TYSUF – Chapter 46 A Dragon in Shallow Waters (1)

That morning, the very first thing she saw upon waking was Fu Tongwen.

It was almost as if he had planned it—choosing a seat facing her, one leg crossed leisurely over the other as he sat in a leather chair, peeling salted pine nuts with elegant fingers. The nuts had clearly been pre-cracked by the servants with pliers, making them especially easy to peel.

The curtains hung to one side, gently swayed outward by the morning breeze.

It was a brilliant March day. On the desk lay a small pile of empty shells, and Fu Tongwen was casually snacking on pine nuts. His shirt collar lay open, and soft music crackled faintly from the vinyl record player. He’d peel one, pop it in, the shell held gently between his teeth before his tongue flicked the kernel inside his mouth—humming a line from a traditional opera that only he could hear.

Even something as simple as eating pine nuts, he made look like a painting of a noble gentleman.

Only, this gentleman wasn’t holding tea, but coffee. And he wasn’t wearing a changpao, but a shirt and tailored trousers.

Shen Xi lay with her head on her arm, watching him from afar, completely entranced.

“Awake?” He smiled and clapped his hands clean of the pine nut bits.

She gave a soft “mm” and buried her face into the blanket. “Aren’t you going to sleep a bit?”

She wished deeply that this were decades later—that their hair had turned white, that they had already spent half a lifetime together.

Fu Tongwen picked up the white porcelain coffee cup and took a small sip. “I was waiting to take our Miss Shen to the hospital, but seeing how late you’ve slept, I guess that’s no longer necessary.”

Of course it wasn’t necessary.

“I took three days off,” she said happily.

“Oh?” He smiled. “Even better—saves me the trouble of waiting outside the hospital again.”

Shen Xi hugged the quilt and closed her eyes. This was his pillow and his blanket—his scent all over.

In the haze of half-sleep, she heard him moving. The bed dipped slightly.

“Are you going back home to pack your things, or just buying new ones directly?” he asked in a low voice.

“Pack my things?” She opened her eyes.

“Third Brother can’t bear to sleep apart from you anymore. Even if I’m not sleeping, I still want to watch you sleeping in my bed,” he said. “Let’s make it official today. You’re moving in.”

“…But I’ve rented my place till next year.”

“No matter. Let it stay rented. As long as you come over.”

Shen Xi silently calculated things in her head and said nothing.

He simply concluded, “It’s settled then. Third Brother will send a car to pick you up.”

She quickly freshened up and went downstairs for brunch.

Fu Tongwen, in high spirits, personally toasted bread for her. It came out a little burnt.

Shen Xi spread peanut butter over it, took small bites, then sipped his brewed coffee. Suddenly remembering something, she said, “I need to use your phone later.”

“Calling the hospital?” he asked, seated beside her.

She shook her head and smiled. It was a surprise—a secret.

Since she didn’t want to say, he didn’t ask. He escorted her to a downstairs room and gently closed the door for her. Half a minute later, Shen Xi emerged and, glancing at the grandfather clock, said, “Let’s leave in an hour.”

He didn’t question her at all. “Wen An, have the driver wait outside the alley in half an hour.”

“Let’s walk,” Shen Xi interrupted. “The weather’s so nice.”

“Alright, we’ll walk.”

He was fulfilling her every request, making up for the lack of a proper courtship in the past.

An hour later, Wen An brought Shen Xi’s coat.

Fu Tongwen felt the fabric and said, “It’s a bit warm today, no need to wear this. I’ll carry it for you. We’ll need to bring over some lighter clothes later.” Shen Xi didn’t reply yet when Wen An chimed in, “I’ll organize the wardrobe right away. The pillows should come in pairs—I’ll get that sorted too.”

Tan Qingxiang, still upstairs, spoke out without showing herself: “There’s a lot to prepare. Miss Shen is moving in—girls need many things. Wen An, come up, I’ll write you a list. You can buy Peide’s things at the same time and put it all under Third Master’s tab.”

The two chimed in perfectly, determined to tease her until her face turned red.

Thinking about it, this was actually the first time Shen Xi and Fu Tongwen had gone out together publicly.

