Fu Мingуu hаd nеvеr bеen in the hаbit оf brоwsing thrоugh sоcial mediа fеeds. Tо him, a phоnе wаs а соmmunicatiоn tool, not a sociаl оne.
Вut tonight, lуing in bеd аnd аlreаdу rеаdу to slеep, he suddеnlу felt thе urge and taрped intо his feed.
Тhе first роst wаs frоm Ruаn Sixian.
It wаs nоthing substantiаl, sо Fu Мingyu сasuаllу scrollеd рast it.
Тwo or threе seconds lаtеr, his fingеr pаused, and he рullеd thе pаgе bасk uр.
А straу dоg?
Thе prоpertу manаgеmеnt of this араrtmеnt complеx was the best in the сountry. Thеre was simрly nо wаy а stray dog could have wandered in.
No matter how he looked at it, he felt Ruan Sixian was subtly cursing him.
Sometimes, when people give themselves hints, they easily fall into the trap. Fu Mingyu suddenly felt a wave of restlessness, a suffocating frustration hanging in his chest.
He walked to the window and pulled back the curtains. Outside, a light rain had already begun to fall.
Fu Mingyu turned around, picked up his phone, and called his assistant.
"Pull up all my itinerary records for this year tomorrow morning."
After a pause, he added, "Make it two years."-
After posting on her feed, Ruan Sixian received many likes and comments, with some friends even expressing concern about whether she was living in a less-than-ideal environment.
At this point, Ruan Sixian felt a bit awkward. She thought to herself, if only she had posted it for Fu Mingyu alone to see, she wouldn’t have to respond to her friends’ concerns now.
As for Fu Mingyu, he seemed to be in a good mood and even commented: "Really? Point it out to me sometime."
Si Xiaozhen finished her shower and came out, so it was Ruan Sixian’s turn to wash up. Before putting down her phone, Ruan Sixian replied: "Sure! [shy]"
Point it out to you?
Then I’ll point you to a mirror, why don’t you take a look?
After finishing her shower, she saw another reply from Fu Mingyu: "How about tomorrow morning?"
Damn.
Is this dog man asking me out?
Ruan Sixian didn’t reply again. She tossed her phone aside like a hot potato, jumped into bed, and burrowed under the covers.
Si Xiaozhen, taking advantage of not having to work the next day, stubbornly refused to sleep.
"Ruan Ruan, I’m still feeling uneasy. I’m really useless—I panic whenever something happens, unlike you, who always stays calm. If only we could balance each other out."
No one responded. Si Xiaozhen propped herself up and looked over—Ruan Sixian’s breathing was steady and even; she was already asleep.
Si Xiaozhen tucked the blanket around Ruan Sixian and fell asleep leaning against her shoulder.
That night, Ruan Sixian slept restlessly.
She had scattered dreams, and at some point, she dreamed of a dog. It wasn’t a vicious dog—it was a well-groomed poodle—but as soon as it barked at her, her legs went weak.
As if that wasn’t scary enough, the owner holding the leash turned out to be Fu Mingyu.
Ruan Sixian was genuinely afraid of dogs.
When she was a child, she went to the countryside to play. The local dogs were mostly free-roaming, and while most were well-behaved, there was always one aggressive one. It chased her halfway down the street until she was so scared she fell to the ground. The dog then came over and bit at her pant leg. With tears and snot covering her face, Ruan Sixian kicked out with her other foot, which seemed to anger the dog even more, and it bit her without hesitation.
Fortunately, a villager arrived in time and took the dog away. Ruan Sixian was taken to the hospital by her parents and given a shot. Already afraid of dogs, she was left with a lasting trauma.
Whenever a dog approached her, her scalp would immediately tingle, and even her breathing would become erratic.
She was startled awake by the dog just as dawn was breaking.Ruan Sixian leaned against the headboard for a while. Beside her, Si Xiaozhen was still lightly snoring. She slowly got out of bed, tiptoed out of the room, went downstairs for an hour-long run, returned to shower, changed clothes, had a quick bite to eat, picked up her bag, and headed out.
These past few days, she hadn’t been busy, staying home to participate in online onboarding training. Today was the weekend, but she had to go to World Airlines to meet the crew in advance for tomorrow’s inaugural ACJ31 flight.
