Chapter 29: A Painful Bite (part 2)

Lu Qingzhuo was stunned once again. She parted her lips slightly, staring straight at Fu Yumian, sitting upright as if trying to confirm whether Fu Yumian was deceiving her.

However, Fu Yumian barely lifted her head. She gently traced the delicate patterns on the porcelain cup with her fingertips and sighed. "This diamond ring is the only one of its kind in the world. I've already had it retrieved from the museum. It's just a shame that you're not interested."

"Then what do you want..."

Lu Qingzhuo's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, making Fu Yumian's heart itch. The corners of her lips curved up as she stood, looking down at the other woman.

"Add another clause to the agreement: during special physiological periods, including heat and susceptibility periods, both parties must take care of each other."

---

The next day, Lin Zhiyu still came looking for Lu Qingzhuo and cornered her inside a room, even locking the door from the inside.

Lu Qingzhuo was torn between laughter and frustration. Left with no choice, she sat on the sofa, facing Lin Zhiyu directly. The latter scrutinized her neck and lips as if interrogating a suspect.

"Lu Qingzhuo, tell me honestly, are you with her?"

Lu Qingzhuo froze. "..."

How was her relationship with Fu Yumian so easy to see through? She had obviously done a good job hiding it.

"Who told you that? We... we're not in the kind of relationship you're thinking of."

"Oh?" Lin Zhiyu licked her teeth. For some reason, the smile on her lips seemed eerily sinister in Lu Qingzhuo’s eyes. "I didn’t even say who it was, so why are you in such a hurry to explain?"

"Anyway, it’s no one. Stop making wild guesses and give me some privacy, okay?"

Lu Qingzhuo’s tone was sincere, even carrying a hint of pleading, but Lin Zhiyu wasn’t buying it. She knew Lu Qingzhuo had gotten involved with someone she shouldn’t have.

"This isn’t just about privacy," Lin Zhiyu said bluntly. "There aren’t many people in the Fu family who don’t know this—Fu Yumian is the youngest head of the family, and her methods are beyond terrifying. I once heard that to secure her position, she drove her own elder sister overseas by any means necessary, and to this day, she still hasn’t returned."

Lu Qingzhuo: "..."

Rumors were truly terrifying. Fu Yumian's elder sister, Fu Yuxiao, had been diagnosed with leukemia and had to go abroad for treatment. The entire Fu family had no choice but to entrust everything to Fu Yumian. In reality, the sisters had a great relationship.

Seeing that Lu Qingzhuo wasn’t reacting much, Lin Zhiyu leaned in and whispered into her ear, "And then there’s her father, Lu Huating. I heard she personally sent him to a secluded sanatorium—the kind where you never see the light of day."

Lu Qingzhuo: "..."

Lu Huating was in the late stages of stomach cancer—being able to get out of bed and walk was already a miracle.

"Where are you even hearing all this?" Lu Qingzhuo was baffled. She asked curiously, "You shouldn’t spread rumors without knowing the full story. It’s really unfair to people."

Lin Zhiyu believed that Lu Qingzhuo had been completely bewitched by the Omega’s beauty and had lost all rationality. "So you’re already defending her now? I’m your childhood friend! We grew up wearing the same dresses!"

Noticing that Lu Qingzhuo wasn’t taking her words seriously, Lin Zhiyu, driven by her preconceptions, felt certain that Fu Yumian had enchanted her with grand promises.

Lin Zhiyu accused, "Is she really that good to you? You’d abandon me for her?!"

Lu Qingzhuo looked innocent. "But she gives me twenty million a month for living expenses, and recently, she even raised it by five million."

Lin Zhiyu touched her nose, her voice dropping slightly. "So... you just gave in?"

"But she really treats me well!" Lu Qingzhuo began listing enthusiastically. "Sports cars, villas, private jets—all gifts from her. Even the movie I’m currently filming was funded by her."

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Zhiyu reached a conclusion. "Fu Yumian must have hit her head or something. What exactly is she after? Your youth? Your healthy body?"

Lu Qingzhuo actually took a moment to consider it, then nodded. "That’s not entirely impossible."

Lin Zhiyu scoffed. "You folded for a mere twenty million? That’s pocket change."

