan’s Wutong Residence, which had a nice environment.
“There is no need, since I’m just paying a visit. I’m not going for a long stay.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’ll take it as a trip to take you out of yourself,” Fu Heng said before he packed up their clothes. Ning Xin, who was leaning against the headboard, sighed faintly, “Thank you, Heng!”
They met each other in their younger days. Initially, they had no feelings for each other, but they gradually fell for each other after sharing much weal and woe. However, Ning Xin’s was in poor health and her body further deteriorated after giving birth to Pei Huan. Fu Heng was so worried about her health condition that he relinquished his responsibility of the company to his brother, Fu Sheng, in order to take care of Ning Xin.
For all these years, Fu Heng and Ning Xin had more or less felt indebted to Fu Sheng and Fu Chengyan. Fu Sheng had always looked after them and Fu Chengyan was a sensible and intelligent kid.
Fu Heng packed their luggage, and they were about to leave. They were in the living room when they saw Song Zhenyan walking down the stairs. Song Zhenyan’s glared at them when she noticed their luggage, “Fu Heng, where are you bringing sister-in-law?”
Both Fu Heng and Ning Xin paused. “We’ve stayed home for quite a while and it’s time to get some fresh air. Sister-in-law, do we need your permission for that?”
Song Zhenyan was displeased by Fu Heng’s defiant manner. “What do you mean? I’m just concerned with my sister-in-law’s health condition. You shouldn’t go out in this weather in case Ning Xin’s health worsens.”
“Ning and I can take care of our own business. Time is running late, so we shall be going now.” Fu Heng held Ning Xin’s arm and walked her out of the Fu clan mansion, leaving Song Zhenyan clutching the door frame, her face distorted with rage.
How dare you!
With his astute eyes, Fu Zhengyun had taken in their exchange from upstairs.
Next to him, the butler couldn’t help but sigh, “Old Master, we should do something. Young master…”
“Let them be. We shall just leave it up to them. After all, there’s no harm for Fu Heng and Ning Xin to leave for a while.” Fu Zhengyun, just like any other man who had lived over half of his life, was sagacious enough and had learnt to turn a blind eye sometimes.
“You’re right, but Madam Ning’s health has become worse. Madam Song didn’t direct her hostility at Madam Ning, but she didn’t treat Madam Ning nicely either,” The butler concurred Fu Zhengyun. He, too, thought that a short trip will do both of them good. “But will it be unsafe with only Second Master Fu by Madam Ning’s side?”
“Don’t worry, Fu Heng is capable of taking care of his wife’s safety,” Fu Zhengyun smiled. Actually, Fu Heng was the one he favored as the heir, but he never insisted since Fu Heng had no interest in it. In addition, Fu Zhengyun had felt the weight lift off his chest when Fu Chengyan appeared.
The car sent by Fu Chengyan stopped a short ways away from the Fu clan mansion. It was out of sight of the Fu family members, but the distance was short enough so that Fu Heng and Ning Xin would not need to walk too far.
Zhou Zheng and Jiang Hu got out of the car, “Second Master Fu, Madam Ning.”
Zhou Zheng and Jiang Hu took their luggage and helped them into the car before they took off.
Fu Heng settled his gaze on Zhou Zheng and Jiang Hu. He recognized Zhou Zheng as Fu Chengyan’s assistant while he found Jiang Hu to be a sturdy man with an intimidating aura, yet there’s not a trace of hostility from him.
Fu Heng had seen much of life and he immediately realized Jiang Hu knew Kung Fu. Fu Chengyan was attentive and thoughtful in making this arrangement.
“Second Master Fu, Mr. Fu is awaiting your arrival in Wutong Residence. Is Madam Ning feeling better recently? Mr. Fu has invited specialists who have expertise in this area from abroad to check on Madam Ning.”
“Mm!” Fu Heng nodded his assent and poured Ning Xin a cup of warm water, “Take a sip!”
Zhou Zheng couldn’t help but roll his eyes when he saw the way Fu Heng treated his wife like a glass doll.
Zhou Zheng felt like everyone was rubbing his singleness in his face – His boss had taken to public displays of affection ever since he met Shi Nuan, and now even Fu Heng, in his old age, was openly doting on his wife.
When they arrived at Wutong Residence, Zhou Zheng led Fu Heng and Ning Xin into the house while Jiang Hu carried in the luggage.
Arnold started barking in the yard as soon as it sensed the invasion of strangers into its territory.
Shi Nuan was on the swing in the yard. She instantly got off the swing when she heard Arnold’s barks, “Arnold, shush!”
Shi Nuan’s voice was soft yet firm enough to shush Arnold. Shi Nuan smiled as she hugged Arnold and smoothed its fur to pacify Arnold, “Don’t bark at them, they’re our guests!”
