Chapter 8

Fang Wenxiu was taken aback, realizing that she had forgotten something quite important. She reached out to interrupt Zhong Wei, saying, "About this matter, you can discuss it later; I need to make a phone call first"

Fang Wenxiu pushed her aside and looked into her eyes: "Only those who can truly entrust their children and wives, and those who can hand over the country's orders, can be considered capable individuals. If I cannot even bring back and properly raise my own younger brother, how can you expect me to be filial to you in the future? Mother, you should think carefully about some matters."

Feng Kun turned back and smiled at her: "Is there anything else, General Manager Fang? If not, I will leave work early."

Miss He Xiaoyue left happily, and Fang Wenxiu was also quite pleased, as she had encountered the first young woman with a certain charm in her current social circle.

Fang Wenxiu has been at work for a week, and she has hardly spoken to Secretary Liu. Even Secretary Liu, who is usually quite dull, knows that Fang Wenxiu is deliberately ignoring her. Now that she has called her, Liu feels a sudden sense of being favored and almost immediately turns around: "President Fang, you called for me"

"It should be done," Zhong Wei said, nodding at her, straightening up and patting the front car window, as the driver drove the car out

Yan Lihua shouted outside: "Come out"

Fang Wenxiu said: "It's nothing, you can go back to the company to return the car and finish work."

Secretary Liu smiled slightly and Fang Wenxiu said, "Have you seen the set of tea utensils in Vice President Sun's office? Could you help me find a set that is similar to his?"

After a moment of silence on the phone, Liu Wei asked her: "Wen Xiu, how are you doing now?"

After Fang Wenxiu finished all of this and looked up, she saw Zhong Wei still standing there, looking at her with a strange expression. Fang Wenxiu asked him: "You just said, are you leaving over there today?"

Yan Lihua finally stopped trembling. Fang Wenxiu gently rested his chin on her shoulder and whispered: "Mother, regarding this matter, based on what I have learned, I can only say this: one can entrust one's life to a six-foot tall individual, and one can place one's fate in the hands of someone from a hundred miles away, but when it comes to great principles, one must not be swayed. A gentleman is a gentleman."

In the past two days, have you personally assisted with identifying individuals and handling the necessary procedures?

Inside the Fang residence, Yan Lihua had repeatedly called Fang Wenxiu seven or eight times, but none of the calls went through. She was infuriated, perhaps subconsciously aware that a confrontation was imminent. Therefore, she took a moment to calm herself and decided not to compromise her own feelings. She indulged in a petal bath to rejuvenate herself. After taking a shower, Fang Wenxiu still had not returned, and she felt she should exercise more patience. She then put on a silk nightgown and applied a facial mask. Later, feeling a bit hungry, she went downstairs and brought up a plate of cucumbers that Sister Zhu had sliced, planning to finish the cucumbers and if Fang Wenxiu still had not returned, then she would... She couldn't quite figure out what to do next, but her anger had certainly intensified.

Fang Wenxiu shook his head honestly

The woman let out a light sigh, seemingly not fully believing Fang Wenxiu's words, and simply said in a very subdued tone: "Then thank you."

The young man was particularly serious, starting from the most basic knowledge of drawing, discussing a bunch of points, lines, planes, shadows, triangles, and so on, leaving Fang Wenxiu in a state of confusion. The young man spoke for over an hour, and after going in circles, Fang Wenxiu felt dizzy and finally could not bear it any longer, sending him away. She then personally called the engineering department to have them send someone reliable up.

Fang Wenxiu said: "That's perfect, you don't need to go out just yet, I will treat you to a meal shortly"

Fang Wenxiu sat opposite and nodded in understanding

Fang Wenxiu nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, she had deliberately been ignoring her these past few days. From their first meeting, she could tell that this woman had a certain frivolity about her. She also understood Fang Yuanshan's character; he had likely always regarded her as a mere ornament. However, her current clientele had changed. Although the nature of her work remained the same, her attitude towards it at least needed to shift. Yet, she could not leave someone hanging for too long, lest resentment begin to brew. It was about time to offer a way out, so she said: "I have had a lot on my plate these past few days, and I haven't sorted out these relationships around me. I apologize for my poor attitude towards you."

