I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 4
The soft yellow light of the restaurant cast a gentle glow on Fu Xunzhou, yet even this couldn’t mask the cold aura he exuded, causing Jiang Sha to shiver involuntarily. She never expected her elder cousin, Fu Xunzhou, to appear behind her.
So, her sister-in-law wasn’t having an affair with a young guy? Had she misunderstood?
Regardless of whether it was a misunderstanding, Jiang Sha never had a good impression of Zhou Youling. Rumors had it that Zhou Youling was unscrupulous, having forced Xue Yining out of the country just to marry Fu Xunzhou. Xue Yining was Jiang Sha’s friend, and many things had been confirmed by her, which only fueled Jiang Sha’s dislike for Zhou Youling.
“Elder cousin, I…” Jiang Sha’s face turned red and then pale, unsure of what to say. No matter what, she was in the wrong when it came to her cousin’s reputation.
Fu Xunzhou towered over Jiang Sha, his gaze sharp and commanding. In the Fu Family, Fu Xunzhou was the most powerful figure, not only overseeing the Fu Group but also elevating it to new heights. Even Jiang Sha’s mother, Fu Zhiqing, showed him respect, let alone Jiang Sha.
Jiang Sha never dared to act out in front of this elder cousin. Compared to her other cousins, Fu Xunzhou was stern and cold, much like their strict grandfather.
Before Fu Xunzhou could speak, Zhou Youling, seated on the sofa, coldly demanded, “Apologize to me.”
Jiang Sha, who was bold in front of Zhou Youling, immediately shrank back when faced with her cousin. Though reluctant, she knew when to yield, so she softly said to Zhou Youling, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
She thought that would be the end of it, but Zhou Youling was unusually assertive today. After Jiang Sha apologized, she added, “If your mother didn’t teach you how to behave, I, as your sister-in-law, can step in.”
Jiang Sha wanted to retort, but seeing her cousin’s cold gaze, she held her tongue. She figured there would be opportunities to make things difficult for Zhou Youling in the future. After all, in Jiang Sha’s eyes, Zhou Youling was just a woman who clung to her cousin without any backbone, easy to deal with.
“Enough,” Fu Xunzhou said impatiently.
Jiang Sha knew staying would only embarrass herself further, so she left without saying goodbye.
Watching Jiang Sha’s retreating figure, Zhou Youling still felt unsatisfied. Jiang Sha’s disrespect had been ongoing, but today she had crossed a line by speaking so rudely in front of her. It was clear she had little respect for Zhou Youling, not just as her sister-in-law but even as a peer.
Ultimately, the root of this problem was Fu Xunzhou.
If Fu Xunzhou cared enough about Zhou Youling, how could he allow a younger cousin to treat her this way?
“Made a new friend?” Fu Xunzhou glanced at the youth beside them.
His casual question interrupted Zhou Youling’s thoughts. She turned to look at Fu Xunzhou, her husband. After more than a month apart, he seemed thinner, his facial features even more defined. He had always been handsome, once hailed as Nanzhou City’s top bachelor before marriage, and now the most desirable married man. In this era where appearance mattered, his natural good looks were a significant asset.
Yet, after seeing him for so long, even that seemed to lose its charm.
For some reason, Zhou Youling felt a deep-seated aversion towards Fu Xunzhou today. She didn’t want to speak to him or even be near him. When Fu Xunzhou sat beside her, she instinctively shifted away.
Fu Xunzhou noticed her subtle movement but attributed it to her bad mood today, choosing not to delve deeper. As for why she was upset, he didn’t intend to ask.
Before Zhou Youling could respond, Xu Jiaze, who had been silent, stood up.
Xu Jiaze politely introduced himself to Fu Xunzhou, “Hello, I’m Xu Jiaze.”
Not stopping there, Xu Jiaze, understanding the situation, quickly explained everything that had happened between him and Zhou Youling since they met, fearing any misunderstanding.
Fu Xunzhou regarded Xu Jiaze with a scrutinizing gaze, reminiscent of a leader evaluating a subordinate. He recalled discussions from a meeting earlier about finding new talent for the entertainment subsidiary of the Fu Group. Coincidentally, Xu Jiaze seemed to fit the criteria mentioned.
