Chapter 90

The torrential rain persisted, and inside the villa, Zhang Chi grew restless.

Part of him worried for Shen Xingsui's safety, while another part feared her discovering his ulterior motives. As he paced the living room, dizzy from his thoughts, the sudden chime of the doorbell in such eerie weather was undeniably chilling.

Zhang Chi tensed up, resembling a burglar caught red-handed.

"Who is it?" he called out apprehensively.

The doorbell kept ringing persistently.

Tentatively, Zhang Chi approached the peephole. To his surprise, he saw a man in a black trench coat. Fu Jinxiao stood there, his expression cold and distant. As if sensing Zhang Chi's gaze, Fu lifted his eyes. The intensity of that silent stare was palpable.

Zhang Chi gasped for breath.

Fu Jinxiao pressed the doorbell again. For some inexplicable reason, Zhang Chi hesitated to open the door.

What happened next left Zhang Chi flabbergasted. Fu Jinxiao, seemingly from nowhere, produced a card and began keying in the security code. In panic, Zhang Chi immediately unlocked the door.

With a “click”,

The door swung open.

The chilly gust from outside, laden with mist, struck Zhang Chi with sudden clarity. Looking at the man illuminated by the dim porch light, he felt like he was facing a grim specter from the depths of a haunted forest. Despite the fear, he was relieved that he hadn’t acted on any misdeeds.

Fu Jinxiao uttered, "Where is he?"

Stammering, Zhang Chi responded, “Who?”

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, his expression dripping with disdain. Without waiting for a reply, he strode past Zhang Chi. His gaze landed on the dinner table set for two, the open bottle of wine. The romantic ambiance earned a derisive snort from him.

Cold sweat formed on Zhang Chi's forehead. "It’s my birthday today…” he offered feebly.

Fu Jinxiao's attention fixed on the closed, yet lit bathroom door. His usually gentle eyes narrowed, and he approached it with purpose.

Zhang Chi quickly got there first, knocking softly, “Suixi, can you open the door?”

There was no answer from Shen Xingsui.

Separated by the door, a drowsy figure leaned heavily against it. Though he heard Zhang Chi, he made no move.

Zhang Chi tried again, "Master Fu is here."

Shen Xingsui's head shifted slightly, his misty eyes blinking in apparent disbelief.

Then, a familiar deep voice came from the other side, “Suixi.”

Shen Xingsui stirred.

But fatigue overwhelmed him, and as he tried to rise, he crumpled to the floor.

Fu Jinxiao's tone was gentle, almost coaxing, "Open the door."

Shen Xingsui murmured, "Master Fu?"

The voice was noticeably groggy, tinged with softness and hoarseness. To Fu Jinxiao's ears, it signaled that Shen Xingsui was far from alright.

Although an icy aura enveloped Fu Jinxiao, his voice remained warm towards Shen Xingsui, "Move away from the door."

Leaning on the sink, Shen Xingsui tried to gather enough strength to answer. Before he could, the door was forcibly broken down. The splintered noise echoed in the room. As Shen Xingsui looked up, his eyes met Fu Jinxiao's. For a moment, he wondered if this was just a fragment of a dream.

Without hesitation, Fu Jinxiao took immediate steps to approach him, looking him over from head to toe. Once he was sure the man was unharmed, he drew him into an embrace. Only when he held him close, truly feeling his presence and ensuring his safety, did he find complete solace.

Nestled within the embrace, Shen Xingsui hesitated momentarily before softly asking, "Mr. Fu?"

In a gentle whisper, Fu Jinxiao replied, "Mm."

Shen Xingsui's voice wavered slightly, "Is it really you?"

"It's me," Fu Jinxiao, sensing his unease, soothingly patted Shen Xingsui's back. "I called you half an hour ago and you didn't answer, so I came to check on you."

Outside, there was a torrential downpour and the mountain road was treacherous. He came alone, knowing well the perils, yet he still ventured.

