Rumor had it that Fu Mingchuan had someone new by his side, and it was spreading fast. The fact that this gossip was out in the open suggested that Fu Mingchuan wasn’t trying to hide it at all.
People were intrigued. After all, Fu Mingchuan and You Wen had been in an on-again, off-again relationship, each breakup causing quite a stir. In the end, You Wen left alone, going abroad.
After You Wen’s departure, Fu Mingchuan seemed to carry a heavy air of melancholy for a long time. Eventually, people assumed this time they were truly over for good.
Suitors emerged from all sides, hoping to catch Fu Mingchuan’s attention, but none got close. So when rumors spread that someone had actually managed to capture his interest, everyone was surprised and curious.
Someone from the company went to confirm with the people at Huading, Fu Mingchuan’s company, about who could have won his heart. The reply came back, word-for-word: “It’s all a misunderstanding. There’s only ever been that one person beside President Fu.”
Many at Huading headquarters had heard the gossip about Fu Mingchuan and Ruan Jing. They’d even seen the widely circulated video. But after Fu Mingchuan handed over full control of the Fengcheng collaboration project to the international division, the rumors fizzled out on their own.
Later on, some people close to the secretarial department discreetly inquired and confirmed that there was indeed only ever one person by Fu Mingchuan’s side. Other than You Wen, his former fiancé, they couldn’t think of anyone else.
The last breakup had been so intense and public that, even though everyone suspected it was You Wen, they hesitated to fully believe it. People at Huading were doubtful, half believing and half doubting, until one day when You Wen came to the office and Fu Mingchuan personally went downstairs to greet him.
Huading’s first floor had a spacious lobby, with waiting and rest areas arranged near the reception. When Fu Mingchuan showed up, the two receptionists immediately greeted him, watching as he walked to the rest area and stopped beside a young man with a scholarly air. Bending down, he spoke to him, and then reached out to help him up.
The two receptionists exchanged glances, unable to look away, murmuring about whether the young man looked like You Wen. One of them said he definitely was, while the other insisted he didn’t match the photos, blaming her nearsightedness.
The girl who insisted he didn’t look like You Wen huffed, “Just wait till they come closer and then look carefully.” She added that if he turned out to be You Wen, she’d buy dinner.
In the end, neither of them won, as Fu Mingchuan led You Wen straight out of the lobby.
The moment they stepped outside, You Wen complained about the heat. Fu Mingchuan offered to bring him back to his office, but You Wen was insistent about getting some frozen yogurt.
Fu Mingchuan took off You Wen’s hat, shielding him from the sun with his hand and fanning him with the hat in his other. You Wen instructed, “Hold it lower—you’re letting the sun get my nose.”
Fu Mingchuan adjusted his hand without a second thought. With a ten-centimeter height difference between them, the way he shielded You Wen made him look particularly endearing, drawing glances from passersby.
By now, You Wen wasn’t bothered by the attention. As long as it was Fu Mingchuan’s affection, he’d take it all without a second thought. No matter how much time had passed, he felt his love deserved a response, and he accepted all of Fu Mingchuan’s gestures with a clear conscience.
Fu Mingchuan’s love showed itself in subtle yet clumsy ways, often giving You Wen a sense of closeness that put him at ease and lifted his spirits. He felt so content that he’d often reach for Fu Mingchuan’s hand, and Fu Mingchuan would let him.
One day, some employees on an errand stopped by a frozen yogurt shop and saw the two together. Standing side by side, they looked like a perfect match. You Wen looked just like his pictures on the internal company forum, but even more vibrant in person.
When they got closer, they overheard Fu Mingchuan instructing the server to add less ice and then scolding You Wen, “This is your third one this week.”
You Wen asked the server for extra toppings and then replied to Fu Mingchuan, “It’s not like I’ve been sneaking it behind your back.” His tone implied he expected praise for his good behavior.
He added, “And look, oats and taro balls are healthy foods.” He rambled to Fu Mingchuan, “You know what taro balls are made of, right? Taro and sweet potatoes—totally healthy.”
Fu Mingchuan didn’t give him room to argue. “More nonsense.”
You Wen let out a disgruntled huff. “Well, tell Auntie1Their housekeeper. not to make them at home for me. I don’t like them.”
