Chapter 3: There Is Only One Chance

Gu Yanran frowned slightly at these words, instantly recalling Gu Shenshen’s capricious character. But Haicheng and Rongcheng were a thousand miles apart—how had she managed to get involved with Zhou Ci?

Zhou Ci tapped his fingers on the leather armchair, his previously indifferent gaze now laced with ridicule and derision.
"I've long heard Miss Gu's story of rising to fortune is full of intrigue. It seems the rumors are true. I have no interest in someone as used and discarded as you. I'm only here to discuss the hotel’s price."
His every word was laced with contempt and insult.

Gu Shenshen had grown numb to such words over the years, but hearing them from Zhou Ci still unsettled her.
She studied him for a long moment, unable to discern his true purpose: was he genuinely here to buy the hotel, or only to exact some kind of vengeance?

"Not for sale," she finally said, withdrawing her gaze, her tone cool and detached.

"This is your only chance. Miss Gu, are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?" Zhou Ci spoke as though offering an opportunity, but he was already turning away, preparing to leave.
He didn’t seem determined to acquire her hotel, nor did he care much about it at all.
It was as if he'd come simply to witness her current state of distress.

"I have other matters to attend to. Suit yourself, Mr. Zhou." Gu Shenshen stood and strode past him without a backward glance.
Though she wore heels, she moved with such speed and purpose, it was as if the wind lent wings to her feet.

Gu Yanran followed, brows still drawn together in a worried frown.
"President Zhou, you didn’t mention buying a hotel before coming to Rongcheng. Should we add this to our itinerary?" his personal assistant approached, asking in a low voice.
They had clearly come to discuss other business, so why had Zhou Ci detoured to the already-defunct Mulan Hotel?

Zhou Ci narrowed his eyes, watching the doors through which Gu Shenshen had just disappeared, a shadow darkening his gaze.
After catching up with Gu Shenshen, Gu Yanran grabbed her arm to make her stop.

Irritation began to show on Gu Shenshen’s striking face.
"Are you out of your mind? Why are you chasing after me? If Mrs. Yang has any complaints, she can call and scold me herself."

After watching a taxi pull away from the curb, Gu Shenshen's temper flared.
Gu Yanran, ignoring her foul mood, pressed on, "How do you know someone from the Zhou family?"

Gu Shenshen glanced at her, immediately sensing there was a reason Gu Yanran had come after her.
"What is it?"

Gu Yanran replied, "You can’t afford to offend him. In Haicheng, the company still relies on his support. The way you just acted..."

Before she could finish, another taxi appeared. Gu Shenshen waved it down and, without another word, got in and left, leaving Gu Yanran standing alone. Even her patience was wearing thin.

It took her a while to collect herself before she called Yang Liqiong in Haicheng to report what had happened.

In a street awash with neon and nightlife, Gu Shenshen leaned against a lamppost, making call after call, each one ending in rejection.
Turned away when she tried to borrow money, she could find no escape from the debt collectors hounding her.
Even if she sold the hotel, her assets would never cover her debts.
If she wanted to survive, the only thing left to sell was her youth and beauty.

Across the street, Zhou Ci’s car was parked, and he watched her wandering aimlessly along the sidewalk, his cold features tinged with a hint of bitterness.

"President Zhou, there’s a car that’s been following Miss Gu for quite some time. Should we...?"

Zhou Ci turned away, withdrawing his gaze. "Let’s go."