At COCO’s outdoor plaza.
Qin Mu was drinking coffee and enjoying desserts with a few friends. Their dogs roamed around their feet—some nestled in their laps. Qin Mu and her friends had their hands spread out, comparing freshly done manicures.
Each pair of hands was well cared for, painted in various colors. Laughs and teasing flitted back and forth among them.
Li Man came walking up from the staircase. From a distance, she spotted Qin Mu and narrowed her eyes. She stepped forward and tapped on the adjacent table.
“So busy lately, huh? Qin Mu, not answering calls or texts—planning to change your number and run away? Your husband’s tax evasion scandal broke out, didn’t it?”
The laughing group immediately fell silent. Qin Mu turned her head, adjusted her shawl, and looked at Li Man’s still lofty, untouchable expression. She smiled and said, “Yeah, I’ve been pretty busy—making new friends, you know. And hey, don’t go throwing slander around. My husband is meticulous and pays every single cent of his taxes on time. He’s older—knows more than us.”
“As for you… you really don’t know why I stopped taking your calls or replying to your texts? What’s in it for me to answer you? Why should I even pick up?”
As soon as she said that—
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Mbl osxld clbkde bla yzz zywtble, oyvnbkdt vbl eayxy wdqsze okvb yxwplxldv.
Nk Yyd zssjle yv vblka xsnjkdt qynlp. Rv byed’v yzoyup clld vbkp oyu. Lsv zsdt yts, vblu olal yzz nyzzkdt bla “Fkpvla Yyd,” lytla vs nsru lhld vbl nszsa sq bla vsldykzp.
Tla fyo nzldnble yp pbl pvyale yv Ckd Yw.
Jynj vbld, obld pbl bye fwpv pvyavle Yldtcyk Fvweks, Ckd Yw bye clttle bla vs elpktd y wdkiwl flolzau plv ps pbl nswze qzywdv kv kd qasdv sq svblap. Gde zyvla, obld Nk Yyd oyp ralryakdt vs xyaau Ww Dkdtgbsw, Ckd Yw raynvknyzzu tashlzle vs cl bla clpv qaklde. Xhla vkxl, vblka csde bye tasod ps nzspl kv qlzv zkjl vblu olal pswzxyvlp. Mblu jdlo lynb svbla’p pvaldtvbp, qzyop, lhld ekav sd sdl ydsvbla.
“Ckd Yw, bso nyd usw cl ps pbyxlzlpp?” Nk Yyd pyke nszezu.
Ckd Yw oyp pvasjkdt bla est. Gv vbspl osaep, pbl zssjle wr yde pyke, “Ebyv eke usw pyu? Fbyxlzlpp? Lsv ydpolakdt uswa nyzzp xyjlp xl pbyxlzlpp? Ebs es usw vbkdj usw yal? Tlye sq pvyvl? R’x sczktyvle vs rknj wr?”
“Omynvzu, Fkpvla Yyd,” ydsvbla osxyd nbkxle kd, zywtbkdt yp pbl zssjle yv bla dykzp. “Psd’v vyjl uswaplzq vss plakswpzu. Wsavwdl nbydtlp bydep, yde qzsolap esd’v czssx qsalhla—usw jdso vbyv, aktbv?”
“Rq usw’al alyzzu ps ckvvla, obu esd’v usw ts pvlyz Ww Dkdtgbsw cynj? Kwpv zkjl usw pvszl psxlsdl lzpl’p bwpcyde vs clnsxl Yap. Ww. Jl tldvzl, pollv, taynlqwz—ts tlv bkx cynj!”
As she spoke, she made a pulling motion with her hand, then looked at Li Man and smiled. “We’d be impressed. I’d even give you a shoulder massage!”
Her smile was radiant.
Li Man’s fingertips trembled slightly.
All the women were laughing. The one who spoke dared to say that because she knew full well—Fu Xingzhou would never look at Li Man again. The Qiu family in Hong Kong was already making arrangements for his wedding with Wen Yang. Some insiders even knew the exact betrothal gifts—it was that serious. There was no room for Li Man anymore.
And back when Li Man was still Mrs. Fu—
Sure, her social skills were good. But the longer she held that title, the more arrogant and gatekeeping she became. Booking her for a jewelry design? A six-month wait. By the time the appointment came around, the whole trend had changed. That woman remembered the slight and was now relishing her revenge. If she didn’t stomp on Li Man now, when would she? Even her mother had been lying low lately.
