One sentence bestowed upon Su Wanwan an immense status. Even if Su Fu was her father, so what? Anyone who dared lay a finger on her would first have to reckon with the man standing by her side! Su Fu's face instantly darkened to a shade of iron-blue. Who would have thought that one day, this little brat Su Wanwan would collude with outsiders to suppress him?
"Yes, yes...""I only fear Wanwan might be reckless. If she were to err in the Fu household, wouldn't that be..."
Fu Liangmu said coldly,"As long as Wanwan is happy, she may do as she pleases.""The Su family is but a modest one—tear it apart if you will, it's no great loss.""Wanwan, don't you agree?"
He lowered his gaze, the chill in his eyes melting away like the gentle warmth of a May summer, transforming into a pool of tender affection. Su Wanwan arched her delicate brows. This guy...
Su Fu nervously glanced at Su Wanwan, forcing a faint smile,"Wa... Wanwan... this is your mother's legacy; you wouldn't..."
Would she be so heartless? Su Wanwan grabbed Fu Liangmu's arm and strode out."You're right.""But...""Not yet ready to dismantle it."
Once inside the car, the driver started the engine. Su Nian curiously peered inside but saw nothing. She bounced back home, sensing an odd atmosphere. Su Fu sat sullenly, while Song Hui secretly wiped away tears."Where's sister?" Su Nian asked, puzzled, handing Song Hui a tissue.
"Don't mention that useless thing!" Su Fu snapped, frustrated. Su Nian was utterly confused as she escorted Ye Nan to the street corner before returning.
"Enough, sir, don't blame Wanwan.""She's quite pitiable—losing her mother from a young age.""After finally returning to the Su family, she remarried within a few years.""And that man... is so hideous..."
Song Hui's tears flowed even faster. Su Nian asked in surprise,"Fu eldest master came?"
Su Fu rose silently and ascended the stairs. Su Nian anxiously followed,"Father, what's really going on?"
After a moment of silence, Su Fu urged,"Daughter, arrange your marriage with Ye Nan as soon as possible! He's no longer young. Marry early, have children early!"
Su Nian blushed deeply, shy beyond measure. She sighed,"I want to, but you've seen Ye Nan's company's situation—thanks to sister, it's a mess, unstable.""Mr. Gao's matter still unresolved.""Sister just won't agree to the deal that could have been secured over a couple of drinks with Mr. Gao..."
Su Wanwan rested her chin on her hand, watching the scenery flash past the window. Fu Liangmu sat beside her and spoke softly,"Do you desire the Su family?"
"Huh?" The unexpected question caught Su Wanwan off guard; she looked at him puzzled.
"My investigation shows that when your father was with your mother, it seems..." Fu Liangmu paused, unwilling to bluntly tear open the truth and wound her heart."In any case, if you want to reclaim the Su family, I can help."
Su Wanwan blinked twice, comprehending the implication."No, thank you."
The Su family is no longer what it once was. Under Su Fu's reign, its demise is only a matter of time.
Just as she returned home, her phone rang. Avoiding everyone, Su Wanwan answered. A fluent stream of Mandarin with a foreign accent came through.
"Oh! My dear Wanwan, I've settled in a hotel in West City. Before my performance, I hope to see you."
Su Wanwan sighed helplessly,"Old man, I'm working. No time to visit."
"What work? A dull nine-to-five life is no fun. My dear Wanwan, you should inherit my legacy and carry on my life's work!"
Su Wanwan chuckled softly,"Legacy?"
"Anyway, before my show, you must come see me.""Otherwise, next time we meet may well be the day I'm laid to rest!"
The call ended. Su Wanwan shook her head,"That nonsense-spewing old codger."
After changing clothes, she went to chat with the matriarch. Fu Liangmu remained alone in the study until a knock came. Uncle Zhang entered, handing over an invitation.
"Young master, Mr. Lun En arrived in West City today.""He said, as his only disciple, you must attend his performance."
Fu Liangmu's brow furrowed as his gaze fell on the stock gains displayed on the computer."Only his student for half a month, yet he's been holding me accountable for over ten years."
Uncle Zhang smiled kindly,"A teacher for a day is a father for life. Mr. Lun En has always cared for you.""Tell him I'll attend on the day of the performance."
"Understood."
...
On Monday, Su Wanwan took a day off and went to the airport. After waiting about ten minutes at the exit, a clear voice called out,"Wanwan! Over here!"
Su Wanwan scanned the crowd but saw no sign of Xia Kelan. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pat on her rear. She swiftly turned, lowering her gaze. The woman before her puffed out her cheeks slightly,"Hey hey, I know I'm under 1.6 meters, but no need to humiliate me like this!"
Su Wanwan patted Xia Kelan's head."Ah! My new hairstyle! Hands off!" Xia Kelan protested indignantly, but her petite stature rendered her more adorable than threatening.
"Where's your man? Why didn't he come?" Xia Kelan looked around curiously.
"He's staying home."
Xia Kelan nodded knowingly,"Understood, understood. I get it—can't show him off, I understand."
She stretched, hooking her arm in Su Wanwan's while dragging her suitcase with the other."Been years since I was in West City—wonder what's changed."
Su Wanwan stopped to hail a car, concerned about where she'd be staying."So where are you staying? A hotel?"
Xia Kelan nodded,"Of course. Just got back, haven't had time to see the house. Staying at a hotel for a couple of days."
"Planning to stay long?"
Xia Kelan raised an eyebrow, leaning sweetly on her arm,"Don't try to trap me—I'll be blunt: the family head granted me a very long vacation just to keep an eye on you."
Su Wanwan glanced sideways,"I don't think it's the family head watching me, but rather your second brother, right?"
"You guessed it!" Xia Kelan gasped, amazed that nothing escapes this woman."Second brother said he can't trust you alone with such a dangerous task."
Xia Kelan leaned close to her ear,"Rumor has it the Fu family's background isn't as simple as it seems."
Su Wanwan nodded, tossing her two keys to Xia Kelan."Here are the keys to the house and the car—take care of yourself."
"Ah! I've been adopted by a rich lady!"