Fu Hanjiang's casual gesture seemed as though he were discarding something dirty.
"What's this?"
Zhao Lianghan raised his hand in confusion, catching it.
Opening the bag, he found the ring he had given Sheng Xiangsi.
Sheng Xiangsi saw it too and looked up sharply at Fu Hanjiang. Didn't he throw it away that night?
So, he hadn't actually disposed of it?
"Heh."
Zhao Lianghan held the ring, his smile stiff and unnatural.
What was there not to understand?
Sheng Xiangsi wouldn't be waiting for him anymore. She had gone with Fu Er Ye...
That was good. Fu Er Ye was younger, richer, and wouldn't have the many concerns he did.
Zhao Lianghan pocketed the ring and looked at Sheng Xiangsi. "Forget what I said earlier. You... being with Fu Er Ye is your good fortune. Well... I'll leave now."
What?
Sheng Xiangsi was stunned. He thought she was in that kind of relationship with Fu Hanjiang?
How absurd!
Fu Hanjiang despised her the most! If he were to be misunderstood like this, he'd be furious!
"I, no..." Sheng Xiangsi clutched her throat, eager to explain.
"Tsk."
Fu Hanjiang glared at her fiercely, annoyed. "The doctor told you not to talk. Do you want to become completely mute?"
From her expression, could it be that she really had feelings for that old man Zhao?!
"..." Sheng Xiangsi was at a loss for words.
See? He was indeed very angry! What should she do? She couldn't even explain.
The intimacy they unconsciously showed was evident to Zhao Lianghan, who smiled bitterly, nodded to Fu Hanjiang, and said, "Fu Er Ye, goodbye."
He abruptly turned and left.
Sheng Xiangsi instinctively took a couple of steps forward, her mouth opening, "Zhao..."
"Sheng Xiangsi!"
Fu Hanjiang had reached his limit, grabbing her wrist to prevent her from going outside. "Dare to chase after him, and see what happens!"
Damn, so annoying!
Fu Hanjiang loosened his tie knot, took a deep breath, and pulled Sheng Xiangsi inside.
With a bang, he slammed the door shut.
Sheng Xiangsi didn't understand what she had done to anger him again. Her throat hurt, and she couldn't argue with him, so she simply turned her head away, refusing to look at him or acknowledge him.
"Ha!"
Fu Hanjiang laughed in anger, gripping her jaw and forcing her to face him.
His face was dark and severe. "Who are you showing that sullen face to? Don't tell me you really fell for that old man!"
"..."
Sheng Xiangsi glared at him, angry. What did he know? He didn't understand anything!
No, he didn't know anything and yet he was meddling in her life!
She stiffened her neck, her voice hoarse. "Yes! I do like him!"
"!"
Fu Hanjiang was stunned, shock spreading across his face.
"Are you crazy? What do you like about such an old man? Do you like that he could be your father? Sheng Xiangsi, are you lacking fatherly love? Huh?"
"..."
Sheng Xiangsi's face tightened, her anger growing. "It's none... of your business!"
Suddenly, Fu Hanjiang realized—he had said the wrong thing!
Sheng Xiangsi's parents had died when she was young—she did lack fatherly love!
"I..."
Fu Hanjiang opened his mouth, wanting to apologize, but Fu Gongzi had always been proud, and especially towards Sheng Xiangsi, whom he had never liked.
He couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Get... out!"
Sheng Xiangsi didn't care what he thought. She didn't want to see him.
She pushed against his chest, trying to shove him out. "Go... go!"
With a guilty conscience, Fu Hanjiang didn't resist this time, letting her push him out.
The door slammed shut, almost hitting his nose.
Fu Hanjiang raised his hand to rub it. "Tch, such a bad temper..."
However, she actually said she liked Zhao Lianghan!
Could it be that because she lacked fatherly love, she liked older men?
"No, impossible."
Fu Hanjiang shook his head, denying it.
She used to like him!
And she had liked him for many years.
Since she liked him, there was no way she would like someone like Zhao Lianghan! She was just confused, young, and easily deceived!
Yes, that's it.
Fu Hanjiang worried, thinking that Sheng Xiangsi could be deceived once, she could be deceived a second time. He had to keep a closer eye on her.
His role as the ex-husband was becoming more and more worrisome!
...
Two days later, Sheng Xiangsi had mostly recovered.
Though her speech was still affected, at least her throat wasn't as painful. After discussing with Manager Wu, she resumed her performances.
That night, while Sheng Xiangsi was doing her makeup, Manager Wu came in.
"Xiangsi!" Manager Wu beamed, "Good news!"
Sheng Xiangsi didn't understand, "What good news?"
Her speech was still somewhat strained, her voice soft.
"Haha!" Manager Wu couldn't contain his laughter, "Fu Er Ye... is here!"
"Originally, it was a pity that things didn't work out with Director Zhao. But now, Fu Er Ye is back! It seems that, Xiangsi... fate has its plans for you! The heavens still favor you! Haha..."
While Director Zhao was good, compared to Fu Er Ye, he fell short.
However, Sheng Xiangsi couldn't smile.
Because she knew very well, Fu Hanjiang wasn't here to be her benefactor... he was purely here to 'watch' over her.
As he said, he felt... she was bringing shame to the Fu family.
"Xiangsi."
Manager Wu still remembered the unpleasant incident between her and Fu Hanjiang last time, advising her earnestly.
"You should tone down your temper. No matter what, just appease Fu Er Ye a bit. Men, especially those who achieve great things, tend to be a bit domineering, right? If you placate him well, what won't you get?"
He winked and whispered.
"At least, it's much better than being with Director Zhao!"
"Heh." Sheng Xiangsi was at a loss for words, awkwardly smiling and nodding, "I understand."
"That's more like it."
Manager Wu patted her shoulder. "Get ready. Fu Er Ye is waiting to watch your performance!"
After the performance, Sheng Xiangsi removed her makeup and exited through the employee passage. Fu Hanjiang's tall figure was there.
Who knew how long he had been waiting, but hearing footsteps, he turned to look at her.
Without wasting words, he said, "Follow me."
"..." Sheng Xiangsi silently followed him.
Outside, Fu Hanjiang walked to the car and opened the passenger door. "Get in."
Sheng Xiangsi took a deep breath and bent down to get in.
As the car started, Sheng Xiangsi looked at him, trying to speak. "Can you not come to Mí Sè anymore?"
"Sure."
Fu Hanjiang nodded. "When I'm busy, even if you want me to, I won't be able to—"
He suddenly grinned at Sheng Xiangsi, showing his teeth. "But, I've already spread the word. Now, anyone who knows the name Fu Hanjiang... won't dare to mess with you."
"Spread the word?"
Sheng Xiangsi didn't understand. "Spread what word?"
"Ahem."
Fu Hanjiang cleared his throat, not answering. "Shut up! So much talking? Your throat just got better, and you're already straining it!"
Sheng Xiangsi closed her mouth, and the two drove in silence back to West 12th Street.
Fu Hanjiang didn't walk her upstairs but waited downstairs until he saw the light in her apartment come on. He was about to leave when suddenly, the entire world plunged into darkness!