After I Woke Up to Find I Had a Wife - Chapter 20

Around five-thirty in the afternoon, Lin You and Fu Xinran prepared to set off. Uncle Li was still the one driving them.

The gifts they had bought yesterday were all in the car behind them, with accompanying bodyguards following both in front and behind.

As soon as they arrived at Huihe Yayuan, where the Fu family lived, the black Rolls-Royce Phantom drove toward the Fu residence under the salute of the security guards.

Huihe Yayuan was a place where many wealthy and powerful families gathered to live. Because of its good feng shui, many people treated this place like an ancestral residence when arranging it. Security was strict, and only verified license plates were allowed inside.

Ahead, two security personnel drove an electric cart to guide them and conduct a second identity verification, preventing anyone from sneaking in and causing trouble for the residents.

Lin You leaned back in her seat and adjusted her clothes. Suddenly having to meet her “father-in-law” made her feel a little nervous. This was her first time visiting the father of her “partner.”

She had looked through the original body’s memories several times. Stern, unsmiling, cold, and rigid—even his wrinkles seemed full of severity. That was her only impression of Fu Xinran’s father.

Moreover, he did not like talking. Looking through the memories, she vaguely felt that Father Fu probably did not like the original body very much. Coming to this conclusion made Lin You melancholy.

“Are your clothes uncomfortable?” Fu Xinran saw Lin You fiddling with the collar of her shirt several times. She leaned over, bracing one hand on Lin You’s shoulder while using the other to pat Lin You’s neck, telling her to lower her head a little.

A cool, gentle fragrance rushed toward her. Lin You’s body stiffened. She lowered her eyes and did not dare look at the person so close to her. Fu Xinran patted her, and her slightly cool fingers landed on Lin You’s neck.

Lin You frowned. Why was she so cold? Was it too chilly? It was early May right now, so it was neither too hot nor too cold.

Fu Xinran’s cool fingers landed on the back of her neck, moving up and down. That clear fragrance was like the first melting snow on a snowy mountain, cool enough to make one’s heart tighten.

What followed immediately was a yearning to draw closer. The warm body temperature then transformed that chill into a faint, fresh scent of cedarwood and snow pine. The layered fragrance made Lin You unconsciously sniff.

Seeing Fu Xinran’s puzzled gaze, Lin You’s ear tips instantly turned red. Her mind also grew dizzy, as if she had drunk a jin of white liquor, floating up and down. This scent—she felt it smelled so good.

Too good.

It was as if she were walking barefoot beneath snow pines in the mountains, making her intoxicated. Lin You could not help slowly leaning toward the source of the fragrance.

Scorching, rapid breath brushed against her fair and beautiful neck. Only then did Fu Xinran realize how close the two of them were.

“It smells so good. It smells really nice.” Fu Xinran looked at Lin You, whose eyes were somewhat dazed as she stared at her, murmuring to herself.

Fu Xinran paused for an instant before suddenly realizing what Lin You had said. She glared at her in embarrassed anger, and red slowly spread across her cheeks too. Seeing Lin You looking dazed and still wanting to move closer, she angrily reached out and pushed her away with one firm tap.

Lin You bumped into the comfortable seat and only then came back to herself, realizing what she had just said.

She had just praised an Omega’s pheromones to her face, saying they smelled good. If they were not legal wives, that would be no different from acting like a hooligan.

Lin You hurriedly glanced at Fu Xinran’s flushed cheeks. Red rapidly spread across her own face too, so red it seemed about to drip blood. Steam almost rose from the top of her head as she pressed herself tightly against the car door on one side.

“Cough.” Lin You did not dare raise her head to look at Fu Xinran. Her throat itched, and she could not help coughing once.

Fu Xinran acted as if she had not heard. One hand rested on her shoulder as she focused on the scenery outside the car window. Only her crimson ears exposed that she was not calm either.

After Fu Xinran became pregnant, her estrogen had surged, which correspondingly affected the surge of her pheromones too. She had applied a blocking patch, so logically, there should not have been any scent.

But during pregnancy, her pheromones were more active than usual. A small amount would also emit from parts of her body. Moreover, she had been shallowly marked by Lin You before, so Lin You was very sensitive and could occasionally smell a little.

Usually, the space they were in was not so cramped, and the two of them would not be this close. At night when they slept, Lin You had only thought it was Fu Xinran’s natural body fragrance and had secretly warned herself not to think nonsense, firmly guarding her moral bottom line.

Today, Fu Xinran had suddenly leaned close, and Lin You had not reacted in time. Thinking of this, Lin You’s face reddened until it almost dripped blood. She felt so perverted. An awkward ambiguity flowed through the air.

