Chapter 03

After a while, he murmured, as if sighing or speaking to himself, "She seems to have changed quite a bit."

"Yes, what is it?" Fang Fei replied absentmindedly, while taking out his phone and pressing a few keys

Angela, please arrange a meeting with General Fang tomorrow. We can discuss the matters regarding Ningjiang Technology Park at a leisurely pace; I am not in a hurry

Gu Feng coldly snorted, seemingly looking down on Ling Qianfan's pitiful defense: "There's no need to speak so harshly; I'm not a member of the mafia!"

She actually obediently followed him to meet Ling Qianfan—he rubbed his temples, regretting that he had just missed a good opportunity; it was such a great chance for her to see what abilities the man she was currently following had to protect the world they had built brick by brick.

To prescribe the right remedy, one must first understand the ailment. Gu Xiangqi and Ling Qianfan only know that he is unhappy, but they do not know the reason for his unhappiness. This is her secret, the secret she shares with him

Meng Han was momentarily taken aback, and then hurriedly smiled and said: "Yes, but... it's good to be alive"

Meng Han gazed blankly at the long corridor, and after a moment, let out a long sigh as if she had survived a catastrophe. Amidst her shock, a feeling arose in her heart that was hard to discern—was it relief or sorrow? Su Wan was still alive? Hadn't she already died five years ago? How could she still be alive? Why had she never returned to find Gu Fenghan? After much effort, she barely managed to calm herself down. Turning around, she saw that Gu Fenghan was still standing beside her with an expressionless face. How could this be? Why had she never returned to find Gu Fenghan? After much effort, she barely managed to calm herself down. Turning around, she saw that Gu Fenghan was still standing beside her with an expressionless face. How could this be?

As the conversation drew to a close, a hint of irritation emerged. Ling Qianfan noticed in the rearview mirror that Fang Fei's eyes held a rare resentment, which left him somewhat perplexed. What exactly was it in this world that could cause his nominal cousin, who prided himself on being able to acquire a company in no more than one month, to spend three months without letting go? And what could compel his usually carefree junior brother, who never took anything to heart, to stubbornly refuse to yield under the combined pressure of Angela and Gu Fenghan?

You have been in Wucheng for about five years, haven't you

He turned the ring on his ring finger, the letters spelling "Adeline" on the inner edge of the ring had become unclear, yet those letters seemed to be engraved on his heart, enduring through the years, indelible.

Ling Qianfan listened to the busy tone coming from his phone, feeling a bit strange—only after hanging up did he remember that he had not mentioned another matter to him. By the time he called back, the line was already busy. Ling Qianfan sighed; it was probably best to let it go, as there was a major trouble waiting for him here. Fang Weiming often nagged when he couldn't see his son, but when they finally met, he would scold him. Moreover, Fang Fei and Tushu Jin were both stubborn, and he hoped that after just a few minutes of being out, that kid wouldn't make his father so angry that he would spit blood. Ling Qianfan sighed; it was probably best to let it go, as there was a major trouble waiting for him here. Fang Weiming often nagged when he couldn't see his son, but when they finally met, he would scold him. Moreover, Fang Fei and Tushu Jin were both stubborn, and he hoped that after just a few minutes of being out, that kid wouldn't make his father so angry that he would spit blood.

However, everyone believed that this was her achievement, simply because they were unaware of the existence of Su Wan.

Do not discuss such philosophy or life matters with me! I have things to attend to and will not engage in lengthy conversations with you. Let me make it clear in advance, I can help you as long as you do not act recklessly.

I am not crazy, Qianfan, this time I am very clear-headed. Only when a person is clear-headed can they know what they want and what they want to do, isn't that so

Gu Fenghan stood up and walked towards the second floor of the villa, casually answering Ling Qianfan's question: "When did I ever say that I had a grudge against him? If I had a grudge against him, it wouldn't have been done this way"

Fang Feijin's phone call was just connected, and he immediately forgot about Ling Qianfan: "Hello? Have you arrived home? ... I'm sorry, my father has been around, so I couldn't call you. Let's go out again when we have time, okay? ... Your voice doesn't sound very good, are you feeling unwell? ... Oh... Then you should rest well, see you on Monday"

The ringtone of the phone rang at the right moment, and a slightly dissatisfied voice from Ling Qianfan came through the phone: "Ahan, you asked me to arrange for Fei Jin to come out today, so why did you run away without saying a word when we finally met?"

