Chapter 8

Yu Xi could still feel the high-radiation laser beams from behind her even after turning the corner. A shiver ran down her spine, her lips twitched, then pressed together, but her pace remained unchanged.

Arriving at the parking lot, she saw Gong Youqi just stepping out of the elevator.

She smiled and walked towards him: "I thought you'd be busy with something else tonight." Wasn't the beautiful Miss Su supposed to meet him for a date?

Gong Youqi glanced at the bag in her hand: "Hungry?"

It was a lie to say she wasn't. After waking up this afternoon, she'd only salvaged some leftover scraps from last night to satisfy her hunger. She pulled out a piece of chocolate, considerately handing it to him: "You must be hungry too, right?"

He didn't take it, but instead pulled open the car door for her, "Save your appetite for dinner."

Yu Xi didn't mind, putting the bag away and settling in. Hmph, would eating chocolate damage the handsome man's image? If he didn't want it, fine, more for her.

The car moved slowly due to rush hour, and though the air conditioning hummed in the small space, the atmosphere was strangely heavy.

From the rearview mirror, Gong Youqi saw the usually boisterous gold-digger beside him had become as quiet as still water. He felt a bit uncomfortable. He also remembered how she had deliberately delayed reporting Su Yingran's call before leaving work. He had intended to reprimand her with cold words, but now he couldn't bring himself to speak.

After a while, he finally broke the silence: "Are you feeling unwell?" He thought she might not have recovered from yesterday.

She took a moment to respond: "Huh? No, I'm perfectly fine, and my appetite is great." She secretly chastised herself for acting so profound; it didn't suit her image at all.

Then she perked up: "Young Master Gong, where are we eating? Chinese or Western? Fine dining or buffet?"

Gong Youqi felt she had come back to life. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have any suggestions? Tell me a few places."

"Are you testing me?" This wouldn't stump her. Yu Xi blinked, rattling off names as if from a treasure trove: "For Chinese food, there's Longfengju, Gongdelin, Pinmiaozhai, Xindu Li, Puhuitang, and so on. For Western, we could go to Little Red House, Landium, Hidden Dragon Court, Sea Star, Dennis, Palanduo, etc."

These famous restaurants were not only places wealthy people frequented but were also genuinely unique. She had to possess this basic knowledge, otherwise, how would she ever catch a rich husband?

"You know them quite well. Then we'll go to... Da Fu Hao."

...Was he deliberately trying to waste her breath? Yu Xi opened her mouth, once again confirming that this man was indeed black-hearted. Then she realized, Da Fu Hao? Wasn't that Gong Youkai's territory?

"You're going to see Big Gong?" She happily grabbed his arm. Chu Chu must be there too, right?

Gong Youqi saw her excited look and subtly detached himself from her "octopus tentacles." He glanced at her: "Being so excited makes me think you're impatient to see my elder brother."

"Of course, I want to see your valiant, unrestrained, noble, stylish, and defiant Gang Leader Gong... and my good sister by his side." Chu Chu's phone had been unreachable since last time. This time, she absolutely had to ask her what was going on.

He smiled faintly: "Your sister isn't simple. I heard she successfully angered my elder brother."

Yu Xi was surprised: "Big Gong was angered by Chu Chu? He must have bullied Chu Chu first." Then she worried: "Your elder brother isn't some bloodthirsty, brutal gangster, is he? Will he harm her in a fit of rage?"

Her mind naturally conjured images of gangsters usually killing like flies and sinking bodies in the sea.

Gong Youqi merely smiled, not answering, letting her imagination run wild. However, he had heard that his elder brother, who rarely lost his temper, had actually lost control because of that woman. That alone made him want to investigate. A few days ago, his parents had repeatedly hinted, asking why his elder brother hadn't come home recently and wasn't answering calls. He had casually brushed them off, but he himself wanted to see what was going on. Plus, Yu Xi had begged him several times to help her see Xiao Chuchu, so he might as well do her a favor and check on his elder brother at the same time.

Upon arriving at Da Fu Hao, the manager on duty personally led them to the private room where they had first met and then went to inform Gong Youkai.

Yu Xi pointed to the several doors, probing: "Where do these all lead?" Those labyrinthine exits had confused her last time.

He glanced at them: "They lead to where they should."

She wrinkled her nose, muttering "Stingy" under her breath, and picked up an apple from the table, taking a furious bite to vent her frustration.

Gong Youqi watched her actions, and a strange feeling stirred within him again. Some of her small gestures always held a childlike innocence, making him wonder if it was a highly skilled act, yet it seemed as natural as if it were her true nature.

Last night's intimacy, her pitiful vulnerability when she couldn't bear his passion, almost made him feel tenderness. For a moment, he even found himself believing it was her first time. But the moment she saw doubt in his eyes, she continued to seduce him, forcing his budding tenderness to transform into more passionate exploration.

He still believed she was not as simple as she appeared. Meeting her friend, who had managed to move his elder brother, today was a way to understand her indirectly.

As the two were lost in their own thoughts, a door on the right opened, and Gong Youkai entered coolly. He gave the seductive Yu Xi only a glance before sitting directly on the sofa opposite them. Xiao Chuchu, wearing a white chiffon dress, followed him in.

"Chu Chu!"

"Xi Xi."

The two beauties, reunited after a long separation, embraced each other, expressing their emotions. Big Gong was expressionless, and Young Master Gong, well, he was also expressionless.

The two handsome men sat on the sofa, conversing indifferently, ignoring the touching scene of reunion unfolding beside them.