Lin You lowered her head and picked at the seat cushion. She wanted to find a hole to crawl into, preferably one where she could hide until dinner ended. As for why she could come out once dinner was over—

It was probably because she still had to sleep with Eldest Miss Fu tonight. Lin You sighed sorrowfully.

At the Fu family’s main entrance, the butler was waiting by the door with two servants. The car slowly stopped. The butler stepped forward, opened the door, half-bowed, and smiled.

“Welcome home, Second Miss.”

Fu Xinran tidied her emotions and elegantly extended her hand, placing it on the butler’s wrist. “Uncle Tang, long time no see. You’re still as young as before.”

Compared to Fu Xinran’s treatment, Lin You opened the door herself and got out. Her brows moved, the corners of her lips carrying a faint smile. Her eyes were half-lowered, noble and polite.

Lin You secretly thought, as expected, her father-in-law did not like the original body. Otherwise, such an impolite thing would not have happened. Opening the car door for guests upon arrival was a family’s etiquette. But now, look at her empty side.

Instead, Lin You felt a little more relaxed. Opening the door herself was more comfortable. She could open it whenever she wanted.

“Young Master-in-law, please. Sir and Eldest Miss are waiting.” Uncle Tang smiled as he walked over to Lin You and invited her to go in with them.

Lin You nodded and stood beside Fu Xinran. Her hanging fingers naturally wrapped around Fu Xinran’s hand. She tightly grabbed the only person she knew.

Fu Xinran felt her cool fingers suddenly wrapped by a burning, broad palm. Her brow moved, and she turned to look at Lin You. The corners of Lin You’s mouth pulled into a stiff smile, and she smiled at her rigidly like a puppet.

The smile on Fu Xinran’s face became even more obvious. She was still the same as before. Every time she came to the Fu family, her whole body would stiffen. Glancing at Uncle Tang, who was taking the gifts, Fu Xinran comforted Lin You, “My dad doesn’t eat people. Are you hungry?”

Lin You shook her head. Her heart beat like a drum, but she barely maintained calm on her face, forcefully holding up her posture. Seeing that she was too nervous, Fu Xinran held her hand in return and even pinched her fingertips.

“Host, are you really not accepting the hand-holding mission? It’s five hundred points!” the system asked excitedly after scanning that Lin You and Fu Xinran were holding hands.

Lin You’s body paused. The state of mind she had just adjusted was ruined by the system. Holding Fu Xinran’s hand, cold sweat instantly broke out.

She had only been too nervous just now. In her panic and rush, she had instinctively grabbed the most familiar person beside her. Like a fledgling, she had naturally held that soft, slightly cool hand.

Lin You fell silent for a moment. Since they were already holding hands, she said weakly, “Accept it.”

The system was so happy it almost flew. Finally, there was some progress. “Okay. Timer starts now.” The system happily spun circles in its own space. Listening to the system’s cheerful voice, Lin You wordlessly looked up at the sky.

The Fu family’s decor paid more attention to blending an antique style with modern design. The proportions were very harmonious.

“Dad.”

Two greetings sounded one after another. Fu Jingye shook the newspaper and glanced over Fu Xinran from top to bottom. Seeing no problems, he reluctantly said with satisfaction, “Sit. Your sister will be here soon too.”

Fu Xinran nodded. Now that she was home, she relaxed quite a bit and directly sat in the spot closest to her father. “Dad, Lin You and I picked out a lot of gifts for you. Later, see whether you like them.”

Fu Jingye waved his hand indifferently and put down the newspaper. His dark eyes coldly stared at Lin You, who was sitting perfectly upright, and he snorted inwardly.

“Xinran, go back to your room and rest for a while. You’ve been in the car for so long. You must be tired.” Fu Jingye called someone to support her back to her room.

Fu Xinran had just wanted to say she was not tired when she saw Lin You grin, shake her head, and signal with her eyes that there was no need to worry. Fu Xinran raised a brow. Since that was the case—

“All right, Dad. I’ll go rest for a while. I’m indeed a little tired. Call me when Sister comes back.” Fu Xinran looked at her father’s serious expression and left Lin You to seek her own fortune.

Lin You watched the servant leave together with Fu Xinran. Seeing Lin You’s pitiful, longing look, Fu Jingye directly put down the newspaper and cut off her gaze, casually asking, “What have you been busy with recently?”

Lin You immediately sat upright, facing the interrogation from her “old father-in-law.” “There are a few small projects on hand that are about to launch. Recently, I haven’t been too busy. I want to spend more time at home with Ranran.”

