Chapter 67: Is There Something Wrong in That Regard?

Fu Yancheng gazed at her, his voice deep and earnest.

“I checked every hotel record in Paris. When I realized there was no trace of you checking in, I knew something had happened.”

He pulled out his phone and brought up a screenshot from the airport surveillance. “When I saw you being picked up by a stranger, I nearly lost my mind.”

“I only found you later at that hotel.”

Qiao Xi lowered her gaze. “So, those photos all over the trending searches…”

“They were staged shots,” Fu Yancheng said urgently, gripping her hand. “Zou Xin fell on purpose, and the moment I helped her up, a reporter caught it on camera. I’ve already asked my lawyer to sue that media outlet.”

He knelt on one knee by the bed, looking up at her. “Xi Xi, I’m sorry.”

“I shouldn’t have given in again and again just because of the Zou family’s kindness, and I certainly shouldn’t have left you to face all this alone.”

Qiao Xi turned her face away. “You’re always like this. What good is an apology after the fact?”

“This time is different.” Fu Yancheng took a USB drive from his pocket. “This is a recording of Zou Xin admitting to staging the photos, along with her assistant’s testimony.”

He gently cupped her face. “I know apologies aren’t enough, but please believe me—through everything, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”

Tears glimmered in Qiao Xi’s eyes. “Then why does it always take me being hurt for you to realize…”

“Because I’m a fool.”

“I always thought I could handle everything, but I forgot that what my Mrs. Fu needs most is a sense of security.”

He gathered her into his arms and kissed her tears away.

“Xi Xi, give me one more chance. This time, I’ll spend my whole life proving it to you.”

“If I ever make you sad again, I’ll transfer all my shares in the Fu Corporation to you and stay home as a househusband.”

Qiao Xi let out a tearful laugh. “Who wants your shares…”

“How about wanting me?” He pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling.

“All of Fu Yancheng—body, heart, even my dreams—belong to you.”

As he spoke, Fu Yancheng suddenly swept her into his arms. “Want me to keep you company like this every day?”

Qiao Xi cried out, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Put me down…”

“I won’t.”

He carried her toward the floor-to-ceiling window. “Let all of Paris see how Mrs. Fu drives me utterly mad.”

Face flushed, Qiao Xi buried herself in his shoulder. “Stop being ridiculous…”

“I won’t stop.”

He laughed. “Last night, a certain little tipsy kitten was begging for me. You didn’t say that then.”

“Don’t mention last night!” Qiao Xi, mortified, beat his chest. “It was the medicine’s effect…”

Fu Yancheng’s expression grew serious. “Speaking of which…”

He set her down on the soft window seat. “I promise, I won’t let anyone ever hurt you again.”

He took out a small velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal another diamond ring.

The main stone was a rare pink diamond, as large as a dove’s egg.

Qiao Xi’s breath hitched. “This is… the ‘Heart of the Rose’?”

She’d seen this legendary pink diamond in a jewelry magazine. Commissioned for the Empress of Austria in 1890, it broke auction records in Geneva last year.

“A gift of atonement.”

Fu Yancheng lifted her hand, pressed a kiss to it, then slid the ring onto her finger. “And a promise. Every time you get jealous, I’ll give you a gemstone.”

“It was the highlight of the auction in Paris two days ago. The moment I saw it, I knew it belonged on your hand.”

He chuckled. “At this rate, you’ll have enough for a bracelet soon.”

“This is too much…” Qiao Xi couldn’t help but laugh through her tears. “Who coaxes like this…”

“It suits you perfectly.” Fu Yancheng’s smile softened. “I planned to give it to you on our anniversary.”

His gaze darkened. “But I couldn’t wait… Some people need to know that Mrs. Fu deserves the very best.”

Suddenly, he pressed her back and kissed her gently.

Qiao Xi melted into his embrace, but abruptly turned her head. “Wait… you said you found me at the hotel?”

Fu Yancheng paused, his expression growing somber.

“Lu Yanzhi took you to that hotel. I had the police track his phone location to find you.”

