Chapter 239 Not for You
Knock knock knock—
A knock on the door interrupted Jiang Ranxing's train of thought as he drew the design draft.
"Come in," Jiang Ranxing said to the doorway.
The bedroom door was pushed open, and the aroma of chicken soup wafted in with the wind. Jiang Ranxing frowned slightly upon smelling it.
Fu Xingyi was the first to squeeze through the crack in the door and ran to Jiang Ranxing's side.
"Mom, what are you doing? Come and rest for a while. Dad and I made you some chicken soup. Mom, have a taste!" Fu Xingyi said excitedly.
As he spoke, he tried to pull Jiang Ranxing over, but Jiang Ranxing didn't put down her paintbrush at all.
"Yiyi, you go drink it yourself, Mommy won't drink it."
Jiang Ranxing didn't mince words and spoke very directly, showing no respect to the father and son.
Fu Xingyi stood there blankly, then tugged at Jiang Ranxing's sleeve and said, "Try it, Mom. It should be delicious. I heard from Dad that you like chicken soup. Dad and I have been simmering it in the kitchen for a long time. It must be very good."
Fu Xingyi spared no effort in recommending his inspirational quotes, hoping that Jiang Ranxing would immediately accept his good intentions.
But Jiang Ranxing still didn't stand up.
Fu Shenyuan placed the chicken soup on the small table where Jiang Ranxing had been drinking porridge. He then sat down on the sofa next to it and ladled out two spoonfuls of chicken soup into the porcelain bowl.
Seeing that Jiang Ranxing didn't move, he even took the item and handed it to her.
"Take a break. You've been working ever since you got back. Having some soup and resting will be good for you," Fu Shenyuan said.
Fu Shenyuan placed the chicken soup in his hand next to Jiang Ranxing's hand.
Jiang Ranxing didn't notice that with a stroke of her paintbrush, she spilled chicken soup, soaking the paper on which she had just drawn her design.
Fu Shenyuan didn't notice the sudden turn of events, and by the time he tried to catch it, it was too late.
But it's too late for regrets; what's done is done.
"Ranxing, are you alright? Is your hand okay?" Fu Shenyuan quickly went around to the table to look at her, took her hand and gently blew on it to cool it down.
Jiang Ranxing was really annoyed at this moment, and forcefully pulled her hand back.
"Fu Shenyuan! What exactly are you trying to do? Are you trying to bother me? I've already said I don't want to drink anymore!"
Jiang Ranxing's tone was not good. The detailed sketch he had just painstakingly drawn was ruined. Anyone would be upset in that situation.
Fu Shenyuan was speechless for a moment. His original intention was to make her happy, but now it had turned into a bad thing.
“I didn’t mean it, Ranxing,” Fu Shenyuan said sincerely. “I just wanted you to have a taste of chicken soup.”
Jiang Ranxing scoffed, his words laced with sarcasm: "I've made myself perfectly clear, haven't I? I don't want to drink it. What, just because you made it, does that mean I have to drink it? Do I have that obligation?"
Fu Shenyuan and Fu Xingyi were both unable to respond at this moment.
Jiang Ranxing really didn't need to do that.
And they all knew that they couldn't force Jiang Ranxing to accept their kindness.
"I'm sorry, Mom. Dad didn't mean it. If you don't like it, could you try a bite? Dad and I will make it for you again next time," Fu Xingyi said.
Fu Shenyuan nodded in agreement: "Yes, Ranxing, see if you like it. If there's anything you don't like, I'll adjust it next time."
Jiang Ranxing was clearly unhappy.
"I don't like it. I've said it. I don't like it. How long are you going to pretend to be so sentimental here before you're satisfied?"
Jiang Ranxing was annoyed by Fu Shenyuan and really didn't want to waste any more energy on these things.
"If you still don't understand, then I can tell you again: I have no obligation to respond to your so-called good things about me. Do you understand now? If you do, then take your things and leave my room."
Fu Shenyuan was not yet able to react to Jiang Ranxing's unusually strong tone.
Is the person who said these heartless words still the gentle Jiang Ranxing in his memory, the one who didn't want to hurt anyone?
How could she say such a thing? This is not like her at all.
In that instant, he seemed to recall those times from the past.
Back then, Jiang Ranxing was the one who tried so hard to do these things for him, but he refused to accept them, hurting Jiang Ranxing's heart time and time again.
Now everything is completely reversed; they've all switched places.
Now he's trying hard to please Jiang Ranxing, but Jiang Ranxing doesn't want to reject him.
Fu Shenyuan was filled with melancholy. He knew all too well that Jiang Ranxing was just like he used to be; no matter what the other person did, she wouldn't want to even glance at it.
There's really no logic to things in this world.
It's probably because they have to pay back the debts they owed in the past.
I never expected that facing these things would be so agonizing.
Seeing that Fu Shenyuan had not replied for a long time, Jiang Ranxing frowned even more.
She stood up to get her coat and bag, and was about to leave the bedroom.
