I Want a Lifetime with You
Chapter 372

Fu Zhengyun's birthday party was considered a big event among the upper class of the entire Jiang City. It wasn't very much because of Fu Zhengyun himself, but rather because of the fact that the Fu clan was currently one of the most powerful clans in Jiang City. Besides, the Li clan was the only clan that was comparable to the Fu clan previously, but after what Li Heng did, the Li clan had fallen to the bottom of the pit and did not seem to be rising up anytime soon. As such, it could be said that Jiang City was ruled by the Fu clan at the moment.

Moreover, Fu Chengyan was doing increasingly well and getting more famous these days. Everyone was fighting for a chance to be associated with the Fu clan and Shengyuan.

As long as they could establish some ties with Shengyuan however remotely it might be, it would be easy for them to gain a foothold in Jiang City. Every man for himself. That saying was applied perfectly to businessmen.

People from all parts of the city were thinking of ways to get their hands on an invitation card, but not everyone could have their wishes fulfilled. Fu Yuqing's family was no exception. However, the butler of the Fu clan had not promised that family an invitation and Fu Yuqing was getting increasingly anxious. He was previously vying for a share in Shengyuan's project but had failed to do so.

Fu Yuqing took a look at his son and daughter-in-law and was frustrated that the two of them couldn't be of any help.

Fu Xicheng, on the other hand, was not very keen on attending the Old Master's birthday celebration as he was a man of dignity. Both he and Fu Chengyan were members of the Fu clan, but there was a stark difference in their statuses. Fu Xicheng had lived with this disparity for many years and it had gotten worse in the recent two years.

Despite that, Fu Xicheng had still intended to go, disregarding his personal preferences. That was because even if he did not get to enter the main hall, he would still be able to meet and network with other successful businessmen, which was of utmost importance to Fucheng at that point in time.

Shi Wei had dressed up and gotten ready in advance. She was not aware of the split in venues and was certain that she would be able to meet some big shots at the banquet. Besides, she was currently a popular artiste under Xinhuang, a subsidiary of Shengyuan. As such, Shi Wei had made sure that she was in tiptop condition today.

However, Shi Wei noticed that Fu Xicheng did not look too good and had assumed that he was not feeling well. It was until they arrived at the location that the woman realized what her husband had been brooding over on the way there. "Why can't we go inside? You mean there are two separate venues?"

Fu Xicheng was already looking gloomy. After hearing what Shi Wei said, his expression darkened even further. "Must you talk so loudly?"

"Why are you reprimanding me? Isn't your last name 'Fu' as well?" Aren't you a member of the Fu clan? Why are you not allowed to go in?" Shi Wei seemed to have suddenly realized that not all members of the Fu clan were equal. Even if they shared the same last name, they might not necessarily share the same treatment.

With that new understanding, Shi Wei's face fell and she looked at Fu Xicheng with a cold gaze. "Previously, were you just bullshi*ting when you told me that every member of the Fu clan is prominent?" "OK, that's enough." Fu Xicheng glared at Shi Wei and continued, "It's too late to regret anyway!"

"You..."

"Hello, are the both of you Mr. Fu Xicheng and Ms. Shi Wei?"

Just when the couple started quarrelling, someone wearing a maid's costume approached them. "Greetings, I'm a servant of the Fu clan."

"Oh, yes, that's us. What's the matter?"

"That's great. Ms. Shen wants me to invite the both of you inside!" The servant led Fu Xicheng and Shi Wei toward the main hall after she stated her intention. The couple exchanged a confused glance with each other as it was puzzling to them that they were allowed into the main hall despite not having a formal invitation.

"May I know who is this Ms. Shen you are referring to?"

"Oh, Ms. Shen is a distinguished guest of our family," the servant replied with a smile before she continued leading the way. "It's right inside, please enter!"

Even though Fu Xicheng and Shi Wei did not replace Ms. Shen familiar, they would not decline the opportunity to go into the main event venue. After both of them went inside, they noticed that there was an obvious difference in the people there compared to those whom they saw outside. The invited guests present in the main hall were mostly the rich and distinguished from Jiang City's upper echelons. Furthermore, it was Fu Xicheng's first time seeing some of them in person, despite having heard of their names for some time.

Shi Wei spotted Su Shaoqing and Su Bancheng from afar and tugged on Fu Xicheng's sleeves. "Look over there!"

Fu Xicheng's gaze followed the direction in which Shi Wei was pointing and saw the two men as well. "They seem to be on close terms with the Fu clan," Shi Wei commented while feeling that something was off. "Who do you think that Ms. Shen is?"

"I have no idea!" Fu Xicheng frowned. Both Su Shaoqing and Su Bancheng were people whom he did not like. Ever since that time when Su Shaoqing pretended to be dating Shi Nuan under the disguise of Su Bancheng, Fu Xicheng had already felt enmity toward him.

"Let's take a look over there!" It was a hard-to-come-by opportunity for Shi Wei to be present at an event like that, so naturally, she would not waste any moment of it. The woman had not forgotten Jiang Yuqian's reminder to her before she came here tonight. She was supposed to get to know more people, which would be of help to the Shi family business.

Even though Fu Xicheng was rather reluctant, he still put on a smile and accompanied Shi Wei as she went around making acquaintances.

Su Shaoqing narrowed his eyes as a smile surfaced on his innocent face. Su Bancheng shot him a glance and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Oh, it's nothing, I just noticed that an unidentified species has been let in," Su Shaoqing replied before excusing himself and headed to a corner to call Fu Chengyan. "Chengyan, the banquet is already starting. Why aren't you here yet?"

