Chapter 38: Nirvana
After Liang Shu uttered those words, Gu Hansheng ignored her completely.
The nurse came to take her back for intravenous therapy. Gu Hansheng didn't even look at her, he turned around and left, his back straight and decisive.
Liang Shu knew she had brought this upon herself.
But what could she do? Some ideas had taken root in her mind and were only growing deeper.
That afternoon.
The old lady called Gu Hansheng again and asked him to come back. Ji Chen transferred the call. Gu Hansheng was in the middle of a conversation and didn't answer, so Ji Chen declined the request.
Ji Chen's tone was gentle, but it still hurt Wen Mingting's heart. She hung up the phone directly.
Late at night, Gu Hansheng had just finished his social engagement. He canceled all his arrangements for the next morning and went to the old house to apologize to his mother.
...
The Gu family's old mansion where Wen Mingting lived had a history of nearly a hundred years. After several renovations, the house's original appearance was almost unrecognizable.
It was said that it used to be the famous Zhen Bao Zhai jade shop. It was a large courtyard displaying a large number of exquisite and rare jade carvings. Later, after changing hands several times, the house was bought by Gu Hansheng's grandfather and, after two generations, gradually became the current Gu family's old mansion.
In this generation of the Gu family, the number of people was sparse. From a prosperous large family, it had dwindled down to only Wen Mingting and Gu Hansheng, which could be described as desolate.
Wen Mingting had no other wishes now, only hoping that Gu Hansheng could settle down and start a family during her lifetime, so she could enjoy her grandchildren.
Gu Hansheng arrived early today. The old lady had just finished breakfast not long ago and was trimming the branches and leaves in the garden downstairs with the steward, Liang Qing.
At first, Wen Mingting had some opinions about Gu Hansheng's missed appointment yesterday. When she heard that he had come, she put down what she was doing and came to the front yard, just in time to see Gu Hansheng walking over from the path.
Gu Hansheng was wearing a smoky-gray casual shirt today, matching trousers of the same color, which made his figure look slender and much brighter, without the aura of the business world.
He stood ten meters away from the two of them, his hands in his pockets, smiling with an air of composure.
Liang Qing covered her lips behind Wen Mingting and chuckled, "Coming so early, are you here to apologize?" Finally, she added, "I wonder if he's had breakfast."
"Qing Aunt." Gu Hansheng smiled at Liang Qing.
Wen Mingting then walked over, smiling, "I know you're busy, I won't blame you. Have you had breakfast?" she asked, then turned and called out Liang Qing's name, "Quickly, get something ready in the kitchen."
As she spoke, Gu Hansheng wanted to refuse, but he was afraid of dampening the old lady's enthusiasm, so he let Liang Qing handle it.
The two of them entered the house together. Wen Mingting asked, "Where's Ji Chen?"
Gu Hansheng put his arm around Wen Mingting's shoulders, picking the grass clippings off her shawl before replying, "I didn't dare bring Ji Chen along. You said that the Gu family mansion is strictly off-limits for work."
"Don't mock me."
After they entered the house, tea was already served in front of Gu Hansheng. Wen Mingting brought out a neatly folded newspaper and placed it in front of him.
There was hardly any room for Gu Hansheng to ease into the conversation. After taking a sip of the hot tea, he almost scalded his throat.
"Let's talk."
His expression remained unchanged, smiling openly, "Talk about what?"
"You and I both know, in the past, I could discern between true and false rumors, and I let you be. But what about this girl?"
In the middle of the newspaper in front of him was a clear picture of Liang Shu's profile.
It was when she was getting into the car, holding up her skirt. Her exposed neck and arms were very slender, her wrist almost unable to hold the watch, her profile was perfect, her skin very fair, contrasting sharply with the surrounding night.
Standing beside her, he seemed to pale in comparison.
It was evident that her other hand was in his, while Liang Shu shielded him somewhat, leaving him only able to glimpse the corners of her eyes and eyebrows.