After realizing what was happening, Fu Shenyuan strode over and stopped her: "Where are you going so late?"
Jiang Ranxing gave him a cold look and said, "If you insist on taking over my bedroom, then you can have it. I was thinking of moving out anyway."
Upon hearing that Jiang Ranxing was leaving, Fu Shenyuan immediately became a little nervous.
"You don't need to leave. Yiyi and I will leave. You can continue to rest." Fu Shenyuan's voice was much lower and hoarse as he reluctantly left Jiang Ranxing's bedroom with Fu Xingyi.
Fu Xingyi was still somewhat unwilling, but since his father had said so, he couldn't force himself to stay.
After they left, Jiang Ranxing did not come out.
Fu Shenyuan's eyes were filled with shattered illusions as he stared at the bedroom door.
Fu Xingyi was in a high spirits just now, but he's downcast now.
"Dad, it seems like Mom doesn't really like us anymore. Will she really abandon us?" Fu Xingyi voiced his worries.
Fu Shenyuan couldn't say much about this with certainty.
"No, Mom wouldn't do that," Fu Shenyuan said to Fu Xingyi, while also reassuring himself.
They absolutely cannot give up now, otherwise Jiang Ranxing might really have to leave.
Fu Xingyi shook his big hand, saying, "Aunt Xiaohui told me that my old mother won't come back. I can only try to get along with my current mother, but what if my current mother doesn't want to be with me, Dad?"
Fu Shenyuan couldn't find a good answer to this either.
"Mom...maybe she'll be willing in time, Yiyi, don't rush."
Fu Shenyuan knelt down and hugged his son's small body, comforting him.
/
While Wan Luyuan was strolling in the park with Xiao Hui and Mai Mai, he received a call from Fu Hongkai's secretary.
"Please sit here for a while, I'll go buy some water."
As Fu Hongkai spoke, he walked a little further away with his phone before answering it.
"Hello?"
The secretary asked politely on the other end of the phone, "I'm sorry to disturb your rest, Mr. Wan. Do you have some time now? The vice president would like to invite you for tea to catch up."
Wan Luyuan felt a little uneasy, but he had no legitimate reason to refuse at this time.
"I won't have time until later, so it might be a bit inconvenient for the vice president. How about we reschedule for another day?" Wan Luyuan said, making a slight excuse.
The secretary seemed to have anticipated his response, as if she had been prepared for it.
"It's alright, Mr. Wan. The vice president has arranged the schedule perfectly and has reserved time for you today. Just let me know when you're in your room and I'll send a car to pick you up."
With the secretary cutting off all other avenues of conversation, Wan Luyuan, clearly sensing that this was a trap, had nothing left to say in order to refuse.
“Alright,” Wan Luyuan said slowly, “Let’s do it later, I have some things to take care of here, that’s all for now.”
Even after hanging up the phone, Wan Luyuan was still worried, so he took out his phone and called Fu Shenyuan again.
Wan Luyuan reported to Fu Shenyuan on the other end of the phone.
“I have serious doubts about your second uncle’s motives for this reunion. I’m afraid something might go wrong, so I’m letting you know in advance, just in case.”
Fu Shenyuan replied in a calm voice, "Send me the address for tonight, and I'll send Tan Shen over to protect you secretly."
Wan Luyuan felt a little relieved. After settling Xiao Hui and Mai Mai at home for the night, he drove away from the villa alone.
At the address provided, Fu Hongkai met at a private room in a highly private restaurant near Wanlvyuan.
Upon entering the private room, Wan Luyuan saw Fu Hongkai making tea.
Fu Hongkai laughed heartily twice and said, "Lu Yuan, come, come, sit down. I just brewed this pot of tea, so you can have the first sip."
Wan Luyuan sat opposite Fu Hongkai as usual, picked up the teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and drank it. "Hmm, this tea is really good. No wonder your secretary insisted on inviting me over. You got something good and still remember me, right, Hongkai?"
"Of course, it's not just this tea. I also have other things I've been thinking of you about." Fu Hongkai laughed heartily, waving his finger to signal his secretary to bring over a folder. "Take a look, this is a gift for you, Lu Yuan. You didn't take much with you when you left the group, so I'll leave this to you. I've been particularly busy lately, so I'll trouble you to take care of this project. This is all business you've been good at before, so there shouldn't be any problem. The project profits will remain the same as before; you take the lion's share, and the rest can stay with the company."
Fu Hongkai's words sounded nice, and most people would have thought he genuinely meant well.
Only Wan Luyuan, a fellow old fox, knew exactly what it meant.
“Vice President, my status is different now than before. I no longer work for the Fu Group. If I were to interfere in the group's projects, it would be inevitable that we would be criticized. I can let it go since I don't have a position anymore, but it's different for you.”
Wan Luyuan pushed the folder back to Fu Hongkai.
"I can't accept this. I'll take a look at other things that can help."
Fu Hongkai chuckled twice: "You're too kind, Lv Yuan. We've known each other for so many years, there's no need for this. Since it's a gift from me, just accept it. I've looked into this project, and the profits are considerable. After you get your share, you can enjoy the rest of your life with your wife and children."
