Chapter 64 Counterattack 01
Su Yu regretted not having studied sprinting seriously back in school. He was determined to fetch Lin Shuicheng before Xia Ran could reach the apartment.
Unfortunately, his sports performance had always hovered near the passing grade. Back then, when Fu Luoyin led others to lock their PE teacher in the gym locker room, Su Yu could only act as a lookout.
As Su Yu found himself lagging behind, he chased after Fu Luoyin downstairs. Just a few steps down, he bumped into Yan Zi, who was engaged in conversation with the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Behind Yan Zi were Bai Yiyi and Xia Ran.
Su Yu cried out, "Excuse me, excuse me!"
Before he could squeeze past, Yan Zi grabbed him by the arm. "Where are you rushing off to? Come over here and meet this person. This is Mr. Lu, the Executive President of Runsheng Pharmaceuticals, whom I've mentioned to you before. Mr. Lu, this is my wayward son."
"Su Yu, I know him!" Lu Shengwen smiled warmly at him, taking a moment to appraise him. "You look quite lively, young man!"
With Su Yu detained, Fu Luoyin continued downward.
Bai Yiyi and Xia Ran followed closely behind. Bai Yiyi called out, "Auntie."
Yan Zi turned around. Bai Yiyi gestured for Xia Ran to present the gift while flashing a polite smile.
Spotting the incoming guests, Yan Zi apologized to Lu Shengwen with a smile. "Could you wait just a little, Mr. Lu? Let Su Yu show you to a seat first. You can have some tea and snacks; I'll be with you shortly."
"No problem at all." Lu Shengwen turned to Su Yu and began showing his concern. "How old are you? Are you dating anyone? I have a niece..." Lu Shengwen started scanning the crowd. "My niece is here too!"
Su Yu braced himself, answering as he walked back. "I don't have a partner right now, but..."
"That's great! You should meet her then!" Lu Shengwen warmly waved in the distance. A short-haired girl in an evening gown approached, looking obedient and demure. "Come, come, let's find a place to sit."
Lu Shengwen's original seat was inside, while Su Yu had been sitting with Fu Luoyin and Dong Shuoye by the outer edge. As Su Yu reluctantly entertained Lu Shengwen's enthusiasm, Dong Shuoye suddenly stood up, looking at the girl beside him and saying politely with a smile, "Miss Lu? I didn't expect to run into you here. What a coincidence that this spot is empty. Why don't we all sit here? Su Yu, you should be more considerate since she's wearing high heels."
Su Yu was stunned. "Huh?"
The girl was also confused. "I don't know you... And my surname isn't Lu either..."
Lu Shengwen was puzzled but added, "Xixi is my niece, but she doesn't share the same surname. Still, she's like a real niece to me!"
Dong Shuoye remained calm. "Oh, perhaps I made a mistake. It's alright, though. Let's just sit here; it's more convenient."
Su Yu was dumbfounded. Who would believe that Dong Shuoye, with his photographic memory, could make a mistake?
In all his life, he had never seen Dong Shuoye get anything wrong!
He glared at Dong Shuoye, but Dong Shuoye completely ignored him, instead engaging Lu Shengwen in a casual conversation.
In another stairwell, Bai Yiyi was chatting with Yan Zi with a smile on her face. Xia Ran, not being very familiar with the Su family, followed cautiously, listening attentively.
Fu Luoyin was descending from the opposite side.
Xia Ran lifted his gaze to meet his.
They hadn't seen each other for many years. Even with photographs, the changes that could be perceived with the naked eye were something that pictures couldn't fully convey.
Fu Luoyin looks exceptionally handsome in his formal attire, exuding an air of straight-backed composure. He is no longer the reticent youth etched in memory, but a veritable man. The lines of his suit elegantly contour his chiseled, robust musculature and his tall, statuesque frame. His features increasingly resemble those of his father—starkly masculine and brimming with rugged charm, imbued with an uncommon sharpness and handsomeness.
There's also a subtle hint of mint fragrance.
He drew closer and closer, causing Xia Ran to gradually come to a halt.
As Fu Luoyin brushed past him, Xia Ran felt his heart skip a beat. Before he could react, he gently tugged on Fu's sleeve and called out his name.
"...Fu Luoyin."
Fu Luoyin turned his head slightly to glance at him, his expression slightly startled. However, he quickly looked out and broke free from his hand without saying anything, rushing outside directly.
Xia Ran was also taken aback. Then, he gritted his teeth and gave a self-deprecating smile.
He continued accompanying Bai Yiyi and Yan Zi up the stairs.
On the other side, Su Yu found an excuse to leave and went down, claiming he would help Yan Zi carry her belongings.
He followed in the direction Fu Luoyin had gone.
When Lin Shuicheng entered slowly, most others were already seated. The registration and gift tables had been removed, leaving only the magnificent cake tower and champagne fountain. The remaining attendants were serving the buffet.
Fu Xue was almost in front of Lin Shuicheng. Her enthusiasm finally caught his attention, causing him to stop.
