In a flash, Shen Qingqing understood everything.
This was clearly a setup by Fu Tingyi targeting Sima Yucheng, but she couldn't grasp why. Sima Yucheng was supposed to be Fu Tingyi's ally; why would he target an ally?
After parting ways with her friends, Shen Qingqing drove home and then tasked Ke Lin with investigating the meeting between Fu Tingyi and Mark.
Simultaneously, she informed Fu Jingshu that Sima Yucheng and Sima Feng were not biological father and son.
"It's a shame I heard it so abruptly and couldn't record it," she said with some regret.
"It's alright," Fu Jingshu hugged her and comforted her. This was good news, and he could do many things with it. He kissed her forehead. "I need to get back to work. Get some rest early, and if you need anything, come to the study."
With that, he hurried into the study.
Shen Qingqing returned to her room and received a call from Ke Lin.
"I've found Mark's recent call records. There are a few unfamiliar numbers. But based on my investigation of Mark, he's always been abroad and didn't know anyone in China, let alone Fu Tingyi. Furthermore, these numbers only started contacting him recently."
"Did you trace the origin of these numbers?"
"I did." Ke Lin had investigated the numbers as soon as he saw them. "The owners of these numbers are ordinary people, but they have one thing in common: they previously worked as servants in a household surnamed Fu. They were fired not long ago."
"Did you check that employer's household?" Shen Qingqing's expression was inscrutable.
"We did, but found nothing." Ke Lin rubbed his slightly aching forehead. "The villa where they used to work is now empty. I asked them for the owner's contact information, and they provided it. I tried calling, but it's a disconnected number. However, I found out that before this number was deactivated, it was registered under the name Fu Tingyi."
Shen Qingqing took a deep breath. "I understand."
The trail had gone cold again.
But one question still lingered in her mind. If Mark was indeed hired by Fu Tingyi to cooperate with Sima Yucheng, it wouldn't be strange. What was strange was his attitude towards Fu Jingshu.
He seemed to harbor hostility towards Fu Jingshu.
Holding her phone, she hurried to the study and placed her hands on the desk, asking, "Jingshu, did you have a falling out with Mark before?"
Fu Jingshu's gaze fell on her feet. Her bare feet on the dark floor tiles made them appear even whiter. He reached out, pulled her over, and sat her on his lap, saying softly, "Why are you out here barefoot?"
He picked her up and placed her feet on the wide chair.
The chair had a cushion placed by his wife, soft and warm.
Shen Qingqing's focus, however, was not on this. "Answer me quickly, did you and Mark have any past grievances?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Answer me now!"
His little wife was getting displeased, so Fu Jingshu quickly replied, "No, I've never met him before this."
So, Mark's previous no-show and the incident with the painting were intentional. It was the inclusion of personal emotions that led him to such childish actions.
"What's wrong?" He held his wife's feet in his hands, feeling them were a bit cold, and couldn't help but frown.
Shen Qingqing casually glanced over. The man's palms were warm and broad, sending a comforting warmth from the soles of her feet that flowed into her heart. "I overheard Sima Yucheng and his mother talking in the private room before, but I don't understand. Wasn't it said that his mother passed away a long time ago?"
Fu Jingshu paused slightly. "Are you sure it was his mother?"
"I heard him call her Mom."
Fu Jingshu pondered for a moment. "I'll have someone look into it."
Shen Qingqing hummed in response. Just as she was about to speak, her foot was pinched. The man's deep voice slowly echoed in her ear.
"It's getting late, you should rest. We can talk about anything tomorrow."
Shen Qingqing pouted. "Okay, I'll listen to you."
She said she was going back to her room, but remained motionless. The man didn't rush her. He simply held her. He was tall, and even with someone in his arms, he could still look at documents.
Until the breathing in his arms became steady and long.
She had fallen asleep.
Fu Jingshu lowered his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Silly girl."
...
In the early morning, Shen Qingqing was woken by the ringing of a phone. Before she could open her eyes, she realized she was nestled in the familiar man's arms. She instinctively snuggled closer before opening her eyes.
Fu Jingshu had already answered the phone, his voice as cold as ice. "You better have something important to say."
Lin Mo, on the other end, hadn't even spoken yet, but his scalp tingled. His tone was slightly obsequious. "Hehe, Master Fu, did I disturb your rest?"
"What do you think?"
"I had no choice." Lin Mo's voice gradually turned serious. "I just received a call. Sima Feng is preparing to have the company's finance department clear funds. It looks like he intends to help Sima Yucheng. While one hundred million is a lot, it's not difficult for Sima Feng."
"That old fox."
Shen Qingqing, resting on the man's chest, listened to the voice on the phone and tutted.
Their original plan was to cooperate against Sima Yucheng. But after the deed was done, the old man reneged, prioritizing his son. It felt like they had been used and then discarded.
"Sima Feng is at the company right now. If you want to stop him, you'd better hurry. It might be too late if you delay."
Hearing this, Lin Mo knew the position Fu Jingshu and his wife must be in. He quickly finished speaking and hung up the phone.
Fu Jingshu put down the phone and saw his wife had already jumped up and gone to the dressing room to change, leaving only a hasty retreating figure.
He shook his head and chuckled.
After they were both ready, they left the house. In the car, Lin Mo sent them a text message saying that the investigation into Sima Feng, which he had been asked to conduct yesterday, had yielded results and the information had been sent via email.
Shen Qingqing opened it and her eyes widened. Fu Jingshu, who was driving, glanced at her. "What did you see?"
Shen Qingqing's expression was somewhat hard to describe. "Stop the car later, and you can see for yourself."
Fu Jingshu didn't ask further. When they arrived at Sima Group and parked the car, he began to read the information. Upon seeing the contents, he revealed a playful smile.
"It seems today is a sure win."
"Indeed. If Sima Feng still insists on helping Sima Yucheng after seeing this document..." Shen Qingqing chuckled and shook her head. "Then I truly admire him."
The two got out of the car and entered the company with the documents. The receptionist, knowing that Fu Jingshu had a partnership with their boss, naturally let them pass directly.
They entered the office, where Sima Feng greeted them warmly, offering pastries and tea. The first thing he said after they sat down was, "I know why you are here, but I apologize, I cannot agree. He is, after all, my only son. No matter how great his mistake, I can forgive it."