The Only Choice - 16

Zhou Fanfan had practically sprinted the entire way. Once she burst through the main gates, she hastily flagged down a taxi, terrified that Guan Yuanbai might drag her back inside.

Her heart was still hammering against her ribs by the time she stumbled through her own front door. She collapsed onto her bed, face etched with utter dejection.

How long would Guan Yuanbai stay angry? Even though she'd probably never cross paths with him again, a heavy, sickening guilt churned in her stomach.

And then there was the fact that he was Yiyi's brother. Would her beloved idol think she was a terrible person for deceiving him?!

The thought made her want to cry. With a pathetic whimper, she flopped backward onto the mattress, completely drained.

She must have dozed off like that, because when she woke up, it was completely dark outside.

Feeling utterly wretched, she fumbled for her phone. Several missed calls and a deluge of WeChat notifications greeted her.

She tapped into WeChat. Messages from A-Chou, whom she'd just added today, the fan club president, and her private fan group blew up her screen.

A-Chou: [Fanfan! You know Guan Yuanbai?!] 

President: [What the hell is going on???] 

Zhou Fanfan had no idea how to even begin explaining. She skipped their messages and opened her small fan group. Liu Liu and Qi Qi had been spamming it for hours.

Liu Liu: [YOU LIAR! You said nothing was going on! Looks like plenty is going on!] 

Qi Qi: [AAAAAH! Just the videos and photos have me screaming! So sad I wasn't there!] 

Liu Liu: [HE HELD YOUR HAND! Xiaoqian! You were there! Give us the play-by-play!] 

Xu Xiaoqian: [I was in shock! I didn't even notice Guan Yuanbai was there… Anyway, Fanfan got exposed on the spot, and he dragged her away.] 

Liu Liu: [Where is Fanfan? Did our 'son' execute her on the spot? Huh?] 

Qi Qi: [Fan! Say something! Mama is worried about you!] 

Xu Xiaoqian: [I've called her a bunch of times. No answer.] 

Qi Qi: [The main fan group is going absolutely insane.] 

…

Panic fluttered in Zhou Fanfan's chest. She quickly switched over to the main fan group, which had hundreds of members. She usually kept it muted.

Sure enough, the chat was exploding about today's events. Scrolling up, she found dozens of videos and photos of her and Guan Yuanbai facing off.

In that moment, she understood with crystal clarity what it meant to feel one's heart shrivel up and die.

Hands trembling, she returned to the four-person group chat, ‘A-Yi's Wild Stepmoms’, and typed a single period.

The other three pounced immediately.

Qi Qi: [You're back! What happened?!] 

Zhou Fanfan sent a crying emoji. [He was super mad earlier. I apologized like crazy. Ah… I was terrified!]

Xu Xiaoqian: [See? I told you it wasn't some cute moment! This was definitely not a good situation! Fanfan, are you okay?] 

Zhou Fanfan: [No. My conscience is tormenting me…]

Liu Liu: [Wait, why is he so angry? Weren't you two in on that scheme to fool your families together? It's not like you committed some horrible crime. At most… you had a little ulterior motive tucked away.] 

Qi Qi: [I get it! Anger means he cares!! Why else would he be mad that you got close to him for reasons other than him?!] 

Zhou Fanfan: [What nonsense! Don't joke around at a time like this! Wuwuwu]

Qi Qi: [I'm not really joking.] 

Zhou Fanfan: [Him being angry makes perfect sense. I used him to get close to his sister and gave her a bunch of gifts. He must think I'm a complete fraud from start to finish.]

Xu Xiaoqian: [So what did he say to you afterward?]

Zhou Fanfan: [Said I deliberately got close to him… and used him as a delivery service…]

Qi Qi: [Pfft… Ouch. Hits the nail on the head.] 

Zhou Fanfan broke down completely: [AAAAAAH! And now Yiyi knows about it too! I just want to die!!!]

—

Zhou Fanfan never imagined she'd become the main topic of gossip within her own fan circle. Opening Weibo, she found her private messages and comments flooded with people asking about her relationship with Guan Yuanbai.

Scrolling through the public feed, she saw numerous posts from people who had been at the event.

"Major tea today! Everyone knows that blogger 'Yiyi's Wild Stepmom,' right? Turns out she's with Guan Yuanbai!! When I saw her at the fan meet I told my friend she was really pretty. Didn't expect her to be our sister-in-law! And the sister-in-law is just like us, fangirling in the crowd!"

