Chapter 567: Episode 24: Marry Whoever Proposes

Desire flashed through his eyes; he had never experienced such a beautiful woman before. Moreover, since she was friends with Lu Yimeng, her status probably wasn’t too high. For such people, sleeping with them was just that—sleeping with them. If they dared to make a fuss, he’d simply pay them off. It wasn’t the first time he had done such a thing. Women, after all, were just like that.

The look in his eyes was too obvious, and Fu Shuyi saw right through his thoughts. She snorted coldly, already forming a plan in her mind.

Just as Li Zhishen was about to force himself on her, before he could act, Fu Shuyi lifted her foot and kicked him hard. He let out a squeal like a slaughtered pig, clutching a certain area, screaming in gut-wrenching pain.

Lu Yimeng stood there in shock, stunned by Fu Shuyi’s actions. She hadn’t expected her to strike so fiercely. Seeing Li Zhishen in his current state, her heart quivered—had she kicked him too hard?

A touch of worry surfaced in her heart. If she really had done serious damage, it would be disastrous. Li Zhishen might not do anything to Fu Shuyi, but what about herself, and her Dad?

Thinking this, she inevitably started to resent Fu Shuyi. Acting so impulsively might have felt good, but the consequences were left for her to bear. As expected of the wealthy daughter, she really didn’t consider others at all.

Fu Shuyi, unaware of her thoughts, would probably have left her behind had she known. She gazed down at Li Zhishen, who was still wailing on the ground, her eyes curved with a smile, and she walked away with Lu Yimeng.

Li Zhishen watched their receding figures, a flash of gloom in his eyes—there was no way he was going to let this go.

"Shuyi, this won’t cause any trouble, will it?" Lu Yimeng asked anxiously.

Fu Shuyi was nonchalant. "What trouble could it cause? I knew what I was doing, it won’t cripple him; it’ll just hurt for a few days." She actually wouldn’t have minded truly crippling the scumbag, but Charming Color was her turf. If she really crippled someone, it might cause trouble for her family.

Although their family wasn’t afraid of trouble, it was better to avoid it if possible.

Fu Shuyi took Lu Yimeng to find Bai Junnan, who had been about to look for someone when they returned.

"Weren’t you going to the restroom? Why did it take so long?"

Fu Shuyi smiled. "On the way back, I ran into a classmate and stopped to chat for a bit. Brother Jun Nan, this is my roommate Lu Yimeng. Yimeng, this is a friend of my brother, Bai Junnan. You’ve met before."

Bai Junnan glanced at the person in front of him, barely remembering her. Lu Yimeng felt a bit embarrassed; was her presence so weak that nobody took notice of her? After all, she was also called a great beauty, right?

"Last time we went to your restaurant for barbecue, with my brother that time, do you remember?" Fu Shuyi reminded him.

With that hint, Bai Junnan did have some recollection. It seemed there indeed was such a person, but today’s outfit... His gaze discreetly lingered on Lu Yimeng for a second before shifting away, looking at Fu Shuyi. "It’s getting late, shall we go?"

"Let’s sit for a while longer; we just arrived." Fu Shuyi wasn’t ready to leave yet. Although she had just encountered a disgusting person, her mood was unaffected.

She ordered another cocktail. "Yimeng, order whatever you like; let Brother Jun Nan treat us." She didn’t ask why Lu Yimeng dressed up to come here; everyone has their own life. She could lend a hand in injustice but shouldn’t meddle too much in someone else’s life.

Lu Yimeng ordered the same cocktail as Fu Shuyi, her gaze occasionally drifting towards Bai Junnan. She thought she was being discreet, but all her glances were noticed by Bai Junnan, his expression cool.

"Mr. Bai, isn’t your restaurant busy?" Lu Yimeng made conversation nervously.

Bai Junnan took a sip of water, his expression bland. "There’s more than just me at the restaurant. If the boss had to personally handle everything, why would I hire people?"

Fu Shuyi, watching a pole dance performance, wasn’t paying attention to their conversation.

