Shen Xingsui, holding her phone, said, "No, nobody..."
He didn't know why he instinctively wanted to cover it up and lied.
Fortunately, Shen Minglang didn't press him or pry into the details. He just lingered on his phone for a while before finally nodding and saying, "Okay, I'll go first. You come over soon too."
Shen Xingsui nodded hastily.
Shen Minglang turned and left. Only then did Shen Xingsui pick up her phone and say to the person inside, "Hello, Teacher Fu, are you still there?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.
then
Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly, his laughter carrying a hint of chill. He slowly drew out the last syllable: "What, Teacher Fu? Don't I have no one else?"
Shen Xingsui froze.
He hadn't expected that Teacher Fu had heard so many details...
And how exactly is this explained?
"What?" Fu Jinxiao's voice turned deep, his low tone conveying a stern and authoritative aura: "Is it shameful to call me?"
This is truly a rare occurrence, or rather, it's an extremely novel experience for Actor Fu himself.
However, in the past, in recent years his career has flourished, and people's fame and status have rarely encountered such obstacles. Let alone making a phone call, even wanting to say a word is extremely difficult.
It had been a long time since Fu Yingdi had ever imagined that he would one day be secretly disliked and shunned.
Shen Xingsui quickly explained, "That's not it, Teacher Fu, you misunderstood. The situation was just a bit special because my brother asked me to go eat early. That's not what I meant..."
He was probably too flustered, so his explanations were completely nonsensical.
However, the clever Fu Jinxiao had already fully grasped the meaning. To put it bluntly, it was just that he was afraid of being scolded by his parents. Although he understood, Fu Jinxiao was never one to suffer a loss.
Fu Jinxiao said, "It seems I've bothered you."
Shen Xingsui didn't feel bothered by her idol at all: "No, I'm not bothering you."
"What about my previous invitation..."
"Sure, sure, I'm free." Shen Xingsui felt a little guilty now, so she readily agreed: "You can choose the time and place."
A hint of a smile flashed across Fu Jinxiao's eyes, but his tone remained unchanged: "Won't this take up your time?"
Shen Xingsui immediately replied, "Not at all. I don't have any engagements lately, I'm not busy."
Just as she was about to finish the call, she heard footsteps outside again. It sounded like her mother's footsteps. Shen Xingsui felt inexplicably guilty and quickly said goodbye and hung up the phone.
Coming out of the house, I did indeed run into Xu Enzhen.
Xu Enzhen said, "It's time to eat. Is Sui Sui ready to wash up?"
Shen Xingsui nodded: "I'm all set."
"Yes, your grandma's pork rib soup is absolutely amazing, it's so delicious, you definitely have to try it." Xu Enzhen said with a smile, "I've been craving it for ages."
Shen Xingsui: "Then I want to try it too."
Xu Enzhen nodded, and said with some emotion, "Although I've tasted quite a lot of delicious food, if I had to pick one, your grandma's pork rib soup and the old lady from the Fu family's noodle soup are absolutely amazing. It just so happens that we're going to the Fu family's dinner party tomorrow, so maybe we'll get to enjoy some good food."
Shen Xingsui was taken aback: "Are we going to the Fu family tomorrow?"
Xu Enzhen then realized that Shen Xingsui didn't know, so she smiled and said, "Of course, this is an old custom. Our family and the Fu family have been friends for generations. Although we are not relatives, we are closer than relatives. So every year after the second day of the new year, we will go to the banquet held by the Fu family. However, we are not the only family that goes to the banquet held by the Fu family. Such a big family usually invites many guests."
Shen Xingsui roughly understood: "So that's how it is."
Xu Enzhen patiently explained to him, "Well, they usually send out invitations a few days in advance, but for closer guests, the host family will personally call to invite them. Lina called me not long ago."
People who are close to you...
