Chapter 17: Mr. Fu

Wen Yang turned around. Xu Xu stood by the door, sighing. “Come out. Let’s talk.”

She hesitated, tucked Yu Qing’s blanket more securely, and then stepped out. They headed to the emergency staircase, where Xu Xu lingered near the door. Facing Wen Yang alone for the first time in a while, he paused before saying, “I just heard about Cheng Yanyu.”

Wen Yang nodded, her expression calm.

Xu Xu didn’t bother defending Cheng Yanyu. Instead, he simply said, “He’s too soft-hearted. I’ve met Li Man—she’s not someone an ordinary man can handle.”

Wen Yang pursed her lips and tilted her head back.

Seeing her like this, Xu Xu felt a pang of heartache. If even he felt distressed for her, it was clear how vulnerable she must be right now. In a gentle voice, he said, “He’s a bastard. You’ve been too kind to him.”

Wen Yang remained silent, strands of hair falling across her face and covering her expression.

Xu Xu observed her quietly for a while, his heart aching, but there wasn’t much he could do. He finally said, “About Yu Qing…”

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Wen Yang nodded. “I’ll talk to her.”

Xu Xu sighed in relief. “Cheng Yanyu divorcing you is his loss. Trust me, Wen Yang.”

She hesitated for a moment, her steps briefly pausing before heading back to the ward.

---

Yu Qing was still hospitalized.

Wen Yang returned home to pack some clothes and stay with her. Liu Yu visited that evening, pretending to care and urging Yu Qing to rest. However, Yu Qing had realized that her current state was closely tied to Liu Yu’s constant pressure.

Years ago, when Yu Qing’s father passed away, she arrived at the hospital only to be greeted by the sight of a body covered by a white sheet. It left her deeply aware of the fragility of life.

After this scare, she suddenly saw things more clearly.
So when Wen Yang suggested leaving Liu Yu and starting her own business, Yu Qing agreed without hesitation.

Her departure was abrupt, catching Liu Yu completely off guard. Yu Qing only took Xu Xu’s and one other client’s projects with her. During her recovery, Wen Yang occasionally helped her track the client’s requested changes. Slowly, the knowledge Wen Yang had learned in college resurfaced.

One day, while Yu Qing was lounging with her legs crossed, she peeled an apple for Wen Yang. “Yang Yang, why don’t you just partner with me? I could use an extra hand, and you wouldn’t have to look for another job.”

Wen Yang was adjusting proportions on the computer. Hearing this, she muttered, “Weren’t you pushing me to pursue photography?”

“Photography? Owning a business is way better than doing photography.”

Wen Yang blinked and smiled. “True.”

Thus, it was decided: Wen Yang and Yu Qing partnered to open an interior design studio named Yunchi Design. Conveniently, Wen Yang had access to the cash transferred by Cheng Yanyu, so they rented a space in the COCO building. After a simple launch, Xu Xu called. Wen Yang answered, and Xu Xu said, “Since you’ve started a business, are you in need of some orders?”

Yu Qing activated the speakerphone. “Mr. Xu, are you offering us referrals?”

Xu Xu was straightforward. “Yes, I am. You need to make a name for yourselves.”

Yu Qing scoffed. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

Ignoring her comment, Xu Xu continued, “Fu Xingzhou is currently planning to renovate a unit at Huafu No. 1. Top designers from all over the country are flocking there, but he hasn’t decided yet. Are you up for the challenge?”

Yu Qing was shocked. “Wait, who? Fu Xingzhou?”

“That’s right.”

Yu Qing gave Wen Yang a meaningful look, but Wen Yang focused on a different concern. She asked, “Are we even capable of handling this?”

Xu Xu chuckled. “You won’t know until you try. I’ve recommended you to Jiang Yue.”

Realizing the opportunity, Yu Qing exclaimed, “Xu Xu, you’re the real deal! Not only are you offering orders, but you’re introducing a top-tier client like this!”

“That depends on whether he’s willing to give you a chance. So, Yu Qing, are you in?”

Yu Qing sat up straight. “Of course! I rise to challenges!”

“Good. Wen Yang, you already have Jiang Yue’s contact info. Just reach out directly.”

