World 1: Damp Retired Third Generation X Original Heroine’s Coworker Little Pitiful 09

Aunt Xun quietly observed Fu Yu, who was making tea for her.

She seemed like a decent woman—clean background, clearly a gentle and virtuous girl.

Though her family situation was a bit tragic, the Huo family was already a top-tier aristocratic household in Deep City. Aunt Xun didn’t care about such details.

She only hoped Huo Hanting could find true happiness and not repeat his elder sister’s mistakes.

But… Fu Yu looked too bland and conservative. Could she really keep Huo Hanting’s heart?

Was he just toying with her?

Aunt Xun wasn’t worried about her beloved nephew. Instead, she felt a twinge of pity for Fu Yu.

After all, those alarming love marks on her body were proof enough of how rough Huo Hanting could get.

That rascal—he really had no sense of restraint, no tenderness at all.

“Child, if Hanting bullies you, come to me. I’ll make sure he gets punished.”

“Thank you, Aunt Xun.”

“What’s there to thank me for? We’re all family now.”

When she first heard the news that Huo Hanting had gotten a marriage certificate, Aunt Xun was stunned.

After his sister’s death, he became a walking corpse.

Drifting through life, his eyes filled with a chilling gloom.

So lawless and wild that even the old master nearly couldn’t control him.

Thrown into the military to temper his character, he trained like he didn’t care whether he lived or died.

Later, he got shot during a simulated combat—missing his heart by just 0.01 cm.

Aunt Xun was so heartbroken, she pulled every string and even threatened her life to get him back.

When Huo Hanting finally returned, he was even more withdrawn. All he did was work. No talk of marriage, not even a single woman around him.

Aunt Xun had feared she’d never fulfill her sister’s last wish—to see Hanting married.

Who would’ve thought that this kid, silent for so long, would suddenly make such a loud move—secretly registering the marriage, and…

Aunt Xun’s gaze drifted downward to Fu Yu’s belly.

“A-Yu, I know a traditional Chinese doctor who’s excellent at helping women maintain their health. When we get back to Deep City, let me take you, alright?”

“Sure, I’ll do whatever you say.”

“You’re such a sweet child.”

The more Aunt Xun looked at Fu Yu, the more she liked her.

---

In the same suite, in the other room, Huo Tailing was growing more and more annoyed at Huo Hanting.

“Huo Hanting, why are you sleeping with my sister?”

“You have no manners. Is this how I taught you?”

He knocked her on the back of the head.

Huo Tailing pouted, “She’s mine! I liked her first!”

Huo Hanting raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips curving slightly as he pulled out his precious marriage certificate and waved it in her face.

“From now on, Fu Yu isn’t your ‘sister.’ She’s your sister-in-law.”

“Stupid brother!”

Before she could finish, Huo Hanting picked her up midair—

And landed a few solid smacks on her bottom.

“Help! Sister, help! Huo Tailing’s going to die from her brother’s beating!”

Just as Fu Yu opened the door, Huo Tailing darted behind her to hide.

“Sister!”

Tears welled up in Huo Tailing’s eyes. “Did you really marry my brother?”

Fu Yu nodded.

“What do you even like about him? He’s not even… good enough for you.”

Huo Tailing wasn’t good at anything—except trashing her brother.

In the next second, she was lifted by the back of her neck.

“Is your skin itching?”

The one thing Huo Hanting hated most was people saying he and Fu Yu weren’t a good match.

Even if it was his own sister, he wouldn’t let it slide.

“Alright now.” Fu Yu kissed his cheek. “She’s just a kid, don’t take it seriously.”

“I’m not joking.”

“I am serious,” the two said in unison—one big, one small.

From afar, Aunt Xun sipped her tea.

How long had it been since she’d seen the Huo siblings bicker like this, like a normal family?

Now this felt like home.

Anyone who could tame these two wild Buddhas… must have some skill.

Maybe her worries were unnecessary.

