Chapter 68: Fu Tingxiu

Yujin City Villa District.

Inside the villa.

A young man wrapped in a bathrobe suddenly sat up from the bed. On either side of him lay two young women, unclothed, still fast asleep.

“Get out, get out, hurry up and get lost!” The young man kicked at the two women, showing no trace of tenderness or affection—only disdain.

Rubbing their sleepy eyes, the two women could not fathom why the man who had called them his sweethearts the night before was suddenly so furious.

As seasoned hardware and software engineers, they prided themselves on their skills. They had used every trick in their repertoire last night, and the man had seemed thoroughly satisfied. So why the sudden change?

“Take your money and get off my bed.” The man tossed them two thick stacks of bills, urging them.

Their faces lit up with joy. They dressed quickly, bowed to the man with bright smiles, and left the villa in high spirits.

“If I'd known she would make the first move, I wouldn't have bothered with these painted faces,” the young man muttered, rubbing his aching waist, then forcing himself to freshen up.

Once ready, he gazed at his handsome reflection in the mirror, utterly satisfied.

“Even after all these years, you can't escape my grasp. Lin Wanyu, you are destined to be mine,” he mused with a wicked smile curling at his lips.

Elsewhere.

Lin Family Villa.

Li Yulan was busy in the kitchen, frying and sautéing, while Lin Jiancheng was in the study, enjoying a leisurely conversation and chess game with Qin Chuan.

“Uncle Lin, I should help Aunt with the cooking. She’s working so hard, I really can’t bear to let her do it alone,” Qin Chuan suggested.

Lin Jiancheng waved his hand, saying, “Chuan, this is your aunt’s heartfelt gesture. If you went to help, it would truly betray her good intentions!”

“Well... all right then.”

Qin Chuan finally relented.

The more Lin Jiancheng spoke with Qin Chuan, the more pleasing he found him. Especially after their in-depth conversation, he discovered that Qin Chuan was well-versed in calligraphy, paintings, and antiques. Yet he remained remarkably humble, often responding with “I know a little” to questions.

But Lin Jiancheng could tell that his insight and vision rivaled those of experts in the field. It was difficult to imagine a young man in his twenties could be so learned.

“I just don’t understand what Wanyu is thinking. Why doesn’t she cherish such a good man?” Lin Jiancheng wondered. Just as he prepared to discuss current events with Qin Chuan, Lin Wanyu’s voice echoed from downstairs.

“Dad, Mom, I’m home.”

Hearing this, Lin Jiancheng shot Qin Chuan a look. Both stood and walked out of the study. As they reached the corridor, they saw two people standing in the living room.

Lin Wanyu wore a white business suit, her aura distant and unapproachable—a classic ice queen CEO.

Beside her stood a strikingly handsome young man in a white Armani casual suit, tall and well-proportioned, likely over six feet. His looks and demeanor rivaled those of top celebrities.

At a glance, their outfits seemed like a couple’s matching set, causing Lin Jiancheng to frown, though he kept his composure as a gentleman.

“And who might this be?” Lin Jiancheng asked expressionlessly.

Before Lin Wanyu could reply, the young man stepped forward, “Uncle Lin, don’t you remember me? I’m Fu Tingxiu!”

“Fu Tingxiu?” Lin Jiancheng’s frown deepened. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t immediately recall where he’d heard it.

“When Wanyu was a freshman, I visited here and played chess with you. Though my skills were lacking, you defeated me soundly,” Fu Tingxiu reminded him with a smile.

“Oh, it’s young Fu!” Lin Jiancheng slapped his forehead as realization dawned. Back when his daughter had just started college, she’d been pursued fervently by an older student—Fu Tingxiu.

Fu Tingxiu was then the student council president and captain of the basketball team, a prominent figure on campus. Because of his stature, other suitors backed off.

For Lin Wanyu, fresh from high school, being pursued by such a charismatic figure naturally stirred her heart. Yet she was known for being obedient and insisted on her parents’ approval before agreeing to date Fu Tingxiu.

Fu Tingxiu therefore visited to meet the elders, and Lin Jiancheng, ever the doting father, acted as the “interviewer.” But Fu Tingxiu’s manners and sophistication were exceptional for his age, and seeing his daughter’s interest, Lin Jiancheng reluctantly gave his blessing.

He set three ground rules, essentially one: no excessive intimacy during their relationship.

Even had he not said so, Lin Wanyu would never have permitted such things. Even after they became a couple, the most she allowed was hand-holding, never even consenting to a hug.

This later became a source of frustration for Fu Tingxiu, leading him to study abroad and temporarily give up on Lin Wanyu.

Back then, Lin Wanyu was influenced by her father’s traditional values, believing some things should only be given after marriage. Now, she wasn’t sure if her decision was right.

Yet, some people, once missed, are gone forever. Meeting Fu Tingxiu again, she felt none of the youthful excitement she once had.

This time, she invited him over simply to provoke Qin Chuan, to end his hopes of rekindling their relationship or winning her heart—and to remind her parents not to play matchmaker.

“Dad, Senior Fu brought you an ancient painting—he bought it overseas for a hefty sum, and it’s said to be an authentic masterpiece!” Lin Wanyu emphasized her words deliberately.

Lin Jiancheng was instantly intrigued, but with Qin Chuan present—and the painting likely from his daughter’s old flame—he restrained his excitement.

“Uncle, I’d love to see who created this painting. Shall we take a look together?” Qin Chuan suddenly suggested.

Lin Jiancheng pretended to deliberate before agreeing, inwardly admiring Qin Chuan’s attentiveness and tact.

The two walked downstairs side by side. Fu Tingxiu, initially excited, frowned slightly but quickly masked his displeasure.

“Uncle, who is this?” Fu Tingxiu asked with a smile.

Before anyone else could introduce him, Qin Chuan extended his right hand and greeted, “Hello, I’m Qin Chuan, Wanyu’s fiancé. Nice to meet you!”