Fu Jingye stared at her and lightly sneered. “Work isn’t urgent. Family is very important. Don’t wait until you’ve lost it before anxiously trying to chase it back.”

Hearing Father Fu’s pointed words, Lin You also thought about the original body’s mother. It seemed this matter was somewhat known to everyone.

After Lin You received the mission, she had privately arranged for people to investigate the story of the original body’s mothers. The original body’s mother had not contacted the original body on her own for a year, and the original body seemed not to care either.

“Dad is right. Right now, family should be the priority. I will also take good care of Ranran and the baby.” Lin You promised Fu Jingye very seriously.

Fu Jingye lifted his eyelids and looked at the somewhat nervous person. “Mm.”

The two had no topic again. Lin You recalled that in the plot, Fu Xinran’s mother should be hospitalized. But during this period, no one around them had mentioned it, and in the original body’s memories, there was no such matter either.

Lin You was wondering whether she should bring it up. After all, Fu Xinran’s mother was also one of the triggers for Fu Xinran’s blackening.

Now, looking at Father Fu, he did not seem to be that indifferent toward Ranran. Instead, he was full of concern. Fu Xinran’s relationship with this Father Fu—who, according to legend, later knelt and begged for mercy—also seemed very good, just like an ordinary family with a strict father.

Or perhaps all of this was just surface appearance? Lin You placed a question mark on both the system and the Fu family.

After struggling internally for a while, Lin You decided to wait for the private detective’s news. Afterward, if they found which hospital Fu Xinran’s mother was in, she would see whether she could secretly transfer her.

It would be best to find the best doctor in the world and cure Fu Xinran’s mother. That way, there would be one less bomb leading to her blackening.

The sound of high heels came from outside. A beautiful woman in a black dress, her long hair flying, stepped inside and broke the deadlock of silence between the two.

Lin You looked at the Ice Queen walking toward them. Fu Xinran and Fu Xinyan were sisters. One was praised as the beauty of a snow-capped mountain, yearned for yet unreachable. The other was praised as Antarctic ice, cold enough to freeze people to death.

With black hair and red lips, Fu Xinyan nodded indifferently at Lin You in greeting. Then she lowered her head and looked at Fu Jingye, who was still reading the newspaper. “Old man, where’s my little sister?”

Fu Jingye looked at her coldly and sternly, lifted his chin, then lowered his head again to read the newspaper.

Lin You wore a question-mark expression throughout. The way this family greeted one another was so special.

Once they were seated at the dining table, Lin You felt that she had completely lost her appetite. Two mountains sat facing her. The entire table was full of vegetarian dishes. Thinking about it, eating lighter at night was not bad.

Under the gazes of those two mountains, she helped Fu Xinran ladle half a bowl of soup to warm her stomach. She also wanted to serve soup to the two people opposite them, but both refused at the same time and told her to eat. Lin You could only sit down and pick up her chopsticks.

Fu Xinran, on the other hand, ate comfortably. She had long since gotten used to her family’s atmosphere after so many years.

Seeing that Lin You only ate the food in front of her and worrying that she would not eat enough, Fu Xinran stretched out her own chopsticks and picked up many dishes for her.

The gazes of the two mountains opposite them gradually became icy and sharp. Lin You straightened her body. She was the kind of person who became strong when others were strong. She brought out her own unique aura. She was also someone who had fought and struggled through the army.

There was a pride and aura unique to special forces. This imposing presence was solemn and dignified, carrying unstoppable dominance and sharpness, not inferior to the two mountains opposite her.

Fu Xinyan’s eyelids moved slightly. She picked up her chopsticks and placed food into her own sister’s bowl.

Fu Xinran smiled and thanked her sister, then lowered her head to drink a mouthful of soup. Feeling that the taste was good, she turned to the chef standing nearby. “Uncle He, your skills have improved more and more. You made vegetarian dishes taste like meat. It’s really delicious.”

“As long as Miss likes it,” the fair and plump Uncle He answered with a smile.

Only belatedly did Lin You realize that she had accidentally brought out the style she had developed in the military again. She hurriedly withdrew her aura.

She gave the two mountains a smile and lowered her head, preparing to eat. As long as I don’t look, everything is meaningless. Fu Xinran noticed that the person beside her had relaxed quite a bit and picked up a vegetable meatball for her.

“Thank you,” Lin You thanked her softly.

Fu Xinran patted her hand, stood up, and placed food into the bowls of her old father and deep, serious sister. The oppressive gazes finally disappeared.

