Fu Yinxiu knew that to gain support in such matters, it required some reciprocal effort.
His recent social engagements had gone well, leaving both parties satisfied.
As a result, Mayor Zhang was very cordial toward Fu Yinxiu. "It's been a pleasure talking with you, President Fu. I hope we can meet often in the future."
"Of course," Fu Yinxiu replied with a smile, then instructed Alpha Guard 1 and Alpha Guard 2, "Have someone escort the three of them back."
Mayor Zhang, leaning on his aides, waved off the offer. "No need. We have our own driver. You go ahead with your business."
Fu Yinxiu did not insist further and watched as the three of them were driven away before he got into his own car.
As Alpha Guard 1 started the vehicle and prepared to head towards Langyuan, Fu Yinxiu leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, and furrowed his brow slightly.
Although he had drunk just as much as Mayor Zhang and his party, who were now struggling to stand, Fu Yinxiu managed to maintain his composure in front of others.
Now, without the need to appear collected, he allowed himself to relax slightly, revealing his discomfort.
The effects of the alcohol combined with the lingering memory of Ming Yutong's words from earlier that day—her clear desire to sever all ties—began to resurface. Her words and her expression replayed in his mind.
He clenched his hand that had been resting on his lap into a fist.
Fu Yinxiu's tightly closed eyes suddenly fluttered open as he spoke, "Go to He Biyuan."
Alpha Guard 1 paused for a moment before understanding that He Biyuan was where Ming Yutong resided. Fu Yinxiu's instruction was clear: he wanted to visit Ming Yutong.
"Yes, sir." Alpha Guard 1 immediately adjusted the car's direction towards He Biyuan.
***
Meanwhile, Ming Yutong was sound asleep in her bed. Having resolved the issue with He Tongming, she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders.
With the matter of Fu Yinxiu now clearly settled, she had taken the steps necessary to ensure there would be no further complications from him.
She had done everything she could to fulfill his expectations, hoping that he would no longer be a source of trouble. At least for the immediate future, she believed she would be free from his interference.
Ming Yutong's heart felt emptier than ever, as if a large part of her was missing.
The sense of completely severing ties with Fu Yinxiu and disappearing from each other's lives left her feeling unsettled.
To cope, she opened a bottle of red wine and unknowingly drank it all, falling into a deep, heavy sleep.
Her deep sleep prevented her from hearing the sound of the front door opening.
Though she had replaced the lock with a more advanced one after Fu Yinxiu's previous intrusion, it was no match for him. Fu Yinxiu quietly unlocked the door and entered.
In the darkened room, Fu Yinxiu made his way to Ming Yutong's bedroom.
Since she was alone, she did not close the bedroom door at night. He entered the room, finding that night was as clear to him as day, not affecting his vision in the slightest.
At the doorway, he saw the bed where Ming Yutong was lying. The bed was slightly raised, indicating her presence beneath the covers.
She was wrapped tightly in the blankets, with only her pale face visible. The moonlight streaming through the window gave her face a soft, white glow.
Her long, soft hair was scattered on the pillow, some strands touching her cheek, emphasizing her delicate features.
She laid on her side with her arms bent, hands resting near her face. One hand was on a beige leather notebook, with a pen lying on top of it.
Fu Yinxiu stood by the bed, watching her for a long time. His gaze eventually shifted to the notebook, which she had either been reading or writing before sleep.
Curiosity stirred within him, as if a silent voice urged him to take a look. He reached out for the notebook, but as his fingers were about to touch it, Ming Yutong shifted in her sleep.
Fu Yinxiu pulled his hand back, watching as she merely turned onto her back.
The stray lock of hair that had been on her cheek now lay on the pillow, revealing her small, delicate face completely. Her cheeks were flushed from the wine, giving her an alluringly rosy appearance, as if she had just experienced a climax.
Her sleeping form, with her lips slightly parted, exposed a glimpse of her white teeth.
Fu Yinxiu's heart burned with a fierce intensity, recalling how much more beautiful she had appeared in his arms.
Every expression she made while in his embrace was etched deeply in his memory, from her innocent reactions seven years ago to the involuntary allure she displayed recently.
Her eyes, half-closed and shimmering with moisture, and the flush on her cheeks, were more vibrant than now, with a radiant glow from within.
Her slightly parted lips, spilling soft, enticing sounds, were an image he could never forget.