Chapter 59: Little Kitten
Along the way, countless eyes followed them, curious about the pretty woman by Gu Hanling’s side.
Shen Xi could feel their probing gazes, making her a little uncomfortable. Only then did she realize how intimately she was holding onto him.
Maintaining her composed expression, she subtly loosened her grip, trying to put some distance between them, but Gu Hanling reached out and held her in place.
His palm was warm and firm, carrying an undeniable authority. Leaning in slightly, he whispered near her ear,
"If you're going to act, at least make it convincing, coward."
Shen Xi pouted, speechless, but obediently tightened her hold on his arm again.
On the other side of the banquet hall, a group of distinguished businessmen holding wine glasses approached.
"President Gu, long time no see. And this lady is…?"
A middle-aged man smiled as he glanced at Shen Xi.
Gu Hanling didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he slightly tilted his head and looked at the woman beside him, his gaze carrying an unreadable meaning.
Shen Xi felt his eyes on her and rolled her own inwardly.
Alright, alright, I get it. You’re mad that I’m not doing my job, huh? Hmph.
She smiled politely and said in a calm voice,
"Hello, I’m Hanling’s wife, Shen Xi."
Gu Hanling’s lips curled ever so slightly.
As far as she could remember, this was the first time she had introduced herself as his wife right in front of him.
She could always say those fake lovey-dovey things to Gu Hanling in front of everyone, especially the male lead, without even flinching. But now, she suddenly feels weird, and her face is getting hot for no reason.
"So you’re Mrs. Gu! What a perfect match. Handsome and beautiful, truly made for each other."
"President Gu, you really kept this a secret. We’ve never seen you bring such a stunning lady to an event before."
Gu Hanling smiled faintly.
"She’s shy and doesn’t like the spotlight."
Shen Xi nearly choked at his words.
Shy? Please. If you were a woman, I’d be bold enough to sneak into your room at night, believe it or not.
As one of the top business figures in Su City, countless people wanted to build connections with Gu Hanling. Soon, they were all raising their glasses, eager to toast him.
However, Gu Hanling remained as cold and distant as ever, neither responding nor lifting his own glass. An awkward silence settled over the group.
Shen Xi had been warned by Butler Wang before coming that Gu Hanling had a moderate alcohol allergy and rarely drank.
Standing beside him, she found the situation rather amusing. These powerful businessmen, all smiling eagerly with their drinks, only to be met with complete indifference.
Back in her past life as a corporate workhorse, she had seen plenty of toasting at business events. Though she had never bothered to butter up her bosses, she was no stranger to the practice.
This time, however, she actually felt like stepping in for her big brother. With a graceful smile, she took the wine glass from Gu Hanling’s hand and spoke gently,
"The doctor advised Hanling to drink less. I’ll toast on his behalf. Thank you all for your kindness."
She raised the glass elegantly and took a small sip.
"Mrs. Gu is truly thoughtful. President Gu is lucky to have such a stunning and capable wife!"
The others quickly chimed in, and the atmosphere relaxed.
After just two drinks, Gu Hanling looked down at Shen Xi. Her cheeks were already starting to flush, and he knew this kind of alcohol had a strong aftereffect.
He placed his hand on her slender waist, intending to take her away from the banquet.
The warmth and strength of his palm against her waist made Shen Xi freeze slightly, startled. Her instinct was to step away.
But with so many people around, she forced herself to stay still. She lifted her gaze and shot him a glare, her eyes full of playful annoyance, as if to say, ‘What are you doing? Trying to take advantage of me?’
Gu Hanling’s expression remained as cool as ever. He leaned down slightly, his voice deep and quiet as he whispered in her ear.
"You’re drunk."
Shen Xi was stunned. What a joke, her getting drunk?
It was just two glasses! She pouted defiantly and mumbled under her breath,
"Don’t underestimate me. I can drink a thousa—"
Before she could finish, a wave of dizziness hit her.
Gu Hanling noticed the change in her expression, his arm tightening slightly around her as he let out a cold, amused chuckle.
He helped her into the car and sat beside her, keeping some distance between them.
The driver started the engine, and the car smoothly pulled away. The city lights flickered through the window, casting a dazzling glow in the night.
Shen Xi leaned against the seat, half-closing her eyes as she gazed at the scenery outside. Her head felt heavier and heavier.
As expected, the alcohol finally took effect. She dozed off, and, as luck would have it, lost her balance and slumped over, right onto Gu Hanling’s shoulder.
Feeling the weight on him, Gu Hanling glanced sideways at the woman leaning against him. His eyebrow twitched slightly as he spoke in an indifferent tone,
"Why not lean on Shi Jingyan instead? Why on me?"
But Shen Xi was already fast asleep, completely unbothered by his words.
Her cheeks were flushed with an alluring blush from the alcohol, making her look soft, harmless, and exceptionally well-behaved.
As the discomfort of intoxication set in, she rubbed her face against his tailored suit, unknowingly wiping off the last traces of her lipstick. Her face now looked like a little kitten.
Gu Hanling’s face darkened.
The black luxury car drove into the Gu family villa.
As the door opened automatically, he stepped out first, then carefully lifted the completely unconscious Shen Xi into his arms.
She was soft and warm, her faint fragrance lingering around him. Her head unconsciously rested against his chest.
Butler Wang had been waiting at the entrance for a while. Despite the silver strands in his hair, he was still strong and capable. An essential trait for serving his employer efficiently.
Seeing Gu Hanling carrying the drunk lady, he quickly stepped forward and enthusiastically spread his arms. After all, such labor shouldn’t burden the master of the house.
"Sir, you shouldn’t strain yourself. Allow me to take over."
Gu Hanling frowned slightly and shot him a glance.
"...Uh… On second thought, my old bones aren’t quite up to the task. Shame on me, truly."
Realizing his mistake, Butler Wang immediately withdrew his hands and tactfully stepped aside.
Gu Hanling carried her up to the third floor, into Shen Xi’s own room, and gently placed her on the bed. He went to the bathroom and grabbed a towel.
When he saw the woman's dressing table, Gu Hanling was utterly speechless.
This… is her makeup collection?
Just a few lipsticks in odd shapes and a single bottle of makeup remover?
Seems like Shen Xi really isn’t into makeup these days.
But, to be honest, her bare face only made her look more naturally beautiful.
Pouring some makeup remover onto the towel, he sat beside her bed and carefully wiped off the smudged lipstick marks.
Shen Xi seemed to feel the cool sensation on her face and wrinkled her brow slightly, mumbling in a drowsy voice, "So hot…"
The dress, designed to highlight her curves, felt constricting and unbearable. She reached for the zipper, an unconscious attempt to relieve the pressure.
But Gu Hanling swiftly intervened, because beneath the fabric lay only…
He wasn’t the kind of man to take advantage of others, nor did he enjoy forcing anyone. He had his own principles.
After tucking the thin blanket around her, he decided to call the maids to help her change into sleepwear.
Just as he got up, he heard her murmur in her sleep,
"Big brother… no…"
His steps halted. He turned back, his gaze falling on her flushed, delicate face. His expression grew complicated.
She doesn’t want him to leave?
"Don’t… deduct my salary…"
Hearing Shen Xi's mumbling in her sleep, Gu Hanling's face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot...