After hearing his grandmother's question, Fu Jinxiao simply chuckled, which seemed a bit absurd to the movie star: "How could that be?"
Grandma asked doubtfully, "You really didn't bully them?"
Fu Jinxiao looked at her grandmother with a helpless expression, raising an eyebrow noncommittally and saying, "What are you talking about? Why would I bully a child for no reason?"
"..."
Grandma fell into a deep silence.
It's not that she deliberately thought about her grandson in that way, but Fu Jinxiao's bottom line sometimes can't be described by common sense.
"What?" Fu Jinxiao was extremely clever, especially in her ability to read people's expressions. "You just ran into him?"
Grandma was surprised by his insight and said softly, "I ran into him when I went out. The child was carrying some food. I just happened to run into him. I gave him a stamp before, and he returned it to me, saying that he felt it was inappropriate for him to carry it."
Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow.
Shen Xingsui is indeed too sensible at times.
But the fact that the seal was suddenly returned does seem rather strange.
Fu Jinxiao's thoughts raced for a moment, then he asked his grandmother, "Did you give him the seal?"
Grandma said softly, "It's not anything very valuable."
Fu Jinxiao really wanted to laugh. That seal could be considered the Fu family's seal. In an emergency, it could be used to withdraw money from any bank under the Fu family's name, with a very high degree of freedom. Only members of the main family could possess this seal. The meaning of giving it to Shen Xingsui was obvious. It was as if they had already treated him as family: "Aren't you being too hasty?"
"That's because you're the only one who's not in a hurry, isn't it?" Grandma walked slowly forward, saying as she went, "Let me tell you, don't treat people like children just because of their age. Children grow up very quickly, and by the time you realize it, it will be too late."
Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow slightly.
Grandma turned around and gave him a meaningful look: "Don't be careless, or you'll regret it in the future."
Fu Jinxiao stood still, his dark eyes darkening as if deep in thought.
...
downstairs
In the back garden, Shen Xingsui sat next to Shen Xingchen, watching the fireworks party not far away.
Shen Xingchen's spiky hair was quite popular; in no time, several girls swarmed around him. He was a spirited young man, and his looks and family background were also excellent, making him extremely sought after.
Shen Xingchen was also playing the game with great ease.
Perhaps because they've dealt with these kinds of situations frequently, they weren't flustered.
Shen Xingsui looked at him helplessly, afraid that he would go too far, but Shen Xingchen came back by himself after a while and looked at his younger brother and said, "Why have you been drinking all this time?"
Shen Xingsui paused in her hand holding the wine glass, and replied softly, "Because I think this wine tastes pretty good."
Shen Xingchen took a glass and said, "This wine isn't very strong, but you can't drink too much of it. If you don't have a high alcohol tolerance, you'll get drunk very easily."
Shen Xingsui nodded gently: "I understand."
He said he understood, and then drank another half glass.
The night is beautiful tonight. A bright moon hangs high in the sky, and the delicate fragrance of flowers wafts from the back garden from time to time. The night is deep and quiet, and people come and go, their laughter echoing.
Shen Xingchen said, "Don't drink anymore. If you get drunk, Mom will definitely beat me."
Shen Xingsui chuckled softly, "Okay."
Actually, he really can't hold his liquor; he's feeling a bit tipsy right now.
Just as they were talking, a commotion came from not far away. Someone walked over from a distance. Xu Enzhen and her group moved over, followed by Lina and President Fu. Fu Jinxiao stood next to Shen Minglang. The arrival of these two groups attracted a lot of attention.
When President Fu saw Shen Xingsui, he smiled and said, "Suisui has really grown up. She's quite a handsome young man."
Shen Xingsui stood up, bowed to him, and shook his hand: "Mr. Fu, hello."
Xu Enzhen smiled and praised back, "Jinxiao is the one who is capable and outstanding. Our Suisui is young and has always been taken care of. Compared to your Jinxiao, he still has a lot to learn and improve."
President Fu glanced at Fu Jinxiao, while Fu Jinxiao's gaze fell on the person opposite her.
