Two paparazzi sat in their car, buzzing with excitement.
A: “Is… is that the fiancée of Blue Sail Entertainment’s crown prince?”
B: “Y-yes, right?”
Although Li Yueting was incompetent, he was still the legitimate son.
His father had always tacitly acknowledged his position as Blue Sail Entertainment’s crown prince.
Even though he was mocked for his incompetence, both within the Li family and at Blue Sail, he wielded considerable influence.
The reason Liao Lisa valued the marriage alliance with Pei Yan was her fear that if an illegitimate son were to take over the Li family business in the future, she and Li Yueting would no longer command the same respect as they did now.
A: “Li Yueting has always hated the media photographing his fiancée. Who knew we’d capture such a scene? These rich folks really know how to have fun.”
B: “Exactly. After that video leaked recently, the Pei family still hasn’t made a statement. They’re probably playing dumb, determined to push through with this marriage alliance.”
A: “So what do we do with what we’ve shot? Normally, Young Master Li might tolerate it, but if his fiancée is about to cuckold him, no real man would stand for that, right?”
B: “A real man certainly wouldn’t. But would you dare release it recklessly?”
A: “Of course not. But we can still make some money off these photos.”
B: “Right. Send the photos directly to Li Yueting. If he doesn’t pay up, we’ll leak the story.”
That’s how things were done in their circle. The scandals that got exposed were either because someone had been thoroughly offended and money couldn’t fix it, or because the price hadn’t been met.
Fireworks bloomed across the sky, weaving into shapes of flowers and hearts.
Pedestrians stopped to watch, laughter and cheers filling the air.
The fireworks lit up the sky, and they also illuminated Pei Yan’s smile.
Fu Huaizhou watched, mesmerized.
“I haven’t seen fireworks in such a long time,” Pei Yan said. “I’m always surrounded by stones.”
Fu Huaizhou chuckled softly. “Priceless stones?”
Pei Yan turned to look at him. “They say you’re cold-faced and cold-hearted, but I’ve noticed you actually laugh quite a bit?”
That’s because: it’s you in front of me.
Fu Huaizhou answered silently in his heart. He glanced at the eight-figure watch on his wrist and said, “It’s getting late. Let me take you back.”
Pei Yan giggled. “I’ve noticed you say ‘let me take you back’ to me more than anything else.”
Fu Huaizhou clearly recalled how, six months ago, it had taken him three attempts to finally persuade her into his car. He couldn’t help but let out another soft laugh.
Pei Yan leaned closer. “Six months ago, when I had that argument with Li Yueting, you followed me, insisting on taking me home. You asked three times. Do you remember?”
“Of course I remember,” Fu Huaizhou replied.
“What were you thinking back then?” Pei Yan asked, somewhat disgusted with herself. “If I were you, I’d have thought, ‘Suit yourself,’ instead of going out of your way to see me home.”
Fu Huaizhou lifted his gaze slightly. Their eyes met, and he said, “The Second Miss Pei is a golden branch and jade leaf. She can only be coaxed.”
His voice was deep and magnetic, like an invisible current brushing unexpectedly against Pei Yan’s heart.
Pei Yan froze for a moment, instinctively avoiding his direct gaze.
“L-let’s go.”
She suddenly seemed to have forgotten how to speak.
Fu Huaizhou turned and followed her quietly.
Pei Yan normally disliked driving and was usually chauffeured by a driver.
Today, she had made plans with Xia Tingwan. She could have hitched a ride with Huo Xingjian, but in the end, it was Fu Huaizhou who ended up bringing her back.
Pei Yan couldn’t resist stealing another glance or two at Fu Huaizhou’s hands.
Those hands were exquisite—broad palms, distinct knuckles, long slender fingers, with winding blue veins visible beneath a thin layer of skin, fully embodying a man’s strength.
Control!
That was the word that flashed through Pei Yan’s mind.
Just like how he was now steering the wheel with one hand to make a U-turn, his palm casually gliding over the leather rim. After the car turned around, he effortlessly straightened the wheel again.
Pei Yan had a thing for hands, and this scene struck a chord deep within her.