When she reached the elevator lobby, she made a point of checking the time.
Eight o’clock sharp. This neighborhood wasn’t something ordinary office workers could afford, so there shouldn’t be many people around at this hour.
However, as soon as the elevator doors opened, she immediately dismissed her earlier thought.
She thought she had gotten up early enough, but she hadn’t expected Fu Mingyu to be even earlier, already standing in the elevator looking impeccably dressed.
Although she had learned last night that Fu Mingyu lived in the same building as her, she had anticipated running into him in the elevator sooner or later—she just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.
Fu Mingyu had been looking down, adjusting his cuffs. When he glanced up and saw Ruan Sixian, he didn’t seem the least bit surprised. He reached out to hold the elevator door open, tilting his head slightly to signal for her to come in.
Now, every time Ruan Sixian saw him, she couldn’t help but think of the poodle from her dream. Her heart still racing, she stepped inside and automatically stood on the opposite side, as if putting a vast distance between them.
“Morning, President Fu.”
Just as Fu Mingyu was about to respond, he heard her add, “Up this early to see the dog?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Ruan Sixian noticed Fu Mingyu looking at her, his deep eyes shimmering with an inexplicable amusement.
“…”
Ruan Sixian wished she could slap herself, thinking that the lingering effects of last night’s dream must have tangled her words.
She snorted softly, put on her headphones, and avoided looking at Fu Mingyu.
Just as the music started playing, one of her earbuds was plucked away.
Ruan Sixian turned her head. “What are you doing?”
“Let’s talk,” Fu Mingyu said, holding the earbud. “I feel like you always have some hostility toward me. Is that just my imagination?”
He watched Ruan Sixian closely, observing every subtle change in her expression.
The person before him was still bare-faced, her hair tied back in a short ponytail. Her eyes were narrow and long, and when a faint smile touched her face, the corners of her eyes lifted slightly.
“Oh, I have a grudge against the rich.”
“…”
Because there was a hint of a smile on her face, it was hard to tell whether she was being serious or just joking.
Perhaps it was more of a joke.
But either way, Fu Mingyu lost any desire to continue the conversation.
The earbud was released, dangling and swaying against her chest.
Seeing the interesting expression on Fu Mingyu’s face, Ruan Sixian lowered her head, suppressing a smile.
But her amusement didn’t last even two seconds before it was interrupted by the scene before her.
The elevator stopped on the 10th floor, and an elderly woman walked in, leading a Labrador.
A fleshy-white Labrador… tongue lolling… panting… bouncing around…
No, Ruan Sixian felt like she couldn’t breathe. Her face turned pale as she retreated to the corner of the elevator, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly.
Although the owner was holding the leash, the dog seemed overly energetic, constantly trying to lunge toward Ruan Sixian, almost reaching her each time before being pulled back by its owner.
But even so, Ruan Sixian stood frozen, unable to move, fine beads of sweat quickly forming on her forehead.
…
Every second in the elevator felt stretched into an eternity.Ruan Sixian clenched her teeth, feeling a chill run down her spine, when Fu Mingyu suddenly stepped in front of her.
The entire scene before her was abruptly blocked, and the faint scent of firwood reached her nose.
Ruan Sixian slowly relaxed, lifting her gaze gradually.
She realized Fu Mingyu was truly tall—a full head taller than her own 1.7 meters—with broad shoulders that filled out his suit perfectly.
With Fu Mingyu standing in front, the dog easily leaped onto his leg.
Two paw prints were left on his black trousers.
Fu Mingyu was the type of person who appeared meticulous from head to toe, making those paw prints especially jarring. The dog owner grew nervous, pulling the dog back and tightening the leash.
Half a minute later, the elevator reached the first floor. The dog owner hurriedly muttered an "excuse me" before leading the dog out.
Fu Mingyu showed no reaction, merely glancing back at Ruan Sixian.
"Going to World Airlines?"
With the dog’s scent finally gone from the air, Ruan Sixian let out a long sigh of relief and nodded.
Fu Mingyu strode out, and Ruan Sixian followed behind him.
"You’re really afraid of dogs?"
"Yeah," Ruan Sixian replied softly. "I was bitten when I was young."
Fu Mingyu slowed his pace, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.
Ruan Sixian didn’t notice his smile, her attention fixed on his trousers.
