Come and have a drink with me.

"You are right," he finally spoke, his voice low and powerful. "I taught her those words because I hoped she would become someone who understands the ways of the world while remaining pure at heart."

At the thought of his little girl, his gaze softened, as if he were reminiscing about the moments he spent teaching her. Shu Nian watched the man before her, sensing that her persuasion was beginning to take hold, and a small spark of joy flickered in her heart.

Suddenly, Ji Youmu’s eyes dimmed, and his entire demeanor was cloaked in a sense of helplessness toward life. His voice remained steady, devoid of inflection: "I am perfectly aware that my behavior is depraved, yet I can only watch myself sink into this depravity. I am acutely aware of what I am doing, but I am unable to change it."

Reality hit her like a bucket of cold water. She was not resigned to this.

Shu Nian’s voice was gentle yet firm, her face set with determination. "If you cannot hold onto the peak, then walk the path you came from once more. I know you are spiraling; you know how to save yourself and you want to, but you keep on sinking. In short, your willpower is weak, you lack self-discipline, and you don’t truly want to change. Your daughter needs you."

Shu Nian left these words behind and hurried away, regardless of how Ji Youmu might respond or what expression he wore. She knew that nothing was truly out of reach; it simply required effort. If a person has the courage and a firm conviction, they can be reborn from adversity even when standing alone. There is no need to care about the eyes of others or to curry favor. Just be yourself; in this world, only you truly care about yourself.

When Shu Nian returned, it was already nine o'clock in the evening. She was puzzled—why was the house so empty? Usually, even at this hour, there would be a few servants around, attending to every minor detail. What was going on? Had she made Fu Zhouye unhappy, leading him to dismiss them all? That didn’t seem right. If they were all gone, what would she eat or drink? And what about Fu Zhouye himself?

She was about to sneak up the stairs when she was suddenly pulled back. She turned around cautiously and saw Butler Li, who signaled for silence with a "shh."

Shu Nian was bewildered. Butler Li whispered, "Madam, please be careful. The master is troubled by some family matters."

She understood that the lives of the wealthy were filled with complex grievances, so she nodded. After all, there were always messy affairs like illegitimate children or siblings fighting over inheritance. But surely, no one would dare fight over the master's fortune? That would be a death wish! They wouldn't even know how they died!

"I'll go upstairs to wash up, then," she said.

Butler Li stopped her once more. "Madam, you know that the master needs you."

She immediately waved her hands in refusal. "I'm a little afraid."

But she could not withstand Butler Li’s pleading eyes and his persistent enthusiasm. She was half-pushed toward Fu Zhouye’s room. Once they reached the door, Butler Li used both hands to shove Shu Nian inside.

"Madam, you won’t lose out," he reminded her. "I’m sure that once the master is in a good mood, he will surely give you more money." With that, he locked the door.

Shu Nian looked at the assorted bottles of alcohol scattered haphazardly across the floor of Fu Zhouye’s room. It made no sense; the basement had a vast collection of fine wines, yet he chose to drink here instead, even though the basement was more spacious and warm. She couldn't fathom it.

She braced herself and walked into the bedroom. This wasn't her first time here; she had accompanied him before. She scanned the room, but Fu Zhouye was nowhere to be seen. She had no choice but to head to the balcony.

The bedroom balcony was spacious and exquisite, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. It held an elegant rocking chair and a small round table, surrounded by several meticulously pruned plants. Shu Nian recognized them immediately as the world’s most expensive variety: the Philodendron Florida Beauty.

The price of such plants was astronomical. A single leaf could cost between six hundred and eight hundred yuan, and an entire pot averaged three to four thousand. Larger, mature specimens could fetch as much as eight to ten thousand yuan. Yet, this high price did not deter buyers; many were still willing to pay.

Shu Nian shook her head in amazement. Even top business magnates would build a special greenhouse just to care for such plants, yet here they were, sitting casually on Fu Zhouye’s table.

Fu Zhouye sat in the rocking chair, draped in a black silk robe. The neckline was wide open, revealing his well-defined chest. His dark hair was slightly tousled, with a few strands falling over his forehead, adding a touch of untamed charm. His fingers gently traced the rim of a crystal glass.

Shu Nian thought about how, since her rebirth, Fu Zhouye had been the one providing for her—feeding her well, spending money on her, and letting her live in this massive mansion. As his contract wife, she had to contribute something. Making him happy was worth it.

She leaned in closer, wanting to tease him. "People admire power, whether it’s their own or someone else’s. But you don't need to, because Mr. Fu is already the most powerful person in the world!" Her voice was sweet and coquettish.

Fu Zhouye raised an eyebrow, clearly finding her words interesting. He gestured for her to continue. Encouraged, she pressed on.

"You aren't moody or emotionally unstable; Mr. Fu is simply unfathomable." She continued, her tone lively and spirited, "And why drink? Others do it to kill time, but you do it to consider the employment of countless people—you drink out of concern for the public welfare!"

She spoke with great relish, her eyes dancing. Fu Zhouye watched her red lips move. His gaze was deep, and a gentle smile still played on his lips, but now it held the look of a hunter who had his prey in his grasp.

Shu Nian felt a shiver of fear. She hadn't been afraid of Ji Youmu’s hysterical outbursts, yet she was terrified of Fu Zhouye. She rationalized that it was because he was her "ATM," and she feared he might stop the payments.

Fu Zhouye was intrigued by this side of her. He had never seen such a bold woman. He had lived in a deep, sunless abyss, rarely encountering a living thing that sparked his interest. But when he did, he would grasp it with everything he had. To him, whatever he desired must be firmly under his control. Beneath his veneer of elegance lay a core of violence, tyranny, and arrogant conceit.

He chuckled softly, lifted his eyelids slowly, and leaned toward her ear, whispering, "Madam, it seems you are in high spirits today. Come, keep me company and have a drink."

With a gentle pull, Fu Zhouye drew Shu Nian onto his lap, his other hand wrapping around her waist to keep her steady. Shu Nian felt that sitting on his lap was far too intimate, especially since he was drunk. She didn't know how she would face him when he sobered up—what if he thought she had seduced him?

She began to struggle, using her hands and feet to try to get down, but given the disparity in their strength, she not only failed to break free but was held even tighter. Shu Nian gave up. The consequence for her defiance would be a fierce glare at him behind his back where he couldn't see!

Fu Zhouye then took a glass and poured the wine into her mouth. After the first glass, Shu Nian felt dazed and overwhelmed, her eyes misty with tears as she offered him a sweet, pleading smile. She hoped he wouldn't make her drink any more; she really wasn't the same person she was in her past life—she couldn't handle her liquor.

Her voice became soft and slurred from the alcohol. "Mr. Fu, I can't drink anymore."

Fu Zhouye looked down, savoring the sight of her—teary-eyed and looking like a little rabbit completely dependent on him. A dark, amused glint flashed in his narrow eyes, and he sighed with satisfaction. He had always known that he was a wicked man to the bone, and his thoughts were equally wicked. Yet, he still wasn't satisfied.

"Madam, you must drink to your heart's content with me today."

Shu Nian’s body was already reacting to the first glass; she felt a searing heat spreading through her, though her mind remained clear. Her voice was still soft and pleading: "No... please, I... I can't..."

Before she could finish, another glass was pressed to her lips.