The scene instantly fell silent.
The speaker regretted biting their lip, wishing they hadn't spoken.
“A, a blind date?” Lu Youran stared at him.
She didn’t know what expression to put on her face.
It must be ugly, she thought.
“He,” the person scratched their head with difficulty, “he told me not to tell you.”
But he had spoken too quickly.
“So,” Lu Youran’s smile was abrupt, “he really went on a blind date, didn’t he?”
The person didn't dare to look at her, hesitant.
But after a few seconds of silence, he still couldn't bear it and nodded.
“Mm.”
A simple word, but it hit Lu Youran, making her stagger back a few steps in a daze.
Wen Tingxue and Jiao Yutong supported her.
She heard many people talking.
But she couldn't hear anything clearly.
The only clear thing in her mind was the chat she had with Fu Ran when they took their graduation photos.
He had been talking to her about suggestive things, about love.
She had even thought then that she had dressed so beautifully today.
When the photos came out, she was going to surprise him.
Little did she know, he had surprised her first.
A blind date…
He even turned off his phone, was he afraid she would disturb him with her lack of tact?
He cared so much, he must like her quite a bit, right?
Lu Youran smiled and wiped away her tears, saying, “I’m fine.”
She tried to break free from Wen Tingxue and Jiao Yutong.
But her legs were weak.
Wen Tingxue frowned and held her tighter, asking, “Tell me more details, who? Where?”
Before the person could answer, Lu Youran grabbed her clothes and called out, “Xiao Xue…”
The plea in her eyes was too obvious.
Wen Tingxue had no choice but to shut up.
However, the other person said, “I don’t know where, but I heard it was a young lady from the Qi family of Shenhai…”
“Alright,” Wen Tingxue interrupted, “you guys go to the dinner, it’s on me.”
This was a signal to shut up.
However, since this involved the Fu family, and Lu Youran was Wen Tingxue’s best friend, anyone with a bit of sense knew not to say too much.
Otherwise, they would be courting disaster.
Getting into the taxi, Lu Youran curled up in Wen Tingxue’s arms, not crying or making a fuss.
She was very quiet.
“There’s a new seafood and sashimi place opened in the east of the city, want to try it?”
Wen Tingxue stroked her hair and said.
Sensing the slight shake of her head under her hand, she suggested a few other places.
Jiao Yutong also racked her brains and thought of a few restaurants.
But without exception, all of them were rejected.
Her expression was dejected.
Wen Tingxue and Jiao Yutong exchanged glances, both feeling helpless.
Last time she was hurt by Jing Xiao, she could still eat happily.
But now…
“Then how about a bath?” Wen Tingxue asked, inspired by a glimpse of a nearby spa.
Lu Youran didn’t respond. After half a minute, she nodded.
It was a small movement, but Wen Tingxue could feel it.
Just as she was about to tell the driver to turn around, Lu Youran’s phone rang.
It was Fu Ran calling.
Lu Youran raised her hand and hung up.
A moment later, the call went to Wen Tingxue’s phone.
Because it was in her hand, and her hand was resting on her knee.
Lu Youran could see it by looking down.
“Don’t answer it,” she said hoarsely, “I don’t want to see him right now.”
Wen Tingxue soothed her hair and picked up the phone, but she didn't hang up.
She just muted the ringtone.
Her index finger, resting on the edge of the phone, tapped rhythmically.
Just as it was about to automatically disconnect, she swiped to answer.
To be honest, she didn't believe Fu Ran would go on a blind date.
But the moment the call connected, she didn't speak; she was waiting for his explanation.
“Where’s Ranran?” he asked urgently, “Is she alright?”
Wen Tingxue pursed her lips and made a vague nasal sound.
Fu Ran understood instantly. “She doesn’t want to see me, does she?”
His voice sounded quite bitter, and Wen Tingxue raised an eyebrow.
