Chapter 556: Fang Er 13. Don’t be afraid, I am here

The living room was filled with Shen Qinglan’s light and clear voice, speaking her conjecture unhurriedly, "Four years ago, Gu Qingzhu suddenly disappeared, which must have been because you sent her on a mission, right? I heard from Brother Chenxuan that her current name is Song Bing, the second-in-command of an organization in Beijing, so she went undercover?"

Fu Hengyi’s gaze was deep and silent, which was an implicit acknowledgment.

"I won’t ask what her mission is; I just want to know when she can finish it," Shen Qinglan knew there were things she shouldn’t inquire about.

Fu Hengyi thought for a moment before speaking, "Qinglan, that’s not something I can decide." In fact, Gu Qingzhu was not his choice. Back when the police wanted to borrow someone from the military, he had provided a list, and Gu Qingzhu wasn’t on it, considering she was just a military academy student at the time. But somehow, she got wind of it and found him while he was visiting their academy to meet the principal about something. She volunteered to be added to the list of undercover operatives. Given her exemplary performance at the academy and her strong desire, Fu Hengyi had consented.

After more than twenty years of marriage, Shen Qinglan could discern something from his demeanor and asked solemnly, "Fu Hengyi, you knew back then that Chenxuan was dating her, didn’t you?"

"No, I found out afterward." Military academies prohibited students from dating, so Fu Chenxuan and Gu Qingzhu’s relationship was well concealed. He had only begun to suspect something when Fu Chenxuan was about to drop out, but by then, Gu Qingzhu had already successfully infiltrated her target, and it was too late to pull her out. Besides, it was the children’s choice, and he had no option but to feign ignorance.

"You kept this from me for four years." Shen Qinglan’s tone was very calm—so calm that it made Fu Hengyi’s heart tremble. He replied awkwardly, "Qinglan, this matter is of great importance, I couldn’t speak of it, and plus, I am not the direct supervisor." These were police matters; he was in the military, not in the same system, and this was not his responsibility to handle.

Shen Qinglan clearly understood. She wasn’t trying to blame him; she was just worried about her son, "Why didn’t you stop Chenxuan then? Aren’t you afraid he’ll regret it when he finds out the truth later?"

"Qinglan, everyone has to be responsible for their choices. You know this, I know this, and Fu Chenxuan is no exception. Besides, he’s doing very well now." Fu Hengyi was full of confidence in his eldest son. Despite occasionally showing disapproval, Fu Chenxuan was his pride. Even though he was disappointed when his son gave up his dreams for a woman, overall, Fu Chenxuan made him proud.

Shen Qinglan looked steadily at her husband, unsure whether to say he was heartless or well-intentioned. But now it was too late to talk about this; she could only hope that one day, when Fu Chenxuan found out the truth, he wouldn’t misunderstand Fu Hengyi.

"Can you ensure Gu Qingzhu’s safety?" Shen Qinglan asked.

Fu Hengyi shook his head, "I can’t interfere with that." In fact, due to this mission, those from the military who were loaned out either perished or had to be pulled out after being discovered. Only three remained, and among them, Gu Qingzhu was the most successful in staying under cover. So even if he did not intervene, the police would do their utmost to keep her safe. Of course, to prevent her identity from being revealed, they certainly wouldn’t get too close or even contact her frequently.

Shen Qinglan had also thought of this and asked, "Is she currently in Beijing?"

"She should have left by now." Since Fu Chenxuan had already seen her, she would definitely have left Beijing.

A flash of concern crossed Shen Qinglan’s eyes. She could only hope that Gu Qingzhu could return safely; otherwise, her son might...

"Qinglan, I’m very sorry for keeping this from you for so long." Fu Hengyi did not want to keep secrets from his wife, but because this matter involved confidentiality regulations, he truly couldn’t tell. Talking about it tonight was actually against the rules.

"I’ll forget tonight’s conversation," Shen Qinglan offered proactively. She wouldn’t tell anyone about what was said with Fu Hengyi tonight, including her own son.

