Zhou Sui’s frustration spiked again.

She sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Ji Fanling with a complicated expression.

The girl was wearing a black, semi-turtleneck wool sweater that accentuated her slim waist, with her exposed neck pale and cool, like delicate porcelain.

How long had she stayed at Fu Yingcheng’s place? Just two months, right?

Two months ago, when Ji Fanling had rushed to the pediatric ward late at night to find her, she had been as unkempt as ever. Perhaps it was true that clothes make the person. Now, even sitting cross-legged in this shabby rental, she somehow exuded a faint, incongruous air of elegance.

Suppressing her doubts, Zhou Sui chatted with her about things to keep in mind when sharing a rental. Partway through, she slipped in a question: “By the way, since you moved out, did Fu Yingcheng say anything about it?”

At the mention of this, Ji Fanling’s expression darkened a bit. “He said, ‘Since you’ve already found a place, why didn’t you move out last night?’”

Zhou Sui: “…”

Ji Fanling continued, “And with a tone full of disdain, he told me to take every single thing I’ve used with me.”

Zhou Sui: “…”

Ji Fanling tugged at the corner of her lips. “I only delayed it by one night, and he already looked so annoyed this morning.”

Zhou Sui: “…”

Ji Fanling leaned back against the pillow, her voice lowering. “Doesn’t matter. We won’t see each other again anyway.”

Zhou Sui hesitated, words on the tip of her tongue.

She thought back to the past, when Cheng Jiali had just started pursuing Ji Fanling. He would always wait for her at the back door of their classroom, chasing after her to talk.

One evening after self-study, Ji Fanling suddenly said to Zhou Sui, “Don’t walk home with me anymore.”

Zhou Sui: “Why?”

Ji Fanling: “Because you talk too much. It’s annoying.”

Zhou Sui didn’t believe those were Ji Fanling’s true feelings, so she insisted on following her. This only provoked Ji Fanling, who grabbed her by the collar, pulling her close, and pointed out the window. Lowering her voice, she gritted her teeth. “Can’t you see that guy outside?”

Zhou Sui looked out into the dimly lit hallway, where a boy was leaning casually against the railing with a grin. “You mean Cheng Jiali?”

“He’s been following me for days. No idea when he’s planning to make his move.”

Ji Fanling pushed her away and said coldly, “If you’re looking for a beating, then go ahead and follow me.”

Zhou Sui froze in place. “………”

He wasn’t trying to beat you up.

He was clearly trying to court you!

Later, Zhou Sui gradually began to understand.

Her tablemate, with her cold face and sharp tongue, was like a stray wildcat, raised in a world steeped in danger and cruelty. She had become hypersensitive to every little movement, always on high alert for survival.

Because closeness had always brought her pain, she had grown accustomed to treating every hand extended toward her as one poised to strike.

As a result, even if someone loved her, as long as that love was not spoken aloud, she would never understand it.

Ji Fanling was just that kind of person.

…

Incredibly sensitive to malice.

Yet utterly oblivious to kindness.

Outside the door of the rental apartment.

The sound of the toilet flushing rumbled from the bathroom.

Zhou Sui snapped out of her thoughts, turned to look at the door, and frowned slightly. Before she could speak, Ji Fanling had already moved to the edge of the bed. “Let’s go. Nothing worth looking at.”

“Go where?”

“Zhao’s Skewers. My treat,” Ji Fanling said as she bent down to put on her shoes.

Zhou Sui responded with an “oh” and casually glanced at Ji Fanling’s phone lying next to her.

If she wasn’t mistaken…

It was the latest model released just two months ago.

…

Zhou Sui had an inexplicable feeling.

Somehow, she couldn’t shake the sense that Fu Yingcheng wasn’t someone who would let go so easily.

*

At the headquarters of Jiuzhou Group, in the conference room.

It was an international online meeting, with senior executives from the European project team on the screen. The conference room was otherwise empty, save for Fu Yingcheng and his assistant secretary.

