After getting off the plane, Ruan Sixian turned on her phone and found it overflowing with WeChat messages and missed calls.

After boarding the shuttle to the hotel, Ruan Sixian finally had time to reply to her messages.

Jiang Ziyue moved even faster than Ruan Sixian, sending a message to a colleague group chat saying she had arrived in London and asking if any colleagues were also in London to meet up.

This group was created privately by them and included flight attendants, captains, co-pilots, as well as some accompanying maintenance crew and safety officers.

Someone asked Jiang Ziyue who was in the cabin crew this time. Jiang Ziyue listed everyone and then asked: “Why? Are you hinting at something?”

Ruan Sixian glanced at the heated discussion in the group, knowing Jiang Ziyue was talking about her. Before she could even frown, two private messages arrived.

One was from Captain Yue, who was stationed at the London base this year, inviting her to dinner.

The other was from a male flight attendant who had arrived in London yesterday, inviting her to go sightseeing in the afternoon.

This wasn’t the first time they had shown interest in Ruan Sixian, nor were they the only two.

Somehow, Ruan Sixian felt her romantic luck was particularly good this year, with countless pursuers overwhelming her, especially after she appeared on the cover of World Airlines’ March magazine. Every week, several people would find roundabout ways to add her on WeChat.

Ruan Sixian declined both invitations, saying she already had plans for today.

As Ruan Sixian sent her message, Jiang Ziyue beside her glanced at her phone teasingly, “Captain Yue, huh? You’re rejecting even him?”

“…”

Captain Yue’s feelings for Ruan Sixian might not be common knowledge, but anyone with eyes could see it.

But after all, it was a private matter, and having it brought up so blatantly, especially when someone had looked at her phone without permission, would make anyone unhappy.

“I’ve made plans with a friend in London today.”

Jiang Ziyue didn’t believe what she said or thought it was just an excuse. She pouted while looking down at her phone, “I’m curious why you’re always single. Is it because your standards are too high?”

Ruan Sixian: “No… I just haven’t considered these things right now.”

Jiang Ziyue raised an eyebrow and shook her head slightly, “Looking at the entire World Airlines, Captain Yue is incredibly handsome, only twenty-nine years old, with an annual salary of one million, and a chief pilot reserve. So many people in our cabin service department are eyeing him, yet you’re still not interested.”

Ruan Sixian turned her head to look at Jiang Ziyue, taking in her expression completely.

Could it be that Jiang Ziyue had feelings for Captain Yue?

Captain Yue was indeed excellent, but at the same time, his reputation for being a playboy was well-known. Working in an airline environment with waves of beautiful flight attendants was practically like entering a harem. He changed girlfriends as quickly as models changed outfits – one blink and it was someone new.

“It’s not that I’m not interested,” Ruan Sixian mumbled softly. “He’s just not my type.”

There was a light snort from beside her, carrying a mocking tone of seeing through everything.

How could she explain this? Ruan Sixian felt she and Jiang Ziyue weren’t close enough to have heart-to-heart talks, so she stopped responding and continued scrolling through her WeChat. She discovered that Si Xiaozhen had sent her several messages four hours ago asking about her situation.

Ruan Sixian replied with just six words: “Didn’t deliver it, no chance.”

Si Xiaozhen didn’t reply because she was currently on a flight to New York.

At the hotel, Ruan Sixian and Jiang Ziyue shared a standard twin room.

It was now 10:30 AM in London. Jiang Ziyue was removing her makeup and preparing to sleep. Ruan Sixian didn’t have this ability to adjust to jet lag. She was afraid that if she slept now, she would be so tired she’d lose her mind during the return flight two days later, so she had arranged to meet a friend during the day.

“By the way, Ruan Ruan, what happened on the plane today?” Jiang Ziyue asked while applying a face mask, her mouth opening and closing. “I saw you sitting on President Fu’s lap.”

Ruan Sixian, who was changing clothes, froze: “…”

Couldn’t Jiang Ziyue avoid saying the word “lap” so precisely?

“What lap? I just lost my balance during turbulence.”

Jiang Ziyue laughed, but because her face mask was thick enough, it hid her expression.