"Mr. Bai, are you drinking water? Why not order a drink?" Noticing the glass in his hand, Lu Yimeng spoke up. She couldn’t believe that Bai Junnan was refraining from ordering because of money concerns. After all, he owned a popular barbecue restaurant and was friends with Fu Chenxuan, so he surely wasn’t poor, even if his clothes didn’t show any obvious brands.

That was where Lu Yimeng was shortsighted—Bai Junnan’s clothes weren’t well-known luxury brands but were made by private designers that money alone couldn’t buy.

"I’m driving; I can’t drink," Bai Junnan responded with detached tone, clearly not interested in conversation. He glanced at someone immersed in the pole dance performance, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. This girl was indeed a bit naive.

Sensing Bai Junnan’s cold attitude, Lu Yimeng gave up on trying to continue the conversation.

After the pole dance performance ended, Fu Shuyi didn’t linger any longer. It was getting late, and she would be scolded for staying out too late; her dad had set a curfew for her.

As they left the bar, Lu Yimeng prepared to say goodbye to Fu Shuyi, but Fu Shuyi pulled her along. "Let us give you a ride; it’s not safe to take a cab this late."

Saying so, she led her towards a white sports car—it was the same one that had come to pick up Fu Shuyi at the school last time. It seemed this man was financially better off than she had thought.

"Yimeng, where do you live?" Fu Shuyi asked Lu Yimeng, who was seated in the back.

Lu Yimeng gave her an address. Bai Junnan checked the navigation; it was in a different direction from Fu Shuyi’s house, but since Fu Shuyi had said they would give her a ride, he had no objections.

After dropping off Lu Yimeng, Fu Shuyi arrived home past curfew. Her dad was sitting on the sofa waiting for her, his expression not looking great.

Fu Shuyi tugged at the corner of her mouth and greeted him cheerfully, "Daddy, I’m back."

Fu Hengyi’s eyelids twitched, but he didn’t respond, clearly displeased.

Fu Shuyi’s heart trembled, and she said cheerily, "Daddy, I’m really tired, I’m going to my room to sleep."

"Stop right there," Fu Hengyi said coldly.

Fu Shuyi stopped in her tracks, inwardly groaning, here it comes, where’s my brother, brother, save me. Unfortunately, Fu Chenxuan couldn’t hear her cries for help, and Fu Shuyi could only grimace and turn around, "Daddy, is something wrong?"

"Come here."

Fu Shuyi shuffled her feet slowly, taking several minutes to cover a short distance, while Fu Hengyi waited patiently for her, sitting there in his loungewear, clearly because he was waiting for his daughter to return, otherwise he would have been in bed with his wife by now.

"Do you know what time it is?" Fu Hengyi asked sternly.

Fu Shuyi rolled her eyes, "I know."

Fu Hengyi noticed her gesture and chuckled, "What time did I ask you to be home?"

Fu Shuyi’s shoulders shuddered. Her dad’s laughter was terrifying. She straightened up, no longer daring to smile, and soberly said, "Daddy, I was wrong." She then looked pitifully at Fu Hengyi.

Fu Hengyi raised his eyelids, "What did you do wrong?"

"I promise I’ll be home by ten from now on," Fu Shuyi pledged, raising her hand.

"Fu Hengyi, are you planning to sit there all night?" Shen Qinglan called out from the second-floor railing, speaking softly.

Fu Henygi looked up at his wife, then at his daughter, his expression helpless. He stood up, "I’ll be right there."

Fu Shuyi’s eyes lit up, her mother was the best. She covertly winked at Shen Qinglan. As Fu Hengyi passed by her, he raised his hand and thumped her on the forehead.

Fu Shuyi’s forehead reddened a little, and she looked at him with a wronged expression, not appreciating the violence.

Shen Qinglan turned and went back to her room, pretending not to see her daughter’s accusing gaze.

With her parents’ bedroom door closed, Fu Shuyi leisurely made her way upstairs, only to find her brother leaning against the doorway with a look of amusement.

