Before him, Su Wanwan appeared so delicate and intimately close, like a languid kitten curled upon his shoulder, her enchanting eyes stirring his soul. Fu Liangmu's Adam's apple bobbed as their gazes locked, his eyes suddenly darkening with depth."Mm."
Receiving an affirmative response, Su Wanwan cast a subtly provocative glance at Li Zhen, the corner of her lips curling ever so slightly. Li Zhen, enraged and humiliated, stomped his foot hard, muttering an excuse as he stormed off.
Fu Ziyang, amazed, gave Su Wanwan a thumbs-up, marveling, "Impressive—I've never seen Li Zhen so thoroughly beaten!"
Su Wanwan released Fu Liangmu's hand, her usual calm composure restored. The warmth vanished instantly, as if stepping from a heated room into a cold breeze—chilling and unpleasant.
"Big brother, you hardly come back; don't just stand there like a statue waiting for your wife. Go greet my father and the others. Grandpa misses you too.""Wanwan, come along."
Su Wanwan said nothing, instead turning to Fu Liangmu, fully aware of his strained relations with the Fu family."Stay here, I'll be back soon."
Fu Liangmu gently patted her hair and strode upstairs briskly. Fu Ziyang blinked in confusion, glancing between his retreating figure and Su Wanwan."Hey, wait for me, brother!"
Finding a moment alone, Su Wanwan casually sat aside, indifferent to the noisy surroundings. Her gaze wandered aimlessly, until it fell upon Li Zhen, angrily berating a woman nearby—the same woman who had earlier spoken to Su Wanwan in a soft, gentle voice.
"Can't you see where you're going?""I'm standing right in front of you, how could you miss me?!""What's your name? I've never seen you before. Did you come here riding on some wealthy patron's coattails?"
Li Zhen, well-versed in high society, knew nearly every woman present. Yet this timid, unknown woman dared to behave so disrespectfully!"Sorry, I didn't mean to…"
She looked down at her crushed heels, brows furrowing in displeasure, her tone both arrogant and harsh."Just saying sorry is enough?""Is that how your parents taught you to behave?""Haven't you learned to admit your mistakes?""Absolutely no manners!""Clean my shoes!"
The woman bit her lip, tears of helpless shame welling in her eyes, frozen in place.
"What? Can't understand human speech?" Li Zhen sneered sharply, "I've already spared you compensation out of kindness—don't be ungrateful!"
A circle of socialites gathered, watching the spectacle in silence. Li Zhen's pedigree was impeccable; favored by the Fu family's second madam, she wielded power arrogantly within the household. Who dared cross her?
"Today's the second madam's special day. Surely you don't want to make a fuss over something so trivial?" Li Zhen's voice sharpened.
The woman shrank and bent her waist. Suddenly, a hand rested on her shoulder, steadying her."What's going on?" Su Wanwan asked calmly.
A simple question, yet it moved the woman to tears as if her humiliation had finally found an ally. Her voice choked, audible only to Su Wanwan and Fu Liangmu."When I walked by, she lost her footing and stumbled in front of me. I hadn't lifted my foot yet—it was an accident that I stepped on her…"
Li Zhen sneered at their whispered exchange."I was wondering how someone who can't even afford a proper gown could show up at such a prestigious event.""Oh, so she was brought here by someone after all.""Miss Su, I must have a serious word with you.""Today is the second madam's birthday; only the cream of society was invited.""Why bring such insignificant friends and embarrass yourself?""Do you think this is a marketplace, where anyone can come and go?"
Her words triggered laughter among the crowd.
The woman tugged Su Wanwan's sleeve, whispering,"Don't get involved; this isn't your affair."
Su Wanwan patted her hand and lifted her gaze to meet Li Zhen's."On what authority do you speak so arrogantly?""As the eldest madam of the Fu family, do I need your approval to invite guests?""You, a mere visitor, dare to insult the hostess's friend openly?""Is this the 'good breeding' you boast of?"
Each word struck sharply, laced with a quiet fury.
Li Zhen scoffed, "You've got quite the nerve to say such things.""Hostess? What kind of hostess? You're nothing but a plaything Fu Liangmu bought with his money!"
Su Wanwan raised an eyebrow, smiling coldly."I don't understand, Miss Li—didn't marriage require a bride price?"
Li Zhen's retorts caught in her throat. Bride price? Such audacity from Su Wanwan! Speechless for a moment, she grit her teeth and shifted topics.
"Fine, then I want to ask—what solution does self-proclaimed Fu family hostess Su Wanwan have for my shoe?""If you apologize sincerely, we can let this go."
A woman behind Su Wanwan stepped forward to speak but was promptly pulled back.
Su Wanwan let out a faint scoff, lifted her foot, and amidst the stunned gasps of onlookers, mercilessly crushed Li Zhen's shoe beneath her sole. Her exquisite face radiated fierce defiance.
"Su Wanwan!" Li Zhen trembled with pain and fury, shouting,"How dare you step on me?!"
Frustrated, she clawed toward Su Wanwan's face—but Su Wanwan had already taken two strategic steps back.
"No need to spare my feelings—I'll compensate you fully.""A pair of last summer's out-of-season shoes can't cost more than a hundred thousand.""Kindly provide your contact details.""The money will be transferred within three days."
Li Zhen's jaw quivered, eyes wide like copper bells, blazing with rage.
"Su Wanwan!"
Su Wanwan casually hailed a passing servant, smiling lightly,"Please escort Miss Li upstairs to get a new pair of shoes."
The servant blinked in surprise, then bowed slightly."Miss Li, please follow me."