Chapter 61: She’s a Rose I Cultivated Myself
The bodyguards escorted Wan Yue away from the building, but the reporters followed, like
shadows.
“Who are you?”
“Who sent you?”
They
swarmed
around the
stoic
bodyguards.
bodyguards. Students. watched
curiously.
the Shangnan Hai insignia.The reporters stopped dead in
4 bodyguard showed his credentials
their tracks.
He warned, “You know what you can and can’t report.The consequences are severe.”
The crowd fell silent.Several cameramen quickly covered their lenses.
A black Hongqi limousine idled nearby. Even university officials couldn’t drive freely on campus, but this imposing vehicle easily navigated the grounds. The door opened, revealing a tall, slender man. His features were partially obscured, but his strong jawline and aristocratic bearing were undeniable.
The reporters strained their necks.
“Is that Damon Blackwood?He looks like him!”
“But he’s divorced from Jiang Wan Yue.”
“Could
Damon Blackwood really deploy Shangnan Hai security?Impossible!”
The bodyguards held the reporters back.
Wan Yue approached the car, recognizing the man
“Uncle,” she said respectfully.
inside.She bowed slightly..
The car’s atmosphere immediately thickened. She and Damon were divorced; the term felt inappropriate.
“Get in,” a deep, resonant voice commanded.
Wan Yue felt compelled to obey, sitting opposite him.A warmth enveloped her waist.She looked down to see a small boy snuggling into her, his arms around her.
A smile softened her face. She stroked his soft hair.
“Little Star-
“Mmm,” a soft sound escaped the boy’s throat. He looked up, his dark eyes shining. This was Fu Xingci, Damon’s five–year–old adopted son with autism. He didn’t speak and hadn’t attended school, but he was fond of Wan Yue.Of all Damon’s children, Timmy seemed to be the only one less fond of her.
“Sit properly!” Fu Lingyue said sternly, but Xingci ignored him, content in Wan Yue’s embrace. A subtle sandalwood scent filled the car.
“What are you playing, Little Star?” she asked gently.He offered her a Chinese interlocking rings puzzle.
The White Gold 818 reporter squeezed his head between the bodyguards, recognizing the man. He resembled Damon; the Shangnan Hai security confirmed his identity; Fu Lingyue, Damon’s
< Chapter 61 She’s a Rose i Cultivate
uncle!
He extended his microphone.
“Professor Fu, are you aware of Jiang Wan Yue’s alleged child abuse?“Fu Lingyue likely didn’t know about Timmy’s accusations.If he did, Wan Yue might be ejected. Professor Fu, listen to this recording of Timmy; hear what Jiang Wan Yue did to her son!”
The other
reporters stood back, impressed by White
Gold 818’s audacity. The door opened again. The reporter was certain Wan Yue would be thrown out.He signaled to the cameraman.
The interior lights illuminated Fu Lingyue’s distinguished features. The reporters held their breath. This was Fu Lingyue, a highly influential figure in the Chinese Academy of Sciences, often involved in top–secret projects.He was the cornerstone of the Fu family’s power.He was almost identical to Damon but two years older.He exuded an aura of quiet authority.
ven more imposing. The bodyguards stood in formation, making Fu Lingyue seem
“Wan Yue raised Timmy for five years. As her uncle, I’ve never seen her abuse him,” Fu Lingyue declared, silencing the reporters.
“But Professor Fu, listen to your nephew…”
The White Gold 818 reporter played the recording.
“A seasoned reporter digging for dirt from a five–year–old?Is that not laughable? Fu Lingyue’s voice was calm yet forceful.
Fu Lingyue pressed the button, closing the door. The reporters remained outside, intimidated. The White Gold 818 reporter, once alone, frantically called someone.
“Şean, you didn’t tell me Uncle Fu was protecting Jiang Wan Yue! If I offended him, I’m finished in this industry!”
Sean’s voice crackled through the phone.“What Uncle Fu? Who are you talking about?” “Fu Lingyue! He came with bodyguards and took your sister away.”
“Impossible!!” Sean exclaimed. “You saw Fu Lingyue take Jiang Wan Yue?Damon and I grew up together, and I’ve barely met him.A busy academician, working on top–secret government projects… he wouldn’t…”
“It was him! I saw it with my own eyes!Professor Fu even said it was laughable that a seasoned reporter would dig for gossip from a five–year–old.” The reporter worried, “Am I going to get fired?Sean, I helped you, and I never meant to offend Fu Lingyue!”
