After their relationship went public, Fu Zheng was initially quite anxious.
It wasn't that he feared gossip, but rather that Su Ying might be dragged into it and become the subject of speculation.
To his surprise, people didn't seem to have much of an opinion about them being together. Many even thought they made a good match and showered them with blessings.
"I thought Miss Su would be single for life. It's truly remarkable to see her in love within my lifetime!"
"Miss Su can be a bit overbearing, but she's genuinely a good person. You're a lucky man!"
"I've always wondered how a successful woman like Miss Su, with her looks, wealth, and career, never had a boyfriend. Turns out it was a secret affair!"
"Congratulations! Please take good care of her from now on!"
Facing the outpouring of blessings from her colleagues, Fu Zheng's anxious heart finally settled.
However, he was still sternly lectured by Su Ying about getting drunk and was forbidden from sharing her bed. No amount of pleading or acting cute worked!
From then on, Fu Zheng etched the words "abstain from alcohol" into his very being, resolutely adhering to it, not daring to upset his girlfriend again.
On their first anniversary, Fu Zheng's family finally relented. They hesitated before calling him, indirectly asking when he would bring his girlfriend home.
"Zheng Zheng, Grandma is getting old. I don't know if I'll get to serve tea to my granddaughter-in-law..."
"Is your girlfriend pretty? Bring her back for the relatives to see!"
Fu Zheng could ignore his parents' words, but when his grandparents spoke, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
One day after work, Fu Zheng prepared a table full of dishes, clearly with the intention of appeasing them.
Su Ying gave him a playful glare and asked, "Alright, what's on your mind?"
Fu Zheng chuckled sheepishly, rubbing her shoulders as he carefully chose his words. "Well... my elders at home want to meet you... Are you free recently? Could you accompany me back to my hometown for a bit?"
Su Ying actually felt a bit resistant to the idea of meeting his parents.
Especially, meeting the man's parents.
Fu Zheng's parents hadn't treated her kindly before and had even pressured him to break up with her. Su Ying figured dating was just dating, and there was no need to make things too awkward, so she hadn't bothered with them.
She was a fiercely independent woman, financially secure enough not to need to be anyone's appendage. She was already tired of the industry gossip; now she had to endure the judgment of her boyfriend's family?
She truly didn't want to.
"I might be a bit busy lately," Su Ying said hesitantly.
However, Fu Zheng knew her work schedule better than anyone. Her latest collection had just finished its fashion week debut, and the next one was months away. Apart from some urgent orders, she was actually quite free.
Fu Zheng knew she was unwilling, but he could only offer a wry smile and not push her. "Alright, I understand."
Watching the light in his eyes gradually fade, Su Ying couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
Was she being a terrible person?
Just dating him, without considering his future...
Su Ying felt inexplicably flustered. "Well... I heard your hometown has beautiful scenery?"
Fu Zheng, who had been silently eating his meal with his head down, slowly looked up. "You..."
"I've been meaning to plan a company retreat for the studio staff, but I haven't decided where to go," Su Ying said, biting her chopsticks and speaking at a leisurely pace. "Is the cost of living high there?"
"It's quite affordable," Fu Zheng's heart leaped with joy.
Was she indirectly agreeing to go back with him?
Perhaps her refusal just now was out of shyness? Or maybe she wanted to compensate him because she thought he might be upset? Whatever the reason, Fu Zheng was overjoyed.
"I know the area very well, I can be your tour guide."
"I have a relative who owns a hotel there. It's quite nice, and the prices are reasonable..."
"My grandparents live in the mountains, and there's a large orchard there. We can arrange many activities..."
When Fu Zheng got excited, he became rather incoherent.
Su Ying found his ramblings amusing. What started as a casual remark gradually led her to believe that going there might be a good idea.
Su Ying was a woman of action. Once she had an idea, she had to execute it.
The next day, at the company's morning meeting, she put the matter of the team-building retreat on the agenda. Regarding the destination, everyone enthusiastically suggested famous tourist cities, and some even proposed going abroad.
Holding the materials Fu Zheng had prepared in advance, Su Ying decisively announced, "This time, the destination will be G City. It's a popular tourist spot recently, with cultural and natural landscapes vastly different from ours. I believe it will bring everyone fresh creative inspiration."
"Miss Su, just say it directly, you want to go to Little Fu's hometown, don't you? And here you are, taking such a roundabout way!"
"I guessed as much, hahaha!"
"Hahahaha..."
In the conference room, someone started the teasing, and everyone else joined in with laughter.
Most of Su Ying's studio employees were young. They liked to speak their minds directly, so there were no communication issues. Moreover, Su Ying didn't like to put on airs as a boss. She often mingled with them, and such jokes were common.
What kind of person was Su Ying to be affected by their teasing?
She smiled and readily admitted, "Yes, I have my selfish reasons. Are you coming or not!"
"We're going, we absolutely have to go!"
"Little Fu often talks about his hometown. I've been wanting to visit for a long time!"
"I heard they have beautiful women there. How could we miss the chance to feast our eyes!"
"Anyway, the company is covering the expenses. We'd be foolish not to take advantage of such a good deal!"
"We've been working hard for so long, it's time to relax!"
Ultimately, everyone unanimously approved, and the specific itinerary was set.
Su Ying entrusted all the travel arrangements to Fu Zheng.
It was strange, ever since Fu Zheng moved to the marketing department, Su Ying hadn't hired another assistant. If there was something she could do herself, she did it. If it required errands, she delegated them to the administrative department.
"It seems Miss Su truly loves Little Fu!"
"Or is it to avoid making Little Fu jealous?"
"I must say, this real-life couple is just too cute!"
Three days later, over a hundred people boarded the high-speed train to G City for their trip.
Compared to flying, the high-speed train offered direct service and was more convenient.
*
In G City, upon hearing that Fu Zheng was returning with his girlfriend, his aunts and uncles had already gathered at the Fu family home, eager to catch a glimpse of Su Ying.
"Cousin's wife, you are truly blessed to be marrying into a prominent family from B City!"
"I heard she's an internationally renowned fashion designer who has won many awards. Truly a woman of both talent and beauty!"
"Her parents are both doctors. Will we get preferential treatment when we need to see a doctor in B City in the future?"
"Little Zheng will probably settle in B City, won't he? That's the capital, how impressive!"
The relatives chattered incessantly, showering compliments.
However, Fu Zheng's mother's expression was somewhat displeased.
She had vehemently opposed their relationship back then. She never expected her son to defy her to such an extent that she had to compromise. Wasn't this a direct slap in her face?
The more the relatives praised Su Ying's capabilities and Fu Zheng's discerning eye, the more it highlighted her own shortsightedness.
Thinking about it made her furious!