Lu Qingzhuo cleared her throat and corrected her, "It’s a five-million increase in monthly allowance, plus the Blue Moon diamond ring from the F-country museum—the one worn by the First Lady."

Lin Zhiyu swallowed nervously and asked in a hushed tone, "You mean that blue square-cut diamond, the one that money can’t even buy?"

"Exactly. So you see why I dressed so formally today? I even pulled out my best outfit." Lu Qingzhuo’s mind was filled with the image of that legendary diamond as she muttered, "Fu Yumian said she’d take me to retrieve it this afternoon, and there’s an auction tonight. Otherwise, do you think I’d dress in such a demure style?"

Lin Zhiyu tilted her head in thought before slapping her thigh and declaring righteously, "I’m telling you, that dress isn’t right for you. You have such an amazing figure—shouldn’t you be showing off an Alpha’s perfect curves?"

Lu Qingzhuo smoothed out the white dress she was wearing and pondered. "Fu Yumian is a very proper person. As her partner, I should dress elegantly and appropriately for the auction. Otherwise, people will gossip."

"But this style doesn’t suit you at all. It’s that brain-dead company of yours forcing you into some fake ‘innocent’ persona. So many netizens say you’re just pretending."

"Exactly! I am pretending!" Lu Qingzhuo touched her face. Fu Yumian’s professional makeup team would be arriving soon. Initially, she had wanted to wear this white dress, but Lin Zhiyu’s words made her reconsider. "I’ll change into something else. I’m tired of red dresses from the movie, so I’ll try a different color."

Lu Qingzhuo walked into her wardrobe, and Lin Zhiyu followed. For the first time, she realized that Lu Qingzhuo’s place was nothing like hers.

It had a private kitchen, a walk-in closet, and even a swimming pool.

Then again, the entire island now belonged to Fu Yumian. As her partner, Lu Qingzhuo was bound to enjoy the highest level of luxury.

Having known Lu Qingzhuo for over twenty years, Lin Zhiyu had always thought of her as someone rather simple. She had never had a crush on anyone, never dated, and when asked, she would simply say she wasn’t interested—making Lin Zhiyu wonder if she was just naturally indifferent to romance.

But now, it seemed completely different from what she had imagined. Could it be that Lu Qingzhuo was exceptionally gifted in bed? Was that why she had completely captured Fu Yumian’s heart?

"Um, Qingzhuo, I want to ask you something." Lin Zhiyu watched as Lu Qingzhuo pulled out a deep green dress that shimmered softly under the light and asked curiously, "Why is Fu Yumian with you? Does she have some kind of motive?"

"I don’t know either. Maybe I just happen to be her type," Lu Qingzhuo said as she held the deep green dress against her chest, checking how it complemented her complexion. Satisfied, she prepared to put it on.

In fact, Fu Yumian only needed to send an assistant to attend tonight’s auction. Lu Qingzhuo had never been to an auction before—she had only seen them on TV. It had taken some pleading on her part for Fu Yumian to finally agree to bring her along.

The hem of the dress flowed like melted emerald, swaying like rippling water. Lu Qingzhuo closed her eyes, letting the makeup artist’s brush lightly sweep across her face.

The makeup artist gave her a sheer, natural look. Lu Qingzhuo’s lips appeared full and glossy, with barely any lipstick applied.

Her dress was a classic cut, revealing her snow-white, elegant back. The stylist had loosely pinned up her hair, accentuating her slender neck and delicate collarbones—she looked just like a graceful and noble swan.

Fu Yumian’s styling team had worked on many iconic characters in the past. Later, they began creating red-carpet looks for various celebrities, encountering quite a few divas along the way.

Before styling Lu Qingzhuo, the makeup artist had mentally prepared herself for some level of difficulty. However, Lu Qingzhuo turned out to be nothing like she had imagined.

There was no arrogance, no sharp attitude. Instead, Lu Qingzhuo had even thoughtfully prepared fruit for them.

At some point, Fu Yumian walked in from outside, standing silently behind Lu Qingzhuo. Her gaze fell on the exposed curve of Lu Qingzhuo’s back, and her brows furrowed slightly.

"President Fu?" Lu Qingzhuo noticed Fu Yumian’s reflection in the mirror. She turned around and smiled at her before standing up in her high heels. "President Fu, what do you think of my outfit? Do I look good?"