Whoever took this photo certainly did a good job.
Gu Hansheng collected his thoughts, picked up an orange, and as he peeled it, he chuckled and said, "The boundless media captures shadows, just one of many rumors surrounding me."
Wen Mingting snorted, "Enough. When have you let other women get into your car?"
"Shiqing," he answered quickly.
"Gu Hansheng."
He handed the peeled orange to Wen Mingting, "Please, enlighten me as to what you mean."
Wen Mingting didn't respond. "I don't eat sour stuff," she said, watching Gu Hansheng wipe his hands with a tissue, his movements akin to sharpening a knife.
"I quite like this girl. She seems like a good girl at a glance. I don't care about her background. If she's good for you, that's enough for me. I don't ask for much, just hoping you'll consider my feelings."
"How did you see that she's a good girl?"
Gu Hansheng's voice, tinged with disdain and indifference, was uniquely his own.
"I have a good eye for people. This girl is quite good. Look, even though the watch is old, she still wears it," Wen Mingting pointed to a certain part of the photo, "People who cherish old things usually have a good heart and aren't the type to chase after wealth and status."
"Hm," Gu Hansheng sneered, "You're surprisingly accurate."
["I want to borrow twenty million from you."]
["I'll sell it to you."]
That's all there is to it.
The game had already begun, but someone had folded too early, making it pointless.
The atmosphere suddenly grew cold.
Wen Mingting sighed softly, considering his mood, then took back the newspaper, neatly folding it, and said, "Mom knows you've been harboring some unresolved feelings."
"But, Hansheng, continuing like this will make you sick. The matter of children's marriages is important. I've always been open-minded and respectful of your choices, but your stubbornness has almost no hope. How can you force it?"
Wen Mingting had always known that her son was keeping a vegetative person in Yushan.
He had been in a coma for several years, with little chance of waking up.
She felt it was Gu Hansheng's obsession.
He could indulge himself, but as for his other half, Wen Mingting could overlook the person's background, but it couldn't be a living dead.
She didn't know how much of her words Gu Hansheng took to heart. The expression on the man's face remained calm, without much change.
He smiled faintly at Wen Mingting, his tone half serious, half helpless, "Mom, you're overthinking it."
Whether it was comforting or something else, it at least brought a smile back to Wen Mingting's face.
She still took the orange he had peeled and put a slice in her mouth. Unexpectedly, it was sweet. "When you have time, bring some back for me to see. I really like that child."
Conclusions drawn solely from a photo of her profile without ever having met her.
Gu Hansheng couldn't help but think that the old lady was getting anxious.
But he never expected Wen Mingting to change the subject, "Or perhaps you could meet the girl from the Tao family. Although she might not be as beautiful as the girl in the photo, she excels in all aspects and has a good appearance, which is suitable for our family without being overly ambitious."
Gu Hansheng suddenly realized that there was more to it than meets the eye.
It was indeed quite difficult for her.
And as his mother maintained the dignity of an adult, how could he disregard her wishes?
"Alright," he replied with a smile.
"Alright for what? Give me a definite answer."
"Then I'll meet her."
Gu Hansheng had a phone call to make, and Wen Mingting followed him.
Liang Qing came out of the kitchen to say breakfast was ready, but only saw Wen Mingting sitting alone on the sofa, her gaze turning towards the distance, where through the bright French windows, a tall figure of a man was seen strolling on the cobblestone path, answering a phone call.
In his every movement, his temperament was evident.
...
"How did things turn out from that night?"
Gu Hansheng was on the phone, speaking to Ji Chen.
Ji Chen immediately understood the situation and replied, "Everything has been taken care of. The photos from that night, none of the media kept the negatives; they've all been destroyed."
There was silence on the other end for a few seconds before Ji Chen added, "Keep an eye on the Yujing Daily."
"Understood."
They must be wary of his identity, as they probably only published a few pages; otherwise, there wouldn't be such little buzz even now.
