Chapter 76: And Also the Marks from His Kisses

After seeing her parents off to rest at the hotel, Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou walked home. The hotel was only about 300 meters from the club. The sidewalk was shaded by lush trees and carried the scent of flowers. Wen Yang held onto his arm. Fu Xingzhou had been drinking; he had casually rolled up his sleeves, and for once, his collar was slightly undone. Wen Yang turned her head to look at him.

“Fu Xingzhou.”

He tilted his head to meet her gaze. “Hm?”

Wen Yang asked softly, “Are you dizzy?”

Fu Xingzhou replied, “Not dizzy. I didn’t drink much.”

Wen Yang looked at him. “You obviously drank quite a bit.”

Fu Xingzhou chuckled.

“Still not a lot.”

Wen Yang laughed too.

Under the shade of the trees, on a night like this, after meeting her parents—who had only shown support—she felt particularly relaxed. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

In the distance, the moon hung high, bright and cold, but was soon covered by dark clouds, leaving only stars twinkling in the sky.

The next morning.

Wen Yang was woken up by her phone. It was the owner of the duplex single apartment. There had been a problem while plastering the walls. Chen Chang’s older brother was currently finishing up at Washington residence, so he’d sent his younger brother to handle the renovation of this apartment. But his younger brother, being young and brash, had gotten into a disagreement with the female owner over the plastering.

The owner didn’t know Chen Chang well, so she called Wen Yang directly.

Wen Yang sat up while listening and sensed the owner relied on her quite a bit. So she decided to handle it personally. She hung up, got out of bed, and went to find Fu Xingzhou, who was in the living room working on his laptop. Wen Yang walked up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I need to head over to the renovation site to deal with something. I won’t be able to have breakfast with my parents.”

Fu Xingzhou turned to her. “Go ahead, I’ll accompany them.”

Wen Yang nodded sleepily. Fu Xingzhou kissed her lips lightly and said in a low voice, “Go change your clothes.”

“Mm.” Wen Yang responded.

Then she realized she was wearing a camisole nightdress. As she bent down to hug him, the neckline gaped open. She wasn’t wearing a bra, and there were marks from his kisses visible.

Blushing, she turned and went back to the master bedroom.

Luckily Aunt Zhong wasn’t around today, or she would have been even more embarrassed.

They had agreed to meet her parents at 9:30. By the time Wen Yang had washed up and changed, it was around 7:45. She tied up her hair, and Fu Xingzhou heated some milk for her in the kitchen, toasted bread, and made a fried egg—a simple breakfast since they had originally planned to go out for dim sum. Wen Yang could only settle for bread, egg, and milk now.

After eating quickly, she looked up at him. “Are you nervous about being alone with my parents?”

Fu Xingzhou looked down at her. “Not at all. I was more nervous before I proposed.”

Wen Yang blinked, a smile tugging at her lips. Fu Xingzhou leaned down and kissed her. “Go on. Jiang Yue is downstairs.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Wen Yang grabbed her laptop, put on her shoes, and left. Jiang Yue had been waiting downstairs and opened the car door for her. She gave him the address, and the black sedan drove off.

Not long after, Fu Xingzhou also left with his jacket.

He drove to the hotel. Five minutes later, Zhu Yun and Wen Li came downstairs.

“Where’s Wen Yang?” they asked.

Fu Xingzhou replied, “She had some work come up and had to go to a renovation site early. Jiang Yue will bring her back once she’s done. Let’s go ahead.”

Zhu Yun nodded.

She and Wen Li got in the car. Once the door closed, Fu Xingzhou got in the driver’s seat and started the car.

The dim sum place required a reservation and was on a high floor, with a panoramic view of the entire southern city. Wen Li and Fu Xingzhou got along well. Although Wen Li was gentle in temperament, he was knowledgeable, and every sentence led to good conversation. Fu Xingzhou had a sharper mind, but when talking to his future father-in-law, he naturally softened his tone.

The three of them ate while waiting for Wen Yang.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it back in time. She was still at the renovation site, soothing the female owner. Chen Chang had also arrived and was scolding his younger brother, who—sporting dyed yellow hair—squatted in a corner, refusing to admit fault. His attitude only made the owner angrier, escalating the situation even more.

Wen Yang sent Fu Xingzhou two crying-face emojis.

Wen Yang: I can’t make it.

Fu Xingzhou: It’s okay, take your time. Handle the guy first.

Wen Yang: Okay.

After putting away his phone, Fu Xingzhou paid the bill.

Zhu Yun and Wen Li also understood that Wen Yang couldn’t come and didn’t insist. Around 12:30, as they left the building, Fu Xingzhou gripped the steering wheel and asked, “Wen Yang’s renovation project is finished. Would you like me to take you to see it?”

