Chapter 72

Shen Xingsui felt he had never been so taken aback in his entire life.

How could he describe this feeling? It was as if he were a mere mortal, idolizing a fictional character who always existed in another realm, far removed from his reality. And then, on one implausible day, someone tells him that he and this character share a predestined bond.

...

The sensation was utterly surreal.

A feeling most would not even dare to imagine. For Shen Xingsui, it was as euphoric as winning a five million jackpot.

Shen Xingsui swallowed hard, hesitating, "Are you... sure this isn't some sort of jest?"

The elderly woman smiled gently, "Xingsui, don't you trust your grandmother? I have no reason to deceive you."

Indeed, that was true.

Shen Xingsui looked at the bracelet in the jade box, feeling a deep sense of wonder, so profound that he felt he might lose his footing.

The elderly lady inquired, "Aren't you pleased, Xingsui?"

Almost reflexively, Shen Xingsui responded, "I am... no, I mean, such matters should be mutually felt. Before recognizing me, Brother Fu had no idea who I was. Even if there's a marital bond, it should be consensual. If it's just for formalities..."

He rambled on, reaching a point where even he wasn't sure of what he was saying.

However, the elderly woman understood his sentiments, smiling, "Xingsui, you're right in a way, but also mistaken."

Shen Xingsui looked at her, perplexed.

The old lady held his hand, saying, "Xingsui, connections between people are mysterious. Often, because of their mystical nature, you need to see them with your heart."

"Your grandfather and I have met that young man. Your grandfather had previously observed and evaluated him. He's trustworthy and has intentions toward you." She smiled kindly, "Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

Shen Xingsui stood stunned. Each word made sense separately, but together, they confounded him.

The old woman looked at him with a mischievous gleam.

Digesting her words, Shen Xingsui's ears turned a shade of red. With a bashful expression, he whispered, "Please don't jest. How could it be possible? He's my mentor and senior. I don't have any remarkable qualities; why would he be fond of me?"

"Why not?" The elderly woman caressed Shen Xingsui's cheek, "Child, have you heard of the Yin-Yang balance? Two intense and rigid forces might not be the best match. A blend of strength and gentleness can be a great combination. Don't undervalue yourself. You've come so far with your hard work."

Her tender words felt like soothing drops on Shen Xingsui's heart.

What seemed improbable now sparked hope within him. Could it be possible? Did Brother Fu really harbor feelings for him?

...

A voice echoed from downstairs.

The elderly woman snapped back to reality, smiling, "Let's go downstairs. Your grandfather has been eagerly awaiting your return. He has red envelopes to give."

Shen Xingsui nodded eagerly.

As they descended, the hall was bustling with excitement. While the grandfather was handing out red envelopes to other children, he spotted Shen Xingsui and beckoned, "Come here, young man."

Shen Xingsui approached with brisk steps.

While others had thick bundles of cash in their envelopes, Shen Xingsui's was notably thin. He hesitated for a moment but didn't voice his doubts.

Grandfather whispered, "Open it and see."

With a hint of reluctance, Shen Xingsui tore it open, revealing a check inside. His surprise deepened upon seeing the astounding amount of two million and twenty thousand. He quickly said, "Grandfather, this is too much. I can't accept this."

The elderly man, sitting proudly, chuckled, "It's not excessive. It's a makeup gift."

Shen Xingsui paused, puzzled.

Beside him, Shen Xingchen, holding a bulky red envelope, beamed, "Grandfather gives us red envelopes every year."

As it happened, Shen Xingsui was 22 this year.

So, including previous amounts, it totaled two million and twenty thousand.

Holding the check, with its string of zeros, and looking at the kind-hearted elder before him, Shen Xingsui was deeply touched. He gently placed the check on a nearby table, knelt down, and bowed deeply in a gesture of profound respect.

After bowing three times, he showed no sign of stopping.

The elder hastily intervened, "Xingsui, what are you doing?"

"I never personally wished you well for the New Year before. I want to make up for it," he responded softly. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, Shen Xingsui could only think of this modest gesture as repayment.

The elderly patriarch found himself torn between laughter and tears.

Yet, he deeply appreciated Shen Xingsui's sincere gratitude, recognizing him as a good-hearted youth.

"Xingsui, even though you've been away for so many years, it wasn't your fault. And even in your absence, you've always had a place in our hearts," the patriarch spoke, his voice dripping with soothing wisdom.

Shen Xingsui was momentarily stunned.

The grandmother, however, understood. With a smile, she guided Shen Xingsui to the back of the living room. There, a complete family portrait was displayed, taken in previous years. The elders sat in the center, the younger generation surrounding them. Yet, there was always an empty spot kept, just for him.

Even when you're not here, there's a place for you in our hearts.

The heartfelt scene brought tears to Shen Xingsui's eyes. From behind, Shen Xingchen proposed, "Shall we take a group photo?"

Shen Minglang adjusted his glasses, "Let's take a new family portrait."

Shen Xingchen grinned, "Good thing I'm wearing my new clothes today."

"Let's have the butler take the picture," the grandmother suggested. "It's about time we updated the family photo."

As everyone joyfully discussed the idea, a unanimous agreement was reached. They headed to the courtyard, where the morning's fresh snow had just ceased, and the warm sun began to cast a golden hue.

then

The butler instructed, "Everyone gather around for the photo."

Shen Xingchen remarked with a hint of nostalgia, "The morning sun was quite gentle earlier; now it's dazzling."

Xu Enzhen, positioning the children, smiled softly and said, "Perhaps this year will be a good one."

