Chapter 98 – Purpose Achieved

A faint, delicate fragrance lingered in the air. Guilt flickered across Ye Nan's face just as he was about to speak, when Xie Cheng added with a teasing tone,

"Why are you wiping his sweat? Weren't you always the one who detested doing such things?"

Faced with this timely assist, Xia Kelan replied with composed grace,

"Ah, but Mr. Ye is no outsider, after all."

At those words, Ye Nan was instantly reinvigorated, as if injected with pure energy. His back no longer ached, his legs ceased to ache, and even his wallet opened more readily. He remained oblivious to the hint of triumph that flashed in Xia Kelan's eyes as she exchanged glances with Xie Cheng.

By the time their shopping spree concluded, it was already five in the afternoon. As the car pulled up outside the company, Ye Nan had dozed off in exhaustion.

"Mr. Ye?" Xia Kelan gently tapped his shoulder.

Ye Nan stirred, straightening up hastily. "We've arrived? Thank you."

"It's I who should thank you, Mr. Ye, for accompanying me all afternoon. Let's stay in touch."

"Of course."

As Ye Nan walked away, Xie Cheng stepped out of the car, marched over to Xia Kelan, and promptly dragged her out.

"Hey, what are you doing?" she protested.

"You're riding with me. Your car's filthy—I'll have someone tow it for cleaning later."

Xia Kelan nodded approvingly and climbed into his car without hesitation. As the windows rolled up, the world outside fell silent. Xie Cheng started the engine, playing soft, leisurely music, and asked unhurriedly,

"So, how do you plan on compensating me for scratching my car?"

Xia Kelan looked at him, puzzled.

"You were the one speeding through a main road—weren't you worried about causing an accident?"

Realization dawned on her face.

"Didn't we already call it even?" she asked.

"You think calling me 'brother' covered it?" he countered.

"Besides, if it's about money, go ask Wanwan—she's got more than enough."

Xie Cheng sighed deeply. "How many times must I explain? There's nothing between Su Wanwan and me."

"Mm. Got it. Drop me off at the next intersection."

"And where are you off to?"

"To a bar. Gotta find myself a handsome young man."

…

Just as Su Wanwan stepped out of her company building after work, she saw Fu Liangmu's car waiting by the roadside. She walked over and got in. The driver started the car, but it didn't follow the route home.

"Where are we going?" she asked in confusion.

"To meet both families," Fu Liangmu replied blandly, clearly less than enthused.

"Oh." Su Wanwan lowered her gaze and started playing on her phone.

In the private room of Bihai Pavilion, the murmur of conversation floated through the air. Su's father, phone in hand, asked his daughter,

"When are you arriving?"

A flurry of noise came from the other end.

"I can't come today. The film crew won't let me leave. We haven't finished shooting this scene!"

"Besides, what does it matter if I meet the Fu family or not? I don't care to see Fu Liangmu's disfigured face anyway!"

Song Hui's gentle tone suddenly turned sharp.

"Nian Nian, no matter what, he's still your brother-in-law. Today is our families' first official meeting. Can't you ask the crew for a leave?"

Su Nian growled in frustration.

"Leave? If I leave now, it's a breach of contract!"

"I've gone without work for so long, finally landed a supporting role in a production, and now you want to ruin it for me?"

Su's father pushed Song Hui aside.

"Your mother doesn't understand these things. Don't argue with her. If you can't come, then don't. At least you won't have to see Su Wanwan."

"Mm." Su Nian grunted.

"Oh, and Dad," she added, "make sure you tell the Fu family that Su Wanwan is still working at Brother Nan's company."

"She's already married to Fu Liangmu, so why won't she leave?"

"She even helped Brother Nan sign a deal. What do you think she's trying to do?"

"Isn't it obvious she wants to rekindle old flames?"

Su's father placated her quickly,

"I know, I'll be sure to mention it. You just focus on filming."

"Okay, I'm hanging up."

Beep—beep—beep—

Song Hui looked at Su's father's frustrated expression and couldn't help but speak.

"Dear, I really think we shouldn't let Wanwan work at the Fu Corporation. Young Master Fu holds no real power in the company. If Wanwan goes, who will protect her? What if she's bullied?"

Su's father waved her off impatiently.

"Enough. I know what I'm doing."

"Dear—"

Creak—

The private room door opened and in walked two elegantly dressed individuals. Chen Shuang wore a modest, understated long dress. Her appearance was stately, and she wore no jewelry save for a simple wristwatch. Fu Cheng was clad in a tailored suit, his hair meticulously combed, his stern expression carrying a trace of authority.

"In-laws."

As soon as the two families met, they exchanged polite greetings and handshakes.

Chen Shuang was not one for small talk. After a brief self-introduction, she sat quietly to the side, speaking little. In contrast, Fu Cheng and Su's father conversed with ease.

"Wonder when the youngsters will arrive," Su's father remarked cheerily.

At that moment, Fu Liangmu's car came to a halt halfway. He stepped out, bought some snacks, and returned to hand them to Su Wanwan.

"Hm?"

"Don't eat too much," he said. "Wouldn't want you to lose your appetite when facing people you dislike."

"Okay."

The car moved slowly under his direction, taking half an hour to reach the destination.

Once inside the room, the two greeted their parents and sat together in silence. Chen Shuang pressed a button, signaling the start of the meal service.

Fu Cheng was the first to speak.

"Wanwan, how have things been at home?"

"There are just too many people living in the main residence. Liangmu moved out a long time ago; otherwise, we would have had you stay there."

Su Wanwan smiled faintly, her eyes calm and unreadable.

"It's quite nice living with Grandma."

Fu Cheng laughed heartily.

"That's good to hear. If there's anything you need, just let us know. Your mother and I are usually busy with work, so we might overlook some things."

Chen Shuang quietly sipped her tea.

"All right."

Su's father saw his chance to steer the conversation.

"Speaking of work—Wanwan, are you still working at your previous company?"

Su Wanwan looked up, her voice cool and clear.

"Is there a problem?"

Her blunt retort left Su's father momentarily speechless. He scolded lightly,

"You're being unreasonable. You've already married into the Fu family. How can you still work outside?"

Su Wanwan's gaze was laced with icy disdain, her fingertips tapping rhythmically on her teacup.

"Funny. Back when I was single, you never remembered I was a Su. Why didn't you let me intern at Su Group then?"

Su's father: "…"

"Besides," she added, "I quite like my current job. I see no reason to change."

Song Hui chimed in gently,

"Yes, Wanwan has never been one to seek power or competition. It's fine if she doesn't join the Fu Corporation."

Fu Liangmu frowned deeply. He knew all too well that Su Wanwan had helped Ye Nan secure a major contract. He suspected his parents knew as well.

Sure enough, Fu Cheng said,

"My in-law is right. Wanwan is now part of the Fu family and ought to work at Fu Corporation."

"Wanwan, I'll arrange a position for you later. You must give it your best."

The corners of Su Wanwan's lips curled ever so slightly, forming a faint, elusive smile.

…