He ordered someone to follow them from a distance, not to appear—highlighting even more how they strolled side by side. The neighbors were the same as always, cooking and doing chores. Under the flower trellis, Mrs. Zhu was picking scallions, stripping off the dry, muddy outer skins, breaking off the roots, and tossing them into an aluminum basin.

When she looked up and saw Shen Xi, she smiled instantly: “Miss Shen.”

“Mrs. Zhu.” Shen Xi returned the smile.

Fu Tongwen walked beside her, Shen Xi’s coat draped over his arm, a perfect gentleman on a date. When Mrs. Zhu glanced his way, he nodded and smiled in greeting.

“This is…” Shen Xi wasn’t as thick-skinned as Fu Tongwen. She couldn’t just claim they were engaged without actually being so. She stammered, “Mr. Fu, he’s… my boyfriend.”

Mrs. Zhu smiled, nodding, staring at Fu Tongwen intently. Her husband worked at the bank, and she’d seen people of high status before. Just one look and she could tell—this Mr. Fu was someone extraordinary. With this kind of attire, that kind of bearing, surely he had a grand residence in Shanghai. But why was he staying here… Could it be that Miss Shen was really just a kept woman, without official status?

Fu Tongwen added, “We’re planning to get engaged—next month.”

Shen Xi hadn’t expected him to disclose such a thing to a stranger. She lowered her head, fiddling with her hair, flustered.

“That’s wonderful, congratulations,” Mrs. Zhu quickly said, silently scolding herself for overthinking. “Mr. Fu is a lucky man. Miss Shen is such a rare and kind-hearted person. I’m sure you didn’t know—during the national relief fundraising, she donated quite a large sum.”

Fu Tongwen smiled.

He actually did know. Back at the Fu residence, Shen Xi had told him every little thing.

But hearing someone else praise her, he was delighted all the same.

Afraid he might say even more, Shen Xi hurried him along.

Only when they reached the mouth of the alley did she whisper, “Why do you keep telling people we’re getting engaged?”

He switched the coat to his other arm. “I’ve been living here for a few days now, and you’ve been coming and going late and early. Anyone can tell we’re living together,” he said with a grin. “This isn’t New York—here, even a date requires family chaperones for girls of status, let alone…”

He lowered his voice, “…having a physical relationship.”

Shen Xi elbowed him. “That’s your fault.”

Fu Tongwen chuckled. “In this place, sleeping together means ‘messy seafood soup’—immoral and scandalous. It’s not as simple as you think. So Miss Shen can only get engaged to me. There’s no other way.”

“What if I refuse?” she muttered.

“Then I’ll court you a bit longer,” he said softly. “If Third Brother were only thirty, it’d be proper to chase after you for years. But now I can’t wait anymore. Our dear Shen Xi is so young—if Mr. Duan, or some Mr. Du or Mr. Wang comes along, Third Brother wouldn’t survive it.”

He added with a laugh, “Third Brother has a weak heart—can’t handle jealousy.”

Shen Xi knew full well he was just teasing, but still, she couldn’t help but laugh. “What time is it now?”

Fu Tongwen pulled out his pocket watch—the same old one as always. He was a man deeply sentimental about the past. “Two o’clock,” he said.

“Then we’re running late.”

Just then, a tram pulled up.

Afraid they wouldn’t make it in time, Shen Xi led him onto the tram. “Let’s take this.”

At this hour, there weren’t many people on board, and their ride wouldn’t be long. Shen Xi looked for a single seat, but just as she was about to sit, Fu Tongwen stopped her and pulled her over to a row of seats by the window.

“We’ll be there in ten minutes.”

He smiled. “People in love should sit together. Otherwise, what’s the point of even dating?”

He was in a great mood. He draped her coat over the railing in front of them, stretched out his arm, and placed it around her shoulders. His eyes watched the shops lining the street. Reflected in them was the bustling French Concession. Such a beautiful city, such a wonderful home, yet it bore the word “concession”… The thought turned the scenery bitter.

From the moment they got on, Fu Tongwen noticed the tram wasn’t going in the right direction. When they got off, they were standing in front of a sizable Western restaurant. He was a little suspicious, but didn’t ask.

“You told them not to come in, right?” Shen Xi asked softly.

Fu Tongwen gestured to the seven people behind them to stay outside.

The two entered through the wooden revolving door. Frosted glass kept out the sunlight and the noise.

