Chapter 1, Part 1: "Is that Fu Linzheng?!"...

Silent Burning Heat

by Mu Yi

Exclusive publication

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Chapter 01

In early October, late autumn, the sky resembled an inverted, grayish-blue Ru kiln vase, with raindrops trickling down from its mouth. The rain fell intermittently for three days, shrouding the capital in a damp, hazy atmosphere.

In the afternoon, Rong Weiyue finished the last stroke of the design draft and looked up to see that it was raining again outside the window.

She rubbed her aching wrists and walked to the back workshop, where apprentices and veteran craftsmen were busy at work, the sounds of hammering, welding, and the blowing of cooling air intertwined.

She looked at them one by one, pointing them out:

"The tapping rhythm and force should be even. Use a C-shaped chisel to chisel again here."

"There are impurities; the enamel wasn't properly acid-washed before applying the blue. Be careful not to let the enamel overflow the border."

"The filaments are burning and crying. Come on, get up."

The apprentices quickly made way for her. Rong Weiyue pulled up her mask, lit the welding torch, and picked up the tweezers: "Turn the flame on low for a few turns first, then use high flame when the borax turns black. Be careful with the time..."

The apprentices came over to observe and joked that the fire seemed to obey her every command. The old craftsman next to them laughed and said, "Practice makes perfect. Our little Yue could use a leather tiger when she was only eight years old. She could weld with her eyes closed."

Rong Weiyue deftly turned off the musket and said, "Let's redo it."

The apprentice nodded, tears welling in his eyes. Just then, his assistant, Shu Jin, approached, saying with a headache, "Sister Wei Yue, that Boss Song is here again. He says he saw your car outside and insists on seeing you..."

The employees peered out and said, "This guy has been coming for seven days in a row. He's got real perseverance."

"To win someone over, you have to be persistent. As the saying goes, if she runs away, he chases; she won't be able to escape even if she grows wings."

Rong Weiyue looked at them with a smile: "I think you won't be able to escape even if you work overtime tonight."

The group quickly buried their heads in their hands.

When Boss Song caught up with her at the back workshop entrance, Rong Weiyue had no choice but to walk over, take off her mask, and reveal a clear and gentle face.

With amber eyes, willow-leaf eyebrows, and long dark brown hair casually clipped up with a shark clip, she has a slender neck, long, curved eyelashes, and a touch of rouge on the tip of her nose. She is both docile and alluring, like a noble Ragdoll cat.

Her skin was exceptionally white, like mutton fat jade after spring snowfall, shimmering under the lamplight. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed on her cool face, showing a hint of displeasure at being disturbed.

The man was stunned when he saw her: "Miss Rong, good afternoon. I knew you were here."

He quickly handed her the flowers, but Rong Weiyue kept her hands in her pockets and said, "My hands are dirty, so I won't touch your flowers."

"It's alright, this is just for you. Miss Rong, how about I treat you to dinner tonight?"

"Excuse me, I have something to do."

"What about tomorrow? I'm free either way."

She raised her gentle eyes and looked at him: "Mr. Song, I am happy to do business with you, but I'm sorry I can't agree to anything else. Don't waste your time."

"You think pursuing me is a waste of my time? You're the most important person to me!"

Rong Weiyue asked, puzzled, "Mr. Song, don't you have a job? Why aren't you working during the day?"

"..."

"It's terrible for a person to lack ambition. You should reflect on yourself."

"..."

The rejection was thorough, and the middle-aged man left disappointed for the third time. The employees watching in the workshop sighed, "Our boss, Mr. Yue, has really high standards."

"That's because Sister Weiyue is exceptionally talented. She ranked first in the art exam that year, and her academic scores were also the highest among all art students in the city. She's a top student at the China Academy of Art, and her works from university were already being auctioned off. She's never short of admirers..."

Rong Weiyue walked to the office, and Shu Jin followed: "Sister, this guy is quite persistent. I thought you would waver if he kept pestering you."

She lowered her eyes: "I've seen even more persistent and clingy people before."

They're not even half as good as that person back then.