After the song "Bamboola" finished, a sweet voice from the operator came through the phone: "Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later..."

After dinner, Ling Qianfan drove Fang Weiming back to the hotel, using the excuse of having arranged to play tennis with Fang Feijin, in order to rescue his junior brother from a dire situation. As soon as they entered the hotel elevator, Fang Feijin hurriedly bowed to Ling Qianfan in gratitude, saying: "Senior brother, if you had come in just one minute later this morning, I fear I would have met a bloody end right there!"

After knocking on the private room door, Ling Qianfan's habitual and warm smile appeared before the Fang family father and son: "Uncle Fang, I ordered a few small dishes outside, shall we have lunch together? Uncle Fang, you also came to Wucheng without telling me. If the old man at home finds out, he will definitely rush out from the sanatorium to discipline me!"

This sentence is akin to the willow branch in the pure vase of Guanyin, capable of reviving the dead and unfailingly effective in every trial

So what? This world is just that cruel, where the weak are preyed upon by the strong, and only the fittest survive. Fang Feijin has enjoyed his carefree life for so many years; it is time for him to wake up! He was filled with an inexplicable rage... His original intention was merely to use Fang Weiming's hand to suppress Fang Feijin a little, but who would have thought...? ... Who would have thought he would actually bring Su Wan along?

You still say that you have no grievances with Fei Jin? If you have no grievances with him, what does it matter to you whether he is carefree or not? Ah Han, you have often done strange things in the past. Eight years ago, you crazily ran back to find me just to cause trouble for a university professor; seven years ago, you went mad again, asking me to settle your matter of going to study in Philadelphia within a month... Your most recent bout of madness was signing an investment contract for an unknown number of years with a small county I have never heard of. Ah Han, you have often done strange things in the past. Eight years ago, you crazily ran back to find me just to cause trouble for a university professor; seven years ago, you went mad again, asking me to settle your matter of going to study in Philadelphia within a month... Your most recent bout of madness was signing an investment contract for an unknown number of years with a small county I have never heard of! Based on my understanding of you, your current symptoms are exactly the same as those previous episodes!

Fang Fei felt a sense of relief, lowering his head and giving a glance to express his gratitude to Ling Qianfan for his timely assistance. Fang Weiming also found it inappropriate to lose his temper at his son in front of Ling Qianfan. Noticing that it was almost time for lunch, he was the first to stand up: "If I were Old Ling, having such a sensible grandson like you, I would be so happy that I wouldn't be able to sleep for three days and nights! Today is too rushed; I just got off the plane and was about to find you to properly wake this little rascal up, and your cousin came knocking on the door first. I only just landed this morning..."

The phone vibrated incessantly on the desk, the screen flashing the two characters "晚晚". Bamboola's unique voice echoed in the empty room, countless days and nights, he numbed himself in this foolish manner, deceiving himself that she was still alive, that she was still alive

She had always believed that, even if separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, as long as there was a trace of news about Su Wan, Gu Fenghan would pursue it without hesitation, that not even the collapse of heaven and earth could hinder his steps, and that he would rather die together with her, no matter if it was in the depths of the azure sky or the yellow springs below... Who would have thought that when they were so close to each other, he would be so calm, a calmness that was frightening.

She understands very well when to do what, so she immediately went out to chase after her—Su Wan is indeed as stubborn as she was back then, and she knows that if she speaks up, Su Wan will certainly be unwilling to say another word.

