Chapter 125: Don’t Leave Me

Fu Jinghan's lips twitched uncontrollably. So they were praising Su Wanwan, but criticizing his work?! His gaze landed fiercely on the first design sketch, his hands trembling with fury. The group chat was still buzzing with excitement.

"Votes are in! Too bad each person can only vote once!"

"Don't worry, design number two only has about twenty votes, while number one has over a hundred!"

"Hehe, our director's victory is assured!"

"Don't be so biased. Honestly, design number two is quite good on its own; it just pales in comparison to number one…"

"What do you mean? Defending Su Wanwan?"

"No, just speaking objectively."

Fu Jinghan paced anxiously, tearing at his hair, fingers entangled in strands. Damn it… What on earth was he supposed to do now?

"I… I'm leaving first!" he snapped, storming out.

Yan Wenhua cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Alright, alright, let's all disperse."

One by one, people trickled out, leaving Yan Wenhua alone in the conference room. After about ten minutes, he cautiously opened the door and peeked out, looking especially wary.

"Are you looking for me?" A refined, melodious voice with a hint of amusement came from nearby. Yan Wenhua jumped, clutching his chest.

"It's so late… aren't you going to eat?" Su Wanwan sighed helplessly.

Fu Liangmu's long hand grasped her wrist, preventing her escape.

"I'd like to, but look — I can't leave at all."

Yan Wenhua swallowed nervously and glanced at Fu Liangmu sheepishly.

"Well…" Fu Liangmu bluntly cut him off,

"You promised to be my apprentice, remember?"

Yan Wenhua's eyelids twitched. This guy was a bit too petty! He had only said it casually before, but Fu Liangmu had cornered him at the door.

"Forget it, Liangmu, let's not make things difficult for him." Su Wanwan smiled gently, coming to Yan Wenhua's defense.

Yan Wenhua was stunned. He had expected Su Wanwan to be as relentless as Fu Liangmu in humiliating him, but she was unexpectedly kind…

"Even if I were to take on an apprentice, it'd have to be someone younger."

"Otherwise, if word got out, people would say I'm bullying an old man."

Yan Wenhua: "…"

"Alright, fine then." Su Wanwan waved him off with a smile, dragging Fu Liangmu away.

Before leaving, Fu Liangmu shot Yan Wenhua a piercing glance, as if to say: I'm letting you off this time, but if there's a next time, it won't be so easy!

Outside the company, Fu Ziyang stood by the roadside, waving excitedly at them. His eyes gleamed with admiration and envy as he stared at Su Wanwan.

Once inside the car, he babbled nonstop.

"You can actually design!"

"That's unbelievable!"

"When did you learn?"

"I thought you were sure to lose!"

Su Wanwan's crimson lips curved in a modest smile.

"I used to browse wedding dress design books when I was free."

Fu Ziyang accepted this without question, marveling,

"My god, there really are people smarter than me in this world…"

"You're incredibly gifted!"

Fu Liangmu regarded Su Wanwan with a deep, unspoken intensity. Though silent, a storm churned inside him. Both her piano skills and today's achievements proved she was no ordinary woman. He had clearly underestimated her. This woman was not a fragile, naive flower. She understood everything but chose not to flaunt her talents before others. Su Wanwan carried many secrets.

"To celebrate Sister-in-law's victory today, let's have a banquet! Your treat!"

Fu Liangmu cut in coldly,

"Go home."

Fu Ziyang looked aggrieved as he stared at Su Wanwan. She gently patted his shoulder,

"You go first. We'll meet again later. Today was just the first round."

"All right then…" Fu Ziyang reluctantly got out, waving wildly behind them.

The car was silent all the way home; no one spoke. Su Wanwan scratched her head, sensing the heavy tension beside her. She climbed the stairs and opened the bedroom door, only to be suddenly yanked back by her shoulder and pressed firmly against the door by Fu Liangmu. His body loomed over her. His eyes were deep, filled with confusion, surprise, and bewilderment.

"Wanwan, how much have you been hiding from me…"

Su Wanwan remained silent. Their eyes met—calm yet cold, a mixture of emotions intertwined. She showed not an ounce of retreat.

Eventually, Fu Liangmu was the first to yield. He lowered his head, resting it on Su Wanwan's shoulder, concealing all his expressions quietly.

Her fingers twitched as she spoke ambiguously,

"I never intended to hide anything… sometimes those things just weren't necessary."

"Besides…" Su Wanwan paused, the rest left unsaid but clearly in her mind: You've hidden quite a bit from me too, haven't you?

Fu Liangmu said nothing for a long time. His head gently brushed her neck, like a small animal sniffing her faint fragrance. His voice was low, tinged with sorrow and grievance.

"A brilliant girl like you… do you ever feel wronged marrying me?"

Just as Su Wanwan opened her mouth, Fu Liangmu seemed to sense something and added,

"Answer honestly."

She thought for a moment and replied,

"I've never pondered that question."

"Then think about it now."

Fu Liangmu persisted.

"I don't feel wronged."

Su Wanwan's answer was resolute. Yet Fu Liangmu frowned,

"I don't believe you."

She smiled faintly,

"Well, what would it take for you to believe me?"

Fu Liangmu suspected Su Wanwan was lying. He was now "unattractive" and "still living off others." Any sane woman wouldn't like him.

He spoke with a hint of stubbornness,

"It's too late to regret now; you're already mine."

Before Su Wanwan could respond, a pair of arms encircled her waist, holding her tightly.

"Let me go, I can't breathe…"

Fu Liangmu only tightened his embrace, eyes closed, whispering,

"Wanwan, no matter what happens, never leave me, alright?"

Su Wanwan blinked in confusion. Before she could reply, Fu Liangmu anxiously added softly,

"I'm begging you…"

Her lips parted slightly. After a moment, she realized—was he… coaxing her? Impulsively, she reached out to stroke his soft, smooth black hair.

"Mm, I understand."