Chapter 57: In This Lifetime, I Will Love Only One Person

When Fu Yancheng saw Qiao Xi, he raised an eyebrow. "You came up so quickly?"

"Fu Yancheng!"

Qiao Xi’s cheeks were flushed with anger.

"What’s the meaning of this? Why does my room card open your door?"

Fu Yancheng leisurely dried his hair.

"Because this is our room."

He stepped closer, bringing with him the fresh scent of a recent shower. "A married couple sharing a room—is there a problem?"

Qiao Xi hurriedly retreated. "I’m not sharing a room with you! I want to change rooms!"

Fu Yancheng blocked her by the door, his voice low. "All the rooms are fully booked. Unless..." He paused deliberately, "Would you rather squeeze in with Li Ming?"

Humiliated and furious, Qiao Xi tried to push him away, but her palm landed on his warm chest, and she quickly drew her hand back in alarm.

"Shameless!"

Fu Yancheng laughed quietly, taking her wrist.

"I’ve done far more shameless things. Why are you shy now?"

Qiao Xi’s ears flushed red; she tried to pull her hand free, but his grip only tightened.

He leaned in, their noses nearly touching. "Weren’t you fierce just yesterday? Why so timid now?"

Qiao Xi turned her face aside, her voice trembling. "You... let me go first."

"No."

Fu Yancheng took advantage, pulling her into his arms, his damp chest pressing against her shirt.

"Mrs. Fu looks so adorable when angry—I want to hold you a little longer."

Qiao Xi trembled from the heat radiating off him. "Don’t... don’t be like this..."

"Like what?" He deliberately brushed his lips over the curve of her ear. "This? Or..." His palm slid gently down her back. "This?"

Qiao Xi’s legs felt weak, barely able to stand; she clung to the front of his shirt. "Fu Yancheng, you’re bullying me..."

"Just you." He chuckled softly, finally loosening his hold, cupping her face. "Who told you to be fierce with me because of another man?"

His thumb caressed her lower lip, his gaze deep.

"You said many hurtful things yesterday. I ought to punish you for that."

Qiao Xi thought he was about to kiss her and instinctively closed her eyes.

But she only felt his gentle lips brush her at the corner of her mouth.

Her lashes trembled, caught off guard by his sudden tenderness.

Fu Yancheng pressed her against his chest, his voice low.

"Did you hear that? My heart’s racing—all because of you."

Her cheek rested against his warm chest, and she indeed heard the rapid, strong heartbeat. She wasn’t sure if it was his or hers.

"Then... then you made me angry too," she murmured, fingers curling around the edge of his shirt. "You and Zou Xin..."

Fu Yancheng sighed softly, lifting her face. "Look into my eyes."

Qiao Xi timidly raised her gaze, meeting the depths of his dark eyes.

"I, Fu Yancheng, in this lifetime," he said slowly, "have only ever loved one person—and that’s you."

"No other woman could compare to even a single strand of your hair."

For a moment, Qiao Xi’s heart skipped a beat.

Seeing her still pout, Fu Yancheng suddenly knelt on one knee, startling Qiao Xi, who stepped back in surprise.

He took her hand, kissing the wedding ring on her fourth finger with solemn reverence. "Mrs. Fu, will you give me a chance to make amends?"

Seeing his devoted gesture, Qiao Xi finally couldn’t help but laugh softly. "You... get up..."

"Not angry anymore?"

He rose and pulled her into his arms, his nose gently brushing hers.

Qiao Xi nodded, blushing, then quickly added, "But... but we’re sleeping separately tonight!"

A smile flickered in Fu Yancheng’s eyes. Suddenly, he scooped her up in his arms. "All right, separate beds."

As Qiao Xi cried out in surprise, he strode to the bedroom, laying her gently on the bed.

He leaned over her, bracing himself on his arms. "But before sleep... I need a little interest."

His kiss finally descended, gentle and lingering.

Qiao Xi gradually relaxed, her arms winding around his shoulders.

When the kiss ended, Fu Yancheng rested his forehead against hers, breathing softly. "Now can I apply for your bedtime companionship? I promise to behave."