"I've followed that blogger for a long time. She's liked Yiyi for ages too. When did she get together with Guan Yuanbai?"

"She liked Yiyi, so she went after Guan Yuanbai… and succeeded? How wild is that."

"Not that wild. She's genuinely pretty and cute, and seems like a rich second-gen heir. Fans at the event said her car was super high-end."

"Damn… she had an inside track."

Zhou Fanfan stared at the screen, baffled.

How?! How could they deduce from a few short minutes that she had successfully 'landed' Guan Yuanbai?!

She let out a long, despairing sigh. If she had actually managed to snag Guan Yuanbai and become their 'sister-in-law' for real, she probably wouldn't feel this hopeless right now.

Wait, no… maybe she'd feel even worse. If Guan Yuanbai found out his 'girlfriend' was actually in love with his little sister, the fallout would be a thousand times more explosive than today.

A weak, humorless smile tugged at her lips. She decided she had to post a Weibo to set the record straight.

Claiming she didn't know Guan Yuanbai was no longer believable—it would just sound like a weak attempt to cover things up.

After thinking for a moment, she wrote: [We just knew each other from before. We are absolutely NOT a couple. Please don't misunderstand. Rumors stop with the wise!]

—

The next day, at the Xinghe Bay villa.

"Mr. Guan, I've gathered all the gifts Miss Zhou sent over. They're all here. Please take a look." He Zhi glanced cautiously at Guan Yuanbai, whose face was like a thundercloud.

Guan Yuanbai said nothing. He picked up two framed pictures—one of him, one of his sister. The one of his sister was clearly more detailed and exquisitely done. How had he not noticed before? He'd just thought she was being thoughtful!

A wave of irritation choked him. He snatched up a small box containing two pendant necklaces, each with a silvery-white kitten charm.

When he'd first seen them, he'd thought they were too feminine. Why would Zhou Fanfan give him these? Now it was obvious, they were never meant for him in the first place! The real recipient was a girl, of course they were feminine!

He tossed the box aside dismissively. A fan… a hardcore fan… No wonder she'd been able to so accurately serve his sister her favorite fruit that day at the old house!

"Mr. Guan, there's also the matter of her Weibo." He Zhi, tasked earlier that morning with investigating Zhou Fanfan, presented his phone. "This is Miss Zhou's Weibo ID. Yesterday… she posted a clarification about her relationship with you."

Guan Yuanbai took the phone. Seeing her username, ‘Stepmom-Chan’, his eyebrow twitched involuntarily.

Then he read her post: "Just knew each other," "Absolutely NOT a couple."

Right. Exactly. They were merely acquaintances!

Seeing Guan Yuanbai's expression darken further, He Zhi found it increasingly difficult to read his boss's mood. Honestly, after all this time, he still couldn't figure out what his boss truly felt about Miss Zhou.

If he liked her, why had he kept her at arm's length, treating it as just humoring the elders? If he didn't like her, why did he seem quietly pleased whenever He Zhi brought in the gifts she'd sent?

Well, regardless of his feelings, one thing was crystal clear right now: the boss was livid.

In all his years working for him, He Zhi had never seen his always-in-control boss be played like this by anyone.

"Mr. Guan, what would you like me to do with these gifts?" He Zhi asked after a moment.

"Throw them all out!"

"...Understood."

He Zhi found a large bag and began carefully placing the items inside. The entire time, Guan Yuanbai sat on the sofa watching, silent and still except for the rise and fall of his chest.

Under that intense gaze, He Zhi felt strangely nervous and sped up his movements. Once everything was packed, he hoisted the bag and headed for the door.

"Wait."

Guan Yuanbai's voice cut through the silence.

He Zhi turned back cautiously. "Mr. Guan?"

Guan Yuanbai pinched the bridge of his nose, wrestling with himself. Finally, with clear reluctance, he gritted out, "Forget it. Leave it."

—

News of the incident at Guan Zhiyi's fan meet quickly spread among Guan Yuanbai's circle of friends.

Song Li and the others found it hilariously entertaining and lost no time in rubbing his nose in it.

A few days later, a group of them met up for drinks. Around nine in the evening, the door to the private room swung open. The room was dimly lit, so the hallway light silhouetted the figure who entered.

Squinting against the backlight, Yan Chenghuai and Song Li watched as Guan Yuanbai walked in. His expression was unreadable in the gloom, but the way he yanked at his tie as he sat down radiated pure irritation.

