Jiang Xun searched his memory of the original novel's plot before finally digging up a few details about Chu Xingye's uncle from some forgotten corner.
Fu Yanli was Chu Xingye's mother's younger brother, City A's most celebrated rising tycoon, and a man worshipped by most of the younger generation in their social circle.
At eighteen, he had founded a company entirely on his own, without relying on the Fu Family. With his exceptional ability and business acumen, he had gradually expanded that tiny company of only a handful of employees and taken it public within just a few years.
By now, the Zhongyu Group he had founded had become one of City A's leading enterprises, long since surpassing the Fu family's original company.
And this business genius, with all his extraordinary achievements, was still only twenty-nine.
Most of the rich kids in their circle inherited their family businesses, and those who tried starting their own usually failed. Someone like Fu Yanli, who had built his fortune from nothing and achieved so much, was one in ten thousand.
His good looks were the least remarkable thing about him.
Jiang Xun marveled inwardly. This author really went all out. Even a supporting character who only appeared a few times was written to be this impressive.
He remembered how, in his previous life, his father had warned him over and over never to do anything as foolish as starting his own business, or he would squander a family fortune that could last hundreds of lifetimes.
The original novel had said very little about President Fu, mentioning him only in passing.
It had merely stated that after weathering a tumultuous romance, Chu Xingye and Lin Jian had finally ended up together.
The two had gone home to meet the family, and that was when Fu Yanli appeared.
Chu Xingye greatly admired his uncle, regarding him as both his idol and the man he aspired to become.
Oh, right. There was also the woman standing beside Fu Yanli, his wife of three years-Ye Jing.
The heiress of the Ye Group, she was renowned in their circle for both her beauty and her talents.
They had married so young, a brilliant man and a beautiful woman. Who knew how many young men and women's hearts they had broken?
The banquet hall was still bustling. Jiang Xun withdrew his gaze from the man and heard Chu Xingye say, "Mom, I'm going to say hello to Uncle and Aunt."
Fu Sang waved a hand. "Go ahead. Ask your uncle when he's bringing your aunt home for dinner while you're at it. Your grandparents have been missing them."
Chu Xingye answered, then casually beckoned a waiter over, took a glass of champagne, and headed straight toward Fu Yanli.
Jiang Xun's eyes shifted as an idea struck him. He gave Fu Sang a bashful smile. "Then, Auntie, can I go with Brother Xingye?"
Fu Sang readily agreed. "Go ahead."
"Okay."
Jiang Xun quickly took a glass of champagne too and trailed after Chu Xingye.
Watching him leave, Fu Sang thought, Jiang Xun doesn't seem nearly as bad as the rumors make him out to be. But has this boy secretly gone tanning?
Why else would he look like a little coal ball?
Within just a few minutes, a crowd had gathered around Fu Yanli and Ye Jing. Most had come for the young and accomplished President Fu, and they included men and women of all ages.
Among the middle-aged executives with balding heads and beer bellies like women eight months pregnant, Fu Yanli stood out like a crane among chickens.
"Uncle, Aunt."
The moment Chu Xingye reached Fu Yanli and Ye Jing, he became noticeably more obedient and well-behaved, smoothing down all his bristling quills on his own.
"Uncle, weren't you away on a business trip?"
Fu Yanli had dismissed the people gathered around him with just a few words. Everyone knew President Fu preferred quiet, so they tactfully stopped bothering him.
Looking at his nephew, he said in a calm, even voice, "I got back yesterday."
Beside him, Ye Jing was his complete opposite, her smile radiant and captivating, every glance brimming with charm.
"You look very handsome today, Xingye. Has anyone at school been pursuing you?"
At that, Chu Xingye immediately thought of the annoying Jiang Xun, who followed him around all day, clinging like a stubborn plaster he could never peel off.
So annoying.
"Aunt, I need to focus on my studies. I'm not dating."
