Chapter 63 Dull Knife 07

Zhou Heng visited Fu Luoyin's place to help pack for his trip to the artificial island for the birthday celebration.

The holiday had been pre-approved, and Fu Luoyin had used part of his annual leave in preparation for the event.

Recently, Zhou Heng had been incredibly busy due to Fu Luoyin's increased reliance on him. Fu Luoyin had always been an easygoing boss, not being picky and assigning mostly important tasks to Zhou Heng, with little concern for minor details.

Lately, Zhou Heng was practically visiting daily. If he didn't remind Fu Luoyin, the boss would likely neglect even meals given his current state.

Upon arriving today, he found Fu Luoyin sleeping on the sofa, looking exhausted. This was the second time Zhou Heng had seen him like this in a week.

The reason for Fu Luoyin's change seemed to be... Lin Shuicheng.

Su Yu had called in the morning using the landline, which Zhou Heng answered – Fu Luoyin hadn't picked up his mobile phone, so Su Yu resorted to the landline.

Su Yu asked Zhou Heng about the situation, "How is he?"

Zhou Heng replied, "Mr. Su, I'm Assistant to Mr. Fu. The boss seems to be in a bad mood and isn't keen on taking calls."

Su Yu was taken aback, "Did he not manage to deliver the flowers?"

Zhou Heng scratched his head and asked, "What flower?" When he came over, he hadn't noticed any flowers in the room.

Su Yu didn't elaborate on what kind of flower it was. He just sighed. "Ah, forget it, forget it. You can't force these things. I did consider this possibility... but I really didn't expect Sister-in-law to be so decisive. Ah."

During breakfast, Fu Luoyin had no appetite. Even the delicious takeout lost its appeal to him. He forced himself to eat a few bites for the sake of his health, but halfway through, he felt unwell and ended up vomiting everything out. Eventually, he lay down on the sofa with his hand on his stomach.

Seeing that Fu Luoyin's overall condition wasn't good, Zhou Heng didn't dare make a sound as he carried out his tasks. He dragged Fu Luoyin's suitcase into the living room and was about to put Fu Luoyin's mint-flavored cigarettes inside when he heard the latter's hoarse voice from behind. "Don't pack them. Adjust my schedule, I'm not going. You can deliver the gift on my behalf."

Zhou Heng was taken aback. "... You're not going?"

"I don't want to go. I don't want to see Lin Shuicheng," Fu Luoyin said, lying on the sofa with one hand covering his eyes. He sounded exhausted and his voice was raspy. "But he might not go either. Just do as I say and apologize to Su Yu for me."

Zhou Heng felt awkward. Just as he was pondering over what to do next, Fu Luoyin's phone rang.

A notification beeped, indicating a text message.

Fu Luoyin picked up his phone and stared at it for a long moment.

Then, as if realizing something, he quickly opened the messaging app.

Lin Shuicheng: "I have the invitation now. Thank you for the flowers. I didn't see the message before."

Fu Luoyin instinctively typed and sent, "Were you at home yesterday? Why didn't you come to see me?"

Only after sending the message did Fu Luoyin realize that Lin Shuicheng was referring to not seeing the message. He quickly added, "It's okay, as long as you like it. When are you planning to leave? I can come pick you up?"

Lin Shuicheng was clearly on the other end and promptly replied, "No need, I have my own car. I'll drive there."

"Oh, you bought a car. That's great," Fu Luoyin finally said, not knowing what else to say. "So, see you tomorrow?"

There was no further response from Lin Shuicheng.

Nonetheless, Fu Luoyin felt a spark of hope rekindle within him, like embers reigniting.

It turned out that Lin Shuicheng hadn't intentionally avoided him; he simply hadn't seen the message.

The man upstairs might have only seen Lin Shuicheng collecting a delivery but not necessarily leaving the house. Perhaps Lin Shuicheng wasn't even at home yesterday afternoon or evening?

In that instant, Fu Luoyin felt like a fool, yet the inexplicable surge of emotion brought a sweetness that he savored.

It was the first time he had sent flowers to someone, and the recipient had accepted them.

And tomorrow, he would get to see Lin Shuicheng again.