Fu Shuyi, annoyed, thought: So much for sibling love, just watching her get scolded by Dad. "Brother, why didn’t you come down and help me?" she pouted, clearly upset.

"You shouldn’t have come home late," Fu Chenxuan said coolly.

"Hmph, I’m already twenty-one, what’s wrong with coming back a bit late? Besides, it’s only half-past eleven, it’s not that late."

Fu Chenxuan frowned, "You still dare to argue? I’m asking you, what was going on at the bar?"

Fu Shuyi’s eyes flickered, "What do you mean, I don’t understand what you’re talking about."

"Do I need to remind you? Or should I go and discuss your ’glorious deeds’ with Dad?"

Fu Shuyi clenched her teeth, not expecting Fu Chenxuan to already know; it must have been the bar manager who snitched. Hmph, she’ll see how she deals with him another day. Fu Shuyi made a mental note to deal with the bar manager.

"Brother, I didn’t suffer any loss, I hit someone else," Fu Shuyi retorted, unrepentant. Such scumbags deserved to be hit every time she encountered one.

Fu Chenxuan sighed, "What can I say to you? You didn’t suffer because the person today was weak. What if you had met someone skilled in martial arts?"

Seeing her eyes light up, Fu Chenxuan knew what she was about to say and waved his hand, "Your skills might be enough for ordinary people, but what if you faced a master? Tangtang, there are always stronger people out there, and let’s not focus on others, even in our family, you’re the weakest."

"I can’t just stand by and do nothing, I can’t help it."

"I’m not asking you to stand by, I’m asking you to consider your abilities carefully, and also, think thrice before acting. Besides, it happened on our turf, couldn’t you have been smart about it and call the security instead of sorting it out yourself? Isn’t that foolish?"

Fu Shuyi, deflated and sapped of energy from the scolding, mumbled, "You just think I’m stupid, you’ve always thought I was dumb since we were kids, you don’t love me at all."

Fu Chenxuan: "..." Wasn’t he caring and loving enough? She might feel good after a fight, but all the clean-up work falls on him. He had even gone specifically to fetch their mother to help mitigate the situation, and still, this ungrateful girl.

He ruffled her hair into a mess, "Get to bed."

Fu Shuyi stuck out her tongue, casting him a disdainful look, and huffed as she turned away. She didn’t want to stay here any longer. With a twist of her body, she entered her own room.

Fu Chenxuan shook his head helplessly. This girl, oh.

The next day, Fu Shuyi deliberately got up later, thinking that her dad had probably gone to the Military Region by then and she wouldn’t run into him. But when she went downstairs, there he was in the living room, steady as a rock. Only then did she remember that her dad was on leave, after all, it was only five days until the Spring Festival.

"Daddy, good morning." Fu Shuyi greeted him, forcing herself to be brave. Fu Hengyi responded with a hum, his expression indifferent as he read the newspaper, not even sparing her a glance. Fu Shuyi’s heart began to race, wondering if her mom hadn’t managed to appease her dad last night.

Of course, Fu Hengyi wasn’t really still angry with his daughter. He just wanted to give the girl a small lesson, so he purposely ignored her.

Fu Shuyi walked over with a smile, sitting next to Fu Hengyi and leaning into him, "Daddy, what are you reading?"

He held a military newspaper in his hands, reading with relish. Fu Shuyi glanced at it, then looked away, as she had no interest in those matters.

"Daddy, the weather’s so nice today, it’s suitable for a walk," Fu Shuyi made idle conversation.

"Hadn’t you been wild enough last night? It’s been too long since I disciplined you. Have you let your heart run wild?" Fu Hengyi’s voice was slightly cold.

Fu Shuyi chuckled nervously, "Not at all, Daddy. I’m normally very good. Yesterday was a special case. I went to Charming Color with Brother Jun Nan and happened to run into my roommate. We dropped her home first, that’s why I came back late."

Fu Hengyi set the newspaper down and stared intently at his daughter, "Who did you say you went out with?" He had heard a male name.

Fu Shuyi inwardly cursed, having accidentally slipped up, and said innocently, "No one, just a friend."