Yu Xi looked around, then pulled Chu Chu towards the room where Gong Youqi had signed the contract with her last time. As they passed the two men, she politely requested separate conversation: "You two must have confidential matters, so we won't disturb you."

Xiao Chuchu, however, looked at Gong Youkai. The cool man glanced at the two women and didn't object, so they quickly exited.

Once the door closed, she impatiently asked her friend about Gong Youkai. Xiao Chuchu thought for a moment, then calmly began to recount.

After listening, Yu Xi bowed her head in thought for a moment and said, "I really didn't expect things to develop this way between you two. Chu Chu, tell me, do you really not like him at all?"

Xiao Chuchu hesitated, then finally let out a low, bitter laugh: "What if I do like him? I'm just a wager in his idle game. When he gets tired of me, he'll cast me aside. Rather than waiting to be driven away, it's better to leave first myself."

Yu Xi tilted her head, watching her friend's inner struggle, clearly finding it hard to let go. Actually, Gong Youkai might not just be toying with Chu Chu. That domineering type sometimes just acts tough and can't bear to lose face. She pondered how to test if Big Gong was truly sincere. Hmm, she needed to plan this carefully. Chu Chu's happiness was one of the things she cared about most in her life.

She comforted her friend, suggesting she observe Big Gong a bit more. She would plan Chu Chu's escape, and also test if these two were just misunderstanding each other, as she suspected.

Xiao Chuchu knew Yu Xi always had plenty of ideas, and with her own mind in a chaotic mess, she agreed to wait for Yu Xi's news. Then she asked suspiciously, "Xi Xi, Aunt Xin said you signed a mistress contract with Young Master Gong?"

She chuckled, recounting the amusing clause, then thought of how she hadn't escaped being "devoured." She didn't want to say much more, only offering her conclusion: "He's a competent game partner. And, I'm now quite looking forward to his beautiful Miss Su."

Chu Chu sighed: "You're always playing with fire, be careful you don't get burned one day." Then, remembering something, she continued: "I heard you brought a very charming friend to the masquerade ball last weekend, and you danced a song together. Many people were talking about how amazing he was. Even Aunt Xin liked him a lot, saying he seemed to have special feelings for you."

At the mention of Lu Renjie, Yu Xi felt a surge of panic and annoyance. She honestly replied: "Actually, he's just that fox spirit, Lu Renjie, who always bullies me in Australia."

"That's him?" Chu Chu thought for a moment, then said with some regret: "Then forget it, to avoid more trouble for you."

Her expression was somewhat melancholy. She lowered her head for a long while before saying: "I've actually always been avoiding him, otherwise, he'll know someday. Although those old events have nothing to do with him, his father can never escape responsibility. I don't want to make things difficult for him, so I hope he's just my senior."

That devil who always bullied her, she had always known he wasn't truly bad, but some things couldn't be changed. She understood clearly, yet couldn't fully let go. She couldn't get too close to anyone involved in that incident.

Chu Chu held her hand, "Since you let go of it back then, why dwell on it now? The affairs of the previous generation are long past. You understood that when you became Yu Xi, didn't you? Gong Youkai even sent people to investigate you at the orphanage. Uncle Liang will probably handle it well."

Yu Xi nodded, then felt relieved: "I've long forgotten those things. I really like my current vibrant life. Actually, even if they investigate and find out, it doesn't matter. It has nothing to do with them. I'm just Yu Xi. I only care about you guys; I can't be bothered with anything else."

The two laughed and chatted idly again, until they heard a knock on the door.

Gong Youqi pushed open the door, nodded to Chu Chu in greeting, then looked at Yu Xi: "Weren't you hungry? Now that you've seen your friend, your stomach dares not protest?"

She immediately put on a greedy, food-loving expression: "Finally time to eat? I've been waiting for ages!"

Chu Chu watched the two in their seemingly intimate interaction, sighed inwardly, and smiled as Yu Xi pulled her out.

The dinner was enjoyed by all four, or more precisely, two men merely sampled, one woman was a true lady, and the other, shedding her ladylike facade, shamelessly devoured the entire table of delicacies.

When Yu Xi finally couldn't help but let out a rather ungraceful burp as she leaned back in her seat, Gong Youqi, who was driving, couldn't help but chuckle. He remembered Gong Youkai's comment about Yu Xi at the dinner table: "This woman of yours is quite good. She eats with great gusto."

Yu Xi feigned shyness: "I'm sorry about tonight, I was really hungry then."

Gong Youqi didn't reply, but the upward curve of his lips revealed his good mood. Tonight's dinner with four people had been a bit strange. They knew each other, and their relationships were subtle, yet it was surprisingly harmonious. He rarely saw Gong Youkai share a meal with a woman. Tonight, Big Gong not only used the excuse that he disliked skinny women to pile a plate full of food for Xiao Chuchu, but his attitude towards Yu Xi was also quite good.

Yu Xi saw that he wasn't responding and looked for something to say: "Young Master Gong, what did you and Big Gong talk about? About Chu Chu and me?"

"Didn't you say we were discussing confidential matters?"

She hit a snag. Deciding to let it go for the sake of dinner and seeing Chu Chu, she chuckled and didn't ask further.

The car stopped downstairs at her apartment building. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you staying tonight?" Preferably not, so she could sleep well after eating.

Gong Youqi's heart skipped a beat at her words. He turned to stare at her: "Do you want me to stay or not?"

This was also a clever fox, tossing the bomb back to her.

"Um, this..." She was afraid that saying no would provoke him to stay, but saying yes would mean he might actually follow her wishes. She started inwardly complaining about how all handsome men seemed to have fox-like genes.