Inside, it was lively and bright.

Shen Xi had made a reservation in advance. The private rooms were all taken, so they had to settle for a table by the window—two long rows of leather seats with a long table in between. It could seat at least eight people.

Just as they reached their table, before Fu Tongwen could even set down his coat, a trembling voice behind him called out, “Third Master…” It was a woman’s voice, unfamiliar.

He turned around. Half a step behind him was Shen Xi, and further back, four people approached.

Two men, two women. He thought for a moment and recognized one of the faces.

“Dou Wanfen?” He smiled. “Did I get the name right?”

“Yes—yes,” Wanfen’s eyes welled with tears. Choked up and flustered, she hesitated between the old-style greeting and offering a handshake. In the end, she clasped her own hands and bowed lightly to him. “I never imagined I’d see Third Master again. This kind of greeting still feels most fitting.”

Fu Tongwen smiled and looked at the others. “Wang Qifang, Wei Jun?”

The named man and woman both nodded, their eyes red.

Only one person was unfamiliar to him.

“This is my husband,” Wanfen said, holding the man’s arm. “He’s with me at Ta Kung Pao. When he heard Third Master was in town, he wanted to come along. I brought him without asking permission. If you don’t wish to see him, he’ll leave immediately.”

“That wouldn’t be very polite. It’s just afternoon tea,” Fu Tongwen gestured to the seats. “Come, let’s all sit.”

Shen Xi sat close beside him. They exchanged a smile.

This was Shen Xi’s surprise for him.

A year ago, on a whim, she had written to Chen Linguan, who was then studying for his Ph.D. in the U.S., hoping to stay in touch and obtain cutting-edge medical insights for the hospital. Chen had written back sarcastically, calling her a utilitarian who only remembered their past study sessions when she needed something. But at the end of the letter, he added that, jokes aside, he appreciated the support she had given him, which allowed him to complete his doctorate ahead of schedule.

Chen Linguan’s reply not only repaired their friendship but also brought news of Wanfen.

Many of the patriotic youths Fu Tongwen had once supported had gradually returned to the country, filtering into all walks of life. Wanfen, always sociable and lively, had maintained connections with many of them.

So after making the reservation, Shen Xi informed Wanfen of Fu Tongwen’s presence in Shanghai. Wanfen, swift and efficient, informed everyone and gathered them here to reunite with their “Third Master.”

Fu Tongwen ushered everyone in, taking the outermost seat on the long bench beside Shen Xi.

Once seated, Wanfen noticed there was something unusual between Fu Tongwen and Shen Xi—a feeling only someone with similar experience could sense. She subtly tapped Shen Xi’s foot with her high heel and whispered, “You and Third Master? You ended up together after all?”

“Ended up”—the wording was delicate.

Shen Xi hesitated, then whispered back, “We’ll talk later. I didn’t tell you before for a reason.”

She remembered everything Fu Tongwen had warned her about. Other than Duan Menghe, who figured it out himself, she hadn’t mentioned anyone else to him.

Wanfen nodded with a smile.

Her husband called over a waiter and received the menu.

“You folks who’ve studied abroad—this place suits you for afternoon tea.” He handed the menu to Wanfen with a smile.

“I’ll have cake and coffee. What about you all?” Wanfen asked warmly.

Everyone deferred to her to place the order.

Shen Xi and the other two girls huddled together over the menu. Just then, three more men arrived. When they saw Fu Tongwen, they grew emotional and called him “Third Master.” He rarely had the chance to see so many old friends. Smiling, he went to each one and gave them hearty hugs.

Today, there was no sharp, influential businessman Third Master Fu—only the young master of the Fu family who had once supported countless students.

He was content, seeing everyone’s happy faces. They all chatted eagerly, each trying to prove they hadn’t let down his expectations or his support.

“What about Gu Yiren?” Shen Xi asked, glancing out the window.

Gu Yiren had returned to Shanghai the previous year but remained elusive—even Shen Xi hadn’t seen him.

The sky had darkened. If he didn’t show soon, he might get caught in a storm.

“He said he was coming,” Wanfen looked uneasy, “I wanted him here, but I’m also afraid of what might happen. Since returning, he’s been with the southern government…”

So he was involved in revolutionary work.

