Chapter 05
Fang Weiming's expression changed slightly as he recalled his meeting with Gu Fenghan in the morning, during which Gu Fenghan also mentioned his wayward son and this Su Wan. In fact, he was certainly more aware of the situation regarding Su Wan than Gu Fenghan. Five years ago, his son squandered money for the first time, all because of this woman. At that time, he thought his son was young and confused, allowing him to indulge in his pleasures outside, believing he would naturally return to his senses. For instance, take Ling Zhaoxin's grandson; playing around outside is one thing, but managing the family business is another matter entirely.
Su Wan let out a laugh, recalling the first time Bei Fei went out to communicate with a client, when she had earnestly instructed her. She did not expect Bei Fei to remember it. She reached out to pat Bei Fei's head and said, "Good girl, next time I will buy you some candy"
Su Wan finally caught a hint; it turned out that Fang Weiming was implying that if Fang Feijin were to engage in any outrageous behavior, the inheritance rights at home might not necessarily fall to him. Su Wan's smile slightly faded as she calmly said, "Mr. Fang seems to have misunderstood something"
The dark car window slowly rolled down, revealing a stranger's middle-aged face in front of Su Wan. She felt a slight confusion, thinking that she did not recognize this person. The middle-aged man offered her a polite smile: "Miss Su, our boss would like to discuss something with you."
Only for a moment did it flash in her mind, and Su Wan recalled that this was the old master of the Fang family, Fang Weiming, whom she had met yesterday at the Japanese-style club, Jianxin Mingzhu.
The black Bentley drove all the way down Huangyang Road to a Cantonese restaurant known for its authentic flavors, with an elegantly designed interior. The middle-aged man who had been sitting in the passenger seat entered the door and reported his surname and unit to the waiter, who then led the three of them to a private room upstairs. Su Wan felt a chill run down her spine—clearly, Fang Weiming had made a reservation in advance, inviting her into a trap, and the so-called passing by was merely a pretext.
In an instant, she found the scene somewhat amusing—just like in the idol dramas that Beifei enjoys watching, where the feudal and overbearing parents of the perfect wealthy male lead make a grand entrance, either showing courtesy before resorting to force or directly intimidating the other party with overwhelming might. How did the female lead, positioned like her, typically respond in such situations?
None of the above N options are suitable for her current situation
Unfortunately, she does not love Fang Feijin
Su Wan felt a tinge of sadness as she heard Fang Weiming mention that Fangyuan Tiandi was about to change hands, indicating that it was beyond redemption. After five years of hard work and effort, one is not made of wood or grass; who can be without feelings? "I haven't considered this issue for the time being. Perhaps I will first take a long break before thinking about future matters"
Who is your boss
Fang Weiming displayed surprising politeness and "care" towards Su Wan. Su Wan instinctively wanted to refuse but could not find a reason. Knowing that Fang Feijin had a somewhat strained relationship with his father, how could she, as a subordinate, dare to defy the superior of her superior at this moment
"A man's waist and a woman's head cannot be touched indiscriminately," Bei Fei said with a serious expression. Su Wan was momentarily taken aback. Bei Fei had expected Su Wan to laugh and correct her, saying it was a man's head and a woman's waist. To her surprise, Su Wan looked rather forlorn, merely giving her an awkward smile before turning back.
In fact, Fei Jin has an older sister. Both of them are quite ambitious and do not take me, this old man, seriously," Fang Weiming said with a slight smile. "But this is also good; survival of the fittest, the strong survive. If they were raised at home, one cannot guarantee that they would not turn into a second-generation rich kid. It is easy to have children, but difficult to raise them. Unfortunately, these children just do not understand.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Shang Bai took her hand, placed it on his waist, and forcefully groped himself with her hand a couple of times. He then said nonchalantly, "Now we're even," and looked at her face, which instantly turned red, stifling his laughter.
