The torrential rain continued, and Zhang Chi, inside the villa, was restless and uneasy.

On one hand, he was worried that something might happen to Shen Xingsui, and on the other hand, he was afraid that Shen Xingsui would discover his ulterior motives. He paced around the living room until he was dizzy, when he heard the doorbell ring outside the villa. The doorbell ringing at this moment, especially on such a night when he was delirious, was incredibly frightening.

Zhang Chi was instantly alert, his whole body tense up like a burglar caught red-handed.

Who is it?

The doorbell outside kept ringing.

Zhang Chi moved slowly to the door and turned on the video recorder. To his surprise, he saw a man in a black trench coat in the video feed transmitted from the doorway. Fu Jinxiao stood there alone, his face cold and aloof. As Zhang Chi was looking at the screen, the man seemed to sense something, raised his head, lifted his eyelids, and looked over with his dark and deep gaze. Although he did not say a word, he brought a heavy sense of oppression.

Zhang Chi gasped.

Fu Jinxiao rang the doorbell again, and for some reason, Zhang Chi was a little hesitant to open the door.

Then, a scene that left him speechless appeared. Fu Jinxiao actually took out a small card from somewhere and started entering the password to unlock it. Seeing this, Zhang Chi was immediately frightened and opened the door without thinking.

"Clap"

With a sound, the door was opened.

The wind outside, carrying water vapor, howled and hit Zhang Chi, instantly making him much more awake. He looked at the man standing under the pale white light and felt that he was like a vengeful ghost from the deep mountains. He was both afraid and glad that he hadn't done anything.

Fu Jinxiao opened her mouth and asked, "Where is he?"

Zhang Chi stammered, "Who?"

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that said, "Are you crazy?" Then she walked straight past Zhang Chi and entered the room. Her gaze swept over the dining table in the hall, and seeing the table full of dishes and the opened red wine, she gave a cold laugh at the candlelight dinner atmosphere, her meaning ambiguous.

Cold sweat beaded on Zhang Chi's forehead, and he weakly explained, "Today is my birthday..."

Fu Jinxiao's gaze stopped at the bathroom door, which was lit but closed. His usually gentle and smiling phoenix eyes narrowed as he walked over and stopped at the door.

Zhang Chi ran over and knocked on the door first: "Sui Sui, can you open the door?"

Shen Xingsui remained silent.

Separated by a door, the exhausted man huddled against it. He heard Zhang Chi's voice but made no move.

Then Zhang Chi said again, "Teacher Fu is here."

Shen Xingsui raised her head slightly, her misty eyes blinking, her long eyelashes trembling, as if she couldn't believe it.

There was a knock on the door, followed by Fu Jinxiao's deep yet familiar voice, calling out "Sui Sui" through the door.

Shen Xingsui moved her entire body.

But he was too tired to stand up, and as soon as he tried to stand up, he fell to the ground.

Fu Jinxiao was very gentle, with a hint of coaxing a child: "Open the door."

Shen Xingsui softly called out, "Teacher Fu?"

The voice was clearly not clear enough, with a soft and hoarse tone. Fu Jinxiao could tell in an instant that Shen Xingsui's current condition was not very good.

Fu Jinxiao exuded a chill, but he still spoke gently to Shen Xingsui: "Stay away from the door."

Shen Xingsui stood up, leaning against the sink. He was just about to see if he could manage to open the door when, in the next second, the door was forcibly broken open. The fragile door panel slammed against the wall, making a shattering sound. Shen Xingsui looked up and saw Fu Jinxiao's face. For a moment, he even thought it was a hallucination in his sleep.

Fu Jinxiao immediately stepped to his side and looked him up and down. Only after confirming that he was alright did she pull him into her arms. Even after seeing him, she was still uneasy. Only by truly holding him in her arms, feeling his presence, and confirming that he was safe could she feel completely at ease and at ease.

Shen Xingsui paused for a moment in his arms, then finally asked softly, "Teacher Fu?"

Fu Jinxiao responded softly, "Mm."

Shen Xingsui's voice trembled slightly, and his eyes flickered: "Is it really you?"

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

It was pouring rain outside, and the mountain road was rugged. He didn't even bring anyone with him, and knowing the danger, he still came.

Shen Xingsui took a deep breath. His heart was warm, but his mind was getting sleepier and sleepier. He vaguely wanted to say something, but when he realized that there was a safe haven next to him, his thoughts, which he had been holding together, seemed to snap, and he fell asleep the next second.