Seeing the tenderness in his eyes, Qiao Xi finally nodded.

Fu Yancheng immediately pulled her into his embrace, carefully tucking the blanket around her.

"Sleep now. We have a site visit tomorrow."

He truly behaved himself, only softly patting her back as if soothing a child.

Drowsy before sleep, Qiao Xi thought vaguely: This man... he really has her wrapped around his finger.

Morning.

Qiao Xi woke in a daze, finding herself nestled in Fu Yancheng’s arms, his other hand resting on her waist.

She was about to slip away quietly, but met his deep, smiling eyes.

Uncertain how long he’d been awake, Fu Yancheng gazed at her silently.

Qiao Xi blushed instantly, instinctively trying to escape, but he only held her tighter.

She pushed him away and sat up in a panic. "Time to get up..."

Fu Yancheng propped his head lazily, watching her flustered movements, amusement deepening in his eyes.

"What’s the hurry? The site visit doesn’t start until nine thirty."

He suddenly reached out and pulled her back into his arms. "We have an hour left..."

His fingers lightly hooked the belt of her nightgown. "Plenty of time for lots of things."

Qiao Xi, startled, jumped out of bed and fled to the bathroom like a frightened rabbit.

Fu Yancheng watched her retreat in amusement, laughter rumbling softly.

The inspection concluded, and the branch manager warmly invited them to dinner.

During the meal, Qiao Xi excused herself to the restroom, only to be stopped in the corridor by a familiar figure.

It was Zou Xin.

She wore a couture dress, her makeup flawless and alluring—a clear sign she’d just left an event.

Leaning elegantly against the wall, her lips curled in a faint, ambiguous smile.

"Miss Qiao, what a coincidence."

Qiao Xi had no intention of engaging, trying to slip past, but Zou Xin blocked her way.

"What’s the rush?"

Zou Xin eyed her simple business attire with disdain.

"Dressed so poorly, and you still dare stand beside Yancheng?"

Qiao Xi’s expression turned cold. "Move."

Zou Xin laughed softly, lowering her voice. "Do you really think he loves you?"

She stepped closer. "Do you know why we broke up? Because I wanted a career, and he wanted a docile substitute."

Qiao Xi’s face went pale. "That’s nonsense!"

"You know the truth," Zou Xin sneered.

"In the bottom drawer of his study, he keeps our photos. Why don’t you go check?"

Just then, Zou Xin spotted a figure approaching in the distance, and her tone abruptly changed.

She spoke with a teary tremor, "Miss Qiao, I know you dislike me, but Yancheng and I are really just friends..."

Feigning a stumble, she knocked over a waiter’s tray of red wine.

The scarlet liquid splashed across her expensive dress, leaving her looking pitiful.

Fu Yancheng strode over, frowning at the scene. "What’s going on?"

"Yancheng? You’re here too..."

Zou Xin’s eyes reddened, but she forced a smile. "It’s nothing. I was just careless..."

Pretending to dab at the wine stain, her fingers subtly loosened her dress strap, exposing a hint of her neckline.

"Miss Qiao probably misunderstood me—her words were a bit harsh..."

Fu Yancheng glanced at Zou Xin’s soiled dress, then at the pale-faced Qiao Xi.

His tone grew grave. "Xi Xi, apologize."

Qiao Xi stared at him in disbelief. "You want me to apologize?"

Zou Xin quickly waved her hands. "No, no! Really, Miss Qiao isn’t at fault..."

As she spoke, she "accidentally" stepped on the wine, nearly falling.

Fu Yancheng instinctively caught her, and Zou Xin collapsed into his arms.

"I’m sorry..." she choked out. "I caused you trouble..."

Watching the two embrace, Qiao Xi suddenly felt it was all so ridiculous.

She turned to leave, but Fu Yancheng called after her. "Qiao Xi!"

When she looked back, he was still holding Zou Xin, his eyes filled with reproach.

In that moment, her heart chilled completely.

"Take your time caring for your ‘friend’, President Fu."

She forced out a cold smile. "I’ll go ahead."

As Fu Yancheng’s attention wavered, Zou Xin slyly slipped a pearl earring into his suit pocket.

A cold smile touched her lips.