"I don't want you to fall in love with me, nor do I want you to develop feelings for me. I made it clear from the beginning—I'm not offering you marriage or a family."
"It's true my mother likes you. It's true I'm attracted to you. We can be together, we can date, we can enjoy all the pleasures that come with being adults—but love? Feelings? They're not part of the deal."
"If you fall for me, you'll only end up hurt—and I don't want to see that happen. Do you understand?"
He really was a master of sweet-talking—even heartless declarations came wrapped in warmth.
In truth, Celia had understood everything the moment he said he couldn't offer her marriage or children. She knew from the start that this was a six-month arrangement—one where he simply wanted to keep her around.
He reached out and gently lifted her chin. Staring into her eyes, he asked, "Are you in love with me?"
Celia didn't flinch. She looked him straight in the eyes and shook her head softly. "No."
"Good. That's the smartest thing you've said all day," he said with a smirk and leaned in to kiss her. But Celia raised her hand and gently pushed him back. "Mr. Fu, there's something…"
Nathaniel Fu raised an eyebrow but kept his voice calm. "Go ahead."
Celia handed him back the black card with the gold embossing. "I don't want your money. I want Yipinlan Villa. Once the six months are up… can I have it?"
It was the first time she'd ever asked him for something.
He neither agreed nor refused. Instead, he took her hand, placed it around his neck, and whispered, "Cici, I can give you things—but if you're going to ask, then you have to make me happy first. Understand?"
Her legs trembled slightly.
And then he leaned in, the scent of freshly showered skin enveloping her. "Cici… kiss me."
Their relationship had begun under Madam Fu's arrangement. She wanted to get the jade pendant back; he was enjoying the perks of a convenient romance.
He was rich, handsome, mature, and magnetic. Neither of them was married. There was no moral burden here. Celia figured that if she had to be in this relationship, she might as well enjoy the ride.
She took a breath, closed her eyes, and kissed him.
While chasing the pendant, she could still enjoy the warmth.
Nathaniel wrapped one arm around her waist and returned the kiss. She was soft, sweet, and just submissive enough—it was intoxicating.
She kissed like a whisper, teasing yet genuine. It stirred something deep inside him. His hand cupped the back of her head, and he took over, deepening the kiss.
The Next Morning
When Celia woke up, the other side of the bed was empty. Nathaniel had already left. On the nightstand, there was a handwritten note in bold, unruly handwriting:
"Sleepyhead, I'm off to the office."
Celia felt sore and lazy, curling deeper under the warm covers. Since she'd started seeing him, she really had turned into a pampered little kitten.
Just then—ding—a WeChat message arrived.
Lin Jiaojiao:Cici, what are you doing?
Celia:Sleeping.
Lin Jiaojiao:Why are you still in bed? Wake up and check this out!
Then she sent a photo.
Celia tapped it open. The picture was taken at night. Under the dim glow of a streetlamp, a Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked outside the Su family home. Su Qianrou was shyly stepping into the front passenger seat.
The car windows were tinted, obscuring the driver—but Celia recognized the vehicle instantly.
It was Nathaniel's.
The man behind the wheel was Nathaniel Fu.
Lin Jiaojiao:Cici, this photo is blowing up online. It's all over the entertainment news. "Nathaniel Fu, CEO of the Fu Corporation, was seen spending an hour in his car with perfumer Rosalie Su. Relationship rumors are heating up." You better check it out—now!