Chapter 14: Does Madam Like Being on Top?
Shen Xi felt her small, soft hand completely wrapped in the man's large palm, and a strange feeling welled up inside her.
It was normal for girls to hold hands while shopping, but seeing two grown men do it? That would be quite the sight. So, from her past life to now, this was actually the first time she had ever held hands with a man.
Feeling a bit awkward, her fair cheeks flushed slightly.
Not far ahead, several two- or three-story traditional wooden buildings stood elegantly. Men and women in matching uniforms moved in and out, attending to various tasks. Every time they passed the two of them, they would politely greet them with a respectful "Young Master Gu" or "Madam."
"Um… Hanling… How should I address the other Gu family members later? I don’t know any of them."
Shen Xi slightly parted her lips, whispering carefully through her teeth.
Gu Hanling tilted his head slightly and responded in a low voice,
"Didn’t you come to the estate a few months ago? You forgot so quickly?"
Oh no, I slipped up! Big brother, let me explain!
In the original novel, Gu Hanling was merely the male lead’s powerful benefactor, a hidden big shot who didn’t have much of a role. Naturally, Shen Xi had no idea about the Gu family’s inner workings.
She swallowed nervously.
"I have a bad memory. It’s normal for me to forget!"
Gu Hanling's eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his lips lifted in a half-smile.
It was probably more than just forgetting, wasn't it?
"Why are you two still standing outside whispering to each other? Come in already!"
A woman’s voice called from inside the building.
Hearing that, the two of them stepped into the elegant wooden hall. Inside, a woman in her thirties sat gracefully in a wooden chair, while next to her sat a younger woman with striking beauty, dressed in a fashionable outfit that made her look like a celebrity.
Shen Xi guessed that the older woman was Gu Hanling’s older sister, and the younger beauty was his little sister?
Afraid of saying the wrong thing again, she decided to let Gu Hanling speak first.
"Brother Han, you’re finally here!"
The younger beauty's face lit up with excitement the moment Gu Hanling entered. She quickly stood up, the sound of her high heels clicking as she half-ran over to him.
Gu Hanling frowned slightly but gave her a polite, indifferent nod.
It was only then that she noticed his hand was holding onto Shen Xi’s, whose beauty was undeniably outshone hers.
Her expression darkened, and her smile faded. Looking down at Shen Xi with a condescending gaze, she asked mockingly,
"And what’s your name again?"
Shen Xi glanced at Gu Hanling, but he showed no reaction nor any intention of introducing her. She turned back to the woman and blinked.
"Shen Xi."
"You don’t know who I am?"
Shen Xi was momentarily confused. I just said my name. What did I do wrong now?
"I’m Feng Weiwei. I’ve starred in so many hit dramas and been on top-rated variety shows. You’ve never watched any of them?"
Hearing that name, Shen Xi finally realized who she was. The novel didn’t mention her much, but it did say that Feng Weiwei was a top-tier celebrity who had pursued Gu Hanling for years without success. Eventually, she met Shi Jingyan at a business event.
Later, paparazzi caught them in an ambiguous situation, leading to a misunderstanding between the male and female leads. It was just a subplot about them breaking up and getting back together.
"Oh~ I’ve heard of you, I’ve heard of you," Shen Xi said in an obviously perfunctory tone.
Feng Weiwei let out a soft scoff at the dismissive response.
"Alright, alright. Xiao Han, it’s rare for you to be home. Don’t just stand there. Come, sit and chat," the older woman finally spoke, her face carrying a warm and kind smile.
But Gu Hanling didn’t move. Instead, he coolly asked,
"Where’s Grandma?"
"Mother-in-law went to the ancestral hall. She won’t be back until the afternoon."
Shen Xi’s heart jolted.
What?! This woman just called Gu Hanling’s grandmother ‘Mother-in-law’? Wait… is she his mother? She looks barely over thirty! The way rich families take care of themselves is insane!
"Then I’ll take Xixi to rest first."
With that, Gu Hanling turned and left with Shen Xi, not even giving her a chance to greet her supposed mother-in-law.
