Substitute Bride to the Crippled Billionaire

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Change of Attitude

Su Qingnuan met his gaze and asked in confusion, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." Fu Yihan quickly looked away, his expression calm. "I asked Auntie to make some porridge. Even if you’re not hungry, have a bit."

"...Okay."

The reluctant tone reached Fu Yihan’s ears.

He glanced at Su Qingnuan and said with a faint smile, "You’re unhappy about drinking porridge?"

"No..." Su Qingnuan forced a smile. "How could I be... I know Mr. Fu cares about me."

"As long as you know." Fu Yihan’s expression hardened as he said seriously, "From now on, stay here peacefully and don’t think about unnecessary things."

What unnecessary things?

Su Qingnuan wanted to ask, but seeing Fu Yihan’s expression, she decided it was best not to.

After thinking it over, Su Qingnuan ultimately asked nothing.

"I got it." She lowered her head and replied softly.

Seeing her slightly aggrieved demeanor, Fu Yihan frowned but said nothing.

Su Qingnuan only stayed awake for a moment before tilting her head and falling back asleep.

Watching her peaceful sleeping face, this time, Fu Yihan wasn’t as worried.

He tucked the edges of her blanket and rolled his wheelchair away.

"Eldest Young Master."

Standing at the door, A Qi bowed respectfully.

"Hmm." Fu Yihan nodded, his expression unreadable. "How’s the company’s situation?"

"The contract with the Jiang family has been signed, and the follow-up cooperation arrangements are ready."

"What about the Fu family?"

His tone was casual, as though mentioning it without particular intention.

A Qi caught his gaze and dutifully continued, "The Fu family is reaching out to sign with the Su family, but judging from the Old Master’s attitude, he seems unwilling to finalize it."

"Heh!" Fu Yihan sneered. "The Old Master is a perceptive man; he knows the pros and cons."

"...Eldest Young Master," A Qi hesitated as he looked at Fu Yihan, seemingly about to speak.

Fu Yihan raised an eyebrow, giving him a half-smile. "What is it? Speak plainly."

"The Old Master’s intention is to have you return to the company to manage things..."

"I know." Cutting off A Qi’s words, Fu Yihan chuckled lightly. "I understand the Old Master’s intentions, but the driver hasn’t arrived yet."

"But Eldest Young Master... With the Fu family’s current situation..."

Fu Yihan turned, his gaze like a piercing beam fixed on A Qi.

A Qi paused and stopped talking.

"Don’t worry about this matter. Focus on what I’ve instructed you to do."

"Yes."

Fu Yihan gestured. "Wheel me to the study."

"Yes."

...

Waking up again, Su Qingnuan stared at the ceiling, momentarily dazed.

If I keep sleeping like this, I’ll turn into a total slacker...

She pushed herself up, glanced to the side, and noticed a thermometer and a cup of water by the bed.

Su Qingnuan swallowed and picked up the cup.

Hmm? It’s still warm?

After taking two sips, Su Qingnuan set it down.

Her throat felt slightly better as she lifted the blanket and got out of bed.

The air carried warmth, which wasn’t typical for this season.

Is the heating already on?

Su Qingnuan looked out the window in confusion, wondering how long she had slept this time.

Standing by the bed, her face was full of doubt.

Just then, the door opened.

Su Qingnuan turned her head.

A Qi stood at the doorway, surprised to see her upright. "Young Mistress, you’re awake?"

"Uh... Yes." Su Qingnuan smiled awkwardly and asked, "A Qi, how long have I been asleep?"

"Two days." A Qi chuckled wryly. "If you hadn’t woken up, Eldest Young Master might have called the doctor to give you nutrient infusions."

"...That exaggerated?"

Su Qingnuan laughed at his words, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Not exaggerated at all..." A Qi said helplessly. "Eldest Young Master is still in the study and asked me to check on you."

It’s already evening, and he’s still in the study?

Su Qingnuan smiled. "I’m fine, thank you, A Qi."

"Young Mistress, are you hungry?" A Qi asked.

As soon as he spoke, Su Qingnuan’s stomach growled audibly.

Embarrassed, she looked at him by the door and chuckled. "Seems like I am."

A Qi nodded quickly. "We’ve prepared food downstairs. Let me get someone to bring it up for you."

"No need." Su Qingnuan stopped him and hurriedly said, "I can go downstairs to eat."

She had been lying down for so long her whole body felt sore, so this was a good opportunity to move around.

With that, she headed toward the stairs.

A Qi followed closely behind her.

Su Qingnuan turned back, amused by his behavior. "A Qi, why are you following me?"

"Eldest Young Master instructed that no matter where Young Mistress goes, I should follow."

"..."

Is he worried she’ll faint again and embarrass herself?

Su Qingnuan smiled helplessly. "Alright, I get it."

Seeing her smile fade slightly, A Qi looked at her, puzzled.

"Let’s go." Su Qingnuan smiled again.

"Alright."

Entering the kitchen, Auntie greeted Su Qingnuan with a bright smile.

"Oh my! Young Mistress, you’re awake! How are you? Feeling dizzy?"

Perhaps because Su Qingnuan frequented the kitchen often, Auntie didn’t maintain the typical formality of a servant around her.

Su Qingnuan shook her head, smiling warmly. "I’m fine; after sleeping so much, I actually feel better."

Hearing that, Auntie breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s good. Are you hungry? I made you some porridge. Want some?"

"Sure."

Auntie nodded and eagerly went to ladle some porridge into a bowl.

Simple porridge with side dishes, nothing particularly flavorful.

Yet for Su Qingnuan in her current state, it tasted exceptionally good.

She nodded to Auntie, smiling gently. "It’s delicious."

Her complexion was still pale, but the smile brought out a quiet charm, evoking pity.

Auntie looked at her with concern. "If it’s good, have more. There’s still plenty in the pot!"

"Alright."

Though tempted by the taste, Su Qingnuan stopped eating after a while, putting down her utensils.

Her appetite seemed smaller after two days of not eating properly.

After thanking Auntie, Su Qingnuan headed upstairs again.

Passing by the study, she paused for a moment.

Seeing her hesitation, A Qi reminded her, "Eldest Young Master doesn’t know you’re awake yet."

He doesn’t know yet...

Su Qingnuan thought for a moment before turning to A Qi.

"A Qi, do you think if I go in now, Mr. Fu will be angry?"

A Qi’s stiff expression softened slightly into a reluctant smile. "He won’t be." noveldrama

After A Qi reassured her several times, Su Qingnuan finally gathered her courage and stood outside the study door.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked.

"Enter."

Fu Yihan’s distinct voice came from inside.

Su Qingnuan opened the door quietly and cautiously.

Fu Yihan was still seated, wearing glasses, appearing rather serious.

Carefully, Su Qingnuan spoke, testing the waters. "Mr. Fu."

He looked up and saw her standing at the door.

Simple loungewear, two days of illness—she looked even thinner than before.

With a gust of wind, her clothes seemed to billow, as if the wind might carry her away at any moment.

Fu Yihan frowned. "Why did you come out dressed so lightly?"