Chapter 88: Warmth in Her Eyes

“A little girl [photo]”
In the picture, Yun Fu is holding an armful of snacks, a red scarf wrapped around her neck, making her look even more beautiful. Her delicate face carries a rare touch of softness and cuteness.
Lian Hanqi’s WeChat is basically just a tool for keeping in touch with family and friends; he has never posted anything on his Moments before.
This time, however, it set off an uproar.
Grandmother: “Oh my, isn’t this little Fu’er? Where are you two? Fu’er is so adorable. Bring her home for a meal when you have time.”
Gu Zhishu: “Damn! Cousin, what’s going on?! Why is my sister Fu sitting in a shopping cart? She’s so cute.”
Su Changzhou: “Have fun [clever].”
Qin Yi: “Oh, oh, oh, am I going to be drinking wedding wine soon?”
Lu Ting: “Brother Qi, you’re impressive.”
Even his parents overseas, who rarely commented, left a message.
Father: “Treat her well.”
Mother: “Is that your girlfriend? Oh, my son finally figured things out. The little girl looks so young—has she come of age yet? When I come back home, bring her to meet me.”
...
Yun Fu saw it, too. She glanced at the man who seemed completely unfazed, then lowered her head and curled her lips in a faint smile.
With a few taps of her fingers, she posted on Weibo.
“On duty [photo]”
Soon, fans rushed over.
[Ahhh, it’s our precious! I can’t believe you’re actually posting! So straightforward, it’s too cute!]
[You’re adorable. Who took the picture for you?]
[It must be a family member. So this is how sweet and well-behaved our little Fu is at home. The red scarf is so cute too.]
[Is this abroad? Or still in Italy? Has little Fu not returned yet? Is it Eric?]
[No way, I don’t think so. Who cares who it is, as long as our baby posts something. She looks stunning!]
Yun Fu scrolled through the comments, lost in thought.
Only when Lian Hanqi lifted her out of the cart under the watchful gaze of a server did she snap back to reality.
Looking at the little girl before him, the tips of her ears tinged with red, Lian Hanqi curved his lips into a smile.
After they returned, Lian Hanqi made her barbecue, took her skiing, and even let her try a snowmobile.
It was only when Qiao An called to say that arrangements were ready back home that the two set off to return to China.
“I’ll bring you here again next time.”
“...Mm.”
They flew back on Lian Hanqi’s private jet—it was far more convenient than a commercial flight.
She had thought Qiao An would be the first to come see her, but Mo Day reached out first.
[Master, someone’s investigating your information. Did you rescue an elderly man in China?]
Yun Fu frowned; it must be the old Madam Lian. She had expected trouble.
[Yes, who’s investigating?]
[Someone contacted us anonymously, saying they require treatment.]
[No treatment. Block the information for me.] The old Madam’s response online must have drawn a lot of attention; Yun Fu had always disliked this kind of trouble.
Mo Day replied: [It’s already blocked. If anyone else comes looking for the miracle doctor, how should we handle it?]
[Set a clear price, and they must identify themselves.]
[OK.]
It wasn’t so easy to seek her medical aid.
Qiao An arrived carrying dinner.
“Little Fu, I’ve just received a new script for a leading role. Do you want to take a look and consider auditioning?”
Yun Fu put down the cigarette she hadn’t lit and nodded.
Qiao An handed her the script. “Look it over while you eat. You haven’t had dinner yet, right?”
“Mm.”
Seeing the indifferent expression on the girl’s face, Qiao An thought back to the photo she’d posted on Weibo a few days ago.
She didn’t know who had taken the picture, but it was clear there was warmth in Yun Fu’s eyes—a stark contrast to the Yun Fu before her now.
Just moments ago, Qiao An had opened the door to see Yun Fu, cigarette in hand, head bowed over her phone—it was hard to imagine this was the same girl who’d sat in the shopping cart.
Qiao An sighed. She wondered what Yun Fu had been through to make her so cold. If only the person who’d taken that picture could stay by her side always.
The script was about depression—a beautiful and timid young girl who suffered from bullying at school, fostered in her uncle’s home and deprived of warmth, which led to her depression.
It was a film, intended to raise awareness about depression and teach people how to treat those suffering from it properly.
If done well, it would be an award-winning piece.
“This film is pretty heavy. If you don’t like it, we can look for something else.”
“This one’s good. When’s the audition?”
Qiao An paused, “Next Wednesday.”
“Okay, I’ll go then.”
“I’ll pick you up,” Qiao An said, standing up. Suddenly she remembered something, “Director Bai just sent over the payment for ‘Soaring Swan.’ Did you get it?”
Yun Fu set down her chopsticks, picked up her phone, glanced at it, and nodded, “Received.”
Qiao An: “...” It wasn’t much, but did she have to be so calm about it?
“You should buy yourself a car.”
Qiao An was stunned, then quickly waved her hand, “No need. I have a car, and you do too. Once you sign with a company, they’ll assign you a van. There’s no need to bother. Save your money—you’ll need it later.”
Yun “with a few hundred million in savings” Fu: “...” She nodded silently.
Soon, Wednesday arrived. Over the past few days, Yun Fu had been exercising and reading up on depression.
Qiao An took her to the audition site, which was as crowded as it had been for “Soaring Swan.”
And since this was for the female lead, even more people had come.
As Yun Fu stepped inside, she heard the murmurs.
“I heard Qiu Fangfei is here too. The lead role is probably hers.”
“No way—is that the child star Qiu Fangfei?”
“Who else could it be? She’s talented and hasn’t worked with Director Liu before. There’s a good chance it’ll be her.”
“Then why are we even here? Just to make up the numbers?”
“It’s not just a single lead. There are several supporting roles. One of those is pretty outstanding, isn’t it?”
When Yun Fu entered, the lively discussion ceased abruptly—silence fell.
First, because Yun Fu was too beautiful; second, because her presence was overwhelming.
But Yun Fu ignored the curious, jealous, or resentful looks and sat with Qiao An in the farthest corner.
Still, whispers broke out.
“That’s the recent SC spokesperson, right? I hear she has a powerful background.”
“Director Liu isn’t the type to be impressed by background. If you don’t have the talent, nothing else matters.”
“Didn’t she play Qian Xuan in ‘Soaring Swan’? I heard her acting is excellent. Who do you think is better, her or Qiu Fangfei?”
“You must be joking. ‘Soaring Swan’ is a TV drama; this is a film. Besides, Qiu Fangfei has been acting since childhood and has done films. Her? She only has that endorsement to her name—it’s not even comparable.”