She inadvertently glanced out the window, and her heart immediately started pounding: That, the figure standing by the camphor tree near the door in the distance, why did it look so familiar?

Had heaven truly heard her curse of "petty-mindedness" and come to get revenge on her, or was it worried she'd just had a full meal and wanted to speed up her heart rate to aid digestion? How could Lu Renjie have found her apartment so quickly and be waiting for her here? Was the showdown between handsome men finally inevitable?

No, she had to stop it! In the name of a harmonious post-dinner mood, she absolutely had to prevent a confrontation between the two!

"Young Master Gong, I suddenly feel a bit unwell. I won't keep you tonight." She decided to send one away first. Chairman Mao taught us that battles should be fought one by one.

Unexpectedly, Gong Youqi, for once, showed concern for her: "What's wrong? Where does it hurt? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

Yu Xi was touched for a moment, then immediately sobered up. This was not the time to be touched. She clutched her stomach, putting on a pained expression: "No need, it's probably because I ate too quickly at dinner, stomachache. I'll be fine after a good night's sleep. No need to go to the hospital." You just need to leave and I'll be completely cured.

He looked at her: "Next time, you'll know not to overeat." Seeing her pained expression, he frowned again: "Do you have stomach medicine at home? I'll help you up first."

"No... no need to trouble." If Lu Renjie saw him, he would definitely jump out and glare fiercely at her. She absolutely didn't want to be scanned by those laser beams again, making her uncomfortable all over.

She waved her hand, and seeing him about to open the car door to get out, her face paled with nervousness. This time it wasn't an act: "You don't need to get out of the car. I have medicine at home. I can go up by myself."

Gong Youqi turned to meet her gaze. Looking at her pale little face, his heart was touched. He flung open the car door: "I'll take you up."

Yu Xi really wanted to faint. Yes, if she fainted, would he take her straight to the hospital? That would be better than a confrontation between them. Just as she was about to fake fainting, the car door beside her was pulled open, and a large hand grabbed her arm: "Come out."

Oh, oh... can she not go out? What other excuse can she use... She frantically turned her head and saw Lu Renjie seemed to have spotted them, walking towards them from a distance.

She could only close her eyes and let herself be pulled out. Inwardly, she recited: Oh Heaven, if you can make one of them disappear right now, I will never slander you again. I will even burn incense, kneel, prostrate myself, and worship you every night...

Unfortunately, her prayer was ignored by Heaven. She only heard that unsettling, alluring voice: "Little Xi Xi, you've kept me waiting for three full hours. Tell me, how are you going to compensate me?"

She trembled all over, opening her eyes to the dark night sky: Oh Heaven... you don't have to make them disappear, just make me disappear!

Unfortunately, her prayer was ignored by Heaven. She only heard that unsettling, alluring voice: "Little Xi Xi, you've kept me waiting for three full hours. Tell me, how are you going to compensate me?"

She trembled all over, opening her eyes to the dark night sky: Oh Heaven... you don't have to make them disappear, just make me disappear!

Gong Youqi noticed her unusual reaction, turned to look at the newcomer, his deep eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Two seconds later, he recognized this flirtatious man as the one who had danced with Yu Xi last time. He then recalled her previous remark that this man seemed to have a soft spot for Su Yingran.

During the phone call earlier, Su Yingran had merely wanted to confirm if he would attend her inauguration banquet, and he had casually asked if she remembered the man who had danced with Yu Xi and had his mask removed that night at Xinyue. Su Yingran admitted he was indeed her childhood neighbor, but she wasn't clear about Lu Renjie's relationship with Yu Xi.

Lu Renjie's charming eyes held a smile. He glanced casually at Yu Xi's wrist, which Gong Youqi was holding, and greeted him mildly: "Young Master Gong is indeed exceptionally handsome, no wonder Little Xi Xi is so captivated."

Hearing his tone, it seemed he knew about his relationship with Yu Xi. Gong Youqi's cold eyes narrowed slightly: "You know me?"

The fox subtly glanced at the woman beside him who was lowering her head, wishing for a crack in the ground, implying that she had a big mouth.

Yu Xi caught Lu Renjie's gaze and felt a surge of hatred. He actually sold me out! But she could only chuckle: "Uh, you two aren't familiar yet, are you? Let me introduce you. This is..."

"No need, I'm very impressed by Mr. Lu's article published in the New York Economic Forum last year." That profound and seasoned analysis of the economic market had greatly impressed Gong Youqi, making him assume the author was a highly experienced old scholar. It was only after Su Yingran's introduction that he learned it was a talented young man who had just obtained his MBA.

Gong Youqi began to suspect: how did a prominent talent in the economic field like him get to know a socialite like Yu Xi? Had she picked him up at some business event? Given her nature, it was indeed possible. Regardless of their past relationship, since she now had a contract with him, he would not allow her to 'bloom in multiple gardens' during this period.

"I never expected a small fry like me to be remembered by Young Master Gong, I'm truly flattered. But I am already very familiar with Young Master Gong." The fox casually brushed his long hair from his forehead, and Yu Xi's heart twitched again. How well she knew that gesture! In the past, whenever this devil acted so alluring, a string of cunning schemes would surely follow.

"Hehe... I never expected you two were old acquaintances... Haha, hmm, well, why don't you two find a place to properly catch up? I won't disturb you." Go ahead and fight it out. When the snipe and clam are in a dispute, the fisherman doesn't need to profit; surely, I can at least sleep?

Gong Youqi looked at her: "Does your stomach not hurt anymore?"

The four big words "carried away by success" flashed on the warning sign in her mind. She quickly covered her abdomen with one hand: "Oh, you remind me, the pain is back. I'll go up first. You two can chat as you please."

