Chapter 22: So, Will You Choose to Forgive Me?

Shi Yun was momentarily caught off guard. That remark had been something she’d blurted out earlier just to save face; she never expected Fu Siyu to dig it up at a time like this.

She gave a light cough, her gaze drifting vaguely as she replied, "It counts. Of course it counts."

Upon receiving her answer, the corners of Fu Siyu’s mouth curled upward, releasing a short, smug chuckle. It seemed Shen Yuezhou stood absolutely no chance now.

Thinking back to those messages she had sent by mistake, Shi Yun felt even more embarrassed by his laughter. She speculated on his motives for asking, assuming he was merely teasing her. Her eyes inadvertently swept across his sharp, rugged profile. The dim light inside the car fell upon his face, casting a small shadow that made his features appear even more profound and captivating, leaving her momentarily dazed.

How could a person be this handsome? To someone like Shi Yun, who studied art and possessed an extreme pursuit of aesthetics, Fu Siyu’s bone structure was nothing short of perfection. His face was like a meticulously sculpted work of art.

Driven by a strange impulse, Shi Yun suddenly spoke: "Fu Siyu, do you... have feelings for me?"

Fu Siyu’s hand tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning slightly pale. He held his breath, waiting for her to continue, his heart racing inexplicably as his eyes drifted toward her involuntarily.

Shi Yun paused, weighing her words before continuing: "Do you feel guilty because you used to bully me when we were kids, and that’s why you’re helping me?"

In short, atonement.

Fu Siyu’s lips twitched, the smile on his face fading slightly as a look of helplessness surfaced in his eyes. "Miss Yunyun is truly clever. I was just ignorant back then. So, will you choose to forgive me?"

Seeing him being so sincere, Shi Yun felt that she was the one being petty. She felt a bit embarrassed, scratching her head as a faint blush crept onto her face. "I... I stopped caring about that a long time ago."

*Bullshit.*

She inwardly scolded herself, admitting that she was indeed a bit narrow-minded... Perhaps he didn't even remember the things from their childhood.

Seeing her expression, Fu Siyu couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Halfway through the drive, Shi Yun was staring blankly out the window when she suddenly froze, as if remembering something.

*Oh no!*

Caught up in the back-and-forth with Fu Siyu, she had completely forgotten about Jiang Zhiyu, leaving her stranded at the bar.

She hurriedly pulled her phone from her bag, fumbling as she dialed Jiang Zhiyu’s number. When the call connected, Shi Yun said apologetically, "Zhiyu, I’m in the car right now. I’m so sorry, I completely forgot about you."

"Shi Yun, you heartless girl!" Jiang Zhiyu fumed on the other end. "I thought you’d been kidnapped!"

Shi Yun quickly tried to appease her with a smile. "Don't be mad, don't be mad. I'll come pick you up right now."

After hanging up, Shi Yun turned to look at Fu Siyu and said awkwardly, "Fu Siyu, could you turn around and go back to the bar to pick up Zhiyu?"

Fu Siyu raised a brow and glanced at her from the side. "Are you sure you want to go back? I can have someone take her home."

Shi Yun paused, biting her lower lip. That was true; if she went back to the bar, she might end up tangled up with Shen Yuezhou again. She sighed helplessly and said, "Then I'll let Zhiyu know."

Fu Siyu said nothing more. His slender fingers tapped lightly on his phone screen, dialing Lu Xingzhi’s number. When the call went through, he spoke in a low, concise tone: "Go and take Jiang Zhiyu home."

"Oh, Master Fu," Lu Xingzhi drawled on the other end, feigning grievance. "I’m not your personal chauffeur, you know. You're giving me this job in the middle of the night?"

Fu Siyu didn't banter with him. "Enough nonsense. Just go."

Lu Xingzhi wasn't annoyed; he laughed and teased, "Alright, alright. But Master Fu, look at the news I tipped you off with today—it was brilliant, wasn't it? How about a reward?"

Fu Siyu didn't even lift an eyelid, his tone as flat as water. "That project in the East District is yours."

"Whoa!" Lu Xingzhi’s voice spiked, so excited he nearly dropped his phone. His voice was filled with unconcealable surprise. "Master Fu, you are too generous! Consider it done. I guarantee I’ll handle it perfectly for you."

After hanging up, Fu Siyu looked at Shi Yun. "I’ve arranged for Lu Xingzhi to take her home."

Shi Yun blinked at the mention of the name. Lu Xingzhi was Fu Siyu’s lifelong friend, the youngest and most pampered son of the Lu family in the capital, and a notorious troublemaker since childhood. In the past, because he was always hanging around Fu Siyu and occasionally joined in on playing pranks on her, Shi Yun hadn't had a good impression of him. However, for a while, she had constantly heard Jiang Zhiyu talking about him, mentioning how he often came to her live streams and would leave immediately after sending gifts. All in all, Jiang Zhiyu was more familiar with Lu Xingzhi than she was.

Thinking of this, Shi Yun felt relieved and said nothing more.

Perhaps because the atmosphere in the car was too quiet, Shi Yun leaned back against the seat and gradually closed her eyes. Seeing her eyes shut, Fu Siyu couldn't help but steal glances at her from time to time. Watching her fluttering eyelashes, a faint smile tugged at his lips, and his hand instinctively slowed the car’s speed.

Seeing her sleeping soundly, her fair, rosy cheeks like the most vibrant peach blossoms in spring, he felt an urge to reach out and touch her. He slowly extended his hand, his fingertips hovering in the air for a moment as if in hesitation, before finally landing gently on her hair.

When the car arrived at the parking lot of No. 1 Apartments, Shi Yun hadn't woken up yet. Fu Siyu didn't rush to wake her, simply watching her quietly. She wore a simple, pure white dress, her long, dark, lustrous hair draped over her shoulders. The simpler her attire, the more it highlighted her elegant temperament.

As if feeling his intense gaze, Shi Yun slowly opened her eyes. Still dazed with sleep, she blinked, her voice carrying an unconscious softness as she asked, "Are we here?"

Fu Siyu curled his lips slightly and replied softly, "Yes, we're here."

With that, he got out of the car first. He walked quickly to the passenger side, opened the door for her like a gentleman, and reached out to help her. "Careful."

Shi Yun’s mind was still groggy from sleep, her body feeling limp. Seeing Fu Siyu’s outstretched hand, she instinctively reached out and took it. The moment they touched, Fu Siyu’s fingers tightened slightly, holding her steady.

Just as Shi Yun was leaning on him to steady herself, Fu Siyu seemed to slip slightly, his body leaning toward her. Shi Yun felt a force surge toward her, and she lost control, stumbling forward and falling directly into Fu Siyu’s arms.

Above her head, the man’s low, slightly husky voice echoed slowly: "Miss Yunyun seems to love throwing herself into my arms."

Shi Yun: "..."

She silently pulled herself out of his embrace and, before leaving, politely said to him, "Thank you."

Fu Siyu leaned against the car with a smile on his lips, watching her back disappear into the distance before he finally opened the door and got back in.