Late summer met early autumn, with the wind carrying both flower fragrance and cold air.

London was often rainy. Ruan Sixian wore a white shirt and jeans, looking as pure as a small white flower swaying in the wind.

—Ruan Sixian felt she was indeed swaying quite a bit. After flying for more than ten hours and forcing herself to stay awake, she was barely able to stand steady.

“Ruan Ruan, have you arrived in London?”

Bian Xuan’s side was very quiet, but she still kept her voice low, “Baby, I just got off the plane and couldn’t wait to call you. Today you must come with me somewhere—I have a surprise!”

Before Ruan Sixian could answer, the other person hung up.

She must be in a hurry.

But Ruan Sixian liked Bian Xuan.

She liked her enthusiasm, generosity, and fun personality, and enjoyed eating and drinking with her.

“Okay, but where shall we meet?”

A few minutes later, Bian Xuan replied.

“Sorry, I was too excited just now and forgot to tell you. Where are you?”

Ruan Sixian sent her location.

“We’re very close then! Come directly to W.T. Airport to wait for me. I’ll be out in about forty minutes.”

W.T. Airport was a private airport in London.

Ruan Sixian had diverted to this airport before, so it wasn’t unfamiliar to her. She walked there directly.

As for why she was meeting Bian Xuan at a private airport, Ruan Sixian wasn’t surprised because Bian Xuan worked as a private flight attendant on private jets.

This private airport belonged to her boss.

The difference between a private airport and a regular airport wasn’t that significant, at least in appearance.

From the bright, clean building, one could directly view planes taking off and landing on the runway. The floor beneath her feet was so polished it reflected light. Ruan Sixian bought a cup of coffee and stood in the arrival hall, watching for people coming through the exit.

Today, the flow of people isn’t large. Travel-worn passengers hurried by with quick steps. Those waiting outside were anxiously impatient. Only Ruan Sixian seemed leisurely, occasionally sipping her coffee as if she were just a tourist.

When Bian Xuan still hadn’t appeared, Ruan Sixian sent her another message.

“I’ve arrived.”

“Yes! I’m on my way! My boss met the airport manager and chatted for a while. I’m almost at the exit now.”

“Why are you still with your boss after getting off the plane?”

“This is the surprise I wanted to tell you about! My boss has a private yacht party tonight on the Thames. He invited me and agreed to let me bring a friend!”

Ruan Sixian almost choked on her coffee.

“So you want to bring me?”

“Yes! You’ll come with me, right? I’d be so bored alone!”

Ruan Sixian didn’t reply immediately, and Bian Xuan sent several more messages in quick succession.

“My boss is super nice! He’s a fun and hospitable old man!”

“Come on! Let’s go!”

“A yacht party on the Thames! This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Unable to withstand Bian Xuan’s message bombardment, Ruan Sixian agreed.

Six months ago, Bian Xuan had asked if she wanted to quit her job and come to England. She knew her boss had a business partner who had been handling Chinese business for several years and wanted to hire Chinese private flight attendants. Ruan Sixian was intelligent, had a STEM degree, was fluent in English, learned quickly, and was beautiful—making her a perfect choice for private flights. Moreover, the benefits of being a private flight attendant were incomparable to those of ordinary flight attendants. Owners of private jets didn’t care about those salary costs. Sometimes when the boss brought clients, if the private flight service was good, the tips received could equal half a year’s salary for an ordinary person. Plus, one could fly around the world with the boss year-round—such an enviable job.

But Ruan Sixian had declined. One stayed in Jiang City, while the other went to London. They hadn’t seen each other for almost a year. Rather than hesitating about an unfamiliar gathering, Ruan Sixian was more eager to spend a happy day with Bian Xuan.

As she looked up, Ruan Sixian saw Bian Xuan coming out from another exit.

Being on a private flight, she had used a regular passage. Dressed in a bright red uniform and pulling a flight case, she stood out prominently in the crowd.

Bian Xuan waved to Ruan Sixian from a distance.

The airport was brilliantly lit. Ruan Sixian walked briskly toward her, smiling.

After such a long time, the other person seemed to have changed a lot—she had lost some weight but had become even more beautiful.

