Country Y, a certain estate.
Allen looked at the young man sitting on the sofa playing gas on his phone and spoke gently, "An’an."
But as soon as this na ca out, the man on the sofa lifted his head, "Uncle Allen, how many tis have I said not to call An’an?" There was a hint of grievance in his tone, and his beautiful, large eyes were filled with helplessness.
Allen chuckled, "I’m used to it, Chenxuan, when are you going back to the country this ti?"
Fu Chenxuan put down his phone and looked at him with a smile, "Uncle Allen, do you want to bring sothing for my mom?"
"It’s for your younger brother and sister," Allen corrected.
Fu Chenxuan shrugged, "Sa thing, you’ve never missed out on spoiling my mom, anyway. Speaking of which, Uncle Allen, it’s been so many years and I’ve grown up so much, aren’t you going to find a godmother?"
Back then, Allen wanted Tangtang to be his goddaughter, but Fu Hengyi firmly disagreed. In the end, it was Anan who acknowledged him as his godfather. However, Anan was used to calling him "Uncle Allen," and Allen never made a point to correct it, so it had always stayed that way over the years.
Allen glared at him, his face cold, "If you keep running your mouth like that, I’ll throw you out of the house, and you can prepare to sleep on the streets tonight."
Fu Chenxuan chuckled, completely unconcerned by his threat. Uncle Allen might be tough talking, but he was soft at heart, "You wouldn’t bear to do that. If I caught a cold sleeping on the street, the one who would be heartbroken is you."
Allen realized it was useless to argue about this topic with him. This kid had a thick skin and was good at talking; he couldn’t win against him.
"Didn’t you say you wanted to go back to start your own business? Now that you’ve got your diploma, you should go back sooner."
"Tsksksk, Uncle Allen, I’ve noticed, every ti my mom is ntioned, you change the topic. It’s been so many years; you should let go by now."
As a child, he didn’t understand, but as he grew up, Fu Chenxuan gradually realized that Uncle Allen liked his mother, and he had liked her for many, many years, to a point where he still couldn’t let go. He even showed affection for their mother through them, treating all three siblings exceptionally well.
Sotis, seeing that Allen remained single all his life, Fu Chenxuan felt quite sorry for him. If it were any other woman, he would definitely help Allen win her over, but since it was his own mother, he was powerless.
The smile on Allen’s face faded, "These aren’t things a child like you should concern yourself with. Hurry up and go back to your family."
Fu Chenxuan shook his head, "Uncle Allen, no offense, but there are thousands and millions of won in this world. Although I also think my mother is great, there must be won better than my mother. Why don’t you try to move on instead of insisting on hanging from my mother’s crooked-neck tree?"
"Fu Chenxuan." Allen’s face darkened.
Fu Chenxuan raised his hands, "Alright, alright, I was wrong. My mom is the most beautiful and the best in the world, the most beautiful tree in the forest, not so crooked-neck tree." As he spoke, he rolled his eyes. Uncle Allen was hopeless; he couldn’t even call his mother a crooked-neck tree, sigh.
Allen’s expression softened, "When you go back, rember to take the stuff I’ve sorted out for you, it’s all for your younger siblings."
Fu Chenxuan waved his hand, "Got it, but I’ll stay here for a few more days and go back next week."
Allen glanced sideways, "Got so unfinished business?"
"No, just wanted to spend so ti with you. I won’t be coming back for a while once I go back to my country. What if you start missing ?" His tone was carefree, but it ward Allen’s heart.
"Are you two going to eat or not?" Peter called out from the dining room.
Fu Chenxuan stood up, "Coming." He said, moving to push Allen’s wheelchair. Quietly, he whispered to Allen as they went, "Uncle Allen, Uncle Peter has been unmarried and staying by your side for so many years, has he fallen in love with you?"
"Slap." A palm struck Fu Chenxuan’s hand without rcy, and he lodramatically yelled, "Uncle Allen, you’re committing murder."
Allen glanced at him, and Fu Chenxuan imdiately shut his mouth. Allen shook his head helplessly, as the young man often spoke nonsense.
When Fu Chenxuan had been a sophomore in China, he suddenly clamored to study abroad in Country Y. Though Fu Hengyi and Shen Qinglan were unclear about the reason, they had agreed. Over the years, Fu Chenxuan had stayed in school during the week and spent weekends and holidays at Allen’s place.