The next day, when Fu Chenxuan came home, he found his parents had made up as if nothing had happened. Fu Chenxuan sat next to Fu Hengyi and asked in a low voice, "Dad, you didn’t sleep in the study last night, did you?"

Fu Hengyi glanced at him coldly, noticing the dark circles under his eyes, and his gaze softened, "You seem quite eager to see me continue sleeping in the study?"

Fu Chenxuan innocently replied, "How could that be? You’re my own father; how could I bear it? Wasn’t I giving you advice just yesterday?""

Fu Hengyi acknowledged his contribution from the day before and refrained from calling him out on the schadenfreude in his words, "Did you stay up late last night?"

Fu Chenxuan didn’t deny it, "I couldn’t sleep in the middle of the night, got a really good idea, and got up to write code." In reality, he was preoccupied with thoughts of Gu Qingzhu and couldn’t sleep.

"Even though you’re young and can handle staying up for a day or two, try not to make a habit of it, as it’s harmful to your health," Fu Hengyi rarely admonished.

Fu Chenxuan looked at his father with surprise and delight, saying, "Dad, did mom feed you sugar last night?" He was unusually pleasant this morning.

Understanding the implication of his son’s words, Fu Hengyi’s expression darkened slightly. This cheeky kid, hmph.

***********

Guoguo noticed that Fu Chenxuan had been down lately, often absent-minded, and seemed worried. When asked what was wrong, he wouldn’t say, so she decided to invite him out to have some fun and clear his mind.

Fu Chenxuan didn’t want to disappoint her kind intentions, and indeed, he didn’t want to wallow in negativity, so he willingly agreed.

The two went to the amusement park.

Since they were young, whenever Guoguo felt upset, Fu Chenxuan and Pei Hao would take her to the amusement park. After trying all the rides, her mood would always improve.

However, when they arrived at the entrance of the amusement park, Guoguo spotted another person—it was none other than Pei Hao.

Holding three tickets in his hand, Pei Hao stood waiting at the entrance, with no sign of impatience on his face. Upon seeing them approach, he smiled and waved.

Guoguo looked resentfully at Fu Chenxuan, "Brother Chenxuan, why did you invite Brother Pei Hao too?"

Fu Chenxuan explained, "I called him this morning and accidentally let it slip, so I just invited Brother Hao to come along. We’ve been playing together since we were kids, it’s no big deal, just relax."

Guoguo took a deep breath and told herself that this was just her brother, nothing to be concerned about. She couldn’t avoid him forever just because he didn’t like her.

After mentally preparing herself, Guoguo followed behind Fu Chenxuan toward Pei Hao.

"Brother Hao, have you been waiting long?"

Pei Hao shook his head, "No, I’ve only just arrived myself, and I’ve already bought the tickets. Let’s go."

Fu Chenxuan nodded, pulling Guoguo, who was still playing ostrich behind him, to follow along, "Look at you, lacking spirit."

Guoguo gave him a sidelong glance. She hadn’t even started on him yet. They had agreed that she was coming to accompany him to have fun and unwind, but then he had to invite Pei Hao. What a pig teammate.

However, Guoguo’s complaints quickly faded away amidst the various amusement park attractions. She was supposed to be the one accompanying Fu Chenxuan, but in the end, it was Guoguo who went crazy with excitement.

"Here, have some water." Pei Hao said with a hint of amusement as he watched Guoguo sweat profusely.

Guoguo took the water from Pei Hao very naturally and took a few gulps, "Whew, that was too much fun. It really is best to come to the amusement park with you guys."

Fu Chenxuan gave her a sideways look, "Who else have you been here with?"

"With my dad, of course. You have no idea how fussy he is. Every time we come to the park, he won’t let me go on the thrilling rides; he just has me wander on the carousel. It’s no fun at all."

Fu Chenxuan could imagine that scene: Han Yi treasured his daughter too much, keeping her in his palm for fear of her falling, holding her in his mouth for fear of her melting. It would be a surprise if he let Guoguo go on those rides.