With pure appreciation in her eyes, she asked Fu Huaizhou, “Besides your wristwatch, do you usually wear any other jewelry on your hands?”
Fu Huaizhou replied, “I will in the future.”
Pei Yan was puzzled, “Why in the future?”
Was it because he couldn’t afford it now or something?
Fu Huaizhou paused briefly before saying slowly, “I’ll wear a wedding ring after I get married.”
Pei Yan was taken aback, suddenly recalling the “Golden Jade Match” betrothal gifts he had mentioned during their meal at Yihe Pavilion.
Clearing her throat, Pei Yan said, “Um… I hope you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Fu, but could I satisfy my curiosity a bit?”
Fu Huaizhou responded with an “Okay.”
Pei Yan asked, “With all this talk of betrothal gifts and wedding rings, do you have a girlfriend?”
“Not at the moment.” Fu Huaizhou glanced at her sideways. “Do you think if I had a girlfriend, I’d be watching fireworks with you in the middle of the night and then driving you home?”
Pei Yan clapped lightly, “Of course not. I have to say, your cultivation of Manly Virtues is quite impressive.”
“Manly Virtues?” Fu Huaizhou was momentarily confused. “What’s that?”
Pei Yan felt a bit weary and said faintly, “Abiding by the law and having morals, caring for and loving your girlfriend, not flirting or getting involved with other women; at the very least, remembering your girlfriend’s birthday—even if there’s no gift, you should give her a hug and say ‘Happy Birthday.’ If she’s hurt, you should take care of her properly. Otherwise, you’ll get slapped when you’re old.”
Fu Huaizhou, the cold-faced tyrant in his subordinates’ eyes, was once again amused by Pei Yan. He asked, “Is there more?”
“Of course. If you don’t like someone, say it outright; don’t hurt people under false pretenses. If you want to fool around outside, don’t expect loyalty at home. You should be loyal to your partner until death. If you don’t have that awareness, you might as well stay single forever—the country and its people will abandon you. And don’t just yell during arguments, staring with bulging eyes like you’re about to eat someone. It makes me wonder what kind of frog species is glaring at me.”
Fu Huaizhou tried hard to hold back his laughter, knowing she was referring to Li Yueting.
Having liked Pei Yan for so many years, he never knew she had such a sharp tongue.
Hearing his suppressed laughter, Pei Yan snorted, “If you want to laugh, just laugh. Are you a ninja turtle or something?”
Fu Huaizhou quickly reined in his amusement and, after a moment, said, “So these are your standards for Manly Virtues? Isn’t this something any man can do?”
Pei Yan was stunned and emphasized, “Any man can do this?”
Fu Huaizhou nodded very seriously, “Unless he’s not a man.”
“Exactly.” Pei Yan suddenly added mysteriously, “He really isn’t a man.”
Fu Huaizhou seemed to hit his funny bone and chuckled again under his breath.
Pei Yan felt much better and muttered, “So badmouthing an ex-boyfriend behind his back is this satisfying.”
Fu Huaizhou completely lost his composure, and a hearty laugh erupted in the car.
Pei Yan: “…I’m speechless. Is this the first time you’ve ever laughed in your life?”
Fu Huaizhou gave up all restraint.
As they approached Xihe Garden, his assistant Lu Qianshan called.
Fu Huaizhou switched into work mode like he had a split personality, instantly transforming into a cold and elite demeanor.
“President Fu, regarding the acquisition of Tianyu Company, a potential buyer has offered a higher price in an attempt to weaken Yi Xing’s competitiveness.”
Fu Huaizhou frowned slightly. “Wait a moment, I’m still outside.”
Lu Qianshan fell silent for a moment before offering a few more reminders.
“I know, I’m heading back now,” Fu Huaizhou responded again.
After seeing her to the door, Pei Yan unbuckled her seatbelt and said, “Thank you for driving me back.”
Fu Huaizhou gave a slight nod, then drove away.
Pei Yan stood there for a while, watching until Fu Huaizhou’s car disappeared from view.
She let out a soft laugh, but as she turned around, her smile froze—a figure emerged from the dark corner by the roadside.