Cheerful and extroverted, Fu Chenxuan was very talkative. The Fu family didn’t have a rule about staying quiet during als, so the sound of his incessant chatter filled the air. Allen preferred tranquility, but not only did he tolerate the younger man without impatience, he even occasionally served him food and listened intently to every word he said.
They were eating Chinese food, a cuisine Allen had made sure to provide by hiring a special chef after Fu Chenxuan ca to Country Y to study, simply because he didn’t like Western food.
"Uncle Allen, let’s go to the movies after lunch," Fu Chenxuan suggested.
Allen was indifferent, "You go with your classmates; I’ll skip it." He was not interested in such activities.
"Uncle Allen, I won’t be here for much longer. Are you really not going to join ?"
Allen looked at him and finally nodded in response to his hopeful gaze, while Peter, standing beside them, shook his head.
Peter had to go to the lab in the afternoon, so naturally, he wouldn’t be accompanying them.
The movie they went to see was a romance, and indeed, it was quite strange for two grown n to watch this genre. Allen stepped into the theater, and upon realizing what they were going to watch, imdiately wanted to leave, but had been coaxed by Fu Chenxuan to stay.
After the movie, Allen looked sowhat displeased. Fu Chenxuan drove while keeping an eye on his face. As they were about to reach ho, Fu Chenxuan suddenly stopped the car, saying he wanted to walk with Allen in the nearby park.
"Uncle Allen, I’ve actually wanted to say this to you for a long ti. Let go of my mom. She has always hoped you could find your own happiness, not spend a lifeti clinging to the past," he said seriously and solemnly.
He still did not understand the grievances between his mother and Allen. Whenever it was ntioned, everyone’s faces were inscrutable. He had thought about investigating it himself, but ultimately dismissed the idea.
"Is that the real reason you insisted on going to the movies today?" Allen asked him, his tone detached.
Fu Chenxuan knelt in front of Allen, looking into his eyes. His Uncle Allen had aged, with wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and white hair on his head. He was about his father’s age, but Uncle Allen looked much older.
"Uncle Allen, you know what I an, I don’t want you to end up alone for the rest of your life. You are a respected elder to , and I want to see you happy."
Since eting Allen at the age of four, the man had been exceptionally good to him. As a child, he didn’t understand, but as he grew up, his heart ached for him.
"Chenxuan, I’m very well as I am, I’m not unhappy," Allen said, content with his life as it was.
"Uncle Allen, I’m leaving next week, and once I’m gone, who will take care of you? I’m really worried about you." Although he’d often said such things, he had never spoken with such earnestness and seriousness, stirring sothing in Allen’s heart.
"There are servants at ho, and your Uncle Peter. They will look after . Don’t worry. When you see your mother, don’t talk to her about ," although perhaps Shen Qinglan wasn’t all that concerned.
Fu Chenxuan sighed deeply; he knew it would be like this, "Uncle Allen, is there really not another woman in the world who could captivate you?"
Allen chuckled lightly, "There may be more perfect people in this world than your mother, but none of them are her. Enough of this, let’s go ho."
"Uncle Allen."
"Chenxuan, if you truly care about , then stop talking about this. Let’s leave the matter be, let’s go ho." His tone carried a hint of command.
Fu Chenxuan stared straight into Allen’s eyes and, in the end, said nothing, standing up and pushing him back to the house.
A week later, at the airport, Fu Chenxuan admonished the departing Allen, "Uncle Allen, after I leave, you must eat on ti and take your dication on ti. Don’t be willful." Allen’s health wasn’t good, and he needed to take dication year-round, especially on rainy days.
"Go on then," Allen said coolly, showing no sign of reluctance.
Fu Chenxuan clicked his tongue, "I’m saying, Uncle Allen, don’t you want to keep here a little longer? If you can’t bear to see go, I could stay a bit more."
Allen cast an unimpressed glance at him, "You’re about to check in, just go."
"Ah, Uncle Allen, I’ve realized you don’t like as much as you did when I was little. Back then, you’d tell you missed . Now, you’re actually rushing off," Fu Chenxuan pretended to be heartbroken.
Allen couldn’t help it and slapped him on the head, "Hurry up and go."
Fu Chenxuan let out an ’ow’ but then hugged Allen, "Uncle Allen, I’m really leaving. You have to take good care of yourself. If you miss , just call or co to Beijing to see ."