Shen Xingsui took a deep breath, warmth filling his heart. As fatigue fogged his mind, the thoughts that had kept him tense seemed to snap. Within a second, he was lost to slumber.

It wasn't long before Fu Jinxiao realized that the man in his arms had fallen asleep.

From a distance, Zhang Chi, watching the two embrace, hesitated before venturing, "You... both of you...?"

Fu Jinxiao turned to look at him, his piercing eyes carrying a lethal glare. Without uttering a word, he silenced Zhang Chi. Having been in the industry for so many years, if Zhang Chi hadn't discerned that something was amiss with Shen Xingsui by now, then Fu, the renowned actor, might as well retire.

Zhang Chi could only weakly point out, "His bedroom is the first one on the second floor."

Ascending the staircase, Fu Jinxiao entered the guest room. After placing Shen Xingsui on the bed, he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he activated a circular device, scanning the room for a minute to ensure no hidden cameras or microphones were present before standing up.

At that moment, his phone rang.

Picking it up, he saw Wang Meican's name and promptly answered, "Hello, Sister Wang."

"Jinxiao," Wang Meican began, "I received an email. It seems to be pictures taken outside the villa where Xingsui is staying. Take a look."

Fu Jinxiao quickly accessed his email, glancing at the photographs. Clearly taken from outside the villa with equipment far superior to any regular phone, the images seemed to be the work of a professional paparazzo. Both the angles and the content were potentially misleading.

One particular picture depicted Shen Xingsui and Zhang Chi standing very close to each other, almost as if they were embracing. A clear image of their dinner setup was in the background. Without context, the scene could easily be misconstrued.

Fu Jinxiao's lips parted, "Which paparazzo?"

As a seasoned agent, Wang Meican had already done her homework, "It's from the Orange agency. It seems they began tailing Xingsui a few days ago when he went down the mountain. They took these pictures and quoted a price for us to purchase them. I've already transferred the payment."

Fu Jinxiao's gaze flitted between the pictures and the peacefully sleeping Shen Xingsui nearby. Raindrops streaked down the window panes, leaving clear trails in their wake.

Wang Meican sighed, "Xingsui is still so young and naive about these things. I never imagined the paparazzi could follow him all the way there. It's a good thing we bought the photos; otherwise, who knows what might have happened... What do you think?"

Fu Jinxiao responded softly, "I understand."

Instinctively picking up on the undercurrents in Fu Jinxiao's tone, Wang Meican felt a storm brewing. Over the years, Fu Jinxiao had mellowed down. Where once he was quick to anger, now he remained composed, his temper seldom flaring unless his boundaries were crossed.

And when Fu Jinxiao did get angry, things rarely ended on a peaceful note.

"Jinxiao..." Wang Meican hesitated, "What happened? Is something wrong?"

Fu Jinxiao didn't elaborate further, simply stating, "You don't need to concern yourself with this. I'll handle it personally."

The phrase Wang Meican dreaded most was that one. If she were in charge, it'd probably be dealt with through PR tactics. But entrusting this to Fu Jinxiao, given his menacing nature, she honestly couldn't predict the outcome.

Wang Meican: "Ah... you..."

Before hanging up, Fu Jinxiao, as if recalling something, instructed, "Keep an eye on Weibo and other major platforms tonight. If someone leaks those photos, report to me immediately."

"Also," Fu Jinxiao, examining the photos with a calm voice that seemed to hide an underlying malice, remarked, "I was at the villa too. They might have captured my image. Contact them right away. If those pictures don't vanish from their possession, they'll vanish from the entertainment industry."

Concise and to the point.

The statement was potent, leaving no room for humor.

Recognizing the severity, Wang Meican promptly responded, "Yes, I understand and will take care of it immediately. But please, don't be rash. If there's any issue, discuss it with me..."

The call abruptly ended.

...

Downstairs in the villa, Zhang Chi was restless on the couch.