However, it was worth investigating how the scarce newspapers made their way into the hands of the old lady.
As if sensing something, Gu Hansheng turned around and happened to see Wen Mingting waving at him by the French windows, her face still radiant with warmth.
He gestured that he was still on the phone, and Wen Mingting shook her head before turning away.
On the phone, Ji Chen's voice slowly pierced through his eardrums, "Miss Liang has been insisting on changing to the worst-condition ward these days..."
"Alright," Gu Hansheng interrupted, "Arrange it for her."
"What about the medical expenses?"
A cold smile played at the corners of Gu Hansheng's mouth, his emotions subdued, "Handle it yourself. No need to ask me."
As it seemed like the call was about to end, Ji Chen asked again, "But what if her creditors insist on pressing for payment..."
"Let them do as they please. Leave it to fate."
...
Gu Hansheng abandoned all public affairs in the morning and spent the entire morning with Wen Mingting.
After lunch, knowing he was busy, Wen Mingting said before going for a nap, telling Gu Hansheng not to inform her, and they should go their separate ways.
The butler Liang Qing followed Wen Mingting upstairs, and their figures disappeared around the corner of the staircase.
Shortly after, a servant was called into the living room.
Gu Hansheng's countenance had cooled by a few degrees as he stood with hands behind his back, his tone heavy and inscrutable, devoid of emotion, "From now on, all newspapers and items received in the house must be confirmed with Shi Qing beforehand. I won't say this a second time."
The maid dared not look at him, only nodding repeatedly, a fine layer of sweat beading on her forehead.
...
After the hospital changed Liang Rui's ward to the worst condition, Ji Chen appeared once.
He came to inform her that Mr. Gu had covered all her hospital expenses.
With a cold face, Liang Rui asked, "What does he mean by this?"
"What do you think he means, that's what it means."
Clutching the bedsheet, she gritted her teeth, "Compensation? Messing up my plans, and this is all he thinks it takes to settle it?"
There were still many other patients in the ward, and amidst the commotion, many eyes turned towards them.
Because Ji Chen exuded a unique aura, something ordinary people rarely encountered, they were naturally curious.
In such an environment, noise was inevitable.
Ji Chen couldn't be bothered to respond to her and simply nodded before turning to leave.
Two seconds later, a pillow was thrown at his shoulder, then fell to the ground.
He paused for a moment but didn't turn back.
Only the sound of Liang Rui's slightly panicked voice came from behind, "Bastard! I want to go back to the VIP ward!"
That was Liang Rui.
Common, worldly, pitiful, and laughable, these were all her.
The real her.
Ji Chen paid no further attention and left the ward.
Liang Rui stayed in the hospital for a week before being discharged.
The weather was bad that day, with heavy rain in Yucheng.
She walked out of the hospital gate without any hesitation, braving the downpour.
Calculating the time, she had sent tens of thousands over there last time, and with some sweet words, it could last for a while longer.
She returned to the underground world, dealing cards to others for a night could fetch her quite a sum.
One month later.
Yucheng entered autumn.
The trees on the streets began to turn yellow, exuding a sense of desolation.
In the evening, the sky was gloomy, the wind rustling the leaves.
Wrapped tightly in a camel-colored coat that reached her ankles, Liang Rui emerged from a low alley. Her black hair fluttered in the wind, her face devoid of expression, her skin unusually pale.
On the electronic screen across the square, the intention diagram of a newly built real estate project by Zhenzhen Group was being displayed, occasionally flashing the stern and handsome face of Gu Hansheng.
Liang Rui pursed her lips, tightening her grip on the bottle of medicine in her hand.
Ten minutes ago, a conversation between her and someone else slowly surfaced in her mind.
The person said, "This medicine of mine is the best in all of Yucheng. Many people come to me for it, but you must control the dosage and take it easy."
Liang Rui showed no displeasure on her face, "Could it be fatal?"
