Chapter 74 Suishui Dumped You

Upon hearing this, Shen Xingsui paused and inquired, "Who invited me there?"

The attendant answered with a smile, "The old lady."

Shen Xingsui remembered his mother mentioning that the old lady made delicious soup noodles. Though his mother didn’t describe her in detail, he deduced that she must be a kind soul.

Shen Xingchen added, "You should go. The old lady is very nice. She even gave me a red envelope once!"

In Shen Xingchen's simple world, giving a red envelope equaled being a good person.

Shen Xingsui smiled, nodding, "Alright, I'll go right away."

Together, they wove through the bustling hall and ascended the antique wooden staircase. They quickly reached the upper level. The Fu residence was decorated in an old-fashioned yet minimalist style, emanating a sense of historical depth. Paintings adorned the walls and beautiful vases were showcased inside glass cabinets.

The attendant walking ahead mentioned, "Before your arrival, the old lady always spoke fondly of you."

Shen Xingsui inquired, "The old lady knows me?"

"Indeed," the attendant smiled, "She frequently watches your shows and listens to your songs."

"..."

Shen Xingsui fell into deep thought.

It wasn't about anything else, but he suddenly wondered: Why did it seem that his songs were particularly loved by the elderly?

Was that logical?

It seems there's nothing wrong after all.

The two of them reached the door of a room. The attendant opened it, making way for Shen Xingsui, who took a deep breath, slightly nervous, before stepping in.

The room seemed to be filled with the subtle aroma of sandalwood, refreshing and pleasant.

An elderly lady sat on the sofa, seemingly holding a book. Hearing someone enter, she turned around, met his eyes, and greeted with a smile, "Xingsui, you're here."

Shen Xingsui was taken aback upon seeing her.

She appeared quite youthful, about the same age as his own grandmother, but seemed to have aged gracefully. Despite her silver hair, she still looked elegant and beautiful.

Shen Xingsui bowed slightly, "Greetings, Mrs. Fu."

"No need for such formality," the elderly lady responded. "Just call me Grandma Fu."

Shen Xingsui felt this was a bit unconventional. It's not common to address someone so familiarly upon a first meeting. He wanted to decline but found it hard to refuse upon meeting her eyes.

Grandma Fu beckoned him, "Child, come sit beside me."

Shen Xingsui approached and took a seat next to her.

"You're even more handsome in person than on television," she remarked with a beaming smile. "You bear a striking resemblance to your parents."

A bit flustered from the compliment, Shen Xingsui replied modestly, "Thank you for your kind words."

However, her smile faded somewhat, and she spoke softly, "Initially, when I learned of Lina's unauthorized engagement arrangement for our eldest grandson before you even spoke up, I was displeased."

A knot formed in Shen Xingsui's stomach.

He hadn't expected her to address this matter directly. He was somewhat prepared but not entirely.

She continued, "Then, upon hearing the engagement might be to another male, I was even more disconcerted. Despite advancements in technology and society, our family has a tradition of direct lineage. What if something goes awry? What would become of our vast family fortune?"

As Shen Xingsui absorbed her words, his hands involuntarily clenched. He mumbled a response, his thoughts scattered.

Sensing his unease, Grandma Fu gently patted his hand, "But then I heard of the troubles in your family. Although the engagement was off, I couldn't help but feel a touch of sorrow. And Jinxiao, he's never sought anyone out. I thought, perhaps, you two might have a destined bond. Sometimes, it's best to let nature take its course."

With mixed feelings, Shen Xingsui replied, "You're too kind. Perhaps Mr. Fu has not found someone simply because he hasn't met the right person."

Grandma Fu shook her head.

As if recalling something, she retrieved a photo album from beside her. If Shen Xingsui's memory served, it was the album she was looking at when he first entered the room.

She opened the album and flipped to a page, urging, "Look."

Shen Xingsui leaned in and saw a family portrait.

In that photo, standing beside Mr. Fu and holding his hand was not Lina.

Shen Xingsui exclaimed in surprise, "Who is this...?"

"She is Jinxiao's biological mother, Wen Rong," the elderly lady spoke with a touch of emotion, looking at the woman in the photo. "When Wen Rong gave birth to Jinxiao, she tragically died from complications. She didn't make it."

Until now, Shen Xingsui had always heard of Teacher Fu's poor relationship with his father, but he never knew of this hidden layer of history.

The elderly lady continued with a sigh, "After Wen Rong passed away, Li Na entered our family within a couple of years. She's treated Jinxiao as her own, but Jinxiao always blamed his father for his mother's death."

Shen Xingsui queried, "Why is that?"

With a hesitant glance, she disclosed, "He suspects his father had an affair."

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened in shock.

