Chapter 9

Fang Wenxiu nodded inwardly, recognizing that the relationship between men and women can sometimes resemble a play filled with both truth and deception. The timing of one's entrance and the circumstances surrounding it often determine whether one plays the leading role or a supporting role

Fang Wenxiu looked up at Liu Wei, who was standing by the window, also gazing at the alcohol stove with a smile; she was indeed a beautiful girl.

Yan Lihua remained silent, pondering Fang Wenxiu's words. She turned around and waved her hand towards Fang Wenxiu, saying, "Hurry up and go to sleep, don't you have to go to work tomorrow?"

Yan Lihua looked at her in silence, while Fang Wenxiu called someone to settle the account, then stood in front of her with a smile, and Yan Lihua had no choice but to get up and walk with her

Fang Wenxiu watched her mother take a breath, secretly curling her lips. When a person moves, yang energy is generated, and as yang energy rises, the gloomy energy will dissipate. After walking for a while and seeing that Yan Lihua's face had not shown any signs of impatience, Fang Wenxiu finally spoke to her, saying: "Mom, can we have a chat?"

Liu Wei experienced a moment of confusion, then slowly nodded. Fang Wenxiu gazed at her deeply, reached out to pat the front seat, and the car slowly drove away

That night, Fang Wenxiu later called Gu Jie out and instructed Zhu Jie to arrange for her and Fang Hengxin, and then she really took her mother out for dinner

Yan Lihua was crying uncontrollably, while Fang Wenxiu searched her body thoroughly but could not find anything to wipe her tears. She had no choice but to reach out and wipe her mother's face, only to smear it with a hand full of mucus and tears, which Yan Lihua then swatted away with a slap.

However, Fang Wenxiu could not use such words to persuade her mother, so she said to her: "Do not harbor resentment, but forget. Forgetting is not for the sake of forgiveness, but to allow oneself to be happy." She also said: "When you hate someone, no matter how much you hate them, think about the times they treated you well. Everything in the world has two sides, love is why you hate, and hate is also why you love. I was not there for your loneliness in the past, but I will be by your side in the years to come." I was not there for your loneliness in the past, but I will be by your side in the years to come.

"It was taught by my grandmother."

Liu Wei came bouncing in, seemingly very happy to see Fang Wenxiu. They went to the dormitory to pack up their things. Fang Wenxiu had previously lived on campus, but she hadn't spent much time here, although she did have some belongings. She packed her clothes and left the bedding for Liu Wei to handle. While retrieving her shoes from under the bed, she stumbled upon an alcohol stove, which reminded her of last winter when she and Liu Wei hid in the dormitory to enjoy hot pot. Since enrolling, Fang Wenxiu had always been solitary, rarely communicating with others and not taking the initiative to socialize. Liu Wei had approached her after learning that she lived in a villa area on the outskirts of the city. During the winter, while the outside was cold and snowy, they hid indoors and indulged themselves, boldly drinking a bottle of Erguotou.

Yan Lihua's sobs gradually diminished, and it was unclear how much she had absorbed. Later, she wiped her tears, looked up at Fang Wenxiu, and asked her: "Wenxiu, who taught you all of this?"

As the management of the company gradually became more adept, Fang Wenxiu took a comprehensive view and, with keen insight, identified several significant issues. The development of Huashan Construction was rapid, but not necessarily beneficial; the problem lay in this very speed. She understood this clearly and suspected that she was not the only one aware of it. However, in the midst of such a favorable situation, no one had the opportunity to raise these concerns. She also recognized that, given the larger context, she could not intervene indiscriminately. She decided to suppress several upcoming projects, including an overpass and several infrastructure initiatives planned by the municipal government for the coming years. When Fang Yuanshan was in charge, these projects were being actively guided and were progressing vigorously, with many viewing them as an opportunity for another leap forward for Huashan Construction. Fang Wenxiu chose to leave these projects unattended, neither promoting nor leading them, and instead waited patiently for the right opportunity.

The mother and daughter were sitting in a Western restaurant in the city center, a place often frequented by young couples, around 9:30 PM. Yan Lihua had little appetite; she usually did not eat dinner in the evening, and she felt unwell all over, her mind in a haze, not wanting to move at all. However, for some reason, she had come out with Fang Wenxiu.

Liu Wei withdrew her gaze, a bit embarrassed as she tucked her hair behind her ear and said: "He called me several times, asking me out, but I didn't agree."

Fang Wenxiu noticed that she had little appetite and did not urge her to eat, as consuming food during times of distress is not good for the body. She called the waiter and ordered a cup of coffee for her. Yan Lihua took a sip, found the taste off, and with a scowl, slammed it back onto the table. She always behaved in such a stubborn manner.