Zhu Yun asked, “Is it the one you own?”

Fu Xingzhou nodded. “It’s also her first design.”

Zhu Yun’s eyes lit up.

As parents, of course they wanted to see their daughter’s work and were proud of how far she’d come.

Zhu Yun: “Let’s take a look.”

Fu Xingzhou smiled slightly and started the car.

They arrived at Washington Residence around noon. The black sedan parked in the garage, and the three of them took the elevator upstairs. When the doors opened, they were already in front of the unit. Fu Xingzhou unlocked the door with his fingerprint.

A soft beep, and the door opened.

Most of the furniture had already been moved in, except for two kitchen cabinets that were still being adjusted—one of the last tasks Chen Chang was handling.

Zhu Yun and Wen Li put on shoe covers and stepped inside. What they saw was a house in the Italian style. The lines appeared cold at first glance, but with adjusted combinations and added color, the overall vibe became warmer. Wen Yang used a soft gray tone that gave the space a gentle feeling. The living room sofa looked very comfortable. From the wine cabinet to the dining area to the hallway—everything exuded luxury.

Wen Yang had designed the entire place.

Zhu Yun and Wen Li saw their daughter’s excellence in her work. She had always been excellent in their eyes, but now that excellence had become something tangible. They were proud of her.

Fu Xingzhou took two bottles of water from the fridge and handed them over. “We also remodeled the master bedroom and walk-in closet. This house will be our marital home.”

Zhu Yun took the water, opened it, and looked at him.

Fu Xingzhou continued, “All assets will be shared after marriage, including everything I built before the wedding.”

Zhu Yun said softly, “As long as you treat her well, that’s the best kind of wealth.”

Fu Xingzhou nodded. “Naturally.”

Though Zhu Yun said that, the fact that a man was willing to share his assets with Wen Yang was a form of security for her. It also showed how sincere he was. Wen Li asked, “What’s your relationship with Fuheng Group?”

Fu Xingzhou led them to sit on the sofa and answered, “Fu Linyuan of Fuheng Group in Jing City is my cousin.”

Wen Li nodded.

As expected.

He then asked, “What about Fu Yan from Yanxu Intelligent Technology?”

Fu Xingzhou replied, “He’s my younger cousin.”

Zhu Yun said, “Fu Yan graduated from Nanan No.1 High School.”

Fu Xingzhou nodded and looked at them, smiling. “It’s fate.”

Zhu Yun thought for a moment.

It really was. After all the twists and turns, Nanan had produced some remarkable talents. Fu Yan was the top scorer in the college entrance exams that year. Wen Yang and Wen Nanxi even had some contact with him—they once attended the same art class.

With this understanding, everything about this man’s family background became clear.

Zhu Yun and Wen Li felt at ease.

The couple had done their homework the night before. Through friends and colleagues, they had gathered some information about Fu Xingzhou’s background. Since Qingzhou operated mainly in Hong Kong, the amount they could learn was limited.

But both Fu Yan and Fu Linyuan were in mainland China. Although Fu Linyuan lived far away in Beijing, it just so happened that one of Wen Li’s close friends worked at the Beijing Power Company and knew a bit about Fuheng Group.

As for Fu Yan, he grew up in Nanan and could even be considered half a classmate of Wen Yang, which made things even easier to understand.

With such a large and well-established family, the children it raised would hardly turn out badly.

However, Zhu Yun and Wen Li’s investigation had missed one key direction—they hadn’t looked into Fu Xingzhou’s emotional or marital history. So they missed a very important piece of information.

But that’s a story for another time.

Wen Yang finished her work around 2 p.m. and rushed to the hotel. Fu Xingzhou was in the chess room playing a game of Go with Wen Li. Zhu Yun was in the bedroom, on the phone handling work matters. Wen Yang peeked in and wrapped her arms around her mother’s arm.

Zhu Yun looked at her and asked, “Have you eaten?”

Wen Yang said, “I have. Jiang Yue ordered food for me.”

Zhu Yun nodded.

The mother and daughter chatted for a bit and then went downstairs to the chess room to check on the game.

Wen Yang saw Fu Xingzhou with his sleeves rolled up, patiently accompanying her father. The two men were engaged in a battle of wits. Wen Yang sat down beside him. Fu Xingzhou glanced at her and took her hand with his free one.

Wen Yang’s eyes curved in a smile.

Fu Xingzhou asked a staff member to bring her a bowl of mango pomelo sago. Wen Yang took it gratefully—she was parched, and it arrived just in time.

Seeing how well Fu Xingzhou cared for Wen Yang, Zhu Yun felt truly comforted.

Since Wen Yang’s parents had looked into Fu Xingzhou and had no objections, two days later—under the urging of Grandma and Qiu Pei—the two families arranged a formal meeting.

