Chapter 52: What Did You Put On? Smells So Good

“Jie, what are you thinking about?”

Ruan Li was zoning out on set when her assistant suddenly asked her.

Normally, during breaks, Ruan Li would be reading scripts or shopping online, but today, she was lost in thought.

“After filming wraps up today, I’m heading back to the hotel,” Ruan Li said, planning her schedule.

Ever since Fu Huaizhou told her yesterday morning that the Fu family was hosting a dinner tonight and specifically requested her presence, she hadn’t been able to relax.

Not to mention, after breaking off her engagement with Fu Xingchuan, she no longer had any ties to the Fu family or the Ruan family. She hadn’t seen them in a while, and just thinking about her current relationship with Fu Huaizhou made her feel uneasy.

Since it was an evening banquet, Ruan Li could only head back to the hotel to change after work. After all, it was a welcome banquet for Old Madam Fu, so she needed to take it seriously.

The only headache was the gift. She hadn’t gotten the message earlier, and now it was impossible to come up with anything unique on such short notice.

She thought about a set of green jade jewelry she still had, which would suit the old madam well.

Back at the hotel, Ruan Li began removing her makeup. Chen Jing had already gathered her team of makeup artists nearby. Ruan Li was just about to call Fu Huaizhou to ask him to bring the set of jewelry from Yuyuan when he picked her up.

But before she could make the call, she noticed a long wooden box on her vanity.

“What’s this?” Ruan Li assumed it was something Chen Jing had brought over.

Chen Jing was just as puzzled. “It was already there when I came in. I thought it was yours. It doesn’t look like something ordinary, so I didn’t dare open it.”

Ruan Li examined the intricate patterns on the wooden box. The only person who could enter her hotel room so casually was Fu Huaizhou. Yesterday afternoon, before leaving for the office, he insisted on getting a room key.

At the time, she thought it made sense, as her work hours were unpredictable, and it would be inconvenient if he had to wait, so she gave him one.

“Did President Fu send it?” Chen Jing asked while selecting an outfit for her.

Ruan Li nodded and opened the box.

Inside was a painting. Others might not recognize the signature, but she did. It was by one of Old Madam Fu’s favorite artists, someone she had spent years collecting works from. Ruan Li wondered where Fu Huaizhou had managed to find this.

There was also a square box containing tea leaves, though Ruan Li didn’t know much about tea.

“Da Hong Pao! This is rare there are hardly any of those original tea trees left. I can’t believe I’m seeing this!” The makeup artist exclaimed, clearly impressed, having done styling for wealthy families before.

Ruan Li carefully put the items away. Given that Fu Huaizhou had already provided such thoughtful gifts, her jewelry seemed unnecessary, so she decided not to fetch it.

“Our President Fu is so meticulous. Who said he’s the cold-faced Yama?” Chen Jing teased.

Ruan Li mumbled softly, “He is, just go work at Fu Corporation and you’ll see.”

“Oh, come on.” Chen Jing held up a dress for her to choose from. “Don’t think I don’t know what you were up to yesterday. Your phone was on silent all morning. It seems your… ahem… life is going well?”

The mention of phones reminded Ruan Li of the mix-up from yesterday, and she quickly changed the subject. “Not this dress, I’ll wear a qipao today.”

Old Madam Fu always preferred traditional styles. She didn’t like overly extravagant or flashy designs, so every time Ruan Li visited her, she would dress accordingly.

When Ruan Li left the hotel, Fu Huaizhou’s car was already parked outside. Seeing that it wasn’t early, she didn’t linger.

Fu Huaizhou sat inside, watching as she approached. She wore a pale indigo qipao, and since the evening was chilly, she draped a light beige shawl over her shoulders. Her dark hair was partially pinned up with a jade hairpin, adorned with pearls, with a strand of hair left flowing down one side.

Assistant Qin helped open the door for her, and Ruan Li got into the car, noticing Fu Huaizhou still staring at her.

“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”

Fu Huaizhou slowly shook his head. Normally, she embraced her bold beauty, her striking looks leaving a strong impression. But today, her makeup was softer, more understated, giving her a gentle, classic charm, with eyes like spring water and a serene elegance in every glance and smile.

She hugged the wooden box in her arms. “The gift is perfect. I’ll just pass it off as mine.”

“It was meant for you from the start.”

Who better to understand the preferences of the elderly than Fu Huaizhou? Ruan Li hadn’t expected him to be so thoughtful, clearly trying to help her leave a good impression.

“Why did you come personally? You could’ve just sent a driver.” Ruan Li asked. Although Old Madam Fu had requested that he pick her up, it felt a bit too formal for him to come himself.

“It’s on the way,” Fu Huaizhou said calmly.

Ruan Li thought for a moment about the locations of Fu Corporation, her hotel, and the Fu family estate. It was far from convenient, but she didn’t bother pointing that out.

As the car pulled up to the Fu family’s mansion, Ruan Li couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. This was her first time at the Fu estate since breaking off her engagement with Fu Xingchuan, and it was also the first time she was stepping back into the public eye after cutting ties with the Ruan family.

“The Ruan family will be there too,” Fu Huaizhou said, glancing at her.

Ruan Li paused for a moment before responding indifferently, “It’d be strange if they weren’t.”

Knowing someone like Ruan Cheng, as long as the Fu family didn’t put up a literal sign saying, “No dogs or the Ruan family allowed,” he would shamelessly show up.

She was internally mocking him when she suddenly felt Fu Huaizhou’s hand on hers, his thumb gently stroking her fingers, tickling her skin.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Ruan Li bit her lip, her gaze showing a trace of uncertainty. Coupled with her makeup today, it gave her a fragile, delicate look that tugged at one’s heartstrings.

Fu Huaizhou glanced at the distance outside the car. Seeing they hadn’t yet reached the main hall, he leaned closer, slipping his arm around her shoulders and breathing in her scent by her neck. “What did you put on? Smells good.”

“My clothes are scented with some spices Old Madam Fu likes,” Ruan Li said, feeling tickled by his breath.

Fu Huaizhou’s fingers absentmindedly played with her jade hairpin as he spoke in a soft voice, “I like it too.”

As his features came closer, brushing against her earlobe and nearing her lips

She quickly raised her hand, pressing it against his lips, her palm feeling the heat.

“?” Fu Huaizhou raised an eyebrow at her.

Ruan Li pointed at her lips, her voice soft. “I just did my makeup. Can’t ruin my lipstick.”

Fu Huaizhou’s gaze deepened, lingering on her rosy lips. Her lips were full and slightly pouted when she spoke. He sighed lightly, his fingers gently pinching her earlobe. “Still nervous?”

Ruan Li was already so flustered by him that she almost forgot what they were about to do. She shook her head slightly.

The tension between them was palpable, the atmosphere thick with unspoken feelings.

Suddenly, a knock on the window broke the moment. A figure stood by the car.

“Uncle, are you getting out?”