The dinner was shrouded in a stifling atmosphere.Everyone cast furtive glances at Su Wanwan, their eyes brimming with the same unspoken question.Wasn't she from the countryside?How could she possess such profound knowledge of these matters?
Throughout the meal, Su Wanwan barely touched her chopsticks. When she excused herself to the restroom midway, Li Manya followed closely behind.As she stepped out of the stall, she saw Li Manya standing before the mirror, touching up her makeup.
"So, it seems there's more to you than just a pretty face."
Li Manya had taken notice of her from the very first day Su Wanwan entered the company.Back then, Su had been even more reserved than now—sitting silently at her desk from morning till evening, never speaking a word to anyone.
"Thank you," Su Wanwan replied.
Li Manya offered a faint smile."They say beautiful women are like roses with thorns—charming, but difficult to approach.Yet I find you rather… amiable, Miss Su.Especially when it comes to men.It seems you never turn anyone away."
Water splashed softly onto Su Wanwan's hands. Her eyes were cast down, making it impossible to read her expression.
"Someone in your position, Manager Li, should have broader horizons."
She lifted a neatly folded tissue and wiped her hands with unhurried grace. Then, from her pocket, she pulled out a necklace worth a hundred thousand yuan and, along with the damp paper, dropped it into the trash.
Li Manya's eyes narrowed subtly.
Su Wanwan's voice rang out—arrogant and unrestrained."Don't worry.This kind of trinket…Isn't worth my attention."
For a moment, it was unclear whether she referred to the necklace or to Liang Yixing.
"But some people still bend down to pick up such 'treasures,' don't they?"
Su Wanwan chuckled and strode away.
Li Manya stood frozen, her body trembling ever so slightly.It wasn't until the restroom door clicked shut that she looked around in hesitation.And then—despite herself—reached into the trash can.
Before Su Wanwan even returned to the private room, she heard Liang Yixing calling out to her.
"Miss Su, there's an upcoming piano tour. I'd love for you to attend."
Her gaze fell on the invitation he handed over.The name printed on it stirred memories she would rather forget.
Seeing her momentary distraction, Liang Yixing seized the opportunity."This pianist, Lenn, is a world-class virtuoso—immensely famous!And this national tour is said to be his farewell to the stage.If you miss it now, there may never be another chance."
Su Wanwan met his expectant gaze, about to decline, when she caught a glimpse of Li Manya hiding just beyond the wall.
"You're not inviting your wife?Surely such a performance is best enjoyed as a couple."
Liang Yixing hurried to clarify, afraid of being misunderstood."My wife? She lacks any appreciation for the arts. All she does is bury herself in work.I talk to her about Lenn, and she talks to me about tomorrow's projects.We just don't connect that way.You, on the other hand, Miss Su, know how to enjoy life."
Behind the corner, Li Manya clenched her teeth.She hadn't expected her longtime companion to speak of her this way to another woman.
"I think Miss Su is quite interested in this piano tour. Why don't we—"
Su Wanwan, watching Li Manya's furious retreat, cut him off with a calm but piercing remark:
"I am interested…But not in you."
"What do you mean by that, Miss Su?"
"You know perfectly well."
"Please don't misunderstand, Miss Su. I have no hidden agenda—just sincerely wanted to invite you to hear a few pieces…"
"No, thank you."
With that, Su Wanwan turned and walked away.
Outside the Blue Sea Pavilion, she called a car but didn't leave right away.Instead, she sat quietly inside.
An hour passed before she saw two familiar figures emerge from the building.
As if sensing something, Fu Liangmu glanced toward her car.
"What are you looking at, Brother?"
The young man's voice was still tinged with youthful innocence. He raised his hand halfway before putting it down, wary of his brother's notorious aversion to contact.
"Nothing," Fu Liangmu replied."Now that you're ready to start your own company, take it seriously.Stop making your father angry all the time."
"Tch. What's there to be angry about? As long as I don't cause trouble, he's probably lighting incense every day out of gratitude!"
He muttered, then glanced sideways."But you, big brother… are you really not going to inherit the Fu family business?"
A glimmer of unreadable light flickered in Fu Liangmu's cool, clear eyes."Look at me now.Do you think I could bear such a responsibility?"
"Brother, it's been years.You should try looking forward."
He still remembered the days before Fu Liangmu's face was disfigured—the sharp brilliance, the elegance with which he maneuvered through the business world.
"Instead of pondering all this, focus on impressing Father with something worthwhile."
The younger man responded halfheartedly,"They say behind every great man is a remarkable woman.But I don't even have a decent woman behind me. How can I run a company?"
Fu Liangmu said nothing.
"Brother, I saw a girl today—absolutely stunning!She doesn't look much older than me. When I win her over, you've got to vet her for me."
Fu Liangmu's tone was icy."You're into older women now?"
"I like beautiful women, no matter their age.And anyway, they say if she's three years older, it's like holding a bar of gold!"
As they spoke, the driver pulled the car up to them.
"Brother, see you another day!"
Fu Liangmu pressed his fingers to his brow, massaging the tension away.
The driver chuckled."Young Master is as lively as ever.Has Madam returned home?"
The driver shook his head."Not yet."
Fu Liangmu pulled out his phone and called Su Wanwan.
She was on a detour to buy dessert and said she'd be home in about half an hour.With her plans confirmed, he felt reassured.
Once home, Fu Liangmu removed his coat and ascended the stairs.The moment he pushed open the bedroom door, a potent wave of perfume filled the air.
His instincts sharpened. Someone was in the room.
With a click, he flipped the light switch.The chair had been turned—and someone was sitting in it.
His expression turned glacial.
"Get out."
At the sound of his voice, the woman slowly swiveled around.She wore a long white coat, slightly open to reveal a blouse and a tight skirt.Two top buttons were undone, and her hair was tied high in a ponytail—blending maturity with a touch of youthful charm.
Her features were exquisite, her legs pale and slender beneath a pair of black heels.
"Greetings, Young Master Fu.I'm Dr. Jin, here by invitation.Forgive the abrupt visit."
She extended her hand with composed elegance, her soft smile devoid of any pressure.
When she saw him, her expression betrayed no surprise or disdain, as if his appearance were perfectly normal.
And yet—
Fu Liangmu stared at her with frozen eyes, every word edged with chill:
"Wherever you came from,go back."