Chapter 11: A Scene of Deep Affection

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Shu Nian kept pace with Fu Zhouye as they stepped into the Fu family’s ancestral mansion, entering a hall that was both stifling and solemn.

Inside, the high-hung lanterns cast a dim, yellowish glow that sharply outlined the contours of the traditional Chinese furniture. Every detail bore the weight of time and the grandeur of the family’s legacy.

Shu Nian silently marveled: no wonder the Chinese decor exudes such an overwhelming sense of oppression.

Old Master Fu sat firmly at the center, his countenance as imposing as a mountain, his eyes sharp like an eagle’s. Madam Fu nestled gently by his side, her demeanor graceful and reflecting the stature of a noble house. On one side, extended family members either whispered softly or observed silently.

Fu Hengzong and Fu Yuzhou sat side by side, both bearing an extraordinary bearing; their occasional glances seemed to carry undercurrents of unspoken tension.

Fu Zhouye stepped forward lightly, quietly introducing Shu Nian to the assembly. As he spoke, Shu Nian nodded in turn, her eyes flickering with curiosity and reverence for the profound heritage of the Fu family.

The Old Master’s deep voice resonated, “It’s good to have you back, good to have you back. Come, come, sit.”

Though he gestured, the hall was already filled with people. Where was she supposed to sit? Was this some kind of power play to assert dominance upon their return?

Just as Shu Nian wondered, the Old Master lightly tapped the armrest. A servant immediately understood and brought two ornately carved rosewood chairs, placing them to the left and slightly below the Old Master, in an open space. Though not central, the position faced the main door, offering an expansive view—clearly a seat of prominence.

The Old Master’s gaze softened as he looked at Fu Zhouye and Shu Nian, signaling them to sit.

Shu Nian understood this was the Old Master’s way of showing respect and honor. She bowed slightly with Fu Zhouye and then settled into the seats.

What she did not know was that this arrangement was entirely orchestrated by Fu Zhouye’s own machinations.

All eyes now converged on them, pressing an invisible weight upon Shu Nian, yet also stirring the pride deep within her bones.

Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her posture to appear composed and unflustered.

Fu Zhouye seemed to sense her tension and gently patted the back of her hand. “Don’t be nervous. No one here would dare bully you. You only need to play along with their show of affection.”

From the main seat, Madam Fu smiled faintly. “It’s been a long time. Our son has grown and become more assertive. He even married without informing us.”

A woman in a blue cheongsam, probably in her twenties, sat holding a cup of tea.

Judging by her appearance, Shu Nian guessed she was Fu Zhouye’s mother.

Mu Ruo could tell from her tone that this woman did not like her.

Indeed, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was always the hardest to navigate.

Fu Jianzhi nodded indifferently. “Didn’t you just return with this newlywed wife for everyone to see?”

“This girl is truly striking,” Madam Fu laughed softly. “Your room has been kept ready. Go rest there first. Shu Nian, now that you’re married to Zhouye, you must take good care of him and bear him a son soon, understand?”

Shu Nian thought to herself how archaic this feudal family was but, clutching the money Fu Jianzhi had given her, she nodded reluctantly.

Fu Zhouye’s tone remained cool: “Nian Nian is still young. Having children isn’t urgent. Mother, after all, raising children is hard; I wouldn’t want her to suffer.”

Before Shu Nian could react, Fu Jianzhi grasped her hand tenderly.

The Old Master watched this tender scene, outwardly nodding in agreement, but inwardly thinking:

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If this son weren’t so ruthless and had not ruled the Fu family for so many years, how could I possibly favor him? It’s all just a show, humph!

Clearly, the one who should be in power is Hengzong.

…

As mealtime approached, the Fu family members began moving toward the dining hall.

The moment Shu Nian entered, she saw a long rectangular table crafted from a single slab of precious rosewood, its surface smooth as a mirror, reflecting the light of the crystal chandelier overhead.

The table was set with exquisite dinnerware, everything meticulously arranged.

Even the simplest napkins were folded into intricate floral patterns, placed with perfect symmetry.

