Volume One, Chapter 33: Old Grievances and Past Kindness

Madam Fu, Sun Jingyi, pointed toward the Fu family ancestral hall.

“Fu Yanting, do you even remember why your father died?” Sun Jingyi’s chest heaved violently. Recalling the events from seventeen years ago, grief overwhelmed her. “Your father’s car accident was orchestrated by Chu Bainian, and your uncle’s entire family was lost—only Fu Zelin remains, a solitary orphan confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. There is a blood feud between us and the Chu family. How can you possibly marry the daughter of the Chu family?”

Her hand trembled uncontrollably, her eyes rimmed red. “Fu Yanting, you will never be with Lin Hua in this lifetime—not unless I die first!”

Fu Yanting was stunned by her words. He had always known that his father and uncle’s family were killed in a car accident, but believed it to be an unfortunate mishap. Now, his mother revealed the accident was a deliberate act by the Chu family.

He clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on his mother. It was a long time before his emotions settled. He lowered his eyes, voice hushed. “Mom, even if the Chu family caused the accident back then, what does that have to do with Lin Hua? She was suffering outside at that time—it’s irrelevant to her. You can’t reject her because of this.”

“You!” Sun Jingyi clutched her chest, standing up only to collapse painfully back into her seat. Fu Yanting stepped forward to support her, but Sun Jingyi flung his hands away, her voice harsh. “In any case, the Fu family will never accept Lin Hua. You can marry anyone, just not her! Your grandfather is hospitalized, no one can control you anymore. If you want to hold the wedding, do it. If you’re not afraid of public opinion, go ahead and marry her. I won’t attend the ceremony regardless.”

Fu Yanting’s eyes darkened. After a long silence, he spoke. “The engagement banquet is imminent; it’s impossible to cancel now. I will go through with it.”

Sun Jingyi was utterly disappointed in her son. She stood up. “Then do as you wish.” With that, she turned and returned to her room.

–

Yu Mo received a call from Manager Yao, asking her to visit the pharmaceutical factory. Before even entering the company, she saw Lin Hua standing outside.

She walked over, her expression calm, staring at Lin Hua’s furious face. Pretending to know nothing, she folded her arms and spoke languidly. “What’s wrong?”

Lin Hua sneered coldly. “Still pretending? The news on the front page—wasn’t it your doing? You made the Fu family and me seem completely opposed, just to compete for management of the factory. Yu Mo, you’re truly shameless!”

Yu Mo curled her lips slightly, her beautiful almond eyes arching a bit as she smiled. “I’m shameless? When you slandered me in the hospital, were you so righteous then? You really are a double standard. If you have evidence, sue me for defamation. If not, don’t throw filth at me. Besides, everything the news reported was true. What’s wrong with that?”

“Yu Mo, even if I can’t take over management and research at the factory, do you think you can? I’ll fight with everything I have—I won’t let you succeed.”

Yu Mo laughed. “I promised Grandfather I would take over and run the factory well, and I will do just that. You should enjoy your new life as Madam Fu and relish your comfort.”

As she spoke, she saw Lin Hua’s expression grow uglier. Yu Mo lifted her slender fingers to tuck her hair behind her ear, her smile growing more triumphant.

“Besides, with the Fu and Chu families at odds, how could Fu Yanting possibly marry you and bring you into the Fu family?”

Lin Hua’s usual grace and gentleness were gone—she gritted her teeth and rushed at Yu Mo. Yu Mo dodged deftly, lightly tapping her purse. “Lin Hua, I don’t have time for your nonsense. You’d better cling to Fu Yanting. And, as for what you did to Grandfather Fu’s oxygen tube in the hospital—I won’t let that go easily. Pray for yourself.”

With that, she turned gracefully and entered the company building. Lin Hua was immediately stopped by security and thrown out the company doors.

Yu Mo entered the office and saw Manager Yao. She didn't need to ask to know that Director Huang had already dismissed Lin Hua from her position. As for who would be appointed as the new manager, it would likely be some time before a decision was made.

Indeed, Manager Yao approached her and said, “Miss Yu, Director Huang said there’s no rush regarding the management position. You may take a break for now. I’ll inform you immediately if there’s any news.”

Yu Mo’s pale face, framed by her jet-black hair, seemed even more striking and unforgettable. Her lips, tinted rose, pressed together. “Understood, Manager Yao. Call me if anything comes up. I’ll head home now.”

Yu Mo drove home. On the way, Chu Xirui called. She answered lazily, “Rui Rui.”

“Mo Mo, next week I have to attend Fu the scumbag’s engagement banquet with Lin Hua. Want to come along for the fun?”

“Sure.” Yu Mo smiled, her fair fingers tapping a rhythm on the steering wheel. “I was just thinking how to make those two suffer. Lucky I made it out early—otherwise, I’d be the one starring in that engagement. I’d regret it too late.”

She paused, then suddenly remembered something.

“Rui Rui, since Lin Hua returned to the Chu family, has she done anything to you? She suddenly became your sister—I'm still struggling to accept it.”

“Oh, what’s there to accept? My dad used to fool around and ended up with a daughter and a son—Lin Muhao, I think? He actually wants to return to the Chu family and fight my brothers for the inheritance. It’s laughable! What is he thinking? My dad agreeing to let the two of them back is already a luxury.”

“Rui Rui, you must be careful with Lin Hua and this Lin Muhao. If you really can’t stay at home, you can move in with me.”

“Great, but lately I need to keep an eye on Su Beican. He acts so mysterious every day, secretly in love with a woman for more than ten years, and still doesn’t dare confess. I wish I could confess for him, he’s so timid!”

“Let’s go shopping tomorrow and buy some clothes, then have dinner at Emerald Residence. It’s been ages since we drank and chatted together.”

“Perfect, it’s a plan.”

Yu Mo hung up. She realized she hadn’t returned to her own home but had ended up at the pretty boy’s apartment. She rubbed her forehead. Well, since she was here, she might as well go up.

Entering, she found he wasn’t home, so she called him.

Mu Group.

Mu Shaozhou answered her call, left work early, and told Dai Ming to move today’s tasks to tomorrow. Dai Ming watched helplessly as his boss, cheerful and in high spirits, left early.

Mu Shaozhou arrived home.

On the bed lay Yu Mo, slender and delicate. She wore only a bath towel, her long, gleaming legs like finely carved white jade—smooth and flawless.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he approached, loosening his tie.

Yu Mo pushed him gently, pouting. “Go shower.”

“Alright.” Mu Shaozhou’s alluring eyes brimmed with barely restrained desire. His voice was hoarse as he swiftly shed his clothes and headed straight for the bathroom.

Two minutes later.

The bathroom door opened.

A tall figure appeared before Yu Mo. The man’s handsome face was sharply defined, as if sculpted, his features remarkably striking—especially his eyes, narrow and captivating, drawing anyone in with a single glance.

Yu Mo was momentarily entranced.

Her gaze drifted downward to his slightly protruding Adam’s apple, his pale skin making him appear even more seductive. A few mischievous droplets of water rolled down his firm chest, sliding downward.

Her eyes followed as the droplets traced his lean, muscular waist, continuing their descent.

Until they disappeared into that place, vanishing utterly.