Shi Nuan carried Arnold in her arms and lifted her head. Fu Heng and Ning Xin were stunned as soon as they saw her face, “Shen…” Ning Xin bit her tongue when Fu Heng gave her hand a light squeeze and shook his head in disapproval. Ning Xin pursed her lips and let out a soft sigh.
With a sweet smile on her face, Shi Nuan approached Fu Heng and Ning Xin and greeted them politely, “I suppose you two must be uncle and aunt Ning! I’m Shi Nuan, nice to meet you!” Shi Nuan smiled as she introduced herself, “I’m Yan’s wife.”
Fu Heng and Ning Xin were slightly bewildered, and they turned around to look at Zhou Zheng inquisitively.
Zhou Zheng smiled awkwardly, “Second Master Fu, Madam Ning, Shi Nuan is indeed Mr. Fu’s wife.”
Fu Heng believed in the truthfulness of Shi Nuan’s statements upon Zhou Zheng’s acknowledgment. However, Fu Heng had mixed feelings when he saw Shi Nuan’s face.
Shi Nuan had no idea what was going on in Fu Heng and Ning Xin’s minds. She noticed their bewildered expression but assumed they were surprised by the news of Fu Chengyan’s marriage.
“Uncle, Aunt Ning, come in and have a seat! Yan is in his study and I’ll ask him to come downstairs.”
Shi Nuan let go of Arnold and led them into the Wutong Residence. Fu Heng and Ning Xin followed suit, their facial expressions giving away their perplexity, “Heng, she…”
“They look alike, but it’s not her,” Fu Heng said and sighed faintly, “She seems to be a nice lady.” Fu Heng turned to face Zhou Zheng, “When did Yan get married? Why don’t we know about it?”
“Well… Mr. Fu got married about five months ago. Actually, you’re not the only ones that were unaware, a lot of people still don’t know about this,” Zhou Zheng replied truthfully. Zhou Zheng figured Fu Chengyan didn’t intend to hide his marriage since he had invited them over and Shi Nuan had frankly admitted their marriage.
Both Fu Heng and Ning Xin were shocked that Fu Chengyan had rushed into marriage. Yan got married five months ago… That meant he got married as soon as Fu Renjiang got kicked out of the company and arrested by the police.
He was such a tight-lipped bloke that he hid his marriage from everyone. They would still be kept in the dark about his marriage if he never voluntarily invited them over.
“This girl…”
“Don’t worry, Second Master Fu. She’s an amiable lady. She and Mr. Fu love each other very much,” Zhou Zheng said. He had observed them for quite a while and concluded that they were in a loving relationship.
Fu Heng nodded, “Since they’re married, what’s done is done and we can’t say anything about it. Did Yan invite us over to introduce her to us?”
Zhou Zheng flashed a mysterious smile, “Second Master Fu, do come in! You’ll find out when it’s time.”
Fu Heng nodded at his words and led Ning Xin by the arm into the house.
Shi Nuan had gone upstairs to the study. Actually, Fu Chengyan had noticed Fu Heng and Ning Xin’s arrival as soon as the car pulled up at Wutong Residence. He put his book down and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Shi Nuan rushed to his side; she placed her fingers on Fu Chengyan’s temples and applied pressure, “Are you ok? Do you feel better now?”
Fu Chengyan nodded, “Mm, much better!”
“Then let’s head downstairs, uncle and Aunt Ning have arrived.”
“Have you met just now?”
Shi Nuan nodded, “But they seemed surprised when they saw me, especially when they heard that we’re married. Have I frightened them?”
“You’re such a silly girl.” Fu Chengyan took Shi Nuan’s hand. “We will need to tell them eventually. Uncle and Aunt Ning are the most open-minded people in the Fu family. They are the most important ones to me because I was brought up by them.”
Shi Nuan nodded, “I understand, and I think I behaved with sufficient courtesy.”
“I trust you!” Fu Chengyan smiled as he stroked the tip of Shi Nuan’s nose, “Let’s go!”
Fu Chengyan took Shi Nuan’s hand and led her downstairs. Fu Heng and Ning Xin had just entered the house; Ning Xin smiled at the affectionate couple and there was not a trace of worry on her face.
“Uncle, Aunt Ning!”
Fu Chengyan strode down the stairs, “Long time no see!”
“Yes, it’s been a long time.” Ning Xin discreetly eyed Shi Nuan up and down before saying, “I see you have a mind of your own now. Why didn’t you announce your marriage to the Fu Clan?”
Ning Xin’s question was probing, but she did not look stern. With Shi Nuan’s hand still in his, Fu Chengyan chuckled, “I’m planning to tell you guys right now. Uncle, Aunt Ning, I promise you are the first to know about our marriage.”