Yan Lihua did not look at her and said irritably, "What are we talking about?" As soon as she spoke, her resentment surged again

After completing the leave of absence procedures at the academic affairs office, Fang Wenxiu stepped out just in time to encounter a throng of diligent students during the midday break. Standing under a tree by the roadside, she felt that her entrance was ordinary, yet her exit brought a sense of sorrow, as if the passage of time, slipping through her fingers, could not be retained, leaving behind a faint sadness.

Fang Wenxiu glanced at her, then focused on devouring her spaghetti with great enthusiasm, and also took the steak in front of Yan Lihua, finishing it all.

Yan Lihua rummaged through her bag to find a tissue, blew her nose, and then said: "Your father is ruthless, finally having a little one outside. You want to be the older sister and bring it back to me, but why should I fulfill your wishes? Has anyone ever considered my feelings? Am I not already feeling suffocated enough? For the rest of this half of my life, do you still want to continue to disgust me? Why should I? What gives you the right?"

Fang Wenxiu returned to her room and fell asleep immediately. Just before drifting off, she reflected on how enjoyable the day had been, and with a smile, she fell asleep.

The two of them struggled until the early morning before returning home. Upon arriving home, Fang Wenxiu went upstairs to see Fang Hengxin, while Yan Lihua did not understand why she also followed him in.

Yan Lihua finally turned around, looking earnestly at Fang Wenxiu. Fang Wenxiu's expression was calm, her gaze gentle. As Yan Lihua looked at her, a surge of resentment inexplicably transformed into a deep sense of grievance. She opened her mouth to speak, and tears began to flow uncontrollably: "Fang Wenxiu, your father has made me suffer for over twenty years, do you know that? You know nothing at all. Yes, that is also my fault. When you were born and I saw you were a girl, I was in a quarrel with your father, so I sent you back to your grandmother. That was for seventeen years. I wanted to bring you back in between, but your grandmother wouldn't let me, and your father wouldn't allow it either! But even so, I am still your mother. How could you stab me in the heart like this?" You know nothing at all. Yes, that is also my fault. When you were born and I saw you were a girl, I was in a quarrel with your father, so I sent you back to your grandmother. That was for seventeen years. I wanted to bring you back in between, but your grandmother wouldn't let me, and your father wouldn't allow it either! But even so, I am still your mother. How could you stab me in the heart like this?

Fang Wenxiu simply smiled and said: "Anything is fine, I am your daughter, you can say whatever you want, whether it's complaints, scolding me, or even hitting me, just don't keep it to yourself."

However, Yan Lihua seemed to be thinking about something else. After pondering for a long time, she asked Fang Wenxiu, feeling a bit frustrated: "You tell me, if you bring him back, how will he address me in the future? It would be so embarrassing to say this out loud."

Fang Wenxiu understood what that was; it was a kind of desire, a yearning for a lifestyle one wishes to pursue, an aspiration towards a vague goal

On a night at the end of October, a sudden storm arose, with heavy rain pouring down. The long-lasting summer finally departed overnight, and upon waking, the air was crisp and clear, with temperatures dropping by more than ten degrees. Fang Wenxiu had been preoccupied with the matter concerning Liu Wei, and on this day, she found the time to visit the school.

Fang Wenxiu asked her: "What stage are you at now?"

Fang Wenxiu picked up the cup to drink water, when suddenly she let out a hissing sound, sharply inhaling a breath, successfully drawing Yan Lihua's attention. Yan Lihua's slap was fierce, causing half of Fang Wenxiu's face to swell, her gums to be scraped, and a small crack to appear at the corner of her mouth. When Fang Wenxiu drank water, it touched the crack at the corner of her mouth, and she deliberately let out a hissing sound.

After finishing her meal, Fang Wenxiu wiped her mouth with a napkin, while Yan Lihua nestled on the sofa, gazing absentmindedly at the street view outside the floor-to-ceiling window

Yan Lihua was sobbing with a napkin stuffed in her nose, while Fang Wenxiu stood beside her, watching over her. She was not moved by Yan's words, but felt sorrow for her tears. Yan's mother was merely trapped in the emotions she had created for herself; she had likely never looked up to see that the people and things around her had long since changed. Others had already moved on to live a different life, while she remained immersed in her own. Her obsession brought her pain, yet she was unaware that her suffering had little to do with others. This situation of hers can be explained at a higher level as: "In the world, there is nothing; it is the ordinary person who troubles themselves." She should have never looked up to see that the people and things around her had long since changed. Others had already moved on to live a different life, while she remained immersed in her own. Her obsession brought her pain, yet she was unaware that her suffering had little to do with others. This situation of hers can be explained at a higher level as: "In the world, there is nothing; it is the ordinary person who troubles themselves."