With a smile, Fu Xue said, "Hello, Mr. Lin. I'm from Yangfeng Nanotechnology. There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Without stopping, Lin Shuicheng politely replied, "I'm sorry, but I've just arrived and need to meet the birthday celebrant. Also, I'm not currently taking on new projects. Thank you."
Fu Xue hadn't expected such a straightforward response, nor that he was about to bypass her and head towards the back.
In that instant, she found it utterly unbelievable – Lin Shuicheng didn't recognize her, and he showed no reaction to Yangfeng Nanotech at all?
She had, after all, met him at least once during that academic seminar. Yet, Lin Shuicheng was displaying such indifference!
Heaven only knew how much damage Lin Shuicheng's presentation had caused their company. Professor Yu Fan was someone she had recommended, but the scandal involving fake data in the report not only indirectly implicated their company, even though there wasn't a direct connection. From He Muya's perspective, it was undeniable that Yangfeng Nanotech had provided Yu Fan with equipment for free. As a result, their company suffered numerous hidden setbacks during the subsequent academic purification campaign. Just thinking about it made Fu Xue grit her teeth in anger.
Footsteps grew louder from behind them.
Just as Lin Shuicheng lifted his gaze from his phone, he nearly collided with Fu Luoyin, who was walking hastily and unable to stop in time. Lin Shuicheng, not paying attention to who was in front of him, stumbled as well.
"Sorry," Lin Shuicheng apologized instinctively. When he didn't hear a response, he realized it was Fu Luoyin standing before him.
Taking two steps back, Fu Luoyin quietly observed him, an unconscious smile appearing in his eyes. His chest still rose and fell gently due to his recent rush down the stairs.
He looked at Lin Shuicheng.
He had never seen Lin Shuicheng in a suit before – only in casual clothes or a lab coat. Even then, Lin Shuicheng looked handsome and slightly attractive, with an air of abstention.
Fu Luoyin thought to himself, I wonder how many more people will fall for this look.
Fu Luoyin whispered, "You're here. Let me take you up. Did you drive?"
Lin Shuicheng didn't respond. Fu Luoyin made a move as if to hold his hand but restrained himself.
He said, "I forgot you don't drive. The autonomous driving system is such a hassle. Why not stay here, and I'll pick you up whenever we need to go out?"
"No need," Lin Shuicheng replied.
Fu Luoyin seemed not to have heard him, turning around to signal Lin Shuicheng to follow him upstairs. They walked in silence.
Fu Xue hesitated for a long time whether to join them or not, but eventually caught up, calling tentatively, "Minus Two."
Completely unprepared for her presence, Fu Luoyin turned his head, furrowing his brow as a hint of impatience shadowed his eyes. "—What did you just call me?"
Fu Xue immediately fell silent, her face flushed with embarrassment as she followed them awkwardly.
The nickname "Minus Two" was something she had only heard from Xia Ran. Although her relationship with the main Fu family was distant, it had become customary within their social circle to address each other informally like this.
She had no idea how much Fu Luoyin despised being called by that name by anyone outside his inner circle.
Despite their age difference and distant familial relationship, Fu Luoyin should have addressed her as elder sister. However, she had a slight fear towards Fu Luoyin and the entire Fu family.
The Fu Military Technology Company had always been a family business, but restricted to the direct line of the Fu family. Fu Luoyin's grandfather, Fu Qingsong, was a scientist who kept to himself, never quite fitting in with his siblings, and thus was somewhat ostracized at home. He had struck out on his own, even removing his name from the family registry.
Over time, although they shared the same surname, the other branches of the Fu family grew increasingly distant, each generation less connected than the last. Fu Qingsong and Fu Kai's family never placed much importance on their familial ties.
Lowering his voice, Fu Luoyin asked Lin Shuicheng, "What did she want to talk to you about?"
Lin Shuicheng glanced at Fu Luoyin. "Work."
"Fengfeng Nanotechnology's technology is outdated, and it's not related to your majors. What could she possibly need from you?" Fu Luoyin continued. "If you're interested, I can introd...?"
Lin Shuicheng interrupted him. "Not interested, thanks."
This was the first time Fu Luoyin had been so bluntly dismissed. He held back his frustration and fell silent.
He found that he disliked how politely Lin Shuicheng spoke to him, which stirred an inexplicable irritation within him, as if something beyond his control was about to unfold, like sand slipping through his fingers.
Deciding to change the subject, Fu Luoyin asked, "Do you still like the flowers I sent you?"
Lin Shuicheng looked at him once more. "…Don't send me off next time."
Fu Luoyin was left speechless again.
Just then, Su Yu came downstairs and saw Fu Luoyin and Lin Shuicheng standing together. He heaved a huge sigh of relief. He went over to greet Lin Shuicheng, "Sister-in-law, you're here! Was the journey smooth?"
"Other than a slight delay, it went well," Lin Shuicheng nodded at Su Yu and asked, "Is Doctor Yan available to accept gifts now?"
