Nathaniel Fu reached out and pinched her small, delicate face, laughing in exasperation."You little menace. One of these days, you're going to bite my head off."
"Mr. Fu, please leave now," Celia said, shoving him toward the balcony. "Same way you came in."
Nathaniel's handsome features darkened slightly.This was his home. His woman. Since when did he have to sneak in and out like a burglar just to sleep with her?
Still, he vaulted over the railing with practiced ease, landing silently in the courtyard—though the sour look on his face said he wasn't happy about it.
That was when a sharp voice split the air."Flower thief! Don't run!"
His mother.
Nathaniel's head snapped around just as the villa door flew open. A slipper came sailing through the air, narrowly missing him.
Mrs. Fu stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, glaring like a lioness protecting her cub."You shameless thief! Go find some green tea hussy outside—don't you dare touch my Ci Ci! Next time I see you, I'll beat you senseless!"
Nathaniel: "…"
Upstairs, Celia was doubled over with laughter, tears in her eyes. She had never seen Nathaniel look so embarrassed.
She picked up her phone and messaged Lin Jiaojiao:
Celia:Forget Fu Top-Ranking.
Lin Jiaojiao:Easy fix. I'll rent you a boyfriend. Promise he won't be worse than Fu Top-Ranking.
Celia stared at the screen, speechless.Rent a boyfriend?That was so very Lin Jiaojiao.
Meanwhile, Su Qianrou was feeling smug after her latest win. She walked into CC headquarters and noticed Celia was absent again.
Zhao Qian smirked."Qianrou, now that Celia's famous, everyone's waiting to see her boyfriend. My guess? She's too scared to come to work. An ugly girl like her probably found an equally ugly boyfriend."
Qianrou's mood brightened even further. She could already picture Celia showing up with some overweight, unfashionable man—it would be deliciously humiliating.
Just then, Director Li hurried into the office, his voice buzzing with excitement."Everyone, get ready—the big boss is coming!"
Gasps rippled through the staff.
CC's headquarters were in France, and its elusive CEO, Zhou Jin, was a figure of immense wealth and influence. His net worth rivaled that of Nathaniel Fu himself. He was rarely seen in public—until now.
The news that he had unexpectedly come to Yecheng sent the entire office into overdrive. Su Qianrou and Zhao Qian quickly fixed their hair and makeup, then followed Director Li to greet him.
But they waited. And waited. No one appeared.
Director Li took a call, then sighed."Everyone, stand down. The big boss just landed but won't be coming by. He's meeting someone instead."
The collective excitement fizzled into mild disappointment.
"What a shame," Zhao Qian whispered. "They say he's incredibly handsome. I wonder who he's meeting?"
Qianrou frowned thoughtfully."Whoever the big boss rushed to see straight from the airport must be very important. I can't imagine who it is."
Zhao Qian grinned."Forget that. I'm more interested in watching Celia crash and burn."
At that moment, Zhou Jin stepped into the private dining room at Lanting Pavilion, his personal secretary trailing behind.
Across the room, an acquaintance approached. Zhou Jin's lips curved into a polite smile."President Fu."
Nathaniel Fu had also just arrived with Secretary Song. He recognized Zhou Jin immediately—they'd crossed paths abroad on business before.
"President Zhou." Nathaniel extended a hand. They shook, firm but brief.
"What brings you to Yecheng?" Nathaniel asked.
Zhou Jin's smile softened."Just passing through. Came to see someone."
"Oh? Who?"
Zhou Jin's brows lifted, and there was unmistakable warmth in his eyes."My girlfriend."