Allen’s hand hovered in mid-air but finally landed on his back, patting gently, "If you ever need more funds, just call ." Fu Chenxuan was starting his own business and funding was a big issue. Allen had previously intended to invest a sum of money in it, but Fu Chenxuan had refused.
"Thanks, Uncle Allen, but for now, I don’t need it. My piggy bank is quite full. Of course, if I really can’t keep going, I definitely won’t be shy about asking you," Fu Chenxuan said with a beaming smile.
He stood up and hugged Peter, "Uncle Peter, I’ll miss you too."
Peter grunted, "Even though you’ve ruined quite a few of my experintal samples, I’ll let it slide since you’re leaving. Co back to visit when you have ti."
Fu Chenxuan nodded, took one more glance at the two n, and left without looking back.
Allen watched him until he disappeared into the security checkpoint, not once turning away until he was completely out of sight. Then he retracted his gaze, the gentle expression on his face replaced by indifference, "Let’s go."
Peter pouted, clearly feeling the departure as well, yet unwilling to admit it, "Next ti we can visit him in Beijing."
Allen didn’t respond. He had only been to Beijing once over the years, on Fu Chenxuan’s eighteenth birthday, and even for Tangtang and Chenchen’s coming of age, he had only sent gifts.
**
At Beijing Airport, Fu Chenxuan who hadn’t returned for more than half a year, looked at the city before him, which was identical to when he left. He breathed a long sigh of relief and curled the corners of his lips.
Beijing, I’m back.
"Young Master Chenxuan, this way." As soon as he walked out of the airport, he spotted his family driver’s car and quickened his pace. Sure enough, he saw his mother sitting in the back seat.
Shen Qinglan was already in her forties but looked just over thirty. Ti seed to have treated her exceptionally well, adding more charm to her appearance rather than signs of aging.
"My dearest mother, did you miss your dear son?" The mont Fu Chenxuan got into the car, he leaned into Shen Qinglan, going limp as if boneless.
Shen Qinglan could only see the top of her son’s dark head, "Sit up, show so manners."
Fu Chenxuan pouted but didn’t move, "Mom, we haven’t seen each other for more than half a year. How co you’re not showing any enthusiasm upon seeing ? You could at least give a kiss."
Shen Qinglan, annoyed, slapped his head, "You’re twenty-five years old, why do you still talk like this? Be more careful with your words when we get ho. Daddy will be watching, and I won’t stand up for you."
Rembering his father Fu Hengyi, Fu Chenxuan felt quite resentful, "Then I better take the opportunity now to bond with you, my dad is just a vinegar pot, nearly sixty and still only knowing how to be jealous." Especially when he saw him close with his mom, his dad would give him a cold shoulder.
"Where are those two little ones at ho? It’s strange they didn’t co to pick up when I returned today," Fu Chenxuan said, not having seen his younger brother, Fu Shuchen, and younger sister, Fu Shuyi.
"They had school activities today and couldn’t co. But your dad is at ho waiting for you," Shen Qinglan said.
Fu Chenxuan’s face stiffened, "My dad is at ho today?"
"Mhm."
Fu Chenxuan sighed inwardly, thinking to himself, really, he specifically chose a Tuesday to return ho just to avoid his dad, but unexpectedly, his dad was at ho. Could it be that he was waiting just for him?
His eyes darted around as Fu Chenxuan tentatively said, "Mom, is my dad on leave today or..."
Shen Qinglan saw right through his little sche and said, "He returned for a eting and will leave early tomorrow morning." He was supposed to return to the military by this afternoon, but knowing that his son was coming ho today, Fu Hengyi had purposely waited at ho for half the day.
"Did you pack everything up in Country Y?" Shen Qinglan asked, concerned for her son.
Fu Chenxuan looked out the window, "Yep, everything’s already been packed and sent back here, the rest I’ve left at Uncle Allen’s place."
"How is his health?" Shen Qinglan rarely asked.
Fu Chenxuan turned his head in surprise, "Mom, if Uncle Allen heard you say this, he would definitely be touched."
Shen Qinglan glanced at him indifferently, and Fu Chenxuan swallowed the rest of his words. If he continued to speak, he reckoned their family’s matron would get angry.
