Xu Ran greeted them, her eyes sweeping up and down, appraising Chi Chi.
She’d been trailing behind Song Ying just now and had seen the two run into each other on the main avenue of the campus, witnessing Xavier Foster bending down to clean something off Chi Chi.
Song Ying wasn’t wrong—Xavier Foster did seem to truly dote on his young wife, and the girl was beautiful. But really, what man could ever get tired of beautiful women?
Xu Ran had confidence in herself. Compared to this delicate little flower, she fancied herself much more adept at pleasing men.
"Miss Ye, I heard you and Mr. Fu were about to get divorced not long ago. Is that true?"
She blinked innocently at Chi Chi, but there was a sly challenge behind her words.
"Xu Ran," Song Ying chided softly, a hint of anger in her tone.
Chi Chi glanced at her, her eyes bright as glass, narrowing ever so slightly. It seemed to dawn on her that Xu Ran did not come with friendly intent.
"And so?"
She met Xu Ran’s gaze head-on, refusing to back down.
"So how did you two make up? Was it...because you’re pregnant? In a family as wealthy as the Fus, don’t they care an awful lot about heirs?"
Every word was delivered as if simply curious, but the undertone of provocation could not have been more obvious.
Chi Chi touched her belly—the suit jacket over her still carried Xavier Foster’s warmth. A smile curved her lips, as vivid as a dewy rose—so dazzling it was hard to look away.
"No idea. You can ask my husband yourself, if he’s even willing to acknowledge you. Besides, when he started being good to me, he didn’t even know I was pregnant."
Xu Ran snorted. "Back in college, everyone said Fu and I would have made the perfect pair."
"What a shame. They were wrong," Chi Chi shot her a once-over, mimicking Xu Ran’s earlier scrutiny. "My husband just doesn’t go for your type."
"You!" Xu Ran was so stunned she couldn’t get another word out, her perfect makeup seeming to twist with fury.
Old Third had been watching from a distance, amused at how fierce and commanding the missus was. He hadn’t bothered to step in, but now he poked his head forward for a better look at the woman, pondering out loud.
"Aren’t you the one who kept sending love letters—I threw every single one into the trash?"
He looked pointedly at Cecilia Ye, holding up three fingers by his forehead. "Madam, I swear, the boss doesn’t even know her."
How shameless—this woman really tried to sow discord! Old Third would defend his boss’s honor with his life!
Ignoring Xu Ran, Chi Chi turned away, pouting. Hmph, Zhiye sure attracted too many annoying admirers. He really needed to weed out all those love notes.
Xu Ran stood frozen, frustration written all over her face. She looked at Song Ying for help, but Song remained focused on the stage, not giving a single sign that she’d speak up for her.
Old Third flashed Xu Ran a fierce warning glare—he was intimidating when he wasn’t smiling. Xu Ran immediately fell silent, her hands twisting anxiously in her lap.
On stage, Xavier Foster finished speaking and stepped down amidst thunderous applause.
After all, this was the famous Xavier Foster—heir to a massive corporation at a young age and a regular on the rich lists. Every year, so many S University students dreamed of joining the Fu Group.
Xavier Foster made his way down, returned to his seat, and gently pulled Chi Chi’s hand into his palm. It was a little cold.
"Are you feeling chilly?"
He was about to send Old Third to adjust the air conditioning, when Xu Ran sidled up suddenly. "Mr. Fu, your speech was amazing—I admire you so much!"
"...."
Chi Chi shivered. She hadn’t felt cold before, but now she was positively chilled by Xu Ran.
"Who are you?"
Xavier Foster gave Xu Ran a cursory glance. No clue who she was.
Old Third leaned close, whispering grievances into Xavier Foster’s ear. He was born for tattling.
Xavier Foster’s expression grew increasingly dark, his gaze frosty. He stated coldly, "Get her out of here. And turn the air up a bit."
"Yes, sir!"
Old Third beamed, then turned to Xu Ran, gesturing grandly, "Miss, this way, please."
"Why? What gives you the right to throw me out?!" Xu Ran’s eyes widened in outrage, her voice growing louder and drawing stares from all around.
