Chapter 64: Ask Your Little Uncle

Ruan Li raised her hand to touch her earlobe but didn’t feel anything unusual. She looked at Fu Huaizhou, who wore a calm expression, and teased him, “Were you taking the chance to be a rogue?”

Fu Huaizhou glanced at her and replied, “Do I need to wait for a chance?”

“…” Ruan Li was defeated by his shamelessness. Indeed, he never needed an opportunity he always acted as he pleased.

Since Ruan Li had attended the Fu family’s last family banquet with Fu Huaizhou, it wasn’t strange for them to arrive together at the engagement party today. Others would just assume that she had a good relationship with the old Madam of the Fu family.

The car stopped, and Fu Huaizhou bent over to open the door. Everyone saw Ruan Li step out, dressed simply yet with a touch of creativity.

Ruan Li was used to it by now wherever she went, the capital’s gossip followed. It wasn’t just about her experiences; it was about her sense of style. After every event, the socialites competed to mimic her look.

“What does Ruan Li mean by this, hinting that she’s Fu Xingchuan’s first love?” someone murmured, noticing her beside Fu Huaizhou.

They even whispered about the pink diamond from the last auction, “Why hasn’t she worn it yet?”

Fu Huaizhou heard the comment and his gaze fell on her slender fingers. The ring and necklace she wore were part of a set he’d given her. He looked at Ruan Li, wondering what she was thinking, and asked softly, “Are you unhappy?”

Ruan Li shook her head. “Do I look like someone who gets angry that easily?”

She had heard the quiet remarks, but she was amused by their wild imaginations. Today, she simply didn’t want to wear red and clash with Ruan Shu. Otherwise, Fu Xingchuan might again mistakenly think she was pining for him.

As for the pink diamond, it was a matter of mismatched colors, not to mention the weight who would wear it daily? Sometimes, beauty can be a burden.

Inside the main hall, Fu Xingchuan and Ruan Shu were toasting together. Hearing the commotion, they both turned to look in the direction of Ruan Li and Fu Huaizhou.

“Uncle…” Fu Xingchuan’s voice was low, with a hint of guilt.

He glanced at Ruan Li, wanting to say something but hesitated. In the end, neither of them greeted her. Ruan Shu had already stepped forward, holding onto Fu Xingchuan’s arm with a victorious look directed at Ruan Li.

Ruan Li merely brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face.

“All your schemes, and they only led to your downfall,” she thought, feeling a sense of sorrow.

Fu Huaizhou gave a slight nod and led Ruan Li further into the hall. Many eyes followed them, and Ruan Li muttered softly, “I think they’re all talking about you.”

Fu Huaizhou raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”

“Your nephew is engaged now, which makes you the only eligible bachelor in the Fu family. Are you planning to wait for Fu Yu to grow up?”

Fu Huaizhou bent his finger and gently flicked her forehead.

“What are you doing?” Ruan Li covered her forehead. “Someone might see!”

Fu Huaizhou’s voice was cold, “I’m not single. Keep saying nonsense, and it won’t just be a flick next time.”

Ruan Li looked around. Although some people had noticed their interaction, they wouldn’t dare to spread rumors. After a while, Fu Huaizhou was called upstairs by the family, and Ruan Li chose to rest on a sofa.

Ye Mian, who didn’t care to please Fu Xingchuan, would probably arrive late. With Xu An accompanying her mischief, no one would dare to say anything.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over Ruan Li. She looked up to see Ye Ze. Ever since she stopped staying at the Ye family home, they hadn’t crossed paths much.

“Do you need something?” Ruan Li asked, since he was Ye Mian’s brother, they’d inevitably interact in the future.

“No… not really,” Ye Ze seemed nervous. “It’s just been a while since we’ve seen each other. Since we met here, I was wondering, what are your plans after breaking off the engagement with Fu Xingchuan?”

Ruan Li felt awkward. Planning to date his little uncle, does that count?* Before she could answer, Ye Ze tried to sound casual and added, “If you don’t have any, maybe we could try”

A voice interrupted, “No way!”

They both turned to see Fu Xingchuan. Ruan Li was speechless, “What do you mean, ‘No way’?”

Fu Xingchuan had spoken impulsively and now struggled to explain, muttering, “You just broke off the engagement, and now you want to try with someone else?”

Ruan Li glanced at Ye Ze, who was fuming. To avoid ruining the engagement party, she decided to send Ye Ze away first. “Could you please ask a servant to bring me a blanket?”

Ye Ze didn’t refuse, glaring one last time at Fu Xingchuan before leaving.

Left alone with Fu Xingchuan, Ruan Li showed no mercy, “What do you mean ‘just broke off’? It’s been at least three months. Besides, you’re already engaged, so what gives you the right to question me? You moved faster than I did.”

Fu Xingchuan’s face darkened. He had only helped Ruan Shu to make the proud Ruan Li feel defeated. “I didn’t mean it that way. This wasn’t what I wanted today,” he said, fumbling for words.

Ruan Li watched him, curious if he could say anything worthwhile.

“I only supported Ruan Shu because it’s tough for her, returning to the capital. I never intended to marry her…” His eyes brightened with hope as he looked at Ruan Li. “If you could forgive me, I could beg my grandparents and uncle right now to cancel the engagement. We could start over.”

Ruan Li chuckled and shook her head. “Are you a child? Change your mind on a whim? Besides”

Her eyes fell behind Fu Xingchuan. A man stood there, exuding a cold aura. She realized why she’d sensed hostility moments ago.

She changed her mind such a rare scene deserved to be pushed to the climax, giving everyone a surprise.

With a mischievous smile, she said, “I don’t mind. Maybe you should turn around and ask your little uncle if he agrees.”

“What does this have to do with my uncle?” Fu Xingchuan asked in confusion, just as the man brushed past him.

“Your fiancée is struggling?” Fu Huaizhou looked down at the woman sitting on the sofa. “In the capital, others have had a much tougher time.”

For a moment, Ruan Li’s strong front softened. If not for Fu Huaizhou, she might have been sold off by the Ruan family long ago.

Fu Huaizhou stood next to her and reached out to touch her earlobe. Feeling ticklish, Ruan Li tilted her head, revealing a faint red mark against her fair skin.

Fu Xingchuan nearly doubted his eyes, but the intimacy between them was undeniable. He pointed at Ruan Li in shock, “What is this? What’s your relationship?”

Fu Huaizhou’s cold gaze swept over him. “Flirting at your own engagement partyclearly, you lack discipline.”

Unaware of the mark behind her ear, Ruan Li casually played with her necklace and smiled. “Didn’t you see the news about the Fu Corporation’s CEO buying a billion-dollar jewelry set? This is one of them. Still don’t get it?”

Fu Xingchuan felt like he was dreaming. How had these two ended up together, and not just recently? He was so startled that he stumbled, turning away just as the sound of a shattering wine glass echoed behind him.