Chapter 65: It Seems You Have a Lot to Say

Ruan Li glanced at Ye Ze, who had just walked over, almost forgetting that she had sent him away earlier. What kind of chaotic battlefield was today turning into? She moved a little behind Fu Huaizhou.

After all, these were his connections, so she figured she’d let him handle it.

Ruan Li noticed Ruan Shu approaching, holding onto Ruan Sheng’s arm. She knew another confrontation was imminent, so she quietly suggested, “Why don’t we discuss anything important tonight instead?”

The three men reluctantly agreed.

Ruan Sheng had come specifically to find Fu Huaizhou, as the real power in the Fu family now lay with him, not with Fu Xingchuan.

“Mr. Fu, we’re going to be family soon, so I hope you can look out for us,” Ruan Sheng said with a courteous smile.

Ruan Shu’s gaze fell disdainfully on Ruan Li. She couldn’t understand why this woman shamelessly clung to Fu Huaizhou, relying on Old Madam Fu’s favor.

Ruan Li, noticing Ruan Shu’s hostile glance, couldn’t help but find the whole situation amusing. She directed her attention to the flattering Ruan Sheng and asked with a laugh, “Mr. Ruan, you must be very happy today, right?”

Ruan Sheng’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her, scoffing.

“Mr. Fu, my disobedient goddaughter here, kicked out of the family, has been associating with some rather shady characters. You’ve been far too lenient,” he said with a sneer.

Ruan Li stared at him calmly. “Shady characters? What do you mean?”

“Ruan Li,” Ruan Sheng said coldly, “I’d rather not air all our dirty laundry out of consideration for our past family ties. But honestly, where do you think all that money came from? A young lady should stick to the right path.”

Ruan Shu chimed in from the sidelines, “Yes, sister. If you’re really struggling, you can come back to us. The family won’t abandon you.”

Ruan Li’s laugh was icy. She remembered all too well who had left her drowning in debt right after she had left the Ruan household. Since today was their happiest day, she was determined to make sure they wouldn’t remain so content.

Fu Huaizhou, sensing that Ruan Li wanted to handle this herself, remained silent, his gaze cold as he watched the spectacle unfold.

Ruan Li glanced at his sharp jawline, then coyly wrapped her arms around his neck, playfully swaying. Her voice, intentionally soft and delicate, seemed to make the onlookers shiver.

“Fu Huaizhou They’re saying such awful things about you. It’s making me a bit upset.”

The room fell silent. Many people were watching the scene unfold with wide eyes. When Ruan Li had entered with Fu Huaizhou, their distance had seemed proper. Even the gesture of Fu touching her ear earlier was so subtle it might have been a coincidence.

But now, with Ruan Li holding tightly onto Fu Huaizhou, it was impossible to misinterpret the relationship. Gasps of surprise could be heard among the crowd.

Ruan Shu and Ruan Sheng were both too shocked to say anything. In the silence, Fu Huaizhou wrapped his arm around Ruan Li’s waist, pulling her possessively into his embrace, his gaze as sharp as ever.

“Shady characters?” He repeated in a low voice, “That money came from me. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Mr. Fu… you…” Ruan Sheng stammered, completely blindsided. He had investigated for so long, trying to find out who was supporting Ruan Li, only to discover it was none other than Fu Huaizhou, who had been right under his nose.

In Jing City, no one would have imagined linking the once-disgraced Ruan Li, kicked out and jilted, with Fu Huaizhou, the notoriously aloof bachelor.

Ruan Li leaned into Fu Huaizhou, her gaze playful as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Did you know? If you hadn’t pushed me so hard, I never would have had this opportunity.”

And as if that wasn’t enough, she added more drama with a coy smile, “Fu Huaizhou, if you don’t give me the jewelry I like tonight, I won’t go home with you.”

She pulled away from his embrace, acting every bit the spoiled diva.

Those watching were stunned. Fu Huaizhou was famously known for his cold demeanor, and yet here he was, indulging her every whim. Everyone expected him to lose his patience, but

“Alright,” he said, his eyes softening with amusement. “Point out whatever you want, and I’ll have it delivered to your room.”

“Then, can we go home together?” he asked, pulling her back into his arms, his tone gentle.

Ruan Li was surprised by his cooperation in front of so many people. She glanced at Ruan Sheng, whose face had gone pale. “So, Mr. Ruan,” she said with a smirk, “you won’t get the collaboration you wanted.”

“As long as I have any say in the matter, it won’t happen. Remember that well.”

With those words, she stood, and Fu Huaizhou still didn’t let go of her.

Leaving everyone to exchange puzzled glances, Ruan Shu nearly stumbled. “Dad? How did she manage to get a hold on Fu Huaizhou?”

Ruan Sheng, who had lost all sense of rationality, hadn’t expected Ruan Li to be capable of something so powerful being able to capture the true power-holder of the Fu family. He looked at Ruan Shu beside him.

He thought their marriage alliance had secured them the upper hand, but things had suddenly become more complicated. Without the Fu family’s support, the Ruan family would struggle to survive in the elite circles of Jing City.

“That means you need to bring something more valuable to the table than she has,” he said grimly.

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After the engagement banquet, the atmosphere among a small group was tense.

Ye Ze, visibly distressed, glanced at Ruan Li and Fu Huaizhou sitting together. Fu Huaizhou’s hand rested casually on her waist, his fingers brushing back and forth.

“Third Brother, what do you mean by this?” Ye Ze demanded. “You knew my feelings when you returned from abroad. If you liked her too, fine we could have competed fairly. But why didn’t you tell me?”

For once, Fu Huaizhou looked a bit guilty. He turned to Ruan Li, who had been quietly avoiding eye contact. “She didn’t want it to be public,” he said softly. “It’s only today that I was allowed to make it known.”

Ye Ze was left speechless. After all, Ruan Li was the one who had the final say in this. He glanced at Ye Mian and Shi Xun, who had remained silent throughout.

“You both knew too?” he asked.

“Brother, we only found out by accident,” Ye Mian admitted sheepishly. “We forgot to tell you…”

Shi Xun chimed in, “We really didn’t dare to get involved in Third Brother’s affairs.”

Ruan Li, feeling awkward, tried to ease the tension. “How about you tell me what kind of person you like? I’ll help introduce someone to you.”

Ye Ze gave her a forlorn look. “Someone pretty.”

Ruan Li hesitated. If he wanted someone with inner qualities similar to hers, she might have found someone, but finding someone prettier… that was a tall order.

Fu Huaizhou, noticing her dilemma, found it amusing. He squeezed her waist lightly to help mask her obvious thoughts.

Seeing them so clearly in love, Ye Ze had no choice but to let it go. He resigned himself to drowning his sorrows in alcohol, though not without negotiating a business project from Fu Huaizhou as compensation.

It was only after sending Ye Ze home that the group dispersed. Ruan Li, exhausted from the day’s events, was carried to the car by Fu Huaizhou. She leaned sleepily against his shoulder, murmuring softly.

Once they got back to Yu Garden, Ruan Li immediately flopped onto the large bed, refusing to move.

Fu Huaizhou, barely holding back his own frustration, loosened his tie.

“Are you really just going to use me and then toss me aside?” he asked, his voice low.