"…"
Celia spoke seriously. "You chased away one jerk, but there will always be others. Yingying needs to learn how to deal with that herself. It may seem harsh, but most girls run into a scumbag or two in their youth. It's just part of growing up. Yingying isn't as fragile as she seems."
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, somewhat impressed by her insight.
Then he smirked and lowered his voice. "What about you? Have you ever run into a scumbag?"
Celia looked straight at him. "Have you?"
Nathaniel leaned in and kissed her red lips. "No one's ever dared to call me one."
Celia dodged slightly, hiding her face in the collar of his coat. Then, teasingly, she said, "Well, now I have."
Nathaniel chuckled lowly and wrapped his arms around her.
Secretary Song stood quietly in the background. In fact, the Fu family in the capital had also contacted the main office of Fu Corporation, demanding immediate action. The CEO had left a meeting midway to respond. But after years of following Nathaniel around and witnessing countless family messes, Secretary Song realized something had changed. Ever since Celia showed up, the world around Nathaniel had quieted.
······
After bringing Fu Yingying back to the mansion, Mrs. Fu didn't leave her side until she fell asleep.
Once Yingying was settled, Mrs. Fu came out of the room.
"Mom, let me take care of your hand," Celia said gently, leading her to the sofa and treating her wound.
Mrs. Fu sighed. "Yingying's had such a difficult life. That birthmark on her face has been there since she was a baby. We've tried everything—skin grafts, cosmetic treatments—but nothing's ever worked."
"I heard there's a top perfumer named King who's incredibly gifted. Nathaniel has been trying to recruit her for years to create a signature scent for the Fu family. But she's always declined."
Celia's hand faltered slightly. "…"
She said nothing. After finishing the bandaging, she escorted Mrs. Fu back to her room and took out a small bottle.
"Mom, this is for you," she said.
"What is it?" Mrs. Fu took the bottle and studied it.
"It contains a fragrance capsule," Celia explained. "Have Yingying take it tomorrow morning. Her birthmark will start to fade."
"What?"
Mrs. Fu's eyes widened. "Where did this come from?"
Celia fabricated a calm lie. "I had a long scar on my face once—nothing could get rid of it. One day, I met an herbalist who gave me this rare capsule, a family heirloom. It healed me. A few days ago, I returned and managed to buy another one from him."
Mrs. Fu stared at the bottle in awe, so touched she was momentarily speechless.
"You don't believe me?" Celia asked with a playful smile.
"Of course I believe you!" Mrs. Fu held the bottle tightly. "If you say it works, I believe it. I'm just so overwhelmed. Once Yingying's face is healed, I have to thank this herbalist in person."
"Mom, he's a bit of a recluse. It's better not to disturb him."
Mrs. Fu nodded immediately. "All right, I'll do as you say."
…
After saying goodnight to Mrs. Fu, Celia returned to her room. But just as she opened the door, a strong arm reached out and pulled her in.
The room was pitch dark.
Nathaniel had her pinned against the wall before she could even react.
Startled, Celia raised her fist and punched him lightly. "What are you doing?"
Nathaniel's hand slid down to her waist, giving it a firm squeeze. "Didn't you say I like things rough?"