He answered earnestly, "Uncle Allen’s health is just so-so. On rainy and damp days, he aches all over. Actually, he’s not suited to live there, so, Mom, why don’t you give Uncle Allen a call and invite him to move to Beijing?"
Shen Qinglan looked at him steadily, and with just one look, Fu Chenxuan imdiately surrendered, "Okay, okay, forget I said anything." This was sothing he only dared to suggest in front of his mom; in front of his dad, he wouldn’t dare to ntion a word. If his dad found out he was coaxing his mom to bring his love rival to Beijing, the re thought of the consequences made Fu Chenxuan shiver.
"Mom, please don’t tell my dad that I was the one who said this, or I would definitely be in big trouble."
"If you know you shouldn’t ntion it, then don’t bring it up again in the future," Shen Qinglan said curtly.
Fu Chenxuan shrugged and stepped closer to Shen Qinglan, "Mom, just tell , what’s the story between you and Uncle Allen?" He was certain his mother and Uncle Allen were never boyfriend and girlfriend. So what exactly had happened that made their elders so secretive when it ca to Uncle Allen?
As expected, Shen Qinglan just glanced at her son and said nothing.
Fu Chenxuan had gotten used to it by now, so seeing that she did not speak, he did not ask again.
Their family still lived in the old Fu family estate. Old Sir Fu had passed away eight years ago; at the ti of his death, he was at peace and could be said to have died a natural death. The following year, Old Sir Shen also passed away, coincidentally on the anniversary of Granny Shen’s passing.
After the two Old Sirs passed away, Shen Qinglan originally wanted to move out, but they had lived in that house for so many years and had grown accustod to it. Plus, Fu Hengyi had received a promotion and, as a national leader, it was not safe to live outside, so in the end, the idea was abandoned.
The car stopped in front of the Fu family’s door. Fu Chenxuan got out and carried his luggage inside by himself. His mom had already personally co to pick him up at the airport. If his dad saw that he had let his mom carry his luggage, there was no telling how he might be reprimanded.
Fu Hengyi was upstairs in his study working when Fu Chenxuan entered and was imdiately embraced by soone, "Anan, you’re finally back."
Fu Chenxuan’s face darkened imdiately. He knocked on the person’s head and pushed the person away from his embrace, "Fu Shuyi, are you looking for trouble?!"
Fu Shuyi clutched her head and groaned, "Heartless guy, I even canceled my school club activities for you, and you can’t even give a hug, let alone hit ." She looked at Shen Qinglan who had just co in and complained pitifully, "Mom, look, Anan hit ."
Fu Chenxuan glared, he hated it when people called him by his childhood nickna Anan. Since he turned ten, he had insisted that everyone in the family use his full na, and they complied—except for this sister who always acted too familiar. If it were his brother doing this, he could give him a thrashing, but his sister was untouchable, so he could only stare helplessly.
Shen Qinglan looked at her daughter with amusent, "Shuyi, don’t be disrespectful."
Seeing her brother’s face growing ever darker and their mother now speaking up, Fu Shuyi stopped holding her forehead and linked her arm with Fu Chenxuan’s, "Brother, I’ve missed you, welco ho."
Fu Chenxuan’s expression finally improved, reasoning that the little girl still had so conscience. He handed his luggage over to her, "Inside are gifts from Uncle Allen for you and Shuchen. You can share them."
Fu Shuyi’s eyes lit up as she took the suitcase, "Uncle Allen is the best, he always rembers to bring presents."
"Where’s Shuchen?" Not having seen his brother, Fu Chenxuan inquired.
"Oh, he’s gone to pick up Sister Guoguo. Sister Guoguo knew that you were coming back today, so she went to buy your favorite fried buns, but she got lost again and called Shuchen to pick her up."
Whenever Fu Chenxuan thought of Guoguo, he frowned, "She got lost again?"
"Yeah, I’ve lost count of how many tis she’s been lost now; she’s hopeless," Fu Shuyi shook her head and sighed, thinking that Guoguo’s sense of direction was the worst she had ever seen.
Thinking about it, Beijing was also the city where Guoguo grew up, and they had all strolled around so many tis. Yet, she still managed to get lost. No wonder Uncle Han Yi was worried about her wandering off alone.
"Dad?" Fu Chenxuan, no longer concerned now that soone had gone to pick up Guoguo, asked about the supposed presence of his father at ho.
