Chapter Eight: Probing

It was not even dark yet when Fu Chen returned home. Upon entering and finding no sign of Shen Huaiqing, he was puzzled; usually at this hour, she would be on the sofa, absorbed in some melodramatic television series.

Aunt Feng caught sight of Fu Chen staring blankly at the empty sofa. In an instant, she understood and hurried over, taking the suit jacket draped over his arm. “Young Madam is upstairs. Madam came by today and gave her a hard time. Young Master, you’d better go check on her.”

Fu Chen’s features grew stern, and his tone carried a faint severity. “Madam came and you didn’t call me?”

Aunt Feng’s face was full of apology, her voice lacking conviction. “Madam arrived suddenly and left in a rush. Things got busy afterwards, and I forgot. It won’t happen again, Young Master.”

Fu Chen tugged at his tie in irritation, waved her off impatiently, and headed upstairs.

He opened the bedroom door to find Shen Huaiqing sitting on the balcony, engrossed in her phone. He walked over quietly and leaned lazily against the balcony doorway.

Dusk had nearly fallen, bathing Shen Huaiqing in a soft, orange glow. Her smooth black hair fell loosely about her shoulders, her expression intent. The off-white dress she wore made her appear exceptionally gentle, and her delicate feet swung playfully, one in front of the other—a picture of innocence.

Fu Chen crossed his arms, observing her with a seriousness he’d never before allowed himself. Ordinarily, she was like a stray cat by the roadside, ready to bare her claws at the slightest provocation.

But last night...

She’d been gentle as a kitten, her voice soft and affectionate, those enchanting fox-like eyes, that coy tone—every part of her had awakened his senses, driving him to lose all reason.

The last time he’d lost control like this had been for...

He shook his head, trying to banish those memories, but they clung to him like a piece of chewed gum stuck to his shoe—impossible to shake off.

Shen Huaiqing, meanwhile, was studying a report sent by Yu Yunxi, a quiet delight blooming in her heart—she had not misjudged her. The report was meticulous, thorough, and well-organized; it left her thoroughly satisfied.

Abruptly, she sensed someone’s gaze on her. She looked up and met Fu Chen’s dark, fathomless eyes.

Why was this man home so early today? She calmly locked her phone screen, trying not to show her unease. After what had happened last night, she didn’t quite know how to interact with Fu Chen anymore. There was always a subtle awkwardness.

He leaned with his tall frame against the doorframe, his sharply defined features bathed in orange light, a faint smile on his lips. In that moment, he looked almost unreal, as if he’d stepped out of a painting.

When her gaze dropped, she noticed his tie was a bit askew.

Without knowing why, Shen Huaiqing found herself walking over. Though she stood at one meter sixty-eight, she still seemed petite before Fu Chen’s height. Rising on tiptoe, her nimble fingers deftly untied and then perfectly retied his tie.

Fu Chen lowered his eyes, watching her as she worked with careful attention. At this close distance, he could catch the faint fragrance in her hair—not overpowering, but gentle and comforting.

After finishing, Shen Huaiqing felt somewhat embarrassed and kept her head down, speaking softly, “Why are you home so early today?”

Fu Chen found her shyness amusing. With one hand, he lifted her chin, his voice low, “What’s wrong? Isn’t it good for your husband to come home early?”

Forced to meet his gaze, Shen Huaiqing saw only her own reflection in those obsidian eyes. There was always a warmth in his gaze that threatened to draw her in. She turned her head to avoid his eyes, murmuring, “Your mother came by today.”

She had resolved early on to tell Fu Chen everything—both to gauge his attitude and to test the dynamics between mother and son. Compared to Ke Jing, she preferred to negotiate with Fu Chen. For now, at least, they were in the same boat. Ke Jing was definitely up to something, and it was better to be a partner than someone else’s pawn.

She and Fu Chen were perfect partners.

Fu Chen withdrew his hand and slid both hands into his pockets, asking casually, “What did Mother say?”

Shen Huaiqing’s eyes darted, and she hesitated. “She said some strange things today. I’m not sure…”

Before she could finish, Fu Chen’s thin lips pressed against hers. His kiss was as heated as his touch, and there was a faint taste of mint between their lips.

But he kept it brief.

Shen Huaiqing’s cheeks flushed uncontrollably—a bad omen. She couldn’t allow herself any feelings for Fu Chen.

His finger pads gently brushed the spot he had just kissed, his voice husky and seductive, “We’re husband and wife. What can’t be said, hmm?”

Steadying herself, Shen Huaiqing spoke solemnly, “Mother told me to keep an eye on you, to make sure you don’t stray, and to learn how to manage the company’s affairs. If I have any questions or problems, I should go to her. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something feels off…”

Fu Chen’s expression didn’t change, though an unusual light flickered in his eyes and his lips pressed into a thin line. “Since Mother has instructed you, just do as she says. You’re free to come and go in my study.”

Shen Huaiqing frowned, hesitating. “But it feels like she wants me to spy on you…”

“Do you want to keep an eye on me?”

She hadn’t expected him to ask that, so she burst out laughing. “I have no interest in your work; I’m only curious about your private life.”

Fu Chen pulled her slender waist closer, his lazy voice brushing past her ear and straight to her heart.

“My private life is all with you, isn’t it? Last night was part of my private life.”

Having such things spoken outright left Shen Huaiqing flustered. She dared not meet his eyes, afraid he’d seize upon her embarrassment.

“Shameless—talking like this in broad daylight!”

Fu Chen hadn’t expected her to be so easily embarrassed. So she was just a paper tiger after all, all bluster until now.

“Enough. If Mother has given you instructions, it’s your decision whether to follow them. If she makes things difficult for you, just tell me.”

Shen Huaiqing found herself more and more unable to read this man. She’d laid everything out, yet he showed little reaction—almost as if he was encouraging her to go along with it.

Could it be that he truly trusted her? But with his suspicious nature, it was unlikely he’d trust anyone so easily—unless this was his own test.

But for Shen Huaiqing, that wasn’t a bad thing. When two sides vie, the third profits. She might as well accept it.

She nodded in vague confusion. Fu Chen smiled in satisfaction. “Tomorrow night at six, accompany me to a charity auction. I’ll pick you up when I return.”