Chapter 15: The Scumbag CEO’s Pursuit (Part 6)

After changing into their evening gowns, they got into the car in the company garage, with Mu Huan driving them to the event.

Tonight’s party was a significant event in the original plot. Given Lu Wanrong’s humble background, even with her beauty and respectable job, many saw her as a sparrow lucky enough to land on a branch and become a phoenix. So neither the cannon fodder—the various women linked to Fu Yu—nor the villainess Liu Xuan gave her any respect, bringing her public humiliation.

As Lu Wanrong’s support, Fu Yu distanced herself, indulging with another lover as she watched her wife’s misfortune unfold.

Lu Wanrong clearly recalled the past, her face reflecting discomfort from the memory.

They sat silently, neither initiating conversation.

On arrival at the hotel, they exited the car. From a distance, Yu Liuxue spotted Ning Jiaojiao, a familiar beauty from before, swaying her hips as she energetically approached. Ignoring Lu Wanrong’s presence beside Yu Liuxue, she gushed into her arms, hugging her waist with a flirty complaint, “Miss Fu, you’re so bad! You haven’t contacted me for ages. Have you forgotten me entirely?”

Lu Wanrong’s expression darkened, silently watching Ning Jiaojiao’s hands explore Yu Liuxue’s waist impertinently.

Yu Liuxue broke out in a cold sweat. No way, this couldn’t happen!

“Jiaojiao, we’re in public,” Yu Liuxue quickly removed Ning Jiaojiao’s hands, instinctively stepping closer to Lu Wanrong. The subtle gesture improved Lu Wanrong’s mood marginally, her tone easing, “Miss Ning, please mind your manners.”

Frustrated by weeks without a word from Yu Liuxue, Ning Jiaojiao fumed, angered by being addressed so by a ‘discarded woman’. She spoke from her position above, looking down at Lu Wanrong. “I’m speaking with Miss Fu, why do you interrupt?”

She cast a glance backward. “You go ahead; Miss Fu and I will join you shortly.”

Lu Wanrong stayed rooted.

Yu Liuxue nearly panicked, the tension in her jaw showing as she protectively stated, “Ning Jiaojiao, this is my wife.”

Unyielding, Ning Jiaojiao held onto Yu Liuxue again, pleading, “Miss Fu, you don’t even like her, so why defend her?”

“So what?” Lu Wanrong pulled Yu Liuxue’s wrist and took a step up, standing at eye level with Ning Jiaojiao. Her stature vastly overshadowed Ning Jiaojiao’s. “Miss Ning, you don’t want tomorrow’s headlines to be about you interfering in someone else’s relationship, correct?”

Working at a TV station, Lu Wanrong had the means to ruin Ning Jiaojiao’s career.

Resenting third parties was ingrained, causing Ning Jiaojiao to hesitate, unwilling to bet her career.

Lu Wanrong seized the moment to lead Yu Liuxue away, releasing her as they left Ning Jiaojiao’s view. Yu Liuxue watched her slightly reddened wrist, saying to the system, “The heroine’s strength is impressive, her skills must be good.”

System blinked, “Skills? What skills?”

“Obviously, bedroom skills,” Yu Liuxue replied with righteous indignation, prompting the system to cover its ears. “Host, currently, the heroine is determined to divorce you.”

Yu Liuxue remained unfazed. Lu Wanrong saw her attention on her wrist and uncomfortably said, “Sorry.”

Yu Liuxue looked at her but Lu Wanrong walked away without glancing back.

Soon disappearing in the crowd, Yu Liuxue wandered alone. Noticing her solitude, Ning Jiaojiao attempted to approach again. Fearful, Yu Liuxue lifted her skirt and fled before Ning Jiaojiao got close. Being agile, she easily escaped Ning Jiaojiao’s pursuit.

Frustrated, Ning Jiaojiao stomped but had to drop the matter.

Liu Xuan, holding a glass of wine, blocked Lu Wanrong’s path, her red lips curved in a smile. “Miss Fu has company, how lonely for Miss Lu to be alone. Care to join me?”

Lu Wanrong declined. Intrigued, Liu Xuan watched her retreat, thinking her feigned aloofness was amusing.

Yet, the more pretentious they acted, the more Liu Xuan wanted to peel away the pretense to see the alluring vulnerability beneath.

Under Liu Xuan’s scrutinizing gaze, Lu Wanrong’s brows knitted slightly as she retreated to the restroom. She took out lipstick, feigning makeup adjustment while lost in thought in the mirror.

“Have you seen Lu Wanrong? If it weren’t for the Fu family’s status, she wouldn’t even qualify for such an event…”

The voice trailed off as Lu Wanrong calmly capped her lipstick and approached the gossiping young woman. She stepped back instinctively, yet realizing that Fu Yu wouldn’t defend Lu Wanrong, she straightened, ready to mock her.

Undeterred, Lu Wanrong walked past her.

“What’s with her high-society act?!”

Seated alone in a corner, Lu Wanrong downed drink after drink, her head spinning slightly from the rapid consumption. Even tipsy, she sensed the surrounding whispers and stares, filling her glass again. This time, the alcohol tasted bitter and sour.

Head lowered, resting on her arm, she mocked herself inwardly. Would divorcing Fu Yu truly free her?

