Leaving the Gu Family, Gu Ningyue took a deep breath. It's truly remarkable how the original owner managed to live in such an environment for so many years.
Ling Tianyou fastened his seatbelt and, seeing her looking troubled, couldn't help but say, "If you're uncomfortable, take a rest. I'll wake you when we arrive."
Gu Ningyue shook her head, "I'm fine, just now... thank you!"
Although Ling Tianyou seemed cold and indifferent, he had indeed warmed her heart for a moment.
"Half of Gu Wanwan's paintings are plagiarized from several foreign artists. Since they're not well-known, she happily steals from them." Gu Ningyue closed her eyes, trying hard to recall the original owner's memories: "Oh, right, the promoter Gu Wanwan signed with is reportedly worth millions, a nouveau riche, and seems to really like Gu Wanwan."
Ling Tianyou's lips curved slightly: "What? Do you want me to step in? I don't recall saying I'd help you."
Gu Ningyue turned her head, looking at Ling Tianyou's flawless profile: "What if I tell you, Mr. Chen will attend?"
Apart from the paintings on display, three priceless masterpieces will be auctioned.
Among those attending, besides some cultured businessmen, there will be some renowned figures from the industry present.
Among them, Mr. Chen, whom Ling Tianyou has recently wanted to collaborate with, will be there.
Mr. Chen will attend the exhibition for one of the paintings.
This is a good opportunity; she believes Ling Tianyou won't let it slip by.
Ling Tianyou pressed his lips together, remaining silent.
This girl seems smarter than he imagined, not the mentally ill person others speak of, interesting!
Back at the villa, as Gu Ningyue greeted to return to her room, Ling Tianyou suddenly looked at her and said, "Give me your phone."
Gu Ningyue was momentarily stunned, then handed her phone to him.
Ling Tianyou was about to ask her to unlock it when he realized her phone was unlocked with just a swipe.
He quickly input two strings of numbers, then took a black card from his pocket: "There's a monthly limit of ten million. Buy what you need!"
Gu Ningyue took the card and phone with a very complicated look.
Ling Tianyou's lips gently curved as he turned and headed upstairs: "No need to be moved, you're the Young Madam, devoid of elegance would tarnish the Ling Family's reputation!"
He had purposely checked Gu Ningyue's assets, and as of now, she practically owned nothing.
After all, the ten billion her mother left would only be accessible after she got pregnant and had a child.
"I should've known getting rich was this easy; why kill myself working as an assassin."
The moment the door closed, Gu Ningyue muttered to herself quietly.
The next day at dawn, when Gu Ningyue woke up, Ling Tianyou was no longer in the villa.
Aunt Zhang had prepared breakfast. Seeing her come out, there was a momentary flinch in her eyes: "Good morning, Miss Gu!"
The original owner had experienced this kind of look countless times, almost everyone saw her as a lunatic ready to break out any moment.
She sighed inwardly, no wonder the original owner was so obedient to Gu Wanwan's siblings and Ye Mingchen.
Too many strange looks forced her to seek some comfort.
"Aunt Zhang, no need to bother; I'm used to doing these myself."
Her voice was gentle, like flowing spring water, comforting to hear.
"Ah, ah! Okay." Aunt Zhang handed her the slice of bread, eyeing this girl whose reputation was already ruined.
Her skin was very fair, with pure and charming features, a rare beauty.
Even smearing jam, her slender fingers exuded an indescribable elegance and composure.
Such a good girl, how could she be mentally ill? What a pity.
Aunt Zhang shook her head and withdrew.
After breakfast, just as she was about to go to her room to organize things, the phone on the table suddenly rang.
Glancing at the caller ID on the screen, a scene of a girl being pushed down the stairs by Gu Wanwan flashed in Gu Ningyue's mind.
Someone shattered the glass, and the scattered shards cut the girl's pale, smooth calf.
Screams and groans intertwined, and although she could have stopped it, Gu Heng firmly held her back.
After hanging up, Gu Ningyue shook her head slightly, rummaging through her bag for the key to a Maserati, and drove to the arranged café.
Turns out weakness and confusion not only harm oneself but also hurt those who are genuinely good to herself.
"Glad you've come around! I tried convincing you so many times, yet you just wouldn't listen!" Shen Hanyin looked relieved: "You've finally seen through those people's true colors."
She was the original owner's only friend, her family and the Gu Family had a history, engaged in the jewelry business.
They grew up together, unlike the original owner's confusion, Shen Hanyin always reminded the original owner.
But unfortunately, the original owner was cocooned in her world, oblivious to outside voices.
Not only leading to her tragic death, but even Shen Hanyin, who had danced for ten years, almost got scarred for life.
"I was blind to have been so open-hearted to those two." Noticing Shen Hanyin bore no grudge, Gu Ningyue pursed her lips: "Don't worry, I won't let them harm you again. I will make them pay double for what they did to you."
"Let it go, it's all in the past. It's worth the injury if you've woken up." Shen Hanyin hesitated: "Ning Yue, are you still taking those meds?"
She always felt there was nothing mentally wrong with Gu Ningyue. Even though grief-stricken by her mother's death, it wasn't enough to deem her as mentally ill.
"No." Gu Ningyue lowered her head, slowly stirring her coffee, speaking in a calm and gentle tone: "I'm not ill, why take medication?"
Shen Hanyin found that Gu Ningyue had indeed changed, finally putting her long-held worries to rest: "That's good, don't ever take them again. Is President Ling treating you well?"
Upon hearing Shen Hanyin mention Ling Tianyou, Gu Ningyue's hand paused in stirring her coffee: "Very well."
From what it seemed, not bad for now.
"With President Ling around, those people can dream of hurting you again!" Shen Hanyin beamed, genuinely happy for the shelter Gu Ningyue found.
Gu Ningyue suddenly smirked: "I still prefer relying on myself. Come, I'll take you to see a good show!"
"Huh? Where to?" Shen Hanyin looked puzzled as she was ushered into the car with a limp: "There are no good plays these days!"
Gu Ningyue fastened her seatbelt, her gaze dropping to Shen Hanyin's bandaged leg, a hint of cold light flashing in her eyes: "To Shenghua Club."
Shenghua Club is one of this city's five famous clubs, offering everything from food and entertainment to funding for gamblers.
Gu Heng's siblings and Ye Mingchen are members there, staying overnight when not home.
Most of these expenses were almost all covered by the original owner.
At this hour, Gu Heng is usually still there.