Chapter 41: When Something Feels Off, There’s Always a Reason
Shen Xi and Keke were sitting in a cozy dessert shop, enjoying their afternoon tea.
They had also invited Shen Zekai, using this free time for a little “Villain Trio” reunion.
"I donated 5 million, still have 4.96 million left… If I move out of the villa and buy a regular house for 2 million…"
While waiting for Zekai, Shen Xi was busy jotting down notes on her phone.
She originally planned to start a company, but now, she had decided to take the "copycat" route instead.
Since she didn’t need that much money in the short term, she decided to donate half of it to help children in poor rural areas. Finally fulfilling a regret that had been on her mind for a long time.
A gentle breeze brushed past, making her long hair fall against her cheek and tickle her skin.
Completely focused on her notes, she absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear, exposing her fair, snow-white neck.
Sitting beside her, Keke saw this and couldn’t help but smile to herself. Shen Xi looked up, a little confused.
"What’s so funny, Keke?"
Keke blinked playfully, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Xixi, you have no idea how charming you look when you tuck your hair like that. Even I feel a little dizzy watching you."
After spending so much time with Shen Xi, Keke had changed. As if a warm light had brightened her life.
She was no longer the timid, hesitant follower she used to be. Instead, she had become cheerful and confident.
Hearing this, Shen Xi’s face flushed slightly in embarrassment. It was just a subconscious, girlish action, not something she did on purpose. She raised an eyebrow, smiling playfully, but there was a hint of seriousness in her eyes.
"Then… do you like me?"
Keke's eyes curved into little crescents as she nodded without hesitation.
"Of course, I do! Sister Xixi, you’re so beautiful, brave, and kind. You’ve always been someone I look up to and admire!"
Shen Xi gazed at Keke’s adorable expression and sighed inwardly.
"So, that’s all it is, huh…"
She reached out and gently pinched Keke’s soft cheeks.
"Keke, having you as my… best friend is amazing. You are my ‘Little Luck’."
Keke tilted her head in confusion.
"Huh? Why ‘little’?"
Shen Xi chuckled mysteriously.
"That’s a secret."
At that moment, a blond-haired Zekai strolled over with his usual carefree swagger and sat down at their table.
"Good afternoon."
But instead of his usual cocky grin, he looked deeply troubled. Keke noticed his gloomy mood and instinctively bit her lip, concern flashing in her eyes, though she stayed silent. Shen Xi frowned slightly, puzzled.
"Hmm? What’s wrong, Zekai?"
Usually, he was the type to laugh off anything, no matter how big the problem was. For him to look this serious was rare. Zekai sighed heavily.
"I had a fight with Mom and Dad. Sister, you won’t believe it. They’re actually planning to make you get a divorce!"
His voice was filled with frustration and disbelief. After a pause, he continued,
"Sister, I know your heart still belongs to Shi Jingyan. This marriage was just for the Gu family’s protection. But if you actually get divorced, that green tea b*tch Lin Yueyue will totally take over!"
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!"
Shen Xi couldn’t hold back her laughter.
A divorce was inevitable. It was just a matter of time. But it definitely wasn’t happening right now. After all, Gu Hanling had hired her for two years.
How could she possibly be manipulated into breaking the contract early?
Of course, if the man paid her 200 million upfront and ended it himself, then that would be another story.
That would actually be perfect. She’d be free sooner!
Zekai and Keke stared at her, completely confused. Zekai scratched his head, still not understanding. Shen Xi waved a hand dismissively.
"Relax, don’t worry about it."
She casually picked up a small piece of dessert and took a bite. Hmm… still not as good as the ones from the Gu family. She frowned slightly, thinking to herself.
"If I get divorced, I won’t be able to eat these anymore. Even if I try to buy them outside, they probably won’t taste as good."
"So… it’s better to wait for the two-year contract to end."
"By then, maybe I’ll be sick of them… probably…"
Shen Xi lifted her gaze to look at the other two. One was Keke, a girl forced into heartbreak. The other was Zekai, a guy destined to be heartbroken. And then there was herself, the side character bound for divorce.
This wasn’t the Villain Trio at all. They should just call themselves "The Heartbreak Alliance."
No wonder they were just stepping stones for the male and female leads. Each one of them had it worse than the last.
Shen Xi had only been away for half a day, but she was already missing the food at the Gu family’s house.
So, before nightfall, she returned to the villa.
"Madam, you're back. Dinner is ready."
As soon as she stepped inside, Butler Wang greeted her with his usual warm smile.
"Where’s my husband?"
"Sir hasn’t returned yet. He mentioned an important business dinner tonight and may be back very late."
Shen Xi responded with a simple "Hmm," then headed straight for the dining room, happily enjoying the meal all by herself.
Since she had an early meeting tomorrow with ‘Yinhai Feiyu,’ she took a bath early and went to bed.
She still owed that man a few nights of sleeping together, so tonight, she thoughtfully left her door unlocked.
…………………………………………
Midnight.
Gu Hanling quietly opened the door to her bedroom.
As usual, the central air conditioning kept the room chilly.
On the bed, Shen Xi’s blanket had slipped down to her waist. Feeling cold, she curled up like a little shrimp, her pale skin faintly visible under the dim light, catching Gu Hanling’s eye.
His gaze paused for a moment before he slowly walked over to the other side of the bed and pulled her into his arms like a doll, tucking the blanket around her.
"Mmm..."
Just like every other night, Shen Xi softly murmured in her sleep.
As the unexpected warmth enveloped her, her small, cold body gradually relaxed. Instinctively, she nuzzled closer to the heat source, resting her head lightly against Gu Hanling’s chest.
He looked down at the woman in his arms. Her delicate, snow-white neck, beautiful and fragile.
From the darkest corners of his soul, a voice whispered, tempting him to claim her completely, to make sure this woman belonged only to him.
Gu Hanling let out a silent, self-mocking laugh.
…………………………………………
The next morning.
When Gu Hanling opened his eyes, the usually sleepy and lazy Shen Xi was nowhere to be found.
He quickly got up and went downstairs, only to see a servant clearing away a set of breakfast dishes.
Something felt off.
"Sir, good morning."
Butler Wang greeted him respectfully. Noticing Gu Hanling’s gaze, he quickly explained,
"Madam woke up very early today. After breakfast, she left wearing a hat and a mask."
Gu Hanling’s brows furrowed slightly as he turned to his butler, his voice cold and indifferent.
"Did I ask? What does it have to do with me?"
Butler Wang bowed slightly, his respectful expression unchanged.
"You're absolutely right, sir. I only mentioned it because I thought you might want to know. It has nothing to do with you."
For some reason, Gu Hanling felt irritated.
He had lost his appetite entirely, so he went back to his room to change into his suit and headed out.
As soon as his car pulled out of the villa’s gates, he saw Liu Qiulan, Shen Wanru, and Shen Xi’s father waiting for him outside.
Today, Shen Wanru was dressed in a white spaghetti-strap dress, giving off the soft and innocent "first love" vibe.
She stood quietly by their side, not saying a word.
Gu Hanling recognized all three of them, and out of politeness, he lowered the car window, nodding with a gentlemanly smile. But he didn’t tell the driver to stop.
Even though their families were now connected by marriage, Shen Xi’s father and Liu Qiulan were still extremely respectful towards him.
The two exchanged a quick glance before Liu Qiulan spoke first.
"Mr. Gu, we’d like to talk to you about Shen Xi."
"Stop the car."
Hearing the woman's name, Gu Hanling told the driver to stop the car.