Fu Jinxiao soon discovered that the person in his arms had actually fallen asleep.

Standing not far away, Zhang Chi watched the two of them hugging and hesitated before asking, "You, you two?"

Fu Jinxiao turned to look at him, her sharp eyes carrying a hint of murderous intent. Without saying a word, she silenced Zhang Chi. After so many years in the industry, if Fu Jinxiao still couldn't tell that Shen Xingsui was definitely up to something, then he might as well quit the business.

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

Fu Jinxiao strode upstairs, opened the guest room door, looked around, placed Shen Xingsui on the bed, and then did not leave immediately. Instead, he activated a circular device he carried with him and checked the room for a minute to confirm that there were no hidden cameras or recording devices before getting up.

Just then, a call came into his cell phone.

Fu Jinxiao picked up her phone and saw Wang Meican's name. She immediately answered the phone: "Hello, Sister Wang."

"Tonight, I received an email. It looks like it was taken outside the villa where Sui Sui lives," Wang Meican said. "Take a look."

Fu Jinxiao immediately opened her email and saw the photos. These were clearly taken outside the villa, and the equipment was definitely not an ordinary mobile phone. It was easy to tell that they were taken by professional paparazzi. Both the angle and the content of the photos could cause misunderstandings.

In this photo, Shen Xingsui and Zhang Chi are standing very close, almost as if they are hugging. A clear picture of their dinner is also visible behind them. If someone doesn't know the details, they could easily misunderstand.

Fu Jinxiao opened her mouth: "Which paparazzi?"

Wang Meican, as a professional agent, had already investigated immediately: "It's from the Cheng family. It seems that Sui Sui was targeted when she went down the mountain to play a couple of days ago. They took photos and offered a price for us to buy it. I have already transferred the money."

Fu Jinxiao's gaze swept across the photos, then he glanced at Shen Xingsui, who was sleeping soundly in bed not far away. Raindrops on the windowpane left clear streaks on the glass.

Wang Meican sighed and said, "Sui Sui is so young and doesn't know how to be careful. I didn't expect those paparazzi to actually follow us there. Luckily we bought it, otherwise who knows what would have happened, you know..."

Fu Jinxiao said softly, "I understand."

Wang Meican subconsciously sensed that Fu Jinxiao's tone was off; it was low and suppressed, as if a storm was brewing. He rarely got angry, perhaps due to age. In the past, he used to be irritable and easily angered, but in the last two years, he has become increasingly calm and composed. It is almost impossible for anything to stir up his emotions unless something crosses his bottom line.

Once Fu Jinxiao gets really angry, things are usually hard to end peacefully.

"Tonight..." Wang Meican hesitated and said, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Fu Jinxiao didn't say much, only saying, "You don't need to worry about this, I'll handle it myself."

Wang Meican was most afraid of hearing this sentence. If she were to handle it, that would be fine, at least she would be using public relations tactics. But if it were handed over to Fu Jinxiao, to be honest, given how ruthless this person was, she really couldn't guarantee what would happen.

Wang Meican: "Hey...you..."

Before hanging up the phone, Fu Jinxiao seemed to remember something and instructed, "Keep an eye on Weibo and other major platforms tonight. If anyone exposes these photos, investigate them immediately."

"And another thing," Fu Jinxiao said, looking at the photos. His voice was calm, but beneath the calm seemed to lie a hidden malice: "I was also at the villa. They very likely took photos of me as well. Contact them immediately. If those photos don't disappear from their hands, I'll make them disappear from the entertainment industry."

Concise and to the point.

It's incredibly lethal; no one would think it's a joke.

Wang Meican realized the seriousness of the situation and immediately said, "Yes, I understand, I'll take care of it right away. But don't act impulsively. You can discuss it with me anytime..."

The call was immediately disconnected.

...

Downstairs at the villa, Zhang Chi sat restlessly on the sofa.

He heard someone walking down the stairs. He turned around and saw the man he least wanted to face. Fu Jinxiao had taken off his trench coat, leaving him in only a white suit and suspender vest. His steps were unhurried, and he exuded a calm demeanor, but for some reason, it made people feel extremely nervous.

Zhang Chi stood up: "Teacher Fu, how is Sui Sui?"

Fu Jinxiao remained silent.

