Shen Xingsui was taken aback by this sudden turn of events.

But Fu Jinxiao didn't really let him carry that box, handing it over to the housemaid, Wu Ma. After giving her a few instructions, he stepped back.

Xu Enzhen and Lina whispered amongst themselves in the front, with the younger generation trailing behind.

Noticing Shen Xingsui's furrowed brows, Fu Jinxiao murmured, "It seems your uncle and Shen Minglang are both inside."

Shen Xingsui looked at him in surprise, "How did you know?"

Fu Jinxiao smirked, "From your mother's expression when she looked at me earlier. Have they found out about us?"

Shen Xingsui nodded slightly, admitting in a soft voice, "I told my family about it."

Revealing such news without prior discussion left Shen Xingsui feeling slightly apprehensive.

To his surprise, the man beside him merely chuckled. Looking up, Shen Xingsui met Fu Jinxiao's handsome gaze. With a calm and gentle demeanor, Fu Jinxiao said, "It's not a secret matter; it should've been shared long ago."

Reassured by his words, Shen Xingsui relaxed.

Then, recalling the expressions of his father and brother, he whispered, "But it seems they disapprove..."

Facing the head of the Shen family and the youngest chairman of the Shen Corporation might be nerve-wracking for most. Anyone would likely be fretting over how to handle the situation. However, Fu Jinxiao was an exception. Exuding a calm, mature aura, he showed no signs of intimidation.

Upon entering, a unified gaze from the living room converged on him.

Fu Jinxiao's lips curled into a smile, greeting, "Hello, Uncle."

Shen Minglang's frosty gaze slid over. With a steady, unfading smile, Fu Jinxiao said, "Minglang, fancy meeting you here. Last time, our golf outing was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. How about I treat you to a game another day?"

Closing his magazine with a sardonic tone, Shen Minglang remarked, "A busy man like you, finding the time to treat others? This is my home, after all. How could it not be a coincidence?"

"Oh, really?" Fu Jinxiao drawled, a teasing smile playing on his lips, "Then I should visit more often, so you won't miss me too much."

Shen Minglang: "..."

I'd never miss you.

Fu Jinxiao then produced an exquisite gift box from his pocket and, with a tone of kindness, said, "Uncle, while I was abroad on a business trip, I happened to attend an auction. This watch is the final masterpiece of renowned watchmaker Richard before his passing. I was fortunate enough to win the bid. Knowing your interest in horology, I thought you might like to appraise it."

Shen Yong's eyes landed on the box. Upon opening it, the watch's exterior was revealed.

Even the well-experienced Shen Yong was captivated by the watch's exquisite craftsmanship and its blend of antiquity and elegance. A masterpiece from the legendary watchmaker Richard was hard for any man to resist.

But Shen Yong merely shifted his gaze and remarked, "I appreciate the gesture, but given its rarity, perhaps it's best if you..."

His intent was clear: he didn't want the watch, nor did he wish to be close to Fu Jinxiao.

Rejecting the goodwill, he didn't see Fu Jinxiao as family and wasn't eager to entrust his son to him.

"You're too modest. The craft and ingenious design of this watch by Master Richard is beyond most people's comprehension," Fu Jinxiao replied, maintaining his composed demeanor in front of the esteemed elder. He smiled, "If this watch were merely kept as a collectible or fell into the hands of someone who couldn't truly appreciate it, it'd be a waste. It'd be a disservice to Richard's legacy. Only you are truly worthy of it."

Such eloquence in his words.

Without being overt, he flattered Shen Yong, making his offer hard to decline.

Even the stern expression on Shen Yong's face softened. "You seem knowledgeable about watches. Have you studied them?"

Fu Jinxiao responded with a smirk, "A little. But I'm nowhere near your level of expertise."

Shen Yong cast a downward glance at the watch, clearly not naive enough to believe Fu Jinxiao sought him out merely because of the watch. A bit of thought revealed the underlying intention of seeking a marital alliance.