President Fu said meaningfully, "I do hope that he can use his abilities more on his own company, just like your Minglang does, so that I can save myself a lot of trouble."
The atmosphere suddenly became subtle.
Generally speaking, such sensitive matters are not suitable for discussion in such a public setting. However, the Fu family and the Shen family have a close relationship, almost like a family that has been friends for generations. They know each other very well and there is nothing they don't understand.
Secondly, President Fu was also thoroughly rebuked by Fu Jinxiao tonight. Although he hoped to talk to his son again, Fu Jinxiao never gave these people a friendly look. If the Shen family could speak up and try to reconcile them in this kind of setting, it might be useful.
Lina chuckled and said, "It seems like Minglang has been working at the family business for quite some time now?"
President Fu looked at Shen Minglang and said, "He is truly a promising young man."
Such praise made Xu Enzhen unable to smile.
After all, they all knew that Fu Jinxiao and her father had a bad relationship, but they didn't expect that today, President Fu would be so anxious so that his child could go back and inherit the family business.
Shen Yong softened his tone, saying, "We have always supported our children. When Minglang joined the company, it was his own choice."
President Fu pretended not to understand the meaning of those words and continued, "That's because Minglang is a sensible child. I really envy you. I was hoping that Jinxiao could help me after graduation. He's been smart since he was little, and I thought he could come into the company to help me share some of the pressure. I never expected that he would go into the entertainment industry..."
Before anyone else could react, Mr. Fu finished speaking, and someone else unexpectedly chimed in.
Shen Xingsui, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up: "But his career in the entertainment industry is also excellent and successful."
He would never have stepped forward in the past.
But today, perhaps fueled by alcohol, or perhaps at some other time, Shen Xingsui's courage and impulsiveness grew. It was as if protecting that person was an impulse ingrained in his very bones. He continued, "If entering the entertainment industry is his dream, why can't he pursue it? Is entering a company the only correct path in life? Is following a planned route the only way to be sensible and promising at a young age?"
Mr. Fu was taken aback.
He really didn't expect Shen Xingsui to speak up, and to be so argumentative.
Shen Xingsui, emboldened by alcohol, said, "He's your son, isn't he? He's not your employee. Why don't you have a proper talk with him? You can ask him if he has any ideas about the company, or if he has any plans to expand into the entertainment industry and other businesses. You actually have many ways to handle this, so why..."
As he was talking, the discomfort he felt after drinking suddenly came over him, and he felt nauseous.
Xu Enzhen's expression changed, and she quickly came over to support her son: "Sui Sui, Sui Sui, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Shen Xingsui shook his head gently and said helplessly, "Maybe... he drank too much."
Xu Enzhen was very anxious: "You really are something, how could you drink for so long when you can't hold your liquor? Are you feeling unwell in your stomach?"
Just as I was starting to panic, someone stepped over.
Fu Jinxiao took Shen Xingsui's arm so that he could lean on her, then turned to Xu Enzhen and said, "Auntie, don't worry. There's a hangover soup simmering in the kitchen. It might not be very ventilated here with so many people. I'll take him to rest."
Xu Enzhen was much relieved: "Okay...okay, then I'll leave tonight in your care."
Fu Jinxiao supported Shen Xingsui with gentlemanly manners, and every move he made gave people a sense of propriety. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "It's my pleasure."
After saying that, he left with his men.
Mr. Fu and Lina were left alone to watch the child leave with some worry.
After the two younger generation members left, the adults exchanged glances. Finally, Shen Minglang spoke first: "Uncle, what I want to tell you is that when I joined the company, it was something I discussed with my father myself. It wasn't that he wanted me to help out. It's just that I like doing business and making money; it's my hobby."
Shen Yong also said, "Jin Xiao's abilities are indeed very strong. Even though he didn't continue with the company, his career in the entertainment industry over the years has been quite successful. He also has several companies under his name that are operating very well. You don't need to push him so hard."
President Fu sighed.