"Brother Chenxuan, I want to try that bungee jumping." Guoguo’s gaze drifted up to the high tower of the bungee jump, "I’ve never done it before, and I want to try."

"Didn’t you say you were scared and didn’t dare to try last time?" Fu Chenxuan scoffed at her; she had been utterly unwilling to go up before, and now she suddenly wanted to.

"Wasn’t I scared before?"

"And you’re not scared now?"

"I’m still scared, which is why I want you to accompany me up there."

Fu Chenxuan rolled his eyes at her, "Forget it, I’m not going."

"Brother Chenxuan, please go with me," Guoguo pleaded, tugging at Fu Chenxuan’s hand.

Pei Hao watched this scene, his eyes dimming slightly, "I’ll go with you."

Guoguo was startled and looked toward Pei Hao, "Brother Pei Hao, haven’t you stopped going on these kinds of rides for a long time?" It seemed that for the past few years, Pei Hao had stopped going on these rides and only played less thrilling ones, often just watching the two of them play.

Pei Hao smiled, "It’s precisely because I haven’t done it in a long time that I want to try again. Shall we go together?"

"Guoguo, you go with Brother Hao. I’ll wait for you guys down here."

Guoguo hesitated. She wanted to play, she had been longing to try bungee jumping, but with Pei Hao...

The shadow of gloom in Pei Hao’s eyes grew deeper, and just as he was about to take the initiative to back out, Guoguo finally nodded, "Okay, let’s go."

As they reached the high tower, Guoguo’s legs began to shake, she couldn’t even bear to look down, and she clung tightly to Pei Hao’s clothes, "Brother Pei Hao, I’m scared."

Pei Hao remained calm and took the initiative to grasp her hand, "Don’t be afraid, I’m here."

His palm was dry and warm. Lowering her gaze to their intertwined hands, Guoguo found her heart miraculously calmed. She lifted her head slightly; he was much taller than her, and from her angle, she could just see his chin.

It took a short wait before it was their turn. Pei Hao encircled Guoguo in his arms, hands on her waist. Guoguo, looking at the tiny figures below that resembled ants, swallowed nervously and hesitantly said, "Brother Pei Hao, maybe we should go back down." The height frightened her, and she no longer wanted to jump.

Leaning close to her ear, Pei Hao spoke softly, "Don’t be scared, I’ll be with you."

"Are you ready?" the staff member beside them asked.

Pei Hao nodded, while Guoguo shook her head vigorously, "Wait, just a moment."

She clutched Pei Hao’s hand nervously, "Brother Pei Hao, are we really going to jump?"

Pei Hao chuckled, "Guoguo, do you trust me?"

Guoguo couldn’t see his expression, but hearing his voice, she still subconsciously nodded her head. Pei Hao laughed, his eyes sparkling brilliantly, "Then hold on to me tight."

With that, he nodded to the nearby attendant and suddenly felt a push from behind. Both of them dropped off the platform.

The sudden sensation of weightlessness made Guoguo scream involuntarily, "Ahhh!"

Pei Hao held her tightly, his face turning pale. He whispered something in Guoguo’s ear, but at that moment, her mind was filled with fear, and she didn’t catch what he said.

As the ground drew closer, just when Guoguo thought she was going to be smashed to death, her body jerked to a halt and then bounced back up. After a few repetitions, they were slowly pulled back up.

Standing on the platform, Guoguo’s legs were weak, and she could only lean powerlessly into Pei Hao’s embrace, but her eyes shone with light, "Brother Pei Hao, I actually did it."

Pei Hao’s face was still pale, but he acted as if nothing was wrong, and he gently touched her hair, "Mhm, you were very brave."

"Phew, I thought I was going to die just now." The feeling of weightlessness left her scared even now. "I really don’t understand how people who commit suicide by jumping off buildings think; it’s horrifying. I sincerely believe that anyone who wants to commit suicide should try bungee jumping first. After experiencing this, they probably wouldn’t want to die." She certainly wouldn’t choose such a way.

Pei Hao chuckled, "What’s on your little mind? All this talk about dying and whatnot." The leap in her thoughts was too great.