"Not likely, I'm just worried you won't be able to handle it."
She promptly paid and opened the glass door, and the person behind her clicked their tongue twice, "If you use it well, come find me again. I'll give you a discount next time."
...
It was Friday.
Miss Tao Yaying's twentieth birthday.
After nagging Gu Hansheng for nearly half a month, Wen Mingting finally persuaded him to meet this Miss Tao from the Tao family.
In previous conversations, the old lady earnestly advised and urged: "Although this young girl is still young, she's very nice. I've met her and her mother a few times. The young girl has a favorable impression of you. Just think of it as going to wish her a happy birthday for me. If you happen to take an interest in another woman that day, I won't stop you."
On Tao Yaying's twentieth birthday, the Tao family extravagantly booked one-third of Yucheng's renowned five-star hotel.
The two lower floors were for hosting the party, while the hotel suites from the thirty-ninth floor upward were reserved for guests to rest tonight.
All the invited guests were from the upper echelons of Yucheng society.
Just Tao Yaying's university classmates alone occupied nearly an entire floor of rooms.
Today, Tao Yaying was undoubtedly the most eye-catching figure among the crowd. She wore a bold strapless knee-length dress, styled her hair elegantly, adorned with pearl earrings, and strutted in red patent leather high heels, moving about like a proud peacock.
She chatted loudly with her friends and university classmates, exhibiting a very ostentatious demeanor in the crowd, completely resembling a little princess.
Amidst the lively conversation, suddenly someone heard a voice, "Yaying, you mentioned before that the person you like would come tonight. Who is he? Has he arrived?"
The radiant smile disappeared from Tao Yaying's face in an instant. She turned her head towards the staircase, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in her heart but still sincerely replied, "I don't know."
She lowered her head, twisting the handkerchief in her hand, and sighed, "I just really like him, but I don't know if he likes me back."
Her classmates comforted her, "Don't be discouraged. You're so outstanding, so beautiful, excellent in your studies, and your personality is very likable. He must like you."
Tao Yaying smiled shyly, "Really?"
The conversation shifted, and just then Tao's mother came over, greeted everyone one by one, then pulled her daughter aside, her face brimming with an unstoppable smile.
"You're still chatting with everyone here. Let me tell you, Han Sheng is coming tonight."
The fan in Tao Yaying's hand lightly fell to the ground, and after several seconds, she came back to her senses, "Mom, could you say that again?"
Gu Hansheng arrived late, as he was quite busy today, but he still had Ji Chen spare some time to pick out a small gift, which he handed over to the Tao family along with a red envelope upon entering.
The Tao family had already arranged for someone to welcome him, and even though they kept it low-key, Gu Hansheng's appearance still caused a small stir.
Everyone speculated on Gu Hansheng's purpose for being here.
If Gu Hansheng had come alone, it would be easier to explain, but he hadn't.
This was also the first time Gu Hansheng had brought a woman to such a public occasion, inevitably arousing suspicion.
On the second floor in the sofa area, Tao Yaying's university classmates were still sitting together. Upon hearing someone say that Gu Hansheng had arrived, they all got up and crowded around the railing to look downstairs. They saw the distinguished man smiling as he shook hands with someone.
Someone exclaimed, "Is this the legend of the business world? He's so handsome."
"Although I don't know who he is, he's really handsome..."
"Have you heard of Zichen Real Estate? It's a commercial residential center rising from the valuable land of Yucheng. Our finance teacher often uses him as an example."
In these remarks, there was nothing but admiration and adoration.
However, the woman next to Gu Hansheng was also very striking in appearance, with a devilish face and a model-like figure, attracting the gaze of many men and women present.
Someone exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't that the popular star, Ruan Yunyun? Oh my, am I seeing things correctly?"
Classmate B: "It really is her. Gu Hansheng actually brought a star. The Tao family's face is at stake..."
