Rebirth from the Ashes

Feeling out of place, Shen Xi proceeded into the study.

Fu Handing gave a detailed account of the blurry images in his head to the siblings.

The flashbacks brought him back to when he was trapped in a wooden cabin that was on fire. Amid the blaze, he saw a blurry figure disappear out of sight.

It sparked a deadly look from Fu Qingli. Feeling the fire within him burn, Fu Qingli clenched his fists tightly. "Dad, please work with Xixi and go for another round of hypnotherapy."

The matter should not be put on hold anymore. Since Dad was starting to show signs of recovery, it would be best if he could get his memory back once and for all in case any issues come up down the road.

The mastermind had to be caught as soon as possible. Otherwise, it would remain a sword hanging over the family's head. The next shot in the dark might be lethal to the family.

"Sure." Fu Handing first turned down Fu Qingxuan's suggestion to get another doctor for hypnotherapy because it might put the family in jeopardy if anyone were to find out about his memories.

Nevertheless, it was a different story with Xixi as she was his daughter. Who else in the world could he trust if not her?

Shen Xi nodded in agreement.

She did perform hypnotherapy on Dad before but to no avail. The memory Dad had lost was sealed away so deeply that hypnosis was unsuccessful.

It was a big question mark whether they would get any results this time.

Shen Xi put Fu Handing into a trance.

Fu Qingli watched from the side.

The same result as the last, the therapy was for naught.

Fu Handing had only recovered a blurry part of his memory and not a recollection more.

Shen Xi sighed deeply as a sense of helplessness overwhelmed her. Despite trying her hand at everything, nothing seemed to work.

After coming around, Fu Handing looked at Shen Xi and Fu Qingli. "Did I remember anything?"

He knew nothing more than before he went into hypnotherapy. He only hoped that he had unconsciously given them useful information during the time Xixi lulled him to sleep.

Shen Xi shook her head. "Dad, don't rush it. I'm sure you'll remember more now that you're starting to get an inkling. It's a back and forth process to regain your memory."

Fu Handing was beating himself up and it showed in his eyes. Why could he not remember? The person behind it all had not given up and was still out for him and his family's blood.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

Fu Qingxuan said, "Dad, Qingli, Great-uncle and family are here."

Fu Qingli went over. "Got it. We'll be out in a minute."

He then turned around to explain the situation regarding the newly arrived guests to Shen Xi and Fu Handing. Well, mainly to Shen Xi.

The Great-uncle was Fu Handing's paternal uncle and probably the most senior member of the Fu family. Great-uncle's family was also the closest in blood to the Fu family.

During previous New Year's Eves, the extended families would always bring along younger members of the family here for a visit.

In recent years, Fu Qingli had cleared all the rotten worms who threw their weight around in the name of the Fu family and refused to leave the family business. Of course, it had invoked a lot of complaints in return, but those who could remain were assets to the company.

Most of Great-uncle's family members kept their seats in the Fu family's company. Many of them were high-ranking officers with a say in administration.

It was impossible for Fu Qingli to take on the huge family business on his own after all. He needed strong aids on his side, and his great-uncle's family – an uncle with two cousins – was his right-hand men.

Fu Qingli's uncle, Fu Hannian, stepped in during his toughest moment. Among the voices of objection, Fu Hannian firmly took his side and gave him the biggest support. Fu Qingli had since returned the kindness with respect.

The two families often kept in touch and remained close.

Now that Shen Xi had a vague idea, she was to carry herself with social graces as the youngsters would toward the elders, but the family was not too fussy about it.

In the living room, Shangguan Yanqiu, Fu Qingxuan, together with just homebound Fu Qingye and Fu Junqiu were chatting with Great-uncle's family.

Fu Qingli and Fu Handing walked side-by-side with Shen Xi like her protectors.

"This must be Xixi." Great-uncle was in his sixties, but he seemed to be in the pink of health. With a friendly smile, he beckoned at Shen Xi. "Come here and let me look at you. I wanted to visit you sooner, but your parents said they'd be dropping by at my place with you for the New Year. Well, I'm not the kind to wait."

The old man may be grumbling, but his tone reflected no reproach. Instead, it was filled with concern and affection.

Shen Xi sweetly greeted him with a smile. "How do you do, Great-uncle?"

"Good. Good." Smiling from ear to ear, Great-uncle took out a sandalwood box and gave it to her. "This is my gift to you, just a little something."

"Thank you, Great-uncle." Shen Xi took the gift and expressed her thanks.

Great-uncle was beaming and taking to Shen Xi the more he looked at her. The Fu family was blessed with more boys than girls. Junqiu was the only girl in her age group while Xixi was the only girl in her generation.

It was not a big family for Great-uncle either, with only him and his two sons, Fu Hannian and Fu Hanji.

Fu Hannian was in his forties and older than Fu Hanji. He looks a little plump with a friendly smile and generally gave a good vibe.

On the other hand, Fu Hanji was a good-looking man who took care of his figure despite his age. Although detached in character, he was nice. It was just that Fu Hanji was not as well-spoken as Fu Hannian.

"Great-uncle, why didn't you bring your whole family here? We can spend the New Year together. Imagine the lively scene." Shangguan Yanqiu said with a smile.

"We have a huge family and kids running around. The noise would be overwhelming." Great-uncle chuckled. "I heard Xixi's parents are here too. Rooms aside, it's too much of a hassle for you if all of us were to come."

"It's no trouble at all. What's a few extra pairs of chopsticks and rooms between us?" Shangguan Yanqiu grinned.

"Honestly speaking, I wouldn't have come before you swing by my place if I could wait to meet my new granddaughter here." Great-uncle made himself at home.

"Xixi is studying in China. Otherwise, I'd have brought her to visit you sooner," Fu Handing replied.

"It's quite all right. We're a family, so don't be a stranger." Great-uncle gave a friendly glare at him.

Fu Handing and Shangguan Yanqiu chatted with Great-uncle.

Fu Qingli and the rest enjoyed a conversation with the two uncles.

Fu Hannian appeared fond of Shen Xi as he kept on talking to her on every subject.

Shen Xi answered all his questions with a grin, having the feeling that the man was overly nice. Call it a woman's sixth sense, but she got the impression that he was wearing a friendly mask, and underneath the mask might lie a menacing face.