Chapter Forty-Seven: Su Yibai

Fu Zhichen extended his hand, and without hesitation, Pei Susu placed hers in his. Together, they descended the stairs.

Many eyes had already been drawn to them earlier, and now, seeing the two come down together, several people considered approaching for a chat. But the chill radiating from Fu Zhichen quickly discouraged any such intentions.

It was obvious that, aside from the woman at his side, Mr. Fu had no desire to pay attention to anyone else. In such a mood, it was better not to risk drawing his ire.

As everyone tacitly retreated, a sudden female voice broke the silence.

“Ah!”

A delicate young woman seemed on the verge of a fall. Pei Susu, reacting instinctively before she had time to think, reached out and caught her by the back.

“Careful, miss,” Pei Susu said, steadying the girl with a firm grip. Only after ensuring she was stable did she withdraw her hand.

To her surprise, the girl’s face showed no gratitude—only a flash of annoyance.

“Why did you catch me?” she demanded.

The young lady sported a head of brilliant golden hair, her chin lifted slightly in a haughty gesture, as if she looked down on everyone around her. Only when her gaze swept past Fu Zhichen did a trace of girlish shyness appear.

Pei Susu was no fool. In an instant, she understood the situation and glanced playfully at the man beside her.

It seemed he was quite popular.

“Brother Zhen, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me? I’m Bai Bai!” the girl said, arms folded and pouting like a pampered princess. Yet, strangely, she wasn’t unlikable—in Pei Susu’s eyes, it was no more than a child’s playacting.

Fu Zhichen had only one expression for women other than Pei Susu.

Su Yibai had expected, if nothing else, that he would respond with a cold, indifferent “I don’t know you.” But contrary to her imagination, Fu Zhichen didn’t even spare her a glance.

Instead, he looked at Pei Susu with a touch of concern.

“Why did you reach out yourself? Did you hurt your hand?” he asked softly.

Those nearby were flabbergasted—how could she have been hurt? She’d simply caught someone who was about to fall, not lifted a steel beam. The person she’d helped was flesh and blood, not glass—how fragile could she be?

Pei Susu found it a little exasperating, too. Leaning in close, she whispered, “That girl’s background probably isn’t simple. Are you really not going to acknowledge her?”

Pei Susu had never truly doubted Fu Zhichen’s fidelity. Forever was a long time, but for now, his affection seemed genuine, and that was enough. She was no longer young, past the age of wild vows and burning passions. A simple conversation was nothing to fuss over.

But seeing the affectionate exchange between Pei Susu and Fu Zhichen, the young lady—unused to being ignored—grew indignant.

Su Yibai reached out, intending to tug Fu Zhichen’s sleeve, but the man’s icy gaze froze her in place. Just one look, and her courage evaporated.

“Sorry…” she mumbled.

Pei Susu sighed inwardly, then gently took the arm of the now-irritated Fu Zhichen.

“Haven’t we said we’re heading home? Let’s go.”

If she left Fu Zhichen here, he’d only make things worse, not smooth them over. The princess looked on the verge of exploding. Before both tempers could flare, Pei Susu decided to take her human powder keg and leave.

Hearing her words, Fu Zhichen nodded obediently, his earlier hostility dissipating as he followed Pei Susu out.

Behind them, Su Yibai clenched her fists in frustration.

“What’s there to be smug about? We’ll meet again next time!”

Seeing Fu Zhichen’s reaction, Pei Susu sighed inwardly.

Better if there was no next time.

Outside the hotel, the assistant was already waiting with the car. Without another word, Pei Susu pulled Fu Zhichen inside.

“All right, don’t be angry. Pouting over such a trivial matter makes you look like a child.”

Every time Pei Susu looked at Fu Zhichen, she found it hard to reconcile him with the legendary head of the Fu Group. Perhaps love really was blind, for she always found him irresistibly charming.

“I’m fine, really,” she said softly, patting the back of his hand with her warm palm. “We’ll be home soon.”

The banquet had been full of unexpected twists, but since the evening’s focus was Mo Qingyu, these minor incidents vanished without a trace from the internet.

Pei Susu had been worried that some gossip might spread, but when she saw not a word online, she finally relaxed.

A few leisurely days passed before Pei Susu received a message from Mo Qingyu.

Mo Qingyu: [Miss Pei, do you have any commitments in the coming days? There’s a bit of trouble here, and I may need your help.]

Mo Qingyu was as courteous as ever. Reading the message, Pei Susu raised her slender brows.

Fu Zhichen sat in the sunlight, reviewing reports. Suddenly, a shadow fell across his desk, and a rare smile appeared on his usually impassive face as he looked up at Pei Susu.

“What is it, darling?”

Pei Susu didn’t notice the change in his expression—he was always like this when alone with her.

Without hesitation, she handed him her phone to show him the message.

“Mo Qingyu’s come to me for help? If even she can’t handle it, why ask me?”

The Mo Corporation was no ordinary company. If Mo Qingyu couldn’t manage, she should be seeking out old Mr. Mo, shouldn’t she? Why come to her?

“I haven’t kept up with the Mo Corporation’s affairs lately. Should I look into it for you?” Fu Zhichen offered.

Pei Susu shook her head at once.

She had only mentioned it because she found it amusing and wanted to share it with him. It seemed Mo Qingyu simply wanted some cooperation; whatever the project, she’d handle it as it came. There was no need to ask for help before anything had even started.

Seeing her response, Fu Zhichen nodded, his dark eyes fixed intently on her.

“If you ever need anything, just ask. But if you want to handle it yourself, I won’t interfere.”

Pei Susu smiled gratefully.

“Thank you, Chen.”

She pressed a gentle kiss to his hair, and a shadow of longing darkened Fu Zhichen’s eyes, as though he might devour her whole.

It was broad daylight, so before he could reach for her, Pei Susu quickly slipped away.