"Gu's rumors are numerous, but no media outlet has evidence, and no media outlet has ever exposed a photo. This time, openly bringing Ruan Yunyun along, could there be something fishy?"
"Ruan Yunyun is now the spokesperson for Gu Group, with advertising fees ranging from tens of millions to even hundreds of millions... Just think about it. Even the veterans in the entertainment industry couldn't win over her. She earns hundreds of millions just from endorsements. If it's not through special channels, who would believe it?"
"Is that true?"
"Most likely. My sister, who majored in drama, told me. She follows gossip news every day. Moreover, everyone in their circle knows that Gu Hansheng has had dinner alone with Ruan Yunyun."
The girl sitting beside her remembered Tao Yaying's joyful and nervous appearance just now and pulled her friend's clothes to remind her, "Do you know why Yaying is so happy tonight? Let's not talk about it."
The person closed her mouth in annoyance, suddenly looked over, and was deeply attracted by the man downstairs.
And what about Tao Yaying?
She was holding her mother's hand, briskly walking down the spiral staircase in her small leather shoes, saying as she walked, "Mom, the suite on the top floor, you didn't assign it to anyone, right?"
Tao's mother smiled, instantly understanding her daughter's thoughts, "No, I didn't."
"Good."
She was so jubilant now, but upon seeing Gu Hansheng, Tao Yaying instantly became reserved.
With reserved demeanor, tinged with surprise.
Before her stood a man exuding charisma, clad in the simplest black shirt and matching trousers, his figure tall and slender. Even though Tao's mother mentioned he had just come from the office, the shirt remained crisp, devoid of any signs of fatigue.
However, standing shoulder to shoulder with Gu Hansheng was a mature and alluring woman, casting Tao Yayi from elation to disappointment in an instant.
She merely stood beside Gu Hansheng, with a distance of even two fists between them, yet to Tao Yayi, the scene was glaringly conspicuous.
A woman who had risen to fame in the entertainment industry in her twenties, even a blink of her eye exuded a charm that women of her age could not imitate, naturally evoking envy.
This disparity forced Tao Yayi to try hard to ignore Ruan Yunyun. She kept her back straight, lips curved in a smile, striving to present her best self.
Tao Yayi looked up at Gu Hansheng, unable to conceal the admiration in her eyes. She could only suppress her voice and softly utter, "Gu…"
Gu Hansheng spoke first with a smile playing on his lips, "Tao family's little princess, happy birthday."
"Ah?" Tao Yayi stared at him, momentarily dazed.
Suddenly, a woman's voice interrupted, "Happy birthday."
It was Ruan Yunyun.
Her hands folded slightly in a gesture of politeness, a perfect smile graced her exquisite face. "Tao little princess, I didn't receive an invitation, but I still wanted to bask in Mr. Gu's glory for a meal. I hope you don't mind?"
Tao's mother gently patted her daughter's shoulder, and Tao Yayi awakened from her reverie. "Just call me Yayi, no need to…" She paused. "Be so formal."
Finally, she added, "Of course not, you're welcome to join us."
With these exchanges, Tao Yayi looked at Gu Hansheng once again. "Mr. Gu, thank you for coming tonight."
Gu Hansheng smiled but remained silent, not engaging in conversation. His left hand discreetly fiddled with his fingers. Jun Chenming clearly understood this and reminded Tao's father. With that, Gu Hansheng politely excused himself from Tao Yayi, following Tao's father to the table.
Tao Yayi watched the man's departing figure, feeling bewildered. She held her mother's hand. "Mom, do you think he could like me?"
Tao's mother looked at her seriously, and with emphasis, said, "Yayi, affection must be sought after."
…
Tonight, Liang Shu expended considerable effort to work as a waitress in this hotel. The manager, seeing her beauty, suggested, "With your looks, can you handle carrying plates?"
Her gaze steady, she nodded. "Yes."
The manager frowned, then asked again, "Why not work as a hostess? You could multiply your salary several times over."
She thought seriously for a moment, then shook her head. "No, thank you."