Song Li and Yan Chenghuai exchanged a look before turning their attention to the newcomer.

"Well, well, late again, Young Master Guan." Song Li teased. "You've been making a habit of this lately."

Guan Yuanbai ignored him, poured himself a glass of ice water, and downed it in one go. The glass hit the crystal tabletop with a sharp, definitive clink.

"What's eating you?" Yan Chenghuai asked.

Guan Yuanbai replied tonelessly, "Nothing. Just some issues at the hotel."

Song Li slid onto the couch next to him. "Hotel issues? Really? I would've guessed you were still stewing over that girl from the blind date."

Lately, Song Li and the others had taken immense pleasure in bringing this up in front of Guan Yuanbai. It was just too bizarre, and frankly, hilarious.

Who could have imagined that the girl they all thought was head-over-heels for him actually had her sights set on his little sister all along?

Sure enough, Guan Yuanbai's face instantly turned frosty. Yet, his words were dismissive, "It's trivial. Do you really think someone like that could affect me for this long?"

Absolutely, Song Li thought, but he just smiled and said, "Of course not. How could she? I was just talking."

Yan Chenghuai also moved closer, curiosity getting the better of him. "So, you haven't been in contact with that girl at all these past few days?"

Guan Yuanbai's reply was curt. "Why would I be?"

"Alright."

Song Li feigned disappointment. "You know, I never did get to see what she looks like. I wonder what kind of girl has the guts to pull a fast one on our Yuanbai."

Yan Chenghuai said, "When I had dinner with Zhiyi and Chengyan the other day, Zhiyi mentioned she's very pretty."

Song Li's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Guan Yuanbai let out a cold snort, his voice hard. "She's her fan. Of course she'd say that."

Was that a hint of vinegar in the air?

Yan Chenghuai chuckled. "Well, it's a good thing you didn't fall for her."

A tightness gripped Guan Yuanbai's chest, and his fist clenched subconsciously. "Obviously."

—

After she posted her clarification on Weibo, some people still refused to believe Zhou Fanfan.

But she knew that regardless of what netizens thought, the buzz would eventually die down. After all, neither she nor Guan Yuanbai were celebrities.

The online chatter would fade, and Guan Yuanbai's memory of her would likely fade, too.

As long as I never have to see him again.

That was Zhou Fanfan's fervent hope. So, it came as a complete shock when, just a few days later, she found herself face-to-face with Guan Yuanbai once more.

It all started with a phone call from Guan Xi.

Zhou Fanfan saw an unfamiliar number and assumed it was a telemarketer. But the voice on the other end was vaguely familiar.

"Fanfan, hello~ It's Guan Xi."

Zhou Fanfan was taken aback. "Oh… hello."

Guan Xi. They'd met briefly in the Guan family kitchen. She didn't recall exchanging numbers.

Guan Xi said, "I know this call is a bit sudden. I got your number from Grandma. Hope I'm not disturbing you?"

"No, not at all. It's fine."

"Great! Well, the reason I'm calling is to invite you to a party I'm throwing on Christmas Eve."

In the past, an invitation from a stunning beauty who also happened to be Guan Zhiyi's cousin would have thrilled her.

But now… anyone connected to Guan Yuanbai filled her with anxiety.

Zhou Fanfan chose her words carefully. "Miss Guan, it's like this… Mr. Guan and I… we don't have any relationship now, so…"

"Whether you have anything to do with him is irrelevant," Guan Xi cut in breezily. "I just think you're fun and want to invite you. I heard about the thing with my brother. I don't really care if you're involved with my family or not. This is my party. I'm inviting my friends."

"I see…"

Guan Xi was very persuasive. "Exactly! Come on, it'll be fun. We can get to know each other. Oh, and I heard you really like Xiao Wu."

Zhou Fanfan: "Mhmm… I do."

Guan Xi laughed. "Perfect! Then your Christmas Eve present is easy. I have some little items related to her that I can give you. You have to come."

If there was one thing in the world guaranteed to hook Zhou Fanfan, it was merchandise related to her idol.

Plus, Guan Xi was being so warmly insistent; she felt bad refusing.

However, before committing, Zhou Fanfan cautiously asked, "Um, might Mr. Guan be attending?"

Guan Xi knew she meant Guan Yuanbai and let out a light laugh. "I did invite him earlier, but he turned me down. Said he was busy."