"Find a draftsman to teach you yourself." Zhao Zhengsheng left gracefully, and thus Fang Wenxiu was once again submerged in a pile of documents. She still had a long way to go and thus needed to continue her efforts

The woman took out a handkerchief, lowered her head to wipe her tears, and turned to her man saying: "Let's go."

Fang Wenxiu said: "In the future, when Hengxin grows up, I will tell him that he should maintain connections with relatives at home; he must know where he comes from"

Yan Lihua turned and ran towards the kitchen, while Fang Wenxiu quickly turned to Sister Gu and said: "Hurry, go in"

Upon hearing that it was Vice President Sun, Fang Wenxiu understood immediately. Every person gathered around Fang Yuanshan was not there by chance. He was able to secure Zhao Zhengsheng, Zhuang Jinrong, and Vice President Sun, placing each of them in the most suitable position. Thus, everyone around him was also in the right place. Even though there might be something amiss with him personally, it did not matter. This could be a necessary trait for someone who is destined to achieve great things in building a foundation. Fang Wenxiu nodded, and then Feng Kun started the car and drove away.

Fang Wenxiu suddenly smiled, her heart soft as a child's tender lips

Is there something?" Fang Wenxiu looked up at him.

Feng Kun turned his head and said: "I originally worked in freight transportation for several years, but it was too exhausting. Just at the right time, the company was hiring drivers, so I joined. Later, when the original General Manager Fang was short on drivers, Deputy General Manager Sun transferred me up."

Secretary Liu quickly said: "Look at what you are saying, you have been so busy these past few days that you haven't even had time to eat, I have seen it all."

Zhao Zhengsheng threw down a pile of things, placed his hands on his hips, spoke, and then turned to leave. After stepping out the door, he suddenly remembered and came back to ask: "Can you read blueprints?"

Zhong Wei sat at another table not far away, lowering his head to drink coffee, while Fang Wenxiu, feeling a bit embarrassed, changed her sitting posture: "It is only right."

"Fang Wenxiu, are you hiding something? Why won't you let me go out? Do you really think I'm that foolish?" Yan Lihua emphasized, raising her voice by eight degrees.

"Good." Liu Wei's tone on the phone suddenly rose a few notches, revealing her sudden happiness.

On the way home, Fang Wenxiu felt a bit uncomfortable. Fang Hengxin wriggled out of her arms, using his little legs to try to stand on her legs. Fang Wenxiu supported him by holding his waist, but Hengxin grinned and lunged at her face, his drooling little mouth suddenly meeting hers

Fang Wenxiu opened a crack in the door and leaned out. Outside, Yan Lihua was holding a knife, her clothes wide open, hair disheveled, half of her face mask fallen off, panting heavily, looking utterly terrifying. She raised the knife and was about to strike. Fang Wenxiu closed her eyes, and with a whoosh in her ears, her head was knocked to the side.

The woman said again: "Once we go back, we will not come here again. When we return, we cannot speak to anyone about this child, you can rest assured."

Secretary Liu left with a smile

Fang Hengxin was frightened, watching her open her mouth as if to cry, when Fang Wenxiu quickly covered her mouth: "Be good, don't cry, just listen for a moment, it will be over soon."

Oh. Liu Wei let out a sound, wanting to say something, but could not continue.

When they arrived home, it was already completely dark. The large lights in the Fang family's hall were on. Fang Wenxiu saw that Yan Lihua had indeed not gone out. In the car, Fang Wenxiu spoke seriously to the nanny: "Once we go in, you don't need to worry about anything, don't pay attention to my mother's reaction, just go in directly and follow Sister Zhu. She will arrange everything for you. No matter how much commotion there is outside, you must not come out."

Silence lingered in the phone, and Liu Wei had unspoken thoughts. Unable to articulate them, she did not hang up. Fang Wenxiu sighed inwardly and then said: "Liu Wei, I will go to school in a couple of days; we can talk then"

Zhong Wei nodded and said, "Yes."