Hey, let go! Why are you still holding so tight!

Lu Renjie also looked at her, the smile in his eyes subtle: "Does your stomach hurt?"

Yu Xi quickly nodded, feigning stomach pain pitifully, her eyes glistening with tears, hoping to evoke the fox spirit's sympathy and be let off the hook today. Had she annoyed him this afternoon, and now he was here to expose her?

Gong Youqi tightened his grip slightly, calling back the "Lin Daiyu" she was portraying. This woman, how dare she openly look at another man with such tenderness in front of him! Displeased, he pulled her: "I'll take you up to find the medicine first. What do you need her for, Mr. Lu? If it's not important, wait until tomorrow. Please excuse us."

He dragged the bewildered little girl towards the apartment building.

Lu Renjie's eyes flickered several times. He smiled and followed: "Little Xi Xi is ill, I'm also very worried. How can I just leave her? After all, we've known each other for a while, and our relationship is quite significant. Don't you agree, Little Xi Xi?"

Gong Youqi turned and glanced at the man whose smile dimmed the stars, waiting for Yu Xi beside him to make a decision.

Yu Xi's lips twitched. "Significant relationship"? Even if there wasn't one, Gong Youqi would surely misinterpret it now. And calling her "Little Xi Xi" with such a sweet tone, should she respond with a "Haha"?

She turned her head: "Um, Fox... Mr. Lu, it's getting late. You should first—" As soon as she met those two powerful laser beams that seemed capable of killing, the latter half of her sentence got stuck in her throat, replaced by "—come upstairs for a cup of tea before you go." There was no tea at home, only the possibility of her mixing some poison.

Turning back, she was met with two piercingly icy gazes from the hawk beside her. Her heart ached, a bitterness more intense than arsenic mixed with bitter melon. Who did she offend, who did she provoke? A perfectly good dinner, and now she couldn't even get a good night's sleep.

She had learned three lessons: first, she could never trust Heaven again. Second, handsome men were great, but she absolutely could not handle two at once. Third, after a full meal, she needed to immediately disappear to a place where no one could find her and sleep, to prevent her sweet dreams from being shattered...

As she was fantasizing wildly, the three of them had already entered the elevator. The fox and the hawk flanked her, one on the left, one on the right. Young Master Gong was in a black suit, Lu Renjie in an off-white casual outfit. Yu Xi felt like she was being escorted to the underworld for judgment by the Black and White Impermanence.

Young Master Gong continued to hold her hand, unwilling to let go, as if declaring her his claimed prey. Lu the Fox maintained a calm and composed demeanor, yet whenever she secretly glanced at him, he would shoot her flirty glances. The more he did this, the colder she felt, instinctively knowing that this devil would not let her go.

The atmosphere was bizarre: one black, one white, one blue; one cold, one warm, one chilling.

Finally, at the door, Yu Xi reached for her keys, but Gong Youqi was a step ahead, pulling out his own and opening the door. Lu Renjie's expression subtly changed.

With the door open, Gong Youqi pulled her inside, acting as if he owned the place: "What would Mr. Lu like to drink?" Then he asked her: "Where's the medicine?"

Lu Renjie maintained his composure: "No need, I'm just concerned about Little Xi."

"The medicine is in the room, I'll go find it." Seeing that he still hadn't let go of her hand, she inwardly sighed, realizing that Gong Youqi was also a very possessive man, no wonder he waited two years for the beautiful Miss Su without giving up.

She clearly sensed Lu Renjie was about to explode. Daring not to show any more intimacy with Gong Youqi: "Young Master Gong, could you please get me a glass of water? A warm one?" She needed to stall for time.

The hawk saw the difficulty in her eyes and finally let go of her, going to the kitchen to fetch water for the "patient."

Yu Xi let out a huge sigh of relief, glanced helplessly at Lu Renjie, and turned to sprint towards the bedroom. Where was she going to conjure up a bottle of stomach medicine? There were only cold medicines for headaches and fevers at home. Never mind, occasionally taking medicine when not sick wouldn't kill her.

She rummaged out a box of DayQuil and NyQuil, and seeing the two colors, she thought of the two Black and White Impermanence outside, feeling utterly depressed. Before she could even pop out a pill, it was snatched away.

"Does DayQuil and NyQuil also cure stomachaches?" The devil's voice echoed in her ear.

He knew her little tricks well. She had even faked period pain before; this stomachache was child's play.

She shivered, turned to glare, and whispered: "Give me back the medicine! I have no grudge against you, why are you here to harm me!"

Lu Renjie leaned in, staring at her, ignoring her anger, looking deep into her eyes, and said softly: "It seems your game with him is going very well. Unfortunately, I don't like it. You know he cares about Yingran, yet you dare to indulge yourself like this. If one of you gets serious later, it will hurt everyone."

Yu Xi stepped back, and he immediately pressed closer. She stumbled back onto the bed, looking at the enlarged, mesmerizingly handsome face of the fox spirit before her. She didn't know if she was angry or nervous, her heart pounding erratically.

She hurriedly explained: "Are you afraid I'll get serious? Then you're overthinking it. Since I know this is a game, I will definitely abide by the rules. Besides, once the contract is signed, I can't back out. The initiative is with Young Master Gong."

"Are you saying that as long as he says 'GAME OVER,' you'll give up?" He moved closer to her, forcing her to say she wanted to end this game.