Having been in a high position for so long, he was naturally used to being self-centered. He spent little time with his son, and Fu Jinxiao's resistance to him made him even more unsure how to communicate with his child. Although Shen Xingsui's words were not very pleasant, they inexplicably stirred something in President Fu's heart. Perhaps he really should try to think about things in a different way.
...
On the other side
Shen Xingsui drank a bowl of hangover soup on the first floor, and then Fu Jinxiao took her to the rooftop on the second floor to get some fresh air and sober up.
A gust of wind cleared his mind considerably. The balcony light emitted a warm yellow glow. Because the wind made it a bit bright, Fu Jinxiao stood in the wind and let him lean against the wall, blocking most of the cold wind for him.
Shen Xingsui belatedly realized what had happened and then asked in a slow, deliberate voice, "Did I just cause trouble?"
Fu Jinxiao snapped out of her daze and looked down at him: "Hmm?"
Shen Xingsui looked at the man's handsome face. Because they were so close, he could even clearly smell the pleasant fragrance on his body. As his consciousness slowly returned, he felt a little annoyed: "I think I offended President Fu."
Looking at his adorable appearance, Fu Jinxiao smiled and said, "It's probably too late to know now."
Shen Xingsui, a coward, stammered, "Then, then someone as important as President Fu shouldn't hold a grudge against me, right?"
"That's not necessarily true."
Looking into his watery eyes and his slightly tipsy face, Fu Jinxiao teased him, "Who told you to embarrass him in front of so many people?"
Shen Xingsui frowned in distress.
Fu Jinxiao: "But where did you get such audacity? I never noticed it before."
Shen Xingsui muttered softly, "I just saw him talking about you the whole time, so..."
The words that followed grew softer and softer, almost disappearing into the wind.
Fu Jinxiao's casual smile faded considerably, and his eyes held a seriousness he himself was unaware of. He opened his lips and asked, "So it's to protect me?"
Shen Xingsui's thoughts were exposed.
But soon, he glanced at Fu Jinxiao and whispered, "Should I have been wrong? Because you are so outstanding, you don't need me to explain at all. Instead, it made President Fu look bad."
Fu Jinxiao leaned lazily against the railing and looked up at the bright moon in the sky.
After getting to know Shen Xingsui, he had many novel experiences. For example, this was the first time that someone, who was clearly also very scared and a coward, would actually muster up the courage to argue with others for his sake.
He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and having no mother, even after gaining a stepmother, he always felt lonely. Even when things went wrong, even if he wasn't at fault, he was always the one blamed.
"You're so capable, why don't you let them have a turn?"
“That’s your business partner’s child. You should maintain a good relationship with him and not worry about such a small matter.”
"Be polite and well-mannered, and don't let others think that you are a child without a mother's upbringing."
"Dad works very hard too, you need to be more understanding and sensible towards him."
He seems to always be alone.
If you fall or bump into something, get up and check yourself. If you're injured, go to the doctor for treatment. If you're not injured, just bear with the pain until it subsides and you can continue walking. If it thunders, cover yourself with a blanket. If it rains, remember to bring an umbrella. If you're hungry, you can follow a recipe to learn how to cook. If you're tired, find a place to rest for a while.
He has many powerful people around him, so he never feels that he is tired or that he needs to rely on them. Perhaps those thoughts once existed, but they no longer exist.
Until one day, he met someone.
Despite her seemingly small stature, she can stand up to numerous haters by herself, encouraging him relentlessly on his Weibo without fail, even amidst wind and rain. Despite her own many troubles and being under the same roof as him, she never hesitates to share her sunshine with him.
So why did they pay special attention to Shen Xingsui?
Perhaps things were already different when we were outside the rice cake shop that day.
Fu Jinxiao snapped out of his reverie, looked down at Shen Xingsui, and curled his lips into a smile: "Why did you return the seal to Grandma?"
Shen Xingsui was caught off guard by the question. He looked up and met Fu Jinxiao's gaze. He thought he would be very nervous, but he was surprisingly calm when asked. Perhaps it was because alcohol emboldened him. It was not so hard to say anything: "Because I feel that I am not its owner."
