She stood up. "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. You get some rest, I'm going out for some fresh air."
Watching Lu You's departing figure, Shang Wu felt a mix of emotions. She looked down at the file folder in her hand, feeling as if it weighed an ounce.
This heartfelt sincerity, in the end, still failed to open the door that was tightly locked by reality and concerns.
Looking at the unwavering clarity and determination in Lu You's eyes, Shang Wu ultimately swallowed her words of persuasion.
She respects Lu You's choice.
After all, no one knew better than Lu You what it would be like to step into the Cheng family.
It certainly requires immense courage and resilience, and Lu You's choice to prioritize protecting herself is perfectly understandable.
"Okay, Sister You."
Shang Wu gently patted the file folder, her tone tinged with regret, but mostly with support.
“I understand your concerns. I will handle this for you. Whatever decision you make, I will stand by you.”
Lu You breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile appearing on her face, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
She grasped Shang Wu's hand in return: "Thank you, A-Wu, really."
However, after a few seconds, Lu You seemed to suddenly remember something, and her expression became somewhat subtle.
With a mix of tentative probing and resigned honesty, she said, "Actually, there's something I think I should tell you."
"Hmm? What is it?" Shang Wu looked at her curiously.
Lu You's eyes darted around for a moment before she whispered, "Fu Mingyuan and I... we've decided to try dating officially."
"What?!" Shang Wu was so shocked she almost sat up in bed, staring wide-eyed at Lu You.
"Officially dating?! Sister You! How long have you known each other? You've only met twice at most, right? Isn't that a bit too fast?"
This shocked her even more than Cheng Zhou's transfer of shares.
Lu You has always been calm, composed, and even somewhat aloof. How could she suddenly do something so impulsive?
Lu You was a little embarrassed by her reaction, but she also knew that this was indeed a bit sudden, so she quickly explained: "I know it was a bit fast, but sometimes you just can't tell what feelings are like."
He's a really nice person, mature, steady, and emotionally stable. Most importantly, he comes from a very simple family; both his parents are university professors, and the family atmosphere is great. I think it would be very easy to get along with him.
Lu You paused, looking at Shang Wu's still shocked face, and sighed: "I know you might think I'm being a bit rash, or like I'm acting out of spite, but it's really not. I've thought about it seriously. Things with Cheng Zhou are too tiring; I need a simpler relationship that can give me a break."
Looking at her serious expression, Shang Wu knew that she was not acting on impulse.
This speed... she really couldn't accept it. She hadn't even figured out the other party's background yet!
“But you guys…” Shang Wu still felt it was inappropriate, “You should at least get to know him better! What if he has some hidden problems? Like smelly feet? Or snoring like thunder?” She started giving random examples.
Lu You was amused by her: "How can you curse your own sister like that! Don't worry, your sister You has been around for so many years, I still have a good eye for people."
She thought for a moment and suggested, "How about this, since you're worried, I'll make arrangements for him to come over tomorrow so he can formally meet you and A-Rang. You can help me vet him?"
Shang Wu thought about it and realized that it was an idea.
Meeting someone once allows you to at least get a direct feel for what kind of person they are.
“Okay.” She nodded. “See you tomorrow.”
The next afternoon, Fu Mingyuan arrived as promised.
He was still dressed in a well-tailored suit, exuding a refined and scholarly air. In his hand, he not only carried expensive tonics for Shang Wu, but also thoughtfully brought Lu Rang a box of top-grade cigars. His manners were impeccable and impeccable.
Lu Rang didn't have any prejudice against him, after all, Fu Mingyuan had shown excellent manners during the restaurant's "dark cuisine" incident.
The two chatted about business and the economic situation for a while. Fu Mingyuan had unique insights and spoke eloquently. He was neither pretentious nor timid, which made Lu Rang think more highly of him.
Shang Wu observed secretly from the side. She found that Fu Mingyuan was indeed very thoughtful. He would notice when her water glass was empty and refill it for her. He was considerate of everyone's feelings when he spoke, and his eyes were open and his manners were proper.
When talking about how he met Lu You, he was very open and honest, and his words showed great appreciation and respect for Lu You.
Overall, he is indeed a very eligible and suitable marriage partner.
However, Shang Wu couldn't help but compare him to Cheng Zhou in her heart.
Cheng Zhou is like a ball of fire, intense, sometimes even scalding. He can be foolish and childish, but all his emotions are written on his face, and he has a clear sense of love and hate.
For Lu You, he was willing to risk everything, even his very means of survival.
Fu Mingyuan, on the other hand, is like a glass of lukewarm water, just right, without any flaws, but he also seems to lack a bit of excitement and that kind of burning passion that makes you irreplaceable.
After afternoon tea, Shang Wu and Lu Rang both had a very good impression of Fu Mingyuan.
Objectively speaking, he is indeed a very good marriage prospect.
After Fu Mingyuan left, a brief silence fell in the ward.
Seeing Shang Wu's thoughtful expression, Lu Rang put his arm around her shoulder and asked, "What's wrong? Still thinking about Sister You?"
Shang Wu leaned against him, her brows slightly furrowed, her tone full of unease: "This Mr. Fu seems quite good, almost perfect, but I don't know why, I just feel a little uneasy. Just thinking about Cheng Zhou makes me..."
She looked up at Lu Rang, troubled. "Whom should I support? Logically speaking, it's right for Sister You to choose someone who makes things easier for her, and Cheng Zhou's family is indeed a big problem. But Cheng Zhou is really, really pitiful this time, and he's truly head over heels in love with Sister You, isn't he? Does Sister You really have no feelings for him at all?"
Lu Rang sighed and ruffled her hair: "When it comes to matters of the heart, there's no such simple right or wrong. Fu Mingyuan is a good catch, but whether he's suitable or not, only you know."
He paused, his tone becoming serious: "We don't support any of them. This is Sister You's own life, and her happiness should be decided by herself. All we can do is stand by her side, no matter who she chooses or whether she's ultimately happy."
Shang Wu nodded.
She understood the reasoning, but the pity and unease she felt for Cheng Zhou lingered in her heart.
She looked out the window and sighed silently to herself.
If Cheng Zhou had matured earlier and cleaned up that mess at home, things wouldn't have come to this.
Now look what's happened, a Cheng Yaojin has suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
No, it's Fu Mingyuan who suddenly appeared!
He's got great qualities, a great personality, and a great family background—he's practically the perfect boyfriend for everyone!
It seems that Sister You is truly looking forward this time.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