Shen Xingsui thought about the phone call he had just received and Fu Jinxiao's question about whether he was free. Suddenly, he couldn't help but start to have wild thoughts. Was he a close person to Fu Jinxiao?
Xu Enzhen joked, "Maybe in the future we'll become even closer relatives, and then it'll be Sui Sui calling her mother."
Shen Xingsui snapped out of his daze, realizing his mother's teasing. Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, he said, "Mom, what are you saying? Stop making fun of me."
Xu Enzhen smiled even more happily.
...
After leaving her grandparents' house, Shen Xingsui didn't expect that although their trip ended peacefully and warmly, their family group chat was anything but quiet.
The younger generation didn't go in; it was all the elders inside.
No sooner had I left than the old man posted a newly taken family photo in the group chat, saying, "Yong'er and Zhenzhen came back to see us early this morning, and they brought Suisui with them. This child is really well-behaved and a good kid. I gave them both red envelopes."
This photo really brought everyone else out of the woodwork.
"Is Sui Sui a very pretty girl? I often see her on TV."
"We should also prepare some red envelopes."
"The old man has already given a red envelope. If you prepare another one, it won't be any more original."
"Yeah, so what do we do?"
This group consists of members from the collateral branches of the Shen family, but even so, each of them is a well-known and prominent figure in the industry. At this moment, these big shots are struggling with how to prepare a gift for the child.
"I'll just give my newly bought Rolls-Royce to Sui Sui."
"How can you be so stingy? You have so many limited editions in your warehouse, but you give your child a Rolls-Royce for their first meeting."
The bigwigs are gradually starting to compete internally:
"I'll just give you an apartment."
“Our aviation business has been doing well this year. Since you’ve already gifted the kids a campervan, I’ll gift them an airplane to make them happy.”
Finally, someone couldn't stand it anymore and stood up: "You guys are going too far. Can't you be a little more down-to-earth?"
The group chat was silent for a moment.
The man continued, "I'll give you two shops in the city center. You can invest when you're free, or transfer them when you need them."
"..."
The competition among everyone intensified once again.
Sitting in the car, Shen Yong and Xu Enzhen felt as if the group chat was shaking. When they opened it, they saw this outrageous scene, which even Xu Enzhen, who was used to big scenes, couldn't help but laugh and cry.
Xu Enzhen glanced at the children furtively and whispered, "Isn't this too expensive? Go and try to persuade your uncles and aunts."
Shen Yong patted his wife's hand reassuringly and said, "If they're willing to give it, why stop them? Whether or not Sui Sui accepts it is his decision. Besides, it's a good thing for Sui Sui to know that his uncles accept him and like him. This child is always insecure."
Xu Enzhen thought about it again and realized that her husband made sense.
After thinking it over, she said, "There's something I think we should do during this Chinese New Year..."
Shen Yong understood what his wife was thinking. He smiled and patted her hand reassuringly, saying, "I understand what you're thinking."
Xu Enzhen was relieved.
Her life may have had its ups and downs, its injustices and its sorrows, but God has ultimately been kind to her. She has no more desires in this life, only hoping that in the years to come, her children can stay by her side and that her family can live in peace and good health.
...
Day 2
Today is the day I'm going to the Fu family's banquet.
In the afternoon, Shen Xingsui put on his formal attire, the evening suit his father had given him. It was a darker-colored suit that concealed some of his childishness and made him look more mature and composed. Standing under the lights, he looked noble and handsome.
The family gathered downstairs.
Shen Xingsui noticed that Xu Enzhen was also dressed very beautifully today. She wore a deep blue long dress, which was elegant and sophisticated. Her hair was styled up with only a crystal hair clip, which was simple yet beautiful. What attracted the most attention was the necklace around her neck. The light blue gemstone necklace made her fair skin shine even brighter and more dazzling.
Shen Xingchen came over and said, "Mom, you look so beautiful today."
Xu Enzhen glared at him: "You're talking nonsense again."
"She's really beautiful." Shen Xingsui also exclaimed sincerely. He smiled and said softly, "Mom is very beautiful, more beautiful than many celebrities I've ever seen."
Xu Enzhen was flattered by her two sons' constant praise, and her face turned a little red. Although she didn't usually care much about dressing up, what woman doesn't love beauty, especially when praised?
Shen Yong came downstairs and saw his wife looking radiant. He smiled and said, "You look beautiful, Madam."
Xu Enzhen punched him: "You're such a chatterbox."
Shen Xingchen, the clever one, noticed it too: "Dad, you're wearing the watch that Sui Sui gave you."
Because Shen Yong actually loves collecting watches. Although he owns countless valuable watches, he doesn't wear the same watch for a long time. He usually changes it every day. For example, he wore Shen Xingsui's watch yesterday, so everyone thought he would change it today.
To everyone's surprise, Shen Yong glanced down at it and said, "Hmm, this watch is very nice. I'll wear this from now on."
Shen Xingchen: "Tsk tsk."
Just as she was feeling sentimental, her older brother came downstairs. When Shen Xingchen turned around, she saw Shen Minglang, who always believed that the most expensive things were the best and who always pursued high-end custom-made items, wearing those gold-rimmed glasses.
Shen Xingchen shook her head again: "Tsk tsk."
Shen Minglang gave him a cool look: "You have sores on your tongue?"
Shen Xingchen nodded decisively, and added, "I've probably just been a bit irritable lately. Brother, if you give me a few more red envelopes this year and a limited edition sports car, I should be fine."
Shen Minglang sneered: "If you're so angry, just go outside and get some fresh air."
"..."
You win.
The family bickered and joked, but in the end they still arrived at the Fu family's house on time.
The manor, nestled halfway up the mountain, was brightly lit and bustling with luxury cars. Even in winter, flowers still bloomed in the garden, and the paths were elegant, exuding a classic charm. It seemed like a place with a strong cultural atmosphere. There was no money written on anything, but at this moment, with the bright lights and bustling activity, the air was thick with the scent of money.
Standing at the main entrance, the host is welcoming the guests.
Mr. Fu was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his forties or fifties. He was very tall, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, and looked rather serious and dignified. Mrs. Lina, who was standing next to him, was wearing a red dress and was flamboyant and beautiful. This was the first time Shen Xingsui had met Mr. Fu. She felt that he was indeed a person who could manage a large company and family, and she seemed a little afraid to get close to him.
Shen Xingchen said from the side, "Brother Fu looks so handsome today!"
Shen Xingsui saw Fu Jinxiao standing next to President Fu from afar, and he had to admit that Shen Xingchen was right.
Wearing a dark blue tuxedo, with a tall figure and elegant demeanor, and a polite yet distant smile on his handsome face, he stood there alone. Even without vying for attention or making a fuss, he easily became the center of attention. As if sensing his gaze, he lifted his eyelids and looked over.
Shen Xingsui hurriedly looked away.
Shen Xingchen said, "Let's go over and say hello."
When they arrived, some children brought by guests were also around Fu Jinxiao, and they seemed to be making a fuss about something.
"Eat candy."
"Brother, give me candy."
"I want it to be milky."
There was a small fruit basket behind the door, presumably for guests to help themselves. The basket contained candy and fruit, and some children saw it and couldn't resist stopping in their tracks.
Fu Jinxiao picked a few children and gave them candy.
Just then, she saw Shen Xingsui coming over, so she straightened up and looked at him.
Shen Xingsui came over obediently and said, "Happy New Year, Brother Fu."
Fu Jinxiao's voice was deep and magnetic. The man looked down at the person who was half a head shorter than him, standing alone in the crowd and gazing at him, and said with a smile, "Happy New Year."
Shen Xingsui suddenly didn't know what to say.
But it's been so long since I've seen him, and I don't want to leave. I want to... spend more time with him.
At this moment, Fu Jinxiao spoke in a low voice: "Open your hands."
Shen Xingsui was puzzled, but she obediently opened her hand and was then given a piece of fruit candy. The crystal-clear packaging looked very pretty under the light.
He looked at Actor Fu with slight surprise: "Teacher Fu, isn't this for the children?"
“No.” Fu Jinxiao said quite confidently, “I can give it to whomever I want.”
"..."
Although it was somewhat unreasonable, it inexplicably stirred a faint joy in Shen Xingsui's heart.
From the past until now, he has always been the child who couldn't get any candy. If there was one last piece of candy, it would definitely be given to another child instead of him. But now, someone will give him candy.
Shen Xingsui closed her hands and said softly, "Then I'll accept it."
Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow and said, "Aren't you going to say something?"
Shen Xingsui was stunned for a moment, then asked blankly, "What did you say?"
“Just like them.” Fu Jinxiao pointed to the children beside him, his handsome and refined face beaming with a smile. He bent down, leaned close to Shen Xingsui’s ear, and whispered, “Say thank you…brother.”
Shen Xingsui's eyes widened slightly as the gentle breath was close to his ear, causing his cheeks to suddenly heat up!
He glanced sideways and met Fu Jinxiao's dark eyes. The man seemed oblivious to his embarrassment and said slowly, "You should learn to be more polite, Comrade Xiao Shen."
!!
Under his gaze, Shen Xingsui's earlobes slowly turned red. He lowered his head and said softly, "Thank you..."
Fu Jinxiao was dissatisfied because she didn't hear what she wanted to hear.
Shen Minglang, who was behind, spotted his younger brother not far away and strode over, calling out, "Sui Sui!"
Shen Xingsui was called by his brother and hurriedly came to his senses. He quickly responded. Shen Minglang walked up to his younger brother, pulled him close to him, and kept a safe distance from the dangerous person before saying, "We should go in now."
Shen Xingsui responded softly.
Shen Minglang glanced at his friend: "Just keep posting your sweets, don't lead other good kids astray."
Fu Jinxiao smiled enigmatically: "Have you forgotten that I would eat people?"
Shen Minglang pulled his younger brother along, saying, "It's hard to say about others, but you might not be so sure."
"..."
Sometimes, being too well understood by your best friend isn't a good thing.
After entering the main venue, Shen Xingsui was still thinking about what had happened earlier. He looked at his brother, a little worried that he might have upset him, so he asked softly, "Big brother, do you and Teacher Fu... not get along?"
Shen Minglang snapped out of his daze and replied, "Don't overthink it. We have a very good relationship. To put it simply, we grew up together."
Shen Xingsui smiled and said, "That's good. I almost thought you two didn't get along, and that you didn't like me associating with Teacher Fu."
Looking at his younger brother's relieved expression, Shen Minglang vaguely understood something.
“It’s not that I dislike your association with Jin Xiao. He’s very outstanding. If he were your teacher, you would benefit greatly from his guidance,” Shen Minglang said. “If he were a friend, he would be great too. He’s a very loyal and reliable person.”
Shen Xingsui hesitated: "Then what are you worried about?"
Shen Minglang didn't know how to start the conversation.
He was worried that his younger brother might encounter the wrong person, but it wouldn't be good if he met someone too powerful or capable. His younger brother was rather naive, and if Fu Jinxiao was truly good to him, then everything would be fine. But if Fu Jinxiao had second thoughts, then Shen Xingsui would definitely not be his match. Moreover, Fu Jinxiao was absolutely capable of selling someone out and having them count the money for him.
He was very worried that Shen Xingsui would not be able to handle such a powerful role.
Shen Minglang wanted to say a lot, but after seeing his younger brother's face, he swallowed his words and only said, "It's nothing, let's go inside and talk."
When you get to the home ground, there are even more people here.
There was plenty of food and drink available, and once inside, Shen Xingsui couldn't resist going out to find something to eat and play with Shen Xingchen.