On the screen, Han Wentao was delivering a summary report: “The revised export product catalog is the result of three rounds of on-site market research conducted by our project team, taking into account market demand, strategic planning, and the company’s positioning…”

“Comprehensive consideration? Looks to me like you were only focused on cutting products.”

The light from the projector reflected off Fu Yingcheng’s silver-rimmed glasses, casting a sharp, cold sheen.

After a few seconds of delay, Han Wentao hurriedly explained, “We’ve also added several products, including chemical immunoassay analyzers, vascular imaging systems, and oncology radiotherapy equipment…”

“There’s no need to recite what’s already on the catalog,” Fu Yingcheng interrupted coldly. “Do you think I can’t read?”

“…Yes, sir.”

“This export product catalog you’ve put together…” Fu Yingcheng flipped through it impatiently before tossing it onto the table with a loud thud.

“To anyone unaware, they might think Jiuzhou is a subsidiary of Siemens.”

The people on the screen panicked immediately.

“That’s not true!”

“Mr. Fu, you’ve misunderstood!”

Han Wentao’s face turned red as he stammered, “The results from the field surveys and market potential analysis show that…”

“So, you just copied the product lineup of their local medical companies?” Fu Yingcheng sneered coldly.

Cold sweat poured down Han Wentao’s back as he frantically clicked through his presentation, flipping to data charts. “Because 73.62% of European consumers’ preferences fall under…”

“Whatever they want, you just give it to them? What do you think you’re running, a McDonald’s?”

The man lifted his eyelids slightly, his tone curling faintly at the end, carrying a hint of mocking amusement.

It was the kind of pressure that didn’t require raised voices or harsh words—just a few slow, deliberate remarks, and an overwhelming sense of dominance poured through the screen like a torrential downpour.

Han Wentao froze mid-motion, unable to utter a single word.

Though Mr. Fu was always known for his decisive and ruthless demeanor,

Today, he seemed particularly…

Harsh.

Fu Yingcheng reopened the product catalog on the table and rubbed his temples. “Compared to the publication catalog drafted with Liu Chengming, the items removed are either traditional Chinese medicine or domestically developed equipment. It seems you’ve been abroad so long you’ve forgotten which country you’re from.”

“Healthcare consumers aren’t just consumers, they’re also patients. In the medical field, you need to lead the market, not trail behind it.”

“Redo it.”

Fu Yingcheng tossed the catalog aside and stood up, leaving his seat.

“—If you can do it, then do it. If not, I’ll find someone else who can.”

On the other side of the screen, everyone stood up immediately.

Han Wentao lowered his head, and said with a hoarse voice. “…Understood.”

…

The meeting ended, and the lights in the conference room brightened.

Assistant Gao turned off the projector screen and clicked his tongue. “Wow! Manager Han really got roasted. Mr. Fu basically told him to go sell chicken nuggets!”

“Chicken nuggets are from KFC.”

Wendy, dressed in a business suit, gathered the documents on the table. “Mr. Fu meant McNuggets from McDonald’s.”

“…”

Assistant Gao gave her an indescribable look. “Only someone as nitpicky as you could make it as Mr. Fu’s secretary.”

“Mr. Fu has his reasons for losing his temper.” 

Wendy said calmly as she tapped the papers on the table to straighten them, then hugged them to her chest. “You can tell just from the company’s English name, he’s not just a businessman focused on profits and markets.”

Because of Fu Yingcheng’s insistence, Jiuzhou Medical Group’s English name retained the pinyin “Jiuzhou,” even keeping the character “Jiu,” which was notoriously difficult for foreigners to pronounce.

“But doesn’t he only call you by your English name?”

Assistant Gao raised an eyebrow. “It’s been five years, and I still don’t know your real name. Don’t tell me your last name is Wen and your first name is Di?”

Wendy’s high heels paused noticeably for a moment before she walked out of the conference room without looking back, her high ponytail swaying behind her. “If you’re so curious, go ask Mr. Fu yourself.”

Assistant Gao grimaced behind her.

With the low-pressure aura Mr. Fu had today, who would dare say even half a word to him!