Back in her office, Rong Weiyue grabbed a bottle of ice water, sat down, and turned on her computer.

Now she only wants to make money and has no interest in dating. More than a year ago, she founded this filigree inlay studio. Although this handicraft is a national intangible cultural heritage, the market is niche and the number of orders is unstable. She also has to support more than a dozen employees every month. She is afraid that she will not have enough to eat next.

Just as I was thinking this, bad news suddenly came.

"Why did the 'Frost and Snow Ballad' production team suddenly change their minds?!" Shu Jin was shocked when she saw the WeChat message and quickly handed her her phone to show her:

[The project requirements for Hegui Studio have changed, so the collaboration is temporarily suspended. We need to reconfirm with the director and producer.]

The TV series "Frost and Snow Chant" is an S+ big production that will start filming next month. Recently, they have been looking for a prop maker to make filigree inlays. Rong Weiyue had been in good talks with them and was just one step away from signing the contract when the other party suddenly changed their mind.

Shu Jin went to inquire and learned that a competing company had gotten in touch with the leader and had snatched the job by lowering the price.

Starting a business in the handicraft industry is difficult, but maintaining it is even more difficult. They are like a drop in the ocean, easily crushed by the tides of the market.

The ice water she drank slowly calmed her agitation. After a moment of contemplation, Rong Weiyue said, "I'll call the person in charge again tonight. The result isn't finalized yet. No rush, there's still a chance."

Shu Jin nodded: "We'll finish producing the 1,000 co-branded necklaces with Lexifu by the end of the month, which will keep the studio running."

Rongwei Yue responded.

In the evening, she glanced at the time, shut down her computer, and left the studio.

A chill seeped in through the cracks outside, and the sycamore trees shed a carpet of yellow leaves. The continuous drizzle made people feel gloomy.

Tonight she's going to attend the wedding of a male classmate from university.

They had worked together on artwork competitions during college and had a good relationship. After graduation, he came to work in Beijing and is now planning art exhibitions. His girlfriend of six years is someone he has been dating, and their relationship is the envy of many.

Rong Weiyue suppressed her thoughts and drove on.

Later, when I got to the city, my phone rang. My best friend, Yin Lü, called, and when I answered, she launched into a familiar wail, "I really don't want to do this lousy job anymore!!"

Rong Weiyue's eyes curved slightly: "What's wrong, Teacher Yin? Which student has upset you this time?"

Yin Lu said she was furious. "What kind of people are these parents these days? My child fell during PE class and they all call to say I didn't take good care of them. Please, I'm a teacher, not a nanny. Who has time to follow students around all day?"

Yin Lu is a Chinese language teacher at a public elementary school. Ever since she was assigned to be a homeroom teacher this year, she hasn't had a peaceful day. She's thought about quitting five times a week. Rong Weiyue complained a bit on her behalf and coaxed her, "Why don't you come to my house tonight and we can watch a movie together?"

"Let's do it another day, honey. My boyfriend said he's coming to pick me up for dinner later, and I still have lesson plans and a ton of other stupid materials to write..."

Rong Weiyue said it was okay, but the car screen showed another call from "Auntie". She ignored it, but the other party kept calling. She sighed and told Yin Lu to wait a moment.

The call connected, and her aunt's loud voice came through: "Yueyue, are you off work yet? How was that guy I introduced you to last time? He said you're a bit aloof and don't talk to him much. That's not polite of you. Be more proactive and chat with him more."

Meng Xiu was keen on matchmaking and would often promote her in public. Rong Weiyue frowned and said in a soft but indifferent voice, "I don't like the idea of ​​chatting."

"You'll only know if you like someone after you get to know them! If you don't even try to get to know them, you'll only be able to pick up someone else's leftovers when you're older! Yueyue, you can't be too ambitious when it comes to dating. This guy may be five years older than you, but he's his own boss, has a car and a house, and has a good personality. He's more than a match for you. If I were younger, I would have married him long ago. Tell me, what are you being so picky about? Why is it not right?!"

He has premature ejaculation.

Rong Weiyue's words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

Aunt's voice suddenly faltered: "...Huh?!"

