Chapter 2: Little Uncle

“What are you muttering to yourself about?” Ruan Sheng was already displeased with Ruan Li being late today, and now, seeing her involved in a car accident and arguing with people, he was even more frustrated, almost about to walk over and scold her.

Ruan Li glanced at the man beside her expression remained calm as ever. She suddenly felt like she’d just punched a soft cushion.

“Hmph.” She lifted her soiled skirt and headed toward the washroom.

On her way, she saw Ruan Shu standing nearby, looking upset. Ruan Li wondered who might have upset this young lady again.

But the discomfort of her wet clothes was unbearable, and she couldn’t stand the thought of eating dinner in such a state.

“Please, everyone, sit down. It’s rare for us to gather like this,” Fu Zhen instructed, and someone brought out two sets of tableware for Fu Huaizhou and Ruan Li.

Ruan Shu finally sat down, still feeling the sting of the earlier incident where she had addressed the man as “Little Uncle” without getting any response, and Ruan Li’s comment about her lack of awareness hit her sore spot.

Though she was seething inside, she maintained a composed and gentle smile while interacting with Ruan Sheng and the rest of the Fu family.

Meanwhile, the person who misunderstood her remained oblivious, and the one who was actually being criticized showed no sign of any reaction.

“Getting older, ears must be going deaf,” Ruan Li muttered to herself, comparing fabric as she prepared to cut her skirt.

Just moments ago, Chen Jing had been concerned about the skirt. But with a quick “snip,” Ruan Li deftly transformed the ankle-length gown into an asymmetrical one that climbed up to her knee.

“Perfect,” she commented, handing the scissors back to the servant and tossing the excess fabric, stained with ink and rainwater, into the trash.

The nearby servant looked at her with admiration.

Ruan Li, however, was used to this. As a fashion design student at Jing University, she had more than enough skill for this kind of handwork.

Her hair, slightly damp from the umbrella earlier, clung to her head unattractively. She casually twisted her dark locks into a bun.

When she exited the washroom, the dining table was already buzzing with lively conversation. She noticed the empty seat prepared for her, directly across from the man she had just bumped into.

Ruan Li frowned slightly. In gatherings like this, seating arrangements typically followed certain protocols. But perhaps since the meal had already started, changing places was inconvenient, so the man ended up sitting opposite her.

Judging by how everyone treated him with such respect, Ruan Li guessed his identity: he was likely the newly empowered head of the Fu family, as she had heard.

As she sat down, no one gave her any attention.

Fu Huaizhou’s hand paused briefly as he wiped it with a napkin. The girl elegantly adjusted her skirt, her legs revealing pale skin under the dining table, starkly different from earlier.

She had also casually pinned up her long hair with a silver hairpin shaped like a butterfly. Under the light, the tiny diamonds sparkled subtly, revealing her graceful neck and shoulder lines.

Fu Zhen cleared his throat. “Since we’re all here today, I was just saying that the children are at the age where they should be settling down. It’s time we discussed the engagement between our two families.”

The atmosphere grew noticeably tense. Sitting beside Ruan Sheng, Zhou Min signaled to her husband.

Everyone in Jing City knew about the engagement between the Fu and Ruan families. Over ten years ago, not long after Ruan Li was found and returned to her family, the Fu family patriarch had arranged for his grandson, Fu Xingchuan, to marry the Ruan family’s daughter.

However, fate had other plans. Who could have predicted that, more than ten years later, the Ruan family would find their biological daughter?

The silence was broken by the screeching sound of cutlery scraping against a plate.

Ruan Shu, aware of the eyes turning her way, gripped her utensils so tightly that her knuckles turned white. In families like these, making noise while eating was considered extremely impolite, but she hadn’t been able to control herself.

She cast a pitiful glance toward Fu Xingchuan, the expression of vulnerability perfectly timed.

“I think there’s no rush,” Fu Xingchuan finally spoke, breaking the awkward tension caused by the noise.

His gaze briefly flickered toward the girl sitting beside Ruan Shu, showing no emotion as if the matter had nothing to do with him. She was cutting her steak into small pieces and, with a delicate bite, frowned slightly, as if it didn’t suit her taste.

He turned away. Growing up, he had always disliked women like Ruan Li, finding her pretentious, no different from other socialites.

Ruan Sheng glanced at the two girls beside him. One was overly cautious yet still exposed her flaws, while the other remained calm and collected, exuding grace from within. The marriage arrangement that he and Zhou Min had discussed earlier suddenly felt difficult to bring up.

“Indeed, career comes before marriage. No need to rush,” Fu Huaizhou added, finally breaking his silence. “Let him work at Fu Corporation in the near future.”

Fu Huaizhou recalled that at Fu Xingchuan’s age, he had already proven himself capable of handling major responsibilities. Yet his nephew hadn’t even started working at the company’s entry level.

“But I haven’t graduated yet…” Fu Xingchuan’s voice weakened. His original plan had been to enjoy life with his friends during university, then go abroad for further studies, and finally return to take a high-level position at the family business.

The girl, who had been staring absentmindedly at her plate, suddenly chuckled softly. With an innocent look, she dismantled Fu Xingchuan’s excuse.

“But if I recall correctly, the heirs of the Shi and Ye families were made vice-presidents before they graduated, weren’t they?” Ruan Li said, her eyes curving as she looked at the now pale-faced Fu Xingchuan.

Fu Huaizhou’s gaze rested on Ruan Li, somewhat surprised. That was exactly what he had intended to point out.

Fu Xingchuan’s expression darkened. Those two heirs were financial prodigies, just like his uncle—a category of people he feared being compared to.

Ruan Li felt someone tug on her skirt. She turned to see Ruan Shu.

“Everyone has their own path, and you can’t always compare yourself to others. Don’t push him too hard,” Ruan Shu said, playing the peacemaker.

As expected, she earned a grateful look from Fu Xingchuan, as though she were his confidante.

Ruan Li: “…”

If Fu Xingchuan’s ambitions weren’t limited to eating, drinking, and playing, she might have supported him wholeheartedly. But what did it matter to her? She had only wanted to poke at his fragile ego.

She raised her wine glass toward him and made a toast. “Best of luck to you.”

Instead of being consoled, Fu Xingchuan grew even more frustrated. Having known Ruan Li for so many years, he always felt that she could see right through him.

The tension rose, and Ruan Sheng finally suggested, “Let’s discuss the engagement after the family recognition banquet.”

He shot a look at Ruan Li, who was enjoying the drama. “And you—enough with the comments.”

Ruan Li shrugged indifferently.

After Ruan Shu was brought back, although everyone in Beijing already knew about it, a grand recognition banquet was inevitable.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Shu, who had been stiff all night, finally relaxed, revealing a genuine smile. She wanted to turn and see Ruan Li’s expression, but all she saw was the girl next to her, resting her chin on her hand and looking out the window.

Ruan Li stared at the drizzling rain outside. She hated rainy days the most. As she pouted and turned her head back, she locked eyes with the man sitting across from her, his gaze dark and intense.

Her nephew was annoying, and her little uncle wasn’t any better. Ruan Li, feeling somewhat impatient, hummed softly and lowered her previously crossed legs.

Just as she set her foot down, she felt something under it—definitely not the softness of a carpet, but something harder. At the same time, the man let out a low, muffled groan.

Curious, Ruan Li pressed down experimentally. If she remembered correctly, she was wearing stiletto heels today, which were known to be “footwear weapons.”

Fu Huaizhou finally reacted, his gaze cold as he glared at the mischievous girl, who looked like a sly little fox.

Meanwhile, Fu Zhen and Ruan Sheng were still engaged in conversation. The man’s voice was low, likely only audible to the two of them.

“Vengeful,” he muttered.

Ruan Li’s eyes widened slightly, wrinkling her nose as she shot what she thought was a fierce look at Fu Huaizhou.

Her little act didn’t go unnoticed. Fu Zhen spoke up, “Xiao Li, what are you muttering about?”

Ruan Li tilted her head, responding sweetly, “I just stepped on the carpet and thought it felt soft, so I was complimenting Uncle.”

Fu Huaizhou didn’t expose her lie; he merely watched her perform in silence.

Fu Zhen had long grown accustomed to her playful and quirky personality. While such a character might be too much for an ordinary family to handle, in a prestigious family with no other young female members, she was a breath of fresh air. This was why the Fu patriarch and matriarch had chosen her to be their granddaughter-in-law.

“If you like it, I’ll have a new one sent to your home tomorrow,” Fu Zhen offered.

Ruan Li glanced at the man, whose cold and stern demeanor was accentuated by his fingers drumming on the table. The jade ring on his thumb symbolized immense power.

The pressure around him was palpable.

Quickly waving her hands, Ruan Li smiled and said meaningfully, “It’s too valuable—I couldn’t possibly accept it.”

It wasn’t clear whether she was referring to the person or the carpet.

After holding it in for a long time, Fu Xingchuan finally seized the opportunity, raising his chin and saying to Ruan Li, “It’s just a carpet. How valuable could it be? Haven’t you seen the world?”