“Damn this suffocating Chinese style—anyone standing here would suddenly become well-behaved,” she thought.

As more Fu family members arrived, the atmosphere in the dining hall grew heavy, everyone maintaining a formal distance.

Their eyes occasionally swept over Shu Nian with scrutiny and curiosity.

She felt as if she were on display, surrounded by countless stares.

Old Master Fu was the last to arrive, and his presence brought the room’s tension to its peak.

His gaze swept the room before finally resting on Shu Nian.

There was an inscrutable depth in his eyes that made her inexplicably tense.

“Sit,” his voice was deep and commanding as he gestured toward the seats by the table.

Only then did everyone begin to take their places, a testament to the Old Master’s immense authority—so many waited just for him to dine.

Soon, servants dressed in black uniforms began bringing out one exquisite dish after another, each bursting with enticing aromas and flavors.

Yet Shu Nian’s attention was not on the food. Her gaze flickered among the family members, trying to glean subtle clues about the intricate relationships within the clan.

In her previous life, she had never once come to the Fu family. She needed to study them well, lest she unknowingly offend some powerful figure.

Fu Hengzong raised his glass, standing with a booming voice: “Today, our Fu family is honored to welcome two important guests, Fu Zhouye and Shu Nian. Their arrival breathes new life into our family. Let us raise a toast to their presence!”

Referring to them as guests despite their familial ties spoke volumes about Fu Zhouye’s standing here. To be given a prominent seat yet called a guest—what was that about?

Fu Yuzhou thought his elder brother must be courting death. Last time he got beaten, he probably forgot the pain.

Someone like Fu Zhouye—volatile yet gentle, dominant yet wise, obsessive yet kind—was best left unprovoked.

But this new sister-in-law had guts, marrying his half-brother. There was definitely intrigue.

Shu Nian had never met Fu Yuzhou or Fu Hengzong before but had heard of them. Now, Fu Hengzong struck her as formidable and ambitious, while Fu Yuzhou had the air of a spoiled playboy.

According to the family hierarchy:

Fu Hengzong, eldest, 28

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Fu Zhouye, second, 27

Fu Yuzhou, third, 20

Yet only Fu Zhouye was the Old Master’s legitimate son, born from a formally announced marriage attended by high society.

Moreover, Fu Zhouye’s mother was a princess from a European royal family—such impeccable lineage.

Fu Hengzong and Fu Yuzhou were born of the current Madam Fu, who was rumored to have ascended through seduction.

Though, as they say, rumors are just rumors. Without some skill, how could one rise solely through charm?

This family was truly a tangled mess.

Faces around the table showed varied expressions; the air fell into a momentary silence.

Fu Zhouye raised his glass with a smile.

Shu Nian thought to herself how much this family seemed to bully their big boss. Did they think he was weak?

She even felt a twinge of sympathy for her own big boss.

If they kept playing these games, in the end, they’d all be finished, sent to the underworld.

Then whoever came would trample them down—let them be arrogant, let them be smug.

At that moment, Shu Nian’s eyes met Fu Hengzong’s. From his gaze, she read a complex emotion.

A fierce hunger for power mingled with deep wariness of Fu Zhouye.

After several rounds of wine, the atmosphere gradually softened, and family members began to converse more freely.

Seizing the moment, Shu Nian whispered to Fu Zhouye, asking his thoughts on the family’s internal dynamics.

Fu Zhouye smiled faintly and replied softly, “The Fu family is like a chessboard. Everyone is both a piece and a player. You and I are no exception.”

Shu Nian was startled. She realized she had been drawn into a complex struggle for power within the family.

She glanced at Fu Zhouye, whose eyes were resolute and profound, as if prepared for anything.

But she was different. What if this big boss abandoned her midway? Would she not become a lamb waiting to be slaughtered?

She took a deep breath, knowing she must be even more cautious. She could not afford to offend a single person in this formidable clan.

And she had to speed up her own efforts in the entertainment industry to earn money.

Otherwise, if the big boss ever discarded her, what would she do? Self-reliance was impossible—if he pressed down even slightly, she would be crushed without mercy.