Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Pair of Rings

A glistening teardrop slid from the corner of her eye, tracing an unmistakable path down her pale cheek. Her slightly damp lashes shimmered as if dusted with light, yet nothing could hide the deep sorrow in her gaze.

In contrast, Zhou Haoyue’s face flushed with anxiety; it seemed she wished she could carry her straight to the hospital herself. But before she could act, the team’s excited exclamations rang out around them.

“Isn’t that Mr. Fu? What’s he doing here?”

“Wow! The woman with him is so beautiful—they look like a perfect pair!”

“All right, all right, don’t make a fuss. Let them enjoy their rare date in peace—let’s not spoil it for them.”

Chattering noisily, those at the front clearly saw something, too preoccupied to notice Pei Susu’s odd demeanor as she followed behind. Only Zhou Haoyue, frowning deeply, glanced at the obvious couple, then turned to Pei Susu, her expression full of concern. With a silent sigh, she thought, If Mr. Fu were single, she’d wholeheartedly support her friend in pursuing him—handsome and wealthy men like him were rare, and which woman at the Fu Corporation didn’t harbor secret hopes? But clearly, he already had a girlfriend. All she could wish for was that Susu would soon move on from this unrequited affection.

Clearly, Zhou Haoyue misunderstood everything.

“I’m all right now.” Pei Susu was jolted from her thoughts by her companions’ excitement. Not wanting to dampen the group’s spirits, she forced a smile onto her wan face. “Let’s wait a moment. Once they’ve gone in, we can follow—it’ll be less awkward.”

With that, she stepped aside and pulled out her phone.

[Little Chen, when are you coming to get me?]

She tried to keep her tone light as she messaged Fu Zhichen.

Ding ding ding~

The special alert chimed, and Fu Zhichen, in the lobby, knew instantly it was from Pei Susu. Under the gentle glow, his handsome face lit up with a dazzling smile. Just as he reached for his phone to reply, someone tugged his ear.

“Little Chen!” Fu Yanyue pinched his ear, her cheeks puffed up with anger. “You can’t even focus on a meal with your aunt? Am I invisible to you?”

“Auntie, what now?” Interrupted, Fu Zhichen forgot to reply altogether, his smile collapsing into helplessness as he wondered how to handle this persistent relative. Who knew if she’d even let him go later—he still hoped to pick up his sister and bring her home.

“The food’s already ordered!” Seeing him distracted again, Fu Yanyue huffed and dragged him by the ear. He failed to notice Pei Susu and the others entering right behind.

…

Heaven Room.

Dining with Fu Yanyue, Fu Zhichen’s brows were knit in constant worry. He felt as if he’d forgotten something, though he couldn’t recall what. Only when he took out his phone to check the time did he suddenly remember the message from his sister he hadn’t answered.

[Sister, something came up just now, so I couldn’t reply in time. I don’t think I’ll have time today—can you get home on your own? I’ll finish up quickly and come back to keep you company!]

Recalling that Fu Yanyue was sure to drag him shopping afterward, Fu Zhichen knew he wouldn’t be free until evening.

[Oh, all right, you go ahead.]

The reply came quickly—almost as if she’d been waiting for it—but the usual cheer was gone from her tone. Fu Zhichen frowned, sensing something was amiss with his sister. Yet the next few messages he sent seemed to vanish into the void, with no answer at all.

“Little Chen, if I weren’t angry, would you just treat me like a fool?” Fu Yanyue’s sweet, threatening tone fluttered as she pouted, put out by his constant distraction. “One more time and I’ll tell your big brother and sister-in-law!”

Fu Zhichen gritted his teeth—she was not to be trifled with. He’d just have to endure.

…

On the same floor, in an ordinary private room.

“Are you really all right?” Zhou Haoyue watched as Pei Susu put down her phone, her sorrow deepening, her color worrying. “If something’s wrong, just say so. I majored in psychology—I can at least help with emotional counseling.”

Go on, spill it all out, she thought. The sooner, the better—so she could help her friend through her troubles.

“It’s nothing.” Pei Susu, oblivious to her intent, shook her head. Her delicate face regained its gentle, warm smile, burying all sadness deep inside. Family shame must not be aired in public—she would not spoil the mood nor share such things. Yet in her mind, she could not stop replaying that message. His “no time” was really just code for being with that stranger. And what about her?

The more she thought on it, the more bitter her forced smile became, tasting like powdered licorice—sweet, but with a lingering aftertaste.

Soon the evening wore on—after several courses and much laughter, someone suggested heading to a bar.

“You all go ahead,” Pei Susu demurred, the bright corridor lights unable to dispel the gloom in her eyes. “I still have work at the office. I need to handle it now.”

“Wow, President Pei, aren’t you overdoing it? You should relax sometimes!”

“Nonsense. With so many eyes on her, how else could Susu hold the position of general manager if she didn’t work so hard?”

“Susu, keep it up—just don’t work too late. Remember to get some rest!”

Everyone admired Pei Susu’s dedication—the way she threw herself into work, it was no wonder she held her rank.

But overwork wasn’t what drove her tonight. She only wanted to keep busy—anything to fill her mind and keep those thoughts at bay.

She didn’t realize that, once she started, she would be working until the dead of night.

…

The largest mall in the capital bustled with life, its lights bright even in the late hours. Having dragged Fu Zhichen there after dinner, Fu Yanyue pouted adorably when she saw that, despite no longer being distracted, his mood remained low.

“You scoundrel, are you really so unwilling to spend time with your aunt?”

“Just look at you—like you’ve been lovesick! Wait—have you really fallen for someone?”

Recalling his sudden change in mood after checking his phone during dinner, Fu Yanyue couldn’t help but suspect he’d had a spat with a girlfriend.

“Come on, tell me—who is the lucky girl who’s caught the eye of our illustrious young master?” Eyes sparkling with curiosity, Fu Yanyue pressed for details.

“Tell me! Let your aunt give you some advice.”

When it came to Pei Susu, Fu Zhichen’s mood brightened instantly. His usually cold demeanor softened, and his eyes brimmed with infinite tenderness.

Fu Yanyue was stunned—her reticent nephew had suddenly become a chatterbox. He went on and on, as if no words could do justice to his beloved, until her ears nearly grew callouses.

“All right, enough!” she cried, rubbing her ears in mock agony. “At this rate, you’ll be talking until next year. Let’s pick a gift for the Mo family’s little girl before the mall closes.”

Reluctantly, Fu Zhichen held his tongue and followed her into a well-known boutique. His gaze was immediately drawn to a pair of couple’s rings displayed in the case. The overhead lights spilled over the diamond-studded yet elegant bands, making them shine brilliantly.

“Thinking of buying one for your little girlfriend?” Fu Yanyue teased, following his gaze, her smile playful.

“Forget it.” Fu Zhichen quietly looked away—not because he begrudged the cost, but because he wanted something so meaningful to come from his own hands.

He imagined the ring he would design himself, how beautiful it would look on his sister’s finger, and a foolish yet handsome smile unconsciously curved his lips.