He walked slowly to the dining table, stopped in front of the wine glass, and then walked to Shen Xingsui's seat. He picked up the wine glass Shen Xingsui was drinking from, and with his long, slender, fair hand, he took the glass and gently sniffed it. This action didn't take long, but in Zhang Chi's eyes, it felt incredibly long.

Fu Jinxiao put the cup back on the table, then lifted her eyelids to glance at Zhang Chi.

In Zhang Chi's tense and fearful eyes, a barely audible cold laugh escaped his lips as he said, "How dare you."

Like a death sentence from the King of Hell, when those words were spoken, it felt as if all the strength had been drained from Zhang Chi's body. In that instant, he realized that he might be finished.

Fu Jinxiao turned and walked towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, there was still an opened bottle of red wine. He walked over, stood there for a while, and was about to walk towards the trash can when Zhang Chi rushed in and grabbed his arm: "Teacher Fu, Teacher Fu, let me explain..."

Due to the momentum of running, his arm bumped into a wine bottle next to him. The bottle wobbled and then suddenly slipped and smashed on the marble floor, spilling red wine all over the floor.

The sound of shattering glass sent a shiver down one's spine.

Zhang Chi quickly said, "I really didn't drink any. It was just a tiny bit, but that's only enough to make you a little sleepy. I didn't mean to do anything to Sui Sui, really, I swear!"

Zhang Chi felt especially fortunate at that moment.

He had never been so grateful for the choice he made at that moment in his life; otherwise, he would probably be dead by now.

Fu Jinxiao stood tall and looked down at the person who was making a flustered explanation, as if he were watching some kind of clown. He opened his mouth, his voice somewhat cold: "Zhang Chi, I have actually heard of you."

Zhang Chi was taken aback.

“Hu Kaiyue’s nephew, the second son of the Zhang Group.” Fu Jinxiao’s voice sounded somewhat cold in the rainy night. A very faint smile appeared on his lips, but it was devoid of any warmth. “I met President Zhang a year ago, and I also met your mother. Your family is in the furniture business and has a certain status in the market. I know that it was not easy for President Zhang to start from scratch. Business has been tough these years, and he has relied on the help of various people. Therefore, the Fu Group also has cooperation with your family in the offline market.”

Zhang Chi felt as if his blood was slowly cooling down. His small business was nothing compared to the wealthy Fu family.

Fu Jinxiao lowered her head slightly to meet his gaze: "But I think there should be many home furnishing companies, right?"

Zhang Chi was stunned.

A large portion of their family's profits comes from their partnership with the Fu family.

If they are suppressed or the cooperation is terminated, their family could very well face bankruptcy, or even the fate of being destroyed and losing their lives!

Cold sweat broke out on Zhang Chi's back. He was a child who hadn't experienced much in his life, and he was genuinely frightened. "Teacher Fu, Teacher Fu, I know I was wrong, I really won't do it again. Please forgive me."

Fu Jinxiao's eyes gradually turned cold, and he said in a chilling voice, "Who taught you to do this?"

Zhang Chi was stunned and looked up at Fu Jinxiao in disbelief.

Fu Jinxiao narrowed his eyes.

Zhang Chi took a barely perceptible half-step back and stammered, "No, no one's here."

Fu Jinxiao sneered and walked outside without saying a word. Although he didn't say anything, it seemed as if he had silently given Zhang Chi an ultimatum. And once he turned around, there was no turning back.

Zhang Chi was truly terrified. He knelt down with a thud and grabbed Fu Jinxiao's leg: "Brother Fu, Brother Fu, I really didn't mean it. It has nothing to do with my family. It's all An Ran's fault, it's all An Ran's fault!"

Fu Jinxiao paused in his steps.

Zhang Chi is a cowardly and selfish person who would do anything for his own benefit: "It was An Ran. I clearly said I didn't want to, but An Ran bewitched me. She said that as long as we made it a fait accompli, Sui Sui would be with me. She also said that I wasn't brave enough before, which caused me to miss out on Sui Sui..."

In the kitchen, Zhang Chi confessed everything.

Fu Jinxiao's aura grew increasingly cold, exuding a sense of impending doom. After listening to Zhang Chi's words, he left the kitchen and sat down outside. When Zhang Chi walked out with trepidation, he saw the man on the sofa with a cigarette between his fingers. He seemed to be thinking about something, or perhaps suppressing some emotion.