Guoguo was helped down by Pei Hao, and it wasn’t until she reached the ground that her heart settled. She looked up at the tall tower and shook her head, "I’m definitely not going to bungee jump again. Though it’s thrilling, it’s too much for me. My old heart can’t take it." She covered her chest, where her heartbeat was still racing.

Fu Chenxuan chuckled as he looked at her, "If you’ve got an old heart, what does that make Brother Hao and me?"

Guoguo humphed, "That’s just an analogy. Don’t you get it?"

Fu Chenxuan’s gaze fell on Pei Hao, noting his complexion was off, but Guoguo had interrupted him before asking, "By the way, Brother Pei Hao, what were you saying to me up there? When we jumped?"

Pei Hao smiled, "Just telling you not to be scared."

"Oh," Guoguo responded, feeling a bit let down.

"Want to try any other attractions?" Fu Chenxuan asked.

Guoguo shook her head; she just wanted to sit down and rest well now.

"Then let’s go find a place to eat; I’m hungry."

"Sure."

As they reached the entrance of the amusement park, Pei Hao stopped, "I have something else to do later, so I won’t join you guys for the meal. Go ahead."

Guoguo frowned, "Brother Pei Hao, whatever it is, can’t you do it after we eat?"

"It’s urgent; I have to go. I’ll eat with you another time."

Seeing his resolve to leave, Guoguo didn’t try to keep him and said, "Then, Brother Pei Hao, be careful driving."

"Sure." Pei Hao watched them leave and then called his driver.

"Go to the hospital," he said, and then closed his eyes, raising his hand to rub his temples.

In the restaurant, Guoguo ordered a huge amount of food, and Fu Chenxuan watched her, "Can you really eat all that?"

"Of course, I can. I’m starving; I feel like I could eat a whole cow right now."

Fu Chenxuan shook his head, smiling as Guoguo finished ordering and then looked at him closely. Fu Chenxuan, feeling puzzled, touched his face, "Is there something dirty on my face?"

Guoguo shook her head, "Brother Chenxuan, are you feeling better?"

"I wasn’t feeling bad," he said. He was only worried about Gu Qingzhu.

Guoguo made an "Oh" sound but didn’t speak further. Her gaze shifted to another corner of the restaurant and stayed there for a long time. Fu Chenxuan followed her gaze and saw Jiang Xiaoyue. She was sitting across from a man, and the two were intimately feeding each other, their relationship clear at a glance.

Guoguo withdrew her gaze and looked at Fu Chenxuan, "Brother Chenxuan, do you think people really change that quickly? It hasn’t been long since the breakup, and now there’s already someone new?"

Fu Chenxuan smiled faintly, "Since you’ve already broken up, you can’t expect someone to stay single for the rest of their life."

"But shouldn’t there be a period of time? They broke up less than three months ago." Shouldn’t there be some time to get over the sadness? At this moment, Guoguo suddenly felt that Brother Pei Hao was not being treated fairly; this was the woman he had once decided to spend his life with. Although they had eventually parted ways, to be so heartless was something she found hard to accept.

Fu Chenxuan laughed, "Silly girl, what’s there to be upset about? Breaking up and falling in love with someone else is perfectly normal, isn’t it? Why are you sad?"

Guoguo herself didn’t know what she was sad about, perhaps she was just being too sentimental.

The dishes arrived, and Guoguo turned her sorrow into appetite, eating voraciously. Most of the food on the table was devoured by her. Fu Chenxuan looked at her worriedly and said, "Guoguo, eat less, be careful not to overeat."

Guoguo made a distressed face, "Brother Chenxuan, you’re too late, I’m already stuffed." She hadn’t felt it while eating, but now that she was done, she realized she had overdone it.

Fu Chenxuan, feeling helpless, said, "Wait here, I’ll go buy you some digestives." He got up and left the dining room. Before long, a dark shadow fell over Guoguo. She was looking down at her cell phone and without looking up said, "Brother Chenxuan, you’re back so soon."

