Chapter 32: Penny-Pinching Woman

Lu Yunshang’s face burned even hotter. She quickly lowered her head and drank her tea.

She muttered to herself, What is love? How many people know the answer? Maybe everyone’s answer is different.

What about Fu Changqing?

Lu Yunshang secretly glanced at the man beside her. What was love to him?

Would he, like Fu Han 舟，follow his elders’ arrangements and marry Shen Yue?

Without further exchange, they watched the movie in silence. Fu Changqing then got up to leave.

“See you tomorrow,” Fu Changqing said.

Lu Yunshang suddenly remembered something. “Mr. Fu, don’t bring me breakfast tomorrow. It makes me feel burdened. The bidding competition is approaching, and I think we should keep our distance to avoid gossip.”

Fu Changqing lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment before saying, “Okay. Lock the door and rest early.”

“Mm,” Lu Yunshang closed the door.

Over the next few days, Lu Yunshang was busy at the perfume studio. Fu Changqing didn’t call or message.

Lu Yunshang often picked up her phone to check for missed calls or messages.

The feeling of loss grew stronger.

When she returned home in the evening, Tang Tang had already gone to work.

But she always prepared dinner and kept it warm in a pot for Lu Yunshang.

After dinner, she would watch a romantic movie, laughing and crying along with the characters.

After watching several movies, she concluded: Love is a poison and an antidote. It depends on whether you love the right person.

Who knows if they love the right person or the wrong one?

That’s fate.

One morning a week later, Lu Yunshang was adjusting her perfume formula in the perfume studio.

Her phone rang.

Almost instinctively, she quickly grabbed her phone to check the caller ID, somewhat surprised.

“Hello, Manager Lin,” she answered.

“Miss Lu, hello. It’s Old Master’s birthday today. Old Master has invited you to dinner tonight.”

Lu Yunshang remembered Fu Changqing mentioning this a few days ago. She was about to refuse when Lin Haiyang said, “Old Master said he hopes you won’t refuse. He’s getting old, and there’s one less year each year.”

“He also said he’s accepted your divorce from Mr. Fu. He knows forcing a relationship won’t work and won’t force you to remarry. He’ll treat you like his granddaughter.”

Lu Yunshang didn’t know what to say. Lin Haiyang continued, “See you tonight, Miss Lu.”

Before Lu Yunshang could speak, Lin Haiyang hung up.

Lu Yunshang had to text Tang Tang, saying she had plans for the evening and didn’t need dinner.

At three o’clock in the afternoon, after telling Liu Jingting that she was going to attend Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet, Liu Jingting let her leave.

She drove home, took a shower, and put on light makeup.

She chose a beige tweed suit, a white wool coat, and white ankle boots.

After getting ready, she went to the perfume room next to the bedroom, opened the safe, took out two bottles of essential oils, and carefully packaged them.

Then she went downstairs and drove to the Fu family’s old house.

Upon arriving, she realized it wasn’t a simple family dinner. Many people were already drinking and chatting in the courtyard.

Several large tents were set up in the yard, all filled with tables and chairs.

The food was a buffet, with waiters constantly placing food on the long tables.

Lu Yunshang greeted the butler, Lin Haiyang, who took her to see Old Master Fu.

Old Master Fu was entertaining guests in the hall.

As soon as Lu Yunshang entered, she saw Shen Yue in a blue strapless haute couture dress.

Fu Changqing, in a black tuxedo, stood beside her. They looked very well-matched, Lu Yunshang thought.

“Yunshang, you’ve come,” Old Master Fu beckoned Lu Yunshang. “Come and see the gift Miss Shen prepared for me.”

“This is a rare item, a high-quality jade carving of a Pixiu. The color is amazing.”

Lu Yunshang glanced at the jade Pixiu in Old Master Fu’s hand. “It’s indeed a good item.”

“What gift did Miss Lu prepare?” Shen Yue suddenly asked, looking like she was waiting for a show.

