Volume One, Chapter 16: She Captivates Him Every Moment

He stood at the forefront, his gaze burning as he fixed it on Gu Xingnian on the stage, his heart uncontrollably stirred.

He had never known that Gu Xingnian could play the piano!

To play the piano blindly at such a level— even international masters could not reach this standard.

Perhaps... never so soul-stirring!

This was undoubtedly the work of a musical genius!

Fu Beichen felt as if he were seeing Gu Xingnian anew.

This woman, once overlooked and underestimated by him, possessed such dazzling brilliance!

In the audience, Lu Lie’s eyes blazed; it had been many years since he had heard her play.

As the piece ended, Gu Xingnian slowly opened her eyes, her long lashes fluttering gently like butterfly wings, breathtakingly beautiful.

The hall fell into complete silence; everyone was immersed in the lingering melody, unable to regain composure.

Suddenly, enthusiastic applause erupted, accompanied by praises resonating through the air.

Marianne’s eyes glistened with tears as she approached Gu Xingnian, speaking excitedly in French:

“You play so wonderfully! Thank you for helping me complete the performance.”

Gu Xingnian only smiled faintly.

Marianne took Gu Xingnian’s hand and, side by side, they descended the stage, receiving the applause and cheers from all.

At that moment, Marianne’s husband and Fu Beichen stepped forward together.

Mr. Berry spoke to Gu Xingnian in French:

“Thank you very much for assisting my wife.”

Fu Beichen was about to translate when Gu Xingnian responded fluently in French:

“Mr. Berry, you are too kind. I greatly admire Marianne’s songs; it is my honor to perform alongside her.”

This woman...

Fu Beichen’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.

He watched the woman before him, fluent and precise French flowing effortlessly from her rosy lips, imbued with a unique rhythm.

She actually understood French?

Moreover... she casually uttered Mr. Berry’s name, clearly aware that he was the diplomatic envoy of country F, wielding great influence over the Fu family.

How many secrets did she still keep from him?

She was like a forbidden book with a splendid cover—knowing that opening it might lead to ruin, yet unable to resist the urge to explore.

This damned allure!

Marianne embraced her warmly, expressing heartfelt gratitude:

“Dear, thank you so much. I hope someday you can visit country F, so I can properly host you.”

Gu Xingnian smiled faintly, “There will definitely be a chance. I am very fond of country F.”

---

Mr. Berry suddenly asked Fu Beichen boldly:

“Chase, could this beautiful lady be the esteemed wife of the CEO?”

Fu Beichen was about to answer when a cold voice interrupted:

“She is my companion: Miss Gu, Mr. Berry.”

Lu Lie arrived just then, his large hand gently resting on Gu Xingnian’s fragrant shoulder.

Fu Beichen felt as if he had been checkmated just as victory was within reach, overwhelmed by a sudden defeat.

Jiang Kexin appeared and linked her arm with his, saying:

“Beichen, let’s go to the deck to watch the fireworks.”

Seeing Lu Lie and Mr. Berry chatting amiably, they quietly withdrew from the scene.

Soon, thunderous booms echoed overhead.

The fireworks had begun, and guests gradually moved outside.

In the night sky, great bursts exploded with “bang bang bang” sounds, brilliant flowers in vivid colors blossoming against the deep darkness.

Orange-red, emerald green, bright purple, golden yellow... countless lights trailed long tails, intertwining and bursting, illuminating the sea like daylight or a dream.

The barge launching the fireworks was about three nautical miles from the Fu family’s main yacht.

This distance was perfect—far enough to avoid the noise of the main ship, yet close enough to take in the splendid spectacle, like admiring a vast, flowing, brilliant mural.

“Wow, it’s so beautiful!”

“Quick, take photos! This angle is perfect!”

Guests raised their phones, camera shutters clicking incessantly, trying to capture this ultimate romance and luxury.

Above, the Fu family’s drone fleet hovered silently, like loyal eyes recording the grand and beautiful moment from every angle.

Jiang Kexin, like a peacock finally unfurling its feathers, seemed ready to melt into Fu Beichen’s solid chest.

She tilted her face up, eyes sparkling brighter than the fireworks.

That was a complex emotion, blending excitement, infatuation, and fulfillment.

“Beichen, look, it’s so beautiful…”

Her voice carried a deliberate coquettish tremor.

Just then, a waiter passed by with a tray; Jiang Kexin quickly grabbed two glasses of amber champagne.

Turning, she handed one to Fu Beichen, locking her fiery gaze on him.

“Beichen,” she took a deep breath, her tone sincere and earnest.

“In the past... I was foolish and immature.

When you were at your hardest, when you needed someone most, I left you because of... that so-called useless career.”

She paused, as if choosing her words carefully, or recalling a shameful past.

“Actually, I wanted... only by becoming strong enough, standing tall enough, could I have the right and ability to come back and help you, not be a burden.”

Her eyes reddened slightly; her voice choked with emotion.

“Fortunately, heaven still favors me. Today... the one standing by your side again is still me.”

Fu Beichen looked at her, a faint smile curving his lips, deep affection shining in his eyes.

“I don’t blame you. As long as you behave, you can have everything you desire.”

Everything?

Jiang Kexin’s emotions flared to their peak!

Was this his promise?

Tonight, she would offer herself to him, amidst this romantic sea.

She raised her glass, her gaze steady and full of hope.

“Beichen, here’s to us... forever and always.”

“Clink—”

The crisp sound of glasses meeting rang clearly against the fireworks.

They both tilted their heads back, drinking the champagne in one swallow.

Jiang Kexin set down her glass, pressing close to him again, as if to embed herself completely in his life.

At that moment, Fu Beichen’s phone suddenly vibrated sharply in his pocket.

He frowned slightly, checked the caller ID, and said to Jiang Kexin:

“I need to step away for a moment.”

With that, he turned and walked toward a quieter corner by the rail.

On the other end was Lin Qi’s voice, speaking rapidly with a report.

Fu Beichen listened quietly, his deep eyes gradually growing cold, as if tempered with ice.

After hanging up, he remained standing, his gaze sharp and deliberately scanning the crowd on the deck.

Sheng Weiwei was nearby, laughing and chatting with several socialites.

Gu Shaoheng held a wine glass, speaking softly with another lady in a corner.

But... Gu Xingnian’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

The woman who always stirred his emotions had vanished.

No, Lu Lie was also missing.

Those two...

An uncontrollable thought surged into Fu Beichen’s mind.

Where were they? Could they be hiding in some unknown corner, seizing the lively occasion to meet in secret?