Chapter 10: Xixi, Marry Me

Qiao Xi gazed at him, a sharp pain stabbing through her heart.

Memories of sweeter days surged, unbidden, through her mind—his gentle smile, his considerate care, the vows he had once sworn with such conviction...

Every image, every fleeting scene, now mirrored the betrayal of the present.

“Xi Xi, I know I was wrong...” Gu Heng’an offered her the bouquet, his eyes pleading.

“That night was truly an accident. That woman is utterly deranged! In my heart, there’s only ever been you... Please, give me a chance to explain, will you?”

He reached out, hoping to touch her cheek, his movement soft and tentative.

Qiao Xi jerked back a step, evading both his hand and the blinding flowers.

His voice remained as it always had, but it could no longer stir her heart as before.

“An accident?”

Her voice trembled. “Gu Heng’an, photographs don’t lie. We’re finished. Please leave.”

“No, it’s not over!” Gu Heng’an stepped forward, desperation and anguish bleeding into his tone. “Xi Xi, without you, I’m losing my mind!”

“I think about you every day. I know you hate me, but you can’t deny our five years together—every moment was real, I love you!”

His earnest confession only deepened Qiao Xi’s pain.

“Don’t say any more...” Her voice caught, and tears broke free, streaming down her chilled face.

She didn’t want to cry, especially not in front of him.

But the surge of grievance and heartbreak was beyond her control.

Seeing her tears, Gu Heng’an’s eyes filled with distress; he tried even more urgently to draw near.

“Xi Xi, don’t cry... Look, I mean it!”

He fumbled hurriedly in the inner pocket of his suit and produced a small box, snapping it open to reveal a diamond ring that glittered fiercely under the light.

“Xi Xi, marry me. Let’s start over. I swear I’ll treat you well...”

Qiao Xi stared at the ring, momentarily stunned.

It was the very style she’d once dreamed about, gazing through shop windows countless times...

The abrupt proposal silenced her tears, leaving only a dazed confusion and a wavering in her heart.

Five years of love battered her fragile nerves, threatening to overcome her.

Just as Qiao Xi teetered on the edge—

A cold, derisive laugh, barely more than a whisper, sounded from nearby.

Unnoticed, Fu Yancheng had appeared a few steps away.

His hands were tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored trousers, his manner relaxed, but his eyes were icy as they settled on Qiao Xi’s tear-stained face and the glaring diamond ring.

“What a cheap performance this is.”

His lips parted slightly, the words delivered quietly but with a contempt that chilled the air.

Gu Heng’an recognized Fu Yancheng and instantly turned ashen, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word.

The Gu family was well-off enough, a local family of some standing, but in the presence of the Fu family—true financial royalty—they were utterly insignificant.

At that moment, a middle-aged man appeared, rushing over breathlessly, his face anxious.

It was Gu Heng’an’s superior, Rong Tao, the head of Rong Group, which had business ties with the Fu Corporation.

Panic-stricken, sweat broke out across his brow.

“President Fu! What brings you here?”

He hurried forward, not sparing Gu Heng’an a glance, bowing and nodding obsequiously to Fu Yancheng.

“What’s going on here? Gu Heng’an! What are you playing at?”

Fu Yancheng didn’t even bother to look his way. His voice was calm and emotionless. “Qiao Xi.”

“If a man truly loves a woman, he would never touch another while she’s his.”

With those words, all the wavering in Qiao Xi’s heart froze.

She turned to Gu Heng’an, and the last trace of tenderness in her eyes disappeared, replaced by clear, unyielding disgust.

“Take your cheap love and get out of my sight. You make me sick.”

With that, Qiao Xi spun around and strode away without a backward glance.

Fu Yancheng did not so much as lift his eyelids, only cast a glance at Gu Heng’an with eyes cold and indifferent.

The disdain and disregard in that look were more devastating than any words.

Rong Tao immediately understood, his face turning livid.

He spun on Gu Heng’an, barking furiously, his tone desperate to dissociate himself.

“Gu Heng’an, you’re fired! Get out, and don’t disgrace us further!”

Struck by Fu Yancheng’s final blow and Qiao Xi’s icy gaze, Gu Heng’an shook all over.

He seemed thunderstruck, the color draining from his face, the hand clutching the ring trembling uncontrollably.

At last, under his boss’s furious shouts, Gu Heng’an scrambled away in utter disgrace.

Fu Yancheng strode after Qiao Xi, quickly catching up in a few long steps.

“Qiao Xi,” he called, his voice deep.

She halted, but did not turn.

She took a deep breath, struggling to steady the ache in her chest, and forced her voice to sound calm.

“President Fu, forgive me... I—I’d like to go to the restroom.”

Before she could finish, a strong arm reached from behind, drawing her into a broad, solid embrace.

The man’s deep gaze fell on her tear-stained face.

Then he reached out and gently brushed away the cold traces of her tears.

Qiao Xi quivered, lifting her blurred, tear-filled eyes to meet his, where a storm of complicated emotion surged beneath the surface.

His voice, low and unexpectedly gentle, sounded above her head.

“With me, you don’t have to pretend to be strong.”

Fu Yancheng tightened his arms around her, pressing her closer to his chest.

His chin rested lightly atop her hair as he murmured, awkward but gentle, “If you want to cry... just let it out.”

That sudden warmth shattered all the strength Qiao Xi had been holding on to.

Her body went limp, and the tears she’d fought so hard to restrain came rushing forth.

She no longer struggled, burying her face against his chest, her shoulders shaking violently.

Muffled sobs escaped her, full of overwhelming grievance and pain.

Fu Yancheng said nothing, only held her closer, one hand soothingly patting her trembling back.

His other hand stroked her long hair with gentle affection.

He felt the shudders racking her slender form, her burning tears soaking through his shirt.

Lowering his head, his eyes lingered on her damp lashes and reddened lips.

His gaze locked with hers, their depths gleaming with unshed tears.

“Don’t cry anymore...”

His voice was husky, magnetic, his thumb gently caressing the softness of her lips.

Startled by the sudden intimacy, Qiao Xi stiffened.

She raised her tearful eyes, meeting his gaze, where fiery, unmasked desire now burned.

No longer was there detachment, but a raw, fervent longing.

“If you keep crying...”

Fu Yancheng bent close, his breath hot against her lips, his voice rough, “I’ll kiss you.”