He had only just found her address today and had been waiting for her all evening. Many thoughts had crossed his mind: should he let her continue playing or stop her, should he confess directly or continue to watch over her silently? He had originally intended to wait until she graduated, when his career would be stable, and then he would firmly hold onto her. But now, because of her playful nature, his plans were disrupted, forcing him to take action sooner.

Yu Xi arched her back, almost lying down, pushing against the mountain in front of her, and answered seriously: "Senior, I've already told you, I'm only interested in the game itself. Even if Young Master Gong terminates the contract, I might still play other games with other people."

"You can find me."

"No."

"Reason?"

"..." How could she say it? Her indulgence, besides being willful and casual about life, was actually a desire for him to stop bothering her.

His narrow, charming eyes began to ripple: "If you can't give a reason, then just listen to me." He raised a finger and gently traced her tender cheek, unable to resist whispering a confession: "Xi Xi, I..."

A faint sound came from the doorway. Yu Xi turned her head and met those hawk-like, sharp black eyes.

Gong Youqi stood, holding a cup of water, his expression indifferent, leaning against the doorway, watching the show.

Yu Xi instantly felt as if she'd been hit by a hammer. She quickly pushed Lu Renjie away and stood up. Caught red-handed, and still in such an intimate posture, Oh God, you are a devil!

"Young Master Gong..." She didn't know how to explain. How could she explain being caught in the act?

Lu Renjie behind her, however, calmly tugged at his wrinkled collar, as if it was his intention for Gong Youqi to see them.

"Did you find the medicine?" The hawk didn't get angry, though his expression was a bit stiff.

"Found, found it..." Where was the medicine? Lu Renjie just snatched it; where could she conjure it from?

A small bottle was suddenly slipped into her palm. The fox's laugh was light: "I was just helping Little Xi Xi find it."

Yu Xi's heart skipped a beat. She felt grateful, yet also felt it was unnecessary. If he hadn't come to cause trouble today, she wouldn't have resorted to this trick. She took out the small bottle, wondering if it was laxative. But he wouldn't carry that around.

She opened it, poured out a pale yellow pill, and a refreshing lemon scent wafted into her nose. She then realized it was the invigorating lozenge he always liked to take. The lozenge looked very similar to digestive stomach medicine, and the label had been torn off the small bottle, making it look ordinary.

She took the water, swallowed the pill under the watchful eyes of the hawk and the fox, and suddenly felt a little agitated. She decided to send them away: "Thank you both so much for tonight. I'm a bit sleepy and want to go to bed. Why don't you two find another place to chat?"

Gong Youqi looked at her calmly, quite understanding: "You rest first." He greeted Lu Renjie, turned, and left first.

Yu Xi turned around, looking tired: "You should go back too. I can't do what you asked, and as for the reason... I'll think it over and tell you later. Also, thank you just now."

Lu Renjie stared at her for a moment, then slowly walked out: "You know, what I want isn't a reason at all."

Her body stirred slightly, but she said nothing, watching him walk out and close the door. The room immediately fell silent. She looked at the small white bottle in her hand and stood for a long time before muttering softly to herself: "I know what you want, but I'm sorry, I can't give it to you."

She haphazardly washed up and lay in bed, but couldn't sleep. Her mind flitted between the fox spirit's charming smile and Young Master Gong's sharp eyes. What was going on tonight? Why was she overthinking it just because two handsome men met?

She annoyedly pulled the blanket over her head, then suddenly heard the sound of a door opening in the living room. A thief? A robber? A flower thief? An escaped murderer? The bedroom door was only ajar. She pulled back the blanket slightly, revealing a sliver of light from the living room. This thief actually dared to turn on the light while stealing?

Let her think, how many self-defense moves against a pervert did she remember... The bedroom door was gently pushed open, and a familiar male voice said: "Asleep?"

She wanted to curse. Gong Youqi, that bastard, why was he visiting late at night for no reason? Returning after leaving, was he going to interrogate her about her relationship with Lu Renjie again?

Footsteps had stopped by the bed. She was covered by the blanket, eyes tightly shut, pretending to sleep. If she was asleep, how could he question her?

The blanket was gently pulled back. Yu Xi could even feel those two deep gazes scanning her face.

"Open your eyes if you're awake."

Not awake! Who said I was awake? How do you know? She dared not breathe, remaining motionless, letting him observe her. Hmph, I won't open my eyes. What can you do?

His breath gradually drew closer, hovering above her cheek. Suddenly, two fingers pinched her small nose, cutting off her air supply. She held her breath for a few seconds, instinctively about to open her mouth, when a sharp pain on her lips indicated he had sealed them with his own, gently biting them with his teeth.

Childish! Annoying! Despicable!

She had barely thought of three words when she felt a lack of oxygen in her brain. She shook her head, trying to dislodge him, struggling a few times. Unwillingly, she opened her eyes, groggily looking at him, not understanding, while prying away his evil fingers from her nose, and inwardly gritting her teeth and cursing: You're ruthless!

His dark eyes met her misty ones, a hint of cunning flashing. His teeth released her lips, but then his tongue suddenly invaded.

When the kiss finally ended, he looked up at her flushed little face below. Without makeup, she was pure and pretty. His gaze couldn't help but slide down to her fair neck, uncovered by the blanket.

Yu Xi quickly pulled the blanket up to cover herself: "Young Master Gong, didn't you go back?"

"I left my phone in the kitchen." He could have asked her to bring it to the company tomorrow, but on a whim, he had turned back halfway through his drive. Perhaps he wanted to figure out what the appearance of that flirtatious man tonight signified.

"Oh, you're such a bother. Couldn't I just bring it to the company for you tomorrow?" Seeing a slight glint in the hawk's eyes, she quickly changed her tune: "Ah, if you had an urgent call tonight, that wouldn't be good. It's better to get it back just in case."

