Chapter 63: Not Sick

“Let’s see how you behave,” Ruan Li whispered.

Although she had been confessed to many times over the years and experienced similar scenarios in acting, this was the first time she encountered someone this serious.

Fu Huaizhou was already prepared for her reaction. Despite her usual lively demeanor, she was essentially an inexperienced young girl.

He gently ruffled her hair and said in a warm voice, “Take your time.”

As long as Ruan Li didn’t keep pretending to be oblivious or change the subject, he was willing to give her time to think it over seriously.

Ruan Li looked up at him in surprise. She had thought, given Fu Huaizhou’s personality, he would demand an answer today. Then, she suddenly remembered the trending news and hesitated.

“But isn’t signing me after founding the company too obvious?” she asked.

Fu Huaizhou shook his head slowly. He had already taken all of this into consideration. “I’ll sign Shí Xún first. His news will generate more buzz, and then I’ll sign you.”

“Don’t worry, this company was created for you. We won’t sign anyone else afterward.”

Ruan Li felt overwhelmed by the events of the morning. Even when she terminated her contract, she had to pay a large penalty. Shí Xún, being a top star, would likely command an astronomical sum.

After thinking it over for a while, she muttered, “I must be a money pit.”

Fu Huaizhou chuckled at her comment. “So, who else but me could afford to support you?”

The atmosphere lightened, and Ruan Li realized her hand was still resting on his waist. It felt a bit too warm, so she hurried to get up. “I’ll call a doctor for you.”

But before she could move, he grabbed her wrist. Confused, she looked at him.

Fu Huaizhou met her clear gaze, and the room fell into an awkward silence before he finally let out a soft laugh. “Elementary school student.”

Ruan Li blinked, puzzled. The only elementary schooler in this house was Fu Yu.

Fu Huaizhou guided her hand lower, past his waist, under the blanket, until she felt something hard. His gaze darkened.

“A man’s body temperature is naturally higher in the morning. I’m not sick.”

Ruan Li’s face turned crimson. She quickly pulled her hand back as if burned, realizing what was coming. She jumped off the bed

But before she could get away, her slender ankle was caught, followed by an overwhelming warmth enveloping her.

Fu Huaizhou’s voice was soft as he said, “But since you think I’m sick, it’s only right for you to take care of me.”

And so, Fu’s morning meeting was once again mysteriously canceled.

—

As filming for Jingluan wrapped up, Fu Yu had already been sent back to his parents, and Beijing was preparing for Fu Xingchuan’s engagement party. Ruan Li was curious why the Fu family, knowing Ruan Shu’s true intentions, still went along with the act.

A few days ago, she asked Fu Huaizhou about it. He had been working at his desk when LZ New Entertainment had just announced its two contracted artists, causing quite a stir online.

Some speculated that Shí Xún must be a true heir of an allied family with the Fu Corporation. Others guessed that Ruan Li and Shí Xún had a special relationship since they seemed so familiar in the behind the scenes footage.

But the biggest topic was What exactly was Ruan Li’s relationship with the Fu Corporation?

At this point, Fu Huaizhou was overseeing all of Ruan Li’s affairs, and he had even brought Chen Jing from her old agency to continue managing her career.

Fu Huaizhou glanced at her lounging on the chair, taking selfies. “Xingchuan just has a rebellious personality. The more people try to control him, the more he wants it. But once it’s handed to him, he loses interest.”

“So, he’s just naturally self-destructive,” Ruan Li concluded, thinking it made sense. After all, someone like Fu Xingchuan, who never lacked for anything, would always be looking for ways to rebel.

She was about to add more when she noticed Fu Huaizhou’s warning look, so she quickly covered her mouth. “Alright, no swearing…”

“Do you want to go?” Fu Huaizhou asked, not pressing her further.

Ruan Li was the most free when it came to this engagement. Since the Fu family was considerate about her past with Fu Xingchuan, they wouldn’t force her to attend. But if she wanted to, with Fu Huaizhou and the old lady’s support, no one could stop her.

“Why wouldn’t I go?” Ruan Li put away her phone. “I plan to outshine everyone. Otherwise, Fu Xingchuan might think I’m heartbroken over him.”

Fu Huaizhou shook his head, amused by her determination.

Sure enough, on the morning of the engagement, Fu Huaizhou was still asleep when he felt someone moving beside him. The night before, she had declared that she couldn’t have any marks on her body since she’d be wearing a formal dress, so they had spent the night chatting under the covers.

Ruan Li was sitting in the living room, surrounded by her styling team, which had grown considerably after she started using Fu Huaizhou’s card. As she was getting her makeup done, she saw him coming downstairs.

“It’s still early. You can sleep a bit longer,” she said.

Fu Huaizhou glanced at the silver, fitted dress hanging nearby. He had expected her to wear her usual favorite red. Walking over, he lightly touched her hair. “Why so nervous about today’s event?”

“Don’t touch! I just got it done,” Ruan Li instinctively swatted his hand away.

The surrounding staff barely dared to breathe. They all knew their relationship wasn’t simple, but this was the first time they saw how much control Ruan Li had over the powerful Fu Huaizhou.

It turned out that in their dynamic, it was Ruan Li who called the shots.

When they were ready to leave, Ruan Li entered the car and noticed that Fu Huaizhou was in his usual black suit, but with a twist his accessories were different today. He had a silver tie clip, and even his usually dark cufflinks had been swapped for silver diamonds.

She looked down at her silver dress, noticing how well they matched.

“Did you plan this?” she asked, getting into the car, casually questioning him.

Fu Huaizhou raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

Ruan Li pursed her lips, but her subtle reaction didn’t escape his sharp gaze.

She was wearing a sleek silver gown with her hair elegantly pinned up, showing off her graceful neck. A few delicate diamonds adorned her hair, giving her an unusually pristine look. Yet, her striking beauty was even more powerful than usual.

Fu Huaizhou’s eyes landed on her delicate neck, his gaze falling on a specific spot. “Your earring is crooked.”

Ruan Li reached up to adjust it, ready to grab her phone for a mirror, but before she could, Fu Huaizhou leaned closer. His cool fingers brushed against her earlobe, adjusting the earring, followed by the warm touch of his lips.

A gentle shiver ran through her as she felt the soft, tingling sensation behind her ear.

“All set,” Fu Huaizhou said softly, his gaze satisfied as he pulled back.