The old lady laughed at this point:
"None of you should be modest. In my eyes, you are all excellent, and Shaoyuan is also very outstanding. Despite his young age, he is exceptionally bright and clever, even more so than Shinian was at his age. I joked when Shaoyuan was staying at my house before, saying that if next year Susu and Shinian have a daughter, perhaps our families could become relatives by marriage."
Upon hearing this, Wen Songyan couldn’t help nodding in agreement, and Zhou Yaxian also agreed. Wen Han, however, had no reaction, only glancing at Su Mu at the first instance. She was quiet, as if the topic being discussed had absolutely nothing to do with her.
Unbeknownst to Wen Han, Ji Qingluan’s gaze had been resting on her the whole time. It seemed she saw something she had never before observed in Wen Han, while Fu Shinian’s eyes merely brushed lightly over his own face, then followed his line of sight towards Su Mu.
Fu Shinian didn’t want to be overly suspicious and paranoid, but he was a man and understood men best.
Therefore, sensitivity is not solely a woman’s gift.
Wen Songyan said, "Old Madame Fu mentioned that when you and Mrs. Fu got married, it was because you were too busy with the company to have time. Now that you’ve managed everything so well, shouldn’t the wedding be scheduled? A big joyous event like this, you two have kept it too well hidden. If it weren’t for Wen Han telling us last time when he came back, we might have had to wait until the wedding to find out."
Wedding? Su Mu was momentarily staggered upon hearing this. Her and Fu Shinian’s wedding? She had never thought of it because she knew it was just a mere wishful thinking; even the status of their marriage had only recently changed, a pity it had fallen into a vicious cycle again not long after.
While chuckling to herself, she unexpectedly heard Fu Shinian’s voice say:
"I’ve been preparing the wedding recently and would hope that everyone can grace the occasion with their presence."
Su Mu was taken aback, and almost reflexively looked at Fu Shinian. It seemed he expected her reaction, so when Su Mu turned to look at him, his gaze met hers immediately, and he smiled faintly:
"Surprised?"
The old lady spoke just in time:
"Shinian has discussed this matter with me recently. He originally wanted to give you a surprise."
Everyone seated around the dinner table was used to grand events and had eyes sharp as eagles; hence, who couldn’t perceive the subtle relationship between Fu Shinian and Su Mu? Yet they were all astute, adhering to the principle they had learned from the first day on the job: seeing through things without pointing them out.
After dinner, the old lady - who had originally planned to leave - decided to stay and chat with Mr. and Mrs. Wen in the living room, considering Shaoyuan’s cake had not yet been cut. Fu Shinian and Wen Han also stayed to keep company, while only Ji Qingluan and Su Mu were left tending to the little birthday boy and his new toy.
Ji Qingluan fitted a block into place for Shaoyuan and smiled faintly:
"I can tell that Shaoyuan likes you a lot."
Su Mu looked at her for a few seconds and smiled faintly:
"I am his teacher. Making him like me is the first lesson in becoming his teacher."
Shaoyuan looked up from his blocks at Ji Qingluan:
"Qingluan sister, are you jealous? But I like you very much too."
Ji Qingluan smiled softly:
"Yes, Qingluan was indeed feeling a little jealous."
Su Mu could feel that Ji Qingluan had special feelings for Wen Han, feelings that Su Mu had experienced for too long with Fu Shinian, so she empathized deeply and understood well. However, Su Mu didn’t understand what Ji Qingluan meant by "a little jealous" just now. Her instinct told her it probably wasn’t about Wen Shaoyuan’s affairs.
Could it be Wen Han then?
Su Mu believed there was nothing between her and Wen Han, and there would absolutely be nothing in the future. Yet, as Fu Shinian had just mentioned, she and Wen Han had coincidentally chosen the same birthday gift. She knew clearly it was just a fluke, but to others, it might seem to mean something entirely different, especially to Ji Qingluan. What would she think?
While Su Mu was considering whether to explain or not, she suddenly thought of Fu Shinian. If Ji Qingluan, as an admirer of Wen Han, might overthink, then what about Fu Shinian, her husband? Would he feel more unsettled than Ji Qingluan?
Involuntarily, she turned her head towards the living room. Unexpectedly, Fu Shinian was also looking at her. In the second their eyes met, Su Mu’s heart unexpectedly calmed down.
After the cake was cut, Old Madame Fu took her leave, and without good reason to stay, Fu Shinian and Su Mu followed her out. Only then did Su Mu notice that the outside had become a world of snow. She couldn’t help but look up for a while until she felt Fu Shinian’s gaze and stepped forward.
There were two cars parked at the entrance. Su Mu was originally planning to return to Bishui Yuntian, but before she could speak, Old Madame Fu directly said:
"You two are going to stay at the old house tonight."
Su Mu glanced at Fu Shinian; he did not object but simply agreed, "Yes."
Su Mu could sense that Old Madame Fu was not in the best mood, but as to the reason, she couldn’t quite discern. Perhaps she was tired or maybe it was because of her and Fu Shinian. It wasn’t her place to say anything, so she quietly accompanied Old Madame Fu in the back seat, her gaze constantly falling outside the window.
Because of the poor road conditions, Fu Shinian personally drove. He drove so slowly that Su Mu started to feel sleepy, but before she could close her eyes for a nap, Old Madame Fu spoke:
"Susu, what were you and the Ji Family’s granddaughter chatting about just now?"
Su Mu looked at Old Madame Fu:
"We just talked casually, no special topic."
Old Madame Fu gave a light smile:
"Although I haven’t involved myself in such matters for a long time, I still heard some things about the Ji Family’s granddaughter. Her affection for Wen Han started when they were mere children, yet Wen Han ended up marrying someone else. She went abroad for many years, and everyone thought she had given up. However, as soon as Wen Han’s wife passed away, she returned to his side. She’s a rare, infatuated person."
Su Mu wasn’t familiar with these details. She had only guessed that Ji Qingluan had feelings for Wen Han, but had not expected such a poignant love story. Yet, only Ji Qingluan herself knew how much sorrow she bore for what appeared romantic and passionate to others.
"It’s not easy to maintain such devoted love over the years," Su Mu commented lightly, "I hope there’s a good outcome, to fulfill this sincerity."
Although she said this, who could be certain about matters of the heart? If waiting guaranteed results, then Yu Fengzhi wouldn’t have waited for Zhang Xueliang for 50 years, ending up with a disappointing conclusion.