Shen Minglang didn't interfere much and let them play on their own.
There were quite a few people at the banquet, and many of the Shen family's old acquaintances came over to chat. They all felt that the Shen family members seemed a bit strange today. For example, Shen Minglang's old friend finally couldn't help but ask, "Minglang, your glasses must be very expensive and unusual, right?"
Shen Minglang's eyes lit up, and he raised an eyebrow slightly: "How so?"
"I just feel that's how it should be."
Shen Minglang gave a meaningful smile and said, "You have good taste. This was a gift from my younger brother, Shen Xingsui."
An old friend suddenly realized: "No wonder! Shen Xingsui is your younger brother, right? I've seen him on TV, he's that kid who plays the piano so well, wow, he's really amazing!"
As everyone knows, Shen Minglang is very difficult to flatter unless you offer something of immense value to win his favor. But this time, by sheer chance, just a couple of compliments were enough to bring a clear smile to Shen Minglang's face. He was quite proud, yet he insisted on being modest: "Not at all, Sui Sui is still young and has a lot to learn. This is the age when progress is needed, so I shouldn't overpraise him."
Friend: "..."
Why do I always feel like you want me to praise you a little more?
Shen Minglang pushed up his glasses again, as if he wanted the whole world to know that they were a gift from his younger brother: "By the way, how did you tell that my glasses were expensive?"
"Because you hardly ever wore those glasses that were worth millions last time, but you've pushed these glasses down several times already," an old friend complained. "I can't help but notice them."
Shen Minglang: "..."
Not only him, but the same thing was found in Shen Yong and Xu Enzhen.
The CEOs and business tycoons who came over to say hello noticed that President Shen was wearing a very ordinary watch, but he was extremely ostentatious about it, not trying to hide it from people at all, as if to say, "Come and see my watch, hurry up and ask me about it!"
Everyone speculated:
"What's going on? Is a financial crisis coming?"
"Is the Shen family going bankrupt?"
"You don't know anything. A successful businessman like President Shen definitely means to keep a low profile, because only by keeping a low profile can you make business."
"Too difficult, Mr. Shen is too classy."
"I'm going to throw this watch away when I get home and get a cheaper one!"
Shen Xingsui had no idea that her unintentional actions would lead to so many things, and that many socialites, wealthy women, and business tycoons would change their ways after returning home.
He and Shen Xingchen were eating in the back.
As he ate, he overheard a group of socialites chatting nearby:
"This is a once-a-year opportunity, and I've finally met Brother Fu."
"My God, he's even more handsome in person than on TV."
"Is he married? Does he have a girlfriend?"
"No, no, I don't have a public relationship. I saw an interview before where Mr. Fu said that if he had a partner, he wouldn't keep it secret; he would definitely make it public."
"Then we still have a chance!"
As Shen Xingsui listened to their discussion, she slowed down the pace of her eating.
Shen Xingchen listened with great interest, and while eating cake, she complained, "Putting everything else aside, Brother Fu is really a man. For someone of his status to dare to go public like this, he is an absolute warrior."
Shen Xingsui nodded as well.
The thought of Fu Jinxiao going public with her relationship in the future made him feel uneasy, even though he knew he should offer his blessings.
He is such a selfish person.
Teacher Fu was clearly very kind to him, but he was unwilling to give her his blessings.
The girls were still talking about it:
There's a dance party later today.
"He's the eldest son, so he definitely has to dance."
Who will you dance with at your first dance?
"I wish I were that lucky."
"Don't overthink it, he didn't even dance his first dance a few years ago..."
Shen Xingsui was listening in a daze when a servant suddenly came up behind him and said, "Hello, are you Mr. Shen?"
Shen Xingsui turned around and said, "Yes, that's me. What's wrong?"
"Would it be convenient for you to come with me?" The servant bowed respectfully. "Someone is looking for you."
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