Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Part 4

After Lin Wan asked a few more questions, she learned that Lin Guofu was very angry with her. He went home and told his wife Chen Qiuhong about it that day. He especially mentioned Lin Wan's arrogant words - if Fu Xiuhuai wants to listen, he will only listen to me. It's no use looking for him a hundred times!

Lin Guofu and Chen Qiuhong complained to Fu Xiuhuai about this today. They went to Kaihua Construction Company and exaggeratedly urged their supposed son-in-law to properly discipline his wife and not let a woman manipulate him. A man should have the aura of a man, the aura of a head of the family. They also said Lin Wan must be putting on airs. How could a wealthy boss like Fu Xiuhuai ever listen to her?

Even though Lin Wan knew they didn't care about her, she still felt a chill in her heart when she heard this. However, she didn't show it on her face. She felt a little apologetic and said, "I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I warned them not to look for you..."

Putting aside other confusing relationships, Lin Wan was very upset about her biological parents repeatedly disturbing Fu Xiuhuai.

Fu Xiuhuai didn't respond, but instead asked, "Do you know how I answered them?"

"How do you answer?" Lin Wan raised her eyes, her bright almond-shaped eyes darting straight into the man's deep eyes.

"I say you're right." Fu Xiuhuai's usually gentle and elegant smile was faint, but now with the slight upward curve of his thin lips, there was a bit of evil in it. Lin Wan was startled. She only heard the man's voice with a smile: "Since my wife doesn't agree, I have no choice but to ask them to leave."

When Lin Wan heard the words "my wife", her ears felt hot. She looked carefully at the man's expression. The evil intent in her expression just now seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. It was all her illusion.

......

Lin Wan and Fu Xiuhuai left the garden in a hurry after staying there for only a few minutes. They felt more comfortable in the crowded and lively living room.

After a while, a guest came to the house, who was an acquaintance of Lin Wan.

Fu Zhiyong's cousin and his family came to visit, and Feng Tianjiao, the director of Lin Wan's factory office, was among them.

Jiang Yueying then asked Lin Wan to follow and call people, and did not forget to remind Feng Tianjiao: "Tianjiao, our Wanwan works in the garment factory and happens to be in the same office as you. It's also fate. Wanwan always says that you have always taken care of her."

Lin Wan naturally didn't say such a thing, but her mother-in-law was helping her to win favors, so she certainly couldn't ruin it, so she stood aside with a smile on her face.

Feng Tianjiao naturally had never taken care of Lin Wan, in fact... But now that the elders had said so, she smiled stiffly and couldn't help but say: "Aunt, your daughter-in-law is very capable. Why does she need me to take care of her? College students have a bright future."

Jiang Yueying smiled and said a few humble words, not sparing any praise: "Wanwan has a good education and is smart and clever, otherwise how could she have managed our second child so well."

Feng Tianjiao was even more surprised when she heard this. How could Fu Xiuhuai be controlled so well?

Originally, among her relatives, only the big boss, Fu Xiuhuai, was handsome and capable, making him a very popular choice. Half a year ago, Feng Tianjiao was planning to introduce Fu Xiuhuai to her niece, hoping that marrying him would bring her the life of a wealthy businessman. Who would have thought that just as she started the conversation, Feng Tianjiao heard that Fu Xiuhuai was getting married, and it turned out to be a female college graduate.

Feng Tianjiao felt helpless and aggrieved that her good fortune was snatched away from her. When she learned that Fu Xiuhuai's new wife was assigned to the factory office under her management, Feng Tianjiao lamented her bad fate.

According to Feng Tianjiao, marrying a big boss like Fu Xiuhuai should make life comfortable, but don't expect such a big boss to be too considerate to you. After all, men are like sugarcane, it's impossible to have both ends sweet.

It would be great if I could have either the ability to earn money to support the family or the ability to be obedient and considerate to you.

But now, when her aunt said this, Lin Wan looked shy and didn't say anything, and Fu Xiuhuai didn't even refute it, which made Feng Tianjiao even more surprised.