Fu Shuyi pointed upstairs to the study, "He’s up there. Oh, and Dad said that when you get back, you should go to the study to see him."
Fu Chenxuan’s face fell as he looked to Shen Qinglan, seeking rescue from his royal mother, but she only smiled at him, "Go on then."
With slumped shoulders, Fu Chenxuan gave a helpless glance upstairs, dragging his feet as if they were weighted with lead step by step towards the upper floor, making Fu Shuyi cover her mouth as she laughed. All the boys in their family were afraid of their dad.
Reaching the second floor, Fu Chenxuan knocked on the door, and a "Co in" filled with indifference replied. He pouted—his dad was still the sa.
Pushing the door open, he saw Fu Hengyi sitting at the desk with a docunt in hand, not even bothering to look up when he heard footsteps.
Fu Chenxuan stopped a ter away from the desk, "Dad, I’m back."
Fu Hengyi gave a grunt of acknowledgnt but still didn’t look up, not until he had finished reading a page. Only then did he glance at his son, "Have you finished your studies abroad?"
Fu Chenxuan nodded earnestly, "Yes, I have finished." He had earned a doctoral degree in business managent this ti.
"Now that you’ve finished, do you have any plans for the future?"
"I’m planning to start a business with so friends. We had so ventures in Country Y, but the economic prospects are better here, so I plan to develop in this country." Fu Chenxuan grew serious talking about his plans.
Fu Hengyi gave a nod, "If you have made up your mind, then go ahead and do it."
Fu Chenxuan was sowhat surprised; he had thought his dad asked him to co upstairs alone because he wanted him to join the military. But as his dad didn’t bring it up, he certainly wasn’t going to rush headfirst into that discussion.
"Go see your grandparents later, your Granny Shen has ntioned you many tis," Fu Hengyi advised without further comnt, rely giving that instruction.
Fu Chenxuan nodded, "Alright." That had been his plan all along.
But seeing that his dad really had nothing more to say, Fu Chenxuan felt an itch in his heart, and just before leaving the study, he couldn’t help but ask a question, "Daddy, why don’t you ask why I didn’t join the military?"
Fu Hengyi looked at him steadily, his eyes devoid of any warmth, "Would you tell ?"
Fu Chenxuan pursed his lips, then shook his head, "Sorry, Daddy." He shouldn’t have brought up the topic.
"You can choose what you want to do, and whatever path you want to take in the future is up to you. Your mom and I won’t interfere, even if you take a wrong turn, you have to walk it yourself. You are a man, not a child waiting to be fed. Your mom and I won’t set up the sky for you; whether you’re an eagle or a chick, you have to prove it yourself."
Fu Chenxuan pursed his lips, "I understand, Daddy, and, thank you." He was grateful that his father didn’t question why he had dropped out of the military academy, despite being admitted, to study abroad resolutely.
"Go on out, it’s fine," Fu Hengyi said indifferently.
"Alright." Fu Chenxuan turned and left, not noticing the deep gaze Fu Hengyi cast upon him.
As Fu Chenxuan descended the stairs, Guoguo had already arrived. Upon seeing Fu Chenxuan, she imdiately ran up to him, "Brother An’an, you’re finally back, I missed you so much."
Fu Chenxuan frowned again. Just how many tis did he have to emphasize before they would forget the na An’an? Resentnt towards his father, who had given him this childhood nickna, stirred up in his heart once more.
Dad, just how much did you hate to give such a girl’s na?
"Han Nanyan, do you believe I’d hit you?" Fu Chenxuan said darkly.
Guoguo hugged him and wouldn’t let go, "Go ahead and hit , just as long as you’re not afraid of getting scolded by Uncle."
Fu Chenxuan pushed her away with a look of disdain, "How old are you? Still hugging and embracing upon eting, don’t you understand that n and won shouldn’t touch?"
Guoguo pouted and turned her head towards Shen Qinglan, "Auntie, look, Brother An’an is disgusted by ."
Shen Qinglan stayed out of their bickering, simply smiling, "You kids play. I’m going to the studio; An’an, call when it’s ti to eat."
"Mom!" Fu Chenxuan called out with a long face, clearly unhappy.
Shen Qinglan offered an apologetic smile. She had been distracted by Guoguo and Tangtang and had forgotten for a mont. Waving her hand, Shen Qinglan left without a trace, leaving Fu Chenxuan watching his mother in resignation as she gracefully entered the studio.