Secretary Liu said cheerfully, "Sure, no problem, I guarantee I will get you a set that is even better than his."

Fang Wenxiu was determined not to let her go. It is easy to find a maid, but it is not easy to find a good one. As she got out of the car, she assured her: "Sister Gu, rest assured, it is only for tonight. I guarantee that after tonight, Hengxin will not be wronged in this house, and you will certainly be treated the same way."

Yan Lihua did not truly strike her; she had only slapped her hard. Fang Wenxiu turned her head, opened her eyes, and saw Yan Lihua in front of her, still holding the kitchen knife high, her eyes red and her body trembling. A pang of sorrow welled up in her heart as she reached out to remove the facial mask from Yan Lihua's face, then she gathered her hair and took the knife from her hand. She then opened her arms to embrace her. Yan Lihua was still shaking all over. Why was she so angry? What had caused her to become like this? She reached out to remove the facial mask from her face, then gathered her hair and took the knife from her hand. She then opened her arms to embrace her. Yan Lihua was still trembling all over. Why was she so angry? What had caused her to become like this?

As she walked into the dedicated elevator of Huashan Building, many people greeted her, and she nodded and smiled at each one. Upon reaching the eighth floor, she entered her office, and shortly after, Secretary Liu came in to prepare tea for her

Sister Gu was somewhat hesitant, sitting in the car without moving. Feng Kun, who was pulling the car door, rarely offered a word of advice, but what he said was quite interesting. He directed his words to Fang Wenxiu for Sister Gu to hear, saying: "Rest assured, General Manager Fang, there is no parent in this world who can outlast their child. As long as you are determined to support your younger brother, your mother will surely accept it."

At first glance, the elderly couple appeared to be very honest and reserved individuals. They were not young anymore, dressed simply and neatly. The man hardly spoke, continuously engrossed in smoking, while the woman carefully held and examined Hengxin. The child smiled innocently at her, causing her eyes to moisten slightly. She said to Fang Wenxiu, "There are still many matters at home; we cannot stay and must return."

Then Fang Wenxiu said, "Thank you very much."

Fang Wenxiu nodded, knowing that she was still somewhat wise, and then said: "I usually enjoy drinking some tea." She pointed at the large tea jar and remarked: "But good tea has been wasted with my father's way of drinking it."

The woman wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve and said: "Thank you for your help these days, and to you, Assistant Zhong. The arrangements for this child's mother were greatly aided by you both"

The man pinched his cigarette, stood up to grab his luggage, and the couple walked out. The man turned back to glance at the child held by Fang Wenxiu, but ultimately did not say anything and turned away.

Fang Wenxiu experienced a moment of daze; although she had long been mentally prepared for not being able to continue her studies, after a brief moment, she finally said: "I understand"

Fang Wenxiu raised her hand to check the time; it was just 5:00. She casually asked, "Is it the ticket you booked?"

Yan Lihua kicked the door outside, making a loud banging sound: "Fang Wenxiu, come out, come out, you come out!" She shouted hoarsely, and soon the sound of her chopping at the door with a kitchen knife could be heard. Fang Hengxin was in tears, and Fang Wenxiu could only cover his ears. She deeply felt that one should never provoke a woman in menopause, otherwise, she would be no different from a madwoman.

Sister Gu walked in a daze, while Fang Wenxiu shouted from behind: "No, to the left, go in and lock the door."

Feng Kun nodded, got into the driver's seat, and Fang Wenxiu looked at him, pondering for two seconds before suddenly asking him: "How did you originally come to drive for my father? Did my father transfer you here?"

Fang Wenxiu said to Hengxin: "Rest assured, I will do my utmost."

Sister Gu finally got out of the car slowly, while Fang Wenxiu, holding Fang Hengxin, stood to the side and said with a smile, "Alright, quite philosophical about life."