Just when Zhang Chi thought Fu Jinxiao would get angry or go directly to the Jian family to settle accounts, he beckoned to him: "Come here."

Zhang Chi walked over quietly and asked cautiously, "Teacher Fu?"

Fu Jinxiao's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night, and it left no room for argument: "You mean, An Ran took the initiative to seek cooperation with you, right?"

Zhang Chi nodded.

“Very good…” Fu Jinxiao’s cigarette slowly emitted white smoke from his fingertips. He sat elegantly with a dangerous smile on his face: “In a few days, when he contacts you again, tell him that Sui Sui has agreed to be with you, and you have succeeded.”

Zhang Chi was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow: "The literal meaning."

At this moment, Zhang Chi truly felt how terrifying Fu Jinxiao was. What made him terrifying was not his immense wealth, but his exceptionally high intelligence and his unexpected and insidious methods.

Fu Jinxiao said unhurriedly, "After that, no matter what he says, just do as I tell you."

Zhang Chi quickly responded.

Fu Jinxiao gave him a deep look: "If there's even the slightest mishap..."

The indoor temperature seemed to drop by two degrees.

The man sitting on the sofa looked at Zhang Chi opposite him, a cold and dangerous smile gradually appearing in his eyes. He slowly opened his lips and said, "I don't recommend sending you two on your way together."

...

next day

When Shen Xingsui woke up and found someone next to him, he was so surprised that he almost rolled off the bed. Fortunately, Fu Jinxiao caught him quickly, thus avoiding the crisis of him falling face-first to the ground so early in the morning.

Shen Xingsui breathed a sigh of relief after recognizing the person next to her: "Teacher Fu."

Fu Jinxiao was also sleeping. This was the second time Shen Xingsui had seen him just after waking up. His hair was a little messy and not very neat, his face was handsome and had a lazy air about it, and his tall body took up half of the bed. The air was filled with his pleasant scent. The man responded softly and then pulled Shen Xingsui back into his arms to sleep.

When Shen Xingsui saw him, her mind went blank for a moment. She stammered, "You, how did you end up in my bed?"

"What?" Fu Jinxiao responded softly, "Do you want someone else in your bed?"

Shen Xingsui almost bit her tongue: "That's not what I meant, but last night, I think I fell asleep last night, I have no recollection of it at all. How did you end up here? What happened between us?"

Unfortunately, the person who was still sleeping didn't seem to sense his anxiety at all.

Fu Jinxiao's voice was slow and leisurely, the voice of a man who had just woken up in the morning was a little hoarse and sleepy: "What should have happened and what shouldn't have happened have all happened."

? ? ?

!!

Shen Xingsui on the bed stiffened. He was stunned for a moment, and even secretly lifted the quilt to take a look. He found that his clothes were neat and tidy, and it didn't look like anything had happened.

Shen Xingsui murmured, "Really?"

Fu Jinxiao finally looked up at him, only to find that the person beside her seemed a little dumbfounded, so she slowly said, "Now you know fear?"

Shen Xingsui snapped out of his daze, feeling uneasy and nervous. His eyes welled up with tears as he cautiously asked, "Is it true? Did something really happen between us? I don't feel anything..."

Fu Jinxiao originally just wanted to tease him and scare him a little, but she didn't expect that this silly guy would actually be fooled by her. She immediately chuckled and said, "Baby, you underestimate me too much."

If it were true, would you still be so energetic?

Shen Xingsui was stunned for a moment, then slowly realized what had happened. Her face immediately turned red, realizing she had been tricked. She glared at Fu Jinxiao with a mixture of shame and annoyance, her delicate face flushed, and her gaze carrying a hint of spring. She was pretty and delicate.

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow: "You seem quite disappointed knowing it's fake?"

Shen Xingsui softly protested, "Don't accuse me falsely, I didn't."

As soon as he finished speaking, he was pressed down by a force. When he came to his senses, the entire bed had sunk, and he felt a heavy force and a sense of oppression on his body.

Fu Jinxiao's lips pressed down on hers, a kiss filled with longing and desire after a long separation. It started gently and tenderly, then grew intense and warm. When he released her, Shen Xingsui's face turned even redder, and her eyes were even misty with tears. She breathed softly, and right next to her ear, Fu Jinxiao buried his head and whispered, "I don't mind making it real."

Author's Note: Zhang Chi: Just pretend I don't exist.