Her expression at that moment was like a child eagerly waiting for praise. Her eyes held no ulterior motives—she simply wanted to share the moment.

The perfect curves of her waist came into view. The green dress seemed to come alive on Lu Qingzhuo’s body, flowing with her movements like rippling water.

Lu Qingzhuo’s figure was already well-recognized within the industry. The dress, with its fluid draping, accentuated the curves of her chest and hips, making them appear even fuller. One could only imagine the beauty hidden beneath the fabric.

Fu Yumian subtly scanned her up and down. "You look stunning."

"Right? I told you, I look good in anything!" In front of everyone, Lu Qingzhuo naturally linked her arm with Fu Yumian’s, leaning in close and smiling. "President Fu, when are we going to look at rings?"

She wasn’t wearing any perfume, yet her skin carried a faint fragrance of fresh tea—her diluted pheromone scent.

It smelled really good.

And quite appetizing.

A soft, plush sensation brushed against her arm—gentle and dense, with a hint of milky sweetness. Fu Yumian’s gaze briefly flickered to where Lu Qingzhuo’s chest pressed against her arm before she said casually, "Let’s go. I’ll take you to buy a ring."

---

The moment the intricately carved sandalwood box was opened, the Blue Moon diamond inside gleamed like a treasure from the deep sea. Lu Qingzhuo’s heart skipped a beat—not just because of its beauty, but more so due to its staggering price.

Her words came out a little stammered. "President Fu, this ring... it’s too expensive..."

Fu Yumian picked up the ring with a slight smile. "Your left hand."

Lu Qingzhuo hesitated, then slowly lifted her left hand. Fu Yumian gently took her fingertips, and the cool diamond ring slid onto her finger. In that moment, Lu Qingzhuo instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

It was a reflex. A strange, indescribable emotion surfaced in her heart. She opened her mouth slightly, her chest rising and falling as if shrouded in mist.

Just as she tried to resist, Fu Yumian tightened her grip, successfully slipping the Blue Moon diamond onto her ring finger.

"President Fu, this ring, I..."

Fu Yumian noticed something was off about Lu Qingzhuo’s expression. It wasn’t joy—it was more like... fear.

"Keep it on."

Lu Qingzhuo obediently left the ring on. The initial excitement had vanished, replaced by unease and the urge to escape.

She wanted to run.

To get away from Fu Yumian.

As far away as possible.

A warm hand gently wrapped around her right hand. She lowered her gaze and saw Fu Yumian naturally holding her hand. Her lips parted slightly.

The blue square-cut diamond on her ring finger suddenly felt unbearably heavy. She instinctively rubbed her finger, clenching her palm until it was damp with sweat.

On the way to the auction, Lu Qingzhuo kept a proper distance from Fu Yumian. The two sat in silence until Fu Yumian broke it first.

"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No." Lu Qingzhuo shook her head. She wasn’t unwell. The ring had been bought, and it was now on her finger—no one could take it away. But she couldn’t shake this hollow feeling in her chest.

A warm palm touched her forehead. Fu Yumian, usually unreadable, now looked genuinely concerned. "No fever. You’re not sick."

Lu Qingzhuo rubbed the blue diamond with her fingers and whispered, "I’m fine."

Her voice carried a slight grievance, making Fu Yumian’s heart soften unexpectedly. "Should we skip the auction? We can turn back. I’ll have Han Tian put it on hold."

"I’m fine, President Fu." Lu Qingzhuo turned to look at Fu Yumian and forced a faint smile. "There’s no need for that. We should proceed as planned."

"Alright." Fu Yumian nodded. "Close your eyes and rest for a bit."

"Okay."

Lu Qingzhuo let out a sigh of relief, though she felt inexplicably uncomfortable. Most of it stemmed from the way Fu Yumian had been looking at her—it was just too strange.

Fu Yumian...

Could she really be falling for her?

But how was that possible? She knew her own worth. She and Fu Yumian came from completely different worlds.

Fu Yumian had taken her to buy a diamond ring. Though it was expensive, to Fu Yumian, it was nothing more than an ordinary accessory.

Lu Qingzhuo forced herself not to overthink things. After getting out of the car, she followed behind Fu Yumian, shifting from holding onto her arm to maintaining a ten-centimeter distance between them.

