Chapter 79: The Chips Taste Pretty Good
Shen Xi let out a quiet hmph and scoffed internally.
Of course, the female lead would have such a deep connection with him. Even their birthdays are on the same day.
Once Gu Hanling inevitably follows the storyline and connects with those two drama magnets, becoming their ultimate golden ticket, that’ll probably be the day she, Shen Xi, has to flee for her life.
Now that she thought about it, why hadn’t the ever-diligent Butler Wang reminded her that tomorrow was Gu Hanling’s birthday?
And even stranger, why was everyone on vacation instead of hosting some grand celebration for him?
The answer was obvious.
His birthday was a forbidden topic. No one could mention it, and no one celebrated it.
There was probably some deep, hidden reason behind it. Maybe something tied to his powerful family or even his parents, whom no one dared to speak about.
In stories like these, CEOs with this kind of emotional baggage usually just wanted to be left alone on their birthday, hiding in their vast, empty mansion, silently licking their wounds.
Shen Xi stole a glance at the man beside her. His face remained as calm and unreadable as ever, and thankfully he didn’t seem to have any intention of kicking her out. She let out a small sigh of relief.
For Shen Xi, birthdays had always been a big deal.
In her past life, growing up in the mountains, her birthday was the only time the house felt lively. Neighbors would gather to celebrate with her, and for that one day each year, she was truly happy.
But now, looking at Gu Hanling. He had everything, wealth, status, power… yet he didn’t even have a birthday to celebrate.
Somehow, that realization made her heart ache just a little.
Pah, pah, pah, what pain? Shen Xi, the happiness of rich people is beyond your comprehension. Snap out of it!
Still, she had already come up with an idea for tomorrow’s breakfast. She’d find a way to secretly, subtly celebrate his birthday.
But it had to be done carefully. If he realized she was doing it on purpose, he might think she had an ulterior motive. Best-case scenario, she’d just lose money. Worst-case? She’d be thrown out on the street.
Shen Xi was so lost in her thoughts that she completely lost track of the show. It wasn’t until she snapped back to reality that she realized how weird this situation was, sitting this close to Gu Hanling, watching TV together.
To ease the awkwardness, she reached for some chips.
"Scrrtch—"
The sound of the chip bag being torn open echoed awkwardly in the tense atmosphere.
Gu Hanling shifted his gaze away from the TV, watching as the woman happily crunched away.
"Crunch, crunch."
Munching on her snack, completely at ease. His brows furrowed slightly.
If Butler Wang were here, he would’ve kindly reminded Madam that Sir absolutely hated people eating on the sofa.
Yet, this time, the man merely glanced over, pressed his thin lips together, and said nothing.
Shen Xi, feeling his gaze, assumed he wanted some. She let out an awkward chuckle and held the bag toward him.
“Uh… Big Brother, do you like cucumber-flavored chips? Want to try some?”
Gu Hanling glanced at the bag with clear disdain in his eyes. He had never touched these high-calorie junk foods since childhood.
Then he shifted his gaze, raising his eyes to look at the woman, speaking in a faint tone, “No need.”
Shen Xi retracted her hand, rolling her eyes internally. Geez, this guy is hard to please.
After a few more chips, she started feeling thirsty. Getting up to grab a drink, she placed her small feet on the floor.
But just as she stood up, a tingling numbness ran through her legs. Her foot slipped.
And the next second, she stumbled straight toward Gu Hanling.
"Oh, crap!"
This is the classic 'clumsy fall' move?! No way, she’s just a side character! She shouldn't be getting this kind of scene!
This wasn’t just falling onto a man. This was falling onto two hundred million yuan!
He’s totally gonna think she’s like those people throwing themselves at him and kick her straight out of the villa!
A thousand thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant. Then, her survival instincts kicked in! Twisting her body at the last second, she shifted her weight and managed to change direction.
Success!
…Or not.
Because instead of landing on him, her soft, delicate face was now heading straight for the sharp edge of the table.
Oh, hell no!