Sean seemed stunned. “This is impossible! Fu Lingyue wouldn’t help Jiang Wan Yue…This is unbelievable!”
“Anyway, I’m not reporting anything about Jiang Wan Yue.”
Sean’s voice turned icy. “You may not, but plenty of other media outlets are covering her scandal. The child abuse allegations are trending!”
Sean hung up, a cold smile playing on her lips.Jiang Wan Yue thought she’d become famous through the math competition?She’d make sure Wan Yue’s fall was spectacular.She, Sean Jiang, was the most famous Lane heiress.A country bumpkin,who married into the Blackwoods had
< Chapter 61:
used
up a
e’s a Rose | Cultivate…
all her luck. The Blackwoods represented Wan Yue’s highest possible achievement. From now on, Jiang Wan Yue would be beneath her.
The Hongqi limousine left Peking University. Wan Yue untangled the rings for Xingci.
“Wow!!” He stared at her, his chubby cheeks flushed.He was androgynous, and when Zhou Zhou was younger, she’d called him “sister.”
He held the puzzle, making a heart shape with his fingers towards Wan Yue.She felt her heart Nimelt.
Fu Lingyue’s gaze fell on Xingci’s gummy smile. Even during therapy, Xingci hadn’t been this happy.Only around Wan Yue did he seem like a normal child.
Wan Yue turned to speak to Fu Lingyue.He seemed to anticipate her question.
“Just passing by.”
Wan Yue said nothing.He was both perceptive and concise.
She thanked him.
“What are your plans?” he asked directly.
He was almost Damon’s age, yet the difference in their demeanor was vast.Fu Lingyue was like a steady, reliable presence. Damon was a sharp blade; Fu Lingyue was a calming force. Wan Yue replied respectfully, “Next month, I’ll move with Zhou Zhou.I’ve found a good school district. The ALI competition results will be announced next week. I’m confident of placing in the top three.As for work…”
She met his gaze, her eyelashes fluttering.She took a deep breath.
“Can I join Longxing?”
Her voice was soft yet resolute.
Fu Lingyue’s gaze swept over her. She knew what Longxing was.Headed by Fu Lingyue, it was one of China’s top ten research centers, its location undisclosed
on
any map.
She continued, “The fifteenth Five–Year Plan includes research into super–AI.Sir, you’re the leader, and I‘
“Jiang Wan Yue,” he said, his tone as deep and still as an ancient well.She felt the same coldness Damon possessed.Uncle and nephew were remarkably alike.
She wouldn’t give up.“You personally selected me!”
Thirteen years ago, Fu Lingyue had discovered her in a rural town and recommended her to the Peking University’s Young Scholars Program…
He sighed slightly, looking away.“Let’s
see you
win
She smiled. “Were you watching the ALI competition, Mr. Fu?” “Coincidentally,” he replied curtly.
the gold medal first.”
The car stopped at a hotel.Xingci’s expression fell. He turned away, clutching the puzzle, tears welling in his eyes.
Wan Yue hugged him.“Little Star, come visit Zhou Zhou and me soon. We’ll see each other again.”
Chapter 61. She’s a Rose I Cultivate
He nodded, tearful and reluctant.
Wan Yue said goodbye to Fu Lingyue. The sunlight caught her face, enhancing her beauty.
“Director Fu” she said, undeterred by his rejection.“I’ll show you that at twenty–seven, I’m still brave and passionate!”
Fu Lingyue watched her disappear into the hotel entrance.He closed the car door, picked up his phone, and made a call.
“I’ve chosen a candidate for Deputy Director.”
You’re the Director, a booming voice answered.
Fu Lingyue rolled “Jiang Wan Yue,” he
his
eyes. I
said, said, the
know what I
name rolling off his tongue like poetry.
mean. Who’s
the
candidate?”
“Huh? Who?!”
“Jiang Wan Yue,” he repeated.
The voice on the other end muttered, “Is there an academician named Jiang Wan Yue in the CAS?”
The Hongqi limousine sped down the road. Fu Lingyue gazed at the clear blue sky.
“…She’s a rose I cultivated myself, a rose briefly snatched away by a dog. Now, I intend to cultivaté her myself.”