Being a hostess was not that simple.
Liang Shu quietly hid in a corner of the hall, dressed as a waiter. From the moment Gu Hansheng entered the hall, she kept her eyes on him.
During the banquet, Gu Hansheng drank quite a bit, and Liang Shu found herself increasingly at ease watching him.
Later, Gu Hansheng left his seat.
Liang Shu poured some white powder into a tall glass, added a cup of water, and at the right moment, called over her fellow male waiter from their group.
Her beauty, evident in her lowered gaze, exuded an inexplicable allure.
The male waiter was momentarily stunned, finding his partner even more beautiful than tonight's birthday celebrant.
She pressed the glass of plain water into his hand, speaking earnestly, "Mr. Gu has had quite a few drinks tonight. He's in the restroom now. His assistant mentioned that when he comes out, I should bring him a glass of plain water to settle his stomach."
Liang Shu blinked. "I'm really afraid. Please go."
The male waiter still hesitated. Liang Shu continued, "Weren't you assigned to serve on the top floor tonight? I've checked; he's staying there. You could get acquainted."
The male waiter agreed.
As he turned away, he still stared at Liang Shu and almost tripped, spilling some water. Liang Shu's heart tightened, and she supported him. "You must be careful," she said finally. "Go quickly, don't delay."
Gu Hansheng returned to the banquet after a while, but sat for about twenty minutes, sweat beading on his forehead. Jun Chenming keenly noticed his discomfort, and the Tao family immediately arranged for someone to take Gu Hansheng to rest.
Jun Chenming supported him. "Sir, are you going back or staying here?"
The man's lips curved into a cold arc, not looking at anyone, and replied, "Back to Villa Zero."
Jun Chenming immediately sent someone to arrange a car, and he helped Gu Hansheng walk out.
Tao Yayi watched helplessly as they walked further away, unable to do anything.
Liang Shu was even more anxious than Tao Yayi, her mind rapidly spinning, already planning the next steps.
Unexpectedly, Gu Hansheng shook his head and said, "Forget it."
A sudden turn of events.
Liang Shu breathed a sigh of relief.
Gu Hansheng took the elevator to the top floor. Five minutes later, another figure slipped into the elevator.
...
The quiet night grew deeper.
Tao Yayi was blocked by Jun Chenming outside Gu Hansheng's suite.
"Miss Tao, please restrain yourself."
"Assistant Jun, I just want to go in and see Mr. Gu. I heard he's not feeling well..."
Jun Chenming's attitude was firm, his face devoid of even a hint of a smile. "Miss Tao, don't force me to be rough."
Tao Yayi looked at the heavy door, biting her lip, and took another step forward. "I... I like Mr. Gu. Can't I just see him? I brought him medicine. He's had so much to drink; his stomach must be uncomfortable."
"That's none of your concern." Jun Chenming stared straight at her.
Seeing she was still persistent, Jun Chenming smirked. "Miss Tao, I advise you not to invite trouble. Don't think Mr. Gu came tonight to give you face. In the whole city of Yucheng, there are very few who can make Mr. Gu give face."
Tao Yayi left.
With a sense of grievance, resentment, and unwillingness.
After Gu Hansheng left, she sadly went to find her friends, and ended up having a wild night out.
Little did she know that later, she heard that Gu Hansheng had come back again, saying he had drunk a lot and probably wasn't feeling well. He was even holding his stomach at the time.
Tao Yayi immediately went to buy medicine and sent it over herself, only to find that she couldn't even see him.
But Gu Hansheng didn't say anything, and even when he saw her tonight, he greeted her with a smile. Why did his assistant dare to act this way?
...
At this moment, no one knew that besides Gu Hansheng, there was also Liang Shu in his suite.
The duplex suite was quite spacious.
Starting from the entrance, the floor was covered with thick carpets.
The dim lighting created a somewhat eerie atmosphere.