You called, surely it is not just to discuss such trivial matters

Ling Qianfan's phone call was abruptly cut off the moment he finished speaking, not a second more, not a second less. Gu Fenghan threw his mobile phone onto the table, opened the drawer, and a model of an old mobile phone lay quietly inside. He skillfully pressed a few numbers, and the ringtone of the phone on the table rang out, a deep male voice singing a heart-wrenching love song

Fang Feijin's expression darkened again upon hearing the words "Fang Yuan". He remained silent in the passenger seat for a long time, and only after Ling Qianfan backed the car out did he mumble, "Every family has its own difficulties to contend with. Moreover, everyone has their own aspirations. Although the Fang Yuan world is small, it is still the territory I have painstakingly built. You say I lack ambition, and I accept that, but I just don't understand who I have offended or who I have hindered. Why is it that you are so fixated on my Fang Yuan world?"

Gu Fenghan glanced at her but still did not respond. Meng Han followed behind him, hesitating as she said: "When we were investigating the two plots of land in Ningjiang, I heard someone say that the young master of the Fang family was unwilling to return to inherit the family business, but the reason has always been unknown. Just now, from Fang Weiming's tone, it seems like..."

She maintained her final image, covering the ring on her ring finger the moment she withdrew her hand, and walked out of the club with a determined pace, almost running away from Xinhuayuan. The guard at the entrance looked at her in surprise; had it not been for the fact that she was a guest just let in, he might have treated her as a suspicious person and questioned her closely. She endured the discomfort of her high heels as she ran to the street, continuously waving her hand to hail a taxi. To her dismay, it seemed that the taxis were conspiring against her today, as one after another were already occupied. When an empty taxi finally stopped in front of her, it felt as if a lifetime had passed. She abruptly pulled open the door and rushed inside, looking at the taxi driver in a daze: "Lianhua Road, Jiaoyang Community!"

Countless times of regret intertwined—why did he, in a moment of anger, not take the same flight back with her? ... If, if he were given another choice, no matter how much she threw a tantrum, no matter how much she distrusted him, he would still choose to return with her. Clearly, he had purchased the ticket, yet it was due to a fleeting moment of hesitation and anger that...

Half a year ago, when I returned to You County, the small bridges and flowing water, the ancient town and its families, all the past events vividly came to mind, yet I did not know where the familiar faces had gone, leaving behind an infinite sense of melancholy. Suddenly, he recalled what she had said before: in such a beautiful place, why are there not more people to see it? Thus, a thought arose in his mind to have someone look for information about You County, to see if there are any prospects for investment and development.

Yet he insists on wearing it, and has been doing so for five or six years.

Gu Fenghan swiftly and succinctly interrupted her, saying: "The acquisition plan will proceed as usual"

She smiled somewhat apologetically and said, "Sorry, Francis, I couldn't persuade her."

His voice was cold and devoid of any emotion, as if reproaching Meng Han for wasting unnecessary time on trivial matters. Meng Han looked at Gu Fenghan in surprise, still somewhat unwilling, and tugged at Su Wan's arm: "Wanwan, we haven't seen each other for a long time. How about we find a place to have some tea? Or let me know when it would be convenient for you..."

I remember you used to change your approach frequently, so why have you suddenly become so decisive

Ling Qianfan laughed heartily: "With your disposition, seeing your father is like a mouse encountering a cat! Why do you have to do this? Wouldn't it be better to let Fangyuan go early and return to being a filial son for a few days? Living in constant fear like this, is this the kind of life you want to lead?"

One cannot rely on memories to live a lifetime

Ling Qianfan cast a meaningful glance at him, turning the steering wheel while asking, "Are you unwilling to take action in the vast world just for that Miss Su from earlier?" After ten years of struggles and hardships, Ling Qianfan had long since developed a pair of discerning eyes.

She perfectly fell silent, leaving endless room for imagination and reflection. Gu Fenghan paused for a moment, then continued to walk forward. Meng Han then asked: "Regarding the acquisition of Fangyuan, is it ... ... "

Unexpectedly, what appeared before him was a piece of information from the "City of Love" column of the "Fangyuan Tiandi" program, featuring the ancient town of Mengze as the highlight. In the column planning section, the name "Su Wan" was prominently written.

