Chapter 88: Contemplation in Solitude

Xie Cheng admitted that Su Wanwan was undeniably beautiful. Yet, this woman already belonged to another. He was well aware of Fu Liangmu's methods—who would dare offend him and vie for his woman unless they wished to court death?

Xia Kelan arched an eyebrow, completely oblivious to the tension beneath her own speculation. She was lost in her own conjecture.

"Then what else could it be?"

Xie Cheng felt a deep sense of helplessness. Recalling the nonsensical things Xia Kelan had said when they first met, he instantly grasped the full picture.

"You're overthinking. I don't like her."

Xia Kelan frowned, surprised that this man would dare to act so boldly but not take responsibility.

"Just admit it!"

"Besides, I'm not the type to blab. I won't ever tell Fu Liangmu about this."

Xie Cheng smiled gently, reluctant to shoulder the blame.

"You seem to misunderstand—I truly have no relationship whatsoever with Su Wanwan."

Disappointment marred Xia Kelan's face, but it was overshadowed by fury. She never imagined that the pretty boy Su Wanwan liked would lack the courage to acknowledge their feelings. How could such a man be worthy of Wanwan?

"Are you a kettle or what? So good at pretending!"

"Admitting it won't hurt!"

Xie Cheng's eyelid twitched sharply as he gazed upon Xia Kelan's flushed, angry face and her effort to stand on tiptoe to assert herself. Instead of irritation, he found her somewhat endearing.

"Why confess to something that never happened?" Xia Kelan sneered in anger.

"Fine!"

"Then tell me this—if you don't like Wanwan, why did you go to see her piano recital?"

Without hesitation, Xie Cheng responded, "That's because..." The name Fu Liangmu almost slipped out. Close call... nearly revealed a colossal secret. His tone was casual, "I also like Lun Tian, so I went to listen to his final performance after leaving the industry. What's wrong with that?"

Xia Kelan gaped, "It's Lun En! Lun En! You can't even remember his name, yet you claim to like him?"

"Stop making those idiotic excuses. You can fake anything, but tickets can't be forged!"

"You had the same tickets as I did—internal passes!"

"If you didn't know Wanwan or Lun En, how could you have gotten them?"

After exchanging tickets with Xie Cheng, Xia Kelan had sensed this discrepancy but hadn't given it much thought until now. She had uncovered an earth-shattering secret!

Xie Cheng was speechless. The tickets were indeed given by an insider, but... they came from Fu Liangmu! Now, he was utterly unable to deny it.

"Caught red-handed, nothing left to say, huh?"

Xie Cheng was silent.

On the way back, he sighed repeatedly. Fu Liangmu's fingers paused over the keyboard several times before he finally lost patience.

"Do you have phlegm stuck in your throat?"

Xie Cheng choked, rolling his eyes at him and sighed deeply again.

"I'm just curious—how can a woman possess such bizarre reasoning..."

Fu Liangmu took a sip of water and returned his gaze to the screen. Seeing no response, Xie Cheng glanced back at the two behind him. Xia Kelan lounged comfortably, half-reclined in her chair, eyes fixed intently on a small television screen, headphones in place, her expression solemn.

Xie Cheng couldn't help but ask Su Wanwan, "What's she watching?"

Su Wanwan flipped through a magazine, glanced briefly, and replied coolly, "The Harem Chronicles."

At that moment, Xia Kelan muttered disdainfully, "How shameless! A mere guard dares to compete for the emperor's woman? Doesn't know her place at all!"

Xie Cheng was speechless.

"Thanks for the subtle dig."

Seeming to notice Xie Cheng's embarrassment, Su Wanwan's tone was calm.

"Don't mind her. She's watched it countless times."

Xie Cheng clicked his tongue, "Doesn't she get tired of it? She must have memorized the plot by now."

Su Wanwan smiled faintly, turning a page with a trace of helplessness.

"For her, every replay inspires fresh imaginings."

Xie Cheng nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed."

Fu Liangmu frowned, puzzled by their conversation.

After landing, Fu Liangmu took Su Wanwan home. Before the car reached the door, Su Wanwan spotted a frail elderly figure standing at the entrance, straining to look out. Upon seeing them, a contented smile brightened his face.

Su Wanwan opened the door, immediately alighting with a limp.

"Grandma, why aren't you waiting inside?"

The old lady smiled tenderly, clasping her hand.

"I missed you. Wanted to see you as soon as possible."

Uncle Zhang chimed in, "The old lady knew the young master and madam were coming back early. She barely slept last night and was up before dawn preparing a table full of dishes."

Warmth surged in Su Wanwan's heart, deeply moved.

"Thank you, Grandma."

"No need for thanks."

Fu Liangmu stepped forward, reaching out to support Su Wanwan, but a sharp slap interrupted him.

"Old Zhang, help Wanwan. Don't let that guy."

The old lady's expression shifted dramatically, immediately turning grave.

"So foolish—can't even protect your own wife! What good are you?"

Fu Liangmu rubbed his nose silently. After washing his hands, Su Wanwan sat at the dining table, gazing at the spread of her favorite dishes.

"Wanwan, since you're hurt, you must nourish yourself well. Drink this soup first."

"There's some medicine in it that's good for your recovery."

Su Wanwan lowered her head; the aroma of the soup wafted gently to her nostrils. The medicine's scent was subtle, perfectly balanced.

Fu Liangmu sat beside her, picking up chopsticks to take a piece of meat, but the old lady immediately blocked him.

"How can you still eat?"

"Go stand in the corner and contemplate your mistakes!"

Fu Liangmu frowned, about to speak.

Su Wanwan quickly interjected, "Grandma, this isn't Liangmu's fault. Besides, we didn't go together."

"Please don't blame him."

The old lady murmured an assent, but it was clear she was worried about Su Wanwan. She knew Fu Liangmu's temperament well; even if she scolded him ten times, he wouldn't seem to hear it.

Unexpectedly, Fu Liangmu put down his chopsticks and bowed his head, looking somewhat aggrieved.

"I failed to protect Wanwan properly and deserve this punishment."

With the three staring in astonishment, he walked to a corner of the dining room and stood silently.

Uncle Zhang rubbed his eyes in disbelief. What was going on? When the young master rose, he had looked... almost pitiable?

Seeing this, Su Wanwan immediately said,

"Grandma, you're really being unfair to Liangmu."

After all, when she was injured, Fu Liangmu was the first to rush to her side, stayed overnight at the hospital, slept on the tiny sofa, and tirelessly bought meals. Now, he was scolded and punished on her behalf. How could she bear it?

Yet Su Wanwan did not see a trace of misery on Fu Liangmu's face while standing punished. Instead, the corners of his lips curled into a triumphant smirk...