"What's up?" Fu Chengyan and Shi Nuan were getting out of the car when he received the call from his friend. He had brought Shi Nuan to Chen Mian for some styling on the way there and was delayed as a result.

As Fu Chengyan supported Shi Nuan as she alighted, he swept a glance toward Zhou Zheng, who was standing outside the car. The assistant immediately retrieved the gift box from the car and said, "Mr. Fu, here is the gift."

Fu Chengyan nodded and held Shi Nuan's hand while holding his phone in his other hand. "Quick, what's the matter? I'm already outside."

"Oh? It seems like it's time for a good show," Su Shaoqing said as the corners of his lips curled up. Fu Chengyan could tell that there was an underlying meaning behind his words. "What do you mean by that?' "I mean there's definitely going to be drama tonight. Chengyan, why did you save an invitation for Fu Xicheng?"

"Fu Xicheng?" An icy glint appeared in Fu Chengyan's eyes. However, in the next instant, he could feel the hand which he was holding stiffen. "OK, I understand. I'm hanging up if there's nothing else!" Fu Chengyan ended the call and turned his attention toward Shi Nuan and looked at her with his deep-set eyes. "You don't want to see them?"

Shi Nuan shook her head and answered, "It's fine. Since we're already here, there are things that we can't avoid." Shi Nuan wasn't someone who lived in self-denial. "Let's go!" She said resolutely.

Fu Chengyan nodded. "OK!" However, he turned his head subtly and shot Zhou Zheng a glance. Zhou Zheng immediately understood what that meant and disappeared shortly after.

Shi Nuan pursed her lips when she saw Zhou Zheng leave and said, "Given our current status, I can't be avoiding them forever."

"You're right!" Facing problems head-on was one of the many qualities Fu Chengyan admired in his wife. "However, I'll still have to replace out what exactly happened!" The situation piqued the man's curiosity and he was determined to replace out who was pitting themselves against him.

Holding tightly onto Shi Nuan's hand, Fu Chengyan led Shi Nuan toward the main hall. It was then that Shi Nuan started to tense up when she was still feeling relaxed just a while ago. Even Fu Chengyan, who was standing next to her, could easily feel the woman stiffening.

He frowned slightly and tightened his grip on Shi Nuan's hand as a way of letting her know that he was there for her. "I know you can do this! Just behave like you normally would. Dealing with these guys is jus part and parcel of life, yeah?"

Shi Nuan bit her lip and answered, "Yup!"

"There's no need to be so nervous. Have you forgotten who you are now? They should be the ones who are dying to suck up to you instead!" Fu Chengyan lifted Shi Nuan's hand and guided her to take his arm. Shi Nuan took a deep breath while straightening her back and stood confidently next to Fu Chengyan.

The couple were stopped a few times along the way by people who had come forward to greet Fu Chengyan. Shi Nuan could see the crowd casting astonished glances on her as they walked past.

Fu Chengyan patted his wife's hand lightly and gave her a reassuring smile. Even though it wasn't a long walk, to Shi Nuan, it felt like ages. Finally, they arrived at the main hall. Most of the guests who were engaged in hearty discussions suddenly stopped when Fu Chengyan walked in with Shi Nuan. It was as if time froze in an instant.

At that moment, all eyes were on Fu Chengyan and Shi Nuan. Except for Su Bancheng and Su Shaoqing, who were already aware of their relationship, the rest of the guests were all shocked to see Shi Nuan holding Fu Chengyan's arm.

Fu Xicheng and Shi Wei were in the middle of the conversation with another guest when they realized the sudden silence in the room. Feeling that something was amiss, the two of them looked up and saw Sh Nuan and Fu Chengyan standing there. Shi Wei and Fu Xicheng were both momentarily stunned as their burning gazes were fixed on the other couple.

How could this be!

Shi Wei gripped her wine glass as her eyes followed Shi Nuan and Fu Chengyan while they walked in.

Fu Chengyan was dressed in a black suit that was fully tailor-made which flawlessly showcased his well-built figure. As for Shi Nuan, she was wearing a light-colored evening gown that displayed her perfect curves. It was simple, yet elegant.

Even though Shi Nuan was considered tall for a lady, she still looked petite while standing next to Fu Chengyan. She was also wearing the jade pendant from House of Chigu which Fu Chengyan had gifted her earlier that day.

Shi Nuan kept a gracious smile on her face throughout as she held on to Fu Chengyan's arm. Not only was she not overshadowed by Fu Chengyan's domineering aura, but she had also managed to emit her own warm vibes which balanced out Fu Chengyan's iciness.

Even Fu Xicheng was in extreme shock. He stared at Shi Nuan, as well as the man next to her, in a daze. As he continued gazing at the couple in disbelief, only one thought appeared in his mind-what a match made in heaven.

They...

"Hey, Chengyan! Why did you reach so late? This is your grandpa's birthday banquet and you're supposed to be the host. How can you make everyone wait for you!" Su Shaoqing brought over a wine glass and tapped on Fu Chengyan's shoulder, before looking at Shi Nuan smilingly. "Mrs. Fu, you look amazing today!"

"Thanks!" Shi Nuan smiled back and replied, "You look very dashing too, Shaoqing!"

"Haha! Mrs. Fu, aren't you scared that your husband wouldn't like it that you're complimenting another man in front of him?" Su Shaoqing had a wicked smile on his face as he said that.

Just then, Su Bancheng joined them as well and nodded at Fu Chengyan and Shi Nuan. "Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu, long time no see!"