Ye Jing's smile turned teasing, but her gaze went somewhere behind him. "Really?"
Chu Xingye was about to speak when he noticed Jiang Xun coming out from behind him. Holding a glass of champagne, Jiang Xun stopped at his side. Seeing that he was about to address him, Chu Xingye immediately cut him off harshly. "Call me that one more time and I'll drop dead right in front of you."
Jiang Xun swallowed the "Brother Xingye" that had been about to slip out.
A hint of disappointment crossed his face, and he said understandingly, "Then I won't call you that. Don't be angry."
Chu Xingye instantly lost his momentum. What's this country bumpkin putting on an act for?
He was just about to send Jiang Xun away when the other boy spoke again, though not to him this time.
"Hello, Uncle, Aunt."
Jiang Xun had to tilt his head up slightly to see Fu Yanli's face. Even up close, it was flawless, like a perfect work of art without a single fault to be found.
At the same time, that sense of distance felt even stronger.
Hearing himself addressed as Uncle, Fu Yanli let his gaze linger briefly on Jiang Xun before giving him a very slight nod.
Ye Jing, on the other hand, looked a little surprised. She raised her eyebrows slightly and gave Jiang Xun a friendly smile. "Hello there."
Many of those present looked at Jiang Xun with disdain, curiosity, or the eagerness of spectators waiting for a show. Ye Jing was different.
Fu Yanli was different too. There was nothing in his eyes, as though he were looking at a passing stranger with whom he had no connection, without the slightest trace of emotion.
Jiang Xun did not mind at all. He flashed Fu Yanli a broad grin, his even teeth white enough to reflect the light.
Dazzled for a moment, Fu Yanli could not help glancing at him again.
Meanwhile, Chu Xingye erupted. "Who said you could call them that? They're my uncle and aunt!"
Young Master Chu was so angry that even the tips of his ears turned red. After all, he was still a half-grown child at this age, always thinking he was already an adult when his every move betrayed his immaturity.
Jiang Xun lowered his head, his voice soft and quiet. "We're going to get engaged someday."
Ye Jing watched the two younger boys with interest. "Xingye, so this is your little fiancé? Aren't you going to introduce him to us?"
"Aunt, he's not my fiancé. There's no way I'm getting engaged to him!"
"Who can say what the future holds?"
"Please stop talking about that. Oh, right, Mom asked you and Uncle to come home for dinner..."
Chu Xingye chatted with Ye Jing, while Fu Yanli occasionally added a response.
Unable to get a word in, Jiang Xun stood idly beside them, his gaze drifting unconsciously to the tall man opposite him.
Fu Yanli's hands were handsome too, with long fingers and well-defined joints. The prominent veins on the backs of his hands gave them a sense of strength. A plain, simply designed band sat on his left ring finger, marking him as married.
Sure enough, Ye Jing wore a matching ring on her ring finger.
Jiang Xun's gaze traveled downward, from Fu Yanli's prominent Adam's apple to the powerful lines of his waist. What a great body.
"Hey, what are you looking at?" Without warning, Chu Xingye nudged Jiang Xun's arm with his elbow.
His overlong bangs obscured his eyes and brows, but his gaze held an appreciation for beautiful things. Without thinking, Jiang Xun blurted out, "Uncle has a pretty nice body."
Chu Xingye: "..."
Jiang Xun swept his gaze over him and quickly tried to salvage the situation. "Of course, yours is the best."
"Jiang Xun, what filthy things are you thinking about?!" Chu Xingye simply could not understand why that was where his attention had gone at a time like this.
Jiang Xun said, "I won't let you talk about yourself that way."
Chu Xingye: "..."
Fuck!
Ye Jing, who had watched the entire exchange, could not help bursting into laughter. She said to Fu Yanli, "These youngsters really are entertaining."
As for Fu Yanli, whose body had prompted the exchange, he turned his gaze to Jiang Xun again. This time, it lingered for a second.