Before she could answer, he explained himself, “I really didn’t go on a blind date. No, I did meet that Miss Qi, but my intention wasn’t a blind date. I wanted to make her give up the idea of marrying me.”
The Qi family was a prominent wealthy family in Shenhai.
Their status was no less than that of the Fu family in the capital.
The family relationships were also complex.
But coincidentally, the one who had taken a liking to him was the most doted-upon youngest daughter in the family.
If she insisted on marrying him, the Fu family would absolutely agree for the sake of profit.
Therefore, the only breakthrough to ruin this political marriage was her.
As long as she changed her mind, he could extricate himself.
“If that’s the case, why did you turn off your phone?”
The car was not spacious, and Lu Youran was nestled in Wen Tingxue’s arms.
It could be said that Lu Youran could hear every word Fu Ran said.
At this moment, she had already sat up, and Wen Tingxue no longer tried to hide it.
Sensing her tone rising, Fu Ran guessed that Lu Youran was listening, and his voice became considerably more tense.
“No, I didn’t turn it off, my phone ran out of battery,” he said, his tone sounding a little wronged. “I didn’t notice at the time, and by the time I realized, it had automatically shut down.”
There had been some issue at his studio today.
He had been on the phone or sending messages almost the entire time.
He hadn’t noticed the battery level at all.
It wasn’t until he arrived at the hotel and wanted to use his phone to send a message to Youran that he discovered it wouldn’t turn on.
Just as Miss Qi arrived behind him, he handed his phone to a staff member to charge.
He intended to finish quickly and then rush to explain to Youran.
He never expected someone to be so quick with their mouth.
He had just finished his conversation when a problem arose on the other side.
“Can I come over to find you now?” Knowing she was listening, he bypassed Wen Tingxue and said in a low, wronged voice, “Can you give me a chance to make amends?”
Lu Youran lowered her eyes, not responding.
Wen Tingxue, who didn't want to eavesdrop on their private conversation, simply handed the phone to her.
Then she squeezed to the side with Jiao Yutong, so as not to make them feel embarrassed.
Jiao Yutong hadn't heard anything, so Wen Tingxue explained it to her.
By the time she finished, Lu Youran’s mood had completely improved!
Her rosy cheeks showed no trace of her earlier dejection.
“Let’s go eat, he’s already booked a table.”
“Oh,” Jiao Yutong teased, “we talked for so long and it didn’t help, but Fu Ran just coaxed you a bit and you came back to life?”
“Aiya~~” Lu Youran was so shy she was acting cute all over.
The dinner that had been canceled was re-organized by Fu Ran.
The group drank until they were slightly tipsy.
When it was over, Fu Ran wouldn’t let them leave, insisting on taking everyone to the rooftop.
In the familiar glass flower room, Fu Ran, dressed in a formal suit, knelt on one knee in front of Lu Youran.
In his hand, he held a diamond ring.
Under the dim, ambiguous light, it still sparkled brilliantly.
The surrounding decorations were also very thoughtful.
The view was filled with colored lights, roses, balloons, candles, and various photos of him and Lu Youran.
It was evident that he had been preparing for a long time.
The dinner here today was likely also part of his long-planned scheme.
“Ranran,” Fu Ran, who usually had a good tolerance for alcohol, was a bit drunk at this moment.
His eyes were a little blurry. “Believe me, I, Fu Ran, will never marry anyone but you in this life.”
He had actually prepared a lot of words, but after today’s events, he suddenly realized that all those sweet words were useless.
Subconsciously, she still felt that their relationship was unstable.
Otherwise, given her personality, she would have called him immediately to question him.
But she didn’t, because she thought he would eventually return to his family for an arranged marriage.
Their relationship would inevitably end before he returned to the family.
Therefore, she didn’t even dare to ask, directly pronouncing a death sentence on him and them.
“Ranran, I don’t care about the Fu family’s wealth. What I want, and what the Fu family has never been able to give me, is something only you can give me. So, believe me, I will not give you up for anyone.”
