Chapter 52: Undo the Bandages

Song Qingyou's feet were bound tightly with a strap, unable to move, yet she said nothing as he kissed and nibbled at her. Fu Wenzhou held her slender waist in his palm, his voice low. “How should we settle the matter of Ruan Mingchen deliberately using you as a shield?”

Song Qingyou hadn’t expected that, after all this, he still hadn’t forgotten Ruan Mingchen. She pursed her lips and replied, “Madam Ruan once helped me.”

Fu Wenzhou’s brows furrowed sharply. “He’s using you.”

Song Qingyou patted the back of his hand as if to soothe him. “I know, but I owe Madam Ruan a favor.”

Fu Wenzhou was visibly displeased.

“Untie the strap,” Song Qingyou gently lifted her feet.

Fu Wenzhou refused, bending down to lift her up, moving her from the rattan chair to the bed. As he placed her down, he pressed himself over her. “No.”

Song Qingyou frowned. “Are you going to make me sleep with this thing on?”

Of course, Fu Wenzhou wouldn’t have her sleep all night with her feet bound. He simply found the red cord tied around her jade-like ankles so beautiful that he couldn’t bear to untie it just yet.

He kissed her eyes, his voice hoarse. “Qingyou, let’s keep it on a little longer, alright?”

His palm slid slowly, resting on the strap, then moving to her ankle. His throat felt unbearably dry.

He couldn’t understand why every part of her seemed to grow right into his heart—even her feet were so lovely.

He truly wished he could hide her away, keep her locked in a room, so that her eyes would behold only him.

These dark, filthy thoughts Fu Wenzhou would never let Song Qingyou know. He only dared to entertain them in his own heart. For now, he could restrain himself; when the day came that he could no longer, he would deal with it then.

Fu Wenzhou coaxed her softly. “Qingyou, sleep.”

His voice was deep, and Song Qingyou actually felt sleepy. Coupled with his gentle massaging, she soon closed her eyes in a haze.

Fu Wenzhou’s gaze lingered on her delicate feet. He had no particular fetish, but he adored every inch of Song Qingyou.

His slender fingers lifted the end of the strap and, with a gentle tug, the silky ribbon fell onto the bed. The red accentuated the snowy whiteness of her legs, making them even more enchanting.

Fu Wenzhou’s palm covered the spot where the strap had been, kneading tenderly inch by inch.

He used little force, unwilling to hurt her. He could only restrain the desires surging from his heart, his eyes dark and deep.

The room was warm, yet the skin beneath his hand was still cool to the touch. Fu Wenzhou frowned, pulled back the quilt, and climbed onto the bed beside her. Carefully, he drew her into his arms, wrapping her in a full embrace. Only then did he curve his lips in satisfaction.

Song Qingyou was sensitive to cold, always aware of temperature. Suddenly, a furnace pressed against her back, making her shrink from the heat, but soon she relished the warmth, actively nestling closer to its source.

“Hiss—”

Fu Wenzhou let out a muffled groan, retreating a little in embarrassment.

He somewhat despised himself for being so easily stirred.

Song Qingyou shifted in his arms, her breathing shallow.

“Does Ruan Yinyin like you?”

Fu Wenzhou was startled, glancing down to find her eyes still closed.

He couldn’t tell if she was asleep or not, so he replied cautiously, “She confessed to me, but I didn’t accept. I don’t like her. I only like you.”

“Mm,” Song Qingyou’s voice was soft, like the moon whispering in the night. “I don’t like the scent of her perfume. Don’t bring it here again.”

Fu Wenzhou’s chest tightened; after a moment, he smiled. “Alright.”

Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling window.

Song Qingyou slept dreamlessly through the night. Propping herself up, she found the space beside her cold.

Where was Fu Wenzhou?

Had he left?

She was a little dazed. If she hadn’t found warm porridge kept in the kitchen later, she might have thought last night was a figment of her imagination.

The shattered door frame had been replaced, identical to her previous door except now it had a password lock. Song Qingyou tried the code, and with a tick, a mechanical voice sounded from within.

“Welcome home to Song Qingyou and Fu Wenzhou’s house.”

Song Qingyou’s finger froze on the lock.

A draft swept through the hall, closing the door.

She stood outside for a long moment before re-entering the password.

The cute mechanical voice chimed again.

“Welcome home to Song Qingyou and Fu Wenzhou’s house.”

Song Qingyou didn’t go inside; instead, she entered the password once more.

“Welcome home to Song Qingyou and Fu Wenzhou’s house.”

Standing at the doorway, braving the winter wind, she entered the code over a dozen times.

“Miss, why are you standing outside?” came the worried voice of Song Chang behind her. “Is the door broken? I’ll find someone to fix it…”

“It’s not broken,” Song Qingyou turned around, her expression cool. “I’m going out for a bit. Uncle Chang, please move the car.”

Song Chang hurriedly replied, “I’ll do it right away.”

The place Ruan Mingchen had chosen was secluded—a teahouse with a tranquil atmosphere and fresh air.

Song Qingyou followed the attendant along a winding path and found a tea room hidden behind a bamboo grove. No one else was present; it was very private.

“Mr. Ruan,” Song Qingyou sat opposite Ruan Mingchen. “Is there something you wanted to discuss?”

Ruan Mingchen’s gaze was indifferent. “The deal I mentioned before is still valid.”

Song Qingyou smiled calmly. “I remember I already refused you last time. I don’t know why you’re still spreading rumors that I’m going to marry you. I’d appreciate it if you clarified the matter yourself. I don’t want my life affected.”

In truth, it had little impact, but a rabid dog isn’t known for its generosity.

Besides, she wasn’t one to sacrifice herself for others.

She had come to see Ruan Mingchen today to clear things up.

Yet Ruan Mingchen said, “AI is a hot topic these days. The Ruan family has already recruited top talent in the field. I’m handing this project to you, and you’ll be my wife in name only. After marriage, we’ll be respectful but uninvolved with each other. I don’t understand why you would refuse.”

Song Qingyou sipped her tea, her smile not reaching her eyes. “Actually, I’m curious. Surely there are plenty of women eager to marry into the Ruan family. Why choose me—a woman who’s just divorced?”

Ruan Mingchen responded coolly, “Because you won’t live long.”

Song Qingyou: “…”

Because she wouldn’t live long, she’d die early and not divide the Ruan family’s assets? There wouldn’t be much trouble in the future, and he’d only have to wait a few years for peace.

This Ruan really had it all calculated.

Song Qingyou set down her cup and laughed softly. “In some ways, we’re quite alike.”

Ruan Mingchen looked at her.

Song Qingyou continued, “For example, I’m not long for this world, and you can’t stand up.”

Ruan Mingchen: “…”

Since the car accident, no one had dared mention those words in front of him.

His gaze grew cold, his aura chilling.

Song Qingyou wasn’t intimidated. “A rumor is just a rumor. I trust you’ll handle it. I have other matters, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Are you refusing me because of Fu Wenzhou?” Ruan Mingchen’s voice came from behind, laced with an imperceptible mockery. “Aunt and nephew entangled together—it certainly makes for an intriguing story.”