As she was about to go downstairs at the corner, a hand suddenly reached out from the outermost open compartment, and before she could see who it was, she was already pulled into another compartment
"Feifei," Su Wan couldn't help but secretly mock herself in her heart—how had she become so sentimental? It wasn't a matter of life and death; they were still living under the same roof with Beifei. While thinking this, she still couldn't help but remind her a few times: "Whether it's going out to negotiate advertisements or organizing activities with people from tourist attractions, make sure to sweeten your words a bit." In the early days of Fangyuan Tiandi, Su Wan handled all these matters herself, but now Beifei had basically managed to cope with them. However, Beifei often spoke faster than she thought, frequently saying some nonsensical things. Fortunately, with her youthful appearance, when she made mistakes, others would just laugh it off. But... who knows what situations might arise in the future? Sooner or later, she would have to take on more responsibilities. Learning lessons from setbacks is certainly profound, but... Su Wan shook her head again; it was always better to encounter fewer obstacles.
The waiter gradually brought out several more dishes and snacks, and Su Wan slowly tried various delicacies while listening to Fang Weiming explain the classic aspects of each dish. After she had eaten to about seventy percent full, Fang Weiming casually remarked, "Listening to Fei Jin, Miss Su is indeed one of the veteran figures who fought alongside him back in the day. It seems that Fang Yuan will soon change hands, and Fei Jin will also need to return to do some proper work. I wonder what plans Miss Su has in mind"
Thank you for your concern, General Fang," Su Wan said with a smile as she took a bite, "I have heard that the Cantonese cuisine here is the most authentic in Wucheng. I have never tasted the most genuine version, so I cannot tell if it is true or not.
"Silly girl," Gu Fenghan's slender eyes shimmered with a gentle smile, gazing at her with clarity, as if he had called her 'silly girl' a thousand times before, each time soft and sweet, a hint of sweetness seeping into her heart. She truly gazed at him foolishly, dazed and unsure of what to say, unconsciously calling out his name: "Shang Bai?"
The Fang family's ancestral home is in Chaozhou-Shantou, and people from that region generally have a special sense of pride for their hometown. Upon hearing this, Fang Weiming smiled and said, "No matter how authentic it is, it cannot compare to the food from my hometown. However... it is already quite remarkable that it can be made this well here"
By noon, Beifei still had some unfinished work. Su Wan's meal schedule was extremely regular, and it could not be disrupted in the slightest. She had no choice but to go downstairs to the fast food restaurant across the street to resolve the issue herself. Just as she stepped out of the Xinshi Building, a black Bentley parked not far away slowly drove over, blocking her path.
She grabbed her handbag and rushed out of the compartment, fearing that she might faint on the spot if she didn't control herself. She knew this was somewhat impolite, but she simply could not hold it in any longer. Perhaps Fang Weiming was only concerned about his son, but—why did he have to remind her of that matter, reminding her that she was so unworthy of Fang Feijin? ... Picking at someone else's scars and rubbing salt into the wounds—what does it matter that he is Fang Feijin's father? Just because you have a son and you care for him, does that give you the right to poke at someone else's wounds? ... But—why did he have to remind her of that matter, reminding her that she was so unworthy of Fang Feijin? ... Picking at someone else's scars and rubbing salt into the wounds—what does it matter that he is Fang Feijin's father? Just because you have a son and you care for him, does that give you the right to poke at someone else's wounds?
Su Wan fiercely dug her nails into her palm, indeed, who told you that you have no parents to care for you - you deserve it
After downing a cup of warm water, Su Wan finally regained her composure, slowly removing the ring that had accompanied her through thousands of days and nights, and gently placing it down. ... Fang Fei had not yet arrived, and on her phone was a pitiful message from him: Please prepare some dog skin plaster for my bruises ... ... ...
Fang Weiming continued, "Well, it's always a bit tiring for one person to struggle outside; he is tired, and I am tired too." Su Wan quickly replied, "Once the matters here are settled, President Fang can take the time to teach Young Master Fang well, and you can also enjoy some well-deserved peace."
