Chapter 54 — A Hand to Hold
The afternoon sunlight filtered gently through the restaurant's latticed windows, painting pale golden patterns across the marble floor. Bai Xia had just finished her sentence when Fu Jian took a slow step toward her, his expression unreadable.
She eyed him warily.
"What are you trying to do?"
Fu Jian tilted his head slightly, voice calm and soft.
"Didn't you say I could court you?"
"Yes," she replied suspiciously, crossing her arms, "but—"
"Then," he interrupted with a mock-serious look, "I want to hold your hand."
Bai Xia blinked, dumbfounded. "No."
"Please."
"No."
Fu Jian sighed dramatically and pulled out what he clearly thought was his trump card.
"I might die tomorrow," he said solemnly, lowering his gaze. "I'll die without holding your hand."
Bai Xia's lips twitched. "Didn't I just give you medicine? You won't die."
"But what if it doesn't work?" he pressed, clutching his chest in fake despair. "What if I fall down the stairs and hit my head?"
She stared at him, utterly baffled. This man—this composed, mature businessman—was now behaving like a spoiled child denied candy. Her silence made him inch closer, testing the boundaries. Bai Xia exhaled, sat down quietly, and said nothing.
Fu Jian took that as permission.
He moved nearer, his breath steady but his heart drumming wildly beneath his shirt. When his fingers brushed hers, a sudden spark coursed through him. It wasn't just a touch—it was like touching a live current, something electric and alive that shot up his arm and settled deep in his chest.
Her skin was soft, almost impossibly smooth—like the faint surface of silk after rain. There was warmth there too, and something he couldn't describe—gentle yet commanding.
He hesitated, but the temptation was too much. His fingers slid across her palm, tracing faint circles. Then, his boldness betrayed him.
He interlocked their fingers.
The sensation was dizzying. Her hand was smaller than his, delicate, but she didn't pull away immediately. Her fingers fit perfectly into the spaces between his, like a lock and key that had always been meant to meet.
After a long pause, Bai Xia glanced up at him, eyes narrowed.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Fu Jian looked at their joined hands, then at her face, and with an entirely too straight expression, said, "No."
She yanked her hand away instantly.
"If people see us, it'll be inappropriate!"
He looked around the private dining room with a grin. "There's no one here."
"Fu Jian!" she snapped, giving him a light smack on the head.
He winced dramatically, rubbing the spot. "Ow—alright, alright. Don't go, okay? I'll behave."
"Hmph." She crossed her arms again, pretending to pout.
Fu Jian leaned closer, still smiling. "What do you want to eat?"
"You only know how to ask now?" she shot back, though her tone softened. "Just get me anything. I'll manage."
He chuckled quietly. "You always say that, but you end up stealing my food."
She ignored him, pretending not to hear.
---
Minutes later, their food arrived—each dish steaming, fragrant, and plated with artistic perfection. It was the kind of meal one could only find in the top hotels of the city.
A waiter carefully arranged the table, revealing an elegant spread:
fragrant Yangzhou fried rice flecked with golden egg, diced shrimp, and green peas; braised abalone in oyster sauce, gleaming like jewels; crispy roasted Peking duck with pancakes, cucumber, and hoisin sauce; delicate shark fin soup served in porcelain bowls; and for dessert, sweet osmanthus rice cakes paired with jasmine tea.
Bai Xia's eyes widened slightly.
"Fu Jian, this is for lunch?"
He smiled faintly, pouring her tea. "Courting you isn't cheap."
She rolled her eyes. "Show-off."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while—each clink of chopsticks mingling with the soft melody drifting through the restaurant. The tension between them had melted into something gentler, something that made the air feel warmer.
After a few bites, Bai Xia spoke.
"Fu Jian, can I ask you something?"
He nodded. "Go ahead."
"I want to buy two cars," she said casually. "Can you take me to the place where you bought yours?"
Fu Jian paused, blinking once. "My cars are imported."
"Hmph. Show off."
He laughed softly. "Then I'll get them for you."
She frowned. "No. I want to buy them myself."