Shen Xi wondered if Wanfen’s comment hinted at Fu Tongwen’s reputation among the public.

Raindrops splattered against the window—a sudden downpour.

“Is someone else coming?” Fu Tongwen asked with a smile. “Gu Yiren?”

“Yes, he said he would,” Wanfen replied.

Then she brightened and waved toward the revolving door. “Gu Yiren!”

In walked a man soaked by the rain. His short hair dripped, and his suit jacket was drenched. A waiter handed him a white towel. He thanked him, then looked over—indeed, it was Gu Yiren. The once passionate and impulsive youth was now calm and composed.

Gu Yiren approached the table, nodded at two familiar faces, and sat down. There was no emotional reunion, no tears, no overwhelming joy. Toward Fu Tongwen, he was especially distant.

“You’re late—order for yourself,” Wanfen joked.

“No need,” he replied.

She smiled. “Then will you just sit there watching us eat?”

“Hunan is still at war. There’s a civil conflict going on. I can’t eat, thinking about that. You all go ahead.”

The atmosphere chilled instantly.

Gu Yiren sat on the bench across from Fu Tongwen—both on the outer ends, directly facing each other. He removed his glasses and wiped off the rain with his shirt.

The once warm gathering now felt like a dead pond, ruined by his cold demeanor.

Only Fu Tongwen remained unfazed. He picked up his coffee, took a small sip, and asked with a smile, “When did you return?”

“Around this time last year,” Gu Yiren said.

Fu nodded. “It’s good you’re back. You should’ve let me know.”

Gu Yiren put his glasses back on and stayed silent.

Suddenly, Shen Xi felt warmth on her thigh—it was Fu Tongwen’s left hand.

Confused, she turned to him. He leaned over and whispered, “I forgot my money. Go ask someone outside to bring it in to pay.”

But she remembered seeing him put his wallet into his inner suit pocket earlier. Did he forget?

“You—” she started.

He met her gaze, still smiling—but something was off in that smile.

Out of the corner of her eye, Shen Xi noticed two young men seated nearby. The waiter was handing them menus, speaking to them in English, but they clearly didn’t understand much, fumbling their replies.

That made them stand out.

Could Gu Yiren have brought outsiders?

A chill ran through Shen Xi.

Fu Tongwen gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Go.”

Gu Yiren sat right across from him. If anything were to happen, no one could stop it—not even the seven guards outside. It would be too late.

Fu Tongwen wanted her out—to avoid her being implicated. Whether it was kidnapping or assassination, it would be a huge mess.

Shen Xi immediately shook her head and smiled. “It’s raining heavily. No rush to pay—we can wait.”

He was silent for a few seconds, then said quietly, “You’re not even listening to your Third Brother now?”

She smiled playfully. “Nope. Not today.”

Their brief exchange was unusually intimate. Everyone noticed something more than friendship between them.

“Yiren,” Shen Xi suddenly turned to him. “Third Master and I are getting engaged next month.”

“Really?” Wanfen gasped. “Oh, congratulations!”

Everyone smiled and congratulated them.

Gu Yiren froze. “You and Fu Tongwen?”

“Give me your address, and I’ll send an invitation,” Shen Xi said. “When we parted, you were drunk. We didn’t even say goodbye… I’ve missed you all these years.”

Her eyes grew red.

She wasn’t just smoothing things over—she truly wanted him to soften, to hesitate, not to act rashly.

But somehow, she felt like crying.

“I asked Third Master to leave everyone outside, and he didn’t question it. The world’s in chaos, but he didn’t suspect anyone,” tears fell without warning onto her hand. She looked down, smiling as if to hide it. “He sees you all as his younger brothers and sisters. Even if you haven’t been in touch, he remembers every one of you. He’s never asked for anything in return. In the Fu family residence, he kept every letter we wrote. Had the servants bundle them up—”

She choked, then continued, “You think he’s eloquent and persuasive, but actually, he’s the worst at defending himself. You didn’t see how happy he was to see you all today…”

The heavily guarded Fu Tongwen—that wasn’t the life he wanted.

Here, without that armor, he was his truest self. But the more he let down his guard, the more vulnerable he became.

Shen Xi covered her face with her hands, tears streaming down. “Yiren, please… don’t break his heart again…”