Chapter 21: Fu Yanli’s Promise

Released on January 16, 2026

There was an old saying: When mom goes quiet, she’s definitely up to no good.

Over the course of thirty long years, Fu Yanli had amassed plenty of experience clashing wits with Shen Lingyi.

From the phone call she’d abruptly ended the night before—and the total radio silence all day—it seemed like his mother was brewing something massive.

Fu Yanli was like a cat that refused to sheath its claws, always needing to seize control of any situation.

His work here had wrapped up early, so he’d booked a flight for that very afternoon.

He hadn’t told a soul, driving straight to the manor.

By the time the family bodyguards spotted Fu Yanli’s sudden return and reported it to Shen Boheng, his car was already pulling up in front of the main residence.

And so, Fu Yanli caught sight of a little boy whose features bore a striking resemblance to his own—along with Jiang Shunnian, the man who’d vanished for four years and whose identity he’d only recently confirmed.

Jiang Shunnian’s looks and aura matched the photos perfectly: stunningly clear and pure, like a pristine mountain spring. He was the very embodiment of every hazy phantom Fu Yanli had replayed endlessly in his mind over those four years.

Nono had been playing puzzles with Fu Shizhang when this towering one-meter-nine-inch-tall man strode in—handsome, commanding, radiating an overwhelming presence. The boy jumped in fright.

But Nono, having already seen the photos, quickly recognized him. This was his big dad, Fu Yanli.

Nono scrambled to his feet, standing tall and craning his neck to meet Fu Yanli’s gaze. He wasn’t sure if he should greet him first—Big Dad’s expression looked so serious.

Does he dislike me? The little one’s hands fidgeted unconsciously, twisting together. He felt a bit nervous.

Jiang Shunnian, who’d been sitting on the sofa chatting with Shen Lingyi, shot to his feet in shock too.

Fu Yanli’s premonition had come true. His mother had indeed sprung a massive “surprise” on him.

He felt a surge of absurdity. His mother already knew he’d given up the search—why had she suddenly brought Jiang Shunnian and his son home?

And it was so late; clearly, they were staying overnight.

“Mom, I need an explanation.” Fu Yanli turned to Shen Lingyi, who was beaming with amusement, his voice grave.

Shen Lingyi nearly burst out laughing at her son’s stunned expression. Ever since Yanli had grown up, he’d become less fun to tease. Seeing him hold back like this now? It lifted her spirits more than landing a major jewelry deal.

“You were away on business, so your dad and I didn’t tell you.” Shen Lingyi first roped in her husband to share the blame, then lobbed the issue back at Fu Yanli. “You’d already figured out it was Shunnian—why wouldn’t you even glance at Nono? The moment you did, you’d see how much he looks like you, with those signature Fu family eyes.”

She drove the knife home: “Because you dropped the ball, your dad and I are only just meeting our grandson now. And you have the nerve to demand an explanation?”

Fu Yanli: “……”

He found her words utterly baffling. This kid in front of him was his child? What kind of joke was that?

He’d always kept himself pure, only ever sleeping with Jiang Shunnian. How could he possibly have a kid?

But Shen Boheng was already handing over the paternity test report. Fu Yanli took it, glanced down—and froze.

Jiang Yunnuo really was his son?

Fu Yanli knew his mother’s personality. She might stir up trouble now and then, but she’d never joke about something like this. So, he chose to believe it.

But how had the child been born?

Even after four years, Fu Yanli still remembered that night crystal clear. Jiang Shunnian had been purely male, inside and out.

Fu Yanli’s brows furrowed slightly. But when he spotted Jiang Shunnian and Jiang Yunnuo—big and small—both nervously fidgeting their hands in sync, all his questions melted into a belated surge of joy.

Jiang Shunnian was the man he’d chased for four years. Now, not only was he standing right there, hale and whole, but he’d even brought Fu Yanli a child.

Who could possibly be luckier than him?

The chill in his eyes thawed. Fu Yanli turned to the anxious Nono, walked over, and dropped to one knee—still towering over the boy, but without the earlier intimidation.

“Hello, Nono. I’m Fu Yanli. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to meet you.”

Fu Yanli extended his hand toward Nono.

Up close, Nono could see Fu Yanli’s features even clearer. Those ink-black eyes flecked with swirling gold gave him an instant sense of belonging.

Nono reached out his little hand and shook—very politely: “Hello, Big Dad. I’m Nono. It’s okay, I don’t blame you.”

Nono’s hand was so tiny it could only grasp one of Fu Yanli’s fingers. But the moment that soft, chubby little palm touched him, Fu Yanli’s long-dormant heart trembled.

This is my child. Mine and Jiang Shunnian’s.

The brows and eyes like his own; the nose and mouth like Jiang Shunnian’s.

He began to regret it. If he’d just looked at Jiang Yunnuo back then, would he have recognized him sooner? Brought them home earlier?

It was his fault—too rigid, too bound by propriety, too inflexible.

The big and little hands shook solemnly. Nearby, Jiang Shunnian quietly exhaled the breath he’d been holding. Good—Fu Yanli was willing to accept Nono.

Shen Lingyi watched the scene with a smile, feeling like life was now perfect.

Lacking any experience with kids, even Fu Yanli didn’t know how to talk to Nono. After a beat of silence, he asked, “Have you started school yet?”

Nono shook his head blankly. “Not yet, but Daddy’s looking at schools.”

“What do you want to study?”

