Chapter 196: Fang Zhou, Let’s Get Back Together

In the dimly lit corner, a young man sat alone, bathed in soft blue lighting, as if blessed by the gods.

His perfect profile was like a sculpture crafted by God’s own hands, blooming in solitude in an unnoticed corner.

He held a phone in his slender hands, his focused gaze fixed on the screen, seemingly engrossed in something important.

Chu Xinran was mesmerized, her breath slowing as she wondered if she was imagining Fang Zhou because she missed him so much.

How could it be? Why would Fang Zhou be at an event like this?

Not that she looked down on him, but she had just learned that Fang Zhou had been discharged from the hospital. He should have gone home first, not come here.

But even if it was a hallucination, she didn’t want to let it go, her eyes glued to the young man, afraid he’d disappear if she blinked.

“Good evening, miss. What would you like to drink?”

A waiter interrupted Chu Xinran’s gaze.

She blinked and grabbed a random fruit cocktail from the tray, thanking the waiter.

When she looked back, the spot where Fang Zhou had been was empty.

Chu Xinran sighed and lowered her eyes, thinking it was indeed a hallucination.

She walked slowly to the corner where Fang Zhou had been, sitting down and staring blankly.

The news from today had affected her deeply. Even at a lively banquet, she felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

What should she do to make Fang Zhou belong to her alone?

In fact, the moment Chu Xinran noticed Fang Zhou, he received two messages from Qiao Sisi.

One was a photo of his profile, and the other was a message.

“Come out for a bit. Meet me in the hallway by the restroom.”

Fang Zhou frowned, wondering why Qiao Sisi was here too.

But then he remembered she was a top star. Attending a charity banquet for some good PR was normal, giving her both a good name and opportunities.

Considering the news about their past relationship breaking out today and still unresolved, he felt it was necessary to discuss it with Qiao Sisi to avoid damaging either of their reputations.

So, just as Chu Xinran looked down to grab her drink, Fang Zhou stood up and walked out, causing them to miss each other.

After asking for directions, Fang Zhou headed straight to the hallway leading to the restroom.

There were several corners, and since the banquet hadn’t officially started and many guests hadn’t arrived, the hallway was deserted.

At the end of the corridor, he spotted Qiao Sisi in a flowing purple gown.

Her hair color had changed again, now a striking shade of blonde that complemented her dress and showcased her flawless beauty.

Seen from a distance, she looked like a goddess who had just descended, noble and beautiful.

Hearing footsteps, Qiao Sisi looked up. For a moment, everything else paled in comparison. Fang Zhou felt as if he were back at their first meeting, the same scenario.

Love at first sight.

But times had changed, and so had his feelings.

“What do you want?”

Fang Zhou got straight to the point, wanting to finish the conversation quickly before Han Xi started looking for him.

“Our past relationship has been exposed.”

Qiao Sisi leaned against the wall, her expression calm, her eyes fixed on Fang Zhou, as if trying to see through him.

What would Fang Zhou do?

Deny it or go with the flow and get back together?

A hidden anticipation rose within her.

If Fang Zhou wanted to get back together, she would immediately publicly acknowledge it, ensuring he wouldn’t face any backlash.

However, Fang Zhou’s response disappointed her.

“I know. Do you want to issue a statement, or should I? Or should we do it together?”

The word “clarify” pierced Qiao Sisi’s heart like a needle, bringing a faint pain.

He didn’t want to get back together.

She closed her eyes briefly and gestured for Fang Zhou to come closer for a conversation.

“Come here, I’ll tell you how to issue the statement.”

Fang Zhou looked around, seeing they were alone. Still, there was always the risk of eavesdroppers. If someone overheard and thought they planned this publicity stunt together, it would be troublesome.

In this age, the mental state of netizens was something to be cautious of.

With long strides, he stepped forward, standing in front of Qiao Sisi and speaking softly, “Go ahead.”

Qiao Sisi’s lips curled into a sly smile as she said playfully, “It’s simple, just…”

She grabbed Fang Zhou’s arm, pulling herself into his embrace and wrapping her arms around his waist tightly.

“Just wait here for someone to notice us.”

She finished her sentence.

Fang Zhou was taken aback, not expecting this move.

“What do you mean?”

He tried to pry her hands off his arm, but just as he managed to free one, the other wrapped around him again, like an octopus.

“It means we confirm our reconciliation.”

“This way, you won’t be bothered by other female guests, and I get what I want.”

“A win-win situation!”

Qiao Sisi looked up, giving a pure smile, as if sincerely considering their best interests.

Her breath fell on Fang Zhou’s chin, and a few strands of her blonde hair draped over his collarbone, nestling there like a resting creature.

But Fang Zhou wouldn’t be swayed.

“We haven’t reconciled, and we won’t. What you’re doing is pointless.”

As he spoke, he forcibly pulled Qiao Sisi’s hands away, trying to distance her.

In an instant, Qiao Sisi’s gaze darkened, turning sinister and deep. She whispered, “Even if you don’t agree, as long as I admit we’re back together, who else can you be with?”

Her whispered words felt like a dark snake hissing in Fang Zhou’s ear, sending a chill down his spine.

With Qiao Sisi’s influence, even if he issued a statement denying their relationship, netizens wouldn’t believe him. They’d see him as a cowardly man, unable to admit his relationship.

In such a scenario, any future girlfriend would be labeled a homewrecker, and he’d be seen as a heartless man moving on too quickly.

Meanwhile, Qiao Sisi could play the victim in any scenario.

This tactic was truly ruthless.