Fu Family's Adopted Daughter

Sheng Xiangsi was taken aback, recognizing him.

"It's you?"

It was him. The young man she had encountered in Mishao, who had offered her "Pumpkin Sweet Soup" a few times.

"Yes, it's me."

Zhong Pei was delighted, his lips curling up to reveal a set of bright teeth.

"I didn't expect to meet you here."

He had been overseas for a project for some time and had only recently returned to Jiangcheng.

Upon his return, he hadn't had the chance to visit Mishao, so he hadn't seen Sheng Xiangsi for quite a while.

It was quite a surprise to run into her now!

Zhong Pei reached out his hand to Sheng Xiangsi. "We haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'm Zhong Pei... Zhong as in 'clock,' Pei as in 'sweet.'"

"Nice to meet you." Sheng Xiangsi smiled and shook his hand.

"I... Can I know your name?" Zhong Pei asked somewhat shyly.

"Of course."

Since he had introduced himself, she would reciprocate.

"Sheng as in 'blooming,' Xiangsi as in 'yearning for love'... My name is Sheng Xiangsi."

Sheng, Xiang, Si.

Zhong Pei repeated the name silently in his mind, his smile growing even brighter.

She was beautiful, danced well, and even her name sounded so pleasant. There was nothing not to like about her...

"Are you here for the birthday banquet too?"

"...Yes." Sheng Xiangsi hesitated for a moment and then nodded. After all, she was the main character of this banquet.

At that moment, Zhong Pei's phone rang. He glanced at it. "My friend has arrived. I'll be right back."

"Sure, go ahead."

With his phone in hand, Zhong Pei turned and walked away, his figure and voice gradually fading into the distance as he called out to his friends.

Sheng Xiangsi looked up and saw Fu Mingzhu waving at her.

She gathered her spirits and walked over with a smile.

As time passed, most of the guests had arrived.

Fu Mingzhu stood at the main seat, with Fu Hanjiang on her left and Sheng Xiangsi on her right.

"Who is the girl next to Madam Fu?"

"I've never seen her before. She's so beautiful. Is she some wealthy family's daughter?"

"What wealthy daughter? Are you not using your brain?"

Below, people whispered and discussed.

"The invitation says it's the birthday banquet of Fu family's adopted daughter, Sheng Xiangsi."

"Sheng Xiangsi?"

Even though many years had passed, her name was still well-known in Jiangcheng.

Everyone knew that she had once been infatuated with Fu Hanjiang...

"She's back?"

"She came back a long time ago. She attended the family banquet last time, remember?"

"But I didn't see her last time."

"Who knows?"

At the main seat, Fu Mingzhu cleared her throat, holding Sheng Xiangsi's hand as she began to speak.

"Everyone, this is my granddaughter, Xiangsi... She spent the past few years studying abroad and only recently returned to Jiangcheng. So, since it happens to be her birthday, I thought it would be a good opportunity for her to meet all the elders and friends. It would be impolite to meet you all on the street without proper introductions."

"Haha, Madam Fu, there's no need for that."

"How could that be? Xiangsi is so beautiful, we won't forget her after seeing her once."

Fu Mingzhu was eloquent. While she appeared to be concerned about Sheng Xiangsi's manners, she was actually telling everyone that she was her granddaughter.

In Jiangcheng, anyone who crossed Fu's family had to treat Sheng Xiangsi with some respect.

"Xiangsi."

Fu Mingzhu patted Sheng Xiangsi's hand. "Later, follow me and meet some of the elders."

"Okay, Grandma."

Not far away, Zhong Pei and his friends seemed distracted.

Sheng Xiangsi... Fu family's adopted daughter?

Beside them, people were talking and laughing.

"This Sheng Xiangsi, isn't she Mr. Fu's wife? How did she become Fu family's adopted daughter?"

"She was originally adopted by the Fu family, so calling her an adopted daughter is correct."

"But isn't it strange? They specifically mentioned her as an adopted daughter but didn't mention her relationship with Mr. Fu."

"Does anyone know why? You're the one who calls Mr. Fu 'Second Brother,' right?"

"I... I heard that she and Mr. Fu divorced a long time ago and have been separated for many years. Besides, Mr. Fu has someone else he loves."

"Divorced?"

Some speculated, "Could it be that the Fu family wants to find a partner for this adopted daughter?"

Everyone looked in the direction of Fu Mingzhu.

"Have you seen it? Madam Fu is introducing that adopted daughter of hers. Have you noticed? Many young men who came tonight have sons."

"See that? Madam Fu is introducing her as an adopted daughter, but not a word about her relationship with Mr. Fu. Is there a reason for that?"

Someone exclaimed, "Oh my! What are we going to do?"

"Haha!"

Someone teased him, "What's wrong? Can't you match up with Fu family's adopted daughter?"

"Forget it!"

"I'm not worthy."

Zhong Pei looked at them, his brow furrowed. Did Sheng Xiangsi... really like Second Brother Fu? And now, does she still like him?

"Let's go!"

"Anyway, it's none of our business!"

Zhong Pei was surrounded by his friends as they walked away together.

Not far away, Fu Hanjiang's face was dark, emitting a cold aura. He was flanked by Zhou Jinting and Qin Yanzhi.

The two exchanged a glance and could tell that Mr. Fu's mood was not good.

But they couldn't persuade him. They could only speak for others. They could cover one mouth, but they couldn't cover everyone's mouth.

Moreover, what they said was all true.

Fu Hanjiang lifted the cup in his hand, tilted his neck, and emptied it in one gulp before handing the empty cup to Zhou Jinting.

"I'm going to find Grandma."

"Hey, Hanjiang... Why are you going?" 

Fu Mingzhu was a bit tired now and was resting and drinking tea in the flower hall.

"Grandma."

Fu Hanjiang went over and sat down in front of her. "Why are you in such a hurry to find a partner for Xiangsi?"

Fu Mingzhu glanced at her grandson, not understanding. "What's wrong? Did you get scolded somewhere and come to me to complain?"

"Grandma!"

Fu Hanjiang raised his hand and loosened his tie.

He felt a bit out of breath.

"Didn't you hear what those young men said about her?"

"Mm."

Fu Mingzhu calmly lifted her tea cup, taking a sip. "I didn't hear, but that doesn't mean I don't know—"

She glanced at her grandson.

"The way they were talking, it's written all over your face."

"Grandma!"

Fu Hanjiang's words were urgent. "Since you know, none of those young men are sincere... They say one thing to your face and another behind your back. Are you going to entrust Xiangsi to them?"

Fu Mingzhu looked at him, puzzled. "Why are you in such a hurry?"