The two characters "Siem Reap" on the webpage, like an unfathomable black hole, possess an infinite allure. The radiant splendor of Angkor, the sunset at dusk, gradually encircles her heart and soul bit by bit. Perhaps... perhaps... if she finds that ancient tree that belongs to her, burying all the past, she will be able to escape those sweet yet painful memories
As a result, from that moment on, whenever he touched her head, she obediently refrained from uttering a single protest, fearing that he might once again "sacrifice" his waist to balance things out for her
Beifei laughed heartily and radiantly: "I know, I know, I have always adhered to the Empress Dowager's decree. When I see someone with a round face, I must praise them for their cuteness; when I see someone with a square face, I must commend them for their good fortune. Even if a person has the face of a vixen or a mistress, I still have to compliment her as a natural beauty, right?"
What could Fang Weiming want with her? ... Su Wan secretly cursed Fang Feijin from head to toe in her heart—she could probably guess Fang Weiming's intention with just a little thought, and it was likely ... that the visitor was not here with good intentions
A man's waist and a woman's head should not be touched indiscriminately. She had once protested to Jiang Shangbai in this manner. When she was young, adults liked to pat her head, and later, Jiang Shangbai did the same. Often, she would chatter away for a long time, and he would not respond with a single word, merely smiling gently as he patted her head, as if... as if he were petting a dog. She was quite dissatisfied, very dissatisfied, and she protested to Jiang Shangbai with righteous indignation. She thought Jiang Shangbai would just smile again or mock her for getting the order wrong. In any case, her only aim was to provoke him into talking to her.
I would like to enjoy a life of ease, but the palm of my hand is flesh, and the back of my hand is also flesh. His sister is more capable than he is and has gained experience outside for several years... Alas, it is truly difficult
Su Wan's anger immediately flared up. If you have the ability, why don't you take your son back yourself? What kind of behavior is it to come here and throw money at her?
The waiter just brought a plate of crispy fried lamb belly, golden and tender. Fang Weiming, with a pleasant expression, pointed to the lamb belly pieces, which were nearly two inches long, and said with a smile: "I have heard that Wucheng is cold in winter, and lamb is warm in nature, beneficial for nourishment. I also heard that Miss Su works very hard; as a young lady, you should take good care of your health."
The fierce type should engage in sharp and biting sarcasm to drive the feudal and tyrannical parents into retreat; the tragic type should suppress their sorrow and feign strength, resolutely indicating to the other party's parents that they will no longer entangle themselves with the exceptional wealthy male lead, only to return home and mourn in solitude; the foolish type might defend their love, declaring to the wicked feudal parents that love surpasses all, and that love can sustain one, along with similar declarations of love.
She worked hard to maintain a smile on her face, considering that Fang Fei had treated her well, she had to give Fang Weiming some face: "Mr. Fang has misunderstood, actually..." She pondered over her words, unsure of how to explain it to him appropriately
Due to work requirements and Fang Feijin's personal selfishness, in various situations where he needs a female companion, he will certainly use his "life-saving grace" as leverage against her. Within the limits of his understanding that she will not lose her temper, he will persistently plead with her to be his companion. His reasoning appears quite reasonable: "Isn't it a modest request to occasionally help your life-saver fend off the swarms of admirers?"
A voice deep within quietly answered her. Su Wan slowly turned the dull, worn ring on her left hand, rotating it in circles. Winter was approaching, and her hand showed slight signs of redness and swelling. The ring turned round and round, leaving some red marks. As the ring slipped over her fingertips, the inscription on the inner circle of the ring, worn down over the years, had become nearly illegible. Yet she remembered it clearly: Francis, seven letters, each one etched in her heart as vividly and profoundly as if carved with a knife, just like her heart, scarred and battered. The ring turned round and round, leaving some red marks. As the ring slipped over her fingertips, the inscription on the inner circle of the ring, worn down over the years, had become nearly illegible. Yet she remembered it clearly: Francis, seven letters, each one etched in her heart as vividly and profoundly as if carved with a knife, just like her heart, scarred and battered.
A single sentence struck at the pain in Su Wan's heart, and she abruptly stood up: "Mr. Fang, there is no need for further discussion. Thank you for today's hospitality. I understand your intentions very well. I will handle this matter properly, so there is no need for you to worry!"
