Chapter 20: Want to Watch Him Make a Fool of Himself? Keep Dreaming

“Professor, I’m not planning on getting into a relationship right now. I just want to focus on work and reclaim everything I once lost.”

Ruan Liuzheng sighed helplessly, laying her thoughts completely bare in hopes of quelling Wen Yuexian’s matchmaking enthusiasm.

But Wen Yuexian simply shook her head disapprovingly. Her dry, warm palm gently patted the back of Ruan Liuzheng’s hand as she spoke softly:

“Liuzheng, one failed relationship doesn’t mean anything. Not all men are like Fu Yanci. You can’t give up on love just because of one scumbag.”

At the mention of Fu Yanci, a trace of displeasure flashed across Wen Yuexian’s face. As a professor at Q University, she was, of course, familiar with him.

A well-known prodigy from the neighboring business school, many of her colleagues praised him highly.

But from the very first time she met him, Wen Yuexian had disliked him.

Too calculating.

A man like that was destined to have no heart.

Even though he’d shown patience and care toward Liuzheng—seemingly infatuated with her—Wen Yuexian had never once seen true love in his eyes.

And because that crucial ingredient was missing, she had tried everything to stop Liuzheng from marrying him.

But in the end…

Wen Yuexian looked at the woman in front of her and sighed again before saying gently:

“When you meet someone worthy, you still have to be brave enough to give it a chance. Don’t trap yourself in the mire of the past, Liuzheng.”

Ruan Liuzheng paused, lowered her gaze, and fell silent.

Wen Yuexian didn’t press further. She had said all she could.

Whether Liuzheng had truly taken the words to heart—or how much she had absorbed—only she herself knew.

Wen Yuexian could only hope she’d listen.

And wake up soon.

---

Fu Family’s Old Estate

After wrapping up his conversation with the old patriarch, Fu Yanci lazily slouched into the couch, his dark eyes occasionally sweeping over to the window where Fu Jingcheng and the old man stood.

A glint of satisfaction flashed in his gaze.

Fu Jingcheng wasn’t completely useless, after all.

Just then, as he lowered his head to scroll through his phone, the cushion beside him sank slightly. A shadow fell across his face, followed by a voice laced with a faint smile:

“Third Brother, why haven’t Third Sister-in-law and the kid arrived yet? I heard you brought Mr. Bai’s daughter into the company a few days ago. Could it be she’s not coming today because of that?”

Fu Yanci turned his head sharply. A cold glint flashed through his eyes.

Fu Yanshu.

The eldest son of Fu Yanci’s second uncle. Once his fiercest rival—now a defeated adversary.

Ever since Fu Yanci had taken over as CEO of the Fu Group, he had mercilessly suppressed the second branch of the family.

If the old patriarch hadn’t stepped in, that side of the family would have long vanished from the company.

Naturally, Fu Yanshu bore a deep grudge for it.

He now sat beside Fu Yanci, smiling as always, though his tone held not even a trace of genuine concern.

They both worked at the Fu Group. There was no way Fu Yanshu hadn’t heard about Ruan Liuzheng resigning.

Not that he cared about fairness for her—he disliked Fu Yanci and had no love for Ruan Liuzheng either.

He only brought it up to put Fu Yanci in an awkward position.

To plant a seed of doubt in the old man’s mind.

After all, if it hadn’t been for Ruan Liuzheng, he wouldn’t have lost so badly back then.

Fu Yanci let out a low chuckle.
“You seem quite invested in my family matters. But I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Ruan Liuzheng will be here soon.”

“Oh really? I thought someone might be missing from today’s family gathering. Would’ve been quite the letdown for Grandpa.”

Fu Yanshu smiled, his voice warm and pleasant.

He’d always played the role of the refined gentleman—calm, patient, unfailingly polite.

It was that demeanor that had won him the favor of many senior executives at the Fu Group.

Even Fu Yanci had suffered setbacks at his hands before.

Fu Yanci raised an eyebrow with a sneer, replying with disdain:

“Don’t worry. If someone is ever missing from a family gathering, it’ll definitely be someone from your side of the family.”

“Now that I’m looking forward to,” Fu Yanshu replied with a shrug, his smile deepening.

But soon enough, the old patriarch called him away for a game of chess.

Leaving Fu Yanci alone on the massive sofa.

He stared at Fu Yanshu’s departing figure, his eyes cold.

Then, he looked down at his phone, the darkness in his gaze slowly melting into a faint smirk.

They want to see him fall flat on his face?

In their dreams.

---

After wrapping up the topic of Xie Qingcen, Professor Wen led Ruan Liuzheng to the study.

After five years apart, the teacher and student had a lot to catch up on.

And now that Ruan Liuzheng was reentering the art world, Wen Yuexian naturally wanted to offer guidance—and also test her current skill level.

“Take a look. This was a gift Mr. Xie just brought over. It’s the work of a rising star in the art circle.”

She pulled out a painting for Ruan Liuzheng to examine.

Ruan Liuzheng glanced at her mentor, then smiled knowingly.

She instantly understood the unspoken message.

“Professor, the symbolism in this piece is strong, and the color work is bold and vibrant. The brushwork is still a little raw, but it has real spirit. You can feel the artist’s emotional state just by looking at it—that compensates for the technical shortcomings. The fact that Mr. Xie chose this for you shows he has a very good eye.”

She looked back at Professor Wen, affirming Xie Qingcen’s taste.

Wen Yuexian smiled and nodded, then asked,

“Compared to the artist behind this piece, where do you think your own skills stand now?”

“Professor, if we’re scoring out of ten, I’d say this artist deserves a solid nine—but I’m better.”

Ruan Liuzheng cut in confidently, her eyes gleaming with self-assurance.

After speaking, she walked over to the easel, prepped the base layer, and without hesitation began painting.

Her strokes were swift and sure, as if each line had already been etched in her mind.

In just a short time, a vivid sunset landscape emerged on the canvas.

Light and color melted together, perfectly capturing the gentleness of twilight and the shifting hues of the sky.

Wen Yuexian watched quietly, her eyes brimming with pride.

She smiled and said warmly:

“Even after five years, you’re still you. That hasn’t changed. I’m very proud.”

“Welcome back—my most exceptional student.”

Ruan Liuzheng stepped forward to give her teacher a hug, the corners of her lips lifting in a soft, sincere smile.

Wen Yuexian patted her back.
“Good. Seeing that painting puts my mind at ease. Hui Lan and Mr. Xie should have lunch ready by now. Come on, let’s go downstairs.”

Ruan Liuzheng nodded and followed her out.

Just as the two reached the staircase, they bumped into Xie Qingcen on his way up to call them.

“Professor Wen, perfect timing—lunch is ready. Shall we head to the dining room?”

He had removed his jacket earlier in the kitchen, leaving only a crisp white dress shirt. A few buttons at the collar had been casually undone at some point.

Standing on the stairs—though he was one step lower than Ruan Liuzheng—he still towered above her.

Tall and graceful. Refined and effortlessly elegant.