This meeting was official and serious.

It was arranged at the family’s old residence.

Wen Yang woke up early and chose a light-colored dress—gentle and soft, perfectly suiting her. Fu Xingzhou coordinated with her, wearing a white shirt. The two of them went together to pick up Zhu Yun and Wen Li.

Zhu Yun and Wen Li were also dressed formally today.

The black car slowly made its way toward the old residence. The surroundings were tranquil, shaded with trees and flower petals. Before reaching the residence, there was a large lake.

The house stood tall in front of them.

Grandma was standing at the door, anxiously waiting.

The housekeeper approached her and said, “The car is already coming in, madam. Why don’t you sit down first?”

Grandma glanced at the housekeeper and let out a cold snort before turning around and returning to the sofa. Qiu Pei, looking particularly well-groomed today, was sitting in a single chair, sipping tea, and remarked lazily, “Wen Yang has a good personality. Her parents can’t be far off. They say children are reflections of their parents—look at the child, and you’ll know.”

Grandma had met Wen Yang later than Qiu Pei. She scoffed, “You always have something to say.”

Qiu Pei smiled cheerfully.

Grandma looked at her and said, “Don’t drink so much tea. Aren’t you still on medication? Don’t become resistant to it.”

Qiu Pei had to set down her tea. “Can’t even drink one cup of tea.”

Grandma didn’t bother arguing.

She hadn’t seen Qiu Pei all year, and there had even been a big scandal recently. She couldn’t fly over herself, but if she could, she’d definitely have had a few words with her.

Just then, the housekeeper ran back in from the door and said, “They’re here! They’re here!”

Grandma and Qiu Pei looked up.

They saw Fu Xingzhou holding the hand of a pretty and gentle girl as they walked in. The girl carried a gift bag, flanked by her parents. The mother looked poised and confident, the father scholarly and calm. Even Grandma had to admit that—for once—Qiu Pei’s remarks were accurate. Children really were a reflection of their parents.

And it was the first time she saw her grandson holding someone’s hand and not letting go right away. He held her hand firmly, and even the usual aloofness about him seemed to melt away—probably under the influence of that pretty girl with smiling eyes.

The four of them entered.

Qiu Pei and Grandma both stood up. Qiu Pei, ever socially skilled, went forward to greet Zhu Yun and Wen Li, smiling as she asked, “Was there traffic on the way?”

Zhu Yun smiled warmly. “Not at all, traffic was smooth. The flowers in Nancheng are truly beautiful.”

Qiu Pei replied with a laugh, “They really are. Nancheng’s flowers are famous. Come, have a seat.”

Zhu Yun nodded with a smile and sat down with Wen Li.

Grandma, on the other hand, immediately took Wen Yang’s hand and gently asked, “How old are you this year?”

Wen Yang noticed how well Grandma had maintained herself—like a kind grandmother from TV dramas—and replied, “Grandma, I’m twenty-seven.”

“Perfect, perfect. Your zodiac signs match.”

She pulled Wen Yang to sit beside her.

Wen Yang smiled and sat down gracefully. Seeing that she wasn’t nervous and behaved elegantly, Grandma liked her even more. Truthfully, what more do elders want? She had always tried to introduce women to her grandson, urging him to remarry, but it was only because she hoped he would have someone by his side. Of course, it was better if he found someone on his own—far better than the candidates in her lists.

She just hoped her grandson would truly love someone.

After everyone was seated, Fu Xingzhou brewed tea.

Compared to his few words, Qiu Pei and Grandma were far more talkative. They asked Wen Yang all sorts of questions—about her preferences, her work, everything. Qiu Pei chatted with Zhu Yun, while Wen Li took on the role of a smiling father, occasionally exchanging words with his future son-in-law. Qiu Pei asked, “Your husband works in electrical engineering?”

Wen Li set down his cup and smiled. “Yes.”

Qiu Pei replied, “That’s not an easy profession.”

Wen Li smiled modestly. “Once you get used to it, it’s alright.”

Qiu Pei nodded in agreement.

People often carry the traits of their profession.

You could see it right away—Zhu Yun was the one who took the lead at home. Working in auditing and law, her personality was a bit stricter, but she balanced strength and softness very well.

A child raised in such a household—like Wen Yang—would naturally have a strong inner core.

That’s why she dared to go to Paris alone, to be with Fu Xingzhou, without worrying about gain or loss.

If it were her in Wen Yang’s shoes, she’d be wondering if Fu Xingzhou had someone else in Paris, and whether she was walking into heartbreak. But Grandma—still tightly holding Wen Yang’s hand—refused to let go.

Up to this point, Wen Yang hadn’t exchanged a single word with Qiu Pei.

Qiu Pei nearly rolled her eyes.

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