Chapter 12: Xia Wanwan Feels Even More Sour

Mu Ruo seldom wore traditional Chinese-style clothing, and she had rarely worn a qipao before.

But her figure and temperament suited the qipao perfectly.

The qipao was made from a delicate, smooth fabric, shimmering with understated luxury, like a pool of autumn water gently rippling in the breeze. The meticulously embroidered gold peony pattern was intricate yet not chaotic, grand and noble, matching her restrained yet elegant demeanor.

The high-neck design accentuated her long, graceful neck, while the intricate frog closures on the diagonal placket were like pearls embedded in the fabric, exuding an air of classic elegance.

The qipao clung to her curves, outlining her graceful figure. The waist was cinched just right, perfectly highlighting her slender waist, while the hem flared slightly, revealing glimpses of her delicate, snowy-white legs as she walked. The effect was both modest and captivating.

Mu Ruo had gathered her long hair up, secured with an emerald hairpin, with a few loose strands falling at her fair neck, adding a touch of laziness and charm.

Although she wasn’t wearing makeup, her features were still stunning. Under her gently arched willow-leaf brows, her almond-shaped eyes sparkled, their gaze capable of captivating anyone.

Mu Ruo said, “There are no cosmetics here, so I might need to go back home.”

She had only washed her face with water earlier, without applying foundation or lipstick.

But the original Mu Ruo was naturally beautiful, and with her usual meticulous skincare, her skin remained flawless and snow-white even without makeup.

It was just a bit too pale, lacking in warmth.

“No need, it’s just right now.”

Fu Jianzhi knew that if Mu Ruo went back to put on makeup, it might end up being too conspicuous.

“It’s almost time now. Let’s go to the restaurant for breakfast.”

The hotel restaurant was on the top floor, and the breakfast was always lavish.

To maintain her appearance and avoid any recurrence of her stomach problems, Mu Ruo only had a glass of milk and a sandwich in front of her.

Even less than Fu Jianzhi’s meal.

Fu Jianzhi raised an eyebrow, seemingly recalling something, and smiled slightly. “No appetite today?”

“Hmm.” Mu Ruo took a sip of milk. “You know, I never have much of an appetite. I usually eat very little.”

“Mu Ruo? What are you doing here?”

Lu Beichen came for breakfast with Xia Wanwan and spotted Mu Ruo immediately.

The reason was simple: Mu Ruo’s presence was too striking.

Mu Ruo looked back.

Fu Jianzhi followed her gaze.

At this point, Fu Jianzhi had not yet met Lu Beichen.

However, he knew Lu Beichen’s name and was aware that he was Mu Ruo’s object of affection.

This was precisely why Fu Jianzhi had married Mu Ruo in the first place.

Mu Ruo’s heart tightened.

She couldn’t let Fu Jianzhi know that she currently had no interest in Lu Beichen.

If Fu Jianzhi realized that she didn’t like Lu Beichen, he might not only doubt her sincerity but might also question whether she might develop feelings for him.

Men like Fu Jianzhi are most bothered by women who cling to them.

Mu Ruo’s qipao today was stunning, and as she sat there, almost everyone’s gaze naturally shifted toward her.

Lu Beichen was also dazzled. He felt a vague sense of anticipation mixed with some irritation. “Are you… waiting for me here on purpose?”

Xia Wanwan, being a woman, first noticed the man sitting opposite Mu Ruo.

The man opposite Mu Ruo had an appearance and aura that were hard to ignore. Xia Wanwan had originally thought Lu Beichen was the best among men, but after seeing Fu Jianzhi, she realized that Lu Beichen couldn’t be compared to him at all.

Fu Jianzhi’s voice was indifferent. “Ruo Ruo, who are these two?”

It was only then that Lu Beichen saw Fu Jianzhi.

The moment Lu Beichen laid eyes on Fu Jianzhi, his sense of vigilance immediately surged. He felt that this man was extraordinary and had a significant presence.

Lu Beichen introduced himself, “I’m Lu Beichen, a friend of Mu Ruo’s. This is my girlfriend, Xia Wanwan.”

“Lu Beichen,” Fu Jianzhi repeated the name, his eyes darkening slightly. “I’m Fu Jianzhi, Mu Ruo’s husband.”

Lu Beichen was stunned.

This young man was actually Fu Jianzhi?

He had heard that Fu Jianzhi had dominated the business world for years, creating an empire that was hard to imagine.

Previously, Lu Beichen had thought Fu Jianzhi was the type of wealthy, oily old man with a beer belly.

He never expected him to be so… handsome and young.

Sitting with Mu Ruo, there was a certain sense of a perfect couple.

Xia Wanwan had also heard of Fu Jianzhi. People said Mu Ruo’s husband was a billionaire and a major figure who could transform Cheng City.

She had previously thought that Mu Ruo was vain and married an old and unattractive man for money.

Seeing that Mu Ruo’s husband was so handsome and wealthier than Lu Beichen, Xia Wanwan felt an unexpected pang of jealousy.

She had believed that by mimicking Mu Ruo and stealing the man she liked, she had obtained the best of everything.

It was surprising to find that Mu Ruo had something even better.

Xia Wanwan’s eyes inadvertently swept over Mu Ruo’s clothes and jewelry.

The jade bracelet on Mu Ruo’s wrist was a clear, rich green, making her wrist look both delicate and lustrous, captivating to the eye.

The necklace of emeralds and diamonds around her neck was not only not gaudy but also exuded an understated opulence that grew more impressive the longer one looked.

Xia Wanwan quickly spoke up, “Mr. Fu, it’s an honor to meet you! We’ve all heard of you. We were surprised to learn that you married Mu Ruo because you’re such an outstanding man, and we thought Mu Ruo didn’t deserve you.”

Mu Ruo: “…”

True to her innocent and sweet persona, Xia Wanwan’s words were flattering, clearly aiming to please the powerful man.

Fu Jianzhi responded, “Mu Ruo is a good girl. If anyone is not deserving, it’s me who doesn’t deserve her.”

Xia Wanwan’s envy deepened.

Xia Wanwan now felt that Fu Jianzhi was more graceful and considerate of women’s feelings than Lu Beichen.

When people suggested that Xia Wanwan was not a match for Lu Beichen, he never refuted it.

Xia Wanwan enviously looked at Mu Ruo and asked, “Mu Ruo, your clothes and jewelry are so beautiful. Did Mr. Fu buy them for you? Where did he get them?”

Fu Jianzhi immediately noticed that Xia Wanwan’s outfit was identical to the one Mu Ruo wore yesterday.

He replied, “Custom-made, only one set.”

Xia Wanwan looked embarrassed. She had wanted to hint that Lu Beichen should buy her a similar set, but now it seemed impossible.

Lu Beichen’s expression had darkened from the beginning.

He noticed that Mu Ruo’s attention had not been on him at all.

Moreover, Mu Ruo’s high-neck qipao completely concealed her front, making him wonder what had happened between Mu Ruo and Fu Jianzhi at the hotel last night.