Chapter 55: Litchi, Focus

“Why are you staying here instead of going back to Yuyuan?” The old lady initially thought he was joking, but now realized he was serious.

Fu Huaizhou replied coldly, “Yuyuan is being renovated.”

Ruan Li tried to find any sign of guilt or embarrassment on his face, but to her disappointment, there was none. She had only left Yuyuan a few days ago, and there was no renovation. He really was lying without hesitation.

“Your childhood room is still vacant,” the old lady said, too tired to argue after a long day of events. She pulled Ruan Li’s hand and led her upstairs, the two of them chatting like family.

“I’ll show you some things I brought back from abroad, there are many pieces of jewelry perfect for your age.”

…

In the living room, a few people exchanged glances. Fu Xingchuan came over to comfort Fu Huaizhou, “Uncle, you’ll get used to it. Grandma favors Ruan Li more than anyone in the family.”

Fu Huaizhou glanced at the girl Fu Xingchuan was supporting and frowned, “Where are your parents?”

“They said since Grandpa and Grandma are back, it’s their turn to go on vacation. Anyway, you’re here,” Fu Xingchuan replied. “Oh, and Uncle Fu Jun said that Fu Yu will come over tomorrow.”

Fu Yu was Fu Jun’s seven year old son.

“I’ll take her upstairs now, Uncle.”

Fu Huaizhou nodded slightly, thinking that his elder brother’s laissez faire attitude was why the kids turned out so naive, missing even the most obvious signs.

Late at night, Ruan Li came out of the old lady’s room. The old lady had insisted she drink some soup, and though Ruan Li feared gaining weight, she didn’t have the heart to refuse, and now her mouth felt a bit dry.

She walked to the stairs, deciding to go downstairs to get some water since she knew the layout of the Fu residence well.

Only a dim light remained in the living room, casting soft shadows. She reached the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a bottle of water, but just as she was about to twist the cap, she saw someone coming down the stairs. He was dressed in a black bathrobe, the collar slightly loose.

“Drinking cold water at night?” Fu Huaizhou approached and glanced at the bottle in her hand.

Ruan Li felt the awkwardness of being caught, stammering, “Hot water doesn’t quench thirst.”

Before she could finish, he handed her a glass of room temperature water. Under his silent gaze, she reluctantly put down the cold bottle. It was midsummer, after all. Drinking cold water was perfectly normal.

Getting older really makes people care about their health too much, she thought.

“Not going to sleep yet?” Fu Huaizhou asked, standing close by, looking down at her.

“I was just about to. I was in the old lady’s room and got thirsty.”

The air fell silent. Ruan Li, still in her daytime qipao, glanced at his bathrobe and felt the situation was inappropriate. If anyone saw them, it would be hard to explain.

“I’m going upstairs now,” she said hurriedly, putting down her glass and turning to leave the kitchen.

She had barely taken two steps when she was suddenly lifted into the air. Ruan Li almost let out a scream but quickly covered her mouth, remembering where she was—in the Fu household.

“Put me down,” she whispered, frowning at the man carrying her.

Fu Huaizhou continued walking toward the stairs without stopping. “I was just about to sleep too.”

Their rooms were on the same floor, both in the main area of the Fu house. As he carried her toward her room, she tried to reason with him, “If anyone sees us, you should go back to your own room.”

Just as she finished speaking, she saw a servant standing in the hallway. Her heart nearly stopped. Although it was futile, she quickly buried her face in Fu Huaizhou’s chest.

Fu Huaizhou glanced at the servant and said quietly, “You didn’t see anything.”

The servant, startled by the scene, hurriedly nodded, “Yes, sir.”

Once they were in her room, Fu Huaizhou didn’t go near the bed. Instead, he pressed her up against the door.

“This is the Fu family’s house. Don’t do anything inappropriate,” she warned.

His large hand rested on her waist, lightly stroking. “My room hasn’t been used in a long time. I’ll sleep here for the night.”

“There are so many empty rooms, why mine?” Ruan Li didn’t believe his excuse and pushed at his wandering hand. “Can’t you behave for one night?”

Amused by her cautious demeanor, Fu Huaizhou chuckled. “I’m being serious.”

He glanced down at her in the qipao, which accentuated her graceful figure, her movements elegant even when she walked. His knee pressed between her legs.

“I haven’t showered yet…” she said, trying to find an excuse. “I smell like alcohol after tonight’s banquet.”

“Then shower now.”

Before she could argue, he picked her up by the waist and carried her to the bathroom.

With slow and deliberate movements, he began unbuttoning her qipao one clasp at a time, revealing her pale skin underneath.

Ruan Li had thought he might do something in the bathroom, but instead, he simply helped her bathe. After drying her off with a towel, he didn’t let her put anything on, tucking her straight into bed.

Just when she thought Fu Huaizhou was showing restraint and was about to relax, he grabbed her by the ankles and pulled her toward him.

“What are you looking for?” Fu Huaizhou asked, noticing her searching gaze.

Ruan Li was quiet for a moment. “An excuse.”

…

Her words made him chuckle softly. He bent down and lowered his head toward the bed.

“Fu Huaizhou…” Ruan Li was startled, letting out a scream.

Ten minutes later, she lay completely exhausted on the bed, her body limp like water. Standing by the bedside, Fu Huaizhou’s glasses were splashed with droplets, his lips glistening.

“Litchi?” Fu Huaizhou teasingly imitated the old lady’s affectionate way of calling her.

Ruan Li kicked at him with her foot. “Pervert, don’t call me that.”

Because there were no precautions prepared in the old house, Fu Huaizhou lifted the blanket and climbed into bed, pulling her soft, delicate hand into his.

“Then what should I call you?”

“Don’t sleep here,” Ruan Li’s eyes were slightly red, her face flushed with lingering warmth. “Tomorrow, people will talk.”

Fu Huaizhou held her close and reassured her in a warm voice, “Don’t worry, tomorrow no one will care about you and me.”

“What do you mean?” Ruan Li looked up at him in confusion.

Fu Huaizhou didn’t explain, only tightening his grip slightly.

Just as Ruan Li was about to ask again, his lips moved to fall on hers. She quickly turned her head away, remembering what had just happened, and he ended up kissing her collarbone instead.

Seeing her reluctance, Fu Huaizhou sighed softly. “Litchi, focus.”