Seeing this, he became more and more worried and blamed himself for being a step too slow and not having his niece Fengyan to get such a good partner.

The next day, when Feng Tianjiao arrived at the garment factory, she couldn't help but look at Lin Wan and Feng Yan, who were sitting a few seats away.

To be fair, Lin Wan was born with a delicate and innocent appearance, a beauty at first glance. She was almost always the first person to see her in a crowd. But his niece wasn't bad either, a smart and pretty young lady. She would definitely find a man better than Fu Xiuhuai...

Alas, but where in Jiangcheng can you find a man with such a rich family, who is handsome and not too old?

While Feng Yan was looking for her to report the information, Feng Tianjiao finished her work with her niece and mentioned a few personal matters: "Yan'er, I will help you find a good partner. Don't worry, I will definitely..."

"Aunt, no thanks." Feng Yan's cheeks flushed as she flatly refused her aunt, "Don't bother me. I need to study English well at New Western now."

"Oh..." Feng Tianjiao saw that her niece was acting strangely. Before she could figure it out, she saw her leaving in small steps. Instead, Lin Wan came into the office to report on her work.

Lin Wan didn't care much about the matter between the aunt and niece. She just saw Feng Yan hurriedly leave with a shy look on her face like a little girl. She wondered idly whether the aunt and niece had talked about her marriage. Didn't Feng Tianjiao say before that she wanted to introduce Feng Yan to Fu Xiuhuai?

Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

"Director Feng, this is the sales data of all the clothing produced in the factory last month."

"Hmm." Feng Tianjiao carefully reviewed the report submitted by Lin Wan, asked questions about a few data points, and finally asked about the investment situation of Hong Kong businessmen. "So, how are Hong Kong businessmen doing recently?"

Because of her outstanding performance in front of foreign businessmen last time, Lin Wan was completely exposed in front of the leaders, and this time she was the one who compiled and summarized the expenses for entertaining Hong Kong businessmen.

Speaking of Hong Kong businessmen, Lin Wan had just received the bill for the four-star hotel in Jiangcheng and various meals and drinks: "Hong Kong businessman Mr. Wang Yuanzhong has spent another 684 yuan in the past few days."

"—What?!" Feng Tianjiao raised her voice in shock. When she realized that she was being too impatient, she immediately coughed twice, "Ahem, didn't he just spend over 800 last week? He treats this like money, not money at all. Why is he spending it like this?"

Feng Tianjiao, like other workers in the garment factory, has a strong sense of collective honor. Similarly, even though it is not her own money, she also feels the pain of spending the factory's money.

Lin Wan reported Wang Yuanzhong's latest spending history: "He spent 320 yuan on food and drinks at the nightclub in one night, plus accommodation, meals at a luxury hotel, and..."

"We're just treating the boss to a nightclub, but I've never heard of him spending over three hundred dollars a night!" Feng Tianjiao's temples throbbed with pain. "Is this guy drinking alcohol like water?"

Wang Yuanzhong's crazy spending did cause confusion among those in the know at the garment factory. Not only the people in the factory office, but even the deputy director Wang Zhilin, who was in charge of attracting investment, had his doubts.

"It's only been over a week, and he's already spent over a thousand." Deputy Factory Director Wang frowned, trying to comfort himself. "Never mind. He's a big boss in Gangcheng, so spending lavishly is probably normal. He's used to it. As long as we can secure the investment, spending a few thousand dollars to entertain him will be worth it!"

Lin Wan was worried about whether she could get the investment.

However, the Wang Yuanzhong mentioned by Yang Minghui was very different from the Wang Yuanzhong received by the garment factory. Without any concrete evidence, the leaders of the garment factory naturally preferred to believe the Hong Kong businessman introduced by Jiangcheng government officials.

In particular, a few days later, Wang Yuanzhong, who had been in the mainland for ten days, actually directly reimbursed the garment factory's personal expenses of 2,000 yuan for its hospitality, which instantly dispelled the garment factory's concerns.

