“Are you ready, my little prince?” Liu Wei reached out to help Fan Zhe straighten his tie, lightly pressing his lips against the other’s cheek.
Fan Zhe smiled shyly, “A bit nervous.”
“Nervous about what?” Liu Wei squeezed Fan Zhe’s shoulder, “You’ve met my dad several times.”
“But…” Fan Zhe wanted to continue but was interrupted by Liu Wei, “No ‘buts,’ you’re the best.”
“Okay.” Fan Zhe temporarily set aside his indecision, mustering courage, “How much longer?”
“In an hour, my old man will be here.” Liu Wei handed a glass of water to Fan Zhe, “My brother is a bookworm, just ignore him.”
“He’s coming?” Fan Zhe asked, appearing nervous once again.
“My dad forced him to come.” Liu Wei bit her lip with some resentment, “He doesn’t understand anything; don’t mind him.”
“Liu Wei,” Fan Zhe said gently, “This family’s future is yours.”
Liu Wei stared at Fan Zhe’s face, suddenly happy, “And you’re mine too.”
“Of course.” Fan Zhe took a sip of water, smiling with curved eyebrows. “Hey?” Lu Hui answered the phone, “What’s up?”
“Mr. Song? This is Huang Zili.” The voice on the other end said, “Regarding what you mentioned last time about Fan Zhe, is it true?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be true.” Lu Hui quickly put on Song Qingchuan’s demeanor, his tone light and scholarly, “I flew over, partly because of him. Do you think I’m not serious?”
“But…”
“Don’t make it too difficult. Just keep an eye on Fan Zhe, and I’ll visit him later.” Lu Hui said, “Thanks, Mr. Huang.”
“No problem.” Huang Zili responded, “No need to be so polite.”
“I’ll treat you to dinner another day.” Lu Hui said, “If we really succeed, I’ll invite you to the wedding.”
“Oh, I’m looking forward to that.” Huang Zili laughed.
Both of them hung up the phone, not taking the joking seriously.
“Together, they entered the hall.”
“Little Wei is here.” A lady warmly greeted them, “Look at how happy you are.”
“Marrying a prince charming, I wake up with a smile in my dreams.” Liu Wei said with a smile, holding Fan Zhe’s hand, “The wedding is in the summer; you must come.”
“Definitely.” The lady said, looking at Fan Zhe, “The young man is handsome. See how he has charmed Sister Wei.”
Fan Zhe, feeling a bit embarrassed, pursed his lips, “I’m enchanted by her.”
Liu Wei proudly smiled, and the lady envied, “You picked up a boyfriend from where? I want to pick one too.”
“Fiancé.” Liu Wei corrected, “Tied down, can’t escape.”
“Okay, okay, fiancé.” The lady followed Liu Wei’s words.
Lu Hui watched the sunset gradually sink, put away the fishing rod, and walked to the bonfire in front of the wooden house. He poured out the fish, did a simple treatment, skewered them with branches, applied oil, and grilled them over the fire.
Coming here alone these past two years, it was impossible to say that he wasn’t apprehensive.
Lu Hui was a proud and arrogant person, with a self-conceited and somewhat arrogant self-awareness. People of this type usually preferred solitude. Lu Hui was no exception. Or rather, he used to be like that.
He used to live in a crumbling old residential building, surviving on convenience store food, not bothering to shave or go out. However, a young man appeared, forcibly pulling him out of such a life. He got an apartment with a spacious balcony and a roommate who could cook.
The following events weren’t exactly pleasant, but Lu Hui believed he did nothing wrong.
Faking death was a measure to protect everyone.
Especially Ji Fanyang.
In the two years, he had thought about contacting Ji Fanyang. This idea, like a helicopter, kept circling in his mind, reminding him that Ji Fanyang is a sensitive person, and Lu Hui shouldn’t leave him there unattended.
But he didn’t want to expose his identity and threaten Ji Fanyang’s life.
The flickering firelight illuminated Lu Hui’s face as he played with the bonfire, flipping the grilled fish, and sprinkling some cumin.
Perhaps in two or three hours, he would be able to see Ji Fanyang.
“Hello.” A man raised his wine glass to Fan Zhe, “I’m Huang Zili.”
“Fan Zhe.” Fan Zhe introduced himself.
Huang Zili smiled, “I know you, Miss Liu’s fiancé.”
“Am I really that famous?” Fan Zhe smirked.
“Yes, some people are quite infatuated with you,” Huang Zili said, “I’m here to assist him in winning you over.”
“Oh?” Fan Zhe was puzzled, “Who?”
“You’ll see.” Huang Zili smiled mysteriously, turning his head to the banquet, “The old man is here.”
“Oh, so many people,” Liu Kai’s voice came. The whole venue quieted, and soft laughter sounded through the speakers, “Don’t be so serious; let’s chat casually.”
“I’ll go up first.” Fan Zhe said, turning to see Liu Wei walking over. He waved, “Over here.”
“Let’s go, Dad is here.” Liu Wei grabbed his arm and walked towards the front seat.
“Xiaowei, Xiaowei.” Fan Zhe said, “Walk slower.”
“My son-in-law is here.” Liu Kai saw Fan Zhe and smiled at him, “Come over, let me have a look. I missed you so much in these few days.”
“Liu lao.” Fan Zhe greeted.
“Why so polite!” Liu Kai stared, “You should change the way you address me.”
Fan Zhe took a deep breath and said, “Dad.”
“Ah.” Liu Kai hugged Fan Zhe, smiling. “My good son-in-law.”
After a long hug, about ten seconds or so, Liu Kai suddenly clutched his chest, a frown of pain crossing his face.
Fan Zhe, feeling lost, was pushed to the side. He slowly stepped back, moving away from the direction of the crowd.
“No one is allowed to leave the venue!” The doctor shouted, “Someone is interfering with the old man’s pacemaker!”
The crowd suddenly became restless, and someone shouted, “You’ve taken away phones and watches, even checked belts, who could interfere?!”
“Someone brought something in!” A security guard raised his hand, looking around the venue before fixing his gaze on Fan Zhe, pointing at him, “That gentleman brought in a pen.”
Fan Zhe shook slightly. Before he could speak, Liu Wei spoke up, “He’s my fiancé; it couldn’t be him.”
The doctor, seemingly indifferent, pointed at Fan Zhe and said, “Deal with him.”
“I know there’s a lake behind the hill,” Huang Zili said, “It’s quite suitable there.”
Fan Zhe glanced at Huang Zili. Before he could say anything, security personnel swarmed over, pressing him to the ground, binding his hands and feet, covering his mouth, and taking him away from the venue.
Liu Wei helplessly watched Fan Zhe disappear into the dim corridor.