“Understood,” Wen Yang replied.

After the call ended, Wen Yang and Yu Qing exchanged glances. A few seconds later, Yu Qing patted Wen Yang’s shoulder. “Forget Cheng Yanyu. Let him rot. We’ll focus on our career. Even if Fu Xingzhou is Li Man’s ex-husband, we’re still taking this project!”

Wen Yang laughed, squeezing Yu Qing’s hand. “Watch your language.”

Yu Qing grinned, slapped her own mouth lightly, and corrected herself, “Fine, we’ll take the project. Definitely taking it!”

Looking at Wen Yang, she added, “You’re right. Prioritizing our career is what matters.”

Wen Yang nodded, appreciating Yu Qing’s encouragement.

---

That afternoon, Wen Yang contacted Jiang Yue.

Jiang Yue responded politely, “Ms. Wen, Mr. Fu will have half an hour free tomorrow morning. You can meet him during that time.”

Wen Yang thanked him repeatedly.

Jiang Yue replied, “You’re welcome,” and sent her the detailed address. Wen Yang thanked him again before pausing to ask, “Secretary Jiang, may I know what style Mr. Fu prefers? Does he have a theme in mind?”

Jiang Yue replied, “Mr. Fu’s house in Hong Kong leans towards darker tones. He doesn’t spend much time in Nancheng, mainly staying at his family estate when he’s here. I’m unsure if he wants his Nancheng property to follow the same style as the Hong Kong one, so it’s best if you ask him directly.”

Wen Yang replied, “Got it. Thank you.”

Yu Qing leaned over, reading Jiang Yue’s reply.

“Dark tones? Minimalist style? It seems like these big shots all love cold, clinical designs, like a frozen workspace.”

Wen Yang browsed through reference images on her computer. “Haven’t you designed houses for big clients before?”

“Of course!” Yu Qing opened a file. “This one’s a two-bedroom I designed for the second-in-command at Yanxu Technologies.”

Wen Yang glanced at it.

The design featured a dominant black-and-gray palette with a dark, sophisticated theme.

“Looks very high-end.”

Yu Qing nodded. “Of course.”

---

Since Yu Qing had to visit project sites, most clients coming to the studio were there specifically for her. She couldn’t leave, so Wen Yang had to meet Fu Xingzhou alone.

While washing up, Yu Qing hovered near Wen Yang. “Are you sure you’ll be okay? You’ll do great, right?”

Wen Yang placed a bowl of congee on the table. “I’ll be fine. Now go drink your congee.”

Yu Qing still needed to recover, and Wen Yang had been cooking light meals for her recently. After finishing breakfast and tidying up, Wen Yang headed out.

The Qingzhou Group building, a landmark in Nancheng, was a towering structure piercing the clouds. Wen Yang had passed by it before but had never been inside.

The immense building loomed above her. Inside, employees moved briskly, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee. Wen Yang approached the reception desk and stated her purpose.

The receptionist smiled and said, “Secretary Jiang asked that you wait downstairs for a moment.”

Wen Yang paused, slightly worried that something had changed, but she didn’t press further. Thanking the receptionist, she was directed to the waiting area.

The area was empty, and she found herself alone.

Her thoughts wandered to the phone call she had made to Jiang Yue two and a half months ago when she’d boldly declared her intent to stir things up at their company. Though it had been an empty threat, the memory still embarrassed her.

Just then, the elevator chimed.

At the entrance, two people walked out. Fu Xingzhou moved quickly, speaking to Jiang Yue with his head slightly lowered. Jiang Yue nodded, and the two were about to pass by Wen Yang when she instinctively stood up. Fu Xingzhou glanced to the side and noticed her. Today, Wen Yang was dressed quite formally, wearing a shirtdress cinched with a belt and low-heeled pumps.

She looked graceful and poised.

It was then that Jiang Yue remembered and immediately informed Fu Xingzhou, “Mr. Fu, the designer you’re meeting today is Ms. Wen.”

Fu Xingzhou recalled the results of the background check: Wen Yang had studied design in college. He acknowledged this with a hum and continued walking. Jiang Yue turned to Wen Yang and said, “Ms. Wen, apologies, but Mr. Fu has had a last-minute change in schedule. We need to attend a discussion meeting, also in Nancheng. Please follow us to the car, and you can discuss with Mr. Fu during the ride.”

