I Want a Lifetime with You
Chapter 370

"Noted. I'll look into this matter right away," Zhou Zheng said as he also began to realize how grave the problem at hand was. "Mr. Li is also in K Nation at this moment!"

"Li Heng? He's no longer in C Country?" Fu Chengyan frowned as he continued, "Pei Huan and Bao are both there, too?"

"Yes, it seems that Mr. Li's presuming that the culprit is in K Nation!" Zhou Zheng looked at his superior as he spoke, awaiting his response. Fu Chengyan motioned with a casual handwave. "I see. Keep in touch with Li Heng from time to time. And remind him to be careful as well: the one who poisoned Pei Huan and Bao might not necessarily be Li Cenbei, as we thought."

Fu Chengyan had a strong hunch that whoever the perpetrator was, that person's target wasn't just the Li clan. The Fu clan might very well be on the list, too, now that even both Pei Huan and Bao had also become victims.

He had sent his men to C Country to replace out more about Li Cenbei ever since his demise. He hadn't been able to fully grasp the full picture of that man's character, but he was sure about one thing Li Cenbei's feelings for Pei Huan was very real, so real that he even once had the idea of bringing her together with him to death.

But Li Cenbei clearly cared for her very much. He wouldn't have had the heart to infect Pei Huan with the virus even if his personal agenda were busted. If he were ever forced into making the decision of dragging Pei Huan to death together, it could only mean that he didn't have the antidote himself.

Fu Chengyan quietly analyzed as he pursed his lips. He looked somber. If his deductions were correct, it would mean that this mysterious person hiding behind the shadow of Li Cenbei was the true mastermind. Who is this person? What are his objectives? Fu Chengyan had no clue.

"Mr. Fu, you mean to say that Mr. Li and the others are still at risk of being in danger?" Fu Chengyan's train of thought broke at Zhou Zheng's question.

"I don't think so, not for the time being." The culprit seems like a vigilant person. It's highly unlikely that the person would make a rash move at this point and risk exposing himself or herself. Pinching his eyebrows briefly, he directed his assistant, "For now, focus on investigating Shen Qianan. Dig as much as possible into everything that's happened while I was away from Jiang City, including every person whom she's been in contact with!"

"Understood!" Zhou Zheng answered promptly. He then hesitated for a second, straightened himself, and added, "Mr. Fu, earlier on Mrs. Fu... " "Yes?" Fu Chengyan looked up. "What about her?"

"When Mrs. Fu came upstairs earlier, I accidentally spilled the beans on the chairman's birthday that's coming up in two days." Zhou Zheng carefully observed Fu Chengyan's expression as he explained slowly and was relieved when he didn't see any signs of disapproval from his boss. "I thought since Mrs. Fu is now a part of the Fu clan, it's only natural that she would attend his birthday, so..."

64

"You're so nosy!" Fu Chengyan replied with a side glance, though there was not a single hint of disappointment or rebuke in his words. "Anyway, go have a look at House of Chigu and keep me updated on their latest products."

"Yes, Sir. If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."

"Hm." Fu Chengyan dismissed Zhou Zheng with a wave of his hand. As his assistant left, he frowned slightly at the reminder of his grandfather's birthday.

How could he have forgotten that Fu Zhengyun's birthday was in two days?

He pinched his brows again for a second, then dialed Shi Nuan's number on his cellphone.

Shi Nuan picked up his call in an instant. "Hello there!"

"It's me." The familiar deep voice on the line sounded somewhat helpless.

"Of course I know it's you." Shi Nuan smiled as she continued, "What's up? Is there something wrong with that document earlier?" She was curious as to why Fu Chengyan would call her at this time, given they had just met each other shortly before.

"No, it's not that. Can you come with me to House of Chigu after work?" he asked.

Shi Nuan raised her eyebrows slightly at his words. She smiled and responded gleefully, "Sure! But I might get off work slightly later today."

"Alright, I'll wait for you!"

Shi Nuan hung up the phone with a faint smile. Although she told Fu Chengyan she might be late, she wouldn't want to keep her beloved waiting too long. Delighted at the thought of seeing him, she sped up her work.

She had been occupied at her seat that entire evening studying the pile of blueprints on her desk. As she placed the last document onto the stash of finished work, she glanced at her watch. Oh, there's still plenty of time! I finished earlier than expected! Secretly happy at the opportunity to leave the office earlier than usual, she texted away on her phone: Yan, I'm done earlier than I thought. I'll head to the carpark to meet you!