Liang Shu crouched behind the heavy curtains, barefoot, listening to the patter of the shower in the bathroom. Unexpectedly, a voice echoed in her mind, "Don't think a shower can ease that restlessness. You're overthinking it. Desire only grows stronger and harder to contain. The medication will become more potent, even inducing hallucinations. At that point, the man is at the mercy of the knife, and you are the blade."
She made a swallowing motion, crossing her feet and suddenly feeling a dryness in her mouth.
Gu Hansheng was indeed in a great deal of discomfort. Though the sensation felt unfamiliar, upon deeper reflection, it was understandable.
After showering, he emerged, but after ten minutes, he went back in for a cold shower.
Later, almost kicking the door open, he threw himself onto the bed, picked up his phone to call Jun Chenming, only to find it was off. His vision blurred, and he slammed the phone against the wall, almost shattering it into pieces.
Liang Shu trembled. She had personally turned off his phone, fearing her fate might end up like that device, smashed to pieces.
Liang Shu was perhaps the only woman who had witnessed Gu Hansheng losing control.
Timing it right, she rushed out from behind the curtain just as the man, with bloodshot eyes, sat crookedly on the bed, staring at her. His long legs were casually bent, and parts of his body exposed to the air exuded strength.
He wasn't even wearing a bathrobe, just loosely draping a towel around his waist.
His short hair was damp, and icy droplets fell onto his skin, failing to alleviate the slightest bit of heat.
Dim lighting enveloped the surroundings, with only a floor lamp in the corner casting its glow.
In such a situation, Liang Shu locked eyes with Gu Hansheng.
It resembled the scene when she first saw Gu Hansheng at the Yushan villa.
Without hesitation, she stepped toward him, stepping on the shattered fragments of the phone. As she walked, she shed her clothes one by one.
One piece after another, until only the last line of defense remained.
She crouched in front of Gu Hansheng, looking up at him with a smile on her lips, but her eyes were like those of a startled deer.
"Mr. Gu, remember well, I am Liang Shu."
Gu Hansheng clenched the bedsheets with his fingers, his thin lips forming a straight line, his gaze reflecting Liang Shu's body, where there seemed to be a fire that could reduce her to ashes.
It was ironic—some people schemed wickedly yet still wore an innocent facade.
As Liang Shu drew closer to him, a hot palm pressed against her slender neck.
This hand slowly tightened, gradually depriving her of the air between breaths.
With very little fabric on her body, her eyes seduced the soul, and the tear mole at the corner of her eye became even more enchanting. The temperature around rose significantly.
The fingers he placed on her neck gradually tightened...
This man was indeed ruthless.
For a few seconds, Liang Shu felt like she was being strangled to death. She reached out, grabbing his hand. She was ice-cold all over, while he was burning hot.
Gu Hansheng threw her fiercely onto the snowy-white sheets, his voice almost gnashing his teeth, "I'll strangle you, as easy as squashing an ant."
But the smile at the corner of Liang Shu's mouth deepened gradually. "But why bother? Just a woman who came willingly. I'm worthless on either side, while you, Mr. Gu, are truly pristine. Believe it or not, I'm still clean. We can settle the score afterward. Mr. Gu, you'll definitely profit."
The woman's expression was playful, tinged with three parts world-weariness and seven parts coquetry.
This was a sight the man had never seen before. He thought the game had ended when she said, "I'll sell myself to you."
But little did he know, it wasn't over yet.
She came back with a vengeance, forcefully drawing him in.
It does have a bit of intrigue.
But however intriguing, it cannot violate the rules he set.
Gu Hansheng lowered his head and sank his teeth into her slender neck with force.
The sudden pain made Liang Shu's brows furrow, and her fingers instinctively grasped the man's strong arm, nails sinking deep into the flesh, yet failing to alleviate the vampire-like ache.
"Gu..."
By the time he released her, Liang Shu was already shedding a second wave of tears.
She squinted through the misty water, looking up at him, towering above—
Gu Hansheng was smiling.