Gong Youqi looked down at her: "Is your stomachache better?"

She replied softly, guilty: "It's better."

"What kind of medicine is so effective? I'll have someone buy more boxes to keep on hand."

"...Uh, I forgot the name. I just threw away the packaging after I took it." Destroying the evidence is to prevent you from investigating further. If he still wanted to look in the trash can, she would say the trash bag had also been thrown out.

His deep eyes stared at her, seemingly not intending to pursue the matter further. He changed the subject: "That Mr. Lu seems very familiar with you?"

Finally getting to the point, huh? "Not that familiar..."

Just familiar enough that during their year of acquaintance, in order to know him better for their secret rivalry, she had investigated everything about him, from his ancestors to his likes, dislikes, birthday, and blood type.

Gong Youqi looked contemplative: "You said before that he was interested in Su Yingran. Why did he seem more interested in you tonight?"

"..."

"Or, was he one of your former sugar daddies?"

"..."

"Or perhaps, you and he are old acquaintances, and as he said, your relationship is quite significant."

Yu Xi, covered by the blanket, broke out in a cold sweat. "Young Master Gong, you have quite an imagination. He and I really are just ordinary acquaintances. My guess about him being interested in Miss Su was just a guess. You can ask Miss Su herself. To avoid trouble, it's better to pay more attention to Miss Su's surroundings."

Use all your curiosity on the beautiful Miss Su, she certainly doesn't need it.

"You know what I mean."

She couldn't help but want to roll her eyes. How smart was she to think she understood their thoughts? Alright, she could guess: "Young Master Gong, don't worry, my professional ethics are absolutely excellent. I won't have a foot in two boats. I can at least guarantee that I'll be loyal to you as long as you don't want to terminate the contract."

"Good that you understand."

Understood. Can I sleep now? She tentatively tried to send him away: "You must be tired too, right? You have work tomorrow, so you should go back and rest early."

Gong Youqi's lips twitched slightly. He looked at her seemingly tired expression, adjusted his clothes, and prepared to leave: "The day after tomorrow, prepare to attend the 'Huan Tai' new CEO's inauguration banquet."

She paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly as she saw him off: "Don't worry, I definitely won't disappoint you." Beautiful Miss Su, just wait for her!

After two days of calm, Yu Xi, with Gong Youqi's unspoken permission, left work early to get ready. Tonight, she planned to transform into a captivating black rose. After all, the attendees were prominent figures in the business world, and she had to be careful and make no mistakes.

Throughout the drive, Gong Youqi remained almost entirely silent. She guessed the handsome man was probably too excited about seeing his beloved. She was excited too, eager for a glimpse of the "Four Young Masters of High Society." Seeing them in person was far more impactful than seeing photos. Thinking of those uniquely charming handsome men awaiting her, looking dashing at the venue, Yu Xi couldn't help but smile.

"Are you that happy?" Gong Youqi was still driving attentively, yet he seemed aware of her every move. Tonight, her makeup was elegant, not transformed into the ambiguous black-or-white vixen she usually was. She indeed seemed much more refined.

She smiled back: "Aren't you happy to see Miss Su?" She didn't believe he wasn't.

But he pressed his lips together and said nothing more, leaving her slightly confused.

The banquet was held outdoors at the Su family mansion, brightly lit as if it were daytime. Yu Xi spotted the star of the evening, Su Yingran, at once.

She wore a silver-grey silk short gown, the soft fabric clinging to her, outlining her tall, graceful figure. Her long hair was simply coiled, and she wore a white, openwork, short-sleeved knit top, which suited the elegance of the evening while also conveying the crisp competence of a career woman.

Yu Xi mentally complimented her a few times, then her gaze was drawn to a man beside her.

Strictly speaking, he wasn't conventionally handsome, but his physique was slender, his features regular, and a pair of expensive gold-rimmed glasses on his nose somehow highlighted a distinguished elegance.

He stood to Su Yingran's left, politely returning toasts to those who approached, clearly exuding the aura of a family patriarch. To the beautiful Miss Su's right was a lavishly dressed lady, likely her mother, Mrs. Su.

Yu Xi stopped, noticing that Young Master Gong beside her seemed subtly off. His poker face had already deterred several minor stragglers attempting to flirt, and his eyes drifted occasionally, but when they turned to the beautiful Miss Su, they carried a hint of coldness.

She observed him for a moment, then leaned closer and whispered, "Who is he?" Her eyes darted towards the man in the gold-rimmed glasses.

Gong Youqi paused slightly, then calmly replied, "Su Yingran's fiancé, Xue Han."

As expected.

So that gold-rimmed glasses man was the crux of Young Master Gong's problem tonight. Of course. He was the beautiful Miss Su's fiancé, able to legitimately embrace her and mingle with her, while the lovelorn Young Master Gong could only pour out his heart to his beloved inwardly.

Yu Xi looked at the seemingly intimate couple not far away, feeling a slight pang of jealousy—not for herself, of course, but a little pity for Young Master Gong. She wondered if the man in the gold-rimmed glasses's devotion to the beautiful Miss Su was due to responsibility, family reasons, or genuine affection. But did he not know that his fiancée's heart belonged to another man? If it were revealed, would he be a gentleman and allow them to be together?

She tilted her head and softly said to Gong Youqi, "I support you, go for it."

Gong Youqi looked down at her, his gaze wavered, then he turned away, his tone indifferent: "You don't need to worry about so much."

She grinned, linking arms with the handsome man and walking forward: "Since we're here, let's say hello first."

