Chapter 27: The Friendship Price of Four Million

The sun rose on a new day, illuminating the elegant surroundings of the Fu residence.

Gu Yining emerged from her room, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lay ahead. After her morning routine, she made her way toward the dining room, her stomach grumbling slightly in anticipation of breakfast.

As she entered, she spotted Fu Hanning seated at the dining table, looking impeccable in a tailored suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame. He was casually leaning back in his chair, engrossed in a glossy magazine that seemed to capture his full attention. 

In front of him, a beautifully arranged Western breakfast lay untouched: perfectly toasted slices of bread, a neatly assembled sandwich, and a glass of fresh milk that looked inviting.

However, as Gu Yining glanced around the table, she noticed there was nothing prepared for her.

With a hint of disappointment, she approached the table and took a seat directly across from him. "Why didn't you ask the kitchen to prepare a meal for me?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the delicious spread before him, hoping to catch a glimpse of kindness in his demeanor.

Fu Hanning seemed entirely oblivious to her presence, his deep-set eyes glued to the pages of his magazine, as if she were nothing more than a mere ghost passing through.

"If you're hungry, you should go make it yourself," he replied coolly, barely looking up.

Gu Yining felt her irritation spike at his dismissive attitude. "I don't know how to cook," she shot back, raising an eyebrow in defiance.

Fu Hanning smirked, a sarcastic glint in his eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be a woman of many talents? Cooking seems like an essential skill."

"Cooking is just one of my weaknesses. Are you really not going to eat that? If you're not, I'll just take it," she said boldly, not waiting for his approval. With a swift motion, she reached over and pulled the plate toward herself.

Chen Ma, who had been observing from the kitchen, gasped in shock. The older woman's hands flew to her mouth as she covered her eyes, bracing for what she anticipated would be a furious response from Fu Hanning.

However, Gu Yining remained unfazed as she dug into the breakfast, thoroughly enjoying the meal. Meanwhile, Fu Hanning set down his magazine, his piercing gaze now focused squarely on her. His expression was one of disbelief mixed with something else—perhaps intrigue or annoyance.

"Is it good?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.

"Not bad at all," Gu Yining replied between bites, nodding in satisfaction as she savored the flavors.

As she chewed, Fu Hanning couldn't help but notice the way her rosy lips moved. A sudden, unwelcome desire sparked within him. 

Why was he suddenly so tempted to kiss those lips?

After a few moments of silence, Gu Yining finished her meal, washed it down with a sip of milk, and rose from her seat. "I'm full now and have an appointment to keep, so I'll be heading out. If you're not in a rush, please ask the kitchen to prepare another portion for me. Thanks for the breakfast," she said, preparing to leave.

"Stop right there! Where do you think you're going?" Fu Hanning's voice sliced through the air, sharp and authoritative.

"I have a task to attend to—going out for a consultation," she explained, trying to sidestep his questioning gaze.

"And when do you plan to treat my issue?" he probed, his tone suddenly serious.

"Did you agree to let me treat you? If you're looking for some miracle doctor, you'll need to place an order with the Medical Alliance. I have plenty of patients waiting, so you'll be in line for a while. However, if you want to skip the line, there's a rush fee. Let's say around five million," Gu Yining said confidently, fully aware of her worth and unafraid to assert it.

Fu Hanning raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. She was bold, and that boldness made him both entertained and slightly incredulous.

"Ha!" he laughed, taken aback by her audacity. 

He had long known she was materialistic and rather greedy, but this directness surprised him. 

Hadn't he been foolishly hoping she would offer her services out of goodwill?

"You really do love money, don't you? Is that part of your motivation to become Mrs. Fu?" he asked, his disappointment evident.

"I'm not after your money! I'm not asking you for funds as your wife, am I? This is merely a business transaction based on my expertise. You've been a titan in the business world for years, Fu Hanning. Surely you understand that transactions involve money changing hands. Even if you are my husband, I can only extend you a 'friends and family' discount—let's make it four million. How does that sound?" 

She needed that money to refurbish her mother's grave, and her upcoming plans for revenge would require a solid financial foundation.

Gu Yining's sharp tongue and unwavering stance made Fu Hanning feel a mix of frustration and amusement. 

How could a woman like her exist? 

She was infuriating, yet somehow captivating, and despite everything, he had been foolish enough to marry her.

"Is this enough?" 

With a flourish, he tossed a sleek black card onto the table, its pristine surface gleaming. 

This was not just any card; it was a customized, limited-edition black card—a symbol of status and privilege, with no spending limit attached. 

Gu Yining's eyes widened slightly at the sight of it, realizing the weight of what he had just placed before her.