Yet, as soon as he finished speaking, he felt a chill beside him, sending shivers down his spine.

Fu Zhen, feeling a bit helpless, sighed, “You two need to stop bickering every time you meet.”

The natural intimacy in his tone made Ruan Shu feel like an outsider, unable to blend in. She gently grasped her mother’s sleeve.

Noticing that Fu Xingchuan still hadn’t caught on, Ruan Li felt a bit guilty and whispered to him, “You better pray for yourself.”

Thus, the silent battle ended quietly as the dinner concluded.

When the family left the Fu residence, the unsightly car that had been hit earlier was gone. Before coming in, Ruan Li had already exchanged business cards with Fu Huaizhou’s assistant and Ms. Chen to discuss the compensation.

Though she didn’t know much about cars, she figured a car couldn’t be much more expensive than her jewelry collection.

Completely carefree, Ruan Li followed her family, only to realize something was off when they reached the car.

Ruan Shu and Zhou Min were already seated in the back, and there was no room for her. Standing in the rain with an umbrella, Ruan Li was stunned. This had never happened before.

Ruan Sheng and Zhou Min also looked a bit awkward. Ruan Shu struggled to get out of the car. “Let my sister take the seat.”

But Zhou Min, feeling guilty, immediately pulled her daughter back and turned to Ruan Li, who was standing by the car door. “Xiao Li, your father and I didn’t have time to change the car. Didn’t you drive yourself here today?”

Ruan Sheng also recalled that she had been late. If she hadn’t, they would have realized the seating issue earlier. He waved it off and said, “Didn’t you insist on buying that car? Don’t you want it anymore?”

Still dazed from the earlier scene, Ruan Li shook her head. “No, I still want it.”

Watching the taillights fade into the distance, Ruan Li felt the rain sticking to her skin, making her uncomfortable.

“I still want it… but the car’s wrecked now, so I can’t drive it,” she muttered to herself.

She could call Chen Jing to pick her up, but he was probably busy dealing with the damaged car. If she returned to the Fu residence for a ride, Fu Xingchuan would undoubtedly mock her.

Stubborn and prideful, she stood there, lost in thought.

“Mr. Fu, Yuyuan has been prepared,” Fu Huaizhou’s assistant, Qin, informed him, handing him his coat in the foyer.

“Not staying at the family estate tonight?” Fu Zhen asked, noticing Fu Huaizhou’s readiness to leave.

“Hmm. I came back today just to have a meal with the family.” Fu Huaizhou took the coat and prepared to leave. He’d never liked living with others and had arranged to stay elsewhere even before his return. “I’ll be staying at Yuyuan from now on.”

Yuyuan was his private property, and it had been his first project after winning a bid abroad. He had personally overseen the entire development.

Fu Zhen, knowing his nephew’s solitary nature, didn’t push him to stay.

As Fu Huaizhou walked to the foyer, he saw a servant collecting dirty laundry, the cut-up dress in the basket particularly eye-catching.

The stains had long dried, clashing with the fabric. The servant, noticing his gaze, explained, “Third Master, this is Miss Ruan’s dress. Is there something wrong?”

Assistant Qin stood by, waiting for his instructions.

“Nothing,” Fu Huaizhou said, fastening his suit jacket. He recalled that, when he first arrived, the rain had fogged his glasses, obscuring his view of the girl’s dirty dress.

It wasn’t until he sat down at the table and noticed her skirt had been unevenly cut that he pieced together what had happened. Before he could have his assistant handle it, the girl had already retaliated.

As he walked out, he gestured to Assistant Qin. “Buy her a replacement.”

Realizing the two were soon to be family, Qin hesitated, “And what about the car? Should we still have Miss Ruan pay for it?”

After all, once married, she would be his niece-in-law.

Fu Huaizhou paused, thinking back to everyone’s reactions at the dinner table, as well as the girl’s mischievous and vengeful demeanor. Without hesitation, he replied, “Have her pay the full price.”

Whether they’d become family would depend on her abilities.

Just as he finished speaking, Fu Huaizhou glanced up and saw the girl in a white dress standing under a streetlamp, holding an umbrella and looking quite pitiful in the rain.

Without breaking stride, he and Assistant Qin brushed past her. But just as they were about to pass completely—

Fu Huaizhou felt a tug on his coat. Looking down, he saw her holding onto his sleeve.

The girl, who had been cunning and proud just moments ago, now appeared fragile and innocent, clutching his coat pitifully.

“Uncle, can you take me home?” she asked softly.