Substitute Bride to the Crippled Billionaire-Chapter 20 Stunning

"Mrs. Fu, please raise your hand."

Su Qingnuan, like a puppet, obediently raised her hand.

The woman tied the ribbon on her shoulder and smiled faintly, "Alright."

Su Qingnuan lifted her gaze and looked at the woman in the mirror.

The makeup on her face made her look more lively; her lips were coated in a subtle pink, and her large, flickering eyes were filled with confusion.

The simplicity of the pale blue silk gown accentuated her curves beautifully.

As her footsteps shifted slightly, the hem of the dress swayed fluidly, stunningly graceful.

Could someone explain why things had turned out this way?

She had only come to watch a concert—why was she being forced to perform?

"Mrs. Fu, are you dissatisfied?" the woman asked cautiously.

Su Qingnuan froze slightly, noticing the worried look on the woman’s face in the mirror. A sudden sense of helplessness washed over her.

"No, I’m very satisfied."

Stepping off the platform, Su Qingnuan slowly moved toward the door, peering outside.

In the lounge area, Fu Yixing was still guarding the door like a steadfast sentry.

Su Qingnuan furrowed her brows slightly. What now?

"Mrs. Fu, what are you looking at?"

Su Qingnuan turned around. The woman who had just helped her change was staring at her with a confused expression.

Seeing the clothes still in her hands, Su Qingnuan suddenly said, "Could you leave? Leave this lounge."

The woman hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, "I can."

"That’s wonderful!" Su Qingnuan leaned in close to the woman’s ear and whispered, "Go to the third floor for me and find Fu Yihan. Tell him I’m here."

"Mr. Fu?" the woman exclaimed in surprise, "We’re not allowed to meet Mr. Fu."

"....."

Given Fu Yihan’s temper, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Su Qingnuan sighed and added, "Then find a bodyguard named Aqi and have him relay the message."

"Alright."

Watching the woman leave smoothly with the clothes in her arms, Su Qingnuan let out a breath of relief.

She could only hope the message would be delivered successfully.

Leaning against the door, Su Qingnuan anxiously awaited.

"Knock knock knock—"

The door vibrated behind her as she pressed her weight on it hurriedly.

"Sister-in-law, if you don’t come out, I’ll have to go in and rescue you!"

Fu Yixing’s mocking tone rang out, but Su Qingnuan had no intention of responding.

This man was like a madman—one could never guess what he intended to do.

Su Qingnuan held the door, maintaining her silence.

In the next moment, the door was kicked open forcefully, sending Su Qingnuan almost sprawling at the threshold.

She stared at Fu Yixing in terror.

Fu Yixing paused when he saw her—standing there, panic-stricken and at a loss.

Su Qingnuan stood her ground, her wide eyes pure as a celestial spirit descending to earth.

"Tsk!" Fu Yixing frowned irritably and approached her, "Why would you marry someone like that cripple?"

Su Qingnuan furrowed her brow and pushed his hand away, "He’s your elder brother. Please show some respect."

Fu Yixing sneered disdainfully and turned to leave, "Don’t play tricks on me. The piano is ready for you—go onstage."

"Fu Yixing, shouldn’t my performance be discussed with Yihan first?"

"Discuss what?" Fu Yixing sneered, shooting her a glance, "You really thought I arranged this for your performance?"

As expected...

This man clearly had no good intentions. Agreeing to go onstage might lead to who-knows-what awaiting her up there!

Su Qingnuan frowned slightly, standing motionless.

Fu Yixing had already reached the door and grew impatient when she didn’t follow.

"If you don’t come out now, I’ll carry you onto the stage myself!"

"....."

Helpless, Su Qingnuan lifted her gown and walked out slowly.

From the lounge to the backstage area, the astonished gazes of countless people fell on her.

Standing at the iron door, Fu Yixing turned to Su Qingnuan, "Go in."

Su Qingnuan hesitated for a moment, staying put.

Fu Yixing, annoyed, shoved her inside.

"Bang—"

The iron door slammed shut behind her.

In the backstage area, staff moved to and fro, none of them seeming to recognize Su Qingnuan.

Su Qingnuan stood there in bewilderment.

Could she possibly stall here until Fu Yihan and the others arrived?

"Are you Mrs. Fu?" an artist pushed through the crowd, smiling kindly at Su Qingnuan.

Su Qingnuan forced a polite smile, yearning to reject the title in that moment.

"I am."

"Everything is ready for you. Your performance is next—do you have any special requests?"

"The next performance?" Su Qingnuan asked in shock, "So soon?"

"Yes!" The man grinned obsequiously, "Our show is almost over, and yours is the last act."

"....."

Su Qingnuan hadn’t realized that her antics in the lounge had caused her to miss so many performances. The thought filled her with regret.

The man led Su Qingnuan to the equipment, explaining in a low voice.

Overwhelmed by the details, Su Qingnuan tried to grasp the essentials.

"Five minutes?"

"Yes, Mrs. Fu. Five minutes until you go onstage. Please prepare yourself."

Five minutes...

Five minutes wasn’t enough. She wasn’t even sure if Fu Yihan knew she was here.

Su Qingnuan began pacing in frustration.

Like a headless fly, she wandered aimlessly.

After a long while, she suddenly halted and turned to the man.

"Um... May I ask if there’s a guqin available here?"

...

"Up next is a special performance by Miss Su Qingnuan. Let’s welcome her with applause..."

Amid scattered applause, Su Qingnuan stepped out slowly.

As the eldest daughter of the Su family, she had learned the basics of etiquette.

Maintaining a graceful demeanor and an air of confidence were her compulsory lessons.

Su Qingnuan summoned all her courage and composure, presenting herself in her best state as she took the stage.

"Tap—tap—tap—"

The crisp sound of her high heels against the floor echoed throughout the concert hall.

Onstage, a piano was prominently displayed. The audience watched as she approached... the guqin beside the piano, and gracefully took a seat.

"What’s going on?" Fu Old Master furrowed his brows, turning to the Housekeeper beside him.

The Housekeeper whispered after discreetly inquiring, then returned to Fu Old Master’s side and spoke softly.

Fu Old Master frowned, glancing at Fu Yihan.

Fu Yihan appeared entirely unperturbed, as steady as a mountain.

"You’re just going to watch?" Fu Old Master demanded sternly.

Fu Yihan chuckled lightly, "Help her this once, and what of next time? Such a simple situation—if she can’t handle it herself, how can she maintain her role as Mrs. Fu?"

"....."

Fu Old Master said nothing, silently falling back into his seat.

...

Su Qingnuan adjusted her fingers, taking a deep breath.

"Zheng—"

The ancient, sonorous sound of the guqin resonated, its mournful and ethereal melody reverberating through the concert hall, tugging at the hearts of those who listened.

Closing her eyes, Su Qingnuan completely immersed herself in her own world.

With each pluck and stroke of her fingers, the melody unfolded, expressing her emotions through the music.