Lin You inwardly wiped sweat for herself. This family’s aura was too strong. It was hard on Ranran to have grown up this big and still be especially kind. If it were her, her stomach would probably hurt every day.

Fu Jingye looked at the two people exchanging glances and slammed his bowl onto the table with force. He pushed away his chair. “I’m full.”

Lin You hurriedly stood up. She still did not know what had happened. How had her “old father-in-law” stopped eating already? They had not even been at the table for twenty minutes. Maybe he had spent fifteen of those minutes glaring at her.

“Sit down. Don’t mind him. He never eats dinner at night. Later, Little Sister can go coax the old man,” Fu Xinyan said without lifting her head, telling Lin You to sit. She also raised her chopsticks and picked up Fu Xinran’s favorite food for her.

Fu Xinran nodded. Every time she came home, her dad used the same trick to scare Lin You. The old Lin You never responded, like a wooden stake. This time, Lin You had responded, but her dad was unwilling to accept it and became tsundere.

“Thank you, Sister.” Fu Xinran happily accepted her sister’s feeding.

“Did you stay in the army before?” Fu Xinyan picked up a green vegetable and casually asked Lin You.

Lin You’s body paused. She had been careless just now. Anyone with some insight could distinguish the temperament of someone from the military, let alone someone as sharp-eyed as Fu Xinyan.

“Not really. I thought about joining the army before, but there were too many matters at home, so I never had the chance.” Lin You naturally led the topic back to the original body’s family changes.

Fu Xinyan nodded and did not ask further. She simply told the two of them to eat more.

After they finished eating, Fu Xinran asked Lin You to chat with her elder sister while she carried a tray of porridge and pickles to the upstairs study. The Fu residence was a two-story villa, and the family members were few.

Fu Jingye sat behind a dark red wooden desk, wearing glasses and pretending to read a book. Hearing the sound of the doorknob turning, he snorted.

“Dad, are you hungry? Try the porridge Uncle He made for you.” Fu Xinran carried the tray over and placed it in front of Fu Jingye.

Fu Jingye said, “Hmph. He’s been making it for so many years, and it always tastes the same. What’s there to try? Is that little brat still bullying you?”

Fu Jingye leaned closer and carefully looked his daughter up and down. After not finding anything wrong, he finally felt slightly relieved.

“Back then, I already told you not to marry her, but you insisted on going. You suffered so much and only barely warmed that stone a little. You are the dignified Second Miss of the Fu family. Is there any need to wrong yourself like this?”

Thinking of this, Fu Jingye became angry. He slapped the heavy desk hard.

“Dad, what are you doing? Does it hurt?” Fu Xinran worriedly pulled Fu Jingye’s hand in front of her to look. Only after finding that he was not hurt did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Seeing that his daughter was still his thoughtful little padded jacket, Fu Jingye was barely less angry. He was afraid of scaring his precious daughter and little grandchild.

“Dad, marrying her was my choice. You know that Lin You has always respected me. It’s just… Look at now. Whatever I say, Lin You does. Isn’t a person trained up by my own hand even more thoughtful?”

Fu Xinran hid some past matters. Thinking of how Lin You was gradually becoming better now, no matter the reason, she was willing to try again. If the final result was not what she wanted, then she would have no complaints.

Seeing his daughter still charging headfirst into it, Fu Jingye’s anger became unsettled again. Fu Xinran was his youngest daughter, and even more than that, she was a soft, delicate Omega. She was the little princess he and his eldest daughter had always held in their hands.

Who knew that after she grew up, he could not keep her? Taking advantage of the cooperation between the Lin and Fu families, she had secretly reached an agreement with the former Lin family head and married Lin You.

In the business world, Lin You was a rare young person—bold, responsible, visionary, and capable in every way. She had brought the Lin Group to an even higher level, something even a nouveau riche family like the Fu family could not compare to.

But as a daughter-in-law, she was still a little lacking. Fu Jingye sighed, picked up the porridge in front of him that had almost gone cold, and drank it spoon by spoon. His large, aged hand patted Fu Xinran, telling her to go downstairs and rest.

Lin You sat alone in the living room. Her “old father-in-law” had gone upstairs to sulk in his tsundere way. The busy Fu Xinyan had already driven back to the company to work overtime.

Only Lin You was left sitting there, awkwardly waiting for Fu Xinran. She felt that this was the Fu family’s show of power, having thoroughly ignored her.

Lin You sorrowfully hugged herself. It clearly was not her fault, yet she had to bear it. It was too hard. Once again, she cursed the original body in her heart for not being human. Too dog-like.