"Male or female?" Fu Hengyi pressed, his eyes fixed on her face.

"Dad, does it matter if it’s a male or female? I’m twenty-one, just making some friends, do I need to report everything?" Fu Shuyi showed a hint of dissatisfaction. Her dad and brother were too strict, even inquiring about the kind of friends she made. As a child, it didn’t bother her, but now that she was grown up, it was a bit upsetting.

Fu Hengyi could see right through her little schemes and sighed, "Tangtang, Daddy isn’t trying to interfere with your personal life, but you’re still young. People’s intentions are complex. You might think someone is a good person, but you don’t truly know what they’re like inside. Daddy is worried you might be deceived."

Fu Shuyi hugged his arm, acting spoiled, "Daddy, I know, but I’m an adult and can judge right from wrong. I’m clear about some things in my heart."

She wondered if her dad was referring to the incident with Lu Yimeng. She hadn’t suspected anything wrong with Lu Yimeng before, but after meeting last night at Charming Color, something felt off. It wasn’t that she was suspicious by nature, but the strange feeling she had at the time still lingered.

Fu Hengyi knew his daughter might be naive but she wasn’t foolish. Saying this much was enough; he completely forgot to interrogate her about whether the person she went out with last night was a male or female.

Patting her hand, Fu Hengyi spoke kindly, "Hurry and go have breakfast. Don’t oversleep in the morning anymore, understood?"

"Got it, Daddy. I’m going to eat now. Love you." Fu Shuyi made a heart gesture, and Fu Hengyi watched affectionately as she bounced toward the dining area.

Shen Qinglan passed by him, chuckling softly. Just last night she had told him to have a serious talk with their daughter this morning, and yet a few words from her had charmed him. So much for resolve.

Fu Hengyi touched his nose. What could he do? Just seeing her face made it hard for him to be stern. He couldn’t bring himself to be harsh, whether in disciplining or questioning. What else could he do but dote on her.

Shen Qinglan’s approach to parenting was the same for both sons and daughters: hands-off, especially after they were adults, completely letting go. She knew her own limits; the overall direction wouldn’t go wrong. Even minor slip-ups were just that, and they were young enough to recover and restart if they needed to.

She always believed that flowers raised in a greenhouse couldn’t withstand the ravages of storms, hence, from childhood, Fu Shuyi always thought her mom was too harsh and preferred her dad. But without Shen Qinglan’s strictness, given how Fu Hengyi doted on his daughter, Fu Shuyi would likely have ended up a spoiled princess.

Shen Qinglan was integral to Fu Shuyi’s likable demeanor today.

**

On the eve of the New Year, Gu Qingzhu visited again. This year’s Spring Festival was celebrated with the Fu Family, marking her formal introduction to Fu Family friends and relatives.

The Shen Family had already met Gu Qingzhu and knew well that this girl’s legs were injured during a mission and she was still recuperating. However, others didn’t know this. Seeing Gu Qingzhu in a wheelchair, many wondered why Fu Chenxuan would choose a girl with limited mobility.

Fu Chenxuan naturally explained this to people, omitting her undercover activities, only mentioning she was injured while on duty. With Fu Hengyi present, such a statement carried credibility.

Only relatives close to the Fu Family visited for the New Year this year. Those far away, after the patriarch’s death, had gradually lost contact.

They were reluctant to disconnect from the formidable Fu Family but, given that Fu Hengyi was now the head of the family, he had no desire to deal with them.

Fu Chenxuan took Gu Qingzhu around to recognize relatives. Gu Qingzhu maintained a smile throughout, remaining composed even under scrutinizing gazes.

After making the rounds, she had not memorized everyone’s names but recognized almost everyone.

Having acquainted herself with everyone, Fu Chenxuan poured Gu Qingzhu a glass of water. "Our family has a lot of relatives, and this year we agreed to gather at the old house for New Year, so there are even more people. Tired yet?"

Gu Qingzhu smiled, "Yes, there are indeed quite a few people, and I haven’t remembered a few of them."