"Last time we went on a blind date, he found some medication for premature ejaculation in his bag. I have high standards for sex, and if he can't even provide this basic pleasure, what's the difference between him and a widow? He said he wanted to have a third child in accordance with the national policy as soon as we met. How dare he? Aunt, you can marry him if you want, since your husband is gone, you can have a second spring."

Aunt's face turned red and then black with anger: "You, you child!"

After hanging up the phone, Yin Lu, who was still on the other end, laughed loudly upon hearing the news: "As expected of you, you dare to say such a thing!"

Knowing that Rong Weiyue had a temper, she teased, "We won't consider this person, but don't you have any other ideas? You haven't talked about anyone for so many years, is it because... you can't let go of Fu Linzheng?"

A name I hadn't heard in a long time struck my heart.

Rong Weiyue paused slightly: "Where did you get that conclusion?"

“Because first love is always hard to forget,” Yin Lu sighed softly. “I heard that Fu Linzheng is really awesome now. My brother even asked me to help him get tickets to the Japan Grand Prix next year to see him.”

The car stopped at a red light. Outside the window was a bustling commercial district. Rong Weiyue looked up unintentionally, but her gaze was unexpectedly drawn to the huge electronic screen.

An advertisement for a top-tier luxury watch he endorses is playing on the screen.

In the picture, he is dressed in a black suit, casually sitting on the roof of a sports car, his long legs bent, his hand with a watch resting on his knee, his eyebrows sharp, his lips cold and hard, and his well-defined abdominal muscles faintly visible, exuding a world-weary and arrogant air.

In just a few seconds, a tingling sensation spread from her vision to her nerve endings.

Now at the age of 26, Fu Linzheng has become one of the most sought-after top racing drivers, racing in the world's top formula racing competitions, with countless fans.

He can be described in many ways: the heir to a giant in the domestic film and television industry, an ambitious investor, a reckless racing fanatic, and so on.

Years have passed, and he stands at the pinnacle, enjoying unparalleled fame and popularity, the type that almost every girl would like.

"Rong Weiyue, this is the first time I've ever pursued someone. Tell me what type you like, and I'll try my best to be that kind of person, okay?"

The unruly young master squatted in front of her, his coaxing voice still seeming to echo in her ears.

Lost in thought for two seconds, she heard a horn behind her and quickly stepped on the gas. Yin Lu asked, "You haven't run into Fu Linzheng since you graduated and came back?"

Rong Weiyue's eyes darkened, and she said softly, "Beijing is so big, it's normal not to run into each other."

If there's no destiny, it's very difficult to meet.

Reunion is even more difficult.

...

Ten minutes later, they arrived at a five-star hotel, where the newlyweds greeted guests at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Rong Weiyue walked over to offer her congratulations and present her gift money. Today, she was wearing a chestnut brown off-shoulder knitted sweater paired with a tie-dyed Chinese-style skirt. The red mole on her collarbone was faintly visible. She looked cool and gentle, with a slender and graceful figure.

Upon seeing her, the groom, Xu Chengguang, enthusiastically introduced her to those around him: "This is my college classmate, Rong Weiyue. She was first in our major, and now she runs her own studio. She's amazing!"

When asked by those around her, Rong Weiyue smiled and handed over her business card: "Qingyue Pavilion, we specialize in filigree inlay. You are welcome to customize jewelry here."

"The jewelry made by a beautiful person must also be beautiful, hahaha."

While they were chatting, a boy walked over and asked the groom, "Bald guy, when do you think Brother Zheng will arrive?"

“He just called me and said it will be soon. He just returned to China yesterday, and it’s not easy to see him.”

The name instantly caused a huge stir. "Brother Zheng? Are you talking about Fu Linzheng, the young master of the Fu family?!"

"Yes, he was my junior high school classmate, a close friend."

Rong Weiyue was taken aback by this connection. While she was still stunned, someone pointed to the door: "Look, isn't that Fu Linzheng?!"

Outside the hotel, the deep roar of a supercar engine could be heard from afar.

Like the roar of a cheetah chasing its prey, it cuts through the air and instantly catches the eye.

