Volume 1, Chapter 29: Stirrings

Qiao Nian'an watched his wicked behavior, unable to stop her mind from drifting back to their college days. Back then, they would sit together, but he was never one to sit still, always fond of brushing his legs against hers.

He simply loved watching her blush and grow shy.

And now, he was pulling the same stunt again.

Yet, she had to admit that his charm had only increased with time. Despite the fact that his actions were blatantly indecent, she found herself unable to feel even a shred of anger. Instead, his touch ignited a strange, simmering heat within her.

She knew he was seducing her.

Old Master Fu spoke up, "Yunzhen, I heard from your mother that she has found a match for you. You aren't young anymore, so you should hurry up. If all goes well, perhaps you and your nephew Jingchuan can hold your weddings together. It would be a double celebration for the Fu family, and it might even bring enough luck to help your father recover."

As the Old Master spoke, Fu Yunzhen glanced at Qiao Nian'an, who was sitting to the side, curious to see her reaction.

He saw her body stiffen slightly, but she immediately lowered her head to drink her soup, acting as if she hadn't heard a word.

Fu Yunzhen's lips curled upward as he said, "Very well. If the other party agrees, I will marry immediately."

The Old Master nodded, feeling as though he saw his younger self in Fu Yunzhen. It had only been six years since he discovered he had such a formidable grandson.

"Yunzhen, if Luo Yunzhu isn't the right fit, look for other suitable young ladies. As long as you find someone you're compatible with, that should be enough. One shouldn't be too picky; no one is perfect."

Fu Yunzhen replied with measured calm, "I’m not picky. Someone like Nian'an would be just fine."

*Cough!*

Qiao Nian'an, who was in the middle of sipping her soup, choked instantly upon hearing his words. She tried to swallow it back, but ended up coughing violently.

As she gasped for air, Fu Yunzhen reached out and handed her a handkerchief.

Qiao Nian'an took it reflexively, covering her mouth as she fought to suppress her cough.

She shot him a fierce glare from the corner of her eye. Did he not know how to speak? Didn't his mother say his fiancée was coming? How dare he spout such nonsense?

Fu Yunzhen, however, remained unperturbed, raising a hand to pat her back. "Drink slowly. No need to rush."

Qiao Nian'an lifted her foot and slammed her heel down onto his leather shoe, signaling him to stop his reckless talk. Was he not worried about their past relationship being exposed?

Beside them, Fu Jingchuan watched Fu Yunzhen’s attentive actions with visible displeasure. This was supposed to be his job as a fiancé—why was his uncle stealing the show?

Fu Jingchuan asked, "Uncle, this is my fiancée, and your fiancée, Luo Yunzhu, hasn't even arrived yet... You’ve already taken over handing her a handkerchief and patting her back. What exactly are you doing? What is the meaning of this?"

Fu Yunzhen’s expression was icy; he didn't even bother to look at Fu Jingchuan. "As an elder, is there anything wrong with showing concern for the younger generation?"

The Old Master, sitting at the head of the table, checked the time. "I actually think this girl, An'an, is wonderful—punctual, well-behaved, sensible, and polite. Unlike that Luo Yunzhu. They say she’s the daughter of the Chief Executive, but where is her sense of time? Not only are we waiting for her, but she’s also stood us up... Before she’s even married into the family, she’s already trying to give us a hard time."

"Jingchuan, your fiancée is excellent—far better than those actresses you used to bring home. Since she’s asking for a billion in dowry, you need to find a way to come up with it. Don't shortchange her; you must cherish her and stop acting like a scoundrel."

Fu Jingchuan replied, "Yes, Great-Grandfather."

But why didn't he give him the billion? Instead, he was told to find a way himself? Where was he supposed to get a billion to marry Qiao Nian'an?

He didn't know if he was overthinking it, but no matter how he looked at it, the relationship between Fu Yunzhen and Qiao Nian'an seemed far from simple.

Leng Bingxin, meanwhile, had been secretly observing their interactions. The palpable, ambiguous tension between them was becoming unbearable to watch.

This woman, Qiao Nian'an, clearly had some tricks up her sleeve. If not, how could she have managed to make both uncle and nephew, Fu Yunzhen and Fu Jingchuan, fall for her?

After the meal, the Old Master said, "An'an, it's getting late. Why don't you and Yunzhen stay at the estate tonight? Don't bother heading back."

Qiao Nian'an was eager to leave. "Old Master, my family is waiting for me at home. If I don't go back, my mother will worry. Besides, I have to go back to work overtime."

The Old Master frowned at Fu Yunzhen. "The company you recently acquired belongs to An'an, right? You’re a heartless boss. It’s well past office hours, yet you’re making your employees sacrifice their rest time? Are you that desperate for a few pennies? What kind of work can't be done during the day?"

Fu Yunzhen replied, "Understood. I will make adjustments."

Qiao Nian'an had hoped to use this as an excuse to escape, but to her dismay, Fu Yunzhen joined in on the plan.

The Old Master was delighted. "Then both of you stay on the fourth floor. Those two rooms are cleaned daily and are ready for occupancy."

"An'an and Jingchuan aren't married yet, so you will sleep in separate rooms."

Qiao Nian'an was speechless.

"Let’s go, niece-in-law. I’ll take you upstairs to rest." A fleeting, dangerous glint flashed in Fu Yunzhen's eyes, as if he were restless and ready to pounce.