Between sending and receiving a text message, Zhou Heng observed, amazed, the transformation in his boss: Fu Luoyin suddenly sat up from the sofa, then got up to rub his hair, telling him, "Never mind, I'll handle the packing myself. Go buy me some eternal flowers, cherry blossoms to be precise, with a rose inserted in them. Have them delivered to Lin Shuicheng's room beforehand."

His expression and demeanor were calm, but Zhou Heng could sense an uplifted tone in his voice.

Scratching his head, Zhou Heng followed his instructions.

Lin Shuicheng packed his luggage. Since he wouldn't be home for three days, it wasn't appropriate to bring his two cats along, so he posted a part-time job on the campus recruitment platform, quickly hiring a first-year female student to feed the cats at his place. With nothing in his rented room, he gave her a spare key directly.

Unable to drive, he programmed his autonomous vehicle to head for the artificial island. However, an issue arose mid-journey: The navigation system hadn't been updated in time, and the automatic route took him down a road with construction work, leaving him stranded halfway and requiring a new route to be set.

Due to this delay, he sent Su Yu a text to apologize in advance, "I might be a bit late. Sorry about that."

Su Yu promptly replied, "It's okay, don't worry about being late. The banquet lasts three days, and Sister, since you can't drive, please be cautious on the road."

He still referred to him as "Sister."

Since early morning, guests had been arriving steadily. Su Yu, dressed in formal attire, was assisting his mother in greeting them, looking handsome and vibrant.

The birthday party the Su family was throwing for Yan Zi rivaled the grandeur of a previous wedding banquet for the heir of a business empire. Prominent figures from various sectors were present. After settling into their rooms, the ladies donned their evening gowns, while the gentlemen were elegantly suited up. The geothermal system provided warmth throughout the event, turning the depths of winter into a late spring-like atmosphere.

All newspaper reporters were kept outside, with only the Su family's designated photographer allowed entry to capture the memories. Attendees included eighty percent of the Alliance's elite, all well aware that this was an excellent opportunity for socializing and exchanging resources. The Su family held a significant portion of medical resources, a status that wouldn't be altered by changes in their board structure. Everyone showed respect to the Su family accordingly.

Fu Luoyin arrived early and, upon seeing Su Yu, asked, "Where's Lin Shuicheng? Has he come?"

Su Yu rolled his eyes. "His wife just texted me, saying he might be late. You'll have to wait patiently. What happened, did you fail to deliver the flowers?"

Fu Luoyin remained composed. "I delivered them."

"Alright then, Brother Negative Two," Su Yu joked. "Aren't you going to give your Chief Love Advisor some benefits? Look at me, standing here alone, greeting guests in the biting wind..."

Su Yu expected Fu Luoyin to decline, perhaps suggesting he "drink more hot water." To his surprise, Fu Luoyin considered it and agreed. "Sure, I'll help you greet the guests."

"Oh no, oh no, Brother Negative Two. It's my mom's birthday, and if two single young men stand here, what will people think?" Su Yu almost laughed out loud. "You should go sit upstairs for now. And didn't you forget something? Don't you know who's coming today?"

Fu Luoyin was clearly taken aback. "Who's coming?"

Su Yu was exasperated. "Xia Ran!"

"…" Fu Luoyin was taken aback.

These past few days, he had been in a daze, with Lin Shuicheng occupying his mind entirely. He had actually forgotten about Xia Ran, and that Xia Ran would also attend Su Yu's mother's birthday party.

"You really didn't think of it, didn't you, Negative Two?" Su Yu understood from his reaction and didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. "I told you, you've already fallen for him! And yet you still haven't made your move. How could you be so obtuse?"

Fu Luoyin didn't respond. He grabbed a glass of champagne and started to head upstairs. Upon hearing Su Yu's words, his pace quickened as if he were feeling restless.

After a few steps, he noticed his seat and suddenly turned back to ask Su Yu, somewhat hesitant. "Xia Ran is sitting—"

"Don't worry. You're upstairs, and Xia Ran is downstairs. You won't cross paths," Su Yu said dryly. "Of course, if you want to rekindle your old flames, I'm sure even one floor wouldn't stop you. When the time comes, your wife will join me in—"

"Favoring Lin Shuicheng's arrival," Fu Luoyin interrupted him bluntly. After a moment, he added, "Forget it. I'll take a picture of my seat and send it to him. He'll know how to get here."

