Chapter 33: The Best Life for a Spoiled Woman

Instinctively, Fu Hanye reached out, pressing a hand to Gu Yining's forehead to keep her at arm's length. Her feet skidded against the floor, and she was completely unable to get any closer to him. "What are you doing, lunging at me like that? Just talk."

"I missed you. I just wanted to hug you," Gu Yining pouted, her voice syrupy sweet.

After all, the internet says a spoiled woman always gets her way, and men simply can't resist a woman who pouts and pleads. She thought she'd test this theory on Fu Hanye, hoping to make him soften toward her a bit faster. Even if he didn't like her yet, she hoped at least he'd stop actively disliking her.

"Stay back," Fu Hanye warned, his voice sharp and icy.

"Fine," she sighed, "but only if you help me out here." She removed his hand from her forehead, showing a bright, toothy grin.

Although her face was marred by an unflattering birthmark, her smile revealed two sharp canine teeth, making her look mischievous yet somehow warm. Her face lit up as if illuminated by sunshine.

For a moment, Fu Hanye found himself caught off guard, his thoughts momentarily suspended. But he quickly shook it off, grabbing his phone and dialing a number back at the Fu mansion.

The call was picked up by the butler. "Yes, young master. What can I do for you?"

"Fire the chef immediately and hire someone who can cook properly."

"Understood, sir. I'll take care of it right away."

With the call ended, Fu Hanye tossed his phone onto the desk, crossing his arms and staring at her. "Satisfied now? But be warned: everyone in the Fu household will know you tattled on them to me, and they won't stop trying to make your life difficult."

"That just means you don't hold much authority in your own house. Besides, I only care if the food's edible. I couldn't care less if they hate me or try to bully me. Anyone who pushes me, I'll push right back. No holding back," she said, shrugging nonchalantly.

There was a calm resilience in her demeanor, something well beyond her years. She radiated a composed confidence that felt solid and unyielding. Fu Hanye studied her for a moment, catching an unusual glint in his eye.

Suddenly, Gu Yining broke the silence. "Hey, I actually need a favor."

"What is it?" he asked, propping his chin on one hand, his dark shirt catching the afternoon light, making him look all the more imposing.

"Well, I haven't finished university yet. I got expelled from Ling City University. It's just cruel to send me out into the world so young, to face life without a degree. Can't you pull some strings and get them to take me back?"

"You want me to bend the rules for you?" he asked, his voice cold, though a hint of curiosity laced his tone.

"Who wouldn't want to have the great Mr. Fu on their side?" she replied with a grin.

There was something odd about the way she phrased it, and he found himself momentarily at a loss for words. 

"Well, if you're not interested, then forget it. I'll think of something else," she said, waving off the idea with a smile.

Fu Hanye remained silent, his gaze fixed on her. He hadn't refused her request, but she had already dismissed it too quickly.

"Well, I guess you'd better get back to work. I'll be on my way," she said, gathering up the lunch containers and repacking them just as carefully as she'd unpacked them, not wanting to leave any traces that might ruin his appetite.

With everything tidied up, she opened the office door and walked out. No sooner had she stepped out than she found herself face to face with Ji Yunchuan—the man she'd met at the party, who she was certain was Fu Hanye's boyfriend.

Gu Yining bumped straight into him, clutching her sore forehead as she looked up. She recognized him instantly.

It was him again—Fu Hanye's supposed lover.

Ji Yunchuan, however, seemed to think he had bumped into a stranger. He glanced down at her, and upon seeing her face, recoiled. "Who are you?" he asked, backing away, horrified.

Gu Yining hesitated, then realized he hadn't recognized her. It must be because of the birthmark. 

"Just the lunch delivery girl," she replied, flashing a silly smile as she grabbed her lunch box and headed off.

Ji Yunchuan, looking pale, clutched his chest as he entered Fu Hanye's office. "Hanye, I just ran into someone hideous out there. How could you eat anything prepared by someone that ugly?"

Fu Hanye set down his paperwork, his gaze piercing as he leveled it at Ji Yunchuan. "Try calling her that again," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Ji Yunchuan blinked, clearly taken aback by the unexpected intensity in Fu Hanye's voice.