Footsteps descended from the stairwell. Glancing back, he saw the man he least wanted to encounter. Fu Jinxiao, having taken off his trench coat and now dressed in a white suit with a vest, approached leisurely. Despite his composure, there was something unnerving about his presence.

Zhang Chi stood up, "Master Fu, is Suisui alright?"

Fu Jinxiao remained silent.

He strolled over to the dining table and paused in front of a wine glass. He then moved to where Shen Xingsui was seated, lifting the wine glass gently to his nose for a sniff. It was a fleeting moment, but to Zhang Chi, it felt like an eternity.

Setting the glass back, Fu Jinxiao lifted his gaze to Zhang Chi.

With a barely audible sneer, he remarked, "You're quite bold."

His words landed like a death sentence. Zhang Chi felt a drain of energy, realizing the impending doom.

Fu Jinxiao turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Inside, an opened bottle of red wine sat on the counter. As he went to discard it, Zhang Chi rushed in, grabbing his arm, "Master Fu, let me explain..."

Due to his momentum, Zhang Chi's arm knocked the wine bottle, causing it to teeter and crash onto the marble floor, its crimson content spilling everywhere.

The shattering sound made hearts shudder.

Zhang Chi hurriedly exclaimed, "I truly didn't do anything. It was only a small dose, just enough to make someone drowsy. I swear I had no malicious intent towards Suisui!"

At that moment, Zhang Chi felt immense relief.

Never in his life had he been so grateful for a decision. Otherwise, he'd probably be dead by now.

Fu Jinxiao, looking down at the frantic man, appeared as though watching some insignificant jest. With a cool tone, he remarked, "Zhang Chi, I've heard of you before."

Zhang Chi was taken aback.

"The nephew of Hu Kaiyue, the second son of the Zhang Corporation." Fu Jinxiao's voice had a chilling undertone in the rainy night. A faint smile played on his lips, devoid of warmth. "I met Mr. Zhang a year ago and saw your mother as well. Your family is in the home furnishing business, holding a decent position in the market. I know Mr. Zhang built everything from scratch, which was never easy. These years, businesses have relied on mutual aid. Hence, the Fu Corporation has collaborated with you in the offline market."

A cold realization settled over Zhang Chi, understanding that their modest business was trivial in comparison to the colossal Fu Corporation.

Fu Jinxiao slightly lowered his gaze, meeting Zhang Chi's, "But there are plenty of home furnishing businesses, aren't there?"

Zhang Chi froze.

A significant portion of their family's revenue came from collaborating with the Fu Corporation.

If this partnership ended or was sabotaged, their family might face bankruptcy or even ruin!

Cold sweat broke out on Zhang Chi's back. He was an inexperienced youth, truly terrified now. "Mr. Fu, I truly realize my mistake, I'll never repeat it. Please spare me."

Fu Jinxiao's eyes darkened, his voice icy, "Who told you to do this?"

Zhang Chi looked up in disbelief.

Fu Jinxiao's eyes narrowed.

Zhang Chi took a barely noticeable step back, stammering, "No one."

A cold chuckle escaped Fu Jinxiao's lips. Without uttering a word, he walked out. This very act seemed to issue an implicit ultimatum to Zhang Chi, suggesting that things had reached a point of no return.

Fear overwhelmed Zhang Chi, prompting him to drop to his knees, gripping Fu Jinxiao's legs, "Brother Fu, I didn't mean any of it. It has nothing to do with my family. It was all An Ran's idea!"

Fu Jinxiao paused.

Zhang Chi, a cowardly and selfish individual, would abandon all for his own sake. "It was An Ran. I had refused, but he persuaded me, saying if I managed to win over Suisu, she'd stay with me. He claimed my past failures with Suisu were due to my lack of courage."

Inside the kitchen, Zhang Chi confessed everything.

The air around Fu Jinxiao grew colder, exuding an oppressive tension. After hearing Zhang Chi's story, he exited the kitchen and sat in the living room. When Zhang Chi emerged nervously, he found the man on the sofa, a cigarette held delicately between his fingers, seemingly lost in thought or suppressing some intense emotion.

