Fang Yuan's gaze fell on Wen Baozhu. "Baozhu, are you here at the racecourse today too?"
Wen Baozhu nodded. "I'm here to check on Pearl."
Fang Yuan turned to look at Pearl, who was undergoing treatment, and her expression turned a bit odd. "Wasn't Pearl supposed to be euthanized yesterday?"
Wen Baozhu didn't know how to answer and paused for a moment.
She couldn't very well say that she couldn't bear to see Pearl euthanized at just five years old, so she pleaded with Fu Lian, and he actually agreed.
It was said that the noble ladies and young misses in Hong Kong were extremely petty. She didn't dare to speak carelessly and cause trouble for herself.
Just then, Fu Lian, who was standing beside them, spoke up and took over this tricky situation for Wen Baozhu. "Fu Nian called me early this morning from overseas and said that his wife and Pearl hit it off. He wants to buy Pearl as a gift for her."
His words were flawless, and he subtly mentioned Fu Nian. With his younger brother as the go - between, it eliminated the possibility of others suspecting that there was any private connection between them.
Speech was truly an art, Wen Baozhu thought to herself.
A shrewd and calculating businessman like Fu Lian had mastered this art to perfection.
After hearing his explanation, Fang Yuan was indeed convinced. "So Baozhu is planning to buy Pearl?"
At this point, Wen Baozhu had no choice but to go along with the story. "Yes. It would be such a pity to euthanize such a beautiful horse. If it recovers, I can keep it as a pet."
"You're right," Fang Yuan nodded. "Although it won't be able to race anymore, after it recovers from its injury, it should be fine for a casual ride."
She began to daydream about the future. "It's too dangerous to ride a horse when you're pregnant. After you have your baby, we can come to the racecourse and ride together."
Wen Baozhu shook her head and answered honestly. "Actually, I don't know how to ride a horse."
She had grown up in Fucheng. The only livestock she had ever come into contact with were the old yellow ox and donkeys that Uncle Li from the neighboring village kept in the cowshed to pull the mill.
However, in order to groom her into the perfect Second Mrs. Fu, Li Wenshu had planned to arrange equestrian lessons for her.
But before these lessons could be scheduled, Fu Nian had an accident.
So all the original learning and training plans had now been postponed in favor of the task of "having a child".
The only silver lining was that Fucheng was close to Hong Kong, and most people in Fucheng spoke Cantonese.
Although there were slight differences between Hong Kong Cantonese and regular Cantonese, there were no major communication barriers.
Otherwise, in addition to the task of getting pregnant and having a child, Wen Baozhu would also have to quickly learn a new language.
When Fang Yuan heard that Wen Baozhu didn't know how to ride a horse, a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes.
Which daughter of a wealthy family in Hong Kong didn't live a life of luxury and excel in equestrianism, golf, sailing, and other activities?
Only a poor and rustic country girl like Wen Baozhu would be good at nothing.
But soon, she put on a concerned look. "It doesn't matter. I can introduce my equestrian teacher, Amanda, to you. Baozhu looks so smart and will surely learn quickly."
Whether Fang Yuan was sincere or not, at least she had always been kind and enthusiastic towards Wen Baozhu. Wen Baozhu couldn't help but feel grateful. "Thank you, Yuanyuan."
Fang Yuan waved her hand. "It's just a small thing."
Fu Lian suddenly received a call from A Yan, informing him that there was a high - level meeting at Fu Corporation that morning and he needed to attend in person.
"Is it an urgent matter?" Fang Yuan asked curiously.
Putting away his phone, Fu Lian smiled faintly. "There's a meeting on short notice. Can you practice equestrianism on your own today, Yuanyuan?"
He was always so gentlemanly and gentle, without a single flaw.
With his affectionate tone, Fang Yuan's ears couldn't help but turn red. "Go and take care of your business. I have Baozhu with me."
Fu Lian nodded slightly, then cast a glance at Wen Baozhu. His tone was polite but distant. "Then I'll have to trouble Miss Wen."
His every move maintained the dignity and distance that an elder brother should have.
He was so elegant and gentle.
Wen Baozhu nodded blankly, then looked into Fang Yuan's warm and enthusiastic smile.
