Qin Sheng's eyes sparkled with a gentle smile, her mind filled with the comforting echo of Grandpa Lu's affectionate chattering. It felt so warm, so familiar, like a cherished memory brought to life.
"Sheng Sheng, how old are you now?" Grandpa Lu inquired, casting a sidelong glance at Fu Hanchuan, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Fu Hanchuan listened intently, his attention unwavering.
"I'll be turning eighteen in two months," Qin Sheng responded sweetly, her tone soft and obedient.
"Eighteen, huh," Grandpa Lu's smile deepened, the corners of his eyes crinkling with joy.
His own grandson was precisely five years older—an age difference he found to be absolutely ideal.
Grandpa Lu's mind began to whirl with plans, his thoughts quick and calculating. He had finally met a girl he truly adored, and the idea of bringing her into his family had quickly taken root in his heart. The notion of pairing her with his grandson brought him immense satisfaction. After all, if she became part of his family, she wouldn't end up being wooed by someone else's son.
At last, Grandpa Lu remembered the presence of Fu Hanchuan and decided to share a bit of his good fortune. He spoke up with a glint of pride in his voice, "Sheng Sheng, this is my grandson, Fu Hanchuan. He's twenty-three this year. He's a bright young man—earned his PhD from Imperial University at just twenty-one, and now he's running his own company. He's never dated anyone, never been on a blind date, and he's never shown interest in any other girl."
Having said that, Grandpa Lu couldn't resist adding, albeit a bit disingenuously, "My grandson has so many virtues that I can't even count them all. He's good-looking, an excellent cook, gentle, and caring. If you ever became his wife, I'm sure you'd be very happy."
Grandpa Lu stopped just short of outright suggesting that Qin Sheng and Fu Hanchuan should be together.
Qin Sheng nodded in agreement, echoing his sentiments. In her heart, Fu Hanchuan indeed seemed flawless.
Qin Sheng was not someone who was particularly attuned to matters of the heart. Even in her previous life, when Fu Hanchuan had clearly expressed his affection for her, she remained blissfully unaware. Naturally, she didn't pick up on the subtle hints hidden in Grandpa Lu's words.
As soon as Grandpa Lu mentioned Fu Hanchuan, the man himself straightened his posture, appearing calm and aloof on the surface. However, his palms had already begun to sweat with nervous anticipation.
After finishing his introduction of Fu Hanchuan, Grandpa Lu continued, "Sheng Sheng, if you ever feel wronged or mistreated while you're in H City, don't hesitate to come find Grandpa Lu. I still hold some sway in H City."
He paused briefly, a hint of reluctance creeping into his voice before he added, "You can also go to Hanchuan if you need anything."
Grandpa Lu had reviewed Qin Sheng's background and knew about her difficult upbringing. Her parents, clueless as they were, favored an unrelated outsider over their own daughter, causing her to endure many hardships.
He couldn't help but feel a deep, abiding pity for Qin Sheng.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Qin Sheng replied with a smile, her clear, bright eyes brimming with genuine gratitude for the old man.
"Now, now, there's no need for thanks between us," Grandpa Lu feigned displeasure, pulling her back into a lively conversation. For over an hour, he chatted endlessly, leaving Fu Hanchuan no opportunity to speak.
Fu Hanchuan glanced at his watch numerous times before he could no longer suppress his impatience. "Grandpa, aren't you hungry?"
Grandpa Lu waved him off dismissively without even turning his head. "You go eat, don't worry about me."
Fu Hanchuan's face remained expressionless as he added, "Sheng Sheng hasn't eaten anything all afternoon."
Grandpa Lu suddenly clapped a hand to his forehead. "Oh dear, what was I thinking? Sheng Sheng, you must be starving."
Without sparing Fu Hanchuan a glance, Grandpa Lu immediately led Qin Sheng to the dining table, still holding her hand.
Fu Hanchuan: "…"
Left with no other choice, he sat down at the dining table, his resentment palpable. Across from him sat Qin Sheng.
The Lu family was a scholarly household, and they maintained a tradition of silence at the dining table. For once, Grandpa Lu stopped talking, allowing the quiet to settle in.
Qin Sheng ate very little—barely half a bowl of rice before she set down her chopsticks.
Fu Hanchuan's brows furrowed as he observed her frail frame. She was so thin, almost delicate, that he feared he might break her wrist with just a slight squeeze.
He silently resolved to ensure she ate better in the future.
**(End of Chapter)**