S University was the most prestigious college in the capital—not only did it boast a powerhouse faculty and brilliant student body, but it was also famous for its beautiful campus.
The moment the group stepped out of the car, a delicate fragrance of gardenias wafted by. As they walked on, weaving through the lotus pond, the campus buzzed with energy—thanks to Founders’ Day, everyone was off classes and the atmosphere was extra lively.
This year’s centennial celebration was being held in the newly expanded art building—a big deal for such a major anniversary.
Although the event wasn’t scheduled until seven o’clock, Fu Zhiyé took Chi Chi around for a stroll across campus. He wasn’t all that familiar with the place anymore—it had been years since he’d last visited, and even then, he’d only ever attended events at Professor Liu’s place.
The two of them—handsome man, stunning woman—drew eyes wherever they went, trailed by four bodyguards. Every passerby couldn’t help but sneak a glance.
"Oh my god, he is seriously so good-looking! And that woman—wow, she’s gorgeous too."
"If I could look that pretty while pregnant, I’d sign up for motherhood in a heartbeat. She’s like a living doll!"
"Why are other people still skinnier than me even when they’re pregnant?"
"Wait, isn’t that Fu Zhiyé? That guy from the rich list? Holy crap."
Word spread fast—soon, students from the Finance Department took notice, eyes sparkling as they tailed them from a distance.
Oblivious to the buzz, Chi Chi sidled closer to Fu Zhiyé. In the business world, his sharp decision-making and forceful style were legendary, often cited as case studies. Fu Zhiyé gently pulled her into his arms, wrapping his arm around her waist as they strolled on.
"Zhiyé, why does it feel like so many people recognize you?" she whispered, sneaking a glance behind. Sure enough, there were even guys following.
Laosan^1, walking behind, stifled a laugh—after all, their CEO had graced the covers of major finance magazines.
"Don’t mind them," Fu Zhiyé said, "Are you getting tired?"
Chi Chi shook her head. "Not at all. This campus is gorgeous! Did you have classes here too?"
"Rarely. I only came by occasionally, attended a few lectures, that’s all."
A leaf drifted down; Fu Zhiyé reached out to shield Chi Chi from it.
Chi Chi paused, drawing close to his ear. "Did you ever get a love letter? Isn’t it a thing in schools to hand those out?"
Fu Zhiyé’s gaze flickered. He remembered how, every time he walked into a lecture hall, his seat would be piled with envelopes. Best not to tell the truth—what if Chi Chi got jealous?
"Nope," he said, "never saw one."
Chi Chi sized him up, a look of mock-disappointment on her face. "Guess you weren’t that popular after all. But you’re pretty good-looking!"
"..."
Laosan snorted with laughter. Fu Zhiyé shot him a glare, and he instantly clamped a hand over his mouth. Back then, Laosan himself intercepted more than a few love letters addressed to the boss—if anyone suffered in silence, it was their CEO!
They wandered on a bit further when Song Ying appeared, walking toward them.
Chi Chi waved. "Dr. Song!"
Today, Song Ying wore a white dress—nothing like her usual staid, professional hospital look. Instead, she looked delicate and beautiful.
She was currently in the third year of medical school at S University, after spending some time abroad for further studies. As a result, she wasn’t too familiar with the campus herself.
Seeing Chi Chi, Song Ying gave a gentle smile. "Chi Chi."
Song Ying had always been straightforward—last time, Chi Chi had already asked her to drop the formalities, so she addressed her by her given name.
Thinking of what just happened, Song Ying looked resigned. Xu Ran had been insisting on coming over together, and they’d argued a bit, delaying her.
Noticing Chi Chi’s dress, Song Ying fished a bottle from her purse. "This is medical-grade mosquito repellent—very safe. Would you like some? There’ll probably be more mosquitoes tonight."
"Sure," Chi Chi said as she accepted the bottle. Dr. Song was so nice—gentle, attentive, and patient. Chi Chi really liked her.
Fu Zhiyé took the repellent from Chi Chi, squatted down, and sprayed her calves without the slightest hesitation.
Chi Chi looked down at him and steadied herself with a hand on his shoulder.
Their little scene drew even more hushed whispers from bystanders.
"Wow, even a big CEO takes such good care of his wife!"
"Didn’t you see that gossip on Weibo a while back? Guess it was all fake—those two look so happy together."
"So jealous. I want a sweet love like that too."
——
As evening crept in, it was time to head toward the art building.
The first floor featured a large, circular auditorium that seated over a thousand—the audience filled with S University alumni who’d achieved success, and a group of current students specially invited back.
Out on the sports field, students had organized a music festival, but only the top students from each program, and those scheduled to perform, were allowed into the auditorium.
The first two rows were reserved for department heads and professors, with four empty seats conspicuously left in the center—obviously, for Fu Zhiyé.
He helped Chi Chi into her seat, followed by himself, Song Ying, and one more spot for Laosan, per Fu Zhiyé’s own request—he needed someone to keep an eye on Chi Chi while he was onstage.
Chi Chi took in the hall with wide-eyed curiosity. How interesting! Maybe one day, their child would go to such a university too.
"Zhiyé, when will you go up and give your speech? Are you ready?"
Chi Chi looked at him anxiously—she hadn’t seen him write a speech or anything. With such a big crowd, she’d never have the nerve to get up there.
"I’m ready." For Fu Zhiyé, an occasion like this was no big deal—mere child’s play.
"Don’t move, just wait for me here. I’ll be back quickly, all right?"
The auditorium’s air-conditioning was a bit chilly. Fu Zhiyé shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over Chi Chi’s belly and legs, utterly unconcerned about his own upcoming speech.
Chi Chi nodded obediently. "Okay, I’ll stay right here." She’d heard there would also be student performances tonight—it would surely be an exciting evening.
Soon enough, Fu Zhiyé went on stage. Without his jacket, in just a white shirt, he still cut a striking figure—tall, confident, effortlessly charismatic. A sea of admiring eyes fixed on him, and the room seemed to hush in awe.
For the students at S University, it was unimaginable that the famous CEO of the Fu Group in Beijing would show up for their centennial.
"Good evening, everyone. I’m Fu Zhiyé. I’m delighted to be here at the invitation of S University..."
His chilly voice rang out, composed and steady. Chi Chi felt a faint swell of pride—this was her husband, glowing no matter where he was.
"Song Song, there you are!"
A saccharine voice came from behind. Only the stage was lit, leaving the seating area in shadow, so Song Ying hadn’t noticed Xu Ran sitting a row behind when she entered.
Song Ying glanced over her shoulder, a hint of aloofness in her eyes. "Yes?"
"No reason. Oh, this must be Miss Ye?"
Bright red lips and curling hair, makeup flawlessly done, a deep V evening dress hugging her figure with the barest hint of skin peeking through.
Chi Chi turned back, assuming Xu Ran was Song Ying’s friend, and smiled politely. "Hello, I’m Ye Chi Chi."