Chapter 32 Are You Married?

Lu Yanzhi appeared in a white casual outfit, holding a large bouquet of red roses and a fruit basket. His face wore a gentle, jade-like smile.

“Miss Qiao, I heard you were injured.”

His gaze landed on Qiao Xi’s leg, which was set in a cast, his concern evident.

“President Lu?” Qiao Xi was a little surprised but smiled happily. “What brings you here? Please, come in.”

Almost the moment Lu Yanzhi stepped into the ward, the atmosphere around Fu Yancheng, who sat on the sofa, suddenly turned cold.

Only then did Lu Yanzhi seem to notice Fu Yancheng, feigning just the right amount of surprise on his face. He smiled unhurriedly, “Ah, so President Fu is here too.”

Fu Yancheng did not get up. He merely nodded slightly, his voice cold and hard, “President Lu is well-informed—and apparently has a lot of free time.”

The sarcasm in his tone was undisguised.

Lu Yanzhi acted as if he hadn’t noticed the barbs. He walked over at his own pace, placing the bouquet of roses and the fruit basket on the cabinet by Qiao Xi’s bed.

“I happened to have business nearby today, and since Miss Qiao came to mind, I brought some fruit along.”

Qiao Xi instinctively glanced at Fu Yancheng, her heart in her throat.

“It takes a hundred days for bones and tendons to heal, Miss Qiao. Please take good care of yourself.” Lu Yanzhi’s voice was gentle. “If you need any help, just let me know, don’t hesitate.”

The way he spoke, it was as if he were the one who should be looking after her.

As expected, Fu Yancheng’s expression darkened completely, his jawline tense.

He stood up and, with a possessive air, took a seat at the edge of Qiao Xi’s bed. His arm rested on the headboard, effectively shutting Lu Yanzhi out.

“We appreciate your kindness, President Lu,” Fu Yancheng said, reaching out to naturally clasp Qiao Xi’s hand atop the quilt, interlocking their fingers. Then he lifted their joined hands to a conspicuous position.

Staring at Lu Yanzhi, Fu Yancheng’s lips curled into a faint smile. He announced, word by word, “But when it comes to taking care of my wife, there’s no need to trouble you.”

“Wife?”

Lu Yanzhi’s warm smile froze in an instant. He feigned shock, his gaze flickering between Fu Yancheng and Qiao Xi.

“Miss Qiao… You and President Fu… are already married?”

Qiao Xi’s cheeks flushed with nervousness and embarrassment. She hadn’t expected Fu Yancheng to be so direct about their relationship!

Fu Yancheng took in her reaction.

He thought she was just shy, and the annoyance and jealousy in his heart eased somewhat. He squeezed Qiao Xi’s hand tighter, offering a small smile as he answered on her behalf, “That’s right. Qiao Xi is my wife, Mrs. Fu in name and in fact.”

Lu Yanzhi regarded Fu Yancheng’s possessive demeanor, his gaze deepening.

“So that’s how it is… I was presumptuous. Congratulations to you both.”

The atmosphere in the ward instantly turned awkward.

Caught in the middle, Qiao Xi tried to smooth things over. “Thank you for your concern, President Lu. I’m doing just fine…”

Lu Yanzhi remained as courteous and refined as ever. “That’s good. Seeing how attentive President Fu is, I’m reassured.”

Under Fu Yancheng’s nearly glacial stare, Lu Yanzhi wisely stood and took his leave.

Qiao Xi insisted on seeing him out to the hospital corridor.

Once outside the ward, Qiao Xi lowered her voice immediately, “President Lu, no one at the company knows about my relationship with President Fu yet. Could I ask you… to keep it confidential for now?”

Lu Yanzhi smiled gently and nodded. “This is your private matter. Of course, I won’t say a word.”

Qiao Xi breathed a sigh of relief, her gratitude sincere. “Thank you, President Lu!”

“You’re welcome.” Lu Yanzhi gave her a long, meaningful look. “Take care and recover well, Mrs. Fu.”

The last three words were laden with significance.

With that, he turned and walked away.

When Qiao Xi returned to the ward, she found Fu Yancheng’s lips pressed into a thin line, a cold, unmistakable displeasure radiating from him.

Her heart skipped a beat. He was well and truly jealous now.

She closed the door softly, leaned on her crutch, and slowly made her way to the bed. Then, she gently tugged on his sleeve, her voice soft as cotton. “Yancheng…”

Fu Yancheng didn’t move or speak.

Qiao Xi looked at his standoffish demeanor, both amused and helpless.

She carefully edged closer to the bed, reached out with both arms, and wrapped them around his lean waist.

Fu Yancheng’s body went rigid in surprise—clearly, he hadn’t expected her to be so bold.

“Still angry?” Qiao Xi pressed her face against his back.

His expression remained stern. “Why did he come here?” His tone was so sour it could pickle cucumbers.

Qiao Xi replied, “Maybe he just heard and wanted to check in…”

Summoning her courage, she gently prodded his still-cold cheek with her finger, her own face flushing.

“I already told him—I’m your wife. I won’t trouble him again in the future…”

At last, Fu Yancheng reacted.

He slowly turned his head, lowering his eyes to look at her. Those eyes, usually sharp and icy, now churned with lingering jealousy.

“You were happy to see him?” he asked.

Qiao Xi shook her head at once, her gaze sincere. “No! I was just… just a little surprised.”

She bit her lower lip, as if summoning her courage, and leaned closer still. Her voice was as soft as a whisper, laced with coy shyness. “I’m happiest when you come.”

“In my heart, no bouquet compares to the lilies you had sent to me every day before.”

As soon as the words left her lips, her face flushed crimson, as red as a ripe apple. She quickly buried her face in his chest, not daring to look at him.

Fu Yancheng looked down at the little woman in his arms, and the jealousy and frustration within him were immediately soothed, leaving only helplessness and a sense of surrender to her charms.

He forcibly suppressed the urge to kiss her right then.

Instead, he reached out and lifted her delicate chin.

His gaze remained deep and intense, but the frost had melted, replaced by a tenderness and adoration as rich as wine.

He brushed his thumb over her blushing lips, glancing at the glaring bouquet of roses.

“Keep your distance from him from now on.”

“Mm! I promise!” Qiao Xi nodded vigorously, as obedient as could be.

Fu Yancheng watched her, the last shadow in his eyes finally dissipating.

He chuckled softly, unable to resist planting a playful bite on her lips.

“If you ever let another man get this close again, I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” Qiao Xi blinked up at him, deliberately provoking.

Fu Yancheng’s gaze darkened. He pulled her tighter into his arms and silenced her with a kiss, answering with actions instead of words.

When he finally let her go, Qiao Xi was breathless and blushing, nestled against his chest.

Fu Yancheng’s mood had clearly shifted from cloudy to clear.

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door.

Zhou Ze stood respectfully outside, reporting, “President Fu.”

“The doctor just came by. He said Madam is recovering well, all her indicators are stable, and she can be discharged today.”

Qiao Xi’s eyes lit up as she looked to Fu Yancheng, her face full of anticipation. “Really? I can go home?”

Fu Yancheng looked at her, his gaze gentle, and nodded. “Yes, you’ll recover better at home.”

Zhou Ze added, “There’s one more thing, President Fu. About the previous accident—our people seem to have found a new lead…”