Wan Luyuan was perfectly aware of the meaning behind Fu Hongkai's words.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. If it were, there would probably be a much higher price to pay.
Before Wan Luyuan could say anything more, Fu Hongkai pushed him back again.
“Lu Yuan, don’t refuse, just accept it. Listen to me on this matter,” Fu Hongkai said firmly.
Wan Luyuan didn't refuse immediately, but smoothed things over by saying, "Let's bring the dishes over first. We can talk about everything after the meal."
The secretary instructed the waiter to bring the dishes, and while Fu Hongkai was in the restroom, Wan Luyuan sent a message to Fu Shenyuan.
The situation isn't good; please come over when you have time.
Fu Shenyuan was having dinner at home when Jiang Ranxing, who was sitting across from him, noticed that he looked strange and asked him about it.
Fu Shenyuan explained the whole story to Jiang Ranxing.
"I'm going there now. What about you? Do you want to come with me?" Fu Shenyuan asked Jiang Ranxing.
Jiang Ranxing instantly lost the desire to go out after thinking about seeing Fu Hongkai.
"Go by yourself, there's no point in me going," Jiang Ranxing said.
Fu Shenyuan stood up, but before he could move, he said, "I didn't mean to take you to deal with this. I just wanted to take you for a drive on the way back. I noticed you haven't been going out much at home. You must be a little bored."
Jiang Ranxing thought about it and realized it was true. He had been busy drawing design drafts these past two days and hadn't gone out much, so he was feeling a bit bored.
Going out for a stroll would be good, so Jiang Ranxing nodded, but still made it clear beforehand: "Just act as a driver, don't say anything else, otherwise I won't ride in your car."
Fu Shenyuan smiled slightly and said, "Okay, let's go."
Fu Shenyuan drove Jiang Ranxing to the restaurant where Wan Luyuan was.
At the restaurant, Fu Hongkai and Wan Luyuan had almost finished their meal, so Fu Hongkai brought up the project document from the beginning again.
Wan Luyuan had no way to avoid it at this point: "Vice President, after thinking about it, I've decided that I can't accept it. I haven't been involved in project matters for too long, and I don't understand them very well now. I'm bound to make mistakes. Thank you for your kind offer, Vice President."
Upon hearing this, Fu Hongkai's expression immediately changed, and a hint of ruthlessness crept onto his face.
"I'm not discussing this with you, I'm asking you to accept this." Fu Hongkai's tone was no longer as smooth as before. His purpose in coming today was to get Wan Luyuan to take over this and obediently take the blame. Wan Luyuan had already understood this, but he still refused him over the course of a meal, which made Fu Hongkai angry.
Wan Luyuan's smile faded slightly: "I don't intend to accept it. I've already severed ties with the group, so I don't need to do these things for you anymore."
Fu Hongkai revealed a sinister and cruel smile. Just as he was about to say something, there was a knock on the door of the private room, which was then pushed open, and Fu Shenyuan's tall figure appeared in the doorway.
"What a coincidence! I heard from the restaurant manager that my second uncle and Uncle Wan were eating here. I didn't expect it to be true," Fu Shenyuan said with an enigmatic smile.
Fu Hongkai's eyes narrowed into a dangerous arc: "Shen Yuan, what are you doing here? Did you come here specifically to see us?"
Fu Hongkai's suspicious gaze fell on Fu Shenyuan.
Fu Shenyuan said casually, "No, it's just that Ranxing and I happened to be going out for a meal and a stroll. It was just a coincidence."
Fu Hongkai clearly didn't believe it.
"Burning Star is here too? Has she come in? Let me see her and have a chat."
He was skeptical of Fu Shenyuan's words, so he simply pointed out Jiang Ranxing's name directly.
Fu Shenyuan smiled: "It might not be very convenient for Ranxing to be in the car."
As soon as he finished speaking, Fu Shenyuan saw Jiang Ranxing appear beside him. Her expression was as indifferent as ever, but a smile appeared on her face as she got closer.
Jiang Ranxing entered the private room and greeted Fu Hongkai and Wan Luyuan.
Fu Hongkai could no longer doubt it. Wan Luyuan also took this opportunity to suggest adding another set of chopsticks and bowls for Fu Shenyuan and Jiang Ranxing. The tense atmosphere in the private room was instantly eased by the addition of two more people.
Wan Luyuan breathed a sigh of relief, but Fu Hongkai couldn't say what he wanted to say in front of Fu Shenyuan, so he could only make an excuse to go to the restroom again.
After seeing him walk a little further away, Fu Shenyuan whispered in Jiang Ranxing's ear, "Thank you for coming to help me."
Jiang Ranxing chuckled lightly, took a sip of tea, and said casually, "Don't misunderstand, in the end it wasn't for you, it was for Qing that I compromised. You don't need to thank me."
Fu Shenyuan's lips, which had just been raised in a smile, slowly, slowly fell back down.
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