Chapter 98: “Mama”

Ruan Li was genuinely curious about what Fu Huaizhou had in mind, but since he had given his word, she felt at ease. After all, whether in the business world or the smallest matters of daily life, Fu Huaizhou had never been one to make empty promises. With him, action always spoke louder than words.

That evening, Ruan Li had an award ceremony to attend. Thanks to her role as Jing Luan, she successfully won the award for Best Supporting Actress. Although Chen Jing had mentioned it was a pity she hadn’t chosen a leading role at the time, Ruan Li didn’t mind. To her, it didn’t matter whether the role was lead or supporting what mattered was doing it well. Besides, the production quality of Jing Luan was excellent. If there was one downside, it was probably the female lead, Ruan Shu.

The production team wisely cut back on the romantic subplot, turning the show almost entirely into a career-driven drama, which made it refreshingly unique.

Ruan Li’s seat was in the middle of the second row. As she sat down, she casually glanced at the back corner of the room where she used to sit, unnoticed by anyone.

Although Fu Huaizhou had provided her with a golden mansion in Yuyuan, he had never interfered in her career choices or the roles she picked. Just as she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed with a video call. It was from Fu Huaizhou. On his lap sat Fu Chengjing, staring expectantly at the camera. His eyes brightened as soon as Ruan Li answered.

“What’s up?” Ruan Li couldn’t help but soften her tone when speaking to little Chengjing, a habit Fu Huaizhou had playfully teased her about saying she only acted bossy when talking to him.

Fu Huaizhou glanced down and gently squeezed the little boy’s chubby arm. Ruan Li found the silent communication between the two of them adorable.

She looked at Chengjing expectantly, hoping he might finally say “Mama,” but the little one just blinked and reached a hesitant hand toward the camera.

“Where are you?” Ruan Li asked, noticing it looked like a lounge. Sometimes when Fu Huaizhou went out with friends in Beijing, he would take Chengjing along. Because of this, his friends often joked about the “business mogul turned doting dad.”

“A business gathering,” Fu Huaizhou replied, glancing down at the toddler on his lap. “Mama’s side is noisy. Do you have anything to say?”

Fu Chengjing withdrew his chubby hand from the screen, glanced up at his icy father, seeming a little dissatisfied, and bared his two tiny new teeth. He squirmed, trying to get off his dad’s lap, only to be gently restrained and placed back.

Ruan Li thought Fu Huaizhou’s tactic of goading Chengjing wouldn’t work, as the little one never seemed to have any strong desires. “Zen mode” was an apt description of his attitude.

Fu Huaizhou looked at the screen and, seeing the announcement was about to start, softened his voice. “You can hang up now.”

Ruan Li nodded, exchanged a comforting look with Chengjing, and put her phone away.

The ceremony was as dull as ever, and she forced herself to stay alert until the end, clapping enthusiastically for the other awardees. When it was her turn, Ruan Li was well-prepared with her acceptance speech.

The host couldn’t resist getting a bit gossipy. “The public seems quite interested in your private life, Miss Ruan. Can you share if any family members are here with you tonight?”

Because the award ceremony was live, it was accompanied by real-time comments

“This question is usually for couples who are both in the industry. Why ask Ruan Li? So awkward…”

“Of course, they’re not here. She probably married into a wealthy family for the kid. I don’t believe there’s much love there, or else why avoid family-themed reality shows?”

“Mind your own business. If you’re curious about her family life, look up the interviews yourself.”

Ruan Li smiled politely. The question was too simple to trip her up. She had initially prepared for a question about her character.

“No, he’s not here,” she said with a smile. “There’s a little one at home who can’t be left alone, so Mr. Fu is on full-time dad duty tonight.”

The host was taken aback. “It’s rare to hear of someone like Mr. Fu as a full-time dad. Usually, it’s the dads who are busy with work.”

Ruan Li felt a bit impatient, but since it was her award night, she didn’t want to spoil the mood. “Well, I’m quite busy with work too. Otherwise, where would this trophy come from? Thank you, everyone.”

She picked up her dress and walked off stage. The host, slightly flustered, quickly moved on to the next segment.

As the ceremony neared its end, there was still an after party to attend. Ruan Li went backstage to change her dress and quickly checked her phone. Unsurprisingly, she was trending already. Some said she was trying to save face, while others felt she was just stating facts many were too scared to admit. She ignored it all there was no point in getting worked up when it wasn’t clear if those comments were even from real people or bots.

After changing into another outfit, she got ready to head to the banquet hall. Chen Jing helped straighten the hem of her dress while advising her on the best poses for photos. A few luxury brands had sponsored the event, so many attendees were eager to make an impression.

On the second floor of the banquet hall, Fu Huaizhou held Fu Chengjing’s hand. The little one’s chubby fingers pointed downstairs, where a woman in an elegant gown stood out amidst the crowd. With a gentle smile, she was gracefully declining a proffered drink.

“Want to go down?” Fu Huaizhou asked softly.

The little boy’s eyes brightened, and he nodded eagerly.

Ruan Li, unaware of what was happening, continued her conversation. Instead of carrying Chengjing, Fu Huaizhou held his hand as they descended. The tiny figure looked somewhat pitiful among the elegantly dressed adults.

Fu Chengjing clung to his dad’s leg, not daring to step forward on his own. He let out a few anxious grunts, but in the noisy crowd, they went unheard, and Ruan Li didn’t turn around.

He tugged on his father’s clothes, staring up at him with pleading eyes. But Fu Huaizhou, understanding his son’s intent, remained unmoved. “Call her yourself. I won’t help you.”

The little boy stopped making anxious sounds, his tiny shoes stepping onto his dad’s polished leather ones in frustration.

“Fu Chengjing,” Fu Huaizhou’s tone was stern. “This is your problem. Don’t take your frustration out on others. It’s not allowed with me, and certainly not with your mom.”

Fu Huaizhou saw the boy’s face scrunch up in silent rebellion before calming down. It was as if he was asserting he’d never throw a tantrum at his mother. He fixed his gaze on Ruan Li, cheeks puffed out with determination.

Ruan Li was still chatting when a soft, somewhat indignant voice reached her ears. She turned and saw a tiny figure, dressed in light blue overalls, face red with effort. The moment she looked, his eyes went wide.

His voice grew louder, the childish indignation making it all the more endearing.

“Mama!”