---

The cold war between Huo Hanting and Huo Tailing resumed. When she noticed the ring on Fu Yu’s finger, Huo Tailing couldn’t help mocking:

“Sister, how did my brother propose? Let me guess: ‘Let’s get married’?”

She rolled her eyes at Huo Hanting. “Even a grade-schooler like me knows a proposal needs a ceremony! My brother’s so dull and unromantic—”

Before she could finish, Huo Hanting covered her mouth. “Say one more word and I’ll cut off your allowance.”

Right to the weak spot. Huo Hanting nailed it.

“Mmmph… you tyrant…”

He promptly tossed her into the suite at the back of the private jet—

All to keep her from talking more about proposals.

Of course he’d prepare the grandest proposal for Fu Yu. But if she found out in advance, would it still be a surprise?

“A-Yu.”

Huo Hanting kissed Fu Yu’s hand.

Her fingers had touched Huo Tailing, her palm had held Aunt Xun’s teacup—both carried traces of others.

He didn’t like it.

The only one allowed to be entwined with Fu Yu’s scent was him.

He leaned close and blew softly against her ear.

“Want it?”

Fu Yu’s eyes widened. “We can still…?”

Say what you will—Huo Hanting had more stamina than a male model.

But Fu Yu restrained her internal spark. “No… what if Huo Tailing sees…”

Can’t corrupt the child.

“She can’t get out.”

And then his burning kisses trailed down her silky neck…

---

Back in Deep City, Chen Manzi couldn’t wait to ask Fu Yu out for a meal.

That night after getting drunk, Gu Huai had taken her home.

Drunk and impulsive, they crossed the line. Afterwards, Gu Huai promised he’d take responsibility.

Even though his stamina and skills weren’t great, the joy of finally getting her way made up for everything.

Since she had found happiness again, she generously decided to warn Fu Yu—leave the Huo Corporation, and especially stay away from Huo Hanting. Don’t play with fire.

They met at a café. Chen Manzi sat by the window.

Soon, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up outside—with six 9s on the license plate.

Fu Yu stepped out in high-end couture.

Not just any high fashion—these were global limited editions that hadn’t even been shown at fashion week yet.

Huo family bodyguards parted the crowd for Fu Yu.

A ring of mixed-race bodyguards surrounded her tightly—people might mistake her for a superstar on the red carpet.

Chen Manzi pulled off her sunglasses in shock. Fu Yu’s aura had completely changed.

She used to have a cool elegance but always smelled… poor.

Now? She was like a luxurious flower blooming in wealth and power.

Even as Deep City’s top socialite, Chen Manzi felt outshined.

“Manzi.”

Fu Yu sat across from her and waved her bodyguards off.

“Don’t crowd me.”

“But…”

Huo Hanting had personally ordered them to stick to her like glue.

“Sit over there. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

After they left, Fu Yu spotted the ring on Chen Manzi’s finger.

Platinum, dainty, cute—but completely mismatched with Chen Manzi’s flamboyant aura.

“You’re engaged? To Gu Huai?”

At the mention of Gu Huai, Chen Manzi beamed. “Yes! We’re engaged! You have to be my bridesmaid…”

Fu Yu hesitated. “Manzi, are you really sure about Gu Huai?”

Her expression darkened. “What do you mean?”

Was Fu Yu falling for Gu Huai and trying to break them up?

Thinking of how, in her past life, Fu Yu and Gu Huai ended up married…

Jealousy flared inside Chen Manzi.

“He’s still building his company. Maybe wait a bit…”

Fu Yu was trying to warn her carefully.

“You just can’t stand seeing others happy, huh?” Chen Manzi snapped. “You know better than anyone that Gu Huai built everything on his own. He’s righteous, capable—a rare good man.”

Her voice grew colder, “What I admire most is his independence. Unlike you—done trying, so now you’re just looking for a sugar daddy.”

With a face like Fu Yu’s, which third-gen rich boy in Deep City would seriously fall for her?