"No need for humility, you're outstanding," Shen Yong spoke deliberately, aiming to set boundaries. "Our Xiusui is young, and we've always been grateful for your guidance. We owe you much gratitude for being such a mentor."

Fu Jinxiao smiled, "Looking after him is a pleasure. Xiusui is smart and endearing. I genuinely enjoy his company."

Shen Yong persisted, "While I may not be well-acquainted with the entertainment world, I've heard of your charm and many admirers. Our Xiusui is young and can't compare to those sophisticated women. It's undeserving to expect your care."

"Dad..."

From the side, Shen Xiusui hesitated, "Actually, Teacher Fu is very reserved. He's not as wild as the rumors suggest."

Shen Yong: "..."

That child has a rebellious streak.

Fu Jinxiao, always with a smile, showed no hint of annoyance even when being questioned. Out in the world, everyone walked on eggshells around the renowned Fu, but in front of his father-in-law, he displayed impeccable grace and restraint. "The world is full of beautiful women, but those who truly understand and share one's spirit are rare. I heard that when Mr. Shen was young, he was quite the figure, but in the end, he met and fell in love with your mother, becoming a tale for the ages."

A gentle expression crossed Shen Yong's face as he recalled his wife.

Not too far away, his wife was already engrossed in a conversation with Lina about the future. They were even discussing what dress to wear for their child's wedding, what jewelry to accessorize with, and the dowry details. The conversation was animated.

Evening approached, and the rain outside had stopped.

Shen Xingsui finally found a chance to slip downstairs. Glancing back at Fu Jinxiao, he said, "I was honestly terrified. While you were chatting with my dad, I felt even more nervous than both of you."

The two entered his music room.

Fu Jinxiao gently closed the door behind him, lips curving in amusement, "Why so nervous?"

Shen Xingsui was momentarily at a loss for words.

Unable to pinpoint the reason for his anxiety, he seated himself at the piano and played a few notes to gather his thoughts. However, as his fingers danced across the keys, his mind wandered. The warm presence of Fu Jinxiao approached from behind, his slender, fair fingers caressing the piano keys, producing enchanting melodies that refocused Shen's scattered thoughts. Their proximity was intimate, each able to feel the other's breath.

The smooth and captivating piano music soothed one's soul.

For a fleeting moment, Shen Xingsui remembered that year at the "Starlight" talent show's opening, where this man, dressed in a sharp suit, sat on a grand stage playing the piano, capturing the attention of every contestant.

Without missing a beat, Fu Jinxiao's voice, deep and magnetic with a touch of amusement, remarked, "Were you worried your father would disapprove and that we couldn't be together?"

Shen Xingsui blushed but admitted, "Given how serious my father and brother looked earlier, I was afraid..."

"Afraid they'd make things difficult for me or that I'd back down?"

"It seems I worried for nothing," Shen Xingsui smiled, complementing Fu Jinxiao's piano melody, "You appeared completely at ease."

Fu Jinxiao paused for a moment.

It took Shen Xingsui several beats on the piano to notice the silence. Before he could voice his confusion, he heard Fu Jinxiao murmur, "I was scared too."

Shen Xingsui looked stunned.

"Yes, I can be scared too, Xingsui." Since Shen couldn't see Fu's face from behind, he could only gauge the earnestness in his voice.

Hesitatingly, Shen Xingsui asked, "Scared of... what?"

Fu Jinxiao seemed to chuckle softly. Then, after planting a gentle kiss on Shen's cheek, he replied leisurely, "Scared that I might not meet your family's expectations."

Without thinking, Shen Xingsui responded, "How could that be? If even you can't meet their standards, then who possibly could?"

Fu Jinxiao looked slightly taken aback, then broke into a warm smile, his captivating eyes filled with mirth and affection as he gazed at Shen Xingsui nestled in his arms. He was genuinely enamored by how endearing his lover's words were.

Little did he know,

That in the next moment, Shen Xingsui would slowly say, "To be honest, my parents don't really have any specific requirements. They just think I'm inexperienced because of my age. The age difference between us is about five or six years. Teacher Fu is just a tad older."