"Go ahead, go ahead. I have someone clean your room every day. Get some good rest," the older woman said with a warm smile.
From the moment they entered to the moment they left, their hands remained clasped together without even a moment of separation.
The older woman watched them walk out with a smile, but as soon as they were gone, her expression instantly turned cold.
"Cousin, didn’t you say they weren’t getting along? Look at them, holding hands so tightly. Where do they seem ‘not getting along’ to you?"
Feng Weiwei huffed, plopping back into her chair, crossing her legs. Any trace of her celebrity grace was gone. She looked like a spoiled little princess throwing a tantrum.
The older woman frowned, deep in thought, and waved her hand dismissively, signaling her to calm down.
Meanwhile…
Shen Xi was still trying to figure out how old Gu Hanling’s mother was when she gave birth to him.
Her body, however, moved mechanically like an empty shell, following Gu Hanling’s lead as he held her hand.
It wasn’t until they reached the second floor of another building and Gu Hanling closed the door behind them that Shen Xi regained her senses.
Now that there was no one else around, she immediately pulled her hand away, leaving Gu Hanling to savor the fading warmth and softness of her skin.
"That was your mom? She looks so young."
Gu Hanling’s eyes turned a shade colder, his voice carrying a hint of chill.
"She’s my stepmother."
"Ohhh~ That scared me for a second."
Shen Xi sighed in relief as she walked toward the bathroom, turning on the faucet to wash her hands. For some reason, she still felt the warmth of his touch lingering on her skin, which gave her goosebumps.
"You think my hands are dirty?"
When she stepped out, Gu Hanling was watching her with a faint smile.
"Uh… that’s not the point. Anyway, why didn’t you help me back there?"
Having been caught making a small move, Shen Xi deliberately changed the subject.
"I’m paying you, so you should handle it yourself."
"Besides, I wasn’t satisfied with your performance just now."
As he spoke, he lifted a finger.
"One mil—"
Shen Xi immediately caught on to what he was about to say and rushed forward, pressing down on his finger.
"Hey, hey, hey! No! Big brother, give me another chance! I just wasn’t familiar with the environment, so I didn’t react in time. Next time, I’ll make up for it!"
She looked at him with pitiful eyes, internally cursing. This is pure suffering. Money is so hard to earn… A million deducted just like that?!
Damn capitalist. Gu Hanling, you bastard, karma will get you one day!
At the same time, the sound of footsteps echoed from the wooden stairs. Someone was coming up.
Just then, Gu Hanling suddenly reached out, pressing his palm over Shen Xi’s lips. For a brief moment, he felt a soft, warm sensation against his palm.
But what caught him off guard was Shen Xi’s next move. She began unbuttoning her collar, revealing her delicate, fair collarbones.
Before he could react, she suddenly pushed him hard.
Gu Hanling wasn’t expecting it and lost his balance, falling backward onto the wooden chaise lounge.
Shen Xi naturally sat on the man's lap, leaned down slightly, wrapped her arms around his neck, and her eyes held a mischievous glint.
A faint, delicate fragrance filled the air, and as the person outside was about to reach the door, Gu Hanling suddenly exerted his strength and flipped their positions.
Shen Xi, who weighed less than sixty kilograms, was easily pinned beneath him. His lips brushed against her ear, and the warm breath he exhaled caused Shen Xi's cheeks to flush crimson.
With a creak, the wooden door opened.
"Brother Han, I…"
Feng Weiwei stepped in, holding a tray with a teapot and cups.
But before she could finish her sentence, she froze at the sight before her.
The two of them, in broad daylight, tangled up together as if they couldn’t wait for nighttime.
Her grip loosened in shock.
Crash!
The teapot shattered against the floor, tea spilling everywhere.
"You… You shameless people!"
Feng Weiwei covered her mouth, eyes brimming with tears, before turning and running down the stairs as if fleeing the scene.
Gu Hanling got up, looking down at Shen Xi, who was glaring at him in annoyance. His lips unconsciously curving into a slight smile.
"Madam prefers to be on top?"