The surprise was fleeting, and Sheng Mian wasn't particularly worried about being recognized. Aside from occasional visits to Old Master Fu during the holidays, she rarely appeared in front of the Fu family. Fu Yancheng himself had never seen what his wife looked like, and other people were unlikely to be interested in someone as peripheral as her.
Thinking about Fu Yancheng's dark expression, Sheng Mian smiled with a hint of frustration. "Perhaps I did something that displeased Mr. Fu."
Lin Jing was attracted to beautiful appearances, regardless of profession or family background. His tone softened when speaking to the striking woman in front of him.
"How could that be? Your design has so much artistic flair. My cousin, although in business, didn't originally study finance. He did a double degree, one of which was art-related. He can definitely appreciate this. Maybe he's been distracted by his divorce recently, so his mood isn't the best."
Sheng Mian didn't say anything, but Liang Hanqing, who was nearby, was surprised. "Fu Yancheng is married?"
Lin Jing sighed. "Yes, he got married a while ago, but I hear he's been contacting lawyers to divorce her as soon as he got back."
He rarely returned to the Fu family, especially after becoming an adult. He had always been out and about, living a carefree life, and though Fu Yancheng had married under pressure, Lin Jing had never met his so-called wife.
Liang Hanqing was hearing about this for the first time and couldn't help but feel intrigued. "I thought the Yujingyuan was a honeymoon home. So he's already married, but now he wants to live alone?"
Lin Jing waved his hand casually. "It's kind of like a wedding home. But my cousin doesn't like his current wife. He married her under pressure, but there's someone else he's always liked. I think Yujingyuan was designed for that woman."
He then handed Sheng Mian a glass of juice. "Once he arrives, I'll show him your designs. He should be interested."
Sheng Mian accepted the juice with a polite smile. "Thank you. If this deal goes through, I'll treat you to a meal, Mr. Lin."
Lin Jing appreciated her composed and humble attitude, and he couldn't help but continue. "If it works out, you really should treat me. The design fee will definitely be worth it. Plus, doing this for my cousin will surely boost your reputation."
Sheng Mian nodded. If this deal went through, it would help elevate her profile and open the door to the circle Fu Yancheng was in. Her studio's future business would be set.
Meanwhile, at the end of the corridor, the door to another private room opened, and a tall figure stepped in, radiating an intimidating and cold aura.
As soon as he entered, his phone rang again. Seeing it was Lin Jing, Fu Yancheng frowned but didn't pick up.
A man beside him noticed his expression and couldn't help but laugh. "What's with the long face? Who dares to mess with you?"
The private room was large, and many people were present, but the elite circles of the capital had a clear hierarchy. Fu Yancheng was at the very top, and the people surrounding him were all influential figures.
Others, recognizing who had entered, promptly moved to the far side of the room.
Wen Sihai casually handed him a drink, his fingers pale and refined, his expression elegant and relaxed. "Is it because of the divorce? I heard she won't sign the papers."
Fu Yancheng's pursuit of a divorce had never been a secret. It would likely reach Old Master Fu soon.
He removed his cufflinks and tossed them to the side, casually sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, exuding a cold and dominant presence. "She'll sign sooner or later. She knows better than anyone why we got married in the first place."
His tone was indifferent, clearly not wanting to discuss it further.
Tonight, his displeasure wasn't about his so-called wife but rather the woman from earlier.
He couldn't understand why her reactions had been so awkward, especially considering she had been in the industry for three years.
At the same time, the conversation at the nearby table caught his attention.
Men in private conversations often spoke without restraint, and though Fu Yancheng had never paid attention to such things before, he found himself inadvertently listening to a few snippets.
"So she was pretending to be innocent? What did you do when you saw through it?"
"Well, we broke up. I've lost count of how many times her virginity has been repaired. If I hadn't recognized her from my friend at the hospital, I might have even married her. But the kid wasn't mine, and she wanted me to be the 'cheap father,' hoping to rise in status. What a joke."
For these rich, reckless young men, there was no lack of money or time, and their conversations often revolved around women.
"Women these days aren't simple. It all depends on what you like. What's that term? 'Precise hunting'? Who knows, maybe that kid's father is someone you know. The more innocent they look, the more likely they've had a wild past..."
Fu Yancheng gripped his glass tighter, his mind flashing back to Sheng Mian's soft, lowered gaze and the vivid memories from last night. The emotions swelled in him uncontrollably.
Just then, Lin Jing's call came through again, urging him to come downstairs to the private room for an in-person discussion.