Volume 1, Chapter 34: In the Hallway

The moment the private room door swung open, two scantily clad women lunged toward Fu Shiyue.

Fu Shiyue agilely sidestepped, leaving the women to grasp at thin air.

Only Xu Mubai could have stealthily swapped Fu Shiyue’s drink while he was off guard. Fu Shiyue knew Xu Mubai well; since he had been made to drink something he shouldn't have, the man would certainly not let the matter rest easily.

Fu Shiyue narrowed his eyes coldly.

The two alluring women swayed their serpentine waists as they clung to him. "Mr. Fu, where are you going? Don't leave tonight. Let us take good care of you."

A murderous aura surged from Fu Shiyue’s dark, somber brows. "Get out."

The women were too terrified to approach further. Just then, a flippant voice rang out: "Your task for tonight is to finish him off."

Fu Shiyue gripped the door handle, glaring at Xu Mubai with gloom. "Do you not want your hospital anymore?"

"You’re thirty-something and haven't touched a woman yet. Your grandfather thinks you’re impotent, so he specifically asked me to help treat you."

At thirty, a man should be established, which usually meant being married and having a career. Fu Shiyue’s grandfather had no worries about the career side. Having been tempered by the old man since childhood, Fu Shiyue was a sharp blade, capable of slaying enemies in both the boardroom and the battlefield.

It was the matter of settling down that kept Elder Fu awake at night, filled with anxiety. After Fu Shiyue returned from military service, the old man had arranged several blind dates, all of which he had rejected. Driven to desperation, the elder had resorted to this desperate measure, seeking help from Xu Mubai, a friend who frequently ran in the same circles.

Xu Mubai was a medical prodigy with a reputation for working miracles, even in the field of men’s health.

Fu Shiyue retorted with cold mockery, "You’re so good at ‘handling’ women, yet look at you—that woman still isn't yours."

The seductive glint in Xu Mubai’s eyes instantly froze, replaced by a chilling edge.

"Don't come near me. Get lost."

Fu Shiyue drove the two women away with a fierce glare, pulled the door open, and strode out.

Someone nearby teased, "Dr. Xu, didn't you collect a hundred-thousand-yuan consultation fee from Elder Fu? Are you just going to let him walk away?"

Xu Mubai was notorious in their circle for his exorbitant fees; surely, having taken the money, he ought to see the job through?

Xu Mubai resumed his composure, his peach-blossom eyes fixed in a smirk. "Don't worry. This tonic wine I concocted doesn't work that fast. In a little while, when his mind becomes clouded, he won't be able to resist even a stray dog on the side of the road."

He laughed confidently, his expression radiant.

The others felt a chill run down their spines, silently sweating for Fu Shiyue. Xu Mubai loved experimenting with strange concoctions, slipping them into their meals or drinks; none of the brothers had been spared from his "poisonous" touch. Fu Shiyue had been spared only because he was away in the military for so long. Once, Xu Mubai’s concoction had caused Lu Yan to suffer for three days and nights, nearly leading Lu Yan to tear the hospital down.

Xu Mubai raised his glass, sighing, "Come to think of it, Lao Fu is the first to test this particular tonic. I really feel honored for him." With that, he finished the drink with elegance.

The group was left speechless, wiping sweat from their brows.

"Dr. Xu, aren't you afraid that Fifth Brother will kill you tomorrow for playing such a prank?"

Xu Mubai laughed lightly, his sharp gaze seeing through everything. "What’s there to be afraid of? Maybe by tomorrow, he’ll be waking up next to some woman and won't have the time to bother with me."

***

Fu Shiyue didn't feel much when he first got into his car, only that his blood felt somewhat hot and his heart felt empty. This subtle sense of emptiness caused a delicate figure to drift into his mind unbidden. Perhaps it was because he hadn't been with a woman in over thirty years, and the only person he had had close physical contact with was Lu Miao. Consequently, she was the only one he could think of at this moment.