If divorced, would they say she deserved it? Claim she was abandoned by an uninterested Fu Yu, becoming a destitute outcast?

As she gazed at her wine, doubt clouded her resolve for the first time about her determined choice.

A fleeting thought crossed:

Why not endure it?

Just like before, bearing the title Mrs. Fu, but at least no longer crying over Fu Yu.

“Miss Lu.” Liu Xuan sat lazily across from her, face cold but smiling. Lu Wanrong looked up, “What do you want?”

Liu Xuan blinked, “Miss Lu doesn’t like me?”

Lu Wanrong responded calmly, “I’m sure you have another reason for approaching me, don’t you?”

“Of course not, seeing you drinking alone made me concerned, and I’m free. Shall we share a drink?” Liu Xuan poured a glass, offering it to Lu Wanrong, “Please.”

A pale hand intercepted, bringing attention to Yu Liuxue holding a drink. “Is this wine good? Let me try.”

Yu Liuxue downed it in one go, Liu Xuan silently raising an eyebrow, smoothly replying, “Of course, it’s good wine.”

“Would Miss Fu like more?”

Yu Liuxue suspected Liu Xuan’s insincerity and grabbed the wine bottle, chugging it, observed quietly by Lu Wanrong, who focused on her throat moving with each swallow, captivated by the alabaster skin.

Liu Xuan’s expression shifted, rising as Yu Liuxue set the empty bottle down. Before leaving, she cryptically wished Lu Wanrong well, “Miss Lu, I wish you happiness.”

Sensing underlying intent, Lu Wanrong couldn’t decipher it. Yu Liuxue landed on the couch opposite her and asked, “Did Liu Xuan trouble you?”

“How could she?” Lu Wanrong drank once more, “How could they trouble me?”

It’s always the same comments—she’d grown numb over a lifetime.

Relieved, Yu Liuxue said, “Good. Liu Xuan’s devious, keep your distance.”

However, she suddenly looked up. “Why is it so hot here?”

A glance confirmed Yu Liuxue’s unusually flushed face—she wasn’t just hot…

The realization dawned on Lu Wanrong about Liu Xuan’s ominous farewell: that wine had been tampered with!

Yu Liuxue felt increasingly feverish, her mind fuzzy. Mustering her remaining focus, she asked the system, “Why does this feel oddly familiar?”

The system coldly replied, “Host, you consumed an entire bottle targeted by the villain.”

With no adequate expression for her frustration, Yu Liuxue cursed in her thoughts. Assuming Liu Xuan to be respectable, resorting to such a low scoundrel tactic was beyond her expectations. In this era, who kidnaps with cunning brutality? Reflecting on her naive daring made Yu Liuxue feel foolish, foreseeing Liu Xuan’s gloating amusement.

Unsteadily on her feet, Lu Wanrong instinctively steadied her, fingers feeling burning warmth.

Startled by the cool touch, Yu Liuxue shivered, her breath quickening. She wobbled, prompting Lu Wanrong to assist her. “How are you doing?”

“Help me to a room,” Yu Liuxue said.

“Avoid being seen.” After all, she was a wealthy heiress—being discovered would be humiliating.

Pressed lips, Lu Wanrong realized even now she clung to her dignity and appearance.

Unconsciously irritated, she snorted quietly.

Sneaking away unnoticed, they utilized her influence to swiftly secure a room. Inside, Yu Liuxue collapsed completely drained.

Externally distressed, internally plotting, Yu Liuxue wondered, “Will the heroine willingly succumb?”

System: “…” Are you serious again?

A small moan escaped her, startling Lu Wanrong into sobriety.

Disappointed by her reaction, Yu Liuxue rolled into the bathroom, a cold shower drawing a sharp scream.

Torn by indecision outside, Lu Wanrong knew Yu Liuxue had suffered for her sake. Emotionally and logically, she should help.

But…

Hands clenched tightly, she hesitated at the door. Inside, Yu Liuxue made continuous noise for over ten minutes. Despite being affected, her face resembled a ripened fruit.

Icy hands brushed her face—it felt burning.

Soaked for a good ten minutes, Yu Liuxue felt slightly relieved. She squatted in the tub, unable to reach clothing. Clearing her throat, she called weakly, “Wanrong, can you bring clothes?”

Lu Wanrong’s mind blanked with a burst of noise.

Bring clothes? She wasn’t dressed?

With no response, Yu Liuxue called again, prompting her return to reality. She collected herself, “Coming.”

Pushing the door open, her gaze landed on the drenched, pitiful figure soaking in cold water.

Her usually composed face appeared pitiful, a red tinge in her eyes, holding certain allure. Uncaring of her image before the heroine, Yu Liuxue stood shivering, her soaked gown clinging to her curves. Wet hair, red lips, an imploring stare fixed on Lu Wanrong.

Expressionless, Lu Wanrong approached, though closer inspection revealed crystalline droplets on Yu Liuxue’s skin.

The rational cord inside her snapped instantly.

Moving her fingers slightly, Lu Wanrong asked, “Do you need help?”

Eyes lighting up with joy, it wasn’t the assistance she anticipated?

Feeling her intent shift, yet now the air hinted at intimate warmth, Lu Wanrong knelt, cradling Yu Liuxue’s warm face, lost to those enticing red lips before her.

Feeling the dryness in her mouth.