Those old men were on their last legs—who would protect her mother now? Besides, those old men still listened to Fu Xingzhou. So, there was nothing to fear.
Qin Mu slowly petted her dog and said with a smile, “Li Man, give it a rest. Stop struggling. Focus on your jewelry design. I’ll go my way, you go yours. Don’t come looking for me again. I’m really busy.”
Li Man stared at her.
“Busy?”
Yeah—busy.
Busy planning the renovation of a rundown 100-square-meter house. Busy booking a slot at Yunchi Studio a month out. Li Man knew exactly what that meant.
A lot of people were watching from nearby. After that single word, Li Man said nothing more. She turned and walked away.
The women watched her leave and burst into chatter again.
“She still thinks she’s Mrs. Fu, huh?”
“Seriously. What’s with the attitude?”
“Some people just don’t know their place.”
The sun began to set.
Li Man bit her lip and climbed the stairs.
—
Ever since that day when Wen Yang told Fu Xingzhou to keep those women in check, things had indeed quieted down. No one tried to add her on WeChat anymore. No more random invites to afternoon tea.
Meanwhile, orders at Yunchi kept surging. Wen Yang and Yu Qing had no plans to expand the studio yet, so they started scheduling the orders out. Plus, Yu Qing had a friend who had recently left Beijing and wanted to settle in Nancheng. She had worked at a very prestigious design studio in Beijing, so Yu Qing brought her in.
With her onboard, the studio had gained a major asset.
She and Tao Li could handle most orders. Only a few clients who specifically wanted Wen Yang or Yu Qing would have to wait their turn.
Wen Yang and Yu Qing were back to pulling late nights.
The two of them had entered the same competition, often huddled in the lounge area working on their drafts.
But unlike Yu Qing who only needed to draw, Wen Yang also had to prepare for the trip to Hong Kong. This time, it wasn’t just about visiting relatives—they were going to take wedding photos there.
—
A week later.
A black sedan with a Hong Kong license plate exited the highway. It was still early. Miss Wen was still tied up.
Jiang Yue, holding the steering wheel, asked, “President Fu, should we head to Qingzhou or go home?”
Fu Xingzhou looked at the documents in his hand. “To Yiyan.”
Jiang Yue paused slightly.
Then, through the rearview mirror, he saw the document in Fu Xingzhou’s hand—sent by Kaixin. It was financial data from Yiyan.
Was there a problem with the numbers?
Jiang Yue nodded and turned left onto a new road.
The black sedan arrived at Yiyan Advertising Agency. Despite the hiccup with the comic convention earlier this year, Yiyan had completed its expansion on schedule and had even leased the floor below.
Fu Xingzhou’s arrival threw Yu Zhan into a minor panic. He immediately led him to the meeting room, had an assistant prepare coffee, and called President Cheng. At that moment, Cheng Yanyu was off-site doing inspections.
Upon receiving the call, he froze, handed his tasks to an assistant, and rushed back to Yiyan.
Yu Zhan greeted him at the entrance. Seeing him, he hesitated for a moment but said nothing.
Cheng Yanyu handed his briefcase to Yu Zhan and walked toward the meeting room. When his hand touched the doorknob, he paused.
A few seconds later, he pushed the door open.
“President Fu, Secretary Jiang, good afternoon.”
Fu Xingzhou was listening to Jiang Yue at that moment. He raised his eyes and gave a nod, signaling Cheng Yanyu to enter.
Cheng stepped inside and sat on the sofa opposite him. Yu Zhan followed with the coffee. But seeing that neither had drunk their first cups, he exchanged a look with Cheng Yanyu.
Cheng gave a small nod.
Yu Zhan understood and sat down in the single armchair to make tea.
As the steam swirled in the air, Jiang Yue finished speaking.
Cheng Yanyu sat up slightly. Fu Xingzhou looked at Cheng Yanyu and said, “Let me see the company’s wedding planning proposal.”
Cheng Yanyu’s heart skipped a beat for some reason when he heard that. He signaled to Yu Zhan.
Yu Zhan immediately took the tablet and handed it to Cheng Yanyu, who opened it.
