She watched him from the audience, not remembering a word he said, unable to take her eyes off his tall, graceful figure on stage, speaking confidently and captivating everyone with his every move.
He was so self-assured, elegant, and every gesture was mesmerizing.
She saw his long, defined fingers holding a soda bottle, taking small sips, and even his hand looked beautiful.
She wanted to get closer, to see him up close.
She wanted to hold his hand.
When he swallowed, his Adam's apple moved up and down, looking so sexy and alluring.
It wasn't just her who felt this way. Almost every girl in the room did.
Some had boyfriends and merely admired him, keeping their emotions in check.
But others had more extravagant fantasies.
She knew there were many who wanted to throw themselves at him, even if it was just for a fleeting romance.
She didn't go that far but found herself deeply infatuated with him.
She was a student, while he was already a young but highly successful man.
Even though her family was well-off, she still felt he was out of reach.
He moved with confidence, a bit of arrogance, and when he looked at people, there seemed to be a faint trace of disdain, as if he could see right through them.
Some girls approached him after the lecture, trying to flirt, but Fu Yinxiu's eyes held a mocking light, his mouth curling in a cold smile, seeing through their intentions.
Naturally, they all walked away disappointed.
Back then, Ming Yutong was young and shy, too embarrassed to pursue him openly, but she secretly found out the address of his company.
When she had no classes, she would wander near his office.
She eventually discovered that he often visited a nearby café for coffee and occasionally a simple meal.
So she got a part-time job at that café. The café didn't need extra staff, especially part-time.
Ming Yutong begged for a long time and even offered to work for free, startling the owner.
With no other option, she blushed and confessed that a man she had a crush on frequently visited the café.
Surprisingly, the owner, having a romantic side, agreed to let her work there after hearing her reason, even offering her a fair wage.
Ming Yutong remembered that their first conversation happened in that café.
But he never knew it was she who liked him first, very much.
Their first meeting might have been due to his appearance—handsome, elegant, confident, charming.
But the more she saw him, the more she liked him, each interaction deepening her affection.
He thought their meeting was by chance, and when he later learned she was a student at New York University, he casually mentioned how he had given a lecture there.
He never knew that their "chance" meeting was a result of her quiet efforts and long wait for the opportunity to catch his eye.
Ming Yutong smiled bitterly, deciding not to reveal the truth of their past to him.
But indeed, she had never experienced his pursuit.
"Give me a chance to court you, to make up for the regrets of the past," Fu Yinxiu said. "Let's pretend this is our first meeting. We can take it slow, step by step."
"You don't need to do anything, just let me pursue you," Fu Yinxiu looked at her anxiously. "Okay?"
Ming Yutong didn't answer immediately and tried to get up, but Fu Yinxiu held her in place. "Answer me first."
"…" Ming Yutong looked at him helplessly. "Is this how you pursue women, by clinging on like this?"
Fu Yinxiu smiled slightly, "I've never chased anyone before. You're the first and the last."
"Who kisses someone so soon after starting to pursue them?" Ming Yutong retorted irritably.
Fu Yinxiu laughed softly, feeling a weight lift from his heart at her reaction.
She wasn't rejecting him or his pursuit.
She still wanted to give him a chance.
"I'm new to this too. You're the first person I'm pursuing," Fu Yinxiu shamelessly replied, his expression thick-skinned and insistent.
Ming Yutong felt an urge to hit his arm, frustrated by his unreasonable behavior.
"Let go of me first!" Ming Yutong demanded irritably.
"You have to answer me first," Fu Yinxiu insisted, knowing she was likely to agree but wanting to hear it from her.
Ming Yutong's face turned bright red, too embarrassed to say the words.
"Anyway, if any man tried to hug me after only a few meetings and threatened me, I definitely wouldn't agree!" Ming Yutong huffed, her tone less cold and more playful, almost like she was teasing.
Fu Yinxiu raised an eyebrow, "If any man dared to hug you after only a few meetings, I'd break his hand!"
Ming Yutong: "..."
Despite his fierce words, Fu Yinxiu reluctantly released her.
Ming Yutong got up, "Go to sleep properly."
Fu Yinxiu, smiling, still blocked her, "Tell me first, do you agree to let me pursue you?"
Ming Yutong bit her lip in frustration. This man was doing it on purpose!
Her attitude was already clear, and she couldn't believe he couldn't see it.
She was too embarrassed to say it, yet he insisted on digging to the root, forcing her to verbalize it.
Ever since her mindset changed, Ming Yutong's attitude towards Fu Yinxiu unconsciously carried a hint of playfulness.
It wasn't obvious—in the eyes of others, it wasn't much different from her usual demeanor.
But Fu Yinxiu knew her too well and had endured too many cold stares from her before.
Such a change, in his eyes, was significant.
Fu Yinxiu saw Ming Yutong biting her lower lip, revealing a small, white pearl-like section of her teeth, her eyes slightly moist.
Perhaps it was because they had just kissed and almost went further.
The lingering emotions from that moment were still affecting them both.
Even if Ming Yutong remained composed, her current captivating expression betrayed her.
She looked conflicted, her gaze avoiding Fu Yinxiu, eyelids slightly lowered, and long lashes half-covered her bright eyes.
She had already removed her makeup, leaving her face clean and fresh.
Even without the embellishment of foundation, her face was still fair and translucent, with a natural blush.
This current charm was a different feeling from when she wore makeup.
Fu Yinxiu loved both looks.
He took a step forward, getting closer to her. "Tong Tong?"
Ming Yutong looked up and glared at him, annoyed.
Her eyes were moist and slightly rounded, giving her a look that was both innocent and elegant, like a cat.
Seeing her like this, Fu Yinxiu couldn't help but want to pamper her, agreeing to anything she wished and taking care of her.