As they entered the auction hall, Lu Qingzhuo felt somewhat nervous. In her past life, she had attended a few small auctions, but this was her first time at one of such a grand scale.

Feeling a bit empty-handed, she casually picked up a glass of red wine, took a light sniff, and found that it wasn’t nearly as pleasant as Fu Yumian’s scent.

Once she saw the other guests attending the auction, the strange tension she had felt earlier while alone with Fu Yumian dissipated completely.

Holding the wine glass in her left hand, she took a small sip, casually revealing the blue square-cut diamond on her finger.

Fu Yumian noticed all of this. Watching Lu Qingzhuo’s movements, she chuckled softly, then turned her head to speak with Han Tian, who had just rushed over.

"President Fu, should we still include the blue and white porcelain piece from the Chenghua period in the auction?"

Seeing Lu Qingzhuo drifting farther away with her wine glass, Fu Yumian curled her lips into a smile and said, "Show me the full list of auction items first. Later, I’ll ask her if she likes anything. If she does, set it aside for her."

Lu Qingzhuo had never been one to shy away from crowds. She actually enjoyed casual chats with people she admired. In her past life, it was always others approaching her first.

The auction offered a variety of fine wines and gourmet food. Since she hadn’t eaten all day and knew this event was organized by Fu Yumian, she was certain the food would be excellent.

Lu Qingzhuo had a sweet tooth, and the waitstaff, having received instructions from Han Tian, came over to serve her.

"Madam, here’s a freshly baked cake."

Her introverted nature flared up instantly, and she waved them off. "Thank you, but I can manage on my own."

She quickly slipped away from the waitstaff, unable to bear being addressed as "Madam." It was fine when they were alone, but now, with so many people around, she was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.

She picked up a small pink cake and was just about to take a bite when she heard someone calling her name from behind.

Turning around, she saw someone she hadn’t seen in a long time—Jiang Yanwei. Dressed in a flowing white gown, she was clinging intimately to the arm of an unfamiliar Alpha.

"Well, if it isn’t Teacher Jiang. What a surprise running into you here!"

Jiang Yanwei looked equally surprised. "Shouldn’t I be the one saying that? How did you end up at President Fu’s auction?"

Lu Qingzhuo was significantly taller than Jiang Yanwei. She swirled the wine in her glass slightly, making the ten-carat blue diamond on her left hand gleam even more brilliantly. Yet, she was still the one who drew the most attention in the room.

Jiang Yanwei felt overshadowed again. She tightened her grip on the Alpha’s arm, only to hear Lu Qingzhuo say with a teasing smile, "Teacher Jiang, where’s that handsome young Alpha you were with last time at the hotel? I don’t see him with you tonight."

Before Jiang Yanwei could reply, Lu Qingzhuo flashed an innocent smile. "Oh, is this your father? I wasn’t expecting him to be so youthful and vigorous."

The Alpha beside Jiang Yanwei turned several shades darker, his expression as black as the bottom of a pot. He promptly shook off Jiang Yanwei’s arm, and Lu Qingzhuo’s smile deepened.

"Lu Qingzhuo, have you lost your mind tonight? What did I ever do to you?"

Jiang Yanwei kept her expression neutral, but beneath the surface, her mask was already cracking.

"Oh, don’t be mad, Teacher Jiang. Too much anger can make you look as old and ugly as ‘Father’ here." Lu Qingzhuo placed her wine glass down, took a bite of her cake, and licked the smooth, creamy frosting off her lips. "You’d be better off enjoying a sweet treat instead."

"And you think you’re any better? Stop pretending. You’re nothing but an Alpha who climbed into someone’s bed. What do you have besides that pretty face?"

Listening to Jiang Yanwei’s venomous words, Lu Qingzhuo found herself amused. "Thanks! It’s been a while since someone complimented my looks."

"Qingzhuo, come here."

A familiar voice sounded behind her. Lu Qingzhuo grinned sincerely for the first time that evening. Turning around, she saw Fu Yumian standing there, with Han Tian beside her, holding a laptop.

Lu Qingzhuo blew Fu Yumian a playful kiss, winked at Jiang Yanwei, and smiled. "Someone’s calling me. Let’s catch up later. See you inside."  

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