She paused, then took a tissue from her bag and handed it to Fu Mingyu.
Fu Mingyu accepted the tissue, bent down to wipe his trousers, and as he straightened up, asked, "Need a ride?"
A gentle breeze swept through the lobby, passing between them. The sudden rain had just stopped, leaving the air damp, and the wind carried the fresh scent of grass.
Ruan Sixian nodded. "Thank you, then."
Bai Yang paced back and forth along the grassy lawn, head lowered as if searching for something.
The apartment complex was quiet, with only the occasional elderly resident out for a stroll. At this hour, few commuters were around, but there were plenty of people out for morning runs.
Bai Yang turned and saw Fu Mingyu and Ruan Sixian approaching. Though surprised, he immediately stepped forward and stood respectfully.
"What are you doing?"
Fu Mingyu asked.
"Oh, looking for a dog,"
Bai Yang said innocently. "Didn’t Miss Ruan mention there were stray dogs here last night? I just saw a dark shadow dart into the bushes and wanted to check if there really are strays. If so, we should notify the property management."
Fu Mingyu’s expression darkened subtly, while Ruan Sixian looked up, pretending to admire the scenery.
Bai Yang turned to Ruan Sixian again. "Miss Ruan, where did you see the stray dog last night? Was it dirty?"
Ruan Sixian remained calm and unruffled, pointing ahead. "Over there. It might have been caught already."
Fu Mingyu glanced at her and said in a low voice, "Get in the car."
The driver had already parked nearby, waiting.
The atmosphere inside the car remained tense.
Fu Mingyu and Ruan Sixian sat at opposite ends of the back seat, neither speaking. Bai Yang naturally sensed the strange tension and didn’t dare ask anything.
It wasn’t until he flipped through his iPad that he remembered something.
"Oh, right, Mr. Fu. Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Qin sent an invitation to the office. The wedding is on the seventh of next month. Will you be attending?"
"Mr. Qin?"
"That’s Qin Jiamu, the son of the chairman of Zhengxi Steel."
Fu Mingyu closed his eyes, thinking. "The one who had coffee spilled on him by one of our flight attendants that year?"
"Yes," Bai Yang nodded. "They’re getting married."That person... Ruan Sixian remembered now. She had flown a few shifts with that flight attendant before—a gentle and lovely girl with two dimples when she smiled, leaving a deep impression.
She’s actually getting married already... She should only be twenty-six this year.
While Ruan Sixian was reminiscing, Fu Mingyu beside her suddenly remarked, "Quite the move."
Ruan Sixian turned to look at him. He still had his eyes closed, a faint, almost imperceptible hint of mockery at the corner of his mouth.
Here we go again!
Memories from three years ago came flooding back—that same smile, that same tone.
Ruan Sixian’s chest tightened instantly.
This guy was unbelievable.
"Quite the move"—just like when he said back then, "You might as well dream on!"
With nothing else to do in the morning, Bai Yang also grew a bit interested. "Since Chairman Qin doesn’t seem too pleased and the wedding wasn’t approved by him, what about your side..."
"I won’t go," Fu Mingyu said. "No need to give him face. Decline on my behalf."
Bai Yang agreed and turned back. Spotting a bottle of mineral water nearby, he casually handed it to Ruan Sixian.
"Miss Ruan, would you like some water?"
It was Laquan Andes Mountain mineral water, in a glass bottle with a tin cap.
Ruan Sixian wasn’t too keen on taking it, but Bai Yang added, "Oh, this one’s a bit hard to open. Wait a moment, I’ll—"
"Let me."
Fu Mingyu took the bottle from his hand and was about to twist it open when Ruan Sixian snatched it away.
"I’ll do it myself."
Fu Mingyu saw her staring at him, her eyes clear and bright, with an indescribable intensity.
Just as he was trying to decipher that look, a soft "pop" sounded beside his ear—Ruan Sixian held the bottle with one hand, flicked her thumb, and the cap came off.
"Wow..." Bai Yang couldn’t help but let out a soft exclamation. "That strength..."
Seeing this, Fu Mingyu chuckled. "As expected of a woman who can send people to the heavens."
Ruan Sixian looked at him and gave a slight smirk. "I can also send people six feet under."
...
The atmosphere in the car suddenly froze.
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