Since this was the university anniversary, Xavier Foster didn’t want to make a scene himself and leave the school in a bind—he let Old Third handle it.
Old Third donned a fearsome scowl. When he wasn’t smiling, he looked downright menacing. "If you don’t want me to drag you out, walk out yourself."
Xu Ran bit her lip, humiliated, and glanced at Song Ying—who kept her eyes fixed resolutely on the stage, showing no inclination to intervene.
One look at Old Third’s face and Xu Ran began to shake, hands clenching nervously in front of her. Gritting her teeth, she stood and left her seat.
Those nearby had witnessed the whole thing. No one tried to help; in fact, they all stared at Xu Ran as if she’d lost her mind. Trying to make trouble in front of the boss’s wife? She must be nuts.
Old Third followed Xu Ran out of the hall, then ducked backstage to have the air conditioning turned up.
Xavier Foster leaned closer to Chi Chi, wrapping an arm around her shoulders so she could rest against him, voice low, "Why didn’t you tell me if something was bothering you?"
"I’m not bothered." Chi Chi looked up at him, pressing a finger to her lips. "Shh—the performances are starting."
Golden spotlights flickered onstage, catching Chi Chi’s face in their glow. Xavier Foster caught her finger, kissed it lightly, then rested her hand on his thigh, thinking, She doesn’t even get jealous anymore.
"Your hands are cold. Let me warm them."
Chi Chi smiled as she watched the performances, content.
After everything they’d gone through, every bit of kindness from Zhiye was deeply marked in her heart.
No one could turn her feelings with a few poisonous words anymore. She had promised to trust him—she truly meant it.
No more suspicion or doubt between them. Resting her small head on Xavier Foster’s shoulder, she leaned close, watched by star-struck students behind them who admired the sweet scene.
The stage acts were all carefully prepared; Chi Chi enjoyed them immensely. Still, she needed to rest, so after bidding goodbye to Song Ying, Xavier Foster led her out of the auditorium.
Their bodyguard was already waiting with the car outside. Chi Chi still felt reluctant to leave. "The shows were great. Being a college student must be wonderful."
They settled into the car. Xavier Foster frowned. "College isn’t all that great. Thank heavens your teachers tutored you at home—otherwise, you’d have needed a whole sack just to keep all the love letters away."
Just imagining it made him irrationally jealous.
"There’re too many immature boys at college. So annoying."
"..."
He pulled her into his arms, still concerned that what happened earlier might have upset her. "I really don’t know that woman."
"I know. You don’t even remember Dr. Song—she says she’s met you a few times, too."
As Chi Chi spoke, Old Third couldn’t help chiming in. "Ahem, Boss—Madam was really impressive just now."
Praise! Heap it on!
"Hmm?" Xavier Foster actually acknowledged him for once.
"Madam looked that woman up and down and said, 'My husband’s just not into your type!'" Old Third even tried to imitate Chi Chi’s tone.
"..."
Chi Chi squirmed, wishing she could burrow right into Xavier Foster’s chest—maybe even under his clothes.
A muffled laugh escaped Xavier Foster; his chest shook with mirth. He didn’t even bother hiding it. How wonderful—his little wife had finally learned to act spoiled; he couldn’t be happier.
With a swift motion, he scooped her up so her bright eyes met his, then pressed a button and raised the divider between the front and back seats. No way was he going to share Chi Chi’s adorable side with anyone else.
"I wasn’t nearly as fierce as Old Third," she protested feebly.
Xavier Foster lowered his head, their noses almost touching, his voice husky. "Baby, you’re allowed to be even fiercer. Now, remind me, what do you call me?"
Chi Chi’s face went instantly pink—adorably so. She usually called him by name, except for, well... special occasions. Being asked so seriously to say it made her terribly flustered.
"I—I’ll call you that at home."
"But I want to hear it now. More than anything."
His gentle whisper tickled her ear. Looking into his sincere, handsome face, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
Inside the cozy car, everything was filled with Xavier Foster’s presence, enfolding her from head to toe.
"Husband..."
Her voice was as soft as a kitten’s mewl. Xavier Foster’s grip tightened, heart going utterly soft. He nuzzled her cheek, echoing her call.