Belated Romance (Mu Tongrui)

CEO's office at Fu Corporation.

Fu Lingye had just removed the splint, which he had on for a month. Walking in to see Fu Lingye

holding a pile of folders with his right arm, Xu Kun immediately took them from him.

“Boss, you still need to let your right arm rest for a few more months. The doctor said to not strain it for

at least a hundred days. It's better safe than sorry.” Xu Kun kindly advised.

That was when Fu Lingye realized that he hadn't seen Mu Tongrui in over a month.

Is she really cutting all ties with me?

“Does Mu Tongrui still work at Ya Hua?”

Fu Lingye asked out of the blue. Xu Kun struggled to find the appropriate answer, “Uh... I think so.”

Reading Fu Lingye's displeasure, Xu Kun deftly sugarcoated it, “Even though she didn't visit you, she

made sure to spend time with Sweetheart all the time. I ran into her on multiple occasions when I went

over for your laundry. She... she even told me to send her regards, but I always forgot to. She must still

care... about you.”

Fu Lingye scoffed in disbelief.

To send regards? She would've come to visit me if she really cared!

Xu Kun suddenly remembered a serious matter. Unfortunately, it was as tricky as it was serious.

“Err, by the way, boss. Xia Xueqing has been bugging me to let her see you... even though I always tell

her you're busy,” Xu Kun notified.

Xia Xueqing had been sycophantic this past month, sending in all kinds of gifts. Only she was so loud

and chatty that even Xu Kun couldn't stand her.

Fu Lingye puckered his lips, “Let her in.”

It's time to get rid of this woman.

Xu Kun escorted Xia Xueqing in, who pranced over in her high-heels. She earnestly grabbed Fu

Lingye's arm, but he pulled it away instantly. Fu Lingye noted flintily, “I hope you're here for something

important.”

Thick-skinned, Xia Xueqing was not one bit bothered by his attitude. She handed Fu Lingye the

pregnancy lab report as she put on a kittenish act, “Aw, don't be so cold. I'm pregnant, making me your

responsibility now!”

Fu Lingye narrowed his eyes as he skimmed the report.

Unable to read his emotion, Xi Xueqing was stuck in a nerve-wracking, dead silence. She tried again,

“You don't believe me? The doctor said I was a month in, which means that night at the hotel-”

Fu Lingye wouldn't let her finish, “Xia Xueqing! What did I say that day?”

Though scared stiff, Xia Xueqing proceeded. She had to milk this moment before it passed, “But I didn't

want the pill, I wanted your baby. Lingye, I'm not trying to get anything from you through it. My only

intention is to give you a baby.”

“No. Quit the games. We both know your intention's not pure.” Fu Lingye cut to the chase.

“I swear. I only want to keep this precious life. You gotta believe me.” Xia Xueqing defended.

Fu Lingye picked up his pen and aggressively wrote on a cheque.

“A million. That's more than enough for an abortion.” Fu Lingye didn't leave room for negotiation.

That gesture humiliated Xia Xueqing. Her eyes bulged as her face turned red. Agitated, she whined, “I

can't believe you'd put a price on me. Let alone that price.”

Fu Lingye tossed his pen away as he dismissed her, “You got it wrong. This is way more than what I

think you're worth. Personally, even paying you a hundred thousand is too much.”

“What... what do you think I am? I gave you my first time!” Xia Xueqing argued relentlessly.

“First time” - Fu Lingye sarcastically scanned her up and down with his laser-beam eyes - “How many

men exactly have you used that tale on?'

Exposed, Xia Xueqing struggled to continue.

She collapsed onto the floor in a dramatic outburst. Xia Xueqing menaced, “I'm not having it, and you

can't make me - it's my body! If you force me, then I have no choice but to expose you to the press.

We'll see what that does to your reputation!”

Xia Xueqing's threat sounded like a juvenile rant to Fu Lingye.

He let Xia Xueqing finish her stunt like an audience of a clown show. After that, Fu Lingye

recommended, “It's fine if you don't want an abortion. We can remove your womb instead.”

Despite Xia Xueqing's full face of makeup, Fu Lingye could still see blood drained from her face.

She was aware of Fu Lingye's domineering way of handling business. However, she didn't expect him

to be cold-blooded outside of work as well.

“Fu Lingye! This is your baby we're talking about!” Xia Xueqing objected.

Fu Lingye couldn't be bothered anymore. He directed Xu Kun, “Take Ms. Xia to the hospital. Get rid of

the fetus if she's really pregnant. But, if she's not-”

Fu Lingye paused. The suspense killed Xia Xueqing inside.

If Fu Lingye finds out about the truth, what would he do?

“Ms. Xia. I hope you understand the consequences of fabricating this.”

Xia Xueqing backed away involuntarily. “What... what will you do? We at least spent a night together.

We shared something special. You can't turn your back on me after using me!”

Something special?

What a sickening overstatement.

Suddenly, Fu Lingye got an idea. He got up from his office chair and kneeled next to Xia Xueqing.

Cupping her chin, Fu Lingye stared into his eyes, “Maybe I should go through with your plan, seeing as

you put quite a bit of work into it.”

Xia Xueqing's face relaxed.

Did I persuade him?

After Xia Xueqing left in contentment, Xu Kun finally asked, “Boss. If Xia Xueqing spreads the news

about her pregnancy, wouldn't Ms. Mu find out about it?”

That's what I want! Mu Tongrui has to know.

Let's see how long she can avoid me after hearing that.

“Get someone to follow Xia Xueqing. You know what to do if she's really pregnant. Get rid of it

discreetly.” Fu Lingye commanded.

That was only a safety measure. Fu Lingye could tell by Xia Xueqing's mannerisms that she made it up

to exploit him.

Xu Kun nodded his head, “Sure, boss. I'll have someone keep an eye on her. About Ms. Mu-”

“What about her? She's not the only woman in this world.” Fu Lingye pulled his brows low.

Xu Kun took it with a grain of salt, well aware that it was Fu Lingye's ego talking.

On the way to Fu Lingye's home after work, Xu Kun drove past Shenlan Road.

Xu Kun stole a glance at Fu Lingye from his rear-view mirror to recognize a distant yet downcast look

on his boss's face. Fu Lingye seemed to be zoning out.

Just when Xu Kun slowed down to make another turn, Fu Lingye requested, “Go to Mu's family house.”

The Maybach parked under a tree not far away from the villa.

They saw Mu Tongrui feeding a stray dog at a corner.

Its white fur was heavily stained and matted.

Xu Kun commented, “Wow. She's quite a compassionate character.”

Fu Lingye snorted in disagreement.

Compassionate? I see. She has so much love for a stray dog but not enough for Sweetheart. That's

why she's not home caring for Sweetheart now.

Xu Kun asked reservedly, “Boss... Shall we approach?”

Fu Lingye's mysterious eyes puzzled Xu Kun.

It'll be meaningless.

Fu Lingye stayed in the car as he watched Mu Tongrui enter the house. He then ordered, “Go get the

dog.”

“What?” Xu Kun couldn't believe his ears.

Fu Lingye had always been a bit of a clean freak. It was inconceivable that he would allow a stray dog

in his car.

“Are you deaf, or what?”

Obligated though uneasy, Xu Kun stealthily captured the dog.