Chapter 116: Hurting the Enemy, But Wounding Yourself Too
Compared to Shen Xi’s husband, Shi Jingyan was nothing. The difference was a hundredfold, if not more.
But what Lin Yueyue couldn't understand was, that woman, simply by invoking the Gu family's name, could have acted like a powerful figure on the outside, easily acquiring countless resources.
So if she wasn’t going to use them properly, why not just hand them over to someone more deserving?
Not long after, the grand event officially began.
Shen Xi had been invited as a rising singer and the performer of a hit drama’s theme song.
But in this industry, where status and seniority determined everything,
Her seat was at the very back, practically in the corner.
Her only real purpose here?
Maybe to show up in the live broadcast for a few extra seconds, making the event seem even more star-studded.
Honestly, she hadn’t even wanted to come.
Most of her drama crew was still filming on location, but as a supporting actress and theme song singer, they hoped she’d show her face, at least to bring some publicity to the project.
Sitting in the corner, Shen Xi watched Sister Na perform on stage.
For some reason, she felt a little envious. Compared to Sister Na’s diva-level vocals, Shen Xi still seemed a bit inexperienced.
She sighed, thinking to herself, “No wonder so many people want shortcuts.”
There were countless people desperately trying to climb up in this industry. Some would do anything for fame.
Even submitting to scum like Zhao Tianba, willingly sleeping their way to the top.
She was destined to take things step by step, after all, she'd rather die than be coerced by a man.
…But what if it was her own husband?
Shen Xi quickly shook her head, forcing that strange thought out of her mind.
After the event, the streets outside were completely jammed. For once, she actually appreciated the benefits of taking a taxi. She walked over to a quieter side street to wait for a ride.
“Sister Xixi, good evening~”
Lin Yueyue had somehow appeared out of nowhere, stepping in front of her.
Shen Xi frowned.
She hadn’t even seen Shi Jingyan today, so why was the female lead looking for her? This definitely wasn’t going to be good.
“…Not good at all.”
No matter how good her mood was, meeting the female lead would always ruin it.
"Where’s Mr. Gu?"
Lin Yueyue glanced around as if searching for someone. For some reason, Shen Xi felt a little uneasy. She crossed her arms and her tone turned cold.
"Why are you looking for my husband? Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?"
Lin Yueyue smiled and stepped a little closer.
"Sister Xixi, I know you've always liked Brother Jing. After all, you two have known each other since childhood. You've spent more time with him than I have, so your feelings for him must be deep."
Then, with a casual tone, she continued—
"How about this, I’ll give Jing-ge back to you. In exchange, can you divorce Mr. Gu and let me have him instead?"
Shen Xi couldn’t hold back.
She burst out laughing.
This was by far the funniest thing she’d heard all day.
Even funnier than stupid bald man breaking both hands in the bathroom.
"So you wanna trade leftover takeout for a royal feast?"
"You think picking up a random rock can get you a priceless jade?"
"Lin Yueyue, did your boyfriend sell your brain or something? Is that why you're this stupid?"
Her laughter faded as she took a step forward, tapping Lin Yueyue’s shoulder with her fingertip.
"Are you stupid, or do you think I am?"
Honestly, she really wanted to slap this woman. But every drama and novel warned that slapping the female lead never ended well.
Besides, she was a proper, dignified woman. She wouldn’t stoop so low.
Lin Yueyue was stunned speechless for a moment, instinctively stepping back.
But she quickly recovered, forcing a smile.
"Sister Xixi, why are you reacting so strongly? Are you scared?"
She lifted her chin slightly, her tone laced with provocation.
"You know you're not as good as me, don't you?"
"You're afraid I'll get close to Mr. Gu, because even with Brother Jing, you lost to me."
Shen Xi pinched the bridge of her nose. She was so amused she didn’t even have the energy to be mad.
"You’re right. I’m not as good as you."
"I’m not as shameless as you, not as narcissistic as you, and I’m definitely not as delusional as you."
"You—!"