At the time, Lin Wan was still busy in the factory office when she heard the firsthand news from Sister Yang: "My husband went to the factory director's office to report on his work, and he saw that the Hong Kong businessman was very generous. He directly took out 2,000 yuan to give to Deputy Director Wang, saying that he was used to spending money lavishly and couldn't cause trouble for the garment factory, so he would pay for it."

Qin Fang's eyes lit up when she heard this: "It seems that the Hong Kong businessman is quite good at dealing with people and is quite generous. Logically speaking, we should entertain him. No one wants to take advantage of him."

Sister Yang nodded. "Of course not. The two of them pushed the two thousand yuan back and forth, and in the end, Deputy Director Wang refused to take it. After much persuasion, he finally stuffed the money back. Our factory has been state-owned for decades, after all. How could we let customers pay for it themselves? It would be embarrassing if it got out."

The act of voluntarily giving out two thousand yuan immediately made leaders such as Wang Zhilin and Feng Tianjiao no longer have any doubts. Deputy Director Wang arranged for everyone to discuss the investment details with the Hong Kong businessmen as soon as possible and make sure to get the investment.

Among all the people, only Lin Wan was puzzled, but she couldn't be sure.

She was still analyzing things in her mind while at work. As soon as five o'clock came, Lin Wan picked up her bag and left without any delay.

Almost five months pregnant, Lin Wan felt the presence of the fetus in her belly more and more clearly, as well as the presence of the child's father.

Fu Xiuhuai recently agreed on the construction details with Yang Minghui. The Hong Kong businessman seemed to be very friendly and worked meticulously. He verified every aspect before preparing to leave.

The construction of Jiangcheng’s soon-to-be tallest building is also underway.

For this reason, Fu Xiuhuai was busy for a long time and had to return home late at night five or six days a week.

At ten o'clock in the evening, the autumn rain came to Jiangcheng again. Lin Wan felt the coldness while lying on the bed. She pulled the quilt up to get some warmth, but she felt a little hungry.

Lin Wan didn't eat much tonight, just a small bowl of pumpkin porridge with some side dishes. She found the pork too greasy and didn't eat much. She was a little surprised that she, who had never been picky about food, had become so picky.

The consequences of being a picky eater came when I was left starving alone in the dead of night.

She got out of bed and found some corn candies and biscuits in the drawer to fill her stomach, but she still felt hungry. Lin Wan couldn't help but go downstairs to cook a bowl of noodles.

The Fu family was very quiet late at night, and everyone had already fallen asleep. Lin Wan tiptoed up the stairs, holding the railing with one hand as she went down, but she met a dark shadow head-on.

"Ah——" The body reacted faster than the brain. Lin Wan guessed who the man in front of her was just after she screamed. She quickly stopped talking and covered her mouth to avoid waking up others.

"Want to go to the kitchen to find something to eat?"

Fu Xiuhuai, who returned home under the stars and moon, seemed to be able to read her heart at any time. Lin Wan couldn't tell what she felt and could only nod in the dark.

I was originally planning to go downstairs to "steal some food" by myself, but unexpectedly I ended up sitting at the dining table waiting for the food to be served.

A bright incandescent light was on in the kitchen ahead. Amidst the flickering light and shadow, a tall man was busy putting noodles into the pot.

Lin Wan was hungry and wanted a snack, so Fu Xiuhuai took the initiative to take on the task. Two bowls of steaming noodles were served on the table. Aunt Wang's hand-rolled noodles were always available, and they were soft and chewy. When paired with vegetable leaves and chopped green onions, they really whetted people's appetite.

Lin Wan, who was already starving, took a bite of noodles with chopsticks, her eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but look at the man eating noodles opposite her. She didn't expect that his cooking skills were good, especially the soup he made was very fragrant.

It is easier to think when you are full and warm. While eating noodles, Lin Wan thought about what she heard at the garment factory in the afternoon. She urgently needed to discuss it with someone. After thinking about it, Fu Xiuhuai was the best candidate.

