The elevator area was crowded with people. Xia Kelan's petite frame was squeezed into the throng, her face pressed desperately against the backs of others, yet she could not inch forward. After waiting through three rounds, it was finally her turn. She took a step forward, only to be jolted and stagger by someone, nearly losing her balance. The elevator, which could barely fit one more person, was invaded by a man who rudely spat, his expression dripping with insolence.
Xia Kelan's fury flared instantly.
"Have you never heard of queuing properly?"
"If you're going to cut in line like that, why don't you just go be reborn!"
The man scratched his ear disdainfully and reached to press the close door button.
Bang! A hand slammed firmly against the closing elevator doors.
Startled, Xia Kelan looked up to see Xie Cheng, Su Wanwan's handsome companion, standing beside her, his captivating almond-shaped eyes narrowing dangerously.
"I'm giving you three seconds to get out."
Yet, the man paid no heed to Xie Cheng's warning. After all, how much power could such a delicate-looking, seemingly weak playboy wield?
Xie Cheng lowered his head and smiled faintly, a trace of coldness in his expression. With a force that drew gasps from all around, he grabbed the man's collar and viciously hurled him over his shoulder, slamming him against the wall.
Before Xia Kelan could react, the arrogant man was already groaning in pain on the floor.
"Stop standing there—get in!" Xie Cheng's hand landed on Xia Kelan's shoulder, pushing her inside.
The smooth, warm touch of his fingertips made her heart skip a beat.
"There's barely room for two in this elevator…" Xia Kelan started to protest.
Before she could finish, Xie Cheng spun her around and pulled her into his embrace.
The elevator doors closed, and the cabin began its descent.
Xie Cheng glanced down and saw her head resting against his chest, unable to resist lowering his chin onto it.
"Tsk!" Xia Kelan immediately showed her displeasure.
The moment they stepped out of the elevator, she shoved Xie Cheng away.
"I never thought you, a pretty boy, would have some skill."
Xie Cheng opened his mouth to retort but recalled Fu Liangmu's instructions and swallowed all his complaints.
"Are you heading out for something?"
"To buy food."
"What a coincidence—I'm going to get food too. Why don't we go together? I drove here; it'll be faster and more convenient."
Xia Kelan considered it and agreed. Going alone would take at least an hour; better to hitch a free ride. Whether one or two freeloaders made little difference.
"Let's go."
Once Xia Kelan got in the car, a triumphant smile curled at Xie Cheng's lips.
"Good brother, I just bought you quite a bit of time!"
...
Breathing whispered close to Su Wanwan's ear.
Fu Liangmu's words caught in his throat. Slowly straightening, his expression returned to its usual cold and composed demeanor.
"Nothing."
He was merely trying to act coy.
"Oh…" Su Wanwan found Fu Liangmu rather strange.
"Where's Miss Xia?"
Fu Liangmu asked knowingly.
"She went out to buy food."
Fu Liangmu responded with a hum and sat on a nearby chair, showing no intention to leave.
Su Wanwan stared at him in puzzlement for a moment before finally speaking.
"You…"
"I…"
They both spoke simultaneously.
Su Wanwan cleared her throat. After all, he was her nominal husband. It wouldn't be proper to drive him away so blatantly.
"You go first."
Fu Liangmu withdrew a small bottle no larger than a fist from his pocket. The moment it touched the air, a strong medicinal aroma wafted out.
"What's this?"
"Ointment. It's good for your foot injury."
Fu Liangmu lifted the blanket, revealing a pair of delicate, smooth feet with softly rounded, pale pink nails. The right ankle was slightly swollen.
"I'll apply it for you."
Su Wanwan hesitated.
"Alright…"
Fu Liangmu washed his hands, then placed two tissues nearby. He scooped out a generous amount of ointment, warming it between his palms before gently spreading it over her ankle.
The cold touch made Su Wanwan shiver.
Fu Liangmu's movements were somewhat clumsy and uncertain—his first time doing such a thing. All he could do was soften his touch as much as possible, recalling the massage techniques she had once taught him.
Su Wanwan's gaze lingered on Fu Liangmu's handsome profile. The earnestness and care etched on his face left her momentarily mesmerized.
His hands gradually grew warm, matching her body temperature. Sensing her gaze, Fu Liangmu glanced up slightly.
His profound, bottomless ink-black eyes met hers—an abyss containing only Su Wanwan, excluding all else.
The depth of his affection was laid bare, boldly and openly before her.
Su Wanwan's heart stilled.
"Hiss…"
A sudden pressure caused Su Wanwan to gasp sharply in pain.
Fu Liangmu's hand trembled, visibly flustered and apologetic.
"Sorry.
Did I hurt you?"
Su Wanwan shook her head, wrinkling her nose as the medicinal scent eagerly filled her senses.
"Do you feel any relief?"
The ointment's initial sting was piercingly hot, but after a few minutes, it gradually cooled. The interplay of temperatures significantly alleviated the pain.
Outside, two nurses passing by stopped, peering in through the glass door.
"Wow, how lucky!"
"That man really dotes on his wife. The injury isn't that bad, but he worries so much."
"Yesterday, his wife wanted to get some fresh air, and he carried her down himself."
"So envious!"
"Envy what? Marrying such a beautiful wife must be a daily source of worry!"
"Let's go, let's go—better not get caught listening."
Inside, the pair were oblivious.
Fu Liangmu gradually mastered the technique and pressure, maximizing the ointment's effect.
Su Wanwan watched his movements, knowing in her heart that it was nearly done, yet the man lingered a while longer.
"It doesn't hurt anymore," Su Wanwan said first.
Fu Liangmu gave a low hum and casually wiped his hands with the tissue.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He said this but showed no sign of leaving.
...
The car cruised along the road, a cool breeze softly brushing their faces.
Xie Cheng raised an eyebrow, a hint of boastfulness in his tone.
"How about it? Driving out for a night ride is quite enjoyable, isn't it?"
Xia Kelan sat expressionless beside him, clutching the bag in her palm tightly, fearful she might accidentally spill the food onto his head.
A couple holding hands by the roadside looked on in surprise at their leisurely pace—barely faster than walking—and quietly quickened their steps to overtake the sports car.
Xia Kelan took a deep breath and shouted,
"Xie Cheng!
You're way too slow!"
Xie Cheng turned to her, his almond-shaped eyes curved in a playful smile.
"A man who's too fast isn't good either."