Zhou Fanfan felt a wave of relief. "Okay. I understand."

"So, you'll come?"

"Mmhmm! I'll be there!"

—

Since she'd agreed to attend Guan Xi's party, she needed to prepare properly.

Before Christmas Eve, Zhou Fanfan went out and carefully selected a Christmas gift for Guan Xi.

On the day of the party, she arrived at the given address on time.

The venue was a massive villa with sprawling, manicured lawns. Inside, a prominent wall featured a portrait of Guan Xi herself—apparently, this was her own place.

The party was already in full swing, filled with attractive, well-dressed people. Zhou Fanfan found Guan Xi, presented her gift, and Guan Xi, true to her word, pulled her into an inner room and handed her a delicate little box.

Zhou Fanfan opened it, and her eyes widened.

It was a brooch. But it wasn't just any brooch. It was from a luxury brand that Guan Zhiyi had once endorsed, a limited-edition collaborative piece. On the back of the gemstone setting were the engraved initials of Guan Zhiyi's name.

That collaborative series had been produced in very limited quantities. She remembered trying to have someone snag one for her at the time. She'd managed to get a piece, but not this particular design. Later, when she tried to buy this specific one, it was completely sold out.

She'd regretted it for a long time.

"This… this is too valuable."

Guan Xi waved her off. "Nonsense. The bracelet you just gave me is quite precious too."

"No, no, it's different. This is a limited collaboration. It's not available anymore and never will be. It's truly rare."

Zhou Fanfan's earnest expression was utterly charming. Guan Xi couldn't help but smile. No wonder even Xiao Wu had told her this girl was interesting.

"It's only 'rare' and 'valuable' to someone who genuinely appreciates it. Others might not understand its worth." Guan Xi pressed the box into her hand. "Take it. In your hands, it finds its purpose. I think Xiao Wu would be happy knowing her collaborative piece is with a true fan."

That sentiment struck a chord deep in Zhou Fanfan's heart. She stopped her polite refusals and accepted the gift with sincere gratitude. "Thank you."

Just then, the music outside swelled, becoming more intense and celebratory, with an explosive, rave energy. Guan Xi's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she pulled Zhou Fanfan back out into the garden.

Guan Xi had hired a famous band. Guests were drinking and dancing, the atmosphere as electric as a club dance floor.

Swept up in the vibe, Zhou Fanfan let Guan Xi drag her into the thick of the dancing. She let loose for quite a while, only escaping when she felt a light sheen of sweat on her back.

"Everyone! It's Christmas Eve! I've prepared lots of apples. I want each of you to take one, sign your name on it, and then give it to someone randomly, pass on your blessings! Merry Christmas Eve, and have a fantastic time!"

Guan Xi had somehow made her way onto the small stage. She took the microphone and announced the game to the crowd.

Soon, servers wheeled out carts laden with apples. Like everyone else, Zhou Fanfan took one and used the provided gold marker to carefully sign her name on its shiny red skin.

The music continued, but Zhou Fanfan stayed on the sidelines, apple in hand, done with the dance floor for now.

All that dancing had left her parched. She wandered over to the food and drink area and picked up a glass of pinkish fruit punch. It tasted uniquely sweet and tart, with just a faint hint of alcohol.

Zhou Fanfan wasn't usually fond of drinking, but this was delicious, the alcohol barely noticeable.

She drained the entire glass in one go. As she set the empty cup down, savoring the taste, a familiar figure entering from the periphery caught her eye.

She froze, then snapped her head around to look.

The newcomer seemed to have decided to come at the last minute; he was still dressed in a suit that leaned towards business attire.

At that moment, he was turned slightly, speaking to someone beside him. Under the wash of indigo-blue lights, his features looked like a painting, exuding a lazy, self-assured composure.

What is he doing here?!

Panic instantly seized her. And, as luck would have it, she was positioned directly in his line of sight.

Before Zhou Fanfan could even think to duck away, her eyes met Guan Yuanbai's across the lively crowd.

"…"

The eye contact was brief, yet it felt drawn out, like a slow-motion movie scene stretching one second into several.

In the space of that silent exchange, Guan Yuanbai had already closed the distance between them.

Now, moving in any direction would seem more awkward. Zhou Fanfan could only stand rigidly in place, feeling like a child caught misbehaving.

"Mr. Guan… hello. Wh-what a coincidence.”

---

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