[ABO] The Despised One Becomes an Internet Sensation After Marriage - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

A charity gala was being held in the Victoria Ballroom.

Xu Zhimian stood beside Fu Shiyan, feeling utterly bored. Next to them, a high-level executive from an entertainment giant was talking animatedly with Fu Shiyan.

As Fu Shiyan discussed business matters, his speaking pace was steady and unhurried. When the other party tossed over a highly technical question, Xu Zhimian only half-understood it, yet Fu Shiyan picked up the thread with total composure. Xu Zhimian found himself unable to interject at all.

He gently swirled his glass, bringing it to his nose. The fruity aroma of grapes mixed with aged woody notes wafted up—was this… Brandy?

He took a small sip. The alcohol was a bit sharp, but it finished crisp and sweet. Just as he was about to take another sip, Fu Shiyan’s hand pressed down firmly on his own.

“?” Xu Zhimian looked over. Fu Shiyan didn’t even glance back, looking straight ahead as he continued discussing the company’s future prospects with the executive.

With his hand pinned, Xu Zhimian expressionlessly switched the goblet to his other hand. Fu Shiyan let go, but then slid his hand onto Xu Zhimian’s waist, giving it a firm, meaningful squeeze.

Xu Zhimian: “…”

The executive noticed their little interaction and teased, “President Fu and Mr. Xu really are inseparable, aren’t they?”

The corner of Fu Shiyan’s mouth curled up slightly. “…Mr. Lin, you flatter us. My wife has a low tolerance; I’m just afraid he’ll overdo it again.”

“Hahaha, he’s just like my partner! My wife is a one-glass wonder, yet always insists on picking the strongest liquor,” Mr. Lin said, opening up as soon as the topic turned to his spouse. “Oh boy, I can’t talk him out of it. If I try to stop him, he loses his temper with me!”

Despite his words, the smile on Mr. Lin’s face was exceptionally bright.

He must really dote on his wife, Xu Zhimian thought to himself.

“…” Fu Shiyan raised an eyebrow and quipped, “What a coincidence. Mine is the same. A huge temper when drunk… and likes to scratch people, too.”

Hey, that’s going too far! Xu Zhimian felt a rare surge of embarrassment. Since he was right there, he indignantly pinched the side of Fu Shiyan’s waist.

Ever since that last drunken night, he hadn’t realized that he would now subconsciously make these intimate little gestures toward Fu Shiyan.

Fu Shiyan caught his hand at his waist and said with a laugh in his voice, “…I stand corrected. He likes to scratch even when he’s sober.”

Mr. Lin let out a hearty laugh, making Xu Zhimian feel incredibly shy. Suddenly, Mr. Lin remembered something: “…I heard Mrs. Fu is an actor?”

With his hand still trapped in Fu Shiyan’s grip, Xu Zhimian tried to pull away, only to be held even tighter. Hearing the question, he replied, “…Yes.”

“What a coincidence! Haha, my nephew recently started trying to make a name for himself in the industry too… Speak of the devil! Xingchen!” Mr. Lin waved toward a tall Alpha in the distance.

Xingchen… Xingchen… it couldn’t be Gu Xingchen, could it?

The Alpha walked over unhurriedly. Once Xu Zhimian saw the face clearly, he silently turned his head away.

The Alpha had a face that was the definition of “playboy handsome.” His peach-blossom eyes were smiling, but the smile wasn’t exactly warm—it was rebellious. His entire aura practically screamed eight words: Cynical, wild, and impossible to tame.

Gu Xingchen greeted Mr. Lin, then shifted his gaze to Xu Zhimian. He looked surprised for a moment, then, as if remembering something, he gave a roguish grin and greeted him: “Hello, Teacher Xu.”

“…” Knowing he couldn’t hide, Xu Zhimian turned back and nodded expressionlessly. “Hello, Student Gu… oh, no, Master Gu.”

Mr. Lin was surprised. “You two know each other?”

Gu Xingchen: “Teacher Xu used to be my private tutor.”

Someone nearby chimed in, “Ah… I heard Mrs. Fu graduated from a top university. Master Gu must have achieved excellent results under his guidance then?”

Xu Zhimian couldn’t help but lean closer to Fu Shiyan, as if trying to hide his face. He prayed silently: Gu Xingchen, shut your mouth.

“Well—” Gu Xingchen dragged out his words. “Not exactly. I only scored a 30.”

The group: “…”