Wen Yang agreed, picked up her laptop bag, and followed.

Jiang Yue glanced at her and smiled, “Ms. Wen, they say three days apart warrants a fresh perspective. You’ve certainly surprised me.”

Wen Yang returned a gentle smile. “Please, Secretary Jiang, don’t tease me.”

Jiang Yue chuckled. The first time he met Wen Yang, her aura of fragility had been unforgettable. He opened the door to the car’s back seat for her. This black, extended sedan had a spacious interior but was decorated in dark tones. Fu Xingzhou, seated with his long legs crossed, was reviewing documents on his lap.

Wen Yang bent down and got in. The door closed behind her.

The car was filled with a distinctive sandalwood scent, which Wen Yang recognized as a woody aroma. She placed her laptop bag beside her, retrieved the computer, and opened it on her lap. From the side, Fu Xingzhou’s clear and cold voice suddenly asked, “When did you decide to return to design?”

The question came out of nowhere.

Wen Yang turned her head to look at him. He wasn’t looking at her; his attention remained on the document in his hands.

The scenery outside the window flashed by, highlighting his refined features even more. Wen Yang replied, “Half a month ago.”

She opened the client requirements form and leaned slightly toward him. “Mr. Fu, shall I first go over your needs?”

Fu Xingzhou responded with a hum.

Wen Yang opened the floor plan Jiang Yue had sent. This property was on the top floor, boasting sweeping views of the surroundings. The master bedroom connected to an L-shaped balcony, but based on the layout, only one master bedroom remained. The public spaces were therefore vast and open. Wen Yang raised her eyes and softly asked, “Mr. Fu, what will be the primary purpose of this property? Living, working, or resting?”

Closing his document, Fu Xingzhou looked at her and replied, “Resting.”

Wen Yang nodded and made notes in the form. Her own light fragrance, emanating not from perfume but from scented sachets in her bag, mingled with the car’s woody aroma.

Wen Yang looked up again. “Should we slightly expand the walk-in closet and place the study behind a concealed door? How does that sound?”

Leaning back in his seat, Fu Xingzhou scrolled through messages on his tablet. He nodded slightly at her suggestion. “Don’t touch the bedroom. Everything else is up to you.”

Wen Yang noted his instructions and asked, “Should we add a gym area?”

“Yes.”

“Combine Western and Chinese kitchen designs?”

“Not necessary,” Fu Xingzhou replied, turning to look at her. His voice was as crisp as ever. “Ms. Wen, I spend most of my time in Hong Kong. I’ll stay in this property at most once a month.”

Wen Yang blinked.

If he only stayed once a month, why go through the trouble of buying and renovating a house?

Perhaps sensing her thoughts, Fu Xingzhou’s tone grew faint. “My family’s pressuring me to marry. The house is for peace and quiet.”

Wen Yang froze for a second before understanding.

He was divorced and single now. Yu Qing had mentioned that Fu Xingzhou was a sought-after bachelor among the upper-class socialites. It was easy to imagine how things would be now that he was back on the market.

Wen Yang nodded repeatedly. “Understood, understood.”

Fu Xingzhou watched her as she lowered her head to edit the form and added, “The kitchen space can be smaller, but the living room should be larger.”

“Got it,” Wen Yang replied softly.

Whether nodding or speaking, Wen Yang exuded a gentle demeanor, clearly someone without aggression.

The car soon arrived at its destination, a star-rated hotel hosting the discussion meeting. After the vehicle stopped, Fu Xingzhou fastened his cuffs and stepped out with his long strides. Seeing this, Wen Yang quickly packed up her laptop and got out from the other side. Standing on her toes, she called, “Mr. Fu, there are still some details to finalize. When would be a good time for us to discuss them? Should we do it online?”

Fu Xingzhou glanced back at her, pausing for a few seconds. “Are you busy in the morning?”

Wen Yang immediately shook her head.

“Then come in and wait for a while,” Fu Xingzhou said.

---

Sansukini: It’s time for them to get close. This is a ML falls in love first kind of novel.

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