Nathaniel Fu lifted his handsome gaze and glanced at Zilin Song. "What is it?"
Zilin immediately shut up, not daring to say another word.
Everyone in the room could sense that Mr. Fu was in a foul mood. But no one knew who had triggered it.
Just then, Shaoqian Wen adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and pointed toward a girl with long, jet-black hair. "You, go help President Fu with his cards."
The girl's eyes had been fixed on Nathaniel from the moment she walked in. This man—mature, impossibly good-looking, and seated at the pinnacle of Ye City's elite—radiated a kind of aura that made every other man in the room fade into the background.
Being chosen by Mr. Wen was a stroke of luck. Her heart raced as jealousy flared in the eyes of the other hostesses.
She walked over with a mix of nervousness and excitement, her voice sweet and delicate. "Mr. Fu, may I help you with your cards?"
Wen raised his brows. "What do you think of her?"
Nathaniel casually flicked a card onto the table, then turned to glance at the girl beside him. She was indeed pretty, wearing the trendy "clean girl" makeup that highlighted her delicate features.
He gave a faint response. "She's... innocent-looking."
The girl instantly blushed, her eyes almost sparkling with admiration.
"You like the long-black-hair, girl-next-door type, don't you?" Shaoqian teased.
Zilin leaned forward with a dramatic sigh. "Nathaniel, what kind of woman do you even like? Shaoqian and I worry about your lifelong happiness. Gorgeous women are practically lining up outside your door, but you don't bat an eye. What gives?"
He smirked. "Maybe he likes pretty boys instead?"
Zilin continued, "Hey, there's a supermodel named Vivian—long legs to die for, the most beautiful in Ye City. Interested?"
Nathaniel took a drag from his cigarette, giving them no response. But his indifferent gaze slid over to Shaoqian with a subtle warning.
Zilin gasped. "Wait, don't tell me—Shaoqian's right? You really like long, straight black hair?"
Every man had a type. But Nathaniel had been so closed off for so long, no one had been able to pin down his preferences.
Now they were starting to figure it out.
"Mr. Fu~" The girl beside him tried again, "Just tell me which card to play. I'll do it for you~"
Nathaniel didn't even look at her. "My hands still work."
"…"
The cold rejection brought tears to the girl's eyes. Her moment was over.
Zilin leaned back. "Yeah... he's not into her."
At that moment, Nathaniel's phone buzzed with a message.
It was from his niece, Yvonne Fu:Cici is here.
Nathaniel exhaled a long plume of smoke.
Shaoqian, who had known him since they were in diapers, caught the change in expression. "What? Found someone you actually like?"
Another puff of smoke. No response.
Shaoqian grinned. "Don't tell me... you're finally ready to settle down?"
Zilin inhaled sharply. "No way. You already picked someone, and you didn't even tell us? Bring her out—we need to approve!"
Nathaniel squinted lazily, cigarette between his lips.
Just then, a waiter's voice came from outside the private suite:"Miss Su, this way please."
Celia is here.
Nathaniel's gaze shifted toward the corridor. He saw her instantly.
Celia stepped into view, still dressed in her school uniform. She hadn't expected to go out, so she hadn't changed: a white blouse, light blue pleated skirt, knee-high white socks, and round-toed leather shoes. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, untouched by makeup, exuding a pure and ethereal charm.
She looked like a lost forest creature who had accidentally wandered into a den of wolves—a delicate, otherworldly presence.
Heads turned as she walked past, her quiet beauty and clean aura cutting through the haze of cigarette smoke in the air.
Nathaniel's brows furrowed slightly.