"Han Guoguo, if you dare to call An’an again, see how I’ll deal with you," Fu Chenxuan glared at Guoguo, saying irritably.
Guoguo stuck out her tongue, clearly not intimidated, and took out the pan-fried buns she had bought for him, "I waited in line for a long ti to buy these for you, eat up."
Fu Chenxuan took the buns, ruffled her hair, "Guess you do have a bit of a conscience." Saying this, he sat down and started eating with disposable chopsticks. The buns had cooled down and didn’t taste great after so long, but it was the thought that counted, and he couldn’t let it go to waste.
In the evening, it was natural for Guoguo to dine with the Fu Family. After dinner, Fu Chenxuan was responsible for taking her ho.
"Brother Chenxuan, you’re not leaving again this ti, are you?" Guoguo fiddled with her phone, asking casually.
Fu Chenxuan humd in response, "This ti I’ve co back to start a business with friends. Of course, I won’t be leaving again. What about you? Do you enjoy working at your dad’s company?"
Guoguo laughed, "Everyone knows I am the young mistress of Han Group. Everyone indulges , dotes on ; there’s nothing to get used to."
Fu Chenxuan glanced sideways at her, "From what you’re saying, it seems like you’re not happy working at the company?"
"How can I not be happy? I’m thrilled to bits. Even if I don’t go to the office, I can still get paid. I work whenever I want, and rest at ho if I don’t feel like going. It’s so freeing. Plus, my salary is high; who knows how many people are envious of my job."
Just then they hit a red light, and Fu Chenxuan stopped, playfully tousling her hair into a ss, which earned him a disgruntled look from Guoguo, "Little missy has learned to be sarcastic now, huh? If you’re not happy, just admit you’re not happy."
"Who are you calling little missy? I’m only a year younger than you, okay?"
"Being a year younger still makes you a little missy. If you’re really unhappy at your dad’s company, you can co work for mine. Although I can’t offer you as high a salary, and the working hours might not be as flexible as your dad’s, I think no one at my company would treat you as the missy of Han Group."
Guoguo’s eyes lit up, "Really? Can I?"
"Of course, as long as you’re willing. As for your dad, I can talk to him about it."
Guoguo nodded vigorously, "I’m willing. Even if you don’t pay a salary, it’s fine."
"There wouldn’t be any issues with your current job at the company, right?"
"No issues at all. I’m just a nominal vice-president. If I want to quit, I can leave at any ti. Besides, if my dad knows I’m following you, he would definitely feel reassured."
Fu Chenxuan chuckled. It was precisely because it was him that Uncle Han wouldn’t feel reassured. Han Yi considered his daughter his most precious treasure, sheltering and doting on her. From her childhood, he guarded against any male getting close to his daughter, fearing that so bad guy might whisk her away. He guarded especially against him, who had been close to Guoguo since childhood.
"Brother Chenxuan, where is your company located? Take to see it tomorrow; I can start work anyti." The thought of ending her current boring life made Guoguo excited.
"I haven’t decided on the location yet. Before returning ho, I contacted so real estate agents and found a few office spaces. I plan to go check them out tomorrow and settle on one."
Guoguo sounded a bit disappointed, "You haven’t decided yet? I thought everything was prepared, just waiting for the staff to be in place."
"That’s why my team is still in Y country. Once I’ve got everything here ready, they’ll co over. Why, having second thoughts?"
Guoguo scoffed, "Am I that kind of person? I’ll co with you tomorrow. I’ve got nothing else to do anyway. You’ve hardly been in the country these past few years and definitely don’t know the changes in Beijing. With guiding you, I guarantee you won’t make a wrong turn."
Upon hearing her confident statent, Fu Chenxuan looked at her with a teasing smile, "Oh? Are you sure?"
Guoguo blushed, perhaps recalling her notorious directionless trait, and murmured, "Even if I get lost, there’s always GPS navigation."
Fu Chenxuan just smiled and didn’t say more. The Han Family had moved once before, and the new ho wasn’t too far from the Military Region, only an hour’s drive.
Arriving at the entrance of the Han estate, Fu Chenxuan couldn’t very well decline to enter, so he followed Guoguo inside, "Mom, look who’s back."
Guoguo’s voice arrived before she walked in.