"Has Mr. Yang returned to Gangcheng?" Lin Wan heard two days ago that their affairs had been settled and they should be preparing to return.

Fu Xiuhuai finished his last bite and nodded, "He'll take the train south to Yue City tomorrow. I heard he has some business to do there, so he won't return to Gangcheng until he's done."

"Oh. The thing he mentioned last time about Wang Yuanzhong might have been a misunderstanding."

"Hmm? What happened?" Fu Xiuhuai became interested and leaned forward slightly to please Lin Wan.

Lin Wan quickly mentioned Wang Yuanzhong's initiative to make up the two thousand yuan the garment factory had given him as a treat. "That's great! Those who were initially skeptical at the factory are now convinced. They think this is the boss's style. How could he be a scammer? How could a scammer spend so lavishly and even take out two thousand yuan on his own initiative?"

"So what do you think?" Fu Xiuhuai listened to Lin Wan's words, but didn't care about the opinions of other people in the garment factory. "You should still have some doubts."

Lin Wan seemed to be able to predict that Fu Xiuhuai would be able to guess what she was thinking. She had never seen anyone in her life who could guess what she was thinking every time.

"I always feel it's a bit strange. Taking the initiative to pay seems generous and dispels everyone's doubts, but it also seems a bit deliberate." Lin Wan had just graduated from college and hadn't met many big bosses in society, but she had her own judgment. "If he really was a big boss and was planning to invest in a garment factory, he wouldn't be so deliberate as to draw a line and insist on making up the money."

At the end, Lin Wan paused for some unknown reason, her soft voice sounding even more hazy in the dim light: "Boss Fu, would you do this?"

In the darkness of the night, the man chuckled lightly, his originally deep voice becoming hoarse with a hint of laughter: "Your name, Boss Fu, seems to sound better than others."

Lin Wan: (ω)

***

When everyone in Jiangcheng Garment Factory was busy with production and all the workshops were bustling with activity, Hong Kong businessman Wang Yuanzhong promised Deputy Director Wang that he was willing to invest 10 million yuan to help the garment factory expand production and provide raw materials and design technical support from the port city.

The great news spread like wildfire, instantly sweeping through every corner of the garment factory.

In the factory office, warm sunlight slanted in, leaving faint shadows on the green desk. Lin Wan, holding a pen, listened to everyone excitedly sharing the good news, and thought of Fu Xiuhuai's answer last night.

Having experienced the ups and downs of society early on and met all kinds of people, Fu Xiuhuai teased himself by calling himself "Boss Fu" and then mentioned seriously that he couldn't.

When doing business away from home, it is very important to give others face. Even if you are considerate, you can make up for it in other ways, such as being more generous when investing.

Wang Yuanzhong's behavior seemed to be intended to dispel everyone's doubts.

Based on this, Lin Wan became the calmest person in the factory office at this moment. There was only a faint smile on her pale face, just to cope with the situation.

As soon as Hong Kong businessman Wang Yuanzhong spoke, the leadership team of the garment factory took it seriously and busily discussed various details. The factory director held a meeting with two deputy directors and the secretary, and personally set the tone to treat the Hong Kong businessman well. The last suspicion that even made someone voluntarily pay 2,000 yuan out of their own pocket must not happen again.

Not only that, not long after, it was reported that Wang Yuanzhong was not only preparing to invest in one garment factory, but was even conducting inspections at the same time. In recent days, he also visited the city's No. 1 Steel Plant and the Soda Factory. It seems that his wallet is too fat and he is spending too lavishly.

The rumor spread among the thousands of workers in the garment factory that Hong Kong businessman Wang Yuanzhong was concerned about the development of the mainland. He was rich and kind-hearted, and a good man.

Lin Wan, a newcomer who had been in the factory for less than half a year, naturally would not participate in the subsequent discussions on the details of the cooperation. However, when she heard that Wang Yuanzhong had also gone to the steel plant, she turned around and got the news at the dinner table at the Fu family.