"Okay!" Fu Chengyan's reply was extremely succinct, but it was significant enough for Shi Nuan that she read over his text a few times. Meanwhile, she sent another text to Song Rongrong and Su Yian in their private group chat: What do you girls think would be a good birthday gift for a family elder?

Song Rongrong was quick to reply: An elder at home? Who's that? Both your granddad and grandpa's birthdays are still miles away, right? And if you're referring to your father, didn't he just have his a while ago?

Shi Nuan paused her fingers for a moment, unsure of how she should respond to these questions. Not long after, her phone sounded with another beep as Su Yian's text came in: Is that someone from the Fu family?

You're brilliant, Yian!

Impressed at Su Yian's deduction; Shi Nuan replied: That's right. Yan's grandpa will be having his birthday in two days. I'm wondering if I should give him something myself, as a personal gift. This would mark her first time visiting the Fu Residence officially as a family member. Even if Fu Zhengyun didn

't seem to like her, she could be seen as disrespectful for attending his birthday celebration empty-handed, even if she did not like Fu Zhengyun.

Song Rongrong's text came in shortly after: Fu Chengyan's grandpa? So you guys are finally going official in front of the family, huh? Seriously, just how long have you both been hiding your marriage from them... Anyway, if it's really your first time officially meeting the elders, it's indeed better to think carefully about what to present as a gift!

Rongrong was still completely in the dark about the fact that the Fu clan had already known about Shi Nuan. Now, the situation was further complicated with Shen Qianan in the picture. Knowing Rongrong's personality, however, Shi Nuan decided to not disclose such detail for now. It's not the right time.

On the other hand, Su Yian was already aware of these things. Earlier on she had cross paths with that lady who looked eerily similar to Shi Nuan. Su Yian felt somewhat uneasy about her.

Su Yian wasn't the type of person to throw a wet blanket over someone else's situation, though, and she knew it wasn't her place to comment too much on Shi Nuan's family matters. Thus, she kept her thoughts to herself all this while. I'd hate to say anything, but this time it's Old Master Fu's birthday. I bet it's a very important celebration for the Fu clan with many important guests attending. What if....

Su Yian broke off her own imagination on the potential events that might unfold. Instead, she returned her friend's question with some of her own: What gift do you have in mind? What about Chengyan? Did he suggest anything?

No. He only asked me to accompany him to the House of Chigu later. It's most likely to browse for a gift for his grandpa. But I'm thinking if I should get him something from myself personally!

What are you talking about? You're a married couple, so you should give him a single present together. Otherwise, the family might still assume that you're both not officially together. I'd say, why not take this chance to reveal your marriage?

As a rather impatient person, Song Rongrong had always felt uncomfortable with how her friend had been keeping her marriage with Fu Chengyan a secret from others. It just didn

't make sense to her. I still don't get it. I know Fu Chengyan's an extraordinary guy from an influential family, but Nuan is not any worse!

Su Yian soon responded: Nuan, this time around I agree with Rongrong. I think you should discuss this matter with Chengyan and decide together on what gift you'll be getting. But it has to be a single gift that represents both of you.

Alright, I get it. Shi Nuan ended the conversation and texted her friends goodbye as she realized it was now past working hours for the day. She headed straight for the basement, where Fu Chengyan's designated parking spot was.

Just as she exited the elevator and was about to give Fu Chengyan another call, a faint conversation could be heard from the direction of the carpark. "Yan, do we really have to be like this? You should've known that back then, I... “

"I'm not interested in your personal affairs, Shen Qianan. I don't care what you think. It's already long over between us, and I owe you nothing," Fu Chengyan's cold and indifferent voice could be heard, cutting off the former's unfinished sentence.

Shi Nuan felt her guts tensing up into a knot. She stopped in her tracks and listened. Her instincts told her that there's no reason for her to be anxious- -she could've walked out to the carpark as she pleased Nonetheless, she doubted herself for a second. She clenched both hands into fists in an attempt to calm herself down and quietly tiptoed to a corner near the exit.

She recognized that voice speaking to Fu Chengyan. Shen Qianan could be heard again saying, "But Yan, did you really let go of the feelings between us completely? We've known each other for so long. I've always thought... I was the reason why you married Shi Nuan, isn't that right?"

Once again Shi Nuan felt a cold shudder. She clutched onto her handbag tightly as she struggled to remain quiet. There was no one else around. The entire space seemed so empty that an echo could be easily heard even if she made a slight noise. She tried to keep her breath as slow and light as possible.

