After Fang Yuan asked her question, the table fell into silence.
Fu Lian said nothing, merely casting an interested glance across her face.
That look was like he was conducting some sort of inspection.
Fang Yuan felt a bit uncomfortable.
"Yuanyuan," he still called her pet name in that gentle tone. "I've told you before that you're a smart woman and should know how to be a good wife."
Fang Yuan was taken aback. She didn't know why he suddenly said this, but she still nodded. "Of course, I'll try my best to be a good wife."
Then she quickly added, "But marriage is a matter between two people. I hope my partner and I can be loyal, trusting, and dedicated to each other."
Fu Lian lifted his lips, as if finding her words ridiculous.
"Loyalty?"
He repeated the word, then casually said, "So, do I need to invite that up - and - coming young star over for dinner too?"
His nonchalant tone made Fang Yuan's face turn pale instantly.
She admitted that she had indeed met a young star at a dinner party some time ago and exchanged contact information with him.
The young star came from a humble background without any powerful backers, so he was very attentive to Fang Yuan and caring about her daily life.
She had occasionally invited him out for a few meals, just for entertainment. She never expected Fu Lian to find out.
Her scalp tightened, and she immediately defended herself. "A Lian, listen to me. There's nothing between us. You know I couldn't..."
Fu Lian looked up. "Yuanyuan, relax. I'm not blaming you. Don't be so nervous."
Fang Yuan opened her mouth but couldn't say a word for a moment. She swallowed with difficulty, her face flushed with anxiety.
"Your personal life is your own. I won't interfere," Fu Lian said, looking at her with a calm expression. "This is your freedom to socialize."
Fang Yuan bit her lip. She couldn't figure out Fu Lian's true intention. "I'll break off contact with him right away and never talk to him again."
"That's your choice," Fu Lian picked up his wine glass and looked at the panicked face across the table through the glass. "However, I also think he's too naive. How about Lyons? He's always wanted to meet you."
Lyons was another male star with well - built muscles. He started his career in action movies.
"If you're interested, I can ask someone to introduce you to him."
This magnanimous attitude made Fang Yuan feel unsure. She tightened her grip on the wine glass. "A Lian, what do you mean?"
Fu Lian raised his eyebrows.
Fang Yuan said, "Why do you want to introduce other men to me? We're about to be husband and wife. We should be loyal and dedicated to each other..."
Fu Lian lifted his lips. "Sorry to interrupt, but is that necessary between us?"
Fang Yuan was stunned.
"Let me put it more clearly. Is there any affection between us?"
His gaze was cold. "Without an emotional foundation, I don't think we need to abide by so - called loyalty and dedication."
Fang Yuan involuntarily tightened her fists.
Of course, she knew.
There was indeed no affection between her and Fu Lian.
But the lack of it now didn't mean they couldn't develop it in the future.
Fang Yuan actually had a perfect plan. After marrying into the Fu family, she would do everything she could to gradually build a relationship with Fu Lian and secure her position as Mrs. Fu.
She believed that since Fu Lian had agreed to this marriage back then, he must have also acknowledged this.
Fang Yuan said, "Isn't the reason you chose me that I'm valuable to you?"
However, she underestimated the coldness of the man in front of her.
"To be honest, I don't care who my partner is," Fu Lian said calmly. "In the whole Hong Kong City, I don't think I need to rely on a marriage alliance to boost my career."
He spoke so casually and openly, laying the harsh reality in front of Fang Yuan.
"Moreover, if it were really for such reasons, forgive me for being blunt, but the Fang family's strength is not outstanding."
The man's expression was cold, and his words were sharp and straightforward, pushing the harsh reality in front of Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan's face turned ugly, alternating between red and white, feeling extremely embarrassed.
She couldn't help but get angry. "Since Mr. Fu looks down on our Fang family so much, why did you agree to this marriage in the first place?"
Fu Lian lifted his lower lip. This question was simply self - humiliating.
Why?
Fu Lian said, "Back then, my father was on his deathbed, but he still didn't forget about my marriage. He insisted on seeing me get married before he could rest in peace."
"Since it was his last wish, I didn't need to argue with him," he glanced at his watch, already feeling that too much time had been wasted. "It's just a marriage."
Just a marriage?
Fang Yuan was so angry that she almost laughed.
Marriage was such a significant event for a woman, but he said "just"!
Fang Yuan couldn't bear it anymore. "So, you never intended to live a good life with me and recognize me as Mrs. Fu?"
"When did I say I wouldn't recognize you as Mrs. Fu?"
He looked at her without any warmth, only the calmness of a negotiator. "I've told you before that if you marry me, you need to manage the Fu family internally and show a harmonious family externally. This is your responsibility and obligation."
Fang Yuan bit her lip tightly.
She never expected that Fu Lian could be so rational. It seemed that he regarded marriage as a business deal.
"This is just a business deal. Do you expect me to talk about love with you?" Fu Lian guessed what she was thinking and sneered. "Miss Fang, be more mature."
Since the words had been said, Fu Lian thought it was enough, so he put on a gentle attitude again. "Currently, I have no intention of changing my wife. I assume you feel the same way?"
Fang Yuan's hands were shaking.
If it were someone else, she would surely stand up immediately, point at the person's nose, and shout that she wouldn't marry.
But the person was not someone else.
It was Fu Lian, the eldest young master of the Fu family who could turn the world upside - down in Hong Kong City, and the most likely candidate to inherit the Fu family and become the new leader in the future.
The aura around him was too strong, so she could only endure all the unfair treatment silently and accept it with gritted teeth.
Most importantly, she was reluctant.
She was reluctant to give up the value that Fu Lian could bring and the envy from the whole Hong Kong City.
Her mother had told her many times that marrying up meant swallowing needles.
At this moment, she finally understood the truth.
But she was willing to swallow.
Fang Yuan took a few deep breaths before forcing a smile and nodding. "Yes, I also have no intention of canceling the engagement."
Fu Lian smiled slightly, satisfied with her reaction. "I always knew that Yuanyuan was the most sensible and understanding, the most suitable candidate for Mrs. Fu. It seems I didn't misjudge you."