Chapter 330: Chapter 328: Isn’t He Dead?
Jian Xi felt quite disappointed. Even after capturing them, she hadn’t managed to extract any useful information.
However, one thing was certain: if Si Yuhuan wasn’t orchestrating everything himself, then Si Junyan was truly alive.
Her mind raced. The immediate course of action was to offer a reward! With a large enough sum, someone brave would surely step forward. No matter how well Si Junyan hid, someone would eventually uncover clues. Anyone providing a lead would be handsomely compensated.
Thinking of this, Jian Xi immediately prepared to return to her country.
"So hasty?" Wan Yu asked, looking utterly confused upon hearing the news.
Jian Xi had already arranged a private plane for her return trip.
「On the way back.」
Jian Xi had asked Song Xicheng to help look after Fifth Brother. She was confident it wouldn’t be long before Fifth Brother woke up.
「The plane landed.」
To her surprise, Fu Shengyuan was waiting at Fuyuan Official Residence. His well-tailored black suit made him look tall and slender, his dignified presence commanding attention with every gesture. Passersby couldn’t help but steal a second glance.
Jian Xi arched an eyebrow and walked over.
"What brings President Fu here personally?"
"Xixi, are you blaming me for not visiting you for so long?" Fu Shengyuan teased with a smile.
Jian Xi wondered if he genuinely didn’t know or was just pretending not to know she had just returned.
"You mentioned cooperation before..."
Jian Xi decisively refused, "I’m sorry, but my big brother reviewed Jian Group’s recent financial situation. We don’t need to risk competing with Haohan Group for this project, lest we face a broken capital chain that would affect the company’s development."
Fu Shengyuan knew she was going back on her word, but he didn’t get angry and nodded good-naturedly.
"That’s probably for the best. With Luo You, steady development is the optimal strategy, especially since Jian Group just underwent a transformation."
He spoke as if he genuinely had Jian Group’s best interests at heart. It made it harder for Jian Xi to ask him to leave.
"Um, would you like to stay for a meal?"
Surely Fu Shengyuan would get the hint now?
To her astonishment, he actually nodded. "That would be nice."
Jian Xi’s lips twitched. He truly made himself at home!
"Please, come in."
Jian Xi’s mind raced, trying to figure out how to get rid of him.
Fu Shengyuan, acting as if he owned the place, poured himself a coffee and handed a cup to Jian Xi.
"Thank you."
Whose home was this, anyway?! Jian Xi felt even more awkward.
Fu Shengyuan chatted leisurely, discussing one thing after another. He was a particularly charismatic speaker, and people couldn’t help but be drawn into his conversations. However, Jian Xi genuinely lacked the energy to socialize. Just as she was about to bluntly ask him to leave, Zhang Yaxuan’s voice came from outside.
"Xixi, we’re about to leave."
Zhang Yaxuan pushed open the door and paused slightly upon seeing Fu Shengyuan.
Jian Xi gave him a wink, and Zhang Yaxuan instantly understood.
"A friend?" he asked, feigning jealousy.
Jian Xi rushed forward, playing along. "Why are you back so suddenly?"
"Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is Fu Shengyuan, the Chairman and President of Tianyao Group. He’s a potential future collaborator with Jian Group."
With that, Jian Xi clearly established a professional distance regarding Fu Shengyuan.
Fu Shengyuan stood up, extended his hand, and offered a gentlemanly handshake.
"Pleased to meet you. A world-famous painter—you’re even more impressive in person than your reputation suggests. Very handsome; no wonder Xixi chose to be with you."
Zhang Yaxuan, with an air that was neither humble nor arrogant, replied, "Perhaps I’m just more charming."
His humor and wit showed he was unfazed by Fu Shengyuan’s power and status. This stirred an unreadable emotion deep in Fu Shengyuan’s eyes.
Fearing things might escalate, Jian Xi interjected, "We were about to have dinner. Why don’t you join us?"
"No, thank you."
Fu Shengyuan finally left.
Jian Xi let out a long sigh of relief. "Thanks to you."
Zhang Yaxuan grinned teasingly. "I didn’t expect there to be a man even you couldn’t handle."
"He’s a tycoon, so naturally a bit more difficult."
