A few days later, on Monday.
Every Monday was Sheng Xiangsi's fixed day off because it was the day with the lowest customer flow at Mise.
Having some free time, Sheng Xiangsi decided to visit Fu Mingzhu.
Fu Mingzhu had improved significantly, fully awake, and her bodily functions were gradually recovering.
Sheng Xiangsi, along with a nurse, helped Fu Mingzhu out of bed and wheeled her into the courtyard to bask in the sun.
"Xiangsi," the old lady held Sheng Xiangsi's hand and sighed, "you've had a tough time this time."
"It's not tough," Sheng Xiangsi smiled gently and shook her head, "it's my duty."
"Ah," the old lady patted her hand, "Grandma remembers your kindness."
Her eyes reddened, and she choked up, "The thing I regret most is that in the past, I let you be alone, all alone..."
"Grandma," Sheng Xiangsi quickly took out a tissue to wipe her tears, "it's all in the past, and I'm doing fine now."
"Rest assured," the old lady nodded, smiling, "as long as I'm here, you will always be Hanjiang's wife. The position of Fu family's second young mistress belongs only to you."
Upon hearing this, Sheng Xiangsi's expression turned somewhat unnatural.
She thought it would be better to let Fu Hanjiang handle this matter.
Sheng Xiangsi knelt down and massaged Fu Mingzhu's legs, "Grandma, I'm off today, and I'll stay here with you tonight, okay?"
"Really? That's wonderful."
"Mrs. Fu," the nurse came out with Fu Mingzhu's phone, "your phone is ringing."
"Oh, okay."
Fu Mingzhu took the phone and saw that it was Fu Hanjiang calling.
"Grandma."
"What is it?" Fu Mingzhu said, "Aren't you at Yinhu? If you're busy, there's no need to call and greet me."
"Yes, Grandma," Fu Hanjiang, on the other end, chuckled, "but this time I'm not calling to greet you. Grandma, could you help me check if there's a document folder I left there?"
Lately, he had been spending his nights there keeping watch, and he often brought work with him. It was highly likely he had left something there.
Fu Mingzhu's expression turned serious upon hearing this.
"Is it something you need today?"
"Yes, it's for tonight's meeting. Please help me find it."
"Alright."
Fu Mingzhu, having been a strong businesswoman in her younger days, took business matters very seriously. She moved the phone away and looked at Sheng Xiangsi.
"Xiangsi, could you go inside and see if there's a document folder?"
"Oh, okay."
Sheng Xiangsi didn't delay and quickly went inside to search.
When she came back, she was holding a C4-sized document folder, "Grandma, is this it?"
"Let me see." Fu Mingzhu took it, opened it, and checked inside. She then picked up the phone, "Found it, it's here."
"Great," Fu Hanjiang breathed a sigh of relief.
"Grandma, please have someone send it over to me."
"Sure."
Fu Mingzhu agreed and was about to dial someone from her contacts, but then she looked at Sheng Xiangsi.
"Xiangsi, come here."
"Grandma, what's up?"
Fu Mingzhu held her hand, "It's like this, Hanjiang needs the contents of this folder. I don't trust anyone else with it. Would you mind making a trip?"
Afraid she might refuse, she tapped the folder. "This contains business secrets. I wouldn't trust it to anyone else."
This...
Sheng Xiangsi was very hesitant.
She knew well that Fu Mingzhu's request was largely an attempt to 'matchmake' her with Fu Hanjiang.
She didn't want to go or see Fu Hanjiang.
However, she couldn't bluntly tell the old lady that they couldn't stand each other...
"Alright."
Gritting her teeth, Sheng Xiangsi agreed.
After all, she was just delivering something. She could leave as soon as it was handed over, without needing to speak to him.
"Good child."
Fu Mingzhu smiled with satisfaction, "No rush. Have afternoon tea with Grandma first."
The documents were needed in the evening, and it wouldn't be appropriate to go too early... Better to leave in the evening.
"Okay."
Sheng Xiangsi was unaware of the old lady's intentions, "I'll do as you say, Grandma."
In the afternoon, around four o'clock, Sheng Xiangsi left the sanatorium.
She carefully placed the document folder in her backpack and boarded a bus to Yinhu.
Yinhu was quite far, a township under Jiangcheng still in development, and the bus ride took a full two hours.
After arriving, she followed the address Fu Mingzhu had given her, walked a bit further, and found the hotel where Fu Hanjiang was staying.
The hotel was brand new, the air still filled with the smell of fresh paint.
Once at the hotel, Sheng Xiangsi slung her backpack to her front and called Fu Hanjiang.
Inside the room, Fu Hanjiang picked up his phone and saw... Sheng Xiangsi? Why was she calling? Remembering what she had said that day...
Something about her uncle, something about his sister-in-law?
His face darkened, and he flipped the phone over.
Outside, Sheng Xiangsi held the phone, blinking in confusion. "Why isn't he answering? Doesn't he need the documents?"
Maybe he's busy? Not convenient?
Sheng Xiangsi thought for a moment and sent him a message.
—Grandma asked me to bring you something.
Then, she took a picture of the document folder and sent it.
Her phone buzzed again.
"Hmph."
Fu Hanjiang sneered, not over yet? Does she still contact him after calling him filthy?
But he picked up the phone and swiped to see.
His eyes narrowed, so she was here to deliver documents!
He abruptly stood up and left the room.
Outside, the sky had darkened. Only a sliver of the setting sun remained on the horizon.
Sheng Xiangsi wore a beige T-shirt and cargo jeans, her long, seaweed-like hair tied back with a black hair tie.
She stood there, tall and slender, like a swan bathing in the twilight.
Fu Hanjiang involuntarily rolled his Adam's apple.
His throat felt a bit dry and itchy...
He walked over. "Sheng Xiangsi."
Hearing his voice, Sheng Xiangsi looked up at him, "You're here."
She quickly took off her backpack and handed him the document folder. "Here, this is for you. Check if it's correct."
"Mm."
Fu Hanjiang opened it and checked, "It's correct."
He closed the folder and looked at her with amusement, "You have a knack for timing."
"?" Sheng Xiangsi didn't understand what he meant.
"Don't pretend."
Fu Hanjiang pointed at his watch, "I called Grandma at one o'clock, and you're just now delivering it. Knowing there are no buses back at this time, do you want to stay?"
"..."
Sheng Xiangsi still didn't react, her mind only processing his statement—no buses back?
"Hah."
Fu Hanjiang sneered without hiding it, "You've used this trick before."
He thought she had really given up on him, stopped bothering him! But she pulled this stunt.
Still scheming!
"Fine."
Fu Hanjiang waved generously, "No matter what you do, I won't be swayed—considering your effort, come with me. I'll have someone show you to a place to rest..."
He turned and walked ahead.
He thought she would obediently follow.
But Sheng Xiangsi stood still, not moving an inch.
She finally understood... he thought she had come late on purpose!
Fu Hanjiang turned back, seeing her still standing there, and said displeased, "Aren't you coming? What, now that I've seen through your scheme, you want to try something else?"