Chapter 35: A Week of Sleeping Together
"Oh? You know about that too?"
Shen Zekai instinctively asked, his gaze unconsciously shifting to Shen Xi. But she looked completely indifferent, as if they weren’t even talking about her.
She elegantly picked up her sparkling wine, took a small sip, and remained composed, like she was an outsider, yet somehow in control of everything.
"The upper-class circle is small. Of course, I’ve heard some things. I also heard their marriage isn’t going well?"
Susie lowered her voice mysteriously.
"It seems like it..."
Seeing that Shen Xi still had no reaction, Shen Zekai felt reassured and answered based on what he knew.
"Actually, my sister has someone she likes, her first love."
Shen Xi almost choked on her drink, coughing lightly. She shot her brother a subtle glare. This guy is impossible to control.
"Wow, what a juicy scandal. Your circle is really messy, huh? Haha."
Hearing Zekai’s words, Susie’s eyes sparkled with excitement, like a fox that had caught the scent of prey. But no matter how she pressed for details, Zekai just kept saying he didn’t know.
"I’m only asking because I have a meeting at Gu Corporation this afternoon to discuss a partnership. Just wanted to get a sense of what President Gu is like."
Realizing she wasn’t getting any useful information, Susie smoothly changed the topic to her schedule.
"Can I come along? Just to see the world a little?"
Shen Xi put on an eager expression, but in truth, she was just curious about the man’s company. Not checking up on him. Definitely not.
Susie’s eyes flickered with a trace of disdain. That superior air of hers returned.
"Sure, one or two extra people won’t matter."
After lunch, Shen Zekai, in full alpha male mode, insisted on paying the bill. Not that anyone else was fighting him for it. Except for Shen Xi, who genuinely wanted to pay.
Maybe because she was around, Zekai finally started noticing something was off about Susie.
She seemed way more interested in his sister and brother-in-law than in him.
With some time to kill, the group wandered around a nearby shopping center, mostly visiting stores that women liked. Shen Xi had zero interest.
But when they passed the men’s section, she spotted a sleek, exquisitely designed tie clip that seemed perfect for Gu Hanling.
On a whim, she bought it. Just as a thank-you gift for letting her stay over. Nothing more.
……………………………….
Meanwhile, Gu Hanling tapped his long fingers lightly against his desk, deep in thought after hearing Fang Chen’s report.
The video had originally been sent for internal review to confirm its authenticity. Who would’ve thought that after being outsourced multiple times, it would end up becoming public knowledge?
Thankfully, the lighting in the video was poor, making it hard to recognize Shen Xi’s face. Otherwise, President Fang would be scrubbing toilets by now.
The video had mysteriously gone viral, even making it onto the trending list.
Netizens were calling the graceful woman in the video the “Moonlight Goddess.”
Online rumors claimed the video was part of a publicity stunt by Gu Corporation’s subsidiary, Stars Entertainment, to promote a mysterious contestant for the famous “Who’s the King of Singers?” competition on Su City TV.
This reality show was one of Gu Corporation’s major productions. They even had the right to insert a mystery contestant directly into the semifinals, a “seeded contestant” privilege.
But now, the issue was:
The woman in the video was his wife.
Should they issue an official statement to clarify, or should they just roll with it?
After all, the publicity boost had basically guaranteed the show’s ratings.
In this short-video era, traditional talent shows had been struggling. Every year, their viewership got stolen by Zhejiang TV’s “The Voice of China.”
But this year? They might finally stand a chance.
Not to mention, Shen Xi could debut overnight with this kind of exposure. At least as a second-tier celebrity.
All thanks to the fact that the song in the video was original.
Fang Chen's professional instincts could make him reckless, but his position as CEO taught him the importance of restraint. He wasn’t about to directly ask if they should let Madam Gu debut as a singer. Instead, he let the boss decide.
After thinking for a long moment, Gu Hanling pulled out his phone and sent Shen Xi a message.
[Do you like singing?]
Shen Xi was already on her phone and replied instantly.
[?? I guess I do.]
[Do you want to be a singer?]
Sitting in Zekai’s car, Shen Xi suddenly sat up straight, startled.
[Huh? Big brother, are you planning to invest in me?]
Just as she sent the message, she immediately received the man’s firm reply.
[Keep dreaming.]
Shen Xi felt like he was teasing her. She typed the word “Get lost” in the chat box, but before she could send it, a second message popped up.
[TV singing competition, Madam. Want to give it a try?]
Her heart pounded as she stared at the screen.
She wanted to be a singer. A star.
That way, she could earn a lot of money. Maybe, just maybe, she could finally realize the dream she had in her past life.
Without hesitation, she erased “Get lost” and typed a new reply.
[Yes, yes, yes! I’m in!]
Gu Hanling’s lips curled into a faint smile as he put down his phone. A selfish thought crossed his mind.
After a moment of contemplation, he looked at Fang Chen and spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone.
“Tell the organizers to rename the show to ‘Masked Singer King.’ Every contestant must wear a mask on stage. Plan the show accordingly.”
“Give the special guest spot to Madam. But make sure, no one knows it’s her.”
“Understood?”
Fang Chen quickly nodded, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
“Understood, President Gu. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s top secret.”
With that, he hurried out of the office.
Just then, Gu Hanling’s phone vibrated again. It was Shen Xi. She seemed to have just realized something important.
[Why are you helping me? What’s the price…?]
[Sleep with me for a week.]
Shen Xi, who had just gotten out of the car, saw the man's reply and curled her lip, giving a light 'tch.'
She hadn’t even debuted yet and was already being “exploited”?
But then again… the man was her technically legitimate husband, and despite sleeping in the same bed twice, he had never actually done anything. So she wasn’t exactly repulsed.
[Just sleep, no touching?]
[Oh? Does Madam want to do more?]
“……”
[NO! Let's make a deal: You’re not allowed to touch me.]
[Deal.]
After sending his reply, Gu Hanling’s lips curled into a meaningful smirk.
Knock, knock.
A soft knock on the office door interrupted his thoughts. His expression returned to its usual coldness as he spoke.
“Come in.”
Assistant Liu, a man with gold-rimmed glasses, entered the room.
“President Gu, Miss Susie has arrived.”
Gu Hanling nodded slightly.
“Handle it.”
Assistant Liu, being Gu Hanling’s trusted right-hand man, knew his boss’s habits well. He hated dealing with female guests.
Especially during work.
With his looks and status, women often couldn’t help but show admiration, or worse, attempt to seduce him.
And Gu Hanling found it incredibly annoying.
“One more thing, President Gu.”
“Fang Chen said he just saw Madam at the entrance.”
Gu Hanling’s brows furrowed slightly. A hint of surprise flashed across his face.
“Bring her to me.”
Assistant Liu was momentarily stunned. Alright… so now Madam was the only woman allowed to interrupt his work.
“…Understood, President Gu.”