Sister Gu and Yan Lihua almost ran into each other. Sister Gu let out a sharp scream, nearly collapsing to the ground. Fortunately, Yan Lihua's target was not her; she brandished a gleaming kitchen knife and rushed towards Fang Wenxiu. Upon seeing her mother was serious, Fang Wenxiu quickly grabbed Fang Hengxin and dashed upstairs. Her legs were quicker than her mother's, allowing her to get a step ahead. She ran back to her room, locked the door, and placed Fang Hengxin on the bed.

the flight at eight o'clock in the evening

After a morning of hard work, Secretary Liu was officially appointed. Various materials were gathered for her, and if anything was lacking, it was necessary to search online to help her grasp the essential information and knowledge she needed to acquire. At noon, Secretary Liu wisely ordered takeout. Fang Wenxiu set aside everything in her hands and sat down to eat. However, halfway through her meal, her phone rang again. She initially did not want to answer it, but upon checking, she saw it was a call from Liu Wei. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to pick up the call.

Fang Wenxiu threw her phone away and stared blankly at the floor-to-ceiling window for a while. After some time, she walked over and opened a window. A wave of heat rushed in; this year's season was unusual. It was already October, yet City B remained unrelentingly hot, with not a single drop of rain. She gazed outside in a daze for a moment, then suddenly shook her head and said, "It truly is fate's decree; there is no escaping it."

Fang Wenxiu silently embraced her mother. Between people, in addition to verbal and physical communication, there exists a mutual sensing. Fang Wenxiu felt a deep sense of calm within herself, and after a while, Yan Lihua also gradually settled down.

Secretary Liu brewed the tea and placed it on the table. After standing for a moment, she noticed Fang Wenxiu was still looking down, so she turned to leave. After taking a couple of steps, Fang Wenxiu suddenly looked up and called out to her: "Sister Liu"

In the afternoon, the engineering department sent over a draftsman. The young man wore glasses and had a gentle demeanor. At first glance, he appeared to be a recent graduate, and his soft features suggested that he had a good temperament, making him someone who could easily be bullied.

Fang Wenxiu was at a loss for words, unsure of what to say to them. The woman also fell silent, sitting in a daze for a few minutes. She returned the child to Fang Wenxiu, stood up, and said to her: "Miss, we are leaving now. You are the child's sister, so please take good care of him. We did not raise his mother well, and we are truly sorry for that." As she spoke, the woman began to cry, tears streaming down her face

Fang Wenxiu deeply felt that the person on the other end of the phone was indeed her mother, so in a moment of mother-daughter telepathy, she decided to play coy: "You must be overthinking this; I just wanted to have a meal and a little get-together with you, yet you twisted it into something else. Alright, that's it. I'll come back to pick you up, so don't go out." After saying this, she decisively hung up the phone, quickly silencing it and stuffing it into her briefcase. This way, she was quite certain that even if her mother was furious, she would still wait for her to return to deal with her.

Fang Wenxiu is also a good student, often nodding and smiling, and particularly adept at saying things like, "Yes, yes, yes, that's really the case, you speak so well," at the right moments, which makes the girl feel excited. Throughout the afternoon, the two hardly exchanged a few serious words, but by the end of the class, the girl truly developed a fondness for Fang Wenxiu. As the workday was coming to a close, Fang Wenxiu asked the girl her name, He Xiaoyue, and they exchanged phone numbers. Fang Wenxiu invited her to have dinner together another day, and she readily agreed.

Fang Wenxiu walked to the door and spoke to her mother through it: "Mom, please calm down, let's talk."

"Are you inviting me to dinner?" Yan Lihua's voice was surprised: "What kind of meal are you inviting me to? We see each other every day."

"You are too polite, General Fang," said Zhong Wei

The elderly couple agreed to list the house with the real estate company, and once it is sold, we will transfer the money to them. They are leaving today, so do you think we should send someone to keep an eye on them

After Secretary Liu left, Fang Xiuwen leaned back in the office chair and closed her eyes to gather her thoughts. Before long, the office door was kicked open, and Zhao Zhengsheng entered, carrying a large stack of folders: "This is the project the company has taken on this year. All the contract party materials are here. The engineering department will send you the blueprints. We are in the business of building houses; you may not know how to build, but you need to understand the process. Don't be caught off guard when someone asks you questions and you have no idea what to say."