During the movie, halfway through, Fang Wenxiu tilted her head and suddenly leaned on Yan Lihua's shoulder and fell asleep. Yan Lihua stiffened for a moment, then turned to pull up the armrest in the middle. Fang Wenxiu sat up briefly with her eyes closed. Once Yan Lihua had pulled up the armrest, Fang Wenxiu leaned back over. After a while, Yan Lihua turned her head to look at the person on her shoulder. Fang Wenxiu was truly asleep, her breathing heavy, one side of her face flushed and swollen. She suddenly had a stuffy nose, and the skin around her eyes was red.

Upon leaving the house, Fang Wenxiu said to her mother: "Look, he is just a child. Whose blood flows in his body, what does it matter? What does it have to do with him?"

Fang Wenxiu walked out of the school with her suitcase, while Liu Wei accompanied her all the way. Since their meeting, Liu Wei had not mentioned anything about Wei Heng, which showed her composure. Fang Wenxiu had originally planned that if Liu Wei could not even maintain this level of composure, she would not discuss the matter of Wei Heng with her, as mentioning it would only cause her harm

Fang Wenxiu, at the age of twenty, became the head of a private enterprise, yet she frequently suffered from domestic violence, with her thighs often bruised and her face marked with lines. When asked about it, she would often shyly say, "Oh, I got beaten by my mom last night." The truth of the matter was often ambiguous, which frequently attracted the attention of her subordinates and provided them with plenty of amusement. As a result, Fang Wenxiu's image in the company became one that was somewhat authoritative yet also endearing, making her quite approachable. When asked about it, she would often shyly say, "Oh, I got beaten by my mom last night." The truth of the matter was often ambiguous, which frequently attracted the attention of her subordinates and provided them with plenty of amusement. As a result, Fang Wenxiu's image in the company became one that was somewhat authoritative yet also endearing, making her quite approachable.

Fang Wenxiu smiled at her and said, "Mom, shall we go out for a stroll?"

Liu Wei nodded, and Fang Wenxiu lifted a strand of her long hair in front of her chest, saying: "Dye your hair back, stop wearing makeup in the future, and go to a sports store to buy a few sets of casual clothes to wear"

After several days of interaction with Miss He Xiaoyue in the company, Fang Wenxiu discovered that this young lady had a very strong desire for expression. Therefore, she cooperatively satisfied her, allowing her to teach with great enthusiasm, and she learned diligently. Later, the two developed a bit of camaraderie over drinks in private. Fang Wenxiu also found that this young lady could hold her liquor quite well. Subsequently, Zhao Zhengsheng arranged some dinner gatherings for Fang Wenxiu with government officials and suppliers, and she brought her along to help shield her from a considerable amount of alcohol. Later, the two developed a bit of camaraderie over drinks in private. Fang Wenxiu also found that this young lady could hold her liquor quite well. Subsequently, Zhao Zhengsheng arranged some dinner gatherings for Fang Wenxiu with government officials and suppliers, and she brought her along to help shield her from a considerable amount of alcohol

Liu Wei nodded and followed her to the car. Feng Ku opened the car door for Fang Wenxiu to get in, and Feng Kun started the engine. Fang Wenxiu lowered the car window and said to Liu Wei, who was standing outside: "Liu Wei, in the future, when you get into this kind of car, think about what position you are preparing to sit in before getting in. Is it the driver's seat, the passenger seat, or are you going to sit in the back? Do you understand?"

Yan Lihua was originally deeply immersed in her own resentment, hating Fang Yuanshan, hating all those she despised, and also hating Fang Wenxiu. However, when she turned around and saw Fang Wenxiu's face, a flicker of compassion suddenly arose within her.

Fang Wenxiu stepped forward, putting his arm around her shoulder with a playful smile, and said: "Everyone has different qualifications. Besides, who says my father is not good? Just look at the great achievements he has made given his background. You only see his shortcomings, but in the eyes of others, he is quite admirable."

