Chapter 16: Her Heart Softens 16

Fu Wan sat down unhappily, arms crossed, pouting as she said, "You can't do that either."

Today is Old Master Fu's birthday; many aristocrats came, but because slightly fewer people arrived at noon, the two of them ran into a very handsome guy on their way.

"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, hurry and look, hurry and look— that guy under the ginkgo tree is really handsome."

Fu Wan watched the man standing under the ginkgo tree; the man seemed to sense the gaze and looked over at them.

She watched Fu Wan act lovesick, helplessly lowered her forehead, and said, "If you're going to swoon here, that would be really embarrassing."

That man isn't necessarily that handsome; from this distance, you can only see his silhouette.

"Then let's walk closer to take a look."

"Want to give a love token or something?"

"Ah, sister-in-law..."

Finally, under Fu Wan's dawdling, she lent her the hair tie.

Fu Wan had just walked over and exchanged a few words with the man when Yi Ruan observed from not far away.

When she saw the ring in the man's hand, she immediately walked over to Fu Wan and threw a flirtatious glance at the man.

All that could be seen was a suspicious blush rising on the man's face.

No way, he's blushing just from that?

Next time try it on Fu Qiwei— his skin is thicker.

Walking over, she softened her voice, seeming able to wring water out, arms linked with Fu Wan, cooing, "Wanwan, you said you'd keep me company— why did you come over?"

Her eyes still glistened with tears as she gazed at Fu Wan with tender affection.

"Miss Fu... you, you?!" The man frowned and stepped back.

Fu Wan hurried to explain, but Yi Ruan wouldn't let her off: "Wanwan~ we said we'd play a game, this time I'm on top— you can't back out; every time you make me hurt so bad." Her voice, that tender affection, seemed able to wring water out.

"No way, Young Master Chu!"

Fu Wan was dragged away, on the verge of tears.

Yi Ruan hid behind Fu Qiwei and said, "Wanwan, sister-in-law is doing this for your own good— look at that guy, he's not as handsome as your older brother, his physique isn't as good, his voice lacks vigor, his kidneys are bad."

Seeing Fu Wan still angry, she continued, "As for looks, that guy isn't as handsome and sturdy as your older brother, nor as bright and sunny as your second brother; in demeanor, he can't compare to our Fu Qiwei— your older brother has that down pat."

Fu Qiwei felt delighted hearing her praise him, though his expression remained calm and breezy.

"Older brother, look at sister-in-law— how can she be so overbearing, bullying me?" Fu Wan whined, acting cute toward him.

But he coldly replied, "Don't bother, use the leftovers, Ruanruan."

Hearing that, she felt embarrassed and turned her gaze elsewhere.

Just then, she met Gu Yunzhen's half-smile, half-sneer evil charm, and got a fright.

He just quietly watched her, watching her act cute in another man's arms— that feeling was unpleasant, yet seeing her made him happy.

The old steward entered, saw they were all there, bowed and said, "Young Master, Young Mistress, the old master says he won't be eating at Silent Bright Hall— let's go to Water Chestnut Hall."

The old steward turned, nodded at him to indicate he should go too; he smiled, shook his head lazily, and said, "The gift has been delivered— I hope Old Master Fu is satisfied; I won't stay longer."

The old steward's face was kind, "Then I'll see you out."

She heard the old steward's address to her, heart surging with surprise and joy; he put his arm around the young woman's waist, lowered his head, and said, "Old Master Qin is an elder by the grandfather's side— since he can address you like that, it means the grandfather has approved."

She excitedly nodded and gave him a "yeah" gesture.

But this scene was fully taken in by Gu Yunzhen, who was about to leave behind them— when did their relationship become so good? Clearly, she had said she liked him and wanted to be with him.

Aruan used to not be like this.

Could it be that Fu Qiwei threatened her? But that shouldn't be— her smile doesn't look like an act.

Leaving the Fu estate, he drove the Ferrari out of the parking lot.

He could hear her voice in his ears.

"Qiwei, will Grandfather not like me?"

"Ruanruan, remember— you are the woman I love; I've brought you back, and whether they accept you or not, I do— here, no one is more precious than you." He took her hand, stepping on the blue‑stone slab road, while Fu Wan hurried ahead, having already left them far behind.

She nodded, half‑understanding.

If she can't gain others' approval, so be it— she doesn't need the Fu elders' affection; having Qiwei is enough.

On the international expressway, a red Ferrari sped along.

Before, he had once taken Yi Ruan for a ride; she said his driving felt like flying, as if the car left the ground.

He wore earphones, with a listening device at his ear— he didn't want to hear Fu Qiwei's voice.

Rewinding, it was her… conversation with Fu Wan.

【I used to know him, had contact, but now I don't— no contact.】

Used to know him? Now I don't?

He drove faster and faster, shooting past beside a truck.

【Gu Yunzhen is a pitiful person— looks strong but is actually empty; no one around him shows concern, and when trouble comes he can only grit his teeth and bear it alone— truly pitiful.】

Hearing that, his finger twitched involuntarily, and he slowed the car.

No one knows how many times he has listened to that passage over and over.

As it turns out, someone in this world can actually understand him……

He slowed the car, eyes on the road ahead— he simply cannot die.

He wants to live, to protect her, to be with her.

He decided— today he will send her a bouquet of red roses, and moreover, he will speak to her.

……

……

Yi Ruan never imagined she would one day become a hot commodity, a treasure fought over by two men.

But this day really did arrive; I don't know if it's because Yi Ruan has never been in a relationship in two lifetimes.

You wouldn't guess it, but although she's never been in a relationship in two lifetimes, she can seduce Fu Qiwei with ease.

Yi Ruan said, not having a boyfriend doesn't stop me from watching high‑class human baby‑making videos and novels.

As soon as Fu Qiwei and Yi Ruan entered, they became the focus of the entire venue.

You should know that, besides the secretary, this sect leader of the Fu family has never had any other woman by his side; moreover, at a gathering like this, the women who can be brought in are all of extraordinary status, or they are people behind whom someone of extraordinary status stands.

Though rarely the center of attention, she shows no stage fright; her face bears an aloof nobility, and her whole being exudes an aura that says, 'I'm so noble, you're not worthy.'

Those peach‑blossom eyes could truly drown a person, and yet she is the woman standing beside Fu Qiwei.

Tick‑tock, tick‑tock, I'm here asking for favorites—