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ driving in through the neon-lit night. Its dark carbon fiber body was low and sleek, like a lurking beast. The rear wing was raised, and the LED headlights on both sides, along with the red lines, resembled shooting stars and flames.

The continuous taillights illuminate the "FLZ" lettering, a bespoke design Bugatti created for him on his 22nd birthday; only one in the world, and the license plate reflects light.

Beijing A·X0831.

0831. No one knows why he loves this string of numbers, but it's his exclusive number, and seeing it means it's him.

The headlights were dazzling, and the wheels sped through the water on the road, splashing water everywhere. Many cars unconsciously pulled over, as if aware of the difference in status and making way for him.

Flamboyant, arrogant, and lacking any sense of modesty.

Like himself, he was extremely dazzling.

The Bugatti stopped in front of the hotel, the outward-swinging doors opened, and a man got out and walked in as a waiter greeted him.

Standing nearly 1.9 meters tall, he wore a black jacket and cargo pants that accentuated his long legs, while his combat boots casually crunched on the ground. His excellent waist-to-body ratio and shoulder width exuded an imposing presence.

Behind him was a continuous curtain of rain, and the dazzling chandelier above cast its light on him. The man's short black hair was slightly messy in the wind. He had pale skin, dark eyes, and sharp, angular features. There was a small black mole on his right eyelid.

On the F1 track where he once won the world championship, he drove his car across the finish line. Amidst the cheers of the crowd, he took off his helmet, raised his eyebrows and smiled at the camera, revealing his mole. He became an internet sensation for his handsomeness, with some saying it was a deadly mole.

It's more aggressive than the face on the big screen ad.

It was as if the heavens had poured all their energy into him alone.

"Holy crap, holy crap, it really is Fu Linzheng!! He's so handsome!"

"We actually ran into the eldest son of the Fu family, one of the top wealthy families in Beijing, the guy who's most obsessed with racing!"

"Holy crap, that Bugatti is so cool! It must cost 50 million to get a car. This is a prince charming making a scene!"

The hall was already buzzing with excitement, but Rong Weiyue looked at him and her mind suddenly went blank.

Fu Linzheng has long since shed his naivety and acquired maturity.

Six years have passed since we last met, yet I can still see the youthful arrogance and recklessness in him.

She never expected to meet him here.

Even though I had rehearsed it a million times in my mind and talked about him with others in the evening, the reunion at this moment still caught me completely off guard.

The man's cold, dark eyes casually glanced in her direction, and her heart felt as if it had been squeezed tightly. It pounded wildly as she struggled, her palms aching from the edge of the business card, and her legs seemed glued to her as she tried to escape.

As Fu Linzheng walked up, a group of people surrounded him to greet him. Xu Chengguang smiled and said, "You said yesterday that you were still in Italy. I thought you couldn't come, so I took a plane back overnight. This shows how important I am to you."

Fu Linzheng lazily raised his eyebrows: "You're quite good at patting yourself on the back."

"Otherwise what? You came back for my wedding..."

Many people handed Fu Linzheng their business cards, and Xu Chengguang introduced him to the friends around him. Finally, he looked at Rong Weiyue in front of him and smiled, "This is my classmate from the class next to mine in university, Rong Weiyue. I told you before, she was the campus beauty of our year, and many people pursued her!"

Xu Chengguang suddenly remembered something, and his eyes lit up: "I remember you two went to Lan Gao High School, right? And you were both in Class 6, so weren't you classmates?"

Rong Weiyue's expression froze. Xu Chengguang joked, "That's an old classmate from school. Let's go in first. Do you two want to chat and catch up?"

Outside the banquet hall, lights flickered, voices rang out, and the air was filled with a lively atmosphere.

Rong Weiyue stood there, momentarily lost in thought, feeling as if the world had slightly lost focus. When she looked up, she saw Fu Linzheng's gaze meet hers.

His eyes were like the deep sea in a winter night. A smirk played on his lips, and his languid, nonchalant voice fell into her ear, yet it was like a sharp knife slicing through ice.

"No need."

"There's nothing to reminisce about between Miss Rong and me."