—
Considering that Wen Baozhu couldn't and didn't know how to ride a horse, Fang Yuan took her for a stroll around the racecourse in the following time.
From Fang Yuan, Wen Baozhu learned the true significance of Fu Lian's words, "I donate so much money to the racecourse every year."
Investing in racecourses, wineries, and banks was a game only the rich could afford.
If one didn't have the right status, position, or sufficient wealth, they wouldn't even be qualified to sit at the gaming table.
And Fu Lian was the one who made the rules at the table.
Fang Yuan rambled on for a long time and finally got to herself. "In short, marrying Mr. Fu is like winning the lottery in life!"
Wen Baozhu could relate to the feeling of winning the lottery in life.
She nodded. "Mr. Fu is indeed a man worth trusting."
Fang Yuan was very satisfied with this answer and smiled at Wen Baozhu. "Ten out of ten people would say the same thing."
Although it was a bit of a boast, it seemed there was more to it.
Wen Baozhu sensed the hidden meaning in her words. "Yuanyuan, do you have any concerns?"
Fang Yuan said mysteriously, "Don't you ever read entertainment tabloids?"
Wen Baozhu shook her head. "I don't pay much attention to them."
She knew that no matter how sensational the entertainment news was, there would always be a page dedicated to her.
Rather than feeling frustrated after reading it, it was better not to pay attention at all.
Fang Yuan said, "Mr. Fu is thirty - two years old this year and has a zero - scandal record. There has never been any news about his girlfriends or mistresses in the circle. Don't you find it strange?"
Wen Baozhu said, "Isn't this a good thing?"
Fang Yuan said, "A man in his thirties with no dating history, no mistress history, and no marriage history. Doesn't it sound scary?"
Wen Baozhu understood what she meant and began to comfort her. "Yuanyuan, you really don't have to worry about these things. The Fu family has a good family tradition, and Mr. Fu is the decision - maker of the Fu Corporation. Naturally, he won't be tempted by such vulgar things."
"You're right," Fang Yuan actually thought the same way in her heart.
She smiled confidently. "The man I've chosen is naturally not comparable to ordinary people."
"However, I have a secret to share with you," Fang Yuan leaned closer to Wen Baozhu's ear. "Actually, Mr. Fu used to have a female assistant."
"She was already married, but she still tried to seduce Mr. Fu. Later, I heard that she was sent to Southeast Asia to be a living decoration and just disappeared quietly."
Hearing such sensational news, Wen Baozhu wasn't scared. She just tilted her head and asked, "Did Mr. Fu do it, or did you, Yuanyuan?"
Then she answered her own question. "Mr. Fu is so busy that he doesn't have time for such trivial matters. It seems that you, Yuanyuan, took care of this yourself."
Fang Yuan looked surprised. "Baozhu, you're really smart!"
It was enough to hint at the matter. If she said too much, it would break the thin layer of pretense.
Fang Yuan showed a worried expression. "Although I've dealt with one, what if new women appear around him?"
Wen Baozhu said, "Don't worry. Mr. Fu will surely dote on you alone and ensure that you remain the Mrs. Fu."
Fang Yuan squinted her eyes and carefully observed Wen Baozhu's expression.
Her expression was calm and serene, like a peaceful lake without any ripples from Fang Yuan's probing.
Her open and honest attitude made Fang Yuan wonder for a moment if she was being too suspicious.
But Wen Baozhu was just too beautiful.
Beautiful women always made people feel a sense of crisis.
Even if she just stood there doing nothing, men's eyes would be irresistibly drawn to her.
Fang Yuan came from a noble family. She shouldn't always compare herself with Wen Baozhu and compete with her. Otherwise, if word got out, it would be a laughingstock among the socialites.
Presumably, Fu Lian wouldn't lower his status either.
As they chatted, they walked around the racecourse and returned to the main entrance.
Fang Yuan checked the time. When she looked at Wen Baozhu again, she had already lifted the corner of her lips into a proper smile. "I feel so much more at ease with you comforting me, Baozhu."
"I'm so happy to be your friend," she held Wen Baozhu's hand tightly and said sincerely, "Let's stop here today. We'll have tea together when we're free."