Yu Xiaoxuan heard her daughter’s voice and ca out to greet them. Then she saw Fu Chenxuan following behind and brightened with a smile, "An’an is back. Let your godmother give you a hug."
Fu Chenxuan was at a loss for words, realizing they were not going to let go of the nickna ’An’an.’ However, since it was Yu Xiaoxuan, he let it slide, "Godmother, you seem to grow younger and younger. I’ll be too shy to call you godmother next ti we et. How about I call you ’sister’ instead?"
Yu Xiaoxuan bead with joy, "Have you just had so honey?"
"I’m speaking the absolute truth. If you don’t believe , ask your legion of fans if you’re not eternally youthful," said Fu Chenxuan with a sincere face.
Han Yi, who just happened to co downstairs, gritted his teeth at these words, this little brat, already starting to feed his wife love potion as soon as he got back. Yu Xiaoxuan’s eyes were shining; where was he in her sight? Clenching his fist, Han Yi coughed a few tis, trying to get Yu Xiaoxuan’s attention.
But Yu Xiaoxuan didn’t even glance his way, her eyes might as well have been glued to Fu Chenxuan.
"Cough, cough, cough." Han Yi coughed a few more tis, nearly coughing out his lungs, before Yu Xiaoxuan finally deigned to give him a glance, casually saying, "Are you sick? There’s so cough syrup at ho, go find it and drink so."
Han Yi: ...
Fu Chenxuan struggled to hold back his laughter, "Uncle Han."
Han Yi, with his hands behind his back, grunted, "You’re back."
"Yes, Uncle Han, are you not feeling well?" His eyes brimming with concern, appearing so sincere it almost seed mocking to Han Yi, who felt a touch of mischief in his gaze.
Han Yi glared; this little rascal, still as unlikeable as when he was a kid.
In appearance, Fu Chenxuan was naturally blessed with the best features of both Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi—it went without saying. Although Han Yi was also devilishly handso, Yu Xiaoxuan had been looking at him for over twenty years, and one can get tired of even the most beautiful visage, which paled in comparison to fresh young faces.
Sitting down on the couch with Fu Chenxuan, Yu Xiaoxuan started to fuss over him. Fu Chenxuan smiled the whole ti, answering every question with obedience, occasionally making Yu Xiaoxuan burst into hearty laughter.
Han Yi stood to the side, watching, as he asked his daughter in a low voice, "Do you think your mom is being too infatuated? She’s already of age and yet still staring at young guys."
Guoguo looked sidelong at her father and also lowered her voice, "You should be saying that to my mom, not ."
Han Yi chuckled; how could he dare say such a thing to Yu Xiaoxuan? Wasn’t that just asking to kneel on durian shells?
"Guoguo, honestly, who’s better looking, or that brat Fu Chenxuan?"
Guoguo hesitated, "Dad, that’s hard to say."
"Just tell the truth." Han Yi was confident in himself. He had taken good care of his appearance over the years; even Du Nan wouldn’t believe him if he told them he was over fifty.
Guoguo put a hand on Han Yi’s shoulder, speaking earnestly, "Dad, Brother Chenxuan is fresh at, and you, well, you’re at most a piece of dried-cured old bacon."
Saying this, Guoguo stood up and went upstairs without waiting for Han Yi to react.
Han Yi: ... Was that ’dried-cured old bacon’ referring to him?
He turned to look for his daughter, only to see Guoguo’s retreating figure. He then looked at his wife, who was happily chatting with Fu Chenxuan, and especially when he saw Yu Xiaoxuan’s mouth, which hadn’t closed since Fu Chenxuan walked in, his mood grew even more depressed.
He touched his chin, then glanced at his firm abdon. How could he resemble old bacon? He clearly was a distinguished gentleman—pfft, he was nowhere near old.
Fu Chenxuan stayed chatting with Yu Xiaoxuan for quite a while, only leaving when Shen Qinglan called. He got up to say his farewells, "Godmother, it’s getting late, I should head back. I’ll co over another day to visit you."
Yu Xiaoxuan nodded repeatedly, "Sure, sure, sure. Drive safely on your way back, and do co over another day. I’ll cook sothing delicious for you."
Fu Chenxuan smiled and agreed, then said goodbye to Han Yi, who had been silent most of the evening, caught up in his own thoughts. Then he drove away from the Han family.
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