Nono thought for a moment, then shook his head again. “I don’t know.”

Nono drooped his head in frustration. I’m so dumb. I’m already three, and I still don’t know what I want to learn.

Will Big Dad think I’m a dumb kid?

Fu Shizhang couldn’t stand it anymore. He scooped Nono up and scolded Fu Yanli: “What’s wrong with you? Nono’s only three! Come on, Nono—we’re not playing with your Big Dad anymore. Let’s go back to the puzzles.”

Fu Yanli: “……”

At three, he had already been enrolled in countless classes. Why hadn’t his own father said he was too young?

He’d asked out of memories from his own early childhood—but clearly, he’d gotten it wrong.

Shen Lingyi decided Fu Yanli’s emotional intelligence was miles behind a three-year-old Nono’s. She cut in: “Have you eaten?”

Fu Yanli shook his head. “No, but I’m not hungry.”

Food was the last thing on his mind now.

The man he’d searched for four years was right here, bearing such an enormous surprise. He needed to talk to Jiang Shunnian.

“Shunnian, let’s talk?”

Jiang Shunnian grew uneasy. What did Fu Yanli want to discuss? Was he going to grill him on career plans too? He didn’t have any grand plans—he wasn’t as disciplined as Nono.

“Okay, sure.” Jiang Shunnian’s nerves made him stutter a little.

Fu Yanli’s tone and expression weren’t harsh, but his innate aura was overwhelming—especially at nearly two meters tall. It was intimidating without trying.

Fu Yanli led Jiang Shunnian outside.

The July night breeze was gentle, carrying hints of floral perfume. The sky stretched like black velvet, studded with twinkling stars.

They had a child together now, but they’d only met once before. They hadn’t even known each other’s names until recently.

Jiang Shunnian had no idea what to say, so he kept quiet, waiting for Fu Yanli to speak first.

“I’m sorry about that night.” Fu Yanli glanced sideways at the young man walking beside him, head bowed. Moonlight veiled the emotions in his eyes, his voice low and pleasant—though the words nearly made Jiang Shunnian collapse. “I didn’t prepare properly. I even fell asleep. I should have at least gone out to buy you some medicine… or helped you clean up.”

Jiang Shunnian: “……”

He vaguely understood the frustration Shen Lingyi must have felt dealing with Fu Yanli’s perfectionism. OCD really was exhausting.

Surely Fu Yanli hadn’t spent the last four years regretting not wiping him down afterward?

Thank goodness he had some sense and didn’t offer to “make up for it” now.

Better to take the reins himself. Jiang Shunnian cleared his throat and blurted, “I already told Auntie today—Nono was born full-term, six pounds six ounces. I have no idea how I even got pregnant. Auntie thinks it might be your issue and said you should get checked at the hospital.”

“Okay, I’ll book an appointment for tomorrow.” Fu Yanli agreed without hesitation, then asked, “Pregnancy must have been tough. I’m sorry—Mom was right. It was my failing.”

“You don’t need to keep apologizing. That you accept Nono is all I could ever wish for.” Jiang Shunnian thought Fu Yanli was being too polite. He’d been the one to bolt at dawn; he’d chosen to have Nono. Fu Yanli bore no blame.

Fu Yanli weighed his words carefully before replying: “I was shocked at first—Mom didn’t drop a single hint. But Nono looks just like us. Holding his hand earlier… there was this instinctive love. I want him safe and healthy forever. I’m truly thrilled you brought Nono to the Fu family. From now on, I’ll be a good father—protect him with everything I have, nurture his growth.”

The words hit Jiang Shunnian right in the heart. Thinking of Qin Huan’s sudden appearance days ago, he couldn’t wait another second. “Then let me ask: What’s your relationship with the Qin Group? If I asked you to destroy them—could you do it?”

As long as the Qin Group existed, he’d never feel at ease. Hell, even better if Qin Huan dropped dead!

The sudden intensity and topic shift furrowed Fu Yanli’s brow, derailing the conversation. But he caught the raw hatred in Jiang Shunnian’s voice and had a vague inkling.

The Qin Group was booming, especially after linking up with the Qi family—poised to dominate. The Fu family held its own, but toppling a juggernaut like that? Tricky.

Not impossible, though. It would take time. His mind raced through calculations: starting now, at least five years to lay the groundwork.

Such fierce hatred from Jiang Shunnian meant something had happened. Linking it to his past disappearance from the industry and Qin Guanyue’s notorious appetites, Fu Yanli pieced it together: the Qins had forced him out.

But something felt off—like Jiang Shunnian was holding back something crucial.

Fu Yanli wouldn’t press. He’d find out eventually.

The Qins operated like they were draining the pond to catch every fish, swallowing every opportunity—bad for the whole industry. They were already a target.

The Fu family had steered clear of dealings with them, biding their time. But if the Qins kept rampaging, the Fus could get caught in the crossfire.

Whatever the reason, he’d grant Jiang Shunnian’s wish.

Jiang Shunnian couldn’t spill the future plot he knew: Nono getting brutally tormented by Qin Huan, forced into a HE ending. This world was a logic-free old-school abuse novel, and he’d die early too.

It sounded insane—no one would buy it; they’d think he was nuts.

He’d blurted it out in the heat of the moment. Now, seeing Fu Yanli go silent, he realized it was too much—they’d only just reunited. He opened his mouth to backtrack when Fu Yanli’s solemn promise rang out: “Shunnian, I can do it.”