Beijing Night Banquet

[Afternoon at a photography studio in Beijing]

In early winter in Beijing, the afternoon sun was pale and chilly. Hu Li finished a day's work in the photography studio. This collaboration was facilitated by his senior, Zhang Qijie. He had previously confessed his feelings and now knew that Hu Li and Mu Tianlang were together, so his attitude was simply professional and supportive.

The studio was brightly lit, with the backdrop showcasing the brand's latest season theme: "Winter at Home," blending art and life. Hu Li would occasionally bend down to adjust the table settings, then step back to observe the light and shadow, and sometimes even demonstrate angles to the models. Zhang Qijie, meanwhile, liaised with the brand representatives, frequently coming over to ask for her feedback.

As the filming wrapped up, Zhang Qijie handed over a cup of hot coffee, his smile gentle and his tone carrying the concern of an elder: "The footage today is beautiful; it really takes your eyes to capture it."

Hu Li smiled and accepted it, his tone polite yet measured: "Thank you for taking care of me, senior."

He paused, then suddenly brought up the topic: "Several curators regretted not being able to visit your work in Provence and are eager to meet you. Some of them are currently based in Beijing, while others are touring here. Would you like me to schedule a few times for them to have coffee and discuss potential collaborations?"

Hu Li paused for a moment, then nodded: "Great, it's good to get to know more seniors, it's a learning experience."

Looking at the light in her eyes, Zhang Qijie felt a pang of emotion but said nothing, simply smiling and agreeing.

As evening approached, he casually suggested, "There's a new photography exhibition in Beijing right now, it's really worth seeing. Want to come along?"

Hu Li hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. That evening, however, she couldn't help but text Mu Tianlang, "Wolf, are you free to pick me up tomorrow?"

The other party quickly replied: "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

She deliberately added a provocative remark: "Otherwise, your fox will get snatched away~"

Through the cold, harsh words, she could almost picture the man's eyes darkening the moment he looked up in his office. A few minutes later, a message popped up—

Who? Trying to snatch the fox from my mouth? Did they get my permission?

Hu Li couldn't help but laugh out loud, his fingers flying across the keyboard: [The senior was just being polite, but a fox will only feel at ease when the wolf comes to fetch it.]

A moment later, his message reappeared: [Send me your location. Don't let anyone take you away.]

That last sentence felt like it was pulling her into an invisible embrace, making her heart burn.

[Beijing Photography Exhibition Afternoon]

The following afternoon, Hu Li and Zhang Qijie arrived at the exhibition hall. The emerging photography exhibition in Beijing was renowned for its minimalist yet striking visual style. The hall was bustling with people, the lighting was cold and white, and the works on the walls were incredibly dynamic. Zhang Qijie patiently explained everything, even brushing stray strands of hair from Hu Li's shoulders several times. Hu Li maintained a smile, but secretly counted down the time in her mind.

After the exhibition ended, the senior student suggested, "There's a famous restaurant outside; we can eat and chat there."

Hu Li tactfully replied, "No, someone's coming to pick me up today."

As soon as he finished speaking, a black sedan came to a smooth stop at the door. The car window slowly rolled down, revealing the man's cold profile and restrained aura in the dark interior. Mu Tianlang didn't get out of the car, but only focused his gaze on Hu Li, his thin lips slightly pursed, his gaze instantly silencing the surrounding noise.

Hu Li felt a surge of warmth in her heart, but she suppressed her emotions, turned to her senior, nodded and smiled, "I'll go first, let's talk about work another day." After speaking, she walked around to the passenger side.

Mu Tianlang nodded slightly to Zhang Qijie, his voice deep and restrained: "Mr. Zhang, we met at the industry party last time." It was both a greeting and a setting of boundaries.

Zhang Qijie remained calm and replied cheerfully, "Mr. Mu, you're too kind. Take care on your journey." He took a half step back to make room for him.

The sounds of the car door opening and closing were brief and restrained. After Hu Li got into the car, the windows were rolled up, blocking out outside sight and sound.

——

"How was the exhibition?" he asked, his voice indifferent, but his gaze followed her expression in the rearview mirror.

"The work is quite impactful," Hu Li deliberately added, "and the senior's explanation was very detailed."

As soon as she finished speaking, the car accelerated almost imperceptibly. The man's profile was cold and hard, but his knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly. She couldn't help but chuckle, reaching out to tug at his sleeve: "Wolf, are you jealous?"

"The fox is too flashy," he countered with a low voice, "I don't like people staring at you."

Hu Li leaned closer, his breath brushing against his ear, deliberately lowering his voice: "Then shouldn't you give me a collar, so everyone knows I'm a wolf?"

The words had barely left his mouth when the man abruptly turned his head, his eyes deep and unfathomable, his voice hoarse and trembling: "After dinner, why don't you try it at home?"

Hu Li laughed heartily, like a smug little fox: "How come wolves are getting better and better at talking?"

"Because foxes love to hear it," he said casually, reaching out to ruffle the ends of her hair, "so the wolf learned it."

[Dinner at a hidden gem restaurant in Beijing]

Dinner was arranged in a secluded private room at a small restaurant in Beijing. The wooden tables and chairs, along with the warm yellow lighting, were separated by a curtain, creating a restrained yet intimate atmosphere. Outside the window, the shadows of the plane trees swayed gently in the early winter night, and the sound of the wind replaced the chirping of cicadas.