"When Wen Rong was in labor, he happened to be on a business trip in America and couldn't return in time," the elderly lady sighed. "Li Na is American, so there might've been some misunderstandings. Jinxiao is stubborn. After his mother's passing and the continuing estrangement from his father, he's been rather resistant to the idea of marriage. I even feared at one point that he might never date anyone."

Shen Xingsui was deeply taken aback. After absorbing the revelation, he blushed slightly, stammering, "You've misunderstood. I am not Teacher Fu's partner."

The elderly lady gave him a knowing look.

As Shen Xingsui grappled with how to explain, the lady handed him a seal, stating, "I can see what's between you two. I'm delighted. Consider this a welcome gift, and I hope you won't decline."

Shen Xingsui glanced at the seal. Even at first glance, it radiated exceptional quality, clearly a rare artifact.

He quickly demurred, "Madam, this is too valuable. I can't accept it."

"It's what you deserve," she replied gently, patting his hand. "Please, accept it."

After much resistance, Shen Xingsui finally accepted the seal, unable to decline the elderly's insistence.

The banquet was already halfway through, transitioning into a dance. The elderly lady excused him to join, and Shen Xingsui seized the chance to slip away.

As he reached the ground floor, the melodious strains of a piano intertwined with the hall's music reached his ears.

Shen Xingchen waved at him, remarking, "You've come down just as things are getting started."

Shen Xingsui looked towards the stage, his gaze settling on Fu Jinxiao. Dressed in a dark blue suit, seated at the piano, the spotlight illuminated his upright posture and handsome profile. The room's brilliance reflected on him, highlighting the mature charm of his face.

The hall was filled with guests, all attentively listening to the piano's melodies.

Under the audience's gaze, Fu Jinxiao, with his slender and fair fingers dancing on the keys, seemed like the protagonist, the center of attention.

Shen Xingchen remarked with admiration, "Teacher Fu plays the piano exceptionally well."

"Mm," Shen Xingsui replied with a soft smile, "He once said, 'Music doesn't differentiate between status or value. Everyone is the unique melody of their world.'"

He remembered that day after Jian Zhi had destroyed his sheet music.

That night, he locked himself in his room, unable to sleep. His passion and aspirations for music felt shattered and trampled upon. Words escaped him.

During that restless night, he accidentally played a video of a music show featuring Fu Jinxiao. At that time, Jinxiao had just had a falling-out with his father and had ventured into the entertainment industry alone. As a newcomer without any significant backing, he faced many injustices. His music was criticized as lacking depth, appeal, and being of low quality in comparison to others.

At that time, the young man on stage didn't show the slightest sign of distress.

Fu Jinxiao stood there, and even in defeat, he remained calm. He cracked a smile, saying, "Music has no hierarchy or distinction; each individual is unique in their own world."

His words choked the derogatory comments of the judges below.

Later on, a year after this incident, Fu Jinxiao competed again, clinching the championship title. This victory paved his way into the entertainment industry. It was also during this time that Shen Xingsui was greatly inspired. In moments of self-doubt, Fu Jinxiao served as a beacon of hope and strength for him.

And that inspiration persisted to this day.

Fu Jinxiao remained a radiant star in his life, shining brilliantly in the vast sky, irreplaceable.

As the performance concluded, applause echoed throughout.

The ballroom dance began, and the elegantly dressed daughters of wealthy families eagerly approached, all seemingly with a singular purpose. It wasn’t long before someone stepped forward:

"Mr. Fu, may I have this dance with you?"

"I'd like to invite you for a dance."

"Mr. Fu, would it be an honor to...?"

In ballroom events, it's common etiquette for men to invite women to dance. However, in the Fu residence today, the situation seemed reversed.

Fu Jinxiao rose, his tall stature allowing him to overlook the crowd. A diplomatic smile adorned his face, "I appreciate the invitations, and it’s an honor. However, each of you is outstanding, making it a tough choice..."

The ladies exchanged glances, detecting rivalry in each other’s eyes.

As the crowd hesitated, Fu Jinxiao proposed, "For fairness, let's let this flower decide. Whomever it lands on will be the chosen one."

It seemed like a reasonable solution.

Everyone agreed, and Fu Jinxiao casually picked a radiant red rose. He held it up, but then the rose, seemingly following a parabolic trajectory, landed directly on the head of the unsuspecting Shen Xingsui.

"Oops."

Fu Jinxiao's tone was elongated, "My hand slipped."

"However, since the rule has been established for fairness," Fu Jinxiao's lips curved slightly, speaking deliberately, "I guess it has to be him. Any objections?"

The ladies: "..."

Talk about "fairness."