A light laugh sounded in her ear. Guoguo looked up to find that the person standing in front of her was Jiang Xiaoyue, her brow lightly furrowed, "Do you need something?"

Jiang Xiaoyue sat down directly in Fu Chenxuan’s seat, "I wanted to have a chat with you."

Guoguo put down her phone and looked steadily at her, "Is there anything between us worth chatting about?"

"Maybe not anything else, so I can only talk to you about Brother Pei Hao," Jiang Xiaoyue said with a pale smile on her face.

"You and Brother Pei Hao have already broken up."

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you precisely because we broke up. Did you and Pei Hao grow up together?"

Guoguo didn’t understand why she would ask this but replied nonetheless, "Yes."

"Pei Hao always told me he had three sisters, two of whom are lively and adorable, and the other one is the most like his aunt, cool and detached. But you are the one he talked about the most."

Surprised, Guoguo said, "Me?"

"Mhm, he often mentioned you. I was even jealous once, although he said he saw you like a sister." And the funny thing was, she actually believed it.

Guoguo’s gaze darkened slightly, "I know he sees me as a sister. You don’t need to remind me on purpose."

"In fact, you do like Pei Hao, don’t you? Not like a brother, but in the romantic sense," Jiang Xiaoyue said, with her eyes probing Guoguo.

Guoguo frankly admitted, "Yes, I like him." Since the two of them had already broken up, there was nothing she couldn’t admit.

Jiang Xiaoyue had a face that said, ’I knew it,’ "That’s good." She now suddenly couldn’t understand Pei Hao. If these two liked each other, why weren’t they together?

Yes, she knew Pei Hao didn’t like her. After dating him for a while, she had realized that. Moreover, Pei Hao didn’t treat her like a girlfriend; he was too gentlemanly. Aside from holding hands, there was no other intimate contact between them. Pei Hao always maintained a polite distance from her.

Jiang Xiaoyue quite liked Pei Hao; after all, he was handsome, gentle, and had good prospects. Even if there was no love, marrying such a man would at least ensure a life free from want. Although the marriage fell through because of her parents, it was still a regret in Jiang Xiaoyue’s heart.

"You came to me just to ask this? You and Brother Pei Hao are already broken up. Whether or not I like him has nothing to do with you, right?" Guoguo didn’t understand.

Jiang Xiaoyue smiled, "Indeed, it has nothing to do with me. I just came to confirm." She just wanted to ascertain who she had lost to. Now it seemed that the person in front of her didn’t even know that Pei Hao liked her. Interesting, very interesting. She hadn’t expected Pei Hao to hide it so well, curious enough to use her as a shield.

"That’s right, I forgot to tell you. That’s my boyfriend; we’re getting married soon." Jiang Xiaoyue pointed at a man not far away, "He’s very good to me, as well as to my parents."

Guoguo had already seen the man. Seeing her bring it up, she couldn’t help asking, "You and Brother Pei Hao have only been apart for less than three months, and you’re going to marry someone else so quickly. Did you really love Brother Pei Hao?"

Guoguo looked at her as if she were looking at a betrayer.

Jiang Xiaoyue laughed lightly, "Young girl, you really are naive. According to you, after I broke up with Pei Hao, should I remain pure and reserved for him for a lifetime?"

Of course, that wasn’t what Guoguo meant. She just felt this woman was too quick to throw herself into the arms of another, a bit too heartless.

"Young girl, I’m finished with Pei Hao, and I didn’t come here today to argue with you about who is more heartless," Jiang Xiaoyue said, "I just wanted to come and see you." She had originally wanted to ask what was really going on between the two, but since Guoguo knew nothing, there was no need to ask. Of course, she wasn’t so kind as to remind Guoguo that Pei Hao liked her.

Pei Hao breaking up with her was an undeniable fact, and it hurt her, another undeniable fact. Even though he gave her a lot of money, it couldn’t make up for the hurt she felt, so she wasn’t about to go out of her way to be a charity.

After Jiang Xiaoyue finished, she left, leaving Guoguo staring blankly at her retreating figure.