Shen Qinglan had accompanied Old Sir Fu to the entrance of the courtyard.
"Girl, thank you, I really can't thank you enough. If it weren't for you today, this old man would have lost face entirely," Old Sir Fu looked at Shen Qinglan, beaming.
"Sir, there's no need to be so polite. I was heading home anyway."
Shen Qinglan's voice was calm, and Old Sir Fu just assumed she was being modest, not thinking deeply about the meaning of her words.
It wasn't until Shen Qinglan entered the courtyard with him, and the guard at the entrance didn't stop her, that Old Sir Fu realized.
"Girl, do you also live here?"
Shen Qinglan nodded, "Sir, where do you live? I'll walk you home."
Old Sir Fu looked at Shen Qinglan's clear and beautiful face, unable to remember anyone like her living here. Could she be a relative of someone, temporarily staying here?
"Girl, where is your home?" Old Sir Fu didn't answer but asked instead.
Old Sir Fu later learned that Shen Qinglan was actually the long-lost granddaughter of his old friend from the Shen Family.
Old Sir Fu also lived in the courtyard, and Shen Qinglan had returned to the Shen Family three years ago. In theory, Old Sir Fu should have known her, but those years were coincidentally when his health was poor, so Fu Hengyi had sent him to the south for recuperation. He had just returned to Beijing last week.
Knowing that Shen Qinglan was the granddaughter of his old friend Old Man Shen, Old Sir Fu liked her even more, with a hint of affection mixed in.
As a child, he had sincerely adored this little girl.
Later, Old Sir Fu gradually discovered that Shen Qinglan was not only more composed than her peers but also very knowledgeable. She had a smattering of knowledge in various fields, and whether Old Sir Fu played chess with her or exchanged insights on art and calligraphy, she could handle it with ease. She could even discuss current affairs and politics with him, maintaining a low profile and humility. Although she wasn't enthusiastic towards the elders, she was certainly respectful.
Moreover, Shen Qinglan was very patient, and even when Old Sir Fu repeatedly regretted chess moves, she was not annoyed.
Old Sir Fu had no granddaughter, only a grandson and a grandson-in-law, and his initial meeting with Shen Qinglan left a great impression. The more time they spent together, the more he liked Shen Qinglan.
At first, Old Sir Fu had no intentions of pairing Shen Qinglan with Fu Hengyi. After all, at that time, Shen Qinglan had just celebrated her eighteenth birthday, and Fu Hengyi was not yet thirty. Although he wished for a great-grandson, he wouldn't force his grandson.
Years passed by quickly, and three years vanished in the blink of an eye. His grandson was still absorbed in his career, paying no attention to marriage, while the once youthful little girl gradually grew into a stunning beauty.
Yet, her demeanor became even more aloof. Old Sir Fu knew about the Shen Family's situation. He couldn't understand Chu Yunrong's thoughts and didn't have the position to criticize her, but he felt even more affection towards Shen Qinglan.
One day, a year ago, Old Sir Fu was playing chess with Shen Qinglan, and somehow thought of his still-single grandson. Thinking of his grandson's looks, he glanced at Shen Qinglan, who was deep in thought over her chess piece, and his eyes lit up. An idea flashed in his mind and cascaded uncontrollably, making him increasingly fond of it.
So, Old Sir Fu abandoned their game, hurriedly ran back to his room, and called Old Man Shen to share his plan. To his surprise, Old Man Shen hung up immediately, scolding him with "wishful thinking."
Then, Shen Qinglan was called home by her grandfather and didn't see Old Sir Fu for several months.
Old Sir Fu realized that his idea might have been a bit shameless. After all, the young lady was still youthful, while his own grandson was already a mature man.
In order not to further irritate Old Man Shen, he no longer mentioned it in front of him.
Yet, he secretly plotted to have his grandson win her over when he returned. If the girl was willing at that time, Old Man Shen would have no choice but to accept.
However, fate was not kind. That year, Fu Hengyi was injured on duty, suffering a significant blow, which left him particularly despondent. Old Sir Fu didn't have the heart to pressure him and let him go to other places to recover, not even returning home for the New Year.
Later, Fu Hengyi wanted to start his own business, naturally becoming even busier and rarely returning home.
If Old Sir Fu hadn't feigned illness this time, that rascal wouldn't have come back.
Thinking of this, Old Sir Fu stood with his hands on his hips in his room, pacing back and forth, secretly annoyed at his grandson's lack of initiative.
Fu Hengyi ignored Old Sir Fu's small tantrums. This vacation was not his idea. He had accepted a project a month ago that required his personal attention. If not for Old Sir Fu pretending to be ill and tricking him into returning, he would still be busy now.
Initially, he didn't know why Old Sir Fu had deceived him into coming back. But now, it seemed to be mostly about the little girl from the Shen Family.
Thinking of that unparalleled yet aloof person, Fu Hengyi unknowingly wore a faint smile.
However, what he told Shen Qinglan tonight was true. Having confirmed Old Sir Fu's good health, he planned to leave the day after tomorrow. That project was crucial, as it involved protecting an important person. If anything went wrong, all the reputation his newly established company had painstakingly built could crumble overnight. When he'd be back, he did not know.
Thinking of that project, Fu Hengyi went on to contemplate the company's development plans. Seizing the available time, he proceeded to the study to write out the plan.
Poor Old Sir Fu was still in his room, waiting for Fu Hengyi to come and admit his mistake and then go after Shen Qinglan.
Old Sir Fu waited and waited, but Fu Hengyi didn't show up. Finally, he realized his grandson genuinely had no intention of marrying Shen Qinglan.
How could this be? The girl Qinglan was the chosen granddaughter-in-law in his heart, and he wouldn't let anyone else snatch her away. Don't think he didn't know, many were eyeing Qinglan.
The last time he went to the school to find her, he saw a boy give Shen Qinglan flowers and confess. Although Shen Qinglan didn't accept, who knew if there would be a next one? If someone else pursued her, he would be left with nowhere to cry.
Thinking of this, Old Sir Fu concocted a plan in his mind...
The next day, news spread in Beijing that the Fu Family was selecting a granddaughter-in-law. The news caused an immediate stir, disrupting the pool of unmarried women.
What kind of family was the Fu Family? They were the elite of the elite, the family everyone in Beijing wanted to marry into.
And Fu Hengyi, being the outstanding heir of his generation, was enough to make countless girls break their necks trying to marry into the Fu Family. Moreover, Fu Hengyi possessed a look even more handsome than a star's.
But before the girls could act, another piece of news emerged, allegedly stating that the Fu Family had already chosen the granddaughter-in-law, and it was the girl from the Shen Family.
In no time, pieces of broken hearts became an all-too-common sight in Beijing. Meanwhile, the chosen girl from the Shen Family was labeled by the girls as a "homewrecker" who seduced Mr. Fu.