Regardless of what everyone thought, Fu Jinxiao stepped past the ladies, walked up to Shen Xingsui, and whispered, "Did it hurt?"

Shen Xingsui shook his head hesitantly, "What are you trying to imply?"

Fu Jinxiao slightly bent forward, poised and courteous, lifting his arm towards Shen Xingsui, "It means, esteemed Mr. Shen, may I have the honor of inviting you for a dance?"

The man's handsome features became even more pronounced under the light, his voice deep and magnetic, reminiscent of a noble prince.

Shen Xingsui pointed at himself in disbelief, stuttering, "Me, me?"

Fu Jinxiao smirked, "Who else?"

"But I haven't danced in such a long time."

"That's alright."

"However, I'm not very proficient in the female steps..."

Fu Jinxiao replied leisurely, "I'll take the lead."

!!!

Not only was Shen Xingsui stunned, Shen Xingchen, standing nearby, was equally shocked.

Who has ever had the privilege to share the first dance with Fu Jinxiao? And the most surprising fact was that this person managed to persuade Fu Jinxiao to adjust his role for the dance!

Shen Xingsui quickly responded, "No, it's fine. I can attempt the female steps, though I might be a bit rusty. Just don't judge me too harshly."

Fu Jinxiao took his hand, leading him onto the dance floor.

The other women present were left dumbstruck. They had set their sights on Fu Jinxiao all evening, never dreaming that someone, especially a man, would steal the dance away.

Fu Jinxiao danced gracefully with Shen Xingsui, his movements fluid and practiced.

Shen Xingsui, feeling the disdainful stares from behind, stammered, "Mr. Fu, won't your choice upset some people here?"

Fu Jinxiao replied nonchalantly, "Would it?"

Shen Xingsui nodded cautiously.

"Should their feelings concern me?" Fu Jinxiao declared with confidence. As they spun in a circle, he encircled Shen Xingsui's waist, leaning in to whisper into his ear, "All that matters is that I'm pleased."

"..."

Shen Xingsui's earlobes gradually turned a shade of crimson.

He felt overwhelmed, as if he had been suddenly plunged into a jar of honey, and in his fluster, he stepped on Fu Jinxiao's foot.

Shen Xingsui quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Fu!"

Fu Jinxiao sighed gently, his arm around Shen Xingsui's waist gave a reassuring pat, his voice softening, "Relax, darling."

! !

Shen Xingsui felt as though the warm breath and voice near his ear were seeping straight into his heart.

Far from relaxing, he made several more missteps, stepping on Fu Jinxiao multiple times. By the end of the dance, Shen Xingsui's face was a deep shade of red from self-reproach, and he felt as if he would wear out the words of apology.

Yet, there was not a hint of reproach from Fu Jinxiao.

"Xingsui, your dancing skills..." The man's face bore a slightly helpless smile as he gently patted Shen Xingsui's head. "Remember, aside from dancing with me, don't dance with anyone else."

!!!

Shen Xingsui was both embarrassed and indignant.

Was his dancing truly that dreadful? Oh no!

Midway through the ball, Shen Xingsui withdrew. Not wanting to make a fool of himself any further, he joined Shen Xingchen, who also wasn't dancing. They moved to the backyard party, where a table laden with an array of sumptuous dishes awaited them.

Shen Xingchen remarked, "I was famished, you know? The little cakes in the main hall were delightful but overly rich. These barbecued ribs here are much more appealing."

Shen Xingsui, munching on fried chicken beside him, heartily agreed.

High society often favored delicate pastries for display, more for aesthetics than taste. Meat dishes, on the other hand, were truly satisfying.

Halfway through his meal, Shen Xingchen suggested, "Oh, by the way, Xingsui, I noticed Mr. Fu seemed busy earlier. He probably hasn't eaten anything after joining the ball. Why don't you take some of these dishes to him?"

Shen Xingsui found his brother's idea quite reasonable and nodded, "Alright."

After the ball, he recalled hearing Fu Jinxiao mentioning he'd pay his respects to his grandmother upstairs. Familiar with the way, Shen Xingsui decided to wait for him in the corridor.

Navigating the expansive mansion with a plate in hand, Shen Xingsui ascended the stairs, heading towards the grandmother's room. But as he wandered, he began to feel a bit lost amidst the sprawling corridors.

Meanwhile, on the second floor, an argument was unfolding in the study:

A stern voice, unmistakably that of Mr. Fu, declared, "I'm not discussing this with you; there are limits to your whims."

Fu Jinxiao's tone was languid, but underlined with tension, "If you didn't come here to discuss, then why bother with these pretensions, Father?"

"All this is for your own good," Mr. Fu argued, "Could my plans for you ever be wrong? I trust handing the Fu Corporation to you. Once you're in my position, you'll understand it's the right choice."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled coldly, "Do you truly have no regrets about past decisions, Father?"

