Chapter 8: I Just Want to Kill You

Yet Gu Shen Shen looked around, but did not see that familiar figure anywhere. It was as if everything was merely her own illusion. After accompanying Yang Liqiong to socialize with a few people, she quietly withdrew. In a business gathering full of influential figures, no one would pay particular attention to her; everyone was busy with their own greetings and networking.

Gu Shen Shen searched the crowd with her gaze, and finally, that familiar silhouette appeared in her line of sight. Zhou Ci only flashed briefly before her eyes, then disappeared again. Gu Shen Shen pursued him closely, following him out through a side door of the venue.

She found herself on a vast terrace; from the eighteenth floor, one could behold many scenes of Haicheng. She lingered on the empty terrace for a long moment, irritated at herself for not chasing quickly enough and losing sight of him.

Just as she was about to leave, she turned around and saw Zhou Ci standing behind her.

His gaze fell upon her graceful figure, carrying a hint of playful insolence. Though his face was stern, the way he looked at her was unmistakably vulgar.

Gu Shen Shen immediately put on a smile and walked slowly toward him, her bright, spirited eyes meeting his calmly.

It was as if finding him here today meant victory was already hers. “Shall we talk here, or somewhere else?” Her tone was familiar, treating Zhou Ci as anything but a stranger.

When Gu Shen Shen reached out to touch his hand, Zhou Ci discreetly avoided her. He replied, “Is there anything we need to talk about?”

Her hand, suspended in midair, faltered for a moment.

“Is there not? Everything I endured in Rongcheng, the business troubles of the Gu family—aren’t all of them your handiwork?” She fixed her gaze on his, full of accusation.

She refused to circle around the issue or let him toy with her. She wanted to get straight to the point; she needed a solution.

Zhou Ci responded to her accusations with nothing more than a dismissive smile, his gaze coolly sweeping over her face.

“Miss Gu…”

Gu Shen Shen cut him off: “No need for excuses. It was you. Your goal has been achieved. I’m drowning in debt, desperate enough to come back and beg you.”

Zhou Ci, perhaps, had never encountered someone so brazen in seeking help. Suddenly, he seized her jaw, his expression growing colder.

“Is this your attitude when asking for help? Do you think you’re not miserable enough?”

Gu Shen Shen clenched her teeth, unable to force a smile onto her radiant face.

“What do you want?” After a long pause, her tone softened, and even her gaze grew gentle.

Zhou Ci’s grip tightened inch by inch, and Gu Shen Shen felt as though her jaw might be crushed. She winced in pain, unable to keep from struggling, but every movement sent a sharp ache through her flesh.

“A Ci, I’ve already come to beg you. Can’t you let me off?” Her voice was filled with pleading, her pitiful demeanor perfectly executed. At least, it was the kind of look that would make any man’s heart ache.

But Zhou Ci watched her emotional display with cold indifference. Clearly, he was well acquainted with all her tactics.

“I only want to destroy you.”

Gu Shen Shen’s eyes widened slightly, disbelief flickering across her face as she looked at the man before her.

He was truly ruthless. Two years ago, he had shown some humanity.

She gripped his hand tightly, unable to endure his relentless grasp.

Seeing her struggle, Zhou Ci gave a cold laugh and released her, leaning closer to her face.

“I told you, last time in Rongcheng you missed your best chance. I won’t give you another. As for Feng Shiyao, let him rot in prison.”