Yiyan had organized over a hundred weddings, accumulating a wealth of experience and design visuals over the years. Cheng Yanyu was thoughtful and a fast learner. Whatever styles existed on the market, he had them all—and even some new styles he had created himself. After opening the file, he handed the tablet to Fu Xingzhou.
Fu Xingzhou took it, looked down and swiped through it, his voice indifferent. “You’ll plan my wedding with Wen Yang.”
At that moment—
It felt as if a pair of hands clutched his heart and squeezed hard. He looked at Fu Xingzhou and said, “Yiyan has many planners who are better and more creative.”
Fu Xingzhou looked up at Cheng Yanyu and said, “If you can’t accept it, then return your shares. Someone else will take over Yiyan.”
Cheng Yanyu looked into his ink-black eyes. The man, high in status, had finally revealed his sword and his true intentions. Cheng Yanyu met his gaze and asked, “You’ve been planning this move for a long time, haven’t you?”
Fu Xingzhou’s expression was calm. “More or less.”
Cheng Yanyu was a bit agitated. He braced his hands on his knees. “Do you think I’ll go back?”
Fu Xingzhou looked into his eyes. “That’s something you’ll have to ask yourself.”
Cheng Yanyu’s arms trembled slightly.
After a moment, he said, “What if I say I won’t go back…”
Fu Xingzhou’s voice grew even colder. “Even better. Since you won’t go back, plan this wedding well. You’ll still be in charge of Yiyan.”
Cheng Yanyu looked into the man’s eyes. This man had come now to pressure him—either plan the wedding or get out. He glanced at the tablet screen. The bride in the illustration was wearing a white dress, lifting her skirt and running ahead. Wen Yang had once run toward him like that, holding her skirt. All the suppressed and numbed emotions surged at once. He looked at Fu Xingzhou and said, “I can’t do it.”
Fu Xingzhou’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He had actually hoped Cheng Yanyu would live well with Li Man. Then he wouldn’t have intervened. But clearly, Cheng Yanyu still had hidden feelings for Wen Yang, which made him an eyesore.
Fu Xingzhou brushed nonexistent dust off his sleeve and said even more coolly, “What do you have left in Nancheng? You used to have Wen Yang and Yiyan. Now, you only have Yiyan.”
“You built this company—you have feelings for it. You wouldn’t want to see it in ruins, would you?”
Each sentence sounded like advice.
But each was a threat.
You used to have Wen Yang and Yiyan. Now, you only have Yiyan…
You’re all alone now.
What do you have left to fight back with?
Cheng Yanyu stayed silent for a long time.
Across from him, Yu Zhan watched his boss like this and, truthfully, felt a bit of pity.
Back when Cheng Yanyu was entangled with Li Man, Fu Xingzhou didn’t care at all—Cheng Yanyu was doing fine. But now, because of Wen Yang, Fu Xingzhou had been playing a strategic game from the start.
Now, with his and Wen Yang’s combined shares, Fu Xingzhou was the majority shareholder in Yiyan. Even though Cheng Yanyu still held control, if Fu Xingzhou really wanted to force him out, it would be easy.
Many founders have fallen just like that.
Cheng Yanyu had no power to resist.
And having to plan the wedding of Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou—it was like a dagger to the heart.
“Think it over. Send the wedding planning proposal to Jiang Yue’s email.”
After speaking, Fu Xingzhou stood up.
Jiang Yue looked at Cheng Yanyu and said, “Then we’ll trouble you, President Cheng, to send it over.”
Cheng Yanyu said nothing.
The door opened and closed again.
Yu Zhan looked at his boss, not knowing how to start.
—
That day, Fu Xingzhou returned home.
Wen Yang had originally planned to wait for him to pick her up, but Yu Qing suddenly received a call and had to go out. Since she happened to pass by the club, Wen Yang simply left with her in the car and returned to the club first.
Once home, she drank some coffee and continued working on her sketches.
But since she’d been staying up late these past few days, sitting on the sofa made her sleepy. She yawned repeatedly, and the warm sunshine made her feel lazy. So she leaned on the armrest and decided to rest for a while.
Just a short nap.
The sun was about to set.
Fu Xingzhou entered the house. It was quiet—there wasn’t even the sound of a keyboard. He turned a corner and saw her asleep, leaning on the armrest, wearing an apricot-colored long dress, a bow tied at the back of her head. One arm was stretched out, pale skin showing faint veins, fine fuzz visible. The sunlight poured in, landing on her brows and eyes.
