Chapter 078: Femme Fatale

Chapter 078: The Femme Fatale

Fu Ziqing departed as swiftly as she had appeared, without insisting that Chu Fei return with her to East Sea. Watching Fu Ziqing slip into her exclusive vehicle accompanied by Xiao Jing, Chu Fei could only feel helpless. Her visit seemed merely to exchange a few words, but her purpose was clear: she wanted him to accompany her to Old Master Fu’s eightieth birthday banquet.

Yet she left decisively, not even waiting for Chu Fei to confirm whether he would attend—a gesture that felt less like an invitation and more like a notification, as though his presence were of little consequence.

“This woman...” Chu Fei sighed in resignation. Fu Ziqing’s refusal to wait for his reply was based on her certainty that he wouldn’t refuse. She had made it clear: at the birthday banquet, the Lin family would propose marriage.

Who would they propose to? Naturally, the Fu family’s pearl, Fu Ziqing.

Among the young elites of East Sea, few were worthy of Fu Ziqing, and Lin Cong, the eldest son of the Lin family, was one of them.

Lin Cong had a nickname: “Old Lin the Demon.”

Among East Sea’s outstanding youth, if anyone could rival Fu Ziqing’s brilliance, it was Lin Cong. He was equally formidable in business and strategic maneuvering, and in certain schemes and manipulations, he even surpassed Fu Ziqing.

Many believed Lin Cong and Fu Ziqing were a match made in heaven. Some speculated Lin Cong would eventually pursue Fu Ziqing, but few expected the Lin family to make their move at Old Master Fu’s eightieth birthday banquet.

Could Chu Fei not attend? Obviously not.

Though Chu Fei resisted the marriage deep down, Fu Ziqing was his fiancée. This fact was well known among the Fu family and the major clans of East Sea. Now, with the Lin family openly proposing at Old Master Fu’s banquet, what was that supposed to mean?

Damn it.

Chu Fei cursed under his breath, took out his phone, and dialed the number of the old trickster he hadn’t contacted in ages.

“Brat, what’s gotten into you? Calling me out of the blue, missing me already?” came the voice of a middle-aged man, refined and gentle, yet his words made Chu Fei wince. This was the old trickster who claimed to have raised him, looking dignified and immaculate—a man even Chu Fei had to admit was absurdly handsome, charming to women from eight to eighty.

To Chu Fei, this seemingly refined man was nothing but an unscrupulous rogue, running a small clinic, swindling daily, and flirting outrageously with female patients. Yet his looks and slick tongue meant that women not only forgave him but kept coming back for more.

It was madness.

Even now, Chu Fei could faintly hear a coy woman’s voice on the other end—who knew what busty, brainless woman the old trickster was charming next.

Chu Fei took a deep breath and steadied his tone. “Old man, I have something to discuss with you.”

“What is it? Why so serious?” The man sounded puzzled.

“In a few days, it’s Old Master Fu’s eightieth birthday in East Sea. Did you know?” Chu Fei said, voice low.

“What’s his birthday got to do with me?” The man’s disdain was palpable, as though he were curling his lip.

Chu Fei was speechless but couldn’t refute him. The old trickster was right; the Fu family’s banquet had nothing to do with him. Though he had once personally set Chu Fei and Fu Ziqing’s engagement, the rest of the Fu family cared little. Chu Fei forced a smile and patiently continued, “The banquet itself doesn’t matter, but this time, the Lin family is proposing to Fu Ziqing.”

“Oh?” The man finally fell silent, then quickly resumed his disdainful tone. “So they propose. What’s it got to do with me?”

“You—” Chu Fei’s frustration mounted. He gritted his teeth. “You set Fu Ziqing’s engagement, and all the big names in East Sea know it. Now the Lin family’s openly proposing at Old Master Fu’s banquet—it’s a slap in your face. Don’t you care?”

“Of course not. Fu Ziqing is your future wife, not mine. If anyone’s face gets slapped, it’s yours, not mine.” The man sounded utterly indifferent.

