Master Fu seized the moment to strike while the iron was hot. "Since you all believe Su Wanwan is more deserving of the Design Director position..."
"Then I hereby declare—"
Su Wanwan lifted her eyes softly and called out quietly, "Chairman."
Master Fu immediately turned his head, his gaze softened with affection. If at their first meeting his kindness toward Su Wanwan had stemmed from Fu Liangmu's influence, at this moment he was genuinely captivated by her design talent. Such innate genius at her age commanded his utmost respect.
"What is it?" Su Wanwan kindly reminded Fu Jinghan, who looked utterly dejected and colorless. "We agreed on two rounds, just two."
"I have no intention of taking advantage of him."
Master Fu was momentarily stunned; he hadn't expected Su Wanwan to possess such integrity.
"Very well, the second round will take place tomorrow!"
"Alright, alright, disperse," Master Fu urged. The employees gradually scattered in small groups.
Descending the stairs, an eerie silence prevailed.
Back at their desks, those uninvolved in the matter eagerly inquired,
"So, how did it go? Did our director win? Did Su Wanwan get punished?"
Ding-dong—everyone's phones chimed twice simultaneously. They all grabbed their phones and found two videos uploaded to the company group chat. One showed the entire two-hour design process of Su Wanwan. The other captured Fu Jinghan's self-created group last night, where he distributed red envelopes to rally votes.
After watching, murmurs rippled through the crowd,
"So... we were all wrong about Su Wanwan?"
...
Dark clouds smothered the evening glow, shrouding the sky in a heavy, oppressive gloom, as if the heavens themselves might collapse. The whistling wind sliced fiercely through the air, whipping up a torrential downpour that crashed against the windows with sharp, crisp sounds.
Fu Liangmu, one arm around Su Wanwan, yanked open the car door. She entered slowly and settled inside, a soft cushion tucked at her waist.
"What would you like for dinner?" Fu Liangmu seemed in good spirits, glancing at her sideways. The overhead light cast gentle contours along her cheek.
Su Wanwan smiled tenderly.
"Let's eat at the old manor."
"I was just thinking the same."
Fu Liangmu started the engine.
At the manor gate, he stepped out holding an umbrella, shielding Su Wanwan carefully from the rain. They strolled leisurely across the stone terrace.
From a distance, a figure knelt by the villa entrance. Approaching closer revealed it was Fu Jinghan, soaked to the bone, shivering uncontrollably. Rain blurred his vision almost shut; his back was rigid with unyielding resentment.
Master Fu stood at the doorway, cane in hand, his face dark and grim. Whenever Fu Jinghan relaxed even slightly, the cane would lash down upon him.
"Kneel properly!"
"Don't move!"
Amid the rain's roar, two footsteps approached. Su Wanwan and Fu Liangmu stopped beside him.
"Grandfather," Fu Liangmu greeted.
Master Fu's expression softened marginally.
"Come inside and sit, the wind is harsh outside."
"The kitchen's already preparing dinner. Tell us what you want."
Fu Liangmu nodded, folding the umbrella and handing it to Su Wanwan as they entered the house.
Master Fu's voice drifted on the wind,
"Wanwan, if he doesn't kneel properly, punish him!"
Only then did Su Wanwan grasp why Fu Liangmu had handed her the umbrella.
Fu Jinghan narrowed his eyes, glaring venomously at her. Bloodshot veins spread across the whites of his eyes, his features twisted with fury.
"Are you satisfied now?" Su Wanwan blinked innocently, her long lashes fluttering with a hint of puzzlement. She bent slightly, hands resting on her thighs.
"What satisfaction?"
"Weren't you the one stirring trouble all along?"
Fu Jinghan's teeth clenched, voice trembling.
"Heh, Su Wanwan, I will never let you succeed. You want my position? Impossible!"
"You pretend fairness and magnanimity in public, demanding a second round of competition. But I'll make you pay for your arrogance!"
Su Wanwan gave a leisurely, intrigued "Oh?"
Fu Jinghan's threats felt like blows to cotton—utterly powerless—deeply frustrating him.
"Get lost!" Su Wanwan stood firm before him.
"I'm happy to stand here. What can you do about it?"
"Su Wanwan!"
"Here."
Fu Jinghan bit his lip fiercely but was at a loss against her. Only when a servant summoned her to dinner did she reluctantly head to the dining room, casually asking,
"What about Fu Jinghan?"
Master Fu answered bluntly,
"Starve him! Let him kneel here all night!"
After Su Wanwan ate her fill, Master Fu engaged her in conversation. Soon, night fell, and the rain eased.
Master Fu rose to retire upstairs. Su Wanwan stepped outside, finding Fu Jinghan collapsed in his kneeling posture, trembling. Hearing her, he weakly lifted his head, his tone still harsh but drained of strength.
"You... you woman... here to gloat over my misery again..."
Su Wanwan took out a steaming, fragrant meat bun.
Fu Jinghan curled his lips in disdainful sneer.
"Trying... to appease me?"
"Su Wanwan, I'd rather starve than eat what you bring..."
She bit into the bun, eyes closing blissfully.
"Mmm, delicious."
Fu Jinghan: "... "
"Don't overthink it. It's the last bun. I figured you skipped dinner; might as well let you smell it." Su Wanwan took another bite.
Fu Jinghan growled angrily,
"You're truly a cruel woman!"
Su Wanwan smiled faintly.
"Thank you for the compliment."
Fu Jinghan's nose twitched involuntarily. The aroma enveloped him uncontrollably, stirring his growling, ravenous stomach.
Just as Su Wanwan finished eating and he thought the torment was over, she beckoned backward.
The servant promptly brought a small stool and lounge chair, laden with snacks, cakes, and desserts.
"Su Wanwan!" Fu Jinghan clutched his chest in fury and pain.
Su Wanwan reclined on the lounge chair, gazing at the sky washed clear by the rain, where faint stars twinkled through the lingering clouds. Sleepiness overtook her; she drifted into a gentle slumber.
Fu Jinghan watched her with venomous eyes.
Soon, Fu Liangmu emerged from the living room, wrapping Su Wanwan in a soft, fluffy blanket and carrying her in his arms.
Fu Jinghan smiled darkly, his voice tinged with menace,
"Just wait. The humiliation she's dealt me today, I will return tenfold tomorrow!"
Fu Liangmu did not look back.
"You won't have that chance."
He lowered his head, gazing at the peaceful woman sleeping soundly in his embrace.
"I believe in her."
"She will surely triumph."