Mu Tianlang asked in a low voice, "Do you feel wronged? Because you can't appear with me or attend any events for the time being."

Hu Li glanced at him and lowered his voice: "I understand. The company has just managed to quell the crisis, and we can't afford to let the winds blow over us now. Let's keep a low profile and wait for the right opportunity."

Hu Li picked up a piece of steak and brought it to his lips, her tone flippant: "Wolf, want to try a bite of what the fox picked?"

The man lowered his eyes, his lips pursed, but he still bent down and took a bite. She seized the opportunity to ask with a smile, "Is it good?"

"Feeded by the fox," he pursed his lips, lowering his voice, "even bitterness tastes sweet."

She paused, her heart skipped a beat, but she immediately raised her chin playfully: "So, have I spoiled you?"

"It's not that she's spoiled," Mu Tianlang brought the spoon to her lips, "it's that she's been pampered too much."

In that instant, she saw the turbulent undercurrent in his eyes, like a lone wolf that had been suppressing its emotions for a long time finally finding a den to roost in. Her heart warmed, and she silently ate the spoonful, her eyes quietly reddening.

【Crescent Moon Cottage in Beijing at Night】

Back at Crescent Moon Cottage, Hu Li went into the bathroom to wash away the lingering chill of the early winter night. When she emerged with her wet hair, the man was sitting on the sofa, his fingers lightly touching the handle of the frosty white glass, his gaze returning to the night outside the window.

"Why isn't it dry?" He frowned.

"Too lazy to move," she shrugged.

Mu Tianlang turned on the hairdryer and patted his thigh: "Come here."

Hu Li raised an eyebrow, but still obediently sat on his lap, tilting her head back to let the warm air blow through her hair. The man's fingertips darted through her hair, his movements so careful they bordered on gentle reverence.

After he finished playing, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Mission accomplished. Any reward?"

The fox immediately retaliated, straddling his lap and bringing her lips close to his earlobe: "How does the wolf want to bite?"

Before she could finish speaking, he forcefully captured her lips. In a passionate kiss, his hands slid down her waist, as if trying to pin her down. She gently bit his lower lip and chuckled, "Who said I wanted to run away?"

The man's breath tightened, as if he wanted to devour her whole. Night deepened, and love burned within them.

[Beijing Birthday Banquet Night]

Several days later.

The clubhouse on the outskirts of Beijing was brightly lit, and guests were gathered for Old Master Qi's birthday banquet. Mu Tianlang attended alone, his long black coat highlighting the sharp lines of his shoulders and back, his expression restrained and distant. Whispers circulated in the room amidst the wine glasses and the play of light. "I heard President Mu is currently embracing that young painter outside." "No wonder he dumped the Xu family's marriage proposal; one stroke of his brush, and the marriage fell through." "A seductive vixen, she's got some skills for climbing the social ladder, but whether she can become the main wife is still uncertain." "Shh, keep your voice down, or he might overhear."

Whispers fell like needles. Mu Tianlang raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping lightly over the crowd. His fingertips lingered for a moment on the rim of his glass. His assistant, Xiao Zhou, understood and stepped forward, saying softly, "I'll handle it."

He shook his head, his voice low: "No need." A flash of coldness crossed his eyes as he turned to exchange pleasantries with the guests at the head table, his aura icy and unapproachable.

From the direction of the main table, Old Qi raised his hand and called to him, "Tianlang, come and sit for a while."

Mu Tianlang concealed his aura as he approached, bowing to offer a toast: "Grandpa Qi, I hope you are in good health."

Old Master Qi looked him over, his eyes kind and gentle, but his tone carried weight: "I've watched you grow up since you were a child. I understand that things aren't easy. I overheard some unpleasant gossip just now—don't take it to heart. Just do as you please."

Mu Tianlang's fingers tightened, and he replied in a deep voice, "Thank you."

Old Qi patted the back of his hand: "You know best which path to take."

Mu Tianlang suppressed the burning sensation in his throat, nodded in acknowledgment, and retreated to the edge of the crowd.

The banquet ended late at night, and a misty early winter fog lingered outside the clubhouse. Before getting into his car, he sent only one message: "I'm going back."

Back at Crescent Moon Cottage, the living room lights were still on. Hu Li sat in a corner of the sofa, holding a teacup, his expression calm as he looked up: "The gossip from the dinner has already been circulated on social media. I saw it."

Mu Tianlang approached, squatted down to look her in the eye, and said firmly but slowly, "Fox, you are not a mistress, and never will be. I have never made any promises to anyone. From beginning to end, you are the only one I have chosen."

She gripped the cup handle tightly with her knuckles, her voice trembling: "I'm not afraid of rumors... I'm afraid that one day I'll waver and doubt whether I'm good enough for you."

He pulled her into his arms, forehead to forehead, his voice deep: "Then let's walk together, never letting go. No matter the storm, I'll be there for you."

She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled. The fox's heart still found peace in the embrace of this lone wolf.

Just then, my phone vibrated. A brief but sharp message from Mu's father popped up on the screen—

[Board meeting tomorrow at 3 PM. Attendance is mandatory.]

The man's eyes darkened, and his fingers tightened. The storm was finally brewing.