"Sunlit avenue!" Shen Xingchen stretched towards the sun, "The past couple of years around this time, it was always cloudy. The sun was rarely this bright."

Grandmother, walking from behind, remarked, "That’s because things are different from this year onwards. With Xingsui back, our days will be brighter."

Everyone took their seats on the benches in the backyard.

As Shen Xingsui hesitated about where to stand, Xu Enzhen waved him over, "Xingsui, come here. Stand in the center!"

Swiftly, Shen Xingsui moved to the center, with Shen Xingchen draping an arm over his shoulder and Shen Minglang on his other side. Beside the trio stood Xu Enzhen and Shen Yong, with the grandparents seated in front of them.

The butler loudly counted, "Ready? Three, two, one... Cheese!"

The winter sunlight was warm and gentle.

The brilliant snow seemed to hide all the world’s shadows. As the proverb says, a timely snow promises a good harvest. The once somber family was now illuminated, standing shoulder to shoulder, smiles on their faces.

The camera clicked.

Together, everyone exclaimed, "Cheese!"

This was a new family portrait, the previously vacant spot now filled. As the snow began to melt outside and a chilly breeze brushed past, Shen Xingsui said softly, looking at his frail grandfather, "I shouldn’t have made grandpa come out in the cold just for a photo."

"It’s not your fault. The old man is simply overjoyed," a calm voice beside him responded. Turning his head, it was Shen Minglang.

Xingsui always regarded his elder brother with a sense of reverence, and they rarely conversed.

However, he wasn’t fearful, knowing that, despite his reserved demeanor, Minglang genuinely cared for him.

Shen Minglang glanced down, saying, "On the contrary, not only is there no blame, we're grateful."

Shen Xingsui blinked in confusion, "Grateful for me?"

"Yes," Shen Minglang nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. "Because you returned, our home is livelier. Everyone feels closer than before, truly like a family."

It never occurred to Xingsui that he could play such a pivotal role.

For the first time, Shen Minglang reached out, gently patting his younger brother's head, his voice rich and warm, "Thank you, Xingsui."

Xingsui stiffened slightly.

Minglang continued gently, "Thank you for coming back home."

Despite the biting cold outside, Xingsui's face flushed. He never imagined being so close to his elder brother. He had always longed for the affection and guidance of an older sibling. Even if Shen Minglang appeared stern, he exuded a subtle warmth.

Xingsui's voice was barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity, "Being able to return is my fortune."

Head lowered, he softly said, "Big brother, rest assured, I'll never let you all down."

Observing his sweet-natured, endearing younger brother, Shen Minglang couldn't imagine him ever being a disappointment. Comparing Xingsui to the more mischievous Shen Xingchen, the elder brother felt an added sense of responsibility.

Shen Minglang said to him, "Suisu, don't worry about losing face. The Shen family will always be your backbone."

Shen Xingsui looked up with confusion.

"Therefore, you needn’t fear any authority. You can decide on your marriage when the time comes," Shen Minglang adjusted his glasses and continued, "Especially now that your status has changed, be wary of those with ulterior motives. Understood?"

Hey?

Shen Xingsui blinked but obediently nodded with a smile, "Understood."

Only then did Shen Minglang feel somewhat reassured. He recalled Fu Jinxe mentioning that he saw Suisui as a child, hoping he wasn't too concerned.

Shen Minglang suggested, "Let's go inside. Dinner will be ready soon."

Shen Xingsui nodded firmly.

Heading to the bathroom to freshen up, his phone rang. To his surprise, the caller was Teacher Fu. He quickly answered, "Hello, Teacher Fu?"

"Mmm."

Fu Jinxe's deep and elegant voice came through, "Comrade Xiao Shen, Happy New Year."

Hearing his soothing voice, Shen Xingsui felt an inexplicable joy, "Happy New Year to you too, Teacher Fu."

And then he wondered.

Hesitantly, Shen Xingsui asked, "Did you call for a particular reason?"

Fu Jinxe replied teasingly, "What, I can't call without a reason? Mr. Shen seems quite authoritative now."

!!!

Shen Xingsui, being bashful, quickly responded, "No, no, I didn't mean it that way. Of course, you can call. I was just curious..."

A hint of amusement appeared on Fu Jinxe's lips, "Where are you?"

Shen Xingsui honestly replied, "It's my first time at my grandparents' house."

Becoming more serious, Fu Jinxe said, "Give my regards to your grandparents. I'll pay them a visit soon."

Something felt off to Shen Xingsui, but he simply agreed. He hesitated to ask about his fiancé, but before he could muster the courage, Fu Jinxe asked, "The real reason I called was to see if you're available sometime soon."

Shen Xingsui froze.

His grandmother had hinted that the famous Fu might be interested in him too.

Initially, Shen Xingsui was skeptical, but with this call and invitation, perhaps there was truth to his grandmother's words?

Shen Xingsui's mind raced, his nerves palpable. Tentatively, he replied, "Um… I should be free. Are you asking me out?"

Fu Jinxe chuckled, his deep voice especially enticing. Just as he was about to speak, the semi-closed door behind Shen Xingsui opened, and voices echoed from behind.

Shen Minglang stood at the door and said, "Suisui, Mom asked me to come and get you for dinner."

Shen Xingsui's hand, holding his phone, trembled. He looked like a child caught red-handed having a secret romance behind his parents' back, stammering, "Oh, okay, I'll be right there."

After speaking, he guiltily shifted his phone behind him.

Perhaps Shen Xingsui was too transparent, wearing his emotions on his face, making it easy for anyone to see right through him.

Shen Minglang's piercing gaze swept over his younger brother, landing on the phone. He asked, "Who were you talking to?"