Lu Yunshang clutched her gift bag. “It’s an inexpensive item. I’m afraid Miss Shen will laugh.”

Old Master Fu put down the Pixiu and beckoned Lin Haiyang to take it away. “Don’t say that, Yunshang. I’m happy you’re here. I don’t lack anything.”

“Yes, it’s the thought that counts. Grandfather won’t mind,” Shen Yue said, glancing at Fu Changqing.

He stood aside, smoking a cigar, expressionless.

Lu Yunshang handed her gift bag to Old Master Fu. “Wishing Grandfather a long and healthy life.”

Old Master Fu smiled and nodded as he took the bag. He took out the gift box and opened it, then froze.

Shen Yue chuckled. “Miss Lu, are these essential oils? Did you take them from your company? That’s a bit too casual.”

Old Master Fu’s face fell, and the surrounding guests gathered around, pointing at Lu Yunshang.

“That’s too stingy. How can you give this as a gift? Who is this girl? She’s here to embarrass herself,” a wealthy woman in a fur coat said.

The heavily made-up woman beside her chimed in, “If I were Old Master Fu, I’d kick her out.”

“Yes, yes. Look at what she’s wearing! So disrespectful.”

“She’s so poor. How could the Fu family know someone like her?”

Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Shen Yue’s lips curled into a smug smile. She didn’t need to do anything to dampen Lu Yunshang’s spirits. The Lu family was the lowest in Huacheng’s wealthy circles, not even worthy of carrying Shen’s shoes.

What was Lu Yunshang? Daring to compare herself to her?

Lu Yunshang remained unfazed. “Grandfather, these aren’t ordinary essential oils. They’re something no one here can buy, no matter how much money they have.”

“Haha, are there essential oils that money can’t buy?” Shen Yue sneered. “Miss Lu, before bragging, you should consider who’s here today and what we can’t buy.”

Lu Yunshang ignored Shen Yue and said to Old Master Fu, “Grandfather, look at the bottom of the bottle.”

Old Master Fu impatiently turned the bottle over, his gaze suddenly fixed. He held up the bottle and examined it carefully, then laughed heartily. “Good, very good! These are truly invaluable essential oils!”

“Yunshang, thank you. This is the best gift I’ve received tonight.”

Shen Yue was puzzled. “Old Master Fu, what kind of essential oils are these?”

Old Master Fu handed a bottle of essential oil to Shen Yue. “Look for yourself.”

Shen Yue took the bottle and examined the bottom, then froze. “Impossible. Master Qingfeng has retired. How could you possibly get his essential oils?”

Lu Yunshang looked at Shen Yue. “Did I say I bought them?”

Shen Yue glared. “Then how did you get them?”

“I can’t disclose that.”

Shen Yue’s face turned angry. “Miss Lu, are these fake oils to deceive Old Master Fu?”

Lu Yunshang smiled. “Miss Shen, feel free to have them tested.”

“Alright,” Old Master Fu took back the essential oil from Shen Yue. “I believe Yunshang. She wouldn’t use fake oils to deceive me.”

“Lin Haiyang, put these two bottles of essential oil in my bedroom. I’ll use two drops on my pillow every night. With this, I won’t have insomnia anymore.”

“Yes,” Lin Haiyang carefully took the essential oils. “Old Master has tried all kinds of remedies for insomnia, but to no avail. He’s heard that Master Qingfeng’s essential oils are miraculous, but the master has retired, and his oils are impossible to obtain.”

Lin Haiyang smiled at Lu Yunshang. “Miss Lu, you’re thoughtful.”

Old Master Fu waved to everyone. “Alright, let’s save the thank yous for later. Let’s greet the guests now. Everyone, go eat. We’ll cut the cake later. I have an important announcement to make then.”

Lu Yunshang glanced at Shen Yue, who was looking at Fu Changqing with anticipation.

Fu Changqing looked gloomy, lost in thought.