Just as Zhang Chi assumed Fu Jinxiao would lash out or confront the Jian family directly, the man gestured him over, "Come here."

Approaching cautiously, Zhang Chi ventured, "Mr. Fu?"

Fu Jinxiao's voice echoed clearly in the silent night, leaving no room for argument, "You're saying that An Ran initiated this collaboration, correct?"

Zhang Chi nodded.

"Good..." The cigarette between Fu Jinxiao's fingers emitted a steady stream of white smoke. Sitting gracefully with a dangerous smile, he instructed, "In a few days, when he contacts you again, tell him that Suisu has agreed to be with you, and that you've succeeded."

Zhang Chi looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "Exactly as I said."

It was at this moment that Zhang Chi genuinely grasped the terrifying nature of Fu Jinxiao. It wasn't just his vast wealth but his exceptional intelligence and his ability to strike when least expected.

Fu Jinxiao spoke calmly, "No matter what he says later, just follow my instructions."

Zhang Chi quickly acknowledged.

Fu Jinxiao gazed intently at him and warned, "If there's even the slightest mistake..."

The room's temperature seemed to drop by a couple of degrees.

The man on the sofa looked at Zhang Chi, a chilly and dangerous smirk slowly appearing in his eyes. He spoke deliberately, "I wouldn't recommend sending both of you on your way."

...

the next day

When Shen Xingsui woke up and noticed someone beside him, he almost rolled off the bed in surprise. Fortunately, Fu Jinxiao's quick reflexes caught him, preventing an embarrassing face-plant early in the morning.

Relieved upon recognizing the person beside him, Shen Xingsui exclaimed, "Mr. Fu."

Fu Jinxiao was also waking up. It was the second time Shen Xingsui had seen him just after waking: slightly disheveled hair, a handsome face with a trace of laziness, his tall figure occupying half the bed, and the distinct, pleasant scent that was unmistakably him. The man murmured a response and pulled Shen Xingsui back into his embrace.

For a moment, Shen Xingsui was dazed upon seeing him, stuttering, "Why... why are you in my bed?"

"Why?" Fu Jinxiao echoed softly, "Did you wish for someone else to be beside you?"

Shen Xingsui nearly bit his tongue, "That's not what I meant. But last night... did I pass out? I have no recollection. Why are you here? Did... did something happen between us?"

The still drowsy man seemed utterly oblivious to his anxiety.

Fu Jinxiao's voice, hoarse and sleepy from just waking up, teased, "What do you think? Maybe everything happened, or maybe nothing did."

???

!!!

Shen Xingsui froze. After a brief pause, he discreetly peeked under the covers, finding his clothes neatly intact, hardly the state of someone after an intimate encounter.

He whispered, "Is it true?"

Fu Jinxiao finally looked at him, noting the younger man's genuine confusion, and quipped, "Only now you're scared?"

Regaining his senses, Shen Xingsui, his eyes misting over, cautiously asked, "Is it true? Did... did we do something? I don't feel any different..."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled, "Darling, are you underestimating me?"

"If something had truly happened, would you be this spirited?"

Realization dawned on Shen Xingsui. His face flushed with embarrassment and realization, giving Fu Jinxiao a slightly peeved, yet endearingly flustered look.

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "Disappointed that nothing happened?"

In a soft defensive tone, Shen Xingsui replied, "Don't make baseless accusations. I didn't think that way."

Before he could finish his sentence, he was pressed down with force. The next moment, the weight on the bed shifted, and he felt a heavy pressure on him.

Fu Jinxiao's lips met his in a longing kiss filled with pent-up desire. It began gently but quickly grew passionate. When they finally separated, Shen Xingsui's face was even redder, and his breaths came in soft pants. Fu Jinxiao whispered huskily in his ear, "I wouldn't mind making it real."

Author's Note: Zhang Chi: Can everyone just pretend I don't exist?