Fu Shiyue drove home. Even though he knew Lu Miao wouldn't be there tonight, he still drove to Aohai Lanting.

Perhaps due to a temporary power grid issue, the entire residential complex was plunged into darkness at ten o'clock that night. Fu Shiyue didn't go up; he sat in his car and lit a cigarette. The more he smoked, the more bitter his mouth tasted and the emptier his body felt.

Suddenly, a Porsche 718 pulled into view. Fu Shiyue’s dark eyes narrowed.

The 718 pulled into a space near the elevator entrance. The passenger door opened, and Lu Miao stepped out. She had returned to pick up some laundry, but she hadn't expected the building to have a power outage! Damn, why hadn't the property management sent out a notice in advance? The backup generator hadn't arrived yet, and the elevators were out of service, so she had no choice but to use the fire exit. However, the stairwell didn't even have emergency lights; it was pitch black.

Lu Miao hesitated. Perhaps she shouldn't bother tonight. She took a step back and—*thud*—crashed into a solid, scorching chest.

A searing breath brushed against her ear, and Lu Miao shuddered in shock.

"Don't be afraid, it’s me."

Recognizing the familiar voice, Lu Miao turned and raised her phone’s flashlight, illuminating the man’s sharp, chiseled face. Her expression stalled, and she looked at him with confusion. "Why are you here?"

She wasn't even home; surely he had no reason to be waiting at her place?

The glare of Lu Miao’s flashlight made Fu Shiyue blink. He snatched the phone from her hand and, instead of answering, countered, "Weren't you going to a friend's house?"

Lu Miao reached out to grab her phone, annoyed. "That's none of your business."

Fu Shiyue raised his arm. "Tell me, what are you doing back home?"

"I’m here to get my laundry," Lu Miao said indignantly.

Fu Shiyue pondered for a moment and handed the phone back to her. "Stay here; I’ll go up and get it for you."

If this man went to fetch them, wouldn't he have to enter her room and rummage through her closet? She wouldn't allow that.

"No need, I’ll get it myself," Lu Miao insisted stubbornly.

Fu Shiyue grabbed her and glanced flippantly at the stairs. "It’s the twentieth floor. Are you sure you can make it up?"

The man had only been kind, but Lu Miao, already feeling agitated, was provoked by his tone. "Who do you think you’re looking down on? Whoever can't make it is a dog!"

Lu Miao pushed his hand away and began climbing the stairs, fuming. Fu Shiyue pursed his thin lips, watched her for a moment, and followed. Ever since the young woman had appeared, some urge within him had been raging uncontrollably.

Lu Miao climbed, the light from her phone leading the way. Fu Shiyue followed two steps behind, at a leisurely pace. Suddenly, Lu Miao missed a step and tumbled backward.

"Ah!"

Fu Shiyue had been watching her every move, so despite his physical discomfort, he reacted instantly. He planted his feet firmly and opened his arms to catch her. Lu Miao landed securely in his embrace.

Catching the scent of alcohol on him, Lu Miao blushed. "Y-you, let me go!"

"Be careful. I’ll lead the way." Fu Shiyue released her but kept a firm grip on her wrist.

Lu Miao struggled awkwardly, her face flushed red. "Let go of my hand."

"So you don't fall again. I need to hold on to you."

Fu Shiyue’s grip tightened; his large, calloused hand was like an iron shackle, pinning her small hand in place. Lu Miao couldn't break free and was dragged up the stairs like a child.

By the tenth floor, Lu Miao’s legs were jelly, and she was practically being dragged by Fu Shiyue. She was drenched in sweat and panting, unable to climb any further!

"Are you tired?"

"No!" Lu Miao stiffened her spine, determined to keep going.

Fu Shiyue bent down and swept her up into his arms.

"Don't push yourself if you can't climb. Take good care of these legs, or you won't be able to walk tomorrow."