Fu Jinxiao asked meaningfully, "How do you know you aren't?"
"Is that even a question?" Shen Xingsui smiled, leaning against the railing and letting out a lazy hiccup. "This seal must be very valuable, otherwise why don't my brothers have it? We're all children of the Shen family, but why should something so valuable belong to me?"
Fu Jinxiao looked at him and said, "Since it's for you, you deserve it."
Shen Xingsui shook his head, and said while blowing in the cool breeze, "I used to have a lot of things, but I slowly lost them all. If I was destined to lose them, it would have been better not to have them at all."
“If it were me…” Fu Jinxiao rested her chin on her hand by the railing and said slowly, “If it’s something I like, I will definitely try my best to get it, even if I might lose it, I will not regret it.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Xingsui revealed an even brighter smile. He glanced sideways, and under the light, the young man's delicate features were vividly depicted, like a poem or a painting. Perhaps he was drunk, and he was bolder than usual, which added a touch of farewell to his expression.
Shen Xingsui leaned closer and said in a low voice, "Do you know what I admire most about you?"
Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow.
“Because it seems that no matter what difficulties there are, you are not afraid.” Shen Xingsui said slowly, “Even if it is all dark night, it doesn’t matter. You are not afraid. Everyone else is praying for light, but you will find the light and become the light. Because you are so dazzling, you also let others see the way and have the strength to keep going.”
If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have been able to hold on.
This was the first time the two of them had chatted so openly together, and it was also the first time Fu Jinxiao had seen Shen Xingsui so earnest and eloquent. He just stood beside her, without any aggression, and he wasn't particularly stunning or eye-catching. His face only carried a faint expression, yet Fu Jinxiao couldn't take her eyes off him.
"That seal," Shen Xingsui said, her voice lowering, "I feel unworthy of it."
It seemed to be midnight. Cheers and jubilant sounds came from not far away. Very close by, fireworks made a sharp sound and then shot into the sky, dazzling and bright. The light they brought seemed to illuminate the entire house for a moment before suddenly falling.
Shen Xingsui's ears were ringing. It was as if the whole world was filled with the cheers of the crowd and the dazzling sound of fireworks exploding in the sky. Fueled by the alcohol, he felt as if his heart was throbbing.
“Teacher Fu.” He looked up at the person beside him and said, “You said we should leave no regrets, and I think you’re right.”
Fu Jinxiao noticed the people around her, but just then, fireworks shot into the sky, making a sound that made Shen Xingsui's voice seem too soft to hear.
The fireworks exploded in the sky, forming an extremely beautiful pink flower.
The light seemed to illuminate the entire manor. On the balcony, the shadows of the two seemed to be elongated, pressed tightly together. No one paid attention to them. It was so quiet here. It was the fireworks that Shen Xingsui had always wanted to see, but his gaze was fixed on Fu Jinxiao. When the fireworks faded in a dazzling display, he said in a very serious tone, "I like you."
These are words that have been stuck in my heart for years, and today I can finally say them to the person in question.
He had been afraid, nervous, and insecure all along, but today, under the influence of alcohol, he finally said those words to the person in question, and Shen Xingsui felt relieved.
When the fireworks finally ended, Fu Jinxiao looked down at him.
Although Shen Xingsui's voice wasn't loud, he still heard it clearly. Of course, Fu Yingdi was prepared all along, but he didn't expect that when he heard those words, even Fu Yingdi, who was used to all kinds of storms, would feel his heart skip a beat. He just stood there, frozen, unable to say a word.
However, no matter how surprised or unexpected he was, Fu Jinxiao could not deny that he had received too many confessions and declarations of love over the years. But this time, when facing Shen Xingsui, he felt no rejection or displeasure. On the contrary, he seemed to feel a little... joy.
However, to Fu Yingdi's surprise, Shen Xingsui took an unexpected turn.
The young man in front of him glanced at him timidly before continuing, "But..."
Fu Jinxiao's heart sank. Before she could even feel happy, there was a "but".
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