"Come on, come on. Mom's upstairs," Su Yu grinned as he linked his arm with Lin Shuicheng's, which the latter accepted quite naturally.
Fu Luoyin's eyes slightly widened in muted indignation beside him, yet he dared not utter a word, merely following along in silence.
Yan Zi was still engaged in conversation with Bai Yiyi and Xia Ran at the stairway entrance.
Lin Shuicheng approached and called out, "Doctor Yan."
Yan Zi expressed a touch of delight, "Oh my, Little Lin, you've come too! Quickly, go up and sit! Let's all head upstairs, or we'll block the stairway and others might think it odd. Hurry now, children, up we go."
Lin Shuicheng gazed at Yan Zi, while Xia Ran and Bai Yiyi fixed their eyes on Fu Luoyin. Su Yu, on the other hand, was looking at his mother.
With so many pairs of eyes gathered together, the atmosphere was strangely awkward.
Lin Shuicheng was oblivious to this.
Bai Yiyi held onto Xia Ran, slowing their pace, falling a few steps behind the others, walking alongside Fu Luoyin.
Su Yu noticed this situation and began to regret insisting on holding onto Lin Shuicheng. To make amends, he also slowed down with Lin Shuicheng, resulting in nearly five people walking abreast on a single step.
The air was still quiet, so quiet that they could hear each other's breathing.
Fu Luoyin broke the silence first: "Shuicheng, come here."
His tone was commanding, but there was a hint of urgency in his voice, and a subtle tremble that was almost imperceptible.
He quickened his pace, stepping out from the crowded stairway, then turned back to extend his hand to Lin Shuicheng. Su Yu immediately let go of Lin Shuicheng upon seeing this.
Lin Shuicheng, with his hands in his pockets, tilted his head and looked at Fu Luoyin.
In that fleeting moment, Fu Luoyin felt his heart almost stop—nearly losing himself in the gaze.
When he regained his composure, Lin Shuicheng had already taken a seat next to Su Yu at the table.
Bai Yiyi and Xia Ran also found their places – at the same table.
Lin Shuicheng sat beside Su Yu, with Fu Luoyin squeezing in beside him on the right. Across from them was Xia Ran, while on the other side, Dong Shuoye was engaged in conversation with Lu Shengwen, strolling around as they spoke, clearly oblivious to the situation at hand. Next to them, Su Yu's mother was eagerly unwrapping presents.
Bai Yiyi gracefully sat down, lowering her head slightly to greet Fu Luoyin with a "Hi."
She held onto Xia Ran's hand beneath the table, urging him to keep his composure and not panic.
Their opening move had been a failure, as Fu Luoyin had bypassed them to greet Lin Shuicheng, something that had caught everyone off guard.
Only now, seated, did Bai Yiyi truly see what Lin Shuicheng looked like – the person who had silently killed her more than twenty times in the game, causing her gaming prowess to crumble right before her eyes.
Lin Shuicheng was strikingly handsome. Up close, his features could be breathtaking, with every angle of his face perfect. The red mole added a touch of allure to his appearance, giving him a nearly effeminate quality, but his demeanor was so cold and indifferent that he seemed untouchable.
Even someone like her, who had initially harbored animosity towards him, couldn't help being mesmerized by his presence.
As Fu Luoyin was about to approach Lin Shuicheng, Bai Yiyi interrupted him. Raising an eyebrow, she looked at her with folded arms, saying nothing but conveying a chilliness in his eyes: "Who are you?"
"Bai Yiyi." Noticing his displeasure, Bai Yiyi felt even more awkward.
Xia Ran added, "She's my friend."
Upon hearing this, Fu Luoyin scoffed involuntarily.
Xia Ran's face paled, and Bai Yiyi perceived the disdain in that scoff, her own complexion fluctuating between red and white.
The atmosphere grew even more awkward.
Yan Zi finally seemed to catch on. She lifted her gaze to Fu Luoyin, observing him sitting beside Lin Shuicheng with a thoughtful expression.
She suddenly recalled, "Oh, Little Fu, you went to see Lin Deng with Little Lin before, right? I remember you said you were friends. So you two know each other?"
Almost losing control of his expression, Fu Luoyin remembered—this had been a long time ago when he took Lin Shuicheng to the hospital to visit Lin Deng.
Yan Zi was previously aware of his relationship with Xia Ran. He had told her in front of her that Lin Shuicheng was just a friend.
Fu Luoyin corrected himself, "Boyfriend."
Lin Shuicheng contradicted, "No."
The smile in Fu Luoyin's eyes froze once more.
Su Yu remained silent, "..."
Su Yu began to feel a tingling sensation on his scalp.
Author's Note:
From a comment section - No Choice But to Be Cowardly: In the night, Shuicheng returned home. Despite not seeing him for many days, Fu Luoyin's body was still mature and alluring. With a hint of amusement and helplessness in his eyes, he gazed at the brown irises and sighed, "Fu Luoyin, how can there be a chubby little kitten like you in this world?"