Chapter 3: Fated Encounter

Jiang Yan was trembling with fear as she clutched the little boy tightly in her arms. She was expecting to feel the searing pain of a gunshot any second, but to her surprise, she felt nothing. Instead, she was enveloped in a warm and familiar fragrance. Her mind was racing as she struggled to comprehend what had just happened. She glanced down at the little boy, relieved to see that he was safe and unharmed. However, her relief was short-lived as she noticed the lifeless body of the man holding the gun a few feet away from her.

As she tried to make sense of the situation, she suddenly felt a warm hand on her waist, shielding her from any danger. She could recognise this familiar warmth and the dominant aura surrounding her. But her heart was telling her otherwise. Her mind was clouded, and she couldn't believe what was happening. Before she could react, she heard the sound of rushing footsteps. Several men in uniform had arrived on the scene and quickly apprehended the kidnappers.

Jiang Yan turned to look up at the man behind her. Her eyes met with one of the most heavenly-looking yet cold faces she had ever seen, confirming her most dreading suspicion. She was shocked as she struggled to understand what was happening. Before she could say a word, Jiang Yan felt a wave of exhaustion and emotion wash over her. She fainted in his arms, whispering his name.

"Feng Yuansheng!"

***

Jiang Yan woke up with a start, her eyes blinking in the harsh hospital light. She tried to sit up, as her body was aching all over. She groaned in pain, when she noticed a man sitting elegantly in front of her, holding a file and ordering his subordinates around.

She looked around at her surroundings, trying to piece together what had happened and where she was. The last thing she remembered was seeing Feng Yuansheng when everything went dark, and now she found herself waking up in a hospital bed. Hundreds of thoughts were racing through her mind. The last thing she ever thought of was meeting her ex-husband – wait no – they are yet to get married.

Seeing her move Feng Yuansheng paused his work and ordered his men to leave the room. His subordinate bowed and left swiftly closing the door behind softly. As he looked at Jiang Yan, he could see her struggling for words, her face full of questions.

Feng Yuansheng put down his file and looked at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Your grandmother is fine, and she's currently receiving her treatment," he said.

Jiang Yan was relieved to hear that. Then she looked back at him," What about the little boy who was with me?"

Instead of answering, he walked towards her with a frightening aura. He towered over her leaning closer to her face. Jiang Yan gulped as her heart skipped a beat. Though she no longer had any feelings for her ex-husband she was grateful for what he has done for her before she died. But she hated this emotionless treatment he would always give her, like right now.

"How do you know my name?" his voice was low yet cold which sent a shiver down her spine.

Jiang Yan was stunned. She didn't know how to answer this. Feng Yuansheng was the power behind the Fengxin Corporation, but very few people had seen him. It was prohibited to take his pictures or publish any articles about him unless allowed by the company. She couldn't tell him that she had been reborn; he might throw her into a mental asylum. She racked her brain to find an answer and quickly blurted out, "Imperialcollegehasyourpicture".

Feng Yuansheng was taken aback hearing her reply. He sat back, slowly scrutinizing her. Jiang Yan looked down avoiding his gaze. Though what she said is true, she has yet to visit that college in this life. Hopefully, Feng Yuansheng will not try to investigate this matter.

Right now, everything was confusing. She remembered that the first time she saw him was 5 years later at a banquet. She was sent an invitation by his grandfather's assistant.

Jiang Yan was already a budding Business tycoon but she was yet to reach that level where she could get invited to such a party. Though she still went there. Meeting Feng Yuansheng was also an accident. She was schemed on and was locked with this cold-hearted CEO of Fengxin Groups in one of the rooms.

Though he didn't make any fuss about the matter, six months later to her surprise she was arranged to get married to him by his family. Yearning for a family, which she never had, she was happy to get love from his elders. She thought that Feng Yuansheng was okay with the marriage, though it was arranged. So, without much thought, she proceeded with it.

Later, she slowly fell in love with his small gestures and care, though he hardly had time to come home. As a businesswoman herself, she understood his struggles so she didn't say anything. But one night she heard him reprimanding his assistant for sending gifts and all without his knowledge. She was shattered knowing that it was not exactly how she thought. Feng Yuansheng never loved her and it was just him doing his filial duty towards his family.

Bothered by this she threw divorce papers at him, hoping at least he will refuse to sign them. But she was so wrong. Without any thought, he signed it and left the house never turning back. Though Jiang Yan was never greedy for love, this time she was broken. No matter how she looks at it, in those 4 years of marriage, she had fallen too deep for things he had never done.

Feng Yuansheng's eyes narrowed, and she could feel his gaze piercing through her. "I see," he said, his voice cold and distant.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but feel uncomfortable under Feng Yuansheng's scrutinizing gaze. She wondered what he was thinking, and at the same time, she couldn't shake the guilt of deceiving him about how she knew his name.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the man in front of her. She had heard stories of his power and influence, and after spending four years with him, she knew that he could make or break anyone's career with a snap of his fingers. However, she refused to back down. As memories of his cold treatment towards her all those years resurfaced, she glared back at him.

Stepping back gracefully, Feng Yuansheng couldn't help but be intrigued by her reaction. He had observed a myriad of emotions flit across her face - confusion, sadness, and an unmistakable sense of brokenness - while he questioned her. As he gazed at her pained expression, something tugged at his heart. Though he ignored it.

With his powerful and cold voice, he said, "Thank you for saving my nephew. You can ask for anything as a reward for saving his life?"

Jiang Yan was stunned. Nephew? She looked back at Feng Yuansheng's face. If she remembered correctly, he only had one nephew, the beloved grandson of the Yun Clan. But didn't he die when he was just four years old? Wait! So, it was this child who had died back then along with her grandmother? Her head was spinning as she tried to make sense of everything.

Back then, she had been kidnapped by those people who had intended to torture her for a week before releasing her. Despite their plans, she managed to escape from her kidnappers in three days. However, upon her return, she was met with devastating news – her grandmother had passed away three days prior. Her grandmother had gone to the mountains in search of her when she found a kid hanging by the cliff. She tried to save him but unfortunately, nobody survived.

After marrying into the Feng family, she had heard about the grandson of the Yun Family, but she didn't know the exact reason for his death. She never thought that it would be the same kid that her grandmother was trying to save. She has unknowingly saved the treasure of the Yun Family

"I don't want a reward, Third Master Feng," her voice cracked, yet remained firm, "I did what any person would do in my place," she said, avoiding his haunting eyes.

Feng Yuansheng stared at her without any sound, but she could tell that he was not satisfied with her answer. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, and she suddenly felt the temperature of the room dropping as she looked into his cold and calculating eyes.

Feng Yuansheng narrowed his eyes at her. He knew she was hiding something but didn't bother. He can find out everything within a few minutes if he wants to. Despite finding this situation too coincidental, he didn't feel like the person in front of him was harmful.

He slowly spoke her name, "Jiang Yan." Hearing her name, she suddenly looked up when she noticed his left arm.

BLOOD????

***