The Innate Phoenix

On the following Saturday, with no classes to attend, Qin Sheng prepared herself and ventured out of the house. 

Qin Hai was away, Qin Churou remained ensconced in her room, and only Lin Shuyan lingered in the living room, leisurely sipping her tea. 

Upon noticing Qin Sheng's departure, Lin Shuyan's expression remained frosty. "Where are you heading?" she asked with an edge of disapproval.

Qin Sheng simply replied, "I have some matters to attend to."

Lin Shuyan did not press further; her question was merely a formality and not driven by genuine concern for Qin Sheng. Although Lin Shuyan recognized Qin Sheng's exceptional qualities, she considered her a lost cause whose presence might only bring shame. Especially with the family's reputation at stake, she was determined to keep her daughter's existence a secret from their circle to avoid further disgrace.

Lin Shuyan was resolute in proving her choices correct. Her brother's success in expanding their business internationally, outshining Qin Hai's achievements, added to her sense of dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, a fortune-teller had assured her that her daughter was blessed, a natural phoenix destined for greatness. Perhaps, in time, Rou'er would redeem her honor.

With this dismissal, Lin Shuyan showed no further interest in Qin Sheng's affairs. Qin Sheng, recognizing the futility of any explanation, left the house.

Outside, a car had been waiting discreetly at a distance from the Qin family's villa. Fu Hanchuan, mindful not to draw undue attention or create problems for Qin Sheng, had parked the vehicle away from the villa's entrance.

At this moment, Fu Hanchuan sat in the backseat, a laptop on his lap, engrossed in matters that needed his attention. Yet, his mind seemed preoccupied, his gaze frequently drifting toward the window.

The executive reporting to him was confused, unable to gauge whether the president was pleased or dissatisfied. It was the first time he had seen Fu Hanchuan, renowned for his workaholic tendencies, so distracted during work.

The executive's forehead was slick with sweat, but Fu Hanchuan suddenly nodded. "Proceed with your plan. Coordinate the specifics with Assistant Lin."

This was the first time Fu Hanchuan had not insisted on changes to a proposed plan.

After issuing his instructions, he closed the laptop and exited the car.

Qin Sheng, dressed in a flowing white dress with her softly curled hair cascading over her shoulders, stood before him. Fu Hanchuan paused, momentarily taken aback by her appearance, and then allowed a small smile to grace his lips.

Despite the five-year age difference between them, Fu Hanchuan, known for his seriousness and reserved demeanor, had chosen to dress in casual white attire. The difference in their ages was perceptible, yet to an observer, they seemed like a couple.

"Brother Fu," Qin Sheng approached, tilting her head to look up at him. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and affection.

"Did you arrive early?" she asked.

Fu Hanchuan opened the car door with practiced elegance. "I just arrived."

"Ah." Qin Sheng settled into the car, and Fu Hanchuan took the seat beside her.

"Drive," Fu Hanchuan instructed, then turned his attention to Qin Sheng. "Sheng Sheng, do you intend to stay with the Qin family for long?"

Qin Sheng hesitated, a flicker of bitterness crossing her features. In her previous life, he had asked her the same question. Regrettably, she had been unable to discern sincerity from pretense.

She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "I will find a way to distance myself from the Qin family."

Fu Hanchuan's brow furrowed. "Would you like my assistance?"

Qin Sheng shook her head. "It's not necessary. I'm somewhat redundant to the Qin family. Once I interfere with Qin Hai's interests, he will likely discard me."

A pang of sorrow gripped Fu Hanchuan's heart. Sheng Sheng's predicament truly stirred his emotions.

He gently ruffled Qin Sheng's hair. "Sheng Sheng, you still have my grandfather. I will look after you as well."

"Mm." Qin Sheng's face illuminated with a radiant smile, her gratitude evident.

(End of Chapter)