Chapter 63: Eyeing Her Golden Rice Bowl
Shen Xi glanced at Gu Hanling, noticing the rare sight of him carrying a bag. She was curious but didn’t ask.
"Big Brother, have you had dinner?"
"Are you cooking?"
Gu Hanling raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on her light blue dress. His eyes lit up slightly.
He clearly remembered that when she left in the morning, she was wearing a more androgynous outfit.
The truth was, after returning to the hotel earlier, Shen Xi had been sweaty and sticky, so she took a shower and changed into a dress. It made her look especially soft and feminine.
But it wasn’t like she wanted to wear girly clothes!
It was just hot, and she realized that dresses were breezier. Yeah… that was it.
Also…
She's pretty! Everyone likes beautiful things, just think of it as raising a daughter.
Shen Xi smiled and blinked playfully.
"Keke brought me a ton of snacks. We can eat while watching a show!"
This was her favorite pastime in her previous life, watching Gundam while snacking.
Gu Hanling's smile deepened.
"So, we won’t read 《The Stunning CEO Got Pregnant and Forced Me to Be a Kept Man》?"
"Huh??"
Shen Xi was speechless. This joke again?
"Seems like you’re the one who wants to read it. Weren’t you enjoying it last time?"
"Right back at you."
Neither was willing to back down, and they exchanged amused smiles.
Meanwhile, Shi Jingyan and Lin Yueyue were approaching from down the street.
A gentle breeze swept by.
Shen Xi’s dress swayed slightly in the wind, revealing her fair and flawless legs. She wore a simple pair of white sandals with thin straps wrapping around her delicate ankles. Her long black hair cascaded freely down her back, fluttering lightly in the summer breeze.
She looked both soft and lively, her bright eyes curving as she smiled up at Gu Hanling.
To Shi Jingyan, that radiant smile was blinding.
He had never seen Shen Xi smile at him like that. So naturally, so genuinely happy. A sour feeling spread through his chest.
As for Gu Hanling, standing opposite her.
Dressed in a fitted black designer shirt, the fabric traced his broad shoulders and tall, strong frame. His sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing toned forearms. His collar was slightly open, giving him a relaxed yet elegant air.
There was a faint smile in his eyes, and though his expression remained cool, he looked far gentler than usual.
Shen Xi was already considered tall for a woman, but standing next to Gu Hanling, who was 1.86 meters, she still seemed delicate.
The two of them together were simply a perfect match, visually striking and effortlessly harmonious.
Shi Jingyan came to a halt, his eyes dark and brooding as he stared at them. His fingers clenched unconsciously.
He was unwilling to accept this.
That woman used to be such a desperate fangirl for him. Why isn’t she chasing after him anymore?
How is he supposed to satisfy his ego if the school goddess who once adored him now ignores him?
So that’s it, she just follows the money, huh?
Tch. She acts all pure and innocent on the outside, but deep down, she’s just another gold digger.
Beside him, Lin Yueyue sensed something off in his demeanor. She turned to him and saw his gloomy expression. Her heart tightened as she asked softly,
"Jingyan, what’s wrong?"
Shi Jingyan withdrew his gaze and shook his head.
"It’s nothing."
Lin Yueyue pressed her lips together. She had already noticed Shen Xi and Gu Hanling standing nearby, so she spoke with a hint of curiosity in her tone.
"Huh? Isn’t that Xixi’s husband? Why is he here too?"
Shi Jingyan was silent for a moment before letting out a cold laugh, his voice laced with suppressed anger.
"What else could it be?"
A man coming to see a woman. What else could it be about? It’s always about that kind of thing.
Obviously, he was just here to satisfy his needs.
Shi Jingyan’s jealousy and rage spread like wildfire. That shameless woman had already given her first time to Gu Hanling.
And to think, he actually believed her when she said her marriage was just for the sake of the Shen family. What a joke!
Lin Yueyue felt even worse. She had recently found out just how powerful Gu Hanling’s background was.
Compared to him, Shi Jingyan wasn’t even worthy of carrying his shoes.
Back then, Shen Xi had desperately clung to Shi Jingyan, and that alone had annoyed Lin Yueyue. But now that she'd climbed the social ladder with the prestigious Gu family and totally ignoring her ex. Lin Yueyue couldn’t accept it.
"Jingyan, should we... go over and say hi?"
According to the original story, Shi Jingyan was supposed to get closer to Gu Hanling. After all, Gu Hanling was meant to be his golden opportunity, the mentor who would take him under his wing.
But Shi Jingyan shot her a cold look, his voice tinged with impatience.
"Say hi for what? If you want to go, go by yourself. I’m not going."
He knew that building a relationship with Gu Hanling could bring unexpected opportunities to the Shi family.
But to lower himself and bow to her husband?
Never.
Lin Yueyue tugged at Shi Jingyan’s sleeve.
"But Gu Hanling’s connections and resources could really help your family. I just think it’d be good for you to expand your network."
Shi Jingyan let out a disdainful snort, his face darkening as he refused to say more. Lin Yueyue’s lips curved into a subtle smile as an idea formed in her mind. She cautiously suggested,
"Jingyan, how about I go say hello for you? Someone like Gu Hanling is worth getting to know, after all."
"Whatever."
Lin Yueyue nodded obediently, tidied her hair, and tucked a few strands behind her ear. Then, stepping away from Shi Jingyan, she pulled out a compact mirror and quickly touched up her makeup.
She put on what she believed was her sweetest, most charming smile and walked toward Shen Xi and Gu Hanling.
"Xixi! What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to run into you here."
Her voice was soft and sweet, with just the right hint of a delicate, girlish tone.
Hearing the familiar voice, Shen Xi turned around. When she saw Lin Yueyue, her face immediately darkened.
Damn it.
She seriously wanted to stab this woman right now.
Why is she still hanging around? Shen Xi had already cut ties with Shi Jingyan, yet this woman was still clinging on. What did she want this time?
"A coincidence? More like something you planned."
"If you have something to say, just say it."
They were literally staying in rooms next to each other. What coincidence?
Lin Yueyue seemed startled by Shen Xi’s cold tone. She gave Gu Hanling a pitiful glance before turning back to Shen Xi, her voice soft and laced with grievance.
"I... I didn’t mean anything bad. It just feels like you’ve been avoiding me lately. If I did something wrong, I want to apologize. I’m sorry, Xixi."
After saying that, she looked up at Gu Hanling with her most delicate, watery eyes, as if silently begging him to step in and speak for her.
But…
Gu Hanling simply stood there, his face indifferent. He gave her the same polite yet emotionless smile he reserved for all the socialite women who tried to approach him. His eyes were cold, showing zero intention of getting involved.
Shen Xi immediately caught on to Lin Yueyue’s little act.
To be fair, as the female lead, Lin Yueyue’s whole innocent and fragile act was pretty effective. It would definitely trigger the protective instincts of most men.
But now?
She was actually trying to charm her big boss?
Oh hell no.
Shen Xi clenched her fists.
So you’ve got your eyes on my golden ticket now, huh?
Flirting with my man? Do you even understand first come, first served?
You wanna be Mrs. Gu too?
What are you looking at? Keep looking, and I’ll make sure you regret it.