Chapter 16: You Are the Only Woman for Me

On the rare occasion, Fu Yancheng's lips carried a faint smile, tinged with unmistakable admiration. He listened intently to the person before him, his gaze unwavering and focused. That expression—gentle, attentive—was something Qiao Xi had never witnessed on his face.

A surge of bitterness welled up in Qiao Xi's heart.

Wasn’t he supposed to be on a business trip in Europe? How could he appear here… and even dine with another woman?

“Tsk, that woman is really beautiful. Such poise…” Chu Xiangxiang was murmuring in awe.

But Qiao Xi found that the delicious food in her mouth suddenly lost all flavor. She lowered her head, poking listlessly at the salad in her plate, yet her eyes could not help but wander back to that table.

Fu Yancheng.

Fu Yancheng was conversing with “Dr Q,” asking her several cutting-edge questions about cosmetic technology.

The woman across from him, Qin Yiren, had not expected that the president of the Fu Group, who was offering her a generous salary, would be so young and handsome. She had been secretly delighted. However, when she heard his questions, her heart tightened, though she kept her composure.

How could she know any of this? She had merely stolen the anonymously published papers and patents of the real Dr Q from abroad, impersonating that identity and pretending to have just returned from overseas.

Fortunately, she had done her homework well. Qin Yiren spoke confidently and elegantly, her words professional, her demeanor poised.

Fu Yancheng looked at her with admiration, growing more certain he had indeed found the true Dr Q. Smiling, he began to discuss the specifics of their collaboration.

Meanwhile, at Qiao Xi’s table—

“Tsk, Qiao Qiao…” Chu Xiangxiang nudged her gently with her elbow, a mischievous grin on her lips. “Your eyes are glued to President Fu. I can practically smell the jealousy!”

Qiao Xi snapped back to herself, cheeks suddenly flushed as if she’d been struck. “Don’t be ridiculous! I wasn’t looking at him. Who’s jealous…”

She retorted hastily, her voice betraying her uncertainty, her gaze evasive.

Chu Xiangxiang rolled her eyes, as if she knew Qiao Xi all too well. Lowering her voice with a wicked smile, she teased, “You’re too caught up, girl! President Fu clearly admires that lady doctor, but with you…”

She deliberately drew out the words.

“You’re just stubborn, refusing to admit it!”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Qiao Xi was mortified by Chu Xiangxiang’s bluntness, her heart racing. She grabbed her water and took a long gulp, trying to quell the heat in her face and the turmoil within.

Yet she could not resist another furtive glance toward Fu Yancheng.

The sight stung her eyes.

“I… I need to go to the restroom!” Unable to sit still any longer, Qiao Xi abruptly stood. She ignored Chu Xiangxiang’s teasing glance, lowered her head, and hurried toward the restroom, her movements disordered.

Though Fu Yancheng was speaking with Qin Yiren, the corner of his eye had also caught sight of Qiao Xi’s table. He watched as she suddenly stood and quickly made her way toward the restroom, a knowing smile flickering in his eyes.

“Excuse me, Dr Qin,” Fu Yancheng said, his tone distant. “Pardon me for a moment.”

Without waiting for Qin Yiren’s reply, he rose and strode quickly after Qiao Xi.

Qiao Xi had just reached the quiet corridor leading to the restroom when suddenly her wrist was seized.

“Ah!” she cried out, and was pulled into an empty lounge room nearby.

With a soft thud, Fu Yancheng closed the door behind them.

In the dim light, Qiao Xi’s back pressed against the wall, her breath caught as she stared at the suddenly magnified handsome face before her.

Fu Yancheng braced one hand against the wall beside her ear, trapping her between himself and the wall, his tall figure exuding a powerful sense of dominance.

He leaned in, his warm breath brushing her face, his eyes filled with teasing amusement as they met her flustered and evasive gaze.

“Why are you running?” Fu Yancheng’s voice was low, his fingers gently caressing her flushed cheek. “Why hide from me, Mrs Fu?”

Qiao Xi’s cheeks burned even hotter at his sudden action. The memory of him laughing and conversing with the lady doctor just moments ago brought forth a wave of grievance and jealousy.

She tried to push him away, but he only tightened his hold.

“Isn’t President Fu busy entertaining that lady?” Qiao Xi lifted her head, her voice laced with jealousy she hadn’t realized, glaring at him. “Why bother with a mere employee like me?”

Fu Yancheng gazed at her puffed-up little face, his smile deepening with amusement. “Oh? Are you jealous?”

“Who’s jealous!” Qiao Xi retorted, as if her tail had been stepped on.

“President Fu, you’re overthinking it. I just thought you must be exhausted—rushing back from your trip only to entertain someone else. I didn’t want to interrupt!” She deliberately emphasized “rushing back from your trip,” her tone full of accusation—

He had left her alone in the villa for days, and upon returning, immediately dined with another woman!

The thought made her even angrier, and she added, “Besides, President Fu can dine with whomever he pleases. What does it have to do with me? I have no say in the matter.”

Fu Yancheng chuckled, his chest vibrating with undisguised delight. Far from angry, he found her jealous yet stubborn demeanor utterly endearing.

His deep eyes danced with affection.

“It’s been a few days, and you’ve grown bolder? Daring to speak to me like this?” His warm breath brushed her cheeks, his voice dropping even lower, seductive. “Or… is it because I was away, and you missed me?”

“Who—who missed you!” Qiao Xi replied, struck right at her heart.

Fu Yancheng’s nose nearly touched hers. “I see. Mrs Fu is complaining that I neglected her?”

“I am not!” Qiao Xi was so flustered by his overt teasing that her whole body felt limp, her shame and anger peaking. Her voice quivered, “Let go of me, I… I need to use the restroom!”

She pushed against his solid chest, but he did not budge.

Fu Yancheng laughed again, easily pinning Qiao Xi’s restless wrists above her head against the wall. Then he leaned down and kissed her fiercely.

At first, Qiao Xi resisted stiffly.

But under his persistent assault, her body gradually softened, nearly surrendering.

She was forced to tilt her head up to receive his kiss.

No one knew how long it lasted before Fu Yancheng finally eased away, his forehead resting against hers.

Qiao Xi’s gaze was hazy, her cheeks aglow, breathing ragged, her chest heaving.

“Qiao Xi…” His eyes lingered on her flushed little face for a moment, his Adam’s apple bobbing, lips parted.

“My relationships with women are not as you imagine. The only woman I have, the only one I ever will, is you.”

Hearing his words, Qiao Xi was stunned.

She had just opened her mouth to speak when Fu Yancheng bent again, claiming her lips once more.

He was like a parched desert finally finding its oasis; heaven knew how many times he’d looked at her photo these past few days.

His kiss grew tender, prompting Qiao Xi to respond instinctively.

Her involuntary moan sent a tremor through Fu Yancheng’s heart.

He wished he could press her beneath him right now.

Suddenly, a phone rang.

The lovely atmosphere shattered.

Fu Yancheng looked at her flushed cheeks and dazed eyes, his mood soaring.

He leaned in, whispering a few words in her ear: “Tonight… we’ll continue.”