Fu Mingchuan was blunt: “No more iced drinks for you this week.”
Seeing that You Wen stayed silent, Fu Mingchuan gave his arm a gentle tug. “Did you hear me?”
You Wen wasn’t having it. “Nope.”
Fu Mingchuan’s voice dropped to a serious tone. “Being disobedient?”
Not far away, two eavesdropping employees strained to catch the conversation. Seeing Fu Mingchuan on the verge of losing his temper, they risked a peek. Looking at You Wen’s face, they couldn’t understand how anyone could deny him a simple frozen yogurt—he should be allowed to have as much as he wanted, ice and all!
They were a mix of indignant toward Fu Mingchuan and concerned for You Wen. They didn’t know Fu Mingchuan personally, but they’d heard the atmosphere on the top floor was notoriously intense. Who could handle that?
Meanwhile, You Wen was focused on the milk frother, and he threatened, “I’m going to tell Mom you’re being mean to me.”
Fu Mingchuan almost laughed out of sheer exasperation. “Go ahead—let’s see who she scolds, you or me.”
“Mom?” They wondered. Fu Mingchuan’s mom, right? After all, You Wen had no mother.
So, had they already registered their marriage? They hadn’t heard anything about that.
Fu Mingchuan had brought up registering a few times. Once they missed the date because You Wen was caught up with school matters, and another time he was sick and refused to get out of bed. So the registration hadn’t happened yet. But Fu Mingchuan planned to ask him again this week.
You Wen crossed his arms. “She’d only scold you, she could never bear to scold me.”
Fu Mingchuan exposed him. “Right, scold me for not being able to keep you in check.”
You Wen chuckled just as his number was called. He went up to retrieve his yogurt and scooped out a spoonful, holding it up to Fu Mingchuan’s mouth. “Here, have a taste.”
The two walked out together, still chatting, while the Huading employees’ eyes stayed glued to them. Fu Mingchuan seemed to refuse at first.
You Wen kept insisting, holding the spoon up, so Fu Mingchuan eventually bent down and took a bite. You Wen said something with a smile, which earned him a sideways glance from Fu Mingchuan.
With their frozen treats in hand, they headed back to Huading, walking at a measured distance behind a couple holding hands.
As they reached the steps, You Wen slowed down, refusing to walk normally. Fu Mingchuan climbed two steps ahead, turned around, and saw him lagging behind, muttering complaints about the fast pace and his tired feet. Sighing, Fu Mingchuan slowed down to match him.
The employees behind them deliberately slowed as well, trying to catch another glimpse, until they suddenly found themselves under Fu Mingchuan’s sharp gaze. The look was intense and authoritative, and they quickly hurried off without daring to linger.
Back at their desks, they couldn’t wait to share the gossip. When some coworkers expressed disbelief, they confidently replied that if they were lucky, they might even spot the couple after work.
Although the crowd leaving at regular time didn’t get the chance, those working late around seven or eight caught sight of them in the parking lot.
It looked like You Wen had just woken up, still looking drowsy as Fu Mingchuan held his hand and guided him toward the car. A coworker parked directly across from them caught the scene.
Instead of ushering him straight into the car, Fu Mingchuan first adjusted the seat for him, then helped him inside and fastened his seatbelt. You Wen said something, and Fu Mingchuan leaned in, touching his cheek before returning to the driver’s side.
As their car pulled away, the coworker who’d witnessed the scene was in shock. Just now… had their President Fu really leaned in and kissed You Wen?
What it really this sweet?
So, there really was just one person by Fu Mingchuan’s side?
Yeah… they believed it now.
Meanwhile, the two receptionists who’d lost their earlier bet were having dinner at a tea house near the office. The one who lost paid willingly but kept refreshing the company’s internal network, where someone had posted a photo from the parking lot. Although the post was removed within five minutes, it had already caused a flurry of discussion, with anonymous threads popping up nonstop.
At that moment, the subject of all this discussion was lying in bed, grumbling in discomfort from an upset stomach. Fu Mingchuan wanted to take him to the hospital, but he stubbornly refused, insisting he’d feel better in a bit.
