Chapter 12: No Tenderness for the Fragile

After Liang Meiqi placed her order, Mao Quanan collected the menu and loudly told the waiter, “The order is done, bring the food.”

Out of everyone in the private room, only Lin Ran’s opinion wasn’t asked.

Liang Meiqi blinked at Lin Ran, surprised to see that Lin Ran showed no signs of disappointment or anger.

For a moment, Liang Meiqi was taken aback, but as soon as Fu Xingjian entered, her hesitation disappeared.

She stood up, her voice sweet, “President Fu~”

Fu Xingjian nodded at her, then took off his coat and handed it to the waiter. He loosened his tie and cuffs before sitting down. His movements were smooth and graceful, making it a pleasing sight. Liang Meiqi, sitting beside him, couldn’t take her eyes off him.

Lin Ran, sipping her tea, also greeted him with a symbolic “President Fu” when he arrived.

Soon, various dishes and drinks were brought to the table.

Zhou Xu, representing Xinruan, tried to toast Fu Xingjian, but he was politely refused.

“Everyone drove here today, so it’s not suitable to drink alcohol. Tea will substitute the wine.”

Liang Meiqi gasped and softly praised, “President Fu is so thoughtful.”

Fu Xingjian either didn’t hear her or simply ignored her, as he made no response. Everyone else was busy pouring tea or serving drinks, leaving Liang Meiqi feeling embarrassed.

Normally, toasts were between big players, and the subordinates didn’t need to be involved. Once everyone had eaten and drunk, that was enough. However, Liang Meiqi was eager to flirt with Fu Xingjian. After thinking for a while, she decided to take the initiative.

As soon as Zhou Xu sat down, she stood up, holding a cup of tea and offering it to Fu Xingjian. Her long lashes fluttered as she said, “President Fu, I’ll toast you with a cup.” She finished the tea in one go, her face flushed with shyness.

She thought Fu Xingjian, like most men, would have no resistance to sweet girls. However, her assumptions were shattered.

Fu Xingjian glanced up and scanned her from head to toe. His gaze was cold, and he didn’t say a word.

Yet, his silence was more intimidating than any words could have been, his presence overpowering. The effect of his unspoken words was more striking than any harsh comment.

Liang Meiqi, startled by his icy demeanor, instinctively took a step back and then flustered, saying, “I’ll go to the restroom,” before quickly exiting.

Lin Ran noticed and silently followed her out.

When she found Liang Meiqi in the restroom, the girl was crying uncontrollably.

“Already upset?” Lin Ran handed her a handkerchief.

Liang Meiqi wiped her tears, sniffling, “He’s too harsh, he doesn’t have any tenderness.”

Lin Ran sneered, “He’s not just lacking tenderness, he’s downright cruel to people he doesn’t like.”

“Is being ignored so painful?” Lin Ran thought to herself. She used to be the one who couldn’t even raise her head in front of the entire school.

“You think rich people are brainless? They’re all sharp-minded, and they’ve seen through your little act long ago.”

“Huh?” Liang Meiqi paused, her eyes red, resembling a distressed rabbit.

“Then Fu Xingjian… he did it on purpose?” She bit her lip, a hint of unwillingness in her eyes.

Lin Ran replied, “Whether it was intentional or not, I don’t know, but he definitely understood what you were implying.”

Liang Meiqi angrily crumpled the tissue in her hand, “But why would he do that? Does he enjoy seeing me embarrassed?”

Lin Ran rolled her eyes internally. Do you think you’re someone important? Fu Xingjian doesn’t have time to amuse you.

He simply wasn’t interested in you.

Although Lin Ran thought this, she didn’t say it out loud. Instead, she offered a gentler explanation, “Maybe he’s already taken.”

“Impossible! I’ve observed him closely. First, he doesn’t wear a wedding ring, so he’s not married or engaged. Second, I checked social media and even asked friends in the U.S., and he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

This surprised Lin Ran. She had thought Fu Xingjian and his “white moonlight” were already a couple.