Qiao Xi’s heart plummeted.

She remembered the car that picked her up at the airport, remembered how Lu Yanzhi appeared in the restaurant at just the right moment.

How he always seemed to offer a helping hand when she was at her lowest…

It was almost too coincidental.

Every time something happened to her, he was there.

Fu Yancheng sensed her change. “What’s wrong?”

Qiao Xi shook her head softly, burying her face in his shoulder.

“It’s nothing, I’m just a little tired.”

He was the one who’d funded her education.

Back when things were hardest, it was Lu Yanzhi’s support that allowed her to keep studying.

She took a quiet, steadying breath and pushed her unease back down.

Perhaps she was overthinking it—life couldn’t possibly be filled with so many calculated coincidences.

Feigning nonchalance, Qiao Xi asked, “Is President Lu… all right?”

A shadow flickered in Fu Yancheng’s eyes. “You’re worried about him?”

There was unmistakable jealousy in his voice.

Qiao Xi smiled helplessly. “President Fu, you’re adorable when you’re jealous.”

She pecked his chin. “I just don’t want to owe anyone favors.”

Fu Yancheng’s expression softened a little, but he still held her tightly around the waist. “He’s just fine. His lawyer’s with him, making a statement.”

He nuzzled her nose. “I’ve told you a hundred times—stay away from him from now on.”

While Fu Yancheng went to pour water, Qiao Xi quickly messaged Gu Ranran:

[Safe. Let the assistant handle Snow Kiss Affairs for now—I’ll explain everything when I get home.]

She’d just hit send when Fu Yancheng returned with the water, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“Who are you texting?”

Qiao Xi leaned into his embrace. “Xiang Xiang, asking when I’ll be back.”

She turned to wrap her arms around his neck. “Can we go home tomorrow? I miss it.”

Fu Yancheng raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t someone want to stay abroad?”

“I changed my mind.”

Qiao Xi smiled. “I just realized… President Fu’s bed is still the most comfortable.”

Fu Yancheng chuckled, sweeping her into his arms. “Why not try it out again right now?”

She couldn’t manage a reply through her laughter.

…

—

Fu Yancheng and Qiao Xi returned home by private jet. The moment they opened the door, they found Old Master Fu sitting ramrod straight in the center of the living room, leaning on his dragon-headed cane.

A pile of entertainment newspapers was spread out over the coffee table.

“Kneel!”

His roar echoed, the cane thudding loudly against the marble floor.

Startled, Qiao Xi darted to hide behind Fu Yancheng.

Fu Yancheng sighed helplessly. “Grandfather, what is this about…”

“Still talking back!” the old man growled, hurling a newspaper at him. “Look at this—hugging that Zou girl and making headlines for three days! You’ve shamed the entire Fu family!”

Fu Yancheng rubbed his temples. “Grandfather, those photos were staged…”

“Staged, were they?” The old man’s beard bristled with rage. “Then why don’t you stage a grandson for me to see!”

Qiao Xi couldn’t help laughing, and at once the old man shot her a glare. “What are you laughing at!”

“What kind of wife are you? Your husband’s in a scandal and you’re smiling!”

Fu Yancheng shielded her behind him. “Grandfather, this was my fault, but it’s been taken care of.”

The old man’s face remained stern as he sent Qiao Xi upstairs.

Fu Yancheng readied himself for punishment—at worst, a couple of whacks with the cane.

But unexpectedly, Old Master Fu lowered his voice and asked, “Boy… is there something wrong with you?”

Fu Yancheng was taken aback. “What?”

The old man was beside himself. “You’ve been married so long, and still no grandson!”

Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “Shall I find you a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for some remedies?”

Upstairs, Qiao Xi was shaking with suppressed laughter.

Fu Yancheng’s ears turned bright red. “Grandfather! I’m perfectly healthy!”

“Then prove it!” the old man demanded, arms akimbo. “If I don’t have a grandson by the end of this year, I’ll donate all the family shares to the zoo!”