A_Ray_of_Light

Years later, the people of Yucheng still regard the bygone scandal of the aristocratic family as an after-dinner topic.
A cunning woman of the streets ascended to the summit of society, becoming the esteemed lady of a high-priced aristocratic family. 
She was addicted to gambling, once accumulating millions in debts.
Her demeanor was worldly and vulgar, known as a prominent socialite.
Yet, Gu Hansheng still favored her.
Until, this femme fatale of the century dug her own grave, causing the demise of Mr. Gu's beloved, the White Moonlight.
Henceforth, she vanished from Yucheng without a trace.
People say: "Blood debts must be repaid with blood, and death settles it all."
No one knew that night became a thorn in Gu Hansheng's heart.
On the snowy streets, a woman wrapped in a coat stood trembling beneath neon lights, delicately reaching for the car door.
The window lowered, a man gazed at her, softly laughing: "Madam Gu, there is no one in this world more cold-hearted and ruthless than you."
She grasped the door handle, lips pallid, face filled with grievance, "Hansheng, I'm cold."

The dead are colder than you.

The black silhouette departed into the night.

In the rearview mirror, snowflakes fluttered like tattered fragments, nearly engulfing the woman's shoulders.

In later recollections, in the midnight reveries, Mr. Gu could always hear her saying, "Hansheng, I'm cold."

The most missed when departing

Murmurs arose, "You mean... Gu Han Sheng from the Gu family?"

"In Yucheng, besides him, how many Gu Han Shengs could there be?!"

The sound of water gradually subsided, but the conversation continued.

"Eh, if you had told me Gu Han Sheng was here, I wouldn't have gone to the restroom. This man is currently the moonlight in the eyes of all the elite ladies in Yucheng. Normally, you can't even catch a glimpse of him at any social gathering. What's going on today?"

Pausing, the woman continued, "We should go out quickly. A man adored by everyone like a deity, what if he notices me and we hit it off?"

"Oh, come on. Let's touch up our makeup first. Although there have never been any rumors about Gu Han Sheng's private life, especially regarding his relationships, men are visual creatures. I don't believe he would be interested in someone unattractive."

"That's true, but did you know, just now, when Gu Han Sheng arrived, Miss Leng from the Leng family eagerly went over with a champagne glass to strike up a conversation. Guess what happened?"

"Mr. Gu didn't even spare Miss Leng a glance, treating her as if she were invisible," the woman spoke with a malicious grin. "Look at how arrogant she usually is, as if all the outstanding men in high society belong to her. This time, she's met her match."

"Tsk tsk, it seems even the reclusive Mr. Gu is hard to impress."

"Who knows what their preferences are."

Liang Shu rolled her eyes inwardly. Regardless of the accuracy of their conversation, with someone like Gu Han Sheng, even if his romantic history could fill a book, outsiders might not know a single word of it.

The two women were probably still touching up their makeup outside. She sat on the toilet lid, propping her cheek on her hand, wondering what kind of auction this was to have invited both Gu Han Sheng and Lu Jinsheng.

If she had known Lu Jinsheng was here too, she would definitely not have risked coming.

Even though Mr. Yu had offered a substantial sum.

By the time Liang Shu had heard the end of their conversation, she could no longer contain her urge to leave. The people in this circle were indeed strange. Women aimed to snag wealthy husbands, men sought to network for business, yet the reasons for embellishing their appearances were so noble.

Only when the click-clack of high heels gradually faded did she emerge from the stall. The high heels were chosen by Mr. Yu at a private club earlier in the evening. After wearing them for a while, her heels began to ache, not very comfortable.

Her phone vibrated in her bag; it was the second call from Mr. Yu, but she still didn't answer.

Liang Shu stared at her own pale face in the mirror, still feeling a bit shaken. She contemplated whether to go out or not.

Liang Shu lowered her head, lifting her skirt as she moved towards the exit. Before reaching the door, her line of sight was suddenly shrouded in darkness. She furrowed her brows instinctively, intending to step back, but due to a moment of imbalance, she toppled backward.

A hand, which had always belonged to a man, pressed against her waist, guiding her back.

Her gown tonight had a daring design, and with that hand pressing against her skin, the palm felt hot and dry, its warmth seeping into her skin and transmitting to her central nervous system.

Moreover, the hand on her waist continued to exert force.

The door of the women's restroom was kicked open with a single foot, the sound of the door slamming against the frame echoing above her head.

Liang Shu trembled with fear, raising her head only to meet the man's fierce and brooding eyes. Her pupils contracted, and she exclaimed in a low voice, "Lu Jinsheng, are you insane?!"

This was the women's restroom, and he had barged in so brazenly, truly disregarding all dignity.

Chapter 24: Sinister