Fu Xi held Linlang in the palm of his hand. She was treated as if she was something fragile. Apart from the occasional kisses and hugs, he hardly allowed himself to go any further.
When he was in her presence, he would always play the role of a perfect boyfriend; elegant, decent, rational, and mature. He didn't dare indulge himself.
What was curious was that Fu Xi was far more relaxed around the female lead. He would even tap her forehead and call her a little fool with an expression that was full of pampering.
There was a subtle mood between the two.
Some female colleagues sensed this and casually brought it up in front of Linlang.
Linlang was very poised when she stated her complete trust in her boyfriend. This made a few co-workers who previously had a negative opinion of her change their attitudes.
More people began to surround and talk to her.
Of course, there were still some who always thought of her as an eyesore.
Xie Yaohua kept a vigilant attitude towards Linlang. Although many of his fellow brothers joined her side, he remained lukewarm, giving cutting remarks and sneering at her whenever he could.
Hoping he would get along with his girlfriend, Fu Xi was subtle about expressing her good points to him.
How did Xie Yaohua respond?
He said, "Boss, the spectator sees the chess game more clearly than the players. I feel that Ji Linlang approached you with a purpose. Think about it, what company couldn't she find with her excellent resume? Yet she had to come and apply here and the position was to be your assistant. In short, I can't come to like this sort of utilitarian woman!"
Seeing his firm attitude, Fu Xi had no choice but to go and ask Linlang for her opinion.
"Xie Yaohua? Oh, he's a cute and competent young man."
He's so cute and upright, it makes her want to tease him.
Linlang gave a very different assessment.
It wasn't because it was in front of Fu Xi or other people. She didn't mean to praise him at all.
Xie Yaohua thought she was too hypocritical. One time when they were on a business trip together, he told her, "You don't need to nauseate me like this. Since the boss likes you, I'm not so contemptible as to intervene. There's just one thing you have to pay attention to; I will never let you off if you hurt him again!"
Looking at the wrinkled bun-like babyface, Linlang couldn't help but squeeze it twice. Sure enough, it was soft and tender.
"What-what are you doing?"
Xie Yaohua tumbled down from the fright. He looked like a coerced young wife.
"I'm just messing with you."
Linlang stooped down and extended her hand. The hair beside her ear slid beautifully over her cheeks, like a fresh lotus beside a pool.
"Why are you getting so nervous, little man? Your girlfriend won't eat you."
An old uncle walking by casually spoke up.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Xie Yaohua's face turned red.
"Oh, so she's your wife! Fight and make up in bed1. You're a man, don't haggle over everything!" The enthusiastic old uncle continued to impart his wisdom. "The most important thing between husband and wife is compatibility and easing up..."
The thin-skinned Xie Yaohua couldn't stay there any longer and pulled Linlang away.
"Ai, that's right, lad!" The old uncle's voice was obscured in the wind.
That's right? What's right?
Xie Yaohua was so confused that he didn't realize he had grabbed the woman's hand. When he came back to his senses, he turned into a block of wood, unable to utter a single word.
"Beast." Her bright eyes denounced him as she said, "I'm going to tell Fu Xi you held my hand today."
"Don't-don't-don't! Stop! My Great Aunt, if there's something we can discuss then we should talk about it!" Xie Yaohua inadvertently grabbed the person trying to leave, and the faint scent exuding from her soft body wiped his mind blank.
Linlang lowered her head. Holding back a laugh, she said, "I have to tell Fu Xi. You're still holding me."
Xie Yaohua was about to cry. He really didn't mean to!
---
So far, Linlang had sorted out the male lead's friends. At the same time, their feelings were quickly heating up.
Fu Xi no longer constrained her as much. He devoted himself to R&D for the game and often disappeared for days on end. As a way of compensating his girlfriend, he made plans to spend time with over the weekend. But before they could even go on a proper walk, his phone suddenly rang.
"I'm sorry, Linlang. Something came up at the company. I have to go back." Fu Xi bent down and kissed her forehead. "I'll have A Hua come over and accompany you."
"Okay, work is important. Make sure to get some rest." Linlang acted magnanimously. She waited for the male lead's figure to disappear down the street, taking care to comb back the long hair that had been blown by the wind with her fingers.
She was well aware of the caller's identity.
The game was becoming more interesting.
The date's participants changed to Linlang and Xie Yaohua. As the night grew darker, the two walked along the river that radiated a golden hue from the lights flickering in the distance.
"It wasn't easy getting to see him today," Linlang said quietly.
"That— the company just went public, so the boss is very busy." Xie Yaohua's explanation was dry. The rumors flying around in the company could already cover the sky. In fact, Fu Xi and his secretary Yang Lu were too close. Although it was due to the nature of the work, people inevitably made conjectures.
Having seen it, Xie Yaohua also had some opinions about him.
The female secretary was pretty and charming. She would endearingly stand close to the handsome man's side, straightening his clothes from time to time, and the happy smile was particularly dazzling.
Linlang truly admired the heroine's courage. She could still look 'naïve' while she 'inadvertently' seduces the hero under the indignant eyes of everyone in the company.
Didn't she know that Fu Xi's parents and fellow brothers were all on her side?
As Yang Lu used all sorts of tricks to capture Fu Xi, Linlang went to visit the elders of the Fu family. Fu Xi's suicide attempt was only known to his closest friends who strictly guarded the secret. This made things very convenient for Linlang. She knew how to please elders and soon struck a close friendship with Mother Fu.
While Fu Xi continued to stand her up, Linlang invited Mother Fu to go out and chat together. Sometimes she would stay over for dinner at the Fu household and was often hounded by Grandpa Fu into playing chess until the defeated old man had to ask Father Fu for help, only for the tragedy to prevail.
Linlang successfully won the Fu family's favor.
Yang Lu's situation can be described as precarious. If she can't capture Fu Xi firmly, she won't be able to avoid criticism even if she managed to obtain the high seat of honor.
That would be such a fun play to watch.
Digging pits without leaving traces was a skill.
After all, one couldn't be a female match without making a few moves.