Fu Mingchuan had called for the family doctor, but for now, he sat silently at the bedside, massaging You Wen’s stomach. You Wen moved closer to him, whining for a hug. Fu Mingchuan gently held his shoulder, telling him to stay still. When You Wen looked up at him, Fu Mingchuan explained, “If I hold you, I can’t keep massaging.”
Seeing Fu Mingchuan’s serious expression, You Wen held back his complaints, burying his face in the pillow, quieting down.
Fu Mingchuan said nothing more, and the room grew so silent that You Wen thought he could hear a pin drop.
After a while, Fu Mingchuan’s voice broke the silence, firm and serious: “You Wen, look at me.”
You Wen tried to wriggle deeper into the pillow, putting on a pitiful act. “I feel terrible. You’re pressing too hard and making it worse.” He cast all the blame on Fu Mingchuan. “It didn’t even hurt this much before.”
Fu Mingchuan moved his hand away from You Wen’s stomach, then reached up to gently lift You Wen’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. But as he started to speak, he noticed You Wen’s eyes had gone red, and the words he’d meant to say got caught in his throat. Fine—tomorrow would work just as well to give him a piece of his mind.
“The doctor’s on the way. You’ll feel better soon,” Fu Mingchuan’s voice softened as he wrapped his arms around him. “Don’t cry.”
You Wen’s tears dried up quickly, and his earlier hurt look vanished as he leaned into Fu Mingchuan’s arms, mumbling, “So you’re planning to scold me tomorrow, huh?”
Fu Mingchuan replied, “No.”
“So, the day after tomorrow, then?”
Fu Mingchuan went silent. At that, You Wen sat up and accused him, “I’m already feeling so awful, and all you’re thinking about is how to scold me!”
Fu Mingchuan sighed helplessly. “Naonao, you really have to stop with the iced drinks from now on.”
“Anything else is fine, but when it comes to your health, you can’t keep acting so stubborn.”
Feeling a bit guilty, You Wen looked away. While he’d been abroad, he was often busy, and the food didn’t suit his taste, so he hadn’t been eating properly. It had taken a toll on his stomach.
The first time his stomach hurt, he called Fu Mingchuan and acted all pitiful. Maybe it was the distance or his discomfort, but he’d ended up crying on the phone. The very next day, Fu Mingchuan showed up in person and didn’t leave his side for a full week, making sure he ate all three meals each day.
That week, You Wen had felt completely spoiled. While he was out handling things, Fu Mingchuan stayed at home, waiting for him to come back. For the first time, You Wen truly understood the joy of coming home to someone who cared.
He’d proudly shared his thoughts with Fu Mingchuan, even joking that he wanted to come home to him every day. Maybe, he teased, he could just keep Fu Mingchuan at home as his personal caretaker.
Fu Mingchuan had looked at him with a half-smile, saying he had some beautiful ideas for sure. But after that, Fu Mingchuan started coming to Germany three days each week, leaving You Wen so overjoyed he could barely tell north from south.
After returning to China, Fu Mingchuan had even arranged for a dietician to help restore You Wen’s stomach health. Lately, his stomach had been doing fine, which made him feel bold enough to sneak several iced drinks that week. Now, though, he was paying for it.
Fu Mingchuan had been prepared to scold him like old times, but the moment You Wen turned on the charm, he couldn’t hold his ground. Seeing You Wen avoid his eyes, he asked, “Did you hear me?”
Snuggled against him, You Wen let out a meek “Mhm,” then apologized and promised, “I won’t be stubborn again.”
With the medicine he’d taken and Fu Mingchuan’s long massage, his stomach ache had actually subsided long ago. But he still let the doctor check him over when he arrived, and afterward, he returned to his room.
From the gap in the door, he could hear Fu Mingchuan discussing a dietary plans with the doctor. After half an hour of waiting for Fu Mingchuan to return, You Wen drifted off to sleep.
When Fu Mingchuan finally came back, he saw You Wen curled up obediently under a light blanket. He slipped in beside him, and You Wen instinctively rolled over into his arms. Although the position was a little awkward for Fu Mingchuan, he didn’t move, letting You Wen settle against him. Once You Wen’s breathing evened out, he shifted into a more comfortable position.
Turning off the light, he looked down at the person nestled against him in the dim glow of the nightlight. So sweet and obedient.
If only he could always stay this way and never wandering off.