Lin Yueyue’s face drained of color, her breath hitching as if she’d been stabbed.
Just then, Shen Xi’s ride-hailing car arrived. She got into the back seat and, before closing the door, glanced at Lin Yueyue one last time.
With a soft chuckle, she said—
"What 'you'? Lin Yueyue, go find a mirror."
"Take a good, hard look at yourself. Seriously, you? Pfft."
Then—
BANG!
She shut the door. The car pulled away. And Lin Yueyue was left standing there, speechless.
Lin Yueyue stood frozen in place, her face dark with anger, fists clenched and trembling.
Meanwhile, inside the car, Shen Xi’s smile had faded. Her eyes darkened. She leaned her head against the window, watching as the city's dazzling nightlife flashed past.
"Hurting the enemy a thousand, but losing eight hundred yourself."
She murmured softly, the corners of her lips curling into a bitter smile.
Even she felt a little shaken.
In the original storyline, the male and female leads were supposed to be inseparable. So why was Lin Yueyue suddenly trying to steal Gu Hanling?
Never in her life did Shen Xi think she'd actually have to fight over a man.
But wait.
On second thought, it made perfect sense.
Because Gu Hanling is her sugar daddy. Of course she'd protect him with her life if anyone dared to steal her 'daddy'!
But still…
This was originally a female-protagonist novel.
And Lin Yueyue, as the main character, had plot armor.
Who knew? Maybe the men around her really would fall for her like they’d been hit by some hypnotic charm—duang!—just like that.
In the original plot, the male lead had terminated their contract marriage halfway through, kicking the original Shen Xi out of the house.
Their marriage was fragile and full of uncertainty from the start.
Thinking about this, Shen Xi felt even more deflated. Deep down, she had always struggled with self-doubt.
How could a man as flawless and powerful as Gu Hanling ever truly fall for someone like her?
Someone so… different?
At first, she just wanted to endure these two years, get divorced, and disappear.
But now…
Now she was starting to feel reluctant to leave.
Auntie’s cooking, Butler Wang’s attentive care… and… something else.
Something she couldn’t quite put into words.
By the time she returned to the villa, it was already 9 PM. She had informed them earlier, anyway.
After all, the man himself had also gone out. She just wasn’t sure if he’d returned before her.
The moment she stepped inside, Butler Wang greeted her at the door.
"Madam, your international package has arrived. It’s been placed in your room."
Shen Xi nodded, then casually asked,
"Where’s Big Brother?"
Butler Wang leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
“Sir has already returned… but he doesn’t look too happy.”
“Hmm?”
Still dressed in her black backless evening gown, Shen Xi felt puzzled but decided to head upstairs first, take a shower, change into her pajamas, and then open her package.
Shen Xi had just reached the third floor and was about to return to her room. Then, Gu Hanling's door opened, like a sudden, unseen eye opening in the wall.
Before she could react, she was pulled inside.
“Bang.”
The door shut behind her, sealing off the outside world. The room was dimly lit, with only a single desk lamp casting a warm glow.
Her slender wrist was firmly pinned against the wall by one strong hand.
The man looked down at her, towering above her.
"B-Big Brother, w-what’s wrong?"
Feeling the unyielding grip on her wrist, she lifted her gaze. Only to meet his deep, unfathomable eyes.
It felt like falling into the depths of the ocean.
Gu Hanling raised his other hand, his fingers brushing against her lips, wiping away the vivid red lipstick.
Instinctively, Shen Xi turned her face away, dodging his touch.
Her cheeks grew warm. She knew exactly what he was trying to do.
"Mr. Gu… I’ve already repaid you with a kiss."
He let out a low, amused chuckle. His voice was deep and seductive.
"Do you want a kiss?"
Shen Xi's face grew even more flushed, the blush spreading all the way to her ears.
Saying she didn’t want to was a lie.
She had never truly resisted kissing Gu Hanling. Just like she couldn't resist her favorite comfort food.
She bit her lip, struggled internally for a moment.
Then she leaned forward, closing the space between them, and rose onto her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, and then kissed him.