“I really appreciate what you did earlier, thank you,” Xu Jiaze said, bowing to Zhou Youling.
Zhou Youling’s cold demeanor softened at Xu Jiaze’s humility, and she smiled gently, shaking her head.
Xu Jiaze had a way of evoking a protective instinct, and his polite manners only added to his charm. Looking at Xu Jiaze, Zhou Youling felt a maternal affection, as if seeing her future child.
After two years of marriage, Zhou Youling had always wanted a child, but Fu Xunzhou consistently dismissed the idea, saying they were still young.
At this moment, Zhou Youling felt a sense of relief. Perhaps not having a child was for the best.
After all, Fu Xunzhou had someone he truly loved, and he would never love a child they had together.
In the restaurant, Fu Xunzhou noticed the plate of Candied Sweet Potato on the table and picked up his chopsticks to try it. He hadn’t eaten lunch, hoping to enjoy Zhou Youling’s cooking for dinner, but she hadn’t prepared anything for him.
Unexpectedly, as he reached for the Candied Sweet Potato, Zhou Youling stopped him.
“This is my Candied Sweet Potato,” Zhou Youling said, looking at Fu Xunzhou.
Fu Xunzhou raised an eyebrow, watching as Zhou Youling moved the plate aside.
“Why?” Fu Xunzhou asked, trying to remain patient.
Zhou Youling shook her head, “No reason, I just don’t want you to have it.”
Fu Xunzhou wisely set down his chopsticks.
Even if he was slow to realize, he now understood she was upset.
But Fu Xunzhou couldn’t fathom why she was upset with him.
He had been working tirelessly on business trips, and instead of appreciating his efforts, she gave him the cold shoulder upon his return?
Fu Xunzhou found it amusing, especially when he glanced at Xu Jiaze, who was sitting nearby.
So, she wouldn’t let him eat but was getting along well with this young man?
“Have I been away too long, unable to satisfy you?” The words slipped out before Fu Xunzhou could stop himself, realizing his mistake too late. That wasn’t his intention, but once spoken, words couldn’t be taken back.
As expected, the remark embarrassed the youth, and Zhou Youling looked at him in disbelief, “Fu Xunzhou, what do you mean?”
The proud Fu Xunzhou wouldn’t allow himself to back down, even knowing his words were hurtful. He replied indifferently, “Nothing.”
Sensing the tension, Xu Jiaze knew it was inappropriate to stay any longer and stood to say goodbye to Zhou Youling.
Zhou Youling stopped Xu Jiaze, her tone softening, “Sit down.”
She had nothing to hide, so why should she let someone else leave?
Very well.
Any fleeting sense of guilt Fu Xunzhou might have felt vanished due to Zhou Youling’s inconsistent behavior.
She showed him a cold face in front of others, yet turned around to be kind to an outsider?
What a dutiful wife.
Fu Xunzhou’s lips curled into a mocking smile, “Feeling guilty?”
“Why should I feel guilty?” Zhou Youling looked at her husband, both familiar and unfamiliar, feeling a growing sense of sadness.
What a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
“Do I need to remind you of your status? Mrs. Fu!” Fu Xunzhou’s lifelong composure vanished, his raised voice drawing attention.
Their argument, though quiet, was evident in their expressions, catching the attention of nearby diners.
At the next table, a young couple whispered, eager for gossip:
“What’s going on? Did she get caught cheating?”
“Must be, the guy’s here to catch her red-handed. If it were me, I’d slap both the woman and her lover, so shameless!”
“Oh my, what a drama. How can she be with such a young guy, haha.”
“Isn’t it trendy to have a younger boyfriend now, haha.”
“But seriously, the woman is gorgeous.”
“The guy’s handsome too! How could she not appreciate what she has…”
Their whispers reached Zhou Youling and Fu Xunzhou’s ears.
Fu Xunzhou seemed more convinced of his earlier accusation, looking down at Zhou Youling with a cold gaze.
He taunted, “Do you have anything to say?”
Zhou Youling faced Fu Xunzhou, looking into his eyes. His composed, arrogant gaze was a far cry from the boy who had once risked his life to save her from a fire. She couldn’t fathom how he had become this person.