Su Yu watched his confident figure ascend the stairs and muttered silently, "...Your wife might not be willing to sit with you now, especially after receiving that bouquet. Where did your confidence come from?"

As more guests arrived, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Yan Zi descended the stairs fully dressed and made-up, greeting and conversing with various guests alongside Su Yu. Su Yu's father was in charge of orchestrating the entire banquet behind the scenes.

For Su Yu, today was a challenging endeavor. By mid-morning, his cheeks ached from smiling so much as he diligently memorized names and politely addressed everyone as uncle, aunt, elder brother, or sister, exchanging polite conversation.

Yan Zi expressed her satisfaction, "Not bad, you've matured quite a bit. Take a break later and go upstairs to play with your friends. I'll be opening gifts, and when there's an important guest, I'll call you down. Do you know who else is coming? The CEO of Runsheng Pharmaceutical! Their clinical trials are far superior to ours; they're industry veterans. I don't expect you to convince them to collaborate, but at least make an acquaintance. In the future, when your dad and I are older, they might lend you a hand out of respect."

Su Yu replied, "Alright, mom. I'll go upstairs for a drink first, and you should take a seat and rest."

Regardless of age, women always had an enthusiasm for gifts.

With most guests having arrived, Su Yu was about to ascend the stairs when he caught sight of Xia Ran and Dong Shuoye together. He pretended not to notice and quickly went to find Fu Luoyin. His father and a few protégés nurtured by his mother took over the task of welcoming the guests downstairs.

Dong Shuoye watched Su Yu's retreating figure, raising an eyebrow. Turning to Xia Ran, he said, "Well, that's it for now. I'll head up first. See you later."

Xia Ran also encountered acquaintances - Fu Xue and Bai Yiyi. Fu Xue had received an invitation on behalf of Yangfeng Nanotech, while Bai Yiyi's family was affiliated with another company connected to Yangfeng Tech, hence her presence.

Bai Yiyi whispered upon seeing Xia Ran, "Fu Luoyin is upstairs, Ranran."

Xia Ran froze, his fingers stiffening in surprise.

Bai Yiyi whispered, "Doctor Yan is currently upstairs talking to someone. Go give him the gift. Fu Luoyin will see you. Come on, I'll accompany you."

Bai Yiyi tugged Xia Ran along and hurried upstairs.

In the meantime, observant individuals had already noticed their movement.

Su Yu's eyes widened as she instinctively glanced back at Fu Luoyin—Fu Luoyin was oblivious, engrossed in his text messages, repeatedly refreshing the screen, awaiting Lin Shuicheng's response.

Dong Shuoye sat beside Fu Luoyin with an amused expression, silently observing the scene. He leisurely poured himself a cup of tea without uttering a word.

In the meantime, the revolving door at the entrance swirled open, and a slender figure rushed in.

Attired in a handsome and well-fitting suit, Lin Shuicheng nodded at the attendant to confirm his seating arrangement – on the second floor. Su Yu had deliberately seated Lin Shuicheng with a few of his university classmates with whom he was not particularly close, to ensure that Lin Shuicheng would feel at ease.

Observing Xia Ran about to ascend the stairs, Su Yu simply called out loudly, "Sister-in-law! This way, Sister-in-law!" His exclamation drew many curious glances their way.

Upon hearing his voice, Fu Luoyin rose to his feet and swiftly looked down.

At that very moment, Xia Ran and Lin Shuicheng were both heading towards the same stairwell, while Su Yu and Fu Luoyin rushed over in quick steps. Downstairs, Fu Xue recognized Lin Shuicheng at first sight. She apologized to the person beside her, "Excuse me, I'll be back in a moment," before hastening towards the door. From a distance, she stretched out her hand, eager to shake hands with Lin Shuicheng and desperately trying to stop him. "Mr. Lin! Mr. Lin!"

Yet, Lin Shuicheng remained oblivious, his gaze lowered as he leisurely typed a reply to Fu Luoyin: "No need, I've arrived. Thank you." Unperturbed, he continued walking.