Fortune Across the World

Chapter 106: Unveiling the True Face

Ding Qiyu's invention of the rice sorting machine allowed Fu Ruqing's "Wang Sui" to minimize losses during the rice blight disaster. Due to establishments like Jin Yao Tower's high demand for rice without blight, Wang Sui even gained some major clients, making other grain merchants envious.

Wang Sui's greatest competitor was "Fufeng," under the management of Fu Ruqing's father. While Wang Sui thrived amidst the storm, Fufeng faced significant setbacks. On this day, Ding Qiyu, serving as a "little sidekick," accompanied Fu Ruqing in Ningxin Hall for business dealings. Suddenly, a servant announced, "Young lady, the head of the family is here."

Fu Ruqing paused momentarily before responding, "Hmm." She had already guessed her father's intention.

The hall doors opened, and a middle-aged man entered. Tall and slender, he wore a dark robe with subtle gold embroidery, a beautiful jade pendant at his waist. His temples showed streaks of white, yet his features were refined and his eyes sharp, a testament to his once-dashing youth.

Fu Ruqing watched him enter Ningxin Hall, neither greeting nor speaking, simply observing silently. Ding Qiyu couldn't discern her emotions.

The man was Fu Ruqing's father, the head of the Fu family, Fu Sheng. Accustomed to Ruqing's demeanor, he glanced at the attendants, Yinsuo and Ding Qiyu, and spoke first, "Ruqing, how have you been lately?"

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Fu Ruqing's lips, "Thank you for your concern, Father. I'm fine." Seeing he wished to speak further, she abruptly cut in, "If you have something to say, Father, please speak directly. There's no need for irrelevant matters."

Her words stung Fu Sheng, leaving him frustrated with no outlet. Sighing, he asked, "How did Wang Sui manage to avoid the effects of the rice blight?" He partly came to inquire about Wang Sui but also to see his daughter. As he aged, he felt increasingly helpless and lonely. Despite being family, they had become business rivals and strangers. The chasm between them pained him, and he longed to restore their father-daughter bond.

So, it was for this... A hint of self-mockery flashed in Fu Ruqing's eyes, "Merchants prioritize profit over sentiment, a lesson—" She paused, continuing, "Taught by you, Father. While Wang Sui and our competitors vie in business, even as father and daughter, please forgive me, Father, for having nothing to divulge." Her cool voice seemed to waver.

"Ruqing... must you speak to your father this way after all these years?" Fu Sheng frowned deeply, taking a few steps closer, realizing his daughter had grown into a fine young woman.

Fu Ruqing didn't respond or look at her father, yet the image of his graying temples lingered in her mind, haunting her. She clenched her sleeve, unable to shake the image.

Fu Sheng felt a pang of heartache, sighing again, "Ruqing has grown up. Your business is thriving." He forced a smile, telling her, "You've done well. Your father is getting old."

Still, Fu Ruqing remained silent, though she alone knew how her father's words affected her. Years of practice in concealing emotions left no trace on her features.

After a moment of silence, Fu Sheng hesitated several times before saying, "Then I won't disturb your work any longer. I'm leaving."

Fu Ruqing nodded slightly, fearing any sound would betray her emotions.

When Fu Sheng left Ningxin Hall, silence reigned.