Chapter 26 The Little Deer of Rongcheng Won’t Stay Home

Chapter 26: Little Lu Lingers in Rongcheng

Fu Nanyu’s shoulder wound had just been dressed when the doorbell chimed. He casually pulled on a sweater and opened the door.

Fu Shengzhou and Fu Ting stood at the entrance. Fu Shengzhou glanced at his brother’s bandaged shoulder and smirked, "Knew you wouldn’t go to the hospital."

Fu Nanyu stepped aside, letting them in. Aware of his foul mood, the two had brought an assortment of snacks and drinks, intending to get thoroughly drunk with him that night.

"But with your injury, you shouldn’t drink, right?" Fu Shengzhou asked.

Fu Ting scoffed, peeling back the gauze on Fu Nanyu’s shoulder for a quick look. "If it’s not bone-deep, it’s just a scratch. We’ve had far worse injuries during field ops."

The three men each popped open a beer and clinked bottles. Fu Nanyu picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. Fu Shengzhou observed him, then chuckled, "But what’s gotten into you today, bro? When Dad used to bring up your marriage, you’d always resist, but I’ve never seen you directly challenge him like this."

Fu Nanyu took a sip of beer, his Adam’s apple visibly bobbing. He said in a low, resonant voice, "Nothing, just fed up."

Today, despite knowing his father’s displeasure, he chose to speak his mind plainly. In the eyes of others, he had always been the epitome of restraint and decorum, like a snow-capped pine. In the past, he would have deferred to his elders out of respect, ensuring a peaceful New Year.

But somehow, he suddenly found it all utterly meaningless. It felt better to tear down the facade and speak the unvarnished truth.

Fu Shengzhou raised an eyebrow, a faint hint of mischief in his smile. "Usually, when someone with such powerful self-control acts out of character, it’s because there’s someone on their mind."

Fu Nanyu paused, saying nothing, allowing him to continue. "I used to think we three brothers were lucky—harmonious family, loving parents, no need to sacrifice love for power like others. Didn’t expect a self-important interloper to show up halfway."

"What are you guys talking about? I don’t get it," Fu Ting, less quick-witted than his brothers, asked in confusion.

Fu Shengzhou sighed. "Second brother, just stay quiet and play on your phone."

Fu Ting: "......"

Suddenly, Fu Ting looked at his phone and exclaimed, "Holy crap, Lu Youyou made the news in Rongcheng!"

The other two leaned in to look. Amidst the heavy snowfall, a reporter was interviewing random passersby in a narrow alley. In front of a breakfast stall, someone bundled up like a snowman, with only a pair of bright, sparkling eyes visible, stared into the camera.

Fu Shengzhou marveled, "Impressive. You recognized her even with all that covering."

Fu Ting lifted his chin proudly. "I’ve studied facial analysis. Plus, her distinctive figure and clothes make her easy to spot."

The reporter asked, "What do you think makes this year’s New Year in Rongcheng different from previous ones?"

The snowman replied sheepishly, "I’m not a local. I’m here visiting my grandma."

The quick-witted reporter switched questions. "No problem! Could you tell us what you think of Rongcheng?"

"It’s a wonderful, warm city. And the sweet osmanthus lotus root is delicious too," the snowman said, smiling shyly at the camera, her eyes curving like crescent moons, sparkling with myriad tiny lights.

"Have you ever considered settling down in Rongcheng?" the reporter asked.

Just then, Lu Jingtang’s takeout breakfast was ready. She paid the vendor, took the food, and casually replied, "Yes, if things don’t go well, I might choose to settle here in a year."

The reporter was momentarily taken aback but smiled gratefully, respecting her privacy by not probing further. The interview ended there.

Fu Ting frowned. "How many days has she been gone? Is she planning to settle there and not come back?"

Fu Shengzhou teased him, "You used to find her annoying. What, now you miss her already?"

"That’s... different." Fu Ting felt that Lu Youyou wasn’t annoying at all now—in fact, she was rather endearing. He’d always wanted a little sister, and Lu Youyou gave him that feeling.

Fu Nanyu smiled faintly but said nothing. Fu Shengzhou, however, felt there was something subtly unsettling about his brother’s smile.

Lu Jingtang was sitting in the courtyard drinking tea when she suddenly sneezed several times, feeling an inexplicable chill down her spine. Without overthinking it, she said to the old lady, "Let’s have stewed sweetened fruit tonight."

The old lady smiled. "Sure."

Since the company was her own, Lu Jingtang wasn’t in a rush to return to work. Her presence at Fu Corporation was about as useful as a fish needing a bicycle.

Ye Xixi hadn't urged her either. It was perfectly normal for Lu Jingtang to stay for two or three months when she visited home.

The three Fu brothers stayed overnight at Fu Nanyu’s apartment. The next day, Ms. Ye chased them home with a feather duster. Though Fu Nanyu hadn’t lived at home much since starting work, Ms. Ye insisted he return to recuperate from his injury.

Fu Nanyu had no choice but to give in to his formidable mother.

He stayed at the villa for nearly two weeks, with no sign of Lu Jingtang returning. Fu Shengzhou, ever perceptive, noticed his eldest brother growing more and more displeased yet too proud to ask. So, he took it upon himself to be the mouthpiece.

At the dinner table, Fu Shengzhou asked, "Mom, when is Lu Youyou coming back?"

Ye Xixi replied, "She rarely gets to go back. It’s only right for her to stay a few months if she wants."

Hearing this, Fu Nanyu remained silent and aloof, as if utterly uninterested. His defined jawline tightened, and his deep-set eyes seemed frosted over.

"I’ve finished eating. Take your time."

Fu Nanyu set down his chopsticks, announced his departure, and left. The others noticed nothing amiss, but Fu Shengzhou watched his brother’s retreating back with keen interest.

"This is trouble."