Chapter 16 Going Out

Chapter 16: Going Out

For the past two days, Lu Jingtang had been diligently recuperating, constantly sipping hot water. Finally, two days before the banquet, she had recovered about 70-80%, and only then did Fu Nanyu relent and return her invitation.

"Big Brother," she chirped, her face beaming with happiness as she obsequiously poured a cup of coffee for the patriarch at the top of the Fu family food chain—coffee that Chen Ma had ground herself, and she had poured.

Fu Nanyu, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, possessed broad shoulders and long legs. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms that exuded strength and the allure of a mature man.

Hearing her, his gaze shifted from his computer to her face. "What's this? Trying to butter me up?"

Lu Jingtang quickly pledged her loyalty, "I'm just showing my filial devotion, Big Brother."

Fu Nanyu let out a light scoff. "I'm not worthy."

Lu Jingtang reassured him, stroking the expensive necklace around her neck as she spoke. "Big Brother, don't sell yourself short. It's precisely because of your hard work that we can relax in your shade."

Fu Nanyu’s eye twitched. It almost sounded like she was implying that his diligence allowed them to be carefree and lazy. Before he could respond, the second prodigal son, Fu Ting, burst in, clutching a magazine.

Fu Ting’s eyes sparkled as he grabbed his elder brother’s hand, pointing at a Rolls-Royce Cullinan in the magazine with a price tag boasting eight zeros. "Big Brother, I love this one! It’s so handsome. Only someone with my status and elegance deserves such a magnificent treasure."

Fu Nanyu’s heart took another hit. He said coldly, "You have more cars in the garage than you could drive with all your fingers and toes combined. Why buy another?"

Fu Ting disagreed. "Cars to men are like clothes to women—you can never have too many. Besides, is our family short on money? Why deny ourselves extreme happiness when we have the means? And if I don’t spend the money you earn, what motivation do you have to keep making it?"

Fu Nanyu was momentarily speechless, clutching his chest and waving a hand weakly, his face ashen. He couldn't refute such logic. "Both of you, out for now. I'll have Xiao Qin buy it for you."

Lu Jingtang and Fu Ting were innocently shooed out. Fu Ting whispered, "Why does Big Brother’s back suddenly look so sorrowful?"

Lu Jingtang shook her head, unsure. "Maybe he’s cosplaying as Yang Guo!" She had no idea what nonsense she was spouting.

Crucially, Fu Ting’s mind also failed to connect the dots for a moment, and he mumbled, "What Yang Guo? I prefer Guo Jing."

Inside the room, Fu Nanyu: "...What kind of idiocy is this?"

Neither of them realized the absurdity of their conversation until the three met again at the dining table. Fu Ting finally caught on, pointing at Lu Jingtang, who had already realized and was doubled over with laughter at the table. "Lu Youyou, you’re toxic! What 'cosplaying Yang Guo'?" Then he, too, couldn't help but grab his chair and burst into hysterical laughter.

Fu Nanyu was quite exasperated but not angry, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Though Fu Xiaqing and his wife, along with the servants, didn't understand the joke, the lighthearted and joyful atmosphere among the three infected everyone else present.

Chen Ma also secretly smiled, thinking how much Miss Lu had truly changed. The siblings had never gotten along so happily before.

The banquet was held in another city, so Lu Jingtang needed to fly there a day early. After she packed her luggage, Fu Nanyu, who happened to be home, helped carry it downstairs.

As Fu Nanyu lifted the luggage, the veins on his arms bulged. He asked, "You're only going for one day. Are you planning to bring the entire villa with you?"

Lu Jingtang felt a pang of shame. "Sorry for the trouble, Big Brother."

Fu Nanyu said nothing more. Ye Xixi informed her that arrangements had been made for someone to pick her up at her destination, and the Fu family also owned a villa there, so there was no need to stay in a hotel.

Fu Nanyu helped load her luggage into the private car. Lu Jingtang sat inside, her eyes shining as she looked at him. "I’ll bring back gifts for everyone."

Fu Nanyu chuckled. "Are you sure your savings can cover that?"

Lu Jingtang faltered. Oh right, she usually spent every last penny of the monthly allowance the Fu family gave her.

Fu Nanyu laughed lightly. "Alright, necessary expenses for such occasions are unavoidable. If you see something you like, just buy it. You can expense it with Xiao Qin when you return."

Lu Jingtang made a heart shape with her fingers.

The flight took about two hours. As soon as Lu Jingtang landed, she immediately notified her family.

Exiting the airport, she saw a black private car parked at the entrance. Two women in professional suits and skirts approached her.

"Miss, you've had a long journey," the driver said, taking her luggage and loading it into the car.

"Hello," Lu Jingtang nodded, half her face buried in a scarf.

The car drove toward the Fu family’s local villa, Xicheng Junting. For a family like the Fu’s, it was no surprise they owned multiple properties, but she was still amazed by the luxury.

The villa was managed by Uncle Lin, the butler, and several servants. Uncle Lin had a kind and friendly face and led her to the prepared room. Before leaving, he said, "Please rest for a while, Miss. We’ll have dinner when Third Young Master returns."

Oh, right. The Fu family’s third son, Fu Yuansheng, was also in Xicheng, apparently pursuing graduate studies.

Lu Jingtang had slept on the plane and wasn’t tired, so she went downstairs to stroll in the backyard. After watching the rabbits, she got lost trying to find her way back and ended up near the main gate.

Just then, a gaudily luxurious violet sports car drove into the villa.

The car stopped in front of her, and the window rolled down, revealing a handsome face. A gentle breeze ruffled the strand of blue-tinted ash-gray hair on his forehead, and his eyes, shaped like peach blossoms, were slightly upturned.

"Oh, my dear sister, long time no see!"