Chen Manzi was convinced—Fu Yu must’ve hooked up with some elderly chairman during an expo.

So that’s why she always stuck close—just waiting for her moment.

And Chen Manzi had even worried Huo Hanting would hurt her?

What a joke.

“I…”

Fu Yu tried to explain, but Chen Manzi stood up.

She hated mistresses most of all—women who sold themselves were the shame of their gender.

“You’re not welcome at my wedding. And don’t call me your friend again. It’s disgusting.”

Before Fu Yu could respond, Chen Manzi had stormed off.

Fu Yu rubbed her temples and opened her system.

“System, do all yandere novel heroines have broken logic?”

The system gave a twitchy smile.

“Best not to interfere with her decisions. People like her—you give them a bun, they accuse you of trying to choke them.”

Fu Yu sighed.

As a career-focused fixer, her job was to assist the main characters. She wasn’t allowed to retaliate.

If she could, she already would’ve…

---

Chen Manzi was halfway into her car before remembering—the reason she invited Fu Yu wasn’t just to warn her about Huo Hanting.

She wanted to probe and figure out who Huo Hanting’s wife was.

After all, gossiping through the grapevine would definitely get back to Huo Hanting.

But now… she was left with nothing.

Thinking of that accidental phone call she made to Huo Hanting…

After she tossed the SIM, she reactivated the number the next day and checked call history.

No call back. No text.

Was he angry?

Or was he hiring a private investigator to find out who she was?

The thought made her neck shrink nervously.

She had really lost her mind.

She was about to marry Gu Huai.

What did Huo Hanting’s wife matter?

Everyone was happy now, right?

She had a gentle man. Fu Yu had her “backer.” Huo Hanting had married.

But heaven wasn’t done joking.

A few days later, an invitation to Deep City’s charity gala arrived.

Hosted by none other than Aunt Xun’s company, Xunwei Industries.

Just thinking of Aunt Xun made Chen Manzi furious.

In her past life, Aunt Xun acted like a mother-in-law and made her life hell.

Called her vulgar, accused her of marrying for money, and forbade her from getting pregnant—said her kind wasn’t good enough for Huo Hanting.

Well, who trapped who?

This time, she bought the most extravagant dress and took Gu Huai as her date.

Aunt Xun didn’t know her now—but Chen Manzi would show her just how happy she was.

At the gala, curious eyes followed Gu Huai.

Everyone knew the usual heirs of each family. This newcomer drew attention.

Gu Huai handed out his business cards, hoping to attract investors for his startup’s angel round.

Chen Manzi frowned. She wasn’t one to grovel.

She left him and went to mingle.

“Did you hear? Aunt Xun is bringing Huo Hanting’s new wife tonight.”

Chen Manzi casually twirled her wineglass, ears sharp for gossip.

“Finally, we’ll see which noble lady managed to win Huo Hanting’s heart.”

“I wonder if Aunt Xun approved of the match. She spoils that nephew of hers. If she doesn’t like the bride, it could be…”

“Pfft.”

Chen Manzi scoffed.

“What are you laughing at, Manzi? Know something?”

“I just think, even a fairy from heaven wouldn’t meet Aunt Xun’s standards.”

She was Deep City’s top debutante—dream girl of countless heirs. If Aunt Xun didn’t approve of her, who could she approve of?

“Whoa—isn’t that Fu Yu? She’s gotten even prettier!”

Someone nudged Chen Manzi. “When did your sidekick get so gorgeous?”

Chen Manzi clenched her jaw.

She had picked the boldest, flashiest red gown—she was the only woman in red tonight. A red rose, striking and eye-catching.

But then Fu Yu appeared… also in red.

Not just any red—her gown was adorned with countless crystals.

Every step shimmered like a flowing galaxy—utterly dazzling.

Compared to her, Chen Manzi’s gown suddenly looked tacky and outdated.

Grinding her teeth, she blocked Fu Yu’s path.

“Fu Yu, this isn’t a place you belong.”