Rosalie had seen it clearly. None of the wealthy young men in Beijing's social circle had ever been Celia's first man. Which meant… her first time must have been with someone insignificant, unworthy.
Rosalie's tone carried a sharp edge of contempt."Yes, Celia. I want to know."
Celia's bright eyes glimmered as she smiled faintly."No. Trust me, Rosalie—you don't want to know."
Rosalie faltered for a beat. What did she mean by that?
The girl before her stood calm and unflinching, without a trace of shame. She even smiled, clear-eyed and serene, as if mocking everyone around her.
That composure alone drew every gaze toward her.
For the first time, Rosalie felt that Celia wasn't just a rival—she was a formidable opponent.
Just then, a voice rang out from the doorway."Cici."
Heads turned. It was Julian Fu.
The Fu family's youngest prince, now a gaming mogul in Beijing, had arrived.
Julian strode in and fixed Rosalie with a cutting glare."Miss Lu, you're growing more shameless by the day. Even the market aunties gossip less than you."
The entire room froze. No one in Beijing dared speak to Rosalie like that. Yet now, being called "a market auntie," her face went pale. This was Julian Fu.
Still oblivious to his connection with Celia, Ning Xiner blurted out in shock,"Mr. Fu, why are you defending her? Celia isn't just a thief, she's a liar too, she—"
Julian's eyes narrowed dangerously."Ning Xiner, don't test my patience. I don't hit women, but for you, I might make an exception."
Ning Xiner's words died in her throat. Terrified, she fell silent.
At that moment, another tall figure stepped inside.
Nathaniel Fu.
"Nancheng~" Rosalie rushed to his side like a damsel in distress. She clutched his sleeve, her voice soft and aggrieved."Mr. Fu, your brother is bullying me…"
Julian gave a derisive laugh."Mr. Fu, your fiancée seems rather interested in Celia's private life. Since she's so desperate to know, why don't you tell her who Cici's first man was?"
All eyes turned. No one knew the truth better than Nathaniel.
Dressed in a black coat, his posture aloof and commanding, Nathaniel stood with quiet authority. He didn't even glance at Rosalie. His gaze locked solely on Julian and Celia, unreadable and deep.
Celia could already feel the tension in the air, thick enough to choke on. She hadn't expected Julian to step in, but she didn't want him to expose her past with Nathaniel either. Their relationship had been bound by an agreement—neither owed the other, and they had parted without regret. He had never treated her unfairly.
Celia moved first, her voice steady."Mr. Fu, allow me to buy you a drink."
Her hand brushed his sleeve.
Julian's sharp eyes softened slightly. He reached out, taking her hand in his."Alright."
With that, he led Celia away.
As the two of them left together, the crowd began to scatter. Young men and executives from the Beijing circle exchanged whispers:
"So it's true—Celia's first man was Young Master Fu.""This girl is extraordinary. Even Young Master Fu fell for her."
The evening Rosalie and Ning Xiner had planned so carefully—to expose Celia and humiliate her—had been completely overturned by Julian's sudden appearance.
Jealousy burned in Ning Xiner's voice."Yaoyao… was Celia's first man really Young Master Fu?"
Rosalie opened her mouth to speak, but a cold, detached voice cut through the air.
"You two seem to have too much free time."
It was Nathaniel.
Rosalie froze. Her heart clenched as she looked up into his eyes.
This was the first time Nathaniel Fu had ever looked at her with such open coldness and displeasure.