Meng Shutang wore a white long dress, the skirt swaying gently with her steps.
Her skin was flawless, her eyes clear and beautiful, her long black hair simply tied up.
A few strands framed her face, making her swan neck look even longer.
She stood there, glowing alone. Even the stunning Bai Cixian looked plain and cheap next to her.
Bai Cixian noticed his staring and called: "President Wang? President Wang?"
Wang Qiang snapped out of it.
Bai Cixian joked: "How many years will you sign for?"
The Gu Group project was a sure hit—even unopened, tourists were flocking. It would be as popular as the Great Wall.
"I can't say for sure, but with Mr. Gu here, twenty years at least!"
Gu Yunci saw him staring at Meng Shutang and scoffed. "You don't make the decisions, but you talk big."
Wang Qiang backed down, not daring to argue.
After the tour, Meng Shutang went to the bathroom.
Wang Qiang finished talking to Gu Yunci and followed her.
She stepped out, and he blocked her in the hallway.
"Are you with Gu Group?"
Meng Shutang saw his lustful gaze and shook her head, trying to leave.
Wang Qiang blocked her. "I run the cultural sector at Yingxia. My brother-in-law is the CEO. I'm his only brother-in-law.
Be mine, and you'll live a life of luxury—no more hard work."
He reached to touch her hair.
Meng Shutang stepped back. "Don't touch me."
Wang Qiang licked his lips. "You know how many women beg to be with me?"
He was good-looking, for a man—he probably wasn't lying.
"Or… are you like every other woman in Jiangcheng, dreaming of marrying Gu Yunci?"
Meng Shutang froze, staring at him.
Wang Qiang laughed, thinking he'd hit the mark. "Can't you see? Gu Yunci only has eyes for Bai Cixian.
Honestly, I don't get him. He has a goddess like you, but he chooses her."
He leaned in, his arm brushing hers.
Meng Shutang hit him with her bag. "Get away from me!"
Wang Qiang didn't stop—he got bolder.
*Ahem.*
A tall figure stepped between them, shielding Meng Shutang. "President Wang, your tea is empty. I had a fresh cup poured for you."
Wang Qiang wiped the lust from his face. "Thank you so much, Mr. Gu."
He glanced at Meng Shutang one last time, then left.
Meng Shutang looked at Gu Yunci. "Thank you."
Gu Yunci's brows furrowed coldly. He didn't look at her—he turned and walked away.
That night, at the cultural town office, Bai Cixian and Qin Zheng walked over with documents.
"Mr. Gu, President Wang called—he's very satisfied with the site. This is the intent contract. Please look it over."
Gu Yunci glanced at the contract and pushed it away. "We're not negotiating."
Bai Cixian was shocked, looking at Qin Zheng.
Qin Zheng was equally confused.
This was her first big deal since taking the job—Yingxia Group! She had to close it.
"Why?"
He stood up, grabbed his coat, and left. "Bad qualifications, wrong vision. Plenty of reasons. Blacklist them. They don't deserve to work with Gu Group."
Bai Cixian stood there, stunned.
It was a done deal—why did he back out?
She called Wang Qiang. "President Wang, we can't sign the contract."
Wang Qiang: "But—"
Bai Cixian: "No buts. Wait until the town opens. Did you offend Mr. Gu?"
Wang Qiang: "I didn't! Oh wait—I stopped a girl outside the bathroom today. Pale, thin, gorgeous—just a regular employee. Mr. Gu showed up… he can't be that petty, can he?"
Bai Cixian was floored.
He didn't love her! They were getting divorced!
*He's just possessive*, she thought. No man wanted to be humiliated, especially Gu Yunci. "That Wang Qiang is useless.
I need a new plan."
Her head ached.
…
Meng Shutang finished work and returned to the hotel to pack.
Her grandma called just as she was packing.
"Grandma."
"Tangtang, are you back from your trip? I made your favorite food—come over for dinner tonight."
Meng Shutang hesitated. "Yunci isn't back yet. I'll ask him and call you back."
She hung up, finished packing, and waited for Gu Yunci on the bed.
He didn't come. She called him—he didn't answer.
She stood up to find him. The door opened.
He glanced at her briefly, looking away.
Meng Shutang hesitated. "Grandma called. She wants us to dinner. Are you coming?"
Gu Yunci paused while taking off his coat, about to speak—but he said nothing.
Meng Shutang lowered her head. "It's okay if you don't want to."
He didn't look up. "I have a meeting with a partner. I can't go."
Meng Shutang nodded, grabbed her suitcase, and left the room.
She passed a shopping mall on the way home.
Through the bright lights, she saw Gu Yunci with Bai Cixian, picking out bracelets at a jewelry store.
She rolled down the car window, sure she was seeing things.
Gu Yunci always had a cold face—but he looked so much softer with Bai Cixian.
Meng Shutang's tiny spark of hope died completely.
"I was just a tool for his revenge. He never loved me. That's why he won't even pretend."
In 45 days, they'd be completely finished. But a sudden sharp cramp in her stomach made her gasp—could she be pregnant with his child?!