Chapter 9: Could It Be Anything Good