The corner of his revealed teeth was a bright red.
Trembling, Liang Shu reached up to touch her neck. It felt sticky, tainted with blood staining half her hand.
This man was too ruthless.
Gu Hansheng stared at her coldly, sweat beading on his forehead in waves. He stripped her clothes away, yet he himself remained immaculately groomed, like a beast in human clothing.
Those hands seemed capable of igniting a fire, scorching her.
In this situation, she felt utterly humiliated.
As he stared at her, he didn't understand why he could endure to this extent. The man had said the drug was potent.
But for Gu Hansheng, it seemed not enough.
Not enough, but not entirely so, because Liang Shu saw the beads of sweat rolling down his cheeks, landing on her skin, adding to the allure.
But she had no time to dwell on romantic notions. The pain in her neck threatened to rob her of coherent thought.
Then, from above, came the man's cold but lustful voice, "Liang Shu, surrender to me, or even if you don't die, you'll shed a layer of skin."
At the words, Liang Shu's blood-stained hands clutched the man's back tightly. Beneath her palm, there was a raging heat. She gritted her teeth and smiled, "Is that so?"
Her gaze swept over the man's pulsating Adam's apple, then continued, "There are many times when I don't want to live anymore. Death means nothing to me."
Gu Hansheng pushed her onto the bed, his fingers tightening on her sore spot. Liang Shu's brows furrowed tighter as she looked at the red on the pristine white sheets, lost in thought. "So much blood. It would be so much better to buy a woman to save you. Why waste..."
Then came the sound of a metal buckle hitting the carpet.
And then, nothing.
...
Five minutes past five in the morning.
Liang Shu had a close brush with death, and now, she could barely count herself among the living.
Beside her, Gu Hansheng breathed evenly, exhausted.
She looked at the mess around her and herself, and found herself laughing silently.
After a while.
Liang Shu picked up the man's shirt casually and put it on. Beneath the pure black color, her legs, straight but mottled in color, were revealed.
When she got out of bed, she couldn't steady herself and fell straight onto the carpet.
The thick woolen blanket was sticky with liquid. Liang Shu was momentarily stunned. She reached out and touched her thigh. The images of her desolation just moments ago filled her mind entirely.
Who would have thought that the man could be so savage?
Like a demon, like a beast, tearing her into pieces and making her endure it all in pain.
Near the French window, there was a small exquisite purple-gold incense burner in the wall cabinet. Liang Shu lit the incense. This thing could make him sleep even deeper, and perhaps even dream.
Then she walked to the outer room and poured herself a glass of water, rudely swallowing the medicine. The cool liquid flowed down her neck, marked with traces, in a way that was strangely seductive.
Only then did she go to the bathroom to freshen up.
Under the glaring lights, Liang Shu finally saw her condition.
The woman in the mirror had been battered by the man.
She was already slim, and now she was wearing a knee-length black shirt, her figure enveloped within, appearing even smaller.
The exposed skin bore various injuries, some more visible than others. While she could hide most of them, the area around her neck was too unbearable to look at.
The wounds had started scabbing over, dried blood still visible, a gruesome sight.
Liang Shu remembered when he reached the summit, still holding onto that wound of hers. At that moment, astonishment had almost overwhelmed her nerves, temporarily putting aside the pain.
She quickly took a shower and left, still wearing his shirt, despite the strong scent of alcohol lingering on it.
The suite boasted an excellent view.
Outside the French window lay the night scene of Yucheng.
Liang Shu moved to the small sofa by the bed, her mind elsewhere for ten minutes.
She stood up and looked around. Gu Hansheng's chest rose and fell rhythmically, indicating deep slumber.
How would things be when the sun rose tomorrow?
She suddenly felt a bit hopeful.
Everything was fine.
At five forty in the early morning.
Liang Shu walked to the cabinet across from the bed, took the camera, put on her pants, and left the hotel without looking back.