"Don't worry about it," he said lightly. "Didn't you say I could court you? I'll show you my sincerity."
"But it's too much for you to handle—"
"Then think of it as compensation."
"Compensation?" she repeated, raising a brow. "For what?"
He hesitated a moment, then smiled a little. "I might leave town for a few days. A week at most."
Bai Xia's chopsticks froze. "A whole week?"
Her voice carried a hint of disappointment she didn't bother to hide. She had never experienced true romance before—not in her previous life, not even now. And just as things were beginning to feel… real, he was leaving?
"I'll be back before you know it," Fu Jian reassured gently. "Don't get upset. You'll see me more often after that."
She looked away, pretending to focus on her soup. "You'd better."
He grinned. "You're really adorable when you're trying to act angry."
"Shut up."
They ate quietly after that, though Bai Xia could feel the corners of her lips fighting not to smile.
---
When the meal was finished, Fu Jian leaned back, satisfied. Bai Xia, however, looked at him seriously.
"Fu Jian, could you tell me more about yourself?"
He blinked, a little surprised but clearly pleased that she was interested.
"Hmm, where do I start?" He set his cup down and straightened slightly. "My name is Fu Jian. I'm twenty-four. I'm a businessman and the CEO of Fu Corporation. I only have my mother and grandfather left—no siblings. I've… never been in a relationship before. So," he smiled softly, "please take care of me."
Bai Xia couldn't help but laugh at his sudden bashful tone. "Alright then. My turn."
She raised her chin slightly. "I'm Bai Xia, seventeen years old, turning eighteen in two months. I plan to open my own company soon—it'll be called XB. My only relatives are my parents and four siblings. I've also never been in a relationship before… so please take care of me."
They both burst into laughter. For a moment, it felt like the world outside didn't exist.
---
By the time Bai Xia's phone began to ring—her mother calling for her to come home—the sun had already begun to set. Warm orange light filtered through the blinds, reflecting off the glass table.
"I'll get the cars to you by tomorrow morning," Fu Jian said as they stood.
"That fast?" she asked, surprised.
"It's as fast as my love for you," he said smoothly.
Her face flushed immediately. "You're so thick-skinned!"
"And," he continued as they walked toward the door, "your company papers are ready. I gave them to your assistant earlier."
Bai Xia froze mid-step. "Already? That fast?"
Fu Jian smiled, faintly proud. "It's not that difficult when you know the right people."
She was silent for a moment, then her lips curved into a quiet smile. Without warning, she reached out and gently held onto his elbow as they walked down the hallway.
Fu Jian stiffened immediately—his entire body freezing like a deer caught in headlights. The touch was soft, light, but it sent a rush of warmth through him, faster than any heartbeat.
He glanced sideways at her, almost afraid to move. She didn't say anything—just held onto his arm, walking calmly beside him. Her hand was small against the sleeve of his gray suit, her warmth seeping through the fine fabric.
For her, the gesture was small—just a little sign of appreciation. But for him, it meant everything. In a world as conservative as 1995, even this simple act was the equivalent of a kiss on the cheek.
He silently raised his arm slightly, just enough to make her grip more comfortable.
Neither of them spoke until they reached the entrance.
---
Fu Jian drove her back to the villa gates, the ride quiet and peaceful. When the car stopped, Bai Xia reached for the door handle.
"I'll get going now," she said softly.
But before she could step out, his voice stopped her.
"Bai Xia…"
She turned. "Yes?"
He hesitated for a moment, his tone a little more serious.
"Are you and Zhou Liang really close?"
Her eyes widened. "No, no—we're not. I've only talked to him a few times."
"Don't be flustered," he said gently, his smile faint. "I was just asking."
She exhaled. "Then don't ask scary questions."
He chuckled, and she left the car with a soft smile before disappearing behind the gate.
Fu Jian's gaze lingered on her retreating figure. Only when she was completely out of sight did his smile fade. His eyes darkened, sharp as a blade's edge.
"Zhou Liang…" he murmured, voice turning cold.
His fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
"Let's see how close you really want to get."