Fu Xiutong has been in high spirits lately as he is enjoying the good news.

As soon as the backlog of payments arrived, the factory's crisis was largely resolved, and he transferred 200,000 yuan to Fu Xiuhuai's account, thus clearing the debt.

"Thanks to Xiu Huai for helping us through this difficult time. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to pay our wages, and the workers would be in a state of panic." Fu Xiutong has been the factory director for many years, and it's only this year that he's faced such difficulties. "Even though we're all family, Meiying and I have to show our appreciation. We'll also call Mingjun and we'll formally treat you to a meal at a restaurant, and then..."

"Ahem." Zhang Meiying almost choked on her scrambled eggs when she heard this.

At the dinner table, Lin Wan's heart also skipped a beat. Fortunately, there were many people who were more uncomfortable than she was, so Zhang Meiying was the first to refuse.

"Going out for dinner as a family just means changing the venue. It's boring and seems awkward." Zhang Meiying racked her brains, while secretly complaining about her husband for always causing trouble for her. "It just so happens that I saw something nice last time I was shopping at the mall. I'm giving it to Lin Wan as a gift to express my gratitude. I don't think Xiu Huai is interested in anything. I think giving a thank-you gift to his wife might make him even happier."

Fu Xiutong was pondering the feasibility when he heard his second brother across from him speak.

Fu Xiuhuai: "Sister-in-law, what you said makes sense. I will agree on Wanwan's behalf first."

Lin Wan: QAQ

The next day, Lin Wan received a jade bracelet from Zhang Meiying.

The jade bracelet of excellent quality is clear and transparent, with a faint glow in the light green color. It is elegant and exquisite, and it is obvious that it is very expensive at first glance.

Zhang Meiying chose her gift carefully and bought it from a time-honored jade shop in Jiangcheng, spending 1,200 yuan.

Fu Xiuhuai glanced at her calmly and praised her words: "Sister-in-law, you are very thoughtful. The color and texture are perfect for you. It's just that your wrist is a little thin. I don't know if it will be too big when you wear it."

Hearing the man's comment on her thinner wrist, Lin Wan suddenly remembered the warmth and strength of his wrist holdings twice before. In a flash, her wrist was held by Fu Xiuhuai again, and the cold and transparent jade bracelet was put on bit by bit.

The fair wrist and the clear jade bracelet further highlight the simple beauty.

"Your elder brother and sister-in-law gave you such an expensive gift, and you just accepted it?" Lin Wan thought that the Fu family had a good relationship and helped each other so much that they could lend each other 200,000 yuan at will. How could Fu Xiuhuai be the kind of person who would mind a gift?

"Of course." Fu Xiuhuai gently stroked the jade bracelet on Lin Wan's wrist with his fingertips, a smile flashing in the corner of his eyes, "You didn't spend much of the money I gave you, so just accept theirs. For something over a thousand, it shouldn't be a big deal for Big Brother and Sister-in-law."

Lin Wan: “…”

Lin Wan was surprised, as if she had seen a different side of the man. They had agreed to be brothers who loved each other and were a loving family.

Lin Wan had no choice but to accept the jade bracelet, but took it off her wrist in the blink of an eye.

When Fu Xiuhuai was having breakfast in the morning, he happened to see Lin Wan coming downstairs after packing up. Seeing that her wrist was bare, he reminded her: "You just put on the bracelet last night, why aren't you wearing it now?"

Lin Wan was quite honest: "It's over a thousand each. I'm worried it might break, so it's safer to put it in a box."

For Lin Wan, who has been poor since childhood, a bracelet that costs more than one thousand yuan is undoubtedly a sky-high price. Even if she has a job now, this bracelet is her three or four months' salary.

If it gets broken, who wouldn't feel sad?

The man's deep eyes lit up, and he leaned closer to Lin Wan, his eyebrows moving slightly, with a hint of temptation as if he was about to do something bad: "It's okay, I'll buy another one if it really breaks..."