“…”

Time suddenly stood still in silence.

Fu Jinxiao squinted, his eyes emanating danger. Slowly, he rose to his feet, an ominous, threatening aura enveloping him. Despite the gentle smile on his face, his words carried a chilling tone, “Do you despise me for my age?”

Shen Xingsui was taken aback, realizing he misspoke. As he turned to explain, his chin was firmly grasped, and his lips were sealed in a kiss. Fu Jinxiao leaned in, delivering a dominant kiss with a hint of punishment. Unlike their past gentle embraces, Shen Xingsui felt utterly overpowered this time, as if completely at the mercy of Fu Jinxiao, drowning in their intimacy, feeling as insignificant as a leaf in the wind.

"Did that hurt?" After the kiss, Fu Jinxiao's coarse fingers brushed against the reddened corner of Shen Xingsui's eyes. Seeing the pitiable expression of the man in his arms, a predatory gleam appeared in Fu Jinxiao’s eyes. With a sultry, husky voice, he teased, “Seems like I need to prove my vigor and age to Mr. Shen?”

“…”

Shen Xingsui felt defeated.

He regretted it, not wanting any further proof.

Days later,

The management of An Ran and Jian Zhi issued a public apology for their artists' actions, but it was met with public backlash. Netizens were no longer as gullible as before:

“Drugging others, infidelity, such malevolence. Is an apology all it takes?”

“Not accepted.”

“Get out of the entertainment industry.”

The uproar was so vast that it caught the attention of officials. A youth organization publicly criticized public figures Jian Zhi and An Ran for failing to be positive role models, severely damaging the mental well-being of the youth. Such disgraceful artists shouldn't exist; their actions are shameful.

Following the official statement, the "disgraced" label was firmly attached to Jian Zhi and An Ran.

Former endorsers swiftly severed their ties, demanding penalty fees. Almost overnight, major platforms removed all works related to Jian Zhi and An Ran. The combined penalties reached tens of millions, a severe blow to the Jian family's finances.

The Jian enterprise, already suffering losses, faced major market pressure from two leading corporations. They couldn't possibly pay off the debt for their children. Jian Kuo even publicly declared his refusal to help. Naturally, the media turned its attention to the boy band, especially since An Ran was a member.

Consequently, as the leader of the boy band, Shen Xingchen became the center of attention.

An Ran, already ostracized by his company, placed all his hopes on Shen Xingchen, praying he'd defend him during interviews.

Reporters swarmed, asking, “Xingchen, with such scandals involving members of your group, what's your take?”

The nonchalant Shen Xingchen on stage replied, “How do I see it? With my eyes, of course. I was there when it happened. Oh, sometimes I also check it out on Weibo.”

The reporters: “…”

Many were left speechless by his response.

A quick-thinking journalist then inquired, “What's the general sentiment within the band, especially regarding An Ran's situation?”

Shen Xingchen waved dismissively, “My manager told me not to comment. Just before coming on stage, he said to claim ignorance.”

“…”

The crowd lapsed into silence once more.

The agent in the audience shut his eyes, wishing he could vanish from this world.

Some of the journalists were amused, probing further, “And what about you? What do you think?”

“Me? I guess I’m happy right now,” Shen Xingchen scratched his head, “I heard that this temporary group will disband in a few months. I told them from the start I wasn’t keen on forming a group. Yet, they insisted, citing signed contracts and refusing to let me leave. The main reason I persisted was for the fans. Now, I have no particular feelings about it. We can't possibly invite someone new to the group, right? Actually, my younger brother, Shen Xingsui, is quite talented. But I doubt it's a good idea for him to join now, especially given his situation with Mr. Fu…”

He halted mid-sentence, causing everyone to perk up their ears in anticipation.

Shen Xingchen cleared his throat, “Oh, I apologize for going off track. Please edit that part out.”

The crowd: ??!!

Can't you give us more details?!

Tell us more about what you sidetracked from! That's what interests us!