The circular ring turned around in the drawer, lying steadily within it

She is not unaware of how deep his feelings for Su Wan are. When the tragic news arrived that year, he was devastated and heartbroken, wishing he could take her place. The following year, he was like a walking corpse, with no remedy for his grief. His father could not persuade him, nor could his childhood friend Ling Qianfan. Everyone was at a loss for what to do.

"Yes, as long as we are alive," Gu Fenghan repeated this phrase, frowning and remaining silent all the way home. Once at home, Gu Fenghan turned on the remote control and switched to financial news. Meng Han followed him in and quietly asked, "Just now... why didn't you go and bring her back? I'm sorry, if it weren't for my reasons..."

I have thought about what the situation would be like when we say goodbye

If given another chance to choose, he would rather die alongside her in the final moments than be left alone in this world, solitary and desolate, with only his shadow for company

Akan, "Ling Qianfan let out a barely audible sigh: 'This is why I have kept silent about this matter. However, the value of Fangyuan Tiandi does not justify this price. You know it, I know it, and even Uncle Fang knows it! If it weren't for his reluctance to confront the government over those two pieces of land belonging to Ningjiang, he wouldn't allow you to manipulate his son like this.'

No need for that, Su Wan gritted her teeth and raised her head high, her palms pressed painfully behind her back. Countless memories she thought she had forgotten surged back, overwhelming her in wave after wave, leaving only those glaring words in the entire world: "Angela Meng, the current SVP of Galaxy Group, has reportedly received the approval of Gu Xiangqi, the head of the Gu family..."

The deep male voice, rich with sorrow, seems to be the very number that is flickering, truly belonging to its original owner

With her last ounce of strength, she managed to squeeze out a smile: "Esteemed guests, you are busy, so I shall not disturb you. I wish you a harmonious union for a hundred years, and may your hearts be forever united"

Fang Weiming and Ling Qianfan's grandfather, being from the same ancestral hometown, can be considered half fellow townsmen. The term 'cousin' in their native dialect refers to relatives like Ling Qianfan and Gu Fenghan, who are cousins. There are rumors in the outside world that Ling Qianfan and Gu Fenghan are at odds; just now, when the two met, they didn't even nod at each other. Gu Fenghan didn't even bother to glance at Ling Qianfan. While observing their interactions, Fang Weiming couldn't help but sigh— the Gu family is full of talent, and the younger generation has produced two such formidable individuals. Thinking of this, Fang Weiming shook his head in his heart, wondering why his own son had to be so lazy. At his age, he still had to run around everywhere, unlike the old master of the Ling family, who lived a life akin to that of an immortal in the country and occasionally went fishing in Melbourne.

Gu Fenghan did not respond, he adjusted his tie and walked towards the unit where he lived. Meng Han followed behind him and said softly, "So she is still alive, why hasn't she contacted us? Why... didn't she come back at that time?"

She only said one sentence, if there is a spirit in the sky, Wanwan would certainly not wish to see someone like you

你知道我爱你，当我们分开时我在想你。你改变了我的生活

The stock market information from various regions flashed across the television like a revolving lantern, and he appeared somewhat weary, silently turning the round ring on his unnamed finger. Made from half a coin, the ring had long lost its luster under the wear of time. There were speculations about the origin of that ring, or perhaps the meaning it represented, yet no one would believe that the young master of the Gu family would wear a handmade coin ring worth merely one dollar.

Gu Feng looked at the screen in confusion, as if he were addressing Meng Han's doubts, yet also as if he were trying to convince himself

Trivial matters—didn't you say you wanted to invite him? It puts me in a difficult position every day, while you seem to be doing just fine, even managing to invite Uncle Fang. What exactly do you want? Do you have some kind of grudge against Fei Jin? I can see something is off with your eyes today

Fang Fei hung up the phone in a distracted state, staring blankly at the names in the address book for a long time before recalling that Ling Qianfan had just asked him something: "What did you just ask me? I ... ... " He shook his phone, unsure of how to explain himself.