Seeing Lin Wan's lips move slightly, she must be worried about the money. Fu Xiuhuai smiled slightly, and his mature face suddenly showed the evil nature of his youth: "Don't spend our money."

Lin Wan: QAQ

++++

Fu Xiuhuai always makes Lin Wan feel familiar little by little, and every time this happens, he seems to gradually reveal a different side of himself, which is fleeting and unfathomable.

Beneath the gentle and elegant appearance of this wealthy man from Jiangcheng, there seems to be something hidden.

However, Lin Wan didn't have time to grasp the vague clue, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to pay salaries.

The garment factory pays wages at the end of every month. I get my wages before the end of the month, which is really a pleasure.

Lin Wan's salary increases slightly every month, and this month she received 388.73 yuan.

It is always a pleasure to receive a salary, and with the bonus from last time, Lin Wan’s piggy bank is a little fatter.

The steel plant on the other side of Jiangcheng also paid wages. After working for almost a month, Lin Hong also received the full salary of 201.56 yuan.

Compared with regular workers, temporary workers are paid much less and are not eligible for various performance evaluations and awards. Even so, Lin Hong is very satisfied.

As a temporary worker, I earn dozens of dollars in the town, which is far better than earning two hundred dollars in the city.

Determined to fulfill her promise of a thank-you gift, Lin Hong returned to Linjia Village and divided the money into several parts. One part was for her parents' household expenses, one part was used to treat Lin Wan and Fu Xiuhuai to a meal, and the last part was a gift for Fu Xiuhuai's elder brother. In order to avoid suspicion and curry favor with the factory director, she prepared things from her own home so that telling others would not cause trouble for the honest factory director.

The chickens and ducks I raised at home were lively and energetic, and I also prepared some sausages and bacon, and bought some nutritional supplements and biscuits and candies at the supermarket, and that was all I needed.

A small restaurant deep in the alley near the Jiangcheng Iron and Steel Plant was filled with smoke and people were coming and going. Lin Hong was treating everyone here and left with enough money in her pocket: "Wanwan, Brother Huai, take a look at what you like to eat."

Although he is her brother-in-law, he is older than her and has a very strong aura. Lin Hong can only follow her elder brother and call him Brother Huai.

Lin Wan didn't bother to be polite with her second sister. She also treated herself as the host and urged Fu Xiuhuai to look at the small blackboard on the wall and order the dishes: "Take a look at what you like to eat and order whatever you want. Today I'm mainly treating you to a meal to express my gratitude."

Seeing Lin Hong's reserved look, Fu Xiuhuai didn't refuse: "Second sister, do you have any dietary restrictions like Wanwan?"

Hearing the call of "Second Sister", Lin Hong always felt as if her life span would be shortened: "Well, I can eat anything, just order whatever you want."

Fu Xiuhuai didn't hesitate any longer and directly listed the names of five dishes.

"They're all your favorites." Lin Hong knew the girl's taste very well. When she heard the name of the dish, while Fu Xiuhuai went to the front to tell the boss something, she lowered her voice and whispered to the girl, "Your man is really considerate."

Lin Wan smiled and was about to speak when she felt someone sitting down next to her. She thought it was Fu Xiuhuai who had returned from ordering food, but she heard her second sister sitting opposite her exclaim.

"Who are you? There's someone here."

Lin Wan turned sideways suspiciously, only to see that the man sitting next to her was not Fu Xiuhuai at all, but Fu Mingjun, whose features and eyebrows were about four to five percent similar to his.

Zhang Meiying mentioned a few days ago that Fu Mingjun went to his grandparents' house and disappeared since then. How could he appear here now?

"I know her." Fu Mingjun looked at Lin Wan beside him decisively, not caring at all about his uncle who was standing behind him after ordering food.

A cold wind suddenly blew from behind, making him tremble with fear. Fu Mingjun tried hard to straighten his back and refused to give up.