She was fast asleep. Her lips were rosy and soft—so beautiful.
Fu Xingzhou’s eyes were gentle. He reached out to stroke her hair, as if brushing away all her coldness. He took her wrist, bent down, and lifted her into his arms.
The sun at this time wasn’t very mild—too much exposure wasn’t good.
Wen Yang woke up the moment he picked her up, still half asleep. She wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured, “You’re back? What time is it?”
“Four thirty.”
“Oh, I think I only slept fifteen minutes.”
Fu Xingzhou carried her into the master bedroom and placed her on the bed. He leaned over and stroked her hair. “Then sleep a bit more. You didn’t sleep until 2:30 last night.”
Wen Yang held his hand and said, “I’m almost done with my drawings—I’m kind of happy.”
“Mm.”
He gently smoothed her hair.
Under his tender touch, Wen Yang drifted off again. She’d already packed for the Hong Kong trip—the suitcase was in the corner. She fell asleep, and Fu Xingzhou sat beside her, watching her with calm and gentle eyes.
Wen Yang slept for another two hours. When she woke, it was already dark. She got out of bed. The bow from her hair had been removed by Fu Xingzhou and placed on the nightstand. Her wavy hair hung down as she opened the door to the entertainment room.
Fu Xingzhou was on a call. When he saw her, he gestured her over.
Wen Yang walked over and was pulled into his embrace.
She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning on him lazily. Fu Xingzhou ended the call and looked down. “Still sleepy?”
“Not anymore. But I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep tonight. What time are we leaving tomorrow?”
“Eight o’clock. You can sleep in the car.”
“Okay. Then I’ll work on my sketches tonight.”
Fu Xingzhou stroked her hair. “Alright.”
Wen Yang looked up.
Fu Xingzhou glanced at her lips, then leaned down and kissed her.
They kissed in the entertainment room. Wen Yang had to stand on tiptoe, breathless, as Fu Xingzhou held her waist and kissed her deeply.
Later—
Aunt Zhong gently knocked on the door—just a few taps.
They finally parted. Wen Yang was flushed and breathless. Fu Xingzhou wiped the moisture from her lips, zipped up her dress, smoothed her hair. Wen Yang’s ears were burning as she held his arm and walked out of the room.
Of course, they couldn’t continue.
That wouldn’t be polite. Aunt Zhong had made a table full of dishes—it should be eaten while hot.
After dinner—
Wen Yang went to continue drawing.
Fu Xingzhou originally planned to stay with her, but a board director from Hong Kong had come to Nancheng, and he had to meet them. He grabbed his coat, kissed her, and left.
He told her—
“I’ll be back before 10:30 tonight.”
Wen Yang hugged a pillow and nodded.
“I’ll wait for you.”
After he left, the house was quiet. Wen Yang focused on her work.
Then her phone rang—it was Yu Qing.
The background was noisy, like a bar. Wen Yang gripped her phone tightly and asked, “Yu Qing, where are you?”
Yu Qing replied, “Yangyang, can you come keep me company? I’m feeling down.”
“What happened?”
Wen Yang stood up as she asked.
Yu Qing sighed. “I’ll tell you when you get here.”
“Alright, I’m coming now. Send me the address.”
“Mm.”
Yu Qing told her the name of a bar.
Wen Yang checked it—it was that decent bar they’d been to before, so she felt reassured. She grabbed a light jacket, stuffed some hangover pills in her purse, and headed downstairs. It was too late to bother Old Liu and the others, so she just took a rideshare there.
She entered and looked around.
Soon, she spotted Yu Qing sitting in a U-shaped sofa booth, with several bottles of alcohol on the table. Wen Yang walked over and sat down. Yu Qing looked at her, sighed softly, and held her hand. “I’m so annoyed.”
Wen Yang asked gently, “What’s wrong?”
Yu Qing gritted her teeth. “Liu Yu asked me out for dinner tonight.”
Wen Yang was stunned. So it was Liu Yu who had called Yu Qing that afternoon…
Sansukini: Mr. Fu is so petty and manipulative.
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This move was wild ! I was like whaaaaat! This man woke up and choose violence.