Joy at their reunion imperceptibly rose in Ruan Sixian’s eyes.

However, when she was about ten meters away from Bian Xuan, Ruan Sixian saw two more people walking out of the exit.

The one in front had such an outstanding presence that he immediately captured Ruan Sixian’s attention.

Before Ruan Sixian could change her expression, she met Fu Mingyu’s gaze.

And she was still smiling brilliantly, her steps light as the wind.

“…”

At that moment, Ruan Sixian’s first thought was: Why is he appearing at this airport?

Her second thought was: Damn, he won’t think I’m deliberately following him, will he?

Ruan Sixian’s smile gradually stiffened at the corners of her mouth.

—Why is she here?

—She is scheming.

Ruan Sixian was almost certain this was what Fu Mingyu was thinking, because the moment he saw her, his steps faltered, and then he turned to walk toward another exit.

Ruan Sixian: “…”

I freaking…

“Ruan Ruan!”

Bian Xuan rushed over and gave her a bear hug, forcibly interrupting Ruan Sixian’s mental projection. “I’ve missed you so much! Did you miss me?”

“Ruan Ruan?”

Bian Xuan shook Ruan Sixian’s shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

Ruan Sixian took a deep breath.

She realized that whenever she encountered Fu Mingyu, she always found herself taking deep breaths.

Perhaps one day she would die from blood deficiency under his suit pants.

“Nothing, I’m just so happy I went blank for a moment.”

Ruan Sixian forcefully threw her coffee cup into the trash bin with a loud “thunk,” using considerable strength.

Bian Xuan looked Ruan Sixian up and down. “But… I feel like you’re not very happy?”

“That’s why I need to be happy now, and even want a drink.” Ruan Sixian hooked her arm around Bian Xuan’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

It was noon. Ruan Sixian accompanied Bian Xuan home to drop off her things and change clothes, then they went for lunch. The entire afternoon was set aside for getting dressed up.

Bian Xuan thought Ruan Sixian was dressed too plainly and dragged her to go shopping for clothes. It was just what Ruan Sixian needed to improve her mood. Fortunately, as a flight attendant on international core routes, Ruan Sixian’s income was not low, enough to afford her occasional extravagance.

In the evening, the banks of the Thames were bustling with pedestrians and tourists. The intermittently loud noises were cleansed by the river breeze, seemingly becoming more melodious. The river surface remained peacefully calm, with the yacht leisurely floating like a swan in the dancing golden light. Only those aboard could truly feel its lavish luxury.

Ruan Sixian wore a wine-red dress with long curled hair cascading over her shoulders. Beside her, Bian Xuan was dressed in snow-white attire.

Both radiant with glamour, they remained the focus of attention even amidst the perfumed elegance of the yacht party.

Bian Xuan held a glass of wine, arm linked with Ruan Sixian’s, leaning against the railing and pointing to a silver-haired old man on the deck. “That’s my boss, Alvin. He said he was hosting this party today to welcome an important guest. Look how crowded it is—so many handsome men!”

Ruan Sixian turned her head to respond to a blond, blue-eyed man’s friendly gesture, then lowered her voice. “What’s the use of being handsome? This is England; most of them probably don’t like women.”

Bian Xuan covered her mouth and laughed, while Ruan Sixian lifted her chin to survey the yacht.

Alvin was a local magnate, the kind with the means to build a private airport. Naturally, his banquet attracted the elite. A band in tailcoats played symphonies on the deck, with fine wine and delicacies wherever one stepped. Servers moved through the crowd, demonstrating their high regard for this guest.

Ruan Sixian stood at the railing enjoying the breeze and asked, “What kind of guest commands such respect from your boss?”

“My boss mainly just loves lively events and enjoys hosting such parties, but of course, the guest is also important.” Bian Xuan’s gaze swept through the crowd, searching for the guest but finding no trace. “W.T. Airport is being acquired. World Airlines—yes, the one you work for—is acquiring W.T. Airport. The son of World Airlines’ owner has come to inspect… What’s wrong?”

Ruan Sixian almost dropped her glass into the river.

“You’re saying… the guest is the son of World Airlines’ owner?”

Bian Xuan nodded: “Yes.”