Lu Youran’s head was fuzzy from drinking, and she saw him double.
But she was truly happy today.
Even if they separated in the future, at least he had acknowledged her position in his heart in front of so many people.
He had admitted that he loved her, loved her enough to give up immense wealth.
“Fu Ran…”
Lu Youran, tipsy, extended her left hand, a sweet and satisfied smile on her face. “Put it on me.”
Let me be your bride, just once.
Even if it’s not for long, it’s fine.
Perhaps her intentions were too obvious, Fu Ran stared at her intently and repeated, “In this life, I will not marry anyone but you.”
“Mm.”
It was normal to say such things when emotions were high.
Lu Youran forced herself to sober up, otherwise, she really didn’t know how crazy she would become when the day of separation came.
She didn’t want to be so pathetic; she hoped that in his memory, she would always be optimistic and cheerful, not… a madwoman.
Fu Ran stared at the hint of sadness in her eyes, but his movements were gentle.
Only when the ring was fully on did he stand up and pull her forcefully into his embrace.
A kiss.
He poured all his efforts into eliminating that hint of sadness.
Lu Youran struggled slightly at first, because there were people around.
But soon, she gave up.
Let’s indulge like this, she thought, it will be difficult enough in the future anyway.
Her response was thorough, with an unusual passion.
When they reached the door, Director Chen waved goodbye.
In the blink of an eye, he entered the private room opposite.
Wen Tingxue was not very interested in such banquets and was about to say goodbye to Song You when she caught sight of a familiar figure emerging from the private room at the end.
A group of people surrounded him, all appearing to be of high status.
Perhaps she had been staring for too long, Song You casually explained, “That’s the head of the Xiao family. I heard he just closed a deal worth over ten billion.”
Wen Tingxue didn’t pay attention to the latter half of the sentence, only hearing ‘head of the Xiao family.’
At the same time, at G Jewelry.
Hao Luor sat out of the company just as a strong wind began, almost lifting her skirt.
“There’s a heavy rain today, did you bring an umbrella?” her colleague asked.
Hao Luor looked down at her toes, waiting for his decision.
Honestly, even at this moment, she was still unsure of his attitude.
It seemed reasonable if he didn’t come.
Fortunately, he wasn't so heartless.
“I’ll pick you up.” He grabbed his keys and went out.
Hao Luor felt an inexplicable sense of relief. “Okay, I’ll be at the company entrance.”
“Mm.”
He hung up the phone.
Hao Luor hugged her arms and squatted down.
Burying her head in her arms.
Imagining that when she looked up, she would see him coming with an umbrella.
At the club.
After making an excuse to leave, Wen Tingxue went to pursue Xiao Zhen.
For some reason, he gave her a very familiar feeling.
Moreover, whether it was Sister Zhishu’s incident or Xu Kexin’s incident, he was always at the scene.
The coincidence was outrageous.
She really wanted to know what role he played in all of this.
But unfortunately, he was too fast.
By the time she caught up, he had already disappeared.
Wen Tingxue stood at the top of the stairs for a while, deciding to try and find him.
She had taken two steps when her path was blocked.
She moved aside, he continued to block.
After a few more attempts, Wen Tingxue looked up, her pupils constricting. “Song Chenglü?!”
“Are you surprised to see me?” He must have been drinking; his eyes were terrifyingly red.
Wen Tingxue instinctively backed away, but he grabbed her wrist. “Why are you running? Are you afraid of me?”
“You’re drunk.”
Wen Tingxue had witnessed his madness before and just wanted to leave quickly.
“Drunk?” Song Chenglü sneered, a chilling laugh. “What right does she have to make me drunk?”
Wen Tingxue ignored the drunkard and tried to break free.
To her surprise, he directly pulled her into his arms and gritted his teeth, demanding, “Tell me, where are you better than me?”
Wen Tingxue: ???
“I was so good to her! I would have given her my heart, but her heart only had you! Why?!”