Chapter 69: Are You Going to Leave Me Behind?
The day after Song Qingyou woke up, she was discharged from the hospital. She spent nearly half a month recuperating at home before her body finally recovered, no longer gasping for breath every few steps or coughing after two. Fu Wenzhou scoured the city every day, paying high prices for rare medicinal herbs to nourish her, and insisted on watching her drink the concoctions himself before he could be at ease.
The medicine was exceedingly bitter, and each time Song Qingyou drank it, she would cry.
At these moments, Fu Wenzhou’s shamelessness became apparent. He would coax her, calling her “Youyou” on the left, “sister” on the right, sweet-talking and tricking her into drinking it.
This was the scene Song Chang walked in on—
His young mistress nestled in Young Master Fu’s arms, sitting on his lap as he gently coaxed her.
For a brief moment, Song Chang felt that Young Master Fu wasn’t holding his mistress, but an ancestor.
Who else could serve another so skillfully?
Song Chang didn’t want to disturb them, but today’s matter was important and had to be discussed with his mistress. He cleared his throat, “Miss, Young Master Fu.”
At the sight of Song Chang, Song Qingyou tried to get off Fu Wenzhou, but he held her firmly, not allowing her to move an inch.
Song Qingyou glared at him in irritation, but he only smiled shamelessly, unconcerned.
Song Chang hesitated, unsure how to begin.
Song Qingyou said, “Just speak, Uncle Chang.”
Only then did Song Chang continue, “Song Chen has been gambling over in Binhai lately—apparently dragged there by friends. He’s already lost tens of millions. After losing again last night, he started talking about making a big score to win everything back at once.”
Fu Wenzhou raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t there a cruise gala in Binhai tomorrow night?”
Song Chang was a bit surprised. How did Young Master Fu, who spent all day by Miss’s side, know so much about the outside world?
He nodded. “Yes, I hear it’s being hosted by the Jiang family.”
Binhai was dotted with casinos and was the only city in the country where gambling was legal. The Jiang family had built their fortune on casinos and had deep roots there.
Unlike the aristocratic families in the capital, in Binhai, anyone with any influence had to show respect to the Jiangs—such was their standing.
After a moment’s thought, Song Qingyou looked up. “What time tomorrow night? Is there still time to book a flight?”
Song Chang replied, “Plenty. I’ve already booked one.”
Song Qingyou nodded. “Good.”
Fu Wenzhou frowned, displeased. “You just recovered, and now you want to go out again? The wind in Binhai is fierce. What if you catch a chill?”
Song Qingyou shot him a sideways glance, ignored him, and continued to Song Chang, “Uncle Chang, pack our things—”
She hadn’t finished before the man interrupted, agitated, “You’re leaving me behind?”
Song Qingyou’s face was expressionless. “Aren’t you afraid of the wind?”
Fu Wenzhou fell silent.
Was he afraid of the wind? He was afraid she’d catch cold!
Fu Wenzhou simmered with grievance but dared not show it. After a long moment, he said, “I’m coming too.”
A faint, fleeting smile played on Song Qingyou’s lips, but she concealed it, pretending to consider.
Afraid she’d refuse, Fu Wenzhou lowered his tone, “Sister…”
Song Qingyou relented. “Alright.”
Fu Wenzhou brightened instantly and planted a kiss on her porcelain cheek.
Song Chang’s eye twitched.
Young Master Fu, oh Young Master Fu, you really are the epitome of a love-struck fool… and far too easily handled by Miss.
Like a pampered, oversized dog, Fu Wenzhou wagged his metaphorical tail. “Uncle Chang, from now on, I’ll pack Youyou’s things. You’re getting on in years—get some rest.”
Song Chang managed a dry laugh. “As long as Young Master Fu is happy.”
Suddenly, Song Qingyou’s brow creased as if recalling something. “Where’s Zhouzhou?”
She realized she hadn’t seen the cat since coming home from the hospital.
Fu Wenzhou froze, looking a bit guilty. “At home…”
“At Yalin Villa?”
“…Yes.”
Song Qingyou merely replied, “Oh,” her tone indifferent. “We’ll bring Zhouzhou to Binhai too.”
Fu Wenzhou objected, “Why bring a cat there?”
“Are you bringing it or not?”
“…I’ll bring it,” Fu Wenzhou replied, feeling put upon.
Why did he always feel that, in Youyou’s heart, he didn’t even rank above a cat?
He had to plead to go, but for Zhouzhou, she insisted without question.
Hmph.
After Song Chang left, Fu Wenzhou lifted Song Qingyou up, spun her around, and set her down on a chaise lounge, massaging her legs that were smooth and white as jade.
His hands were warm and his touch perfect; Song Qingyou closed her eyes in enjoyment.
Fu Wenzhou’s gaze grew obscure. The soft, silky feel beneath his palms drove his mind to wander. He stared, unblinking, at those delicate feet, desire surging in his dark eyes.
He never understood how someone’s feet could be so beautiful.
The longer he stared, the more entranced he became. The room was warm, but he felt hot. When he spoke, his voice was rough and husky. “Youyou, when you bring Zhouzhou back, I want to ask for something in return.”
“What do you want?” Song Qingyou, sleepy, asked absentmindedly.
Fu Wenzhou didn’t say. He simply gazed deeper at those snow-white, rosy feet, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he paused, letting out a low hum.
That afternoon, Liang Zhenzhen was happily playing with the cat. Though the cat held its head high and ignored her, she still found endless joy in teasing it with a toy.
Liang Muchuan came downstairs, seeing his sister playing with the cat. He was about to speak when a voice interrupted.
“Liang Muchuan, where’s my cat?”
That lazy, unruly tone belonged to no one but Fu Wenzhou.
Liang Muchuan looked up and saw an unexpected guest at the door. He tutted. “Not at home pampering your precious Youyou? How do you have time to come to my house?”
Unfazed by his friend’s teasing, Fu Wenzhou replied, “I’m here for the cat.”
Liang Muchuan laughed. “Fu Wenzhou, have you no shame? Who takes back gifts after giving them?”
Fu Wenzhou said, “The cat is mine. I belong to Song Qingyou, so the cat is hers, and she never agreed to give it to you.”
Liang Muchuan was speechless. Such impressive logic.
Zhouzhou had a keen nose; catching the scent of its owner, it instantly leapt from Liang Zhenzhen’s arms and ran to Fu Wenzhou, stopping at his feet to mew plaintively, as if complaining about being abandoned.
Fu Wenzhou bent to scoop the cat up. “Thanks. That plot in the eastern suburbs is yours as thanks for your sister looking after Zhouzhou these days. Bring the contract to Chen Shu tomorrow for signing.”
Liang Muchuan gave him a thumbs up. “Young Master Fu, you’re generous.”
Liang Zhenzhen, seeing her beloved cat about to be taken away, burst into tears.
Fu Wenzhou was hopeless at comforting children. Holding the cat, he crouched before her. “Your Brother Gu Bai has a pet snake. I’ll ask him to bring it for you tomorrow.”
Liang Zhenzhen froze, then wailed even louder.
Fu Wenzhou was at a loss.
Liang Muchuan twitched his lips. With emotional intelligence like this, he really had no idea how Fu Wenzhou managed to win over that little goddess.