Shen Xi instinctively shut her eyes and screamed internally, ‘I’m done for! My face is gonna be ruined!’
But just as she braced for impact. A strong arm pulled her back. In the next moment, she was pulled into a firm, warm embrace.
In the moment—
"Smooch."
Shen Xi’s soft pink lips landed right on the man’s cheek, the scent of cedarwood cologne surrounding her.
Gu Hanling felt the small, warm, and delicate sensation on his face. His deep eyes widened slightly.
The two of them were now sprawled on the floor. Him underneath, her on top.
The position was… questionable.
The atmosphere was so tense it was suffocating.
Shen Xi’s eyes were wide open. She blinked. Her mind went completely blank. She even forgot to breathe.
‘Wait… Who am I? Where am I? Hold on a second, I'm a dude, and I just kissed a man!??’
Snapping back to reality, she jolted upright as if electrocuted, her face burning hot.
Panicking, she stammered, "Big brother… I-I didn’t mean to! I swear I wasn’t trying to kiss you… Please don’t kick me out…"
Her voice was soft and pitiful.
She had no choice but to act weak. This wasn’t just throwing herself into his arms. She had actually kissed him! She'd definitely be kicked out!
Gu Hanling sat up, his face dark. He spoke in a flat tone.
"If you want to die, don’t die in my house."
He adjusted his slightly wrinkled shirt. His fingers brushed against the spot where she had kissed him. There was still a faint trace of warmth there. His expression grew complicated.
Hearing his words, and seeing that complicated expression on his face, Shen Xi was inexplicably annoyed.
Excuse me?
She’s the one at a disadvantage here! Do you know how many people would kill for a kiss from her? This body, this face, they're the epitome of beauty!
Even she can’t resist herself sometimes. But his reaction? Unbelievable!
And then—
“Deduct 5,000.”
With that, Gu Hanling coldly turned and walked away.
“Wha—?!”
Shen Xi sucked in a sharp breath. She felt like she had just been struck by lightning. He didn’t kick her out, but five million deducted in one go?!
That’s practically a death sentence!
Shen Xi quickly ran after him, hands clasped together, her face full of a charming smile. Her voice was soft and sweet.
"Brother, please don’t! I swear, I really didn’t mean to! I absolutely wasn’t trying to throw myself at you! I… I…"
As she spoke, she carefully observed Gu Hanling’s expression. Seeing that he still looked as emotionless as ever, her heart grew uneasy.
Damn it! For five million, I’m going all in today!
Gu Hanling, you bastard!
In desperation, Shen Xi gritted her teeth, ran in front of him, tilted her face to the side, shut her eyes tightly, and…
"If… if it bothers you that much, you can kiss me back!"
The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Just as she was about to open her eyes.
A sudden warmth covered her lips.
For an instant, it was like an electric current shot through her, straight to her heart.
Her heart pounded in her chest, a sudden, rapid beat, as she remained utterly motionless.
She opened her eyes, and right in front of her was Gu Hanling’s absurdly handsome face, magnified.
The man's eyelashes were long and slightly lowered, covering his deep eyes, the two people's breaths intertwined, the warm breath fell on the woman's face, carrying a pleasant scent.
Her heart pounded like a drum. The tips of her ears burned, a faint blush creeping all the way down her neck. Her thoughts were completely wiped blank, leaving only the soft warmth on her lips.
What just happened?!
The woman's mind was in complete chaos, completely unable to process anything. Gu Hanling's lips only lightly touched hers, then left.
There was a different kind of brilliance in the man's eyes. He straightened up, but his tone was as cold as usual,
"We’re even. The chips taste pretty good."
Shen Xi stood there, stunned, her pink lips slightly parted. She still hadn’t recovered from the shock.
Damn capitalist, of course he wouldn’t let himself lose!
Her fingertips brushed against her lips. There was still a lingering warmth, a silent reminder of what had just happened.
"You… you kissed the wrong place!"
She looked up at Gu Hanling, her voice trembling with anger.
Damn it, my first kiss.
Just like that… stolen by a man!?