“Damn.” Chu Fei felt his liver ache with anger. “Fine, if you don’t mind, I won’t either. Let’s pretend I never called.” He was about to hang up, thinking he’d been foolish to make this call—why invite trouble?

“Did Fu Ziqing come to see you?” The man suddenly asked, still casual, but timed perfectly just as Chu Fei was about to hang up.

“Yeah.” Chu Fei paused, acknowledging.

“So she must be in a difficult position.” The man seemed to be frowning.

“Aren’t you supposed to not care? Why are you so concerned about Fu Ziqing?” Chu Fei teased.

“Fu Ziqing’s such a lovely girl—letting her go to an outsider is a waste. If you really don’t care, I might take her as your stepmother. What do you think?” The man chuckled.

“I—damn—” Chu Fei’s face darkened. This was typical of the old trickster—utterly shameless, infuriating even when you knew he was baiting you.

“Go curse your own fiancée. I have no interest in men.” The man retorted after hearing Chu Fei swear.

“Alright, you win.” Chu Fei sighed helplessly. He’d never gotten the better of the old trickster. He took a deep breath and asked, “What do you think I should do?”

“You’ve already made up your mind. Why ask me?” The man replied irresponsibly.

“I’m asking what I should do if the Lin family actually proposes at the banquet,” Chu Fei said, steering the conversation back.

“Do as you see fit. You’ve been strong-willed for years—don’t tell me you’ve suddenly gone soft?” The man’s tone was dismissive.

“But it’s the Lin family. I’m worried I’ll bring trouble to you.” Chu Fei frowned, voicing his real concern.

“You’re actually worried about me now?” The man sounded surprised.

“Heh—” The man laughed. “This is your business. Handle it however you want. As for the Lin family, they’re nothing but a bunch of losers. If they behave, fine; if not, slap them hard. And as for me, don’t worry about it.”

“You said it. If I really cause a disaster…”

“If the sky falls, you hold it up yourself. Your trouble has nothing to do with me.” The man was utterly irresponsible.

“Damn!” Chu Fei was speechless. Talking to the old trickster was always infuriating...

“Enough, I’m busy enhancing the assets of the widow at the east end of the village. No more nonsense.” With that, the man hung up swiftly, not giving Chu Fei a chance to respond.

“I can’t believe this...” Chu Fei muttered, clutching his phone helplessly. That was the old trickster for you. After a moment’s hesitation, Chu Fei didn’t head to the company. Instead, he frowned and picked up his phone—he needed someone to help him think things through...

—

“Uncle Chu, aren’t you worried that Chu Fei will be disappointed in you if you act so shameless every time?”

This was a humble clinic in the southern region, clean and tidy, with only two people inside: a middle-aged man in a white coat, so handsome it was almost excessive, and a young woman perched on the wooden examination bed.

Calling her a woman wasn’t quite accurate; she was more a girl, just over twenty, dressed in a crimson cheongsam that hugged her waist, revealing long, elegant legs and delicate feet clad in rare embroidered shoes.

She was not only beautiful but enchanting, especially with a bright red beauty mark on her brow, lending her an aura of unique allure. Her presence brightened the shabby clinic.

The man raised his head at her question and smiled. “What’s wrong? Are you jealous that he’s going to the Fu family?”

“Of course not. I’m not jealous.” The girl blushed, denying it.

“Silly girl, don’t worry. You will always be the most special one in that brat’s heart. No one can replace you.” The man’s voice softened, a stark contrast to his earlier shamelessness.

“Mm, I know.” She nodded, her cheeks even redder...

The man across from her sighed deeply.

A femme fatale.

Surely, that phrase referred to this girl...

[Two women have appeared in these chapters—exciting, isn’t it? Guess who this girl is. Don’t rush; there’s much more to come. In the meantime, Xing’er begs for your votes and flowers—hurry, they’re free!]