In fact, this is also a special care for her, and she is not unaware of it. In the early days of the establishment of Fangyuan Tiandi, there was also a difficult journey. It was not the case that everything went smoothly just because of the title of the Fang family’s young master. At times, she encountered some particularly uncouth clients. Even with Fang Feijin as a protective shield, she still had to endure some verbal insults. If it were not for Fang Feijin's bluster, it is hard to say what might have happened.
Su Wan—how useless you are, how useless you are, she scorned herself fiercely, how could she still remember these things so clearly until now—she touched the calendar on the table, November 12, Monday, she opened the webpage to check the flights from Wucheng to Siem Reap, her movements were slow and sluggish, completely unlike her usual neat and efficient style, the ticket prices were not expensive, there were two flights a week, the website of Fangyuan Tiandi offered ticket booking services, in a moment of distraction, she almost clicked to book, only to remember that she had not yet submitted her resignation letter, who knows when the flight should be booked?
Recently, it seems there haven't been any clients requiring her presence, right? Just as she was pondering this, the rear window of a car rolled down, revealing a somewhat familiar and slightly weathered face before her: "Miss Su, it's a pleasure to meet you."
I did not come here to seek out Fei Jin, I merely passed by the vicinity. Fang Weiming's face bore the marks of time, as clear as if carved by a knife, yet it did not appear aged; rather, it gave a sense of vitality: "Miss Su is preparing to go out for a meal, isn't she? There happens to be a Cantonese restaurant ahead; may I invite Miss Su to join me for a simple meal?"
What is wrong with me? Why have I been so distracted while working these past few days?
There is no need for Gu Fenghan to remind him; he is already aware that he needs to bring his son home. However, the girl before him, who appears to have delicate brows and clear eyes, poses the greatest obstacle.
On Monday morning, Fang Feijin had not yet arrived at the office. Su Wan looked at the resignation letter she had prepared, glanced at the small office area of five or six people in the tourism section, and then looked at the sisters on the other side of the glass window. She felt a twinge of reluctance for no particular reason. There is no banquet that does not end, and no one understands this principle better than she does. Gatherings and partings are all predetermined, and separations have no inherent connection. Such a melancholic thought unexpectedly surfaced in her mind, reminiscent of her university graduation. Although she had witnessed the scene of seniors weeping at farewell dinners for three consecutive years, vowing that she would never be like that in the future, when the day finally came, she still couldn't help but shed a few tears. The moon is to blame; it is all the moon's fault, Su Wan consoled herself. Perhaps it was because she had unconsciously created an atmosphere of parting for herself that she felt a bit sentimental.
Su Wan was momentarily taken aback, somewhat at a loss, not understanding what Fang Weiming meant by mentioning his pair of children, and could only respond perfunctorily: "Fang is very serious in his work."
I am not an obstinate father; if you and Fei Jin are truly suited for each other, I would not interfere with your relationship. However, Miss Su, if you reflect on the events from five years ago, you will understand why I oppose your union.
Su Wan furrowed her brows, as the dark window at the back obscured the face of the person sitting in the rear seat. Without a moment's hesitation, Su Wan replied: "Excuse me, may I ask which company you are from?"
If it were seven or eight years ago, she would have probably exploded on the spot, just like she did with that beastly professor from Wucheng University back then. Unfortunately... she mocked herself deep down, realizing that over the years, she had truly smoothed out her edges and corners, suppressing the flames of anger in her heart before they could spread. What is she supposed to do now
In this sense, he is also an indirect boss. Su Wan had to suppress her momentary displeasure and smiled slightly, saying, "So it is President Fang." She glanced at the Xinshi Building behind her and smiled at Fang Weiming, saying, "Mr. Fang won't be in the office on Monday morning; he probably won't come until the afternoon."
Fang Weiming smiled and said: "Miss Su is truly a clever person. When dealing with others, I dislike beating around the bush the most. Since Miss Su speaks so directly, I will be straightforward as well. It has not been easy for you in Fangyuan Tiandi over the past five years. Why not be more direct and state a price? We are all businesspeople here, seeking profit rather than conflict. Wouldn't you agree?"