Chapter Forty-Six: Who Will Pity Me?

Mo Qingyu was considered a formidable woman in the business world. Though she hadn't been in the field for long, her methods were swift and decisive, and she had seldom suffered such a betrayal. And the motive was nothing more than simple jealousy.

"I will hand this video over to the police. That gown is valued at three hundred thousand, and as for your other crimes, I’ll take my time calculating them with you."

The moment she heard there would be a report to the authorities, Du Ruo’s smug expression finally cracked. She had never imagined that a single dress would be worth so much—enough to have her sentenced!

Du Ruo clutched at Mo Qingyu’s skirt hem. "Qingyu, we’re the best of friends! I made a mistake this time, I can apologize. Please, don’t report me; if you do, my life will be ruined!"

Mo Qingyu’s eyes held a trace of reluctance, but she was loyal, not foolish. At Du Ruo’s words, she let out a cold laugh.

"If I pity you, who will pity me? If Miss Pei hadn’t warned me about the gown’s oddness earlier, the person losing face and reputation in front of everyone would have been me."

Du Ruo wept bitterly, reaching again for Mo Qingyu’s dress, but was pushed aside, tumbling to the floor in utter disarray.

"I never imagined that my best friend would betray me. Perhaps I’ve never truly seen you for who you are, Du Ruo."

Security at the venue had already received word and, without mercy, lifted Du Ruo away. Awaiting her was the punishment she deserved.

Watching Du Ruo being taken away, Mo Qingyu’s emotions were tangled, but she turned and, with some embarrassment, looked at Pei Susu.

"I apologize, Miss Pei."

"This matter had nothing to do with you—your only fault was kindly warning me, yet she accused you."

Pei Susu shook her head. "It really has nothing to do with me. Besides, I don’t mind."

Seeing her calm and unaffected demeanor, Mo Qingyu finally breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze tinged with admiration.

"That’s good."

In truth, Pei Susu cared little for Du Ruo’s words. She had heard such slander and mockery countless times from others. A few venomous remarks from a stranger meant nothing to her.

And since she had helped Mo Qingyu, leaving a favorable impression was no bad thing.

Mo Qingyu then turned to Fu Zhichen, noting the gloom in his eyes; she knew he was actually angrier and unwilling to forgive, only refraining out of respect for Pei Susu.

"President Fu, I’ll remember this favor."

Between clever people, little needs to be said. If Mo Qingyu apologized directly, it would seem ingratiating, and besides, Fu Zhichen was not the one she owed an apology.

"Today is President Mo’s birthday, let’s not dwell on unpleasant matters." Pei Susu smiled softly. "We’ll sit here for a while; you can go about your business as needed."

Pei Susu glanced around—the previously outspoken Liang Wenru had vanished, likely fleeing when she saw things turn for the worse.

"Alright, then forgive any lack of attention on my part. When things settle, perhaps we’ll have a chance for a proper conversation."

Mo Qingyu had much to handle, and most importantly, though she would deal with Du Ruo seriously, she couldn’t let others find out, or chaos would ensue.

As Mo Qingyu went downstairs, leaving instructions for those nearby, the service on the second floor noticeably improved—a dedicated server even brought refreshments, clearly Mo Qingyu’s “special treatment” for them.

Pei Susu found it amusing, turned to Fu Zhichen, and couldn’t resist pinching the soft flesh on his wrist.

"Zhichen, your reaction was quick."

Had he not found evidence in advance, things might have dragged on much longer.

"When it concerns you, I must be smarter."

Fu Zhichen’s gaze was deep and intense; for a moment, Pei Susu blushed under his stare, coughing lightly.

"Where have you learned all these sweet words lately?"

Just hearing them made her heart race and cheeks flush. Though she wasn’t a naive girl, those words still made her feel excited.

It was as if… she was someone’s special one.

"They’re not sweet words."

The music from the banquet downstairs drowned out the earnestness in his voice. Pei Susu glanced toward the first floor, recalling their earlier conversation.

Fu Zhichen, helpless yet deeply moved, looked at Pei Susu and parted his lips.

"They’re not sweet words, just words from the heart."

—

The banquet gradually drew to a close. Many had tried to cozy up to Fu Zhichen, but Mo Qingyu had thoughtfully arranged a private space for them, making it difficult for anyone to approach him.

Fu Zhichen turned to Pei Susu.

She rested her slender wrist beneath her chin, looking sleepy. In truth, Pei Susu disliked such occasions—mere social maneuvering—but in the workplace, such things were unavoidable.

Thus she had to attend.

Whenever Fu Zhichen saw Pei Susu weary, he wanted to take her hand, gaze deep into her eyes, and tell her: even if you don’t work, I can provide for you.

But Fu Zhichen also knew Pei Susu’s heart held a vast world she needed to build herself, and even he couldn’t interfere.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Pei Susu had noticed his gaze, thinking it would pass, but it lingered on her face, as if he were lost in thought.

Fu Zhichen withdrew his gaze, shaking his head.

"I just think you look beautiful today."

Again…

Pei Susu coughed softly, her eyes shimmering, her cheeks suffused with crimson.

"Don’t say such things in public next time."

So earnest, so ambiguous—it just made her want to kiss him.

Seeing Pei Susu uncharacteristically shy, Fu Zhichen’s lips curled in a smile.

"If you’re tired, let’s leave now; you’ve met everyone you needed to."

Fu Zhichen knew Pei Susu’s main purpose tonight was to meet President Lin of Lin Group, but when they regrouped earlier, she hadn’t mentioned it, indicating the conversation hadn’t gone well.

Though he’d guessed as much, he wouldn’t bring it up to spare Pei Susu embarrassment. She surely had her own plans; only if she truly had no options would she turn to him.

"Seems so."

There was nothing more to be done with President Lin, but Mo Qingyu now owed her a favor, so the main purpose of attending had been fulfilled.

"So now… we’re going home?"

The fatigue hadn’t fully left Pei Susu’s eyes; she looked a little dazed, making Fu Zhichen’s heart soften—especially hearing the word “home.”

It seemed, on her lips, to carry a new warmth.

"Let’s go."