Three years later—
Fu Han stood in front of the He Family's villa gate, her expression slightly dazed.
After such a long time, she never thought she would come back to this place.
A deep black Bugatti slowly approached, Butler Li was about to greet the master into the house when his gaze unintentionally swept over Fu Han, and after a moment of stunned realization, he rushed over, "Lady?"
Excitement flashed in his eyes, and with disbelief, he sized up Fu Han, "You're really back!"
Familiar faces came into view, and Fu Han sighed softly in her heart, smiled gently at Butler Li, and said, "Yes, it's me, Uncle Li."
"That's wonderful. The old master will surely be overjoyed to see you."
As he spoke, Butler Li hurriedly ushered Fu Han into the villa, "Quick, I'll take you to see the old master right now."
"How has the old man been?" Fu Han asked as she walked in with Butler Li.
A week earlier, she had seen an economic brief stating that the Chairman of the He Group was critically ill, and the vast He Group would be entirely handed over to CEO He Xing.
Although she had stormed off in a huff years ago, vowing never to return to A City, the old Mr. He had been kind to her, and she was no longer the impulsive and naive Fu Han of three years ago.
So, she rushed back from C Country immediately.
"The old master is getting on in years, after all."
Butler Li sighed helplessly, "It's the same old ailments, the doctor only said to take good care, not to get agitated and to cultivate one's character, but there's nothing serious. The media blew it out of proportion."
Fu Han nodded and headed towards the villa's entrance with practiced ease.
Butler Li stole a glance at her, his expression reflecting some hesitation.
But in the next moment, Fu Han's steps suddenly halted; she stood still and looked forward.
Two familiar figures came into her view.
One tall and straight, the other slender and delicate.
In the sunlight, the shadows of the two overlapped intimately, forming a perfectly matched scene.
Fu Han's lips curved into a shallow smile, and she strolled up at a leisurely pace, "Long time no see."
In front of the villa, He Xing came out expressionless, with Xia Ning following closely behind, "Brother Xing."
He Xing carried on as if he hadn't heard her, without any pause in his stride, and he didn't spare Xia Ning any extra glances.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Xia Ning's eyes, but she bit back her irritation and grasped He Xing's arm, "Wait for me."
He Xing's cold eyes swept over her, his gaze landing on Xia Ning's hand.
The air around them tensed instantly, and Xia Ning awkwardly withdrew her hand, comforting him with understanding, "Don't worry too much. The doctor said there's nothing wrong with the old master, it's all those journalists making wild guesses. I've already asked my brother to handle it, and that reporter who spread rumors will soon be out of the circle—"
"Xia Ning," He Xing interrupted her indifferently, "Are you that idle?"
Xia Ning stiffened, grinding her teeth and forcing a reluctant smile, "Then I'll head back first, I—"
Before she could finish, a familiar voice suddenly reached her ears.
"Long time no see."
He Xing turned around abruptly while Xia Ning was initially startled and then stared wide-eyed in shock.
Fu Han ascended the steps, her gaze sweeping over the two of them. She offered a polite smile and then headed inside the house.
He Xing's pupils deepened, and he stepped past Xia Ning to stand in front of Fu Han, grabbing her wrist, "Fu Han?"
His deep voice reached Fu Han's ears, echoing like the elegant chords of a cello.
Fu Han's ear tickled involuntarily, and she turned to He Xing, "I'm here to visit the old master."
Her face was candid, her eyes clear, and her voice as gentle as the spring breeze in March, yet it somehow felt distantly aloof.
He Xing's dark eyes narrowed slightly, his fingertips slowly tightening their grasp.
Fu Han shifted her wrist uncomfortably. Realizing her desire to pull away, He Xing wordlessly drew her inside the house, "Together."
Xia Ning's gaze immediately fell on He Xing's right hand resting on Fu Han's shoulder.
His fingers were long and well-defined, and his wrist created a sharp, handsome curve on her shoulder.
In A City's business circles, everyone knew the He Family's heir had a cold demeanor, even towards family members, including Fu Han three years ago.
But now, he was taking such an intrusive stance to approach Fu Han?
Xia Ning's eyes reddened as if they were about to bleed.
In contrast, Fu Han merely glanced briefly at He Xing, not dodging his closeness, and with one hand in her trench coat pocket, she entered the villa with He Xing as if it were the most natural thing to do.
Watching their close departing figures, Xia Ning bit her teeth in frustration and hurriedly followed after them.
Butler Li had already retreated into the house on seeing He Xing and informed the old Mr. He of Fu Han's return.
In the bedroom on the first floor, the other visitors had been asked to leave, and the old Mr. He watched Fu Han approach, his usually sharp eyes now tinged with red.
Fu Han knelt directly in front of the old master, sighing, "Grandfather..."
The old Mr. He raised his hand to strike Fu Han but stopped just short of touching her and instead heavily patted her head, angrily saying, "You still remember to come back!"
"Running away from home was my fault."
Tears flickered in Fu Han's eyes, "I deserved to be punished by you."
She had been raised by the old man's side since she was a child, treated no differently than any well-to-do lady.
The old man did indeed love her like his own granddaughter, and while she did not regret leaving the He Family three years prior, she indeed owed the old man an explanation.
The old Mr. He's gaze swept over He Xing standing behind Fu Han, and then to Xia Ning who had followed them in, a sharp glint passing through his astute eyes.
"Stand up."
He frowned in displeasure, "How did I teach you before? We of the He Family are born noble and need not bow to anyone; don't let outsiders see you as a joke."
With that, he cast a subtle glance at Xia Ning.
Xia Ning paused in her tracks, standing at the doorway with unbearable awkwardness, yet managing to muster a smile, "Grandfather looks much better. Fu Han should've come back sooner."
As she spoke, she looked at Fu Han as if by accident, "Where have you been all these years? We really should catch up later."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, but upon hearing this, Fu Han smiled.
First, she checked the old master's expression and saw him merely sigh deeply, unaffected by Xia Ning's words.
Her gaze then drifted over to He Xing's hand, and Fu Han couldn't help but be startled again.
He Xing's finger bore a ring...
And it was a match to her own engagement ring.