Chapter Three: The Birthday Banquet

Before Gu Linzhou could think further, Zhang Youqing came over to remind him, “President Gu, Boss Zhao has arrived and is waiting for you in the conference room downstairs.”

“I’m on my way now.”

After finishing that meeting, everything Fu Luoning had told him was completely pushed out of his mind. When he remembered to call her that evening, the line on the other end was met with a cold, unresponsive tone.

Gu Linzhou sneered coldly.

What was this woman scheming?

Recalling her mention of the study, Gu Linzhou decided to make a trip back to Tianjin Bay.

Halfway through the drive, his phone rang—it was his mother.

Lin Mianyue’s voice was filled with concern: “Linzhou, Nannan fell at home today and is crying uncontrollably. You should come home and check on her.”

From the other end, the faint sound of a woman crying could be heard.

Gu Linzhou gripped the steering wheel tightly. “I’m on my way.”

—

Fu Luoning had stayed in Ireland for a full week, cutting it close to returning to Shengjing City.

When Shanyue picked her up, she was anxious, as there were less than two hours left until the old master’s birthday banquet began.

“Mr. Gu contacted me, asking where you are.”

For the old master’s birthday banquet, they had to put on a proper show and attend.

“It’s fine,” Fu Luoning replied calmly. “I told the old master while I was in Ireland that I’d be late on this business trip. You can call Gu Linzhou and tell him to go ahead without me.”

Shanyue heaved a sigh of relief and got out to call Gu Linzhou.

The old master’s birthday banquet was held at the Beili’er Hotel. The Gu family, a prestigious and powerful clan, may not host grand events often, but the guests were endless—especially for the old master’s birthday. Everyone in Shengjing City who valued smooth connections wanted to show their faces there.

Fu Luoning’s evening gown was already prepared in the hotel suite. She had just finished dressing and styling herself when she bumped straight into Gu Linzhou. Her vivid red lipstick smeared onto his light brown suit jacket, and her high heel caught on his shoe.

“Ah!” Gu Linzhou steadied her, holding onto her slender arm, feeling the smooth, delicate skin. He couldn’t help but trace it lightly. “Was that on purpose?”

Fu Luoning stepped back and withdrew her arm. “Watch the door next time!”

Blame him!

Gu Linzhou looked at her exquisite, charming face. “The moment the door opened, you rushed out—then you blame me?”

Fu Luoning had no interest in arguing. She planned to walk around him directly, but Gu Linzhou grabbed her hand.

“The old master told me to come up and bring you down with me. What’s the meaning of walking off alone now?”

“Then why don’t you just follow me?” Fu Luoning tried to pull her hand free, but he tightened his grip. Gu Linzhou glanced down at his suit jacket. “What about this lipstick stain?”

Fu Luoning looked toward the stylist in the room.

“Do you have a spare outfit?”

The stylist nodded. “Yes.”

“Go change,” Fu Luoning ordered him.

This woman.

Gu Linzhou wasn’t sure whether to laugh or laugh bitterly.

As far as he remembered, they had never properly spoken. Whenever he grew impatient, she was even more so.

“No need to change.” Suddenly, he yanked Fu Luoning sharply. She lost her balance and stumbled forward, but Gu Linzhou caught her by the waist. His handsome face bore a playful smile. “You don’t seem to like me treating you like this.”

He saw the irritation flicker in her eyes.

“Of course not!” The moment she said this, a sharp pain shot through his foot.

Releasing her, Fu Luoning looked at the pained expression on his face, feeling quite pleased. She glanced at the stylist. “Is my makeup still intact?”

“Not a bit disturbed,” the stylist assured.

Fu Luoning patted her gown and noticed Gu Linzhou staring daggers at her, his face ashen. She let out a half-smile and strode ahead.

Gu Linzhou thought to himself that he was unusually patient—this was the first time a woman had dared to tease and provoke him like this.

Champagne flowed, melodies filled the air. The banquet hall buzzed with people moving about, their hushed conversations weaving through the mingling of wealth and power—often the favored milieu of some.

When Fu Luoning appeared arm in arm with Gu Linzhou, many turned to look. It was the first time the Gu couple had been seen together at such an event.

“That’s the girl who married into the Gu family, so beautiful. I haven’t seen her around Shengjing before.”

“She’s from the Fu family in Yunhai City. Ever since she married in, she rarely appears.”

“Her husband always shows up with a different companion at banquets. Last year’s old master’s birthday, I didn’t see her either.”

“Right, last year she hardly showed up at all. But this year, here she is.”

“Look at the lipstick on Mr. Gu’s suit—tsk tsk. No sense of occasion.”

“……”

They entered and went straight to the old master. Seeing Fu Luoning, the old master was delighted. “Luoning, it’s been such a long time. Has work been keeping you busy?”

“Not too bad, grandpa.” Fu Luoning smiled sweetly.

Gu Linzhou snorted softly. He was sharp-tongued with her but put on a show for the old master.

The old master noticed Gu Linzhou’s movements. “What madness are you up to?”

“Nothing.” Gu Linzhou suddenly pulled Fu Luoning close by the waist. “Happy birthday, grandpa.”

Fu Luoning smiled warmly. “Happy birthday, grandpa.”

“Girl, your coming makes grandpa so happy.” The old master had always been pleased with Fu Luoning as a granddaughter-in-law—gentle, understanding, and kind. His gaze then fell on the lipstick stain on Gu Linzhou’s suit. His eyes narrowed, and he raised his cane to strike Gu Linzhou. “Can’t control yourself these days, huh...”

Gu Linzhou dodged swiftly, and Fu Luoning stumbled, crashing firmly into his arms. The man enveloped her tightly, his voice tinged with helplessness. “Grandpa, what are you doing?”

The old master glanced at Fu Luoning but then fixed a stern gaze on his grandson. “Hurry up and change your suit. Look what’s on it.”

Gu Linzhou stood properly, holding the woman in his arms with a mischievous grin. “Lipstick. And it’s hers.”

His eyes met Fu Luoning’s, and suddenly a sharp pain pierced his waist.

The woman’s hand had slipped inside his jacket, twisting hard.

The old master was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. “Ah, so that’s how it is. Good, good. Actually, no need to come down so quickly.”

Gu Linzhou gritted his teeth, his expression stiffening as he grabbed the hand hidden beneath his jacket. “Didn’t you tell me to call her down to open the dance? Now it’s not urgent anymore? Let’s get back to business, shall we?” He turned with Fu Luoning, pulling the hand free.

His waist still throbbed silently. Gu Linzhou clenched his teeth—the woman really had a heavy hand!

Fu Luoning suppressed her restlessness, sharply flicked Gu Linzhou’s hand away, and smiled at the old master. “Grandpa, your birthday banquet must not be delayed.”