"Huh?" Mrs. Fu paused in confusion.
Celia smiled and glanced toward Auntie Zhou. "You said we'd all eat together—Auntie Zhou and Mr. Fu haven't eaten yet."
"Ah, that's right, that's right."
Auntie Zhou and Mr. Fu immediately brought their bowls over and happily shared the rest of the dumplings in Mrs. Fu's pot.
Before long, the dumplings were all gone.
Mrs. Fu looked at her empty bowl and pouted, "You all stole my dumplings!"
"They were too delicious, Madam!" Auntie Zhou laughed.
Celia picked up one last dumpling and gently placed it into Mrs. Fu's bowl. "Mom, here's the last one—this one's for you."
Mrs. Fu curled her lips into a bright smile.
Later, Mrs. Fu returned to her room, took a warm bath, and went to bed.
After what had happened earlier, both Auntie Zhou and Mr. Fu now saw Celia as their emotional anchor.
"Young Madam, you're truly amazing," Auntie Zhou sighed. "If it weren't for you, Madam would've eaten the entire pot herself. She always eats until she gets sick, vomits, and then eats again…"
Celia pulled a blanket over Mrs. Fu. "Does this happen often?"
"Only when she's triggered," Auntie Zhou replied with reddened eyes. "She'll start repeating behaviors over and over. This is one of the milder episodes. Sometimes, it's much worse…"
Celia nodded thoughtfully. She took out a balm and gently lit it, letting the soft, refreshing scent drift through the room.
"Auntie Zhou, Mr. Fu—go rest now. Mom's fine. She'll sleep through the night."
As Celia left the Fu family estate, her phone rang with a familiar, sharp ringtone—it was Victor Su.
She answered calmly, only to be met with a furious roar.
"Celia! I heard you ruined Rosalie's visit with Madam Fu today! Why are you always so spiteful? Get home now—I want an explanation!"
Celia held the phone away from her ear. "I'm busy."
"What? Did you just say you're busy? How dare you—"
She ended the call before he could finish.
Even over the phone, Victor Su's outrage felt suffocating. But Celia had no time to waste. She was worried about Emily and immediately messaged her:
Celia: "Emily, where are you right now?"Emily: "Cici, I'm working as a server at the Shanti Hotel tonight."
Celia didn't hesitate. She rushed straight to the hotel.
—
Inside a luxurious private room, Celia found Emily Fu being harassed by a drunken businessman. The man clutched a bottle of wine and was forcefully trying to pour it into her mouth.
"Come on, pretty girl," the man slurred, reeking of alcohol. "Drink with me and I'll tip you well!"
"I told you—I don't drink! Let me go!" Emily resisted with all her might.
Celia stormed in, grabbed Emily, and pulled her behind her.
"She said no. Didn't you hear her?" Celia's voice was cold and razor-sharp.
A few of the men at the table turned to look at Celia, their eyes narrowing.
"Whoa, who's this new one? Look at that scar on her face…"
"Still young though. Smooth skin, nice figure. Not bad at all."
"Fresh. Has a certain... appeal," another one chuckled lewdly.
Their eyes flicked between the two women, their intentions unmistakable.
Celia remained expressionless and firm. She turned to leave with Emily, but one of the men stepped forward and blocked their way.
"Where do you think you're going? The party's just started. You should feel honored to entertain us."
The hotel staff outside had witnessed the commotion but turned a blind eye. These men were wealthy, powerful, and not to be offended. No one dared intervene.
Just then, the door to the room opened again—and three men stepped in: Nathaniel Fu, Shaun Wen, and Zane Song.