Thinking back to last month, they had enjoyed a brief period of bliss when Mr. Fu clocked out punctually at five every afternoon, leaving the whole company in a state of harmony and joy.

Now, looking back, it felt like a lifetime ago.

What happened?

…

Had the Bodhisattva who shielded them left?

*

As the sun set in the west, the motorcycle came to a dramatic stop at the entrance of the street-side food stall, its rear wheel kicking up a cloud of dust.

The man removed his helmet, glanced around, and, not finding the person he wanted to see, casually approached a server. With his fox-like eyes curved in a soft smile, he asked gently, “Excuse me, is your boss here?”

Huang Lili’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Yes, yes, he’s in the back. I’ll take you to him.”

After thanking her, Cheng Jiali strode after her.

To be honest, ever since he watched Ji Fanling get into that Cullinan last time, his interest in pursuing her had waned.

She wouldn’t listen to his songs, wouldn’t accept his gifts of gold, and was completely unresponsive to any advances.

There shouldn’t be a girl this hard to pursue in the entire world.

But on second thought, the owner of that Cullinan couldn’t possibly be her boyfriend.

Otherwise, even if he gave her just a tiny bit of resources, there’s no way she’d be working as a waitress.

The week Cheng Jiali went to perform at the Ice and Snow Music Festival, he briefly let go of thoughts about her. Instead, he exchanged WeChat contacts with a few tall and charismatic female vocalists and keyboardists. After their performances, they’d gather for meals, drink, and have a great time.

One night, the drummer, drunk and hanging on Cheng Jiali’s neck, slurred in his ear, “You’re always talking about your first love. What does she even look like? Show me!”

“No photos,” Cheng Jiali replied with a laugh. “It’s been so many years, who can remember clearly? It’s more of a feeling, you know.”

Just like that little waitress.

The red-edged, black apron, the bangs covering her eyes, and those lightly pursed lips.

Her slow, deliberate way of speaking, always accompanied by words that cut straight to the heart.

And those perpetually cold, indifferent eyes.

Just… 

Full of attitude.

Seeing her made Cheng Jiali feel as though he had grown younger, transported back to that unforgettable, glorious era of his youth.

…

Boss Zhao came out, eyeing the young man in front of him with curiosity. “Looking for me?”

Cheng Jiali smiled. “I’m here to discuss some business with you.”

“What kind of business?”

“Do you know the Ice and Snow Music Festival? My band was invited to perform there, and we released an album last year. I wanted to ask if we could do a roadshow here.”

“What’s a roadshow?”

“It’s where we perform here at your place, for free. Our fans will all come; we just need to borrow your venue.”

Boss Zhao’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “Oh, oh, oh, that sounds great! I loved music back when I was young.”

Cheng Jiali took out his phone. “We’ll even promote it on Weibo.”

Seeing the band’s 200,000 followers, Boss Zhao’s eyes lit up. With a wave of his hand, he said, “That’s fantastic! I’ll set up a canopy for you, so all these… uh, music fans can enjoy it to their heart’s content!”

“But there’ll definitely be a lot of people coming, so you’d better have all your staff on duty that day… By the way, can I take a look at your employee roster?”

How could Boss Zhao refuse? He quickly brought out the roster and employee records. Cheng Jiali pretended to flip through them casually until he came across Ji Fanling’s profile. His eyes caught on her photo at first glance.

In the picture, she looked fair-skinned and well-behaved.

Like a little kid.

Cheng Jiali suppressed a smile. “This young lady is quite pretty. Make sure she’s here that day…” His words suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

His pupils narrowed slightly.

His heartbeat grew louder and faster, like a frantic drumbeat.

In bold black and white, under the name section of the résumé, three words were clearly written:

—”Ji Fanling.”

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Author’s Note:

There’s no way our stubborn guy can tolerate leaving her to live outside. Very soon, he’ll have a late-night meltdown, drop the act, and drag his wife back home.

He’s coming for her in the next chapter, and it’s already uploaded!

Today’s a double update, and the reason for it is explained in the author’s note in the next chapter.

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