No wonder he appeared at W.T. Airport today.

Ruan Sixian’s mood was indescribable. She even wanted to leave the yacht immediately. The yacht was in the middle of the river; she could even jump in.

As they spoke, Bian Xuan waved toward the center of the crowd. “Oh! My boss is calling me over!”

Ruan Sixian immediately looked over. Under the bright lights, a formally dressed man holding a glass of wine with evenly slender fingers emerged slowly beside Alvin. Even more proportioned than his fingers were his legs. Standing there from afar in a well-fitted suit, he carried a dignified air that outshone every guest present.

Who else could it be but Fu Mingyu?

As if sensing something, Fu Mingyu also looked over.

When their eyes met, Ruan Sixian almost instinctively wanted to turn away, but her feet didn’t move.

Amidst the bustling crowd, Fu Mingyu tilted his head slightly and handed his glass to his secretary.

Seeing him about to leave, the secretary asked, “President Fu, are you going to rest?”

Fu Mingyu shook his head and walked toward the railing.

He’s coming, he’s coming, he’s confidently walking over again.

Ruan Sixian gripped the stem of her glass tightly, her other hand latching onto her shoulder bag chain.

Wait?

Ruan Sixian suddenly remembered that she had brought the letter written by Si Xiaozhen when she left today.

She desperately hoped Fu Mingyu would read its contents.

Whether it would change his mind was no longer important; she just didn’t want him to misunderstand her.

Before Fu Mingyu approached, Ruan Sixian quickly took out the letter from her bag.

“President Fu.”

Fu Mingyu stood in front of Ruan Sixian, his expression not as cold as before. Perhaps due to the alcohol, there was a hint of frivolity in his brow.

He lowered his head, his eyes curving into an attractive arc.

“This is… quite a coincidence.”

Ruan Sixian: “…”

If you say it’s a coincidence, then it is.

It was quite coincidental.

Ruan Sixian hooked the corner of her lips. “Please don’t misunderstand. I’m here at my friend’s invitation.”

Fu Mingyu didn’t believe her.

At an occasion like this, it would be impossible for Ruan Sixian to be invited.

Unless she was the daughter of an invisible billionaire.

“But none of that matters.” Ruan Sixian handed him the letter. “You didn’t read this letter before. Please take a look to avoid misunderstanding my intentions.”

Fu Mingyu just looked at her, his lips pressed into a shallow curve.

Though he was smiling, there wasn’t a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Seeing that Fu Mingyu had no intention of taking it, Ruan Sixian planned to open the letter and shove it in his face to make him see clearly.

But her right hand was holding a drink, and there were no servers nearby. She couldn’t possibly ask someone of Fu Mingyu’s stature to stoop to holding her wine glass.

So Ruan Sixian opened the letter with just one hand.

Taking out the paper inside, when she tried to shake off the envelope, Ruan Sixian’s hand slipped, and she watched helplessly as the letter was caught by the wind, floating and swaying as it fell into the river.

The surrounding music happened to stop at that moment, leaving only the sound of flowing water in her ears, intensifying the awkward stillness in the air.

Blood deficiency was no longer enough to describe Ruan Sixian’s current feelings.

She closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, she saw for the second time on Fu Mingyu’s face an expression that said, “I’d like to see how you explain this.”

Anything she said now would be useless; she couldn’t jump into the river to retrieve the letter.

“I…”

Fu Mingyu suddenly stepped closer, interrupting Ruan Sixian’s words.

Ruan Sixian instinctively wanted to step back, but behind her was the railing pressing against her waist. There was nowhere to retreat.

The river breeze blew in gusts, stirring the water’s colorful ripples. Ruan Sixian’s hair was blown upward, repeatedly brushing across her face.

“Fine then.”

Fu Mingyu said just these words.

Hearing that Fu Mingyu seemed to be letting the matter go, Ruan Sixian breathed a sigh of relief.

The next second, Fu Mingyu placed a card in Ruan Sixian’s hand.

Ruan Sixian looked down at the card in her hand.

A room key card.

Just as she was wondering what he meant, she heard him say: “I’ll give you a chance.”

Ruan Sixian: “…”

What the hell is wrong with you?!?!