That comment seemed to hit a sore spot for Mr. Fu.

"Fu Jinxiao!" Mr. Fu rebuked, "I've told you many times, your mother's incident was an accident. It had nothing to do with Lina or me..."

Raising an eyebrow, Fu Jinxiao interjected, "It had nothing to do with you, did it?"

Mr. Fu suddenly choked up.

Fu Jinxiao scoffed, "She was close to her due date. Was that business deal so critical that you had to fly to the US personally?"

"The business concluded two days before. Instead of returning, you left for another place." Fu Jinxiao's voice trailed off with a tinge of sarcasm, "So, it had nothing to do with you, right?"

Maybe the complications during childbirth truly had nothing to do with this man.

But how desperate must that woman have felt in her final moments when she needed her husband the most?

Mr. Fu sighed, "It was all unexpected. I never thought things would turn out this way. I believed nothing would go wrong."

The sarcasm deepened in Fu Jinxiao's eyes.

"And marrying Lina wasn't so bad, was it?" Mr. Fu looked at his son. "I thought since you never met Wen Rong, Lina would make a good mother to you, ensuring you never felt any voids from your childhood..."

Fu Jinxiao remained silent.

Mr. Fu gazed at his prideful eldest son, well aware of his stubbornness, and finally relented, saying softly, "Alright, I won't press anymore. As for the heiress of the Wang conglomerate I mentioned before, if you're not interested, so be it. But I've heard that the younger son of the Shen family has returned. You know our enterprises have always been on good terms with the Shens. You seem quite taken with him..."

After searching for a long time without success, just as Shen Xingsui was about to give up, he happened to pass by a room. The familiar voices inside made him pause.

Mr. Fu continued, "If you find him agreeable, perhaps you can spend more time with Shen Xingsui."

Shen Xingsui stiffened. Wasn't that Mr. Fu's voice?

What did he mean by that...

Unable to piece together the full conversation, Shen Xingsui felt both nervous and hopeful. He had always hesitated to bring up the marriage arrangement with Fu Jinxiao, unsure of Fu's sentiments.

then

Then, the familiar voice from within the room—cold, almost amused—confirmed it was Fu Jinxiao, "Father, have you planned even this?"

"Would you be against it?" Mr. Fu inquired.

"Do you know what I detest most about you?" Fu Jinxiao lifted his eyelids, his formidable presence chilling the air. "That you assume your wishes mirror mine? My life isn't yours to meddle with. As for whom I marry, it certainly won't be decided by any preordained agreement. Understand?"

Mr. Fu was rendered speechless.

He now fully recognized that the son before him wasn't the obedient child of the past, no longer within his control.

Outside, Shen Xingsui froze. The slight hope and fantasies he once harbored dissipated. It was clear: Fu Jinxiao was never one to be bound by conventions. How could he ever be with Shen Xingsui due to a mere marital agreement?

Shen Xingsui, what were you even thinking?

Lost in thought, he turned a corner and unexpectedly found the room he had been searching for: the old lady's chamber.

The attendant at the door was assisting the elderly woman out when she saw Shen Xingsui and greeted him warmly, "Xingsui, what brings you here? Are you looking for your grandmother?"

Unsure of what to say, Shen Xingsui merely nodded awkwardly.

The old lady, noticing his unease, asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he replied with a forced smile. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Grandmother, I wanted to discuss something with you."

The old lady eyed Shen Xingsui skeptically but didn't refuse. Instead, she invited him gently, "Alright, come in."

However, Shen Xingsui declined, taking out the seal she had gifted him earlier. He reverently returned it to her hands, bowing deeply, "I apologize, Grandmother. After careful consideration, I've decided I can't accept such a valuable gift."

Hurriedly, the old lady reassured him, "Xingsui, haven't I told you? It's rightfully yours."

Shaking his head, Shen Xingsui replied, "No, it's not. This seal should belong to someone more deserving, someone with a more legitimate claim. I appreciate your generosity, but right now, I have no reason, nor do I feel worthy of it. Thank you for your kindness. I'll take my leave."

The old lady stared blankly as Shen Xingsui bowed to her once again and left. Just moments ago, everything seemed fine; now, everything had changed.

...

Lost in her thoughts, the old lady rounded a corner and bumped into Fu Jinxiao, who had just had an argument with his father. Despite his unsettled demeanor, Fu Jinxiao still greeted his grandmother respectfully.

She gestured for him to come over, "Come here, I have a question for you."

Fu Jinxiao asked, "What is it?"

"Did... did you have a quarrel with Xingsui?" she hesitated before adding, "Or did he break things off with you?"