"But didn’t you have Si Yuhuan completely wrapped around your little finger?"
Jian Xi pressed her lips together. "That’s different."
"Of course. The one you deeply love is always different."
Jian Xi fell silent.
"Just forget I said anything," Zhang Yaxuan added quickly.
Zhang Yaxuan had returned this time to hold an art exhibition. Without the pressure and sabotage from both Si Yuhuan and Fu Shengyuan, his fame was still considerable. His comeback immediately attracted countless admirers, all eager for one of his paintings.
「Mckaylin Restaurant.」
Zhang Yaxuan apologized, "I couldn’t help you find your child. Hilda asked me to convey her apologies."
"You’ve both helped me so much; please don’t say that," Jian Xi replied. "It all happened so suddenly, and it’s my fault. With old enemies returning from the dead, I fear there will be more trouble ahead. Since you’re associated with me, you must be careful too."
Zhang Yaxuan was nonchalant. "With Hilda around, I’ll be fine. But you, you’ve just finished your postpartum confinement and you look pale. Take good care of yourself."
While the two were dining, Wan Yu sent a message.
Wan Yu: [Everything is settled. Just waiting for news.]
Jian Xi tightened her grip on her spoon.
Suddenly, a slight commotion was heard from the entrance. The manager personally appeared to greet the arrivals.
Fu Shengyuan walked in with several clients. His gaze landed on Jian Xi, a hint of a smile in his eyes as he whispered a few instructions to the assistant beside him. The assistant then led the clients towards the private rooms, while Fu Shengyuan walked over to Jian Xi and Zhang Yaxuan.
"What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to find you two dining here."
The world really is a small place, Jian Xi thought.
"Mckaylin is a restaurant invested in by Tianyao Group," Fu Shengyuan explained. "It was originally meant to entertain VIPs. Over time, it became quite successful, so we opened it to the public, and it now contributes to Tianyao Group’s revenue."
So that was it. It seemed he hadn’t followed her here intentionally.
"President Fu, you must be busy. My husband and I are planning to head home and catch up on sleep after we finish eating," Jian Xi said, her tone deliberately intimate.
Zhang Yaxuan played along perfectly. "Indeed, I am a bit sleepy."
"Then, excuse us, President Fu. We’ll be leaving first," Jian Xi said.
Fu Shengyuan gestured grandly. "Of course. This meal is on the house. And in the future, whenever you two wish to dine here, it will be complimentary."
The manager, looking awed, quickly replied, "Understood, President Fu."
Jian Xi teased with a smile, "President Fu, you’re quite impressive. It seems having influential friends means one can even enjoy complimentary meals."
"Of course."
Fu Shengyuan’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
「After they left the restaurant.」
Zhang Yaxuan joked, "He still has designs on you. It looks like he’s very keen to win you over."
"A despicable man who chases married women isn’t worth anyone’s affection," Jian Xi retorted.
A woman as divine as her is hard to find anywhere in the world, Zhang Yaxuan thought, watching her retreating figure.
「Inside the restaurant.」
Fu Shengyuan glanced at the steak and red wine on the table Jian Xi and Zhang Yaxuan had left, his eyes holding an inscrutable, dark expression.
"They ordered a la carte?"
"Yes, President Fu. As per your instructions, I recommended the couple’s set meal; the items were similar to these. The gentleman refused immediately. Miss Jian didn’t seem upset either. I got the impression their relationship isn’t very close," the manager reported.
A subtle, almost imperceptible smile touched Fu Shengyuan’s lips, yet it held no warmth, exuding only a bone-chilling coldness.
"Interesting."
Jian Xi didn’t return to Fuyuan Official Residence, heading straight for Yaowang Group instead.
Li Bin hadn’t expected Jian Xi’s sudden arrival and immediately put aside his work to greet her personally.
"I’ve actually returned because I have a favor to ask."
"CEO Jian, your business is my business; it’s the business of everyone at Yaowang Group. Please, give your instructions," Li Bin said, his respect as unwavering and selfless as ever. Jian Xi was touched by his loyalty.
"I need you to mobilize everyone in our network, especially our clients who purchase luxury goods, to help me find Si Junyan."
"B-but... didn’t he die?" Li Bin stammered, his face a mask of disbelief.