"It’s okay, you’ll remember them after a few more meetings. Once you become the Fu family’s daughter-in-law, even if you don’t remember others, they will definitely remember you. Don’t worry."

Gu Qingzhu glanced sideways at him, "Who said I’m your wife? Did I agree?" There hadn’t even been a proposal; she wouldn’t marry him like this.

Fu Chenxuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze slightly menacing, "If you’re not marrying me, then who do you want to marry?"

Gu Qingzhu replied calmly, "Whoever proposes to me, I’ll marry."

Fu Chenxuan chuckled, "So you want a proposal? That’s easy." Saying that, he was about to kneel on one knee, but luckily Gu Qingzhu stopped him in time, "Are you crazy? There are so many people at home." Most of them were elders; if someone saw this, wouldn’t they be laughed at?

"Isn’t it what you said? Marry the one who proposes. If I don’t hurry to propose, what if someone else snatches you away?" Fu Chenxuan had no awareness of being laughed at by others.

Gu Qingzhu was speechless, "I was joking, can’t you tell?"

"I’m serious. I’ve lived for twenty-five years and finally found such a heartwarming wife. I have to keep a close eye on you."

Gu Qingzhu tapped his hand, this man who spoke without a filter. Fu Chenxuan grasped her hand and kissed it, while Gu Qingzhu looked around nervously, fearful of being seen. Fortunately, everyone was busy chatting and no one noticed them.

"Be more serious," Gu Qingzhu said with a slight frown.

"I would make you cry if I were serious with you," replied Fu Chenxuan.

"Still going on?" Gu Qingzhu became slightly annoyed.

Fu Chenxuan raised his eyebrows slightly, "That’s okay too, you could just kiss me."

Gu Qingzhu’s hand was still in Fu Chenxuan’s grip; she wanted to pull it away, now not wanting to deal with him, this shameless person.

But seeing as he didn’t want to let go and she didn’t dare to struggle too hard, she ended up glaring at Fu Chenxuan. He found her current look incredibly adorable. He lowered his head and kissed her hand again, and consequently, Gu Qingzhu’s ears turned the color of a cooked shrimp.

Fu Chenxuan, full of smiles, thought she was just too shy, always blushing at the slightest thing, which was quite different from her usual self, directly hitting his cute spot.

"If you don’t kiss me, I’ll keep kissing," Fu Chenxuan said, raising his eyebrows at her.

Gu Qingzhu looked annoyed; this guy was really something. With so many family members around today, she was totally not interested in publicly displaying affection.

Yet she couldn’t out-stubborn Fu Chenxuan. After making eye contact for half a minute, she finally caved, carefully looked around, and upon seeing that no one was looking, she quickly pecked Fu Chenxuan on the face.

"Happy now?" Gu Qingzhu said irritably.

Just as Fu Chenxuan was about to reply, a voice from Fu Shuyi came along, "Oh my, Shuchen, I’m stuffed without even starting the meal."

Fu Chenxuan and Gu Qingzhu looked towards the source of the voice and saw Fu Shuyi and Fu Shuchen standing on the balcony, smiling at them.

With arms crossed, Fu Shuyi teasingly said, "Brother, even if you like Sister Qingzhu a lot, you should take it to your room. It’s unethical to flaunt your love in public."

Although Fu Shuchen still had an expressionless face, Gu Qingzhu felt the eyes that were usually indifferent were hiding a smile.

This time she really felt embarrassed; with her head down, she acted like an ostrich, resolutely denying that the one who initiated it was her.

Fu Chenxuan, however, appeared nonchalant and looked languidly at Fu Shuyi, "I just heard Mom calling for you, aren’t you going over?"

"Brother, you’re really bad at changing the subject."

Looking at Gu Qingzhu’s burning ears, then thinking for a moment, he tugged Fu Shuchen along, "Well, I actually do need to speak to mom, leaving first."

"People left, aren’t you raising your head?" Fu Chenxuan said, full of smiles. As the ostrich person raised her head and glared fiercely at him, it was all his fault. Now look, her face was burnt...

Fu Chenxuan stifled a laugh.