Zhong Wei looked surprised, while Fang Wenxiu did not explain, stood up to pack her things, and waved her hand at him saying: "Hurry up and go."

Fang Wenxiu looked at his face, fell silent for two seconds, and then said: "I did not consider this matter thoroughly a couple of days ago. Therefore, I will trouble you once more. Please go over there and keep that old couple for a while. I will take Hengxin to see them shortly."

In the blink of an eye, Fang Wenxiu squatted down with Fang Hengxin in her arms as the plate whizzed past her head, crashing against the door with a sharp sound. Yan Lihua shouted, "Fang Wenxiu, I will kill you!"

On Monday morning, Fang Wenxiu was dressed in silver-gray suit trousers, wearing soft-soled flat leather shoes and carrying a briefcase, as she entered the office building at 8:50, blending into the crowd of employees.

Yes

The nanny was unaware that the environment of Fang Wenxiu's home was like this. She followed Fang Wenxiu for two reasons: first, Hengxin was born and raised by her, so they had developed some feelings; second, Fang Wenxiu had spoken highly of her and raised her salary by half, which led her to follow along somewhat confusedly. Now, upon hearing Fang Wenxiu say this, she was a bit startled and said, "Miss Fang, if your home is like this, how about I go back first and come again in a couple of days?"

Upon exiting the airport, the driver brought the car over. Zhong Wei stepped forward to open the car door, and Fang Wenxiu got in, saying to him through the window: "Thank you."

When?

Fang Wenxiu checked out at the hotel and picked up Hengxin and the nanny. On the way, Zhong Wei called, and it seemed that the elderly couple was not so insistent on seeing Hengxin. They were determined to leave today, and rescheduling for tomorrow's flight was not an option. Ultimately, this matter became Fang Wenxiu's insistence, and in the end, it allowed them to meet the child for a brief moment in the airport lounge's café.

Fang Wenxiu took out her phone to call her mother. Yan Lihua's daily routine seemed to be somewhat reversed, and Fang Wenxiu figured that this would be the time when her mother was most alert and easier to talk to. As soon as the call connected, Fang Wenxiu quickly asked, "Mom, are you at home?"

Outside the door, Fang Wenxiu bent down to open it. Before entering, she adopted a posture of humility. As she stepped inside, she coincidentally met the gaze of Yan Lihua, who was coming out of the kitchen. In that instant when the mother and daughter faced each other, Fang Wenxiu felt her mother's face, hidden beneath the facial mask, contorting. Before she could react, a plate of cucumbers along with the dish flew towards her.

We cannot invite each other to dinner if we meet every day. Just wait at home, I will come back to pick you up shortly. Please do not go out under any circumstances

Yan Lihua finally settled down in earnest

Before finishing work, Fang Wenxiu was preparing to pack her things when Zhong Wei pushed the door open and entered. He stood in front of Fang Wenxiu's desk with a serious expression. Fang Wenxiu felt that this person had excellent decision-making and action capabilities, but his expression as a supporter was too rigid. This was actually closely related to a person's mindset, and she planned to find an opportunity to have a conversation with him.

Fang Wenxiu nodded in satisfaction: "Thank you for your hard work"

Twenty minutes later, the engineering department sent up a young woman in her late twenties. This time, the young woman was particularly reliable. She first explained the engineering process to Fang Wenxiu, and then discussed the project costs in conjunction with the blueprints, occasionally interspersing various industry secrets. Fang Wenxiu listened with great interest and felt that this young woman was truly talented, possessing both knowledge and capability

Liu Wei said on the phone: "You haven't attended class for two weeks. The counselor wants to talk to you. If you don't come to school again, you will be expelled based on the number of absences."

Zhong Wei nodded: "Yes"

Fang Wenxiu took a sip of tea to rinse her mouth, and when interrupted, she lost her appetite. She casually replied, "I am doing quite well"

After half a day, Yan Lihua said stiffly: "What does it mean?"

Yan Lihua seems to be engaged in something, her tone somewhat languid: "I'm here, what is it?"