In the middle of the night, neither the mother nor the daughter mentioned returning home. Fang Wenxiu suggested going to see a late-night movie, and Yan Lihua followed her. Before entering after buying the tickets, Fang Wenxiu went to buy a large bucket of popcorn and two ice creams. The mother and daughter occupied the best seats in the middle of the screening room. Fang Wenxiu slurped on her ice cream cone and handed one to her mother. Yan Lihua accepted it and finally smiled a little shyly and sincerely. She felt that Fang Wenxiu had been treating her like a child all night. People often say that old children are just old children; have they really aged? She felt somewhat awkward yet comforted in her heart. The mother and daughter occupied the best seats in the middle of the screening room. Fang Wenxiu slurped on her ice cream cone and handed one to her mother. Yan Lihua accepted it and finally smiled a little shyly and sincerely. She felt that Fang Wenxiu had been treating her like a child all night. People often say that old children are just old children; have they really aged? She felt somewhat awkward yet comforted in her heart.

Liu Wei looked at Fang Wenxiu with a hint of confusion. Fang Wenxiu smiled and said, "You are indeed beautiful, but unfortunately, you have formatted yourself. The way you are now might be acceptable among the school delinquents, but if you were to change your environment, within three days, you would become unrecognizable."

In the movie theater at midnight, there were only young couples, except for Fang Wenxiu and her daughter. This situation made Yan Lihua feel a subtle sense of pride and vanity, as in today's world, how many children are capable of serving their mothers with the same care as they do for their romantic partners in love

The company's management, Fang Xiu, gradually became adept at her role. During the handover process in the absence of Fang Yuanshan, she quietly took over without drawing attention. Despite the chaos at home, with chickens flying and dogs jumping, she embraced it all with joy, living a life full of flavor and enjoyment

The child was sprawled out on the large bed in the guest room, drooling. When they entered, they startled Gu Jie, who was sleeping nearby. Fang Wenxiu shushed her, reassuring her to continue sleeping. She glanced at the child, wiped the drool from her mouth, and then left.

Fang Wenxiu stood quietly facing Liu Wei for a moment, then said: "Have a little patience, don't be anxious"

Fang Wenxiu has been studying the company's business these past few days and discovered that they are in the construction industry, while Wei Heng happens to be a real estate developer. The three properties under his company are currently being constructed by Huashan Construction. She and Wei Heng are bound to meet sooner or later, and it would not be out of the question to create a suitable opportunity for Liu Wei to make an appearance when the time is right.

Fang Wenxiu, regardless of whether she understood or not, simply expressed it to her. The way forward is entirely up to her. She patted her on the shoulder and said, "Alright, I am leaving. Take care of yourself."

In December of this year, a calamity occurred, and Fang Wenxiu felt that the time had come. The occurrence of this event opened a new opportunity for her to elevate Huashan Construction to a new height and to lay a spiritual foundation for the enterprise, while also intertwining the fates of several individuals.

The city center was ablaze with lights. Due to the warm weather, there were still many pedestrians on the street. Fang Wenxiu was slowly walking with her mother on the pedestrian street. For more than ten minutes, Fang Wenxiu did not speak, and Yan Lihua also did not wish to say anything. However, the fresh night air compelled her to take two deep breaths after walking for a while, and she suddenly felt a bit more at ease in her heart

Outside the school gate, Feng Kun was waiting for her in a silver-gray BMW. In 2004, this model of BMW imported from Germany was still quite eye-catching. Feng Kun got out of the car and took the suitcase from Fang Wenxiu, placing it in the trunk. Fang Wenxiu turned around and saw the brilliance reflected in Liu Wei's eyes.

Fang Wenxiu said: "What is there to be ashamed of? It is not you who did anything embarrassing. If you want to feel better about it, you can think of him as my brother's child. However, whatever you give to the child is ultimately what he will become. If you let him call you grandmother, he will regard you as his grandmother in the future. If you let her call you aunt, then she will see you as her aunt. If you want her to call you mom, then she will be your daughter. " This is the principle of cause and effect; it is as simple as that. Fang Wenxiu was just being a bit more straightforward with her mother.

Yan Lihua expressed her confusion: "Did your grandmother teach you? I don't see that she taught your father very well either"

In the days that followed, Fang Wenxiu's life began to be truly divided into two parts: company and home. At home, Yan Lihua still had difficulty accepting Fang Hengxin, adopting a policy of ignoring him. However, the child was at an age where he was crawling all over the place, turning the entire villa into his playground, which often made Yan Lihua irritable. Fortunately, she did not take her frustrations out on the child, so she bottled it all up. When she had accumulated enough, she would take it out on Fang Wenxiu. Typically, she would find something to criticize and scold her harshly. When she became particularly agitated, she would grab her a few times and scratch her a bit, leading to a chaotic scene between mother and daughter.

Yan Lihua was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Indeed." There seemed to be a glimmer of understanding in her eyes