When Shi Nuan encountered Shen Qianan in person, the former managed to keep her head high and displayed a confident and proud front. While she was able to pull off such an arrogant act, Shi Nuan knew deep down she couldn't lie to herself. It still bothered her, so very much. She was bothered about Fu Chengyan's past as well as how things were between him and Shen Qianan.

Shi Nuan was fully aware that this person in front of Fu Chengyan was now merely his ex-girlfriend, but the fact that they were almost married at one point- heart. Not to mention that this woman resembled herself so much.

"Married Shi Nuan because of you?" Fu Chengyan snorted and let out a chuckle, as if what he had just heard was a ridiculous joke.

-that they were once engaged- -still stung her

Shen Qianan felt disheartened at his mocking tone and cold, apathetic glare. "Yan, I know you're still upset at that day when I left the house. I was angry and couldn't care much about your opinions. But you have to understand: I'm a woman. You were putting all your focus onto work and never cared about how I felt. I...I left because I wanted to give myself some time and space for a few days. I was hoping that you'd come to your senses. I didn't do anything during that time, we..."

"Shen Qianan, do you really think I don't know anything about you?" Fu Chengyan interrupted her and glanced at his watch. Not hiding his annoyance, he quickly added, "There's nothing else worth talking about between us. What's done is done. I've been considerate enough to not bring it up or pull your leg in any way. As to why you came back all of a sudden, I'll replace out on my own. But let me warn you: if you want to remain here in Jiang City, you'd better be careful and know your place. Do what you should, and don't do what you shouldn't."

"But Yan, do you even truly understand why I... You promised me that day. You told me you would marry me but you ended up with Shi Nuan. I know it's because of how much her looks resemble mine. Yan, I know you still love me somewhere deep down, right? I know you still do..." Shen Qianan argued in dismay. She took a step forward and reached out to the man in front of her.

Her hand paused in mid-air as Fu Chengyan suddenly turned toward the other direction and demanded, "Who's there?"

At his words, Shi Nuan realized that she could no longer keep hiding. She bit her lip and steadied herself, and came out of the corner. "It's me!"

She walked towards them with an air of confidence. Her sight fell upon Shen Qianan's hand that was attempting to reach Fu Chengyan. She glanced briefly at her husband with a slightly worried look and then stared into Shen Qianan's eyes directly. She forced a calm smile as she said, "Ms. Shen, you seem to have a liking for things of the past. And people from your past, too!"

Shen Qianan felt her body stiffen all over. She smiled awkwardly, not sure where to place her hand that was extending to her ex-lover. "So I see that Ms. Shi has a hobby of eavesdropping as well!” "How could this be considered eavesdropping? The place where I stood wasn't even a good spot for playing hide-and-seek. I have no reason to hide, after all!" Shi Nuan answered while maintaining her graceful smile, "This is Yan's private carpark; everyone at Shengyuan knows that nobody is allowed to come here without Yan's authorization. Ms. Shen is a new visitor; I guess the common rules are too difficult for you to understand!"

"I..." Shen Qianan tried to counter but was at a loss for words. Aware that her exchange with Fu Chengyan had been overheard, she gave up her friendly act and retaliated without holding back on her hostility. "What about Ms. Shi yourself? Aren't you a staff of Shengyuan, too? So on whose permission did you come here? Seems like you also haven't learned the company's rules well enough!"

Shi Nuan raised an eyebrow and calmly answered, "Oh, Ms. Shen, I'm afraid you've mistaken some things. Work hours have ended, and aside from being an employee of Shengyuan, I'm also Yan's wife. What belongs to Yan belongs to me. Look..." She held up her hand and swayed it gently in front of Shen Qianan's face, showing off the ring on her finger. "They say 'one boasts about what one doesn't own', but I guess I don't even need to show off anything. I'm not short of a husband, and I don't lack a wedding ring, either... Now, that reminds me, there actually is something I don't have!" She then leaned towards her husband as her lips curved into a flirtatious smile. "Darling, I'm missing a few diamonds on my ring!"

Fu Chengyan returned her display of affection with a reassuring smile. "Let's get them for you tomorrow!"

"I only want the big ones!" she pouted cheekily.

"Anything for you!"

At the sight of the couple's lovey-dovey act towards each other in her presence, Shen Qianan's blood slowly drained from her face. "Ms. Shi, don't you think you're overdoing it?" Shen Qianan retorted defensively.