Su Yingran's body stiffened for a moment when she saw Gong Youqi and the woman beside him. She had always known he had mistresses, and that it was merely for show, but seeing him so intimately with another woman still made her deeply uncomfortable—perhaps she had always believed Gong Youqi only loved her and couldn't bear any blemish on their pure affection.

The two parties exchanged polite greetings. Gong Youqi remained relatively composed, his expression calm as he toasted his beloved. The beautiful Miss Su, in contrast, seemed a little nervous. Yu Xi, however, was constantly observing the expression of the man in the gold-rimmed glasses. She wanted to discern something unusual from that scholarly face, but alas, she found his skill profound, his face utterly serene. He was indeed a master of concealment.

She had originally wanted to spend more time with the beautiful Miss Su, but now it seemed the man in the gold-rimmed glasses was more interesting to her. Perhaps she could ask Young Master Gong if he wanted her to distract the man in the gold-rimmed glasses, to create an opportunity for him and the beautiful Miss Su to be alone.

Just as she was about to raise her glass to toast, she heard the man in the gold-rimmed glasses laughing at someone behind her: "You're late again. I thought you wouldn't even bother to show your face until the banquet was over."

Her curiosity piqued. Anyone who could make the man in the gold-rimmed glasses smile so warmly must be someone special. She turned around and nearly collided with a tall figure approaching.

Lu Renjie?!

Lu the Fox gazed at her deeply, then lazily greeted: "You know I don't like these kinds of events. Yingran, congratulations on your appointment." He casually picked up a glass of wine nearby, raised it politely, and then drank it in one gulp.

Su Yingran and Mrs. Su exchanged a few polite words. Xue Han still smiled: "I knew you'd come even if you don't like these events. Let me introduce you, this is Deputy Director Gong from MJ, and this is Miss Yu."

Then he turned to Gong Youqi and Yu Xi: "Lu Renjie has been a childhood playmate of Yingran and me. I recently managed to lure him back from Australia. He's now working as an economic consultant in my Shanghai branch."

Yu Xi was speechless. The fox was actually working for the gold-rimmed glasses guy's company?

Lu Renjie smiled, narrowing his eyes: "We've already met. Young Master Gong, is everything well?"

Gong Youqi replied politely: "By your grace, quite well."

"Little Xi Xi, aren't you going to greet me first?"

Yu Xi smiled sweetly, raising her glass to him: "May Mr. Lu have smooth sailing, everything go as he wishes, wealth pour in, and great fortune!" She almost blurted out "Happy New Year and may you have children soon."

Su Yingran chuckled softly, and even Mrs. Su was amused by Yu Xi.

Lu Renjie wasn't annoyed. He just stared at her, the sparks from his charming eyes crackling into Yu Xi's ears. She, unwilling to be outdone, glared back. Their unusual relationship was immediately apparent.

It was Xue Han who smoothed things over: "Since everyone already knows each other, there's no need to be formal. Just relax tonight, and make yourselves at home."

More guests arrived, Mrs. Su busied herself checking on the banquet food, and Xue Han was pulled away by some foreign acquaintances. The area fell quiet, leaving just the four of them.

Yu Xi glanced at Gong Youqi, then turned to Lu Renjie: "Mr. Lu, I'd like to look around, but I'm afraid I'll get lost. You're more familiar with this place than Young Master Gong, would you mind accompanying me?"

Lu Renjie smiled, bowing gallantly: "My pleasure."

Yu Xi smiled and walked away first, glancing back at Su Yingran. She thought, you two better seize the opportunity. Don't just stare at each other stupidly as if no one else is around. I've provided the ample conditions; you two handle the necessary actions yourselves now.

Gong Youqi now had eyes only for one person, the woman he had waited two years for, his love at first sight, now standing opposite him, distant yet close, familiar yet strange.

"You're quite generous," Lu Renjie said, looking at the black rose beside him, who was looking left and right.

Yu Xi shrugged: "It's not easy for them. Opportunities are rare."

Lu Renjie's mood suddenly improved: "What are you looking at?" He realized she didn't care about Gong Youqi at all, and his worries subsided.

She leaned close to his shoulder and whispered mysteriously, "Looking for handsome men." Where were the other three legendary young masters? Let her see them.

Then she heard Lu Renjie's laugh: "How could I forget your true nature?"

Yu Xi casually "hmph"-ed: "You're allowed to change girlfriends one after another, but I'm not allowed to look at a handsome guy to feast my eyes? Typical, the magistrate can commit arson, but the common people can't even light lamps."

The demon blocked her path: "Am I not handsome enough?"

"Do you understand aesthetic fatigue?" She looked him up and down: "If I keep staring at you, only two peach blossom trees will grow in my eyes."

Lu Renjie laughed even louder: "Then will sweet peaches grow in autumn for me to eat?"

She rolled her eyes at him twice. He could pull random things out of thin air further than she ever could.

"Look, isn't that CEO Han of 'Diya'?" Yu Xi turned and saw a handsome man greeting Su Yingran, recognizing him as Han Mo, the domineering handsome man ranked third. Young Master Gong was also mingling nearby.

Lu Renjie glanced and nodded: "That's right, CEO Han of Diya. But, haven't you noticed that I'm much handsomer than him?"

Yu Xi looked up at the sky. Let a dinosaur fall and flatten this arrogant braggart!

She then spotted a petite woman beside the domineering handsome man, presumably Han Mo's young wife. She looked closely, noting her ordinary appearance but a unique, serene demeanor. Surely, such a Cinderella must possess something extraordinary to conquer that arrogant prince. She secretly admired the frail woman and resolved to meet her if the opportunity arose.

"Senior, are you familiar with CEO Han? Introduce me."

Lu Renjie looked at her suspiciously: "He's already married, and you still won't let him go?"

She looked up at the sky again, taking a deep breath: "I want to meet his wife. She seems very special."

"That's the heiress of the Taiwanese Lou family. There were several versions of their story reported by the media back then." Even he had read about it in business newspapers in Australia.

Yu Xi's interest soared: "Really? Tell me all about it." She saw the handsome Han carefully supporting the serene woman's waist, preparing to leave, and felt regret. She hadn't even met her, and they were already leaving.

"I heard CEO Han's wife is almost five months pregnant, no wonder he cherishes her so much."

She watched the enviable couple walk out, nestled together, and felt a stir in her heart. Perhaps, that kind of devotion and care also made her long for it a little.

"What, jealous?" His eyes flickered. Such love, if she wanted it, he could give it.

"Just a little bit. But more than that, I'm touched. In this world, not many people can keep walking together forever." She took a sip of wine, her eyebrows lowered, her long eyelashes half-covering her bright eyes. She smiled profoundly, then resumed her playful demeanor: "But I still prefer to see all the handsome men. Although good looks are fleeting clouds, I just like being a free bird that takes in all the fleeting clouds."

Lu Renjie looked at her with gentle eyes. If she was a free bird, would he want to be the hunter setting a net for her?

Yu Xi continued to scour the room with her "flower-seeking" eyes. Lu Renjie kindly pointed in a direction, "Over there, Chu Fantian, the eldest of the 'Four Young Masters of High Society'."

She quickly looked over, her eyes wide with stars, staring at the proud, long-haired hunk leaning against a doorframe. She clicked her tongue: "His aura is a bit like Big Gong's, both explosive types." If Big Gong wasn't a gangster whom no one dared to gossip about, he could also be included in the handsome men's list. If Lu Renjie mixed in the business world for a while longer, he might also be ranked.

Tonight was certainly not a wasted trip. She grabbed Lu Renjie, intending to go over and strike up a conversation, but two people had already cornered the long-haired hunk before her.

Yu Xi saw the man and woman talking to Chu Fantian. The man in the white suit seemed normal and polite, but the girl in the pink long dress was simply blushing and drooling over the hunk.

Lu Renjie also saw them and smiled: "That woman's consistent image is quite similar to someone else's."

She looked left and right, pretending not to hear. Seeing the girl, she felt a bit familiar: "Who are they?"

"I can't possibly know everyone," he spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness, then added: "That man's looks are ordinary, but honestly, he's much worse than me. You wouldn't even be attracted to that kind of appearance, would you?"

"Do you think I get infatuated with every man?" She pouted: "But that girl is quite pretty. Do you want to try flirting with her?"

He turned to face her: "I want to flirt with you."

...Today, all my eye-rolls are for you. She suddenly saw Mrs. Su holding the girl's hand intimately, and faintly heard: "Is your mother feeling better?"

The pink-dressed girl replied: "Much better. She even said she'd come visit Auntie and Cousin in a few days."

"Hmm, I heard your family's jewelry store had a bit of trouble recently. Remind your mother and your elder brother to manage it well, don't ruin the century-old Liangji brand name."

The pink-dressed girl immediately meekly agreed.

Jewelry store? Liangji!

Yu Xi instantly felt her blood rush backward, her head pounding and clouded. She had already recognized who the pink-dressed girl was. Liang Zirui, she was actually a grown woman now. Was the man in the white suit Liang Qingshan or Liang Qinglin? The last time she accidentally bumped into them on the street, she remembered them wearing middle school uniforms. Now, it had been ten years.

Liangji Jewelry, what has it become in that woman's hands?

No, don't think about it. It no longer concerned her. From the moment she and her brother were sent to the orphanage, she had no home. From the time she started living with Aunt Xin, her young self had decided to forget her identity and past, to just be a carefree, unfeeling woman who played through life.

But why, after more than a decade, when she heard the words "Liangji" again, could her emotions still be so swayed? A tiny voice in her heart whispered the name she had almost forgotten, Liang... No, don't say it out loud!

She clenched her hands and suddenly walked rapidly towards the main entrance.

Her mind was agitated and chaotic. Fearing she would lose her composure, it was better to leave first.

Lu Renjie only came to his senses a few steps after she started walking and rushed to grab her: "What's wrong?"

"I suddenly remembered I have an urgent matter and need to leave. Senior, please tell Young Master Gong I've gone ahead." She clutched her clothes, trying to appear calm and normal.

He frowned, noticing her body was tense, as if she was desperately suppressing something. He looked back at the man and woman from earlier, but didn't find anything unusual.

"What happened? Do you know them?"

Yu Xi shook her arm free from him, saying as she walked: "How could I know them! You continue with the banquet. I really have something urgent."

He pulled her tightly again: "You're clearly trembling! What on earth is wrong?"

Their tug-of-war attracted the attention of others nearby, and even Gong Youqi, not far away, looked in their direction.

Yu Xi didn't want to draw any more attention. She counter-gripped his hand and continued to rush towards the door. As she exited, she bumped into a tall, thin man. She looked up to apologize and saw the man staring at her, scrutinizing her.

"You... are Yu Xi?" An uncertain voice.

"I'm sorry, sir, you've mistaken me for someone else." She recognized the somewhat familiar face, replied coldly, and with a strong pull, dragged Lu Renjie out the door.

But the voice in her heart roared as if erupting: Liang Yuxi! Liang Yuxi... How could you forget your own name?