“Are you saying that you received reliable information revealing that while the Gu family was busy fighting you like mad dogs, they also illegally took out a bunch of loans, and you found out about it?”
In the afternoon, inside a cozy, warmly decorated milk tea shop next to Tang Corporation, Tang Jin’er gently stirred a cup of passion fruit tea. The ice cubes clinked crisply against the glass.
“Heh, do the Gu family members have water in their heads? Knowing full well that you have the Su family backing you, yet still daring to take such extreme measures—didn’t they ever consider their own limits?”
Miss Tang scoffed as she lifted her fruit tea cup, the straw approaching her rosy lips as her throat moved softly.
“Indeed, the Gu family’s various actions have been far too hasty, which is genuinely puzzling,” Secretary Wang, sitting opposite Tang Jin’er, nodded while a glass of plain water sat in front of her.
“But no matter what, Miss Tang, as long as we confirm that the intelligence we received is accurate and effective, we will definitely seize this opportunity to deal a heavy blow—or even bring down—the Gu family.”
“Exactly.”
Tang Jin’er set down her fruit tea and let out a satisfied sigh.
“I just didn’t expect that after only being in C City for a little over two months, you would have such an in-depth understanding of the Gu family’s internal affairs. How exactly did you manage that?”
Tang Jin’er asked with genuine curiosity.
“That’s the Su family’s business secret, Miss Tang. I’m afraid I can’t disclose that.”
The secretary adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses but did not answer the question.
“Tch, so mysterious…”
Tang Jin’er leaned back with some dissatisfaction, pouting slightly.
“But whatever it is—whether you planted informants or bought off high-ups—I’m definitely going to make the Gu family regret it!”
“They even dared to kidnap Aunt Ruan and Zhixian, and scratch my face! That bastard Gu Tian is dead meat!”
Fuming, Miss Tang swung her small fist at the air, then opened the new designer bag beside her to change the bandage covering the nearly healed wound on her cheek.
“Achoo!”
In a high-end hospital ward, Gu Tian sneezed.
“Hehe, must be some sister thinking about me again…”
“Young Master Gu, it’s time to change the bandage on your head.”
A burly male nurse approached, interrupting Gu Tian’s daydream.
“All right, all right, I know.”
“Ouch! Be gentle!”
“Su Ling, welcome back! Long day at work again, huh?”
As usual, the moment Su Ling turned the door lock, Ruan Zhixian sprang from the living room sofa with a “tap tap tap,” golden hair fluttering. Like a joyful sparrow, she flew into the arms of the returning black-haired girl, giving her a warm hug.
“Mm, thank you, Zhixian.”
“Oh, right, here’s a snack for today. I’m going to take a shower now.”
For some reason, the black-haired girl did not return Zhixian’s usual gentle smile. Instead, she lowered her head slightly, set down the snack, and quietly slipped out of the embrace, heading into the bathroom.
Huh? Su Ling… is she a little upset today?
Ruan Zhixian looked down at the hands that had just been holding the girl’s warm, delicate body, falling into thought.
Normally, Su Ling would quietly stay in her arms for a few seconds, then cuddle closely, let me feed her some cake, and only then go take a shower, right?
Why does it seem like she’s trying to avoid me today?
Something’s off, very off.
Ruan Zhixian rubbed her golden head, then folded her arms around her big teddy bear, trying to analyze what she could from Su Ling’s behavior.
Usually, if a woman suddenly starts ignoring you, it’s either because she’s angry or she’s lost interest!
Detective Ruan nodded, approving her own analysis.
But well, she is Su Ling! Su Ling likes me so much! It can’t be like that!
Ruan Zhixian placed her hands on her hips, proud.
If you ask me, Su Ling’s probably just been overworked and exhausted lately, doesn’t want to come home, and is taking her negative emotions out on me, which is why she’s avoiding me.
Yeah, given how much she likes me, it has to be that!
Honestly, she’s secretly so gentle to me…
Thinking that, the golden-haired girl’s cheeks flushed.
Good thing I’m smart, or else she really would have dealt with her emotions all alone…
Alright! I’ve decided! I’m going to find a way to help Su Ling relax!
Ruan Zhixian clenched her small fists and raised her pinky finger, silently planning.
Oh no…
***
Steam rose in the bathroom like a thin, hazy veil.
The girl stood beneath the showerhead, the trickling water cascading down her black hair, sliding over her graceful neck and smooth back, finally dripping from her delicate ankles into the swirling drain.
Earlier, she had been thinking about the events of the day, and unknowingly slipped into a bad mood, even showing that attitude toward Zhixian…
The water was slightly too hot, leaving a faint blush on her pale skin.
She must be… disliked now…
Some shampoo foam accidentally ran into her eyes, stinging them sharply.
After all, who would like someone so emotionally unstable? She had been fine when she left the house that morning…
The water flowed noisily as the girl rinsed the suds off, then carefully dried her graceful figure with a towel.
Welcoming someone home with joy, only to be met with this kind of result—if I were Zhixian, I’d be upset too…
The bathroom door opened softly. Surrounded by steam, wearing comfortable home clothes and with wet black hair draped over her shoulders, the girl stepped out.
Right now, Zhixian must be…
“Su Ling! Come here, come here!”
“After I finish drying your hair, I’ll help you clean your ears!”
The golden-haired girl knelt in the center of the bed, holding a hairdryer in one hand and waving a slender ear pick in the other.
Her emerald eyes curved into crescents as she smiled brightly, greeting Su Ling who had just walked in.
Eh?
Su Ling stared blankly at the radiant smile of Ruan Zhixian, frozen in place.