Chapter 30: Does Big Brother Like Me?
"Hehe..."
Shen Xi forced out a smile, relieved that she had managed to avoid trouble again. But she couldn't help wondering, how much longer could she keep this up?
Just imagining the day when Gu Hanling and Shi Jingyan, two men she had fooled, sat down together for a drink, casually comparing notes on the things she had said... The thought alone made her want to dig a hole and hide.
She glanced at the documents in her hand, and a strange thought popped into her mind.
‘Why would Big Brother bother investigating Jiang Bailang? Could it be that he likes Keke?’
The idea was dismissed as quickly as it came.
She looked at the man pouring warm water, his presence exuding an almost icy aura.
Shen Xi shivered instinctively, her beautiful eyes widening slightly.
No way… he wouldn’t… like her, right? That’s impossible.
After all, she wasn’t gentle or considerate. She wasn’t elegant or charming, but rather carefree and not ladylike at all.
Aside from looking like a woman and being biologically female now, she really had nothing in common with one.
Clearing her throat, she cautiously asked,
"Can I… ask why you’re investigating Jiang Bailang, Big Brother?"
To Shen Xi, Gu Hanling and Jiang Bailang weren’t even on the same level. Did he really need to go out of his way to look into him?
At that moment, she could almost hear her own heartbeat echoing in her ears. She looked at Gu Hanling warily, ready to run for her life the moment he confirmed any feelings for her.
Morals came first! She'd rather give up the money. After all, she still had millions in her account. Worst case scenario, she could always start over. As a time traveler, she was sure she could make a name for herself anywhere. A true gem would always shine!
Hearing her question, Gu Hanling, who was pouring hot water into a cup, suddenly had a few drops spill onto the back of his hand.
The man turned around, noticing the woman's wary look, and gave a light, dismissive laugh.
"Do you know what a capitalist is?"
Shen Xi instinctively shook her head, confused by his counter-question.
"A capitalist always pursues maximum profit."
His tone was indifferent, as if stating an obvious truth about the upper class.
"The Jiang family's land is valuable. Instead of paying a high price for it, I’d rather find their weaknesses and use them as leverage. The documents in your hand? Just a little side bonus."
Hearing his response, Shen Xi secretly let out a breath of relief.
She didn’t understand business, and his explanation was flawless, nothing suspicious. Besides, with her twenty-plus years of single experience from her past life, she could confidently say she was just overthinking.
"Oh~ I see."
She gave a half-hearted response and turned to leave with the documents.
"Big Brother, I’m heading out for a bit."
Gu Hanling’s brows furrowed slightly as he noticed her stepping out in a revealing slip dress. At this hour? Was she planning to stay out all night?
"Stop."
Hearing his voice, Shen Xi paused and turned around, looking at him with confusion.
"The contract states that while you’re staying here, you’re not allowed to leave the house after 8 PM. Otherwise, you’ll be penalized…"
As he spoke, he casually raised his hand and held up one finger.
"Huh???"
Shen Xi had wanted to tell Keke the truth as soon as possible, so her tone carried a hint of annoyance.
"Big Brother, I have a bad memory. I forgot what the contract says. Can I take a look at it?"
Gu Hanling raised an eyebrow and gave a faint smile.
"Oh? Did Madam lose her copy of the contract?"
"If that’s the case, I suppose I can freely add in new terms to my copy."
Shen Xi’s confidence wavered for a moment, but she quickly forced out a grin.
"Hehe, how could I lose it? It’s safely locked away in a drawer at the Shen family home!"
Gu Hanling watched her amusedly, his smile deepening.
"Oh, good to know."
"By the way, we’ll be dealing with the Jiang family tomorrow. If Madam enjoys watching the drama, feel free to tag along."
Hearing that, Shen Xi felt like she had been struck by lightning.
‘Why didn’t you say so earlier?!’
She suddenly suspected that this man was just toying with her, deliberately waiting for her to embarrass herself.
"Then… I guess I can at least take a walk around the villa, right?"
"Whatever you want."
After saying that, the man turned and headed upstairs.
Shen Xi watched Gu Hanling’s retreating figure, pouting as she muttered under her breath,
"Tsk... damn capitalist!"
Just as she stepped out of her room, she saw Butler Wang returning from outside the villa.
Her lips twitched. So she was the only one forbidden from going out at night, huh?
"The night air is chilly, Madam. Why are you standing outside?"
Butler Wang approached with a warm smile. Shen Xi let out a dry laugh.
"It’s too cold inside. Oh, right, Butler Wang, I have a question."
"Please, go ahead, Madam."
"You should know the details of my contract, right?"
Of course, Butler Wang knew. It was nothing more than a simple marriage agreement. But as a loyal servant of the Gu family, he wouldn’t dare say too much. He didn’t want to interfere with his master’s affairs.
"Uh… I’m afraid I don’t know, Madam. We servants never dare to pry into Mr. Gu’s matters."
"Oh, I see..."
"Then have you noticed that lately, every time he sees me, he smiles more? And then you, standing beside him, look all surprised and say, ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Sir smile like this’?"
Butler Wang nearly lost control of his expression.
"Uh… Madam, perhaps you’ve been reading too many novels. Sir has always been quite fond of smiling."
Likes to smile... huh... Butler Wang even tried to believe what he just said.
"Oh~"
Shen Xi confirmed once again that she was just overthinking. After all, in this world, the protagonist’s halo belonged to Lin Yueyue. Even the original host, a proper woman, couldn’t attract Gu Hanling. How could she, a hardcore tomboy, possibly stand a chance?
By 9 PM, Shen Xi had finished her shower and was comfortably lying in bed. She sent a message to Keke, asking where she was. Upon hearing that Keke was at home, she felt relieved.
She didn’t mention Jiang Bailang, worried that Keke might overthink things. Instead, they just arranged a time to meet tomorrow before Shen Xi prepared to sleep.
Just as she was about to turn off the lights, her phone vibrated.
It was an unknown number, not in her contacts.
She hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Xixi, I… I’m at a bar… I drank… a lot… Can you come…"
"Shi Jingyan???"
Shen Xi was slightly surprised and had unconsciously raised her voice. Realizing her mistake, she quickly lowered her volume and, with the gentlest tone possible, gave him the warmest words of comfort—
"Then drink some more."
With that, she hung up.
Just as she was about to block his number again.
Knock, knock, knock.
Three knocks on the door sent a chill down her spine.
No one in this villa would dare knock on my door after 9 PM…
Bracing herself, she opened the door.
As expected, it was Gu Hanling, his face as cold as ice.
As usual, he had been struggling to sleep. He prepared to ignore the doctor's advice and take sleeping pills to force himself to sleep.
The moment he stepped out of the bedroom on the third floor, he overheard Shen Xi on the phone in her room, excitedly shouting 'Shi Jingyan's' name.
Shen Xi saw the faint anger on his sharp features.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Was he going to deduct her pay again? No, please no!!
"Big Brother? You’re still awake…?"
"Didn’t Butler Wang tell you that it should be quiet after 9 PM?"
"He did…"
Damn capitalist.
And there it was again. That evil hand, raising a single finger.
Seeing this, Shen Xi quickly grabbed his hand with her own small hands.
"Big Brother! I was wrong, okay? Just tell me what I need to do for you to forgive me. Just don’t deduct my money!"
Hearing that, a subtle curve appeared at the corner of Gu Hanling’s lips.
"The same as at the old mansion."
"???"
"Sleep together."