Chapter 21: Not Allowed to Meet Other Men Alone

Shen Yu had clearly come to discuss business with Lu Yanzhi, but was caught off guard by the scene unfolding before him.

Mu Censhan was the first to react, grinning mischievously.
“Well now, isn’t this the little engineer from Yanchen’s company?”

Shen Yu recognized Qiao Xi as well, his gaze flickering between Fu Yanchen and Qiao Xi.

Lu Yanzhi, upon seeing Fu Yanchen, was momentarily stunned, then flashed an even brighter smile. “Ah, President Fu, what a rare guest.”

“So, are you here to sign the contract personally today? Or... are you here to check up on someone?”

He cast a meaningful glance at Qiao Xi.

Fu Yanchen ignored Lu Yanzhi, striding over to Qiao Xi with long, purposeful steps.

His tall figure radiated an overwhelming sense of dominance, enveloping her completely.

Fu Yanchen’s cold gaze swept over Lu Yanzhi’s amused expression, finally locking onto Qiao Xi’s panic-stricken face.

“Qiao Xi, what are you doing here?”

His gaze was sharp, as if he could see right through her.

Qiao Xi opened her mouth, unsure how to explain. “President Fu, I...”

Lu Yanzhi raised an eyebrow, his eyes darting between the two, lips curling into a smile that reveled in the drama.

“Oh? So Miss Qiao is President Fu’s woman? What a coincidence. President Fu, you’re really blessed.”

He deliberately emphasized the word “blessed,” his tone laced with obvious mockery.

Fu Yanchen’s thin lips pressed tightly together, his eyes fathomless.

He shot a murderous glance at Lu Yanzhi, his voice cold as ice. “Lu Yanzhi, stay away from her.”

His words were not just a warning, but a declaration of territory to a rival.

“Tsk, President Fu, no need to get so worked up!”

Lu Yanzhi spread his hands, feigning innocence. “Miss Qiao came here herself, saying she had something ‘important’ to discuss. I didn’t do anything.”

“President Fu can’t even keep an eye on his own people, and now you’re blaming me?”

He lightly shifted the responsibility back.

Mu Censhan and Shen Yu exchanged glances.

Mu Censhan, undeterred, whistled teasingly. “Yanchen, your little engineer is quite bold, huh? She’s managed to find her way to President Lu.”

He deliberately mimicked Lu Yanzhi’s tone, fanning the flames.

A storm of anger gathered between Fu Yanchen’s brows; he seized Qiao Xi’s slender wrist.

“Come with me.”

His voice was low, almost dragging Qiao Xi up from the sofa.

“Fu Yanchen! You’re hurting me...”

Qiao Xi stumbled as he pulled her up, both frightened and startled.

Fu Yanchen ignored her protests, dragging her toward the door without so much as another glance at Lu Yanzhi.

“Hey, President Fu, leaving already?”

Lu Yanzhi called out from behind, his tone full of triumph. “The contract hasn’t been signed yet! Miss Qiao... we haven’t finished our conversation.”

He deliberately kept his words ambiguous.

Hearing this, Fu Yanchen halted his steps.

He turned, his gaze icy, shooting Lu Yanzhi a vicious look.

“Lu Yanzhi, touch her again...”

Fu Yanchen paused, then spoke each word with a cold, mocking smile, “And I’ll make the Lu Corporation disappear from City A.”

With that, he wasted no more time, dragging Qiao Xi out and slamming the door behind them.

The three left in the office each wore expressions of surprise.

Mu Censhan and Shen Yu exchanged looks, reading shock in each other’s eyes.

This time, Fu Yanchen was truly furious.

Lu Yanzhi stroked his chin, staring at the slammed door, a hint of amusement and wariness in his eyes—but more than anything, the challenge had ignited a fighting spirit in him.

“Interesting...”

He sneered.

“Fu Yanchen, you hide your cards well... Looks like I’ve found your weakness.”

Mu Censhan and Shen Yu shared another glance, excitement sparkling in their eyes as if anticipating a good show.

—

Qiao Xi was dragged by Fu Yanchen all the way to the car, stumbling as she went.

She was still trying to explain, “Yanchen, listen to me...”

Fu Yanchen’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his jaw tense, a cold aura surrounding him.

Qiao Xi shrank into the passenger seat, barely daring to breathe.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, raising her chin with his other hand to force her to meet his gaze.

His eyes, darker than the night, stared at her, brimming with dangerous intensity.

“Tell me, how do you know Lu Yanzhi?”

Fu Yanchen’s voice was icy as his slightly rough fingertips brushed against her soft lips. “Why did you seek him out?”

The pressure he applied was punitive.

“Yanchen...”

Qiao Xi tried to break free, but Fu Yanchen’s powerful arm tightened, leaving her no room to move.

“He...” Qiao Xi saw the fire blazing in his eyes, her heart in turmoil.

She didn’t want to explain the tangled history of her “benefactor” at this moment, not while he was so angry.

It was too complicated—and she herself hadn’t yet sorted it all out.

She took a deep breath, avoiding his burning gaze.

“He’s... just a friend.”

She paused, then added, “I only went to see him to find an old acquaintance.”

She didn’t want to explain further—at least not now.

“Friend? Old acquaintance?”

Fu Yanchen repeated the words, his gaze sharp.

“What kind of ‘friend’ or ‘old acquaintance’ would require you to sneak off alone to his office?”

His voice suddenly rose, thick with jealousy and disbelief.

Fu Yanchen’s grip on her chin tightened.

Qiao Xi shuddered at his outburst, a wave of grievance washing over her.

She lifted her head abruptly, tears shimmering in her eyes, her voice trembling.

“Fu Yanchen! Can’t you stop being so aggressive?”

She shoved his hand away, tears streaming down her face.

“Why do you interrogate me like this? What do you take me for, a criminal?”

Fu Yanchen looked at her tear-stained, aggrieved face, and most of his anger melted away.

His jaw relaxed slightly, and his deep eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Jealousy, displeasure—but more than that, the heartache and helplessness stirred by her tears and stubbornness.

“Xi Xi,” he said, his voice softening. “I just...”

He hesitated, as if wanting to explain his worry, but finally just sighed.

He reached out, gently wiping the tears from Qiao Xi’s cheeks with his fingertips.

“Don’t cry...”

Fu Yanchen’s voice was low, tinged with remorse and compromise. “I won’t ask anymore.”

“In any case... you must never see him alone again. Lu Yanzhi is not a good man.”

“Alright...” Qiao Xi mumbled, rubbing her tears against his chest. “I understand...”

Fu Yanchen, hearing her aggrieved reply, felt his heart soften completely.

He lowered his head and gently kissed her tear-reddened eyes, the gesture impossibly tender.

“It’s my fault. I won’t shout at you anymore.”

He cupped her face. “But you must remember...”

His voice was deep, suffused with an undeniable possessiveness.

“You are my Mrs. Fu. No matter the reason, you are not allowed to meet other men alone.”

“Alright...” Qiao Xi’s cheeks flushed, her heart racing at his domineering words. “I understand...”

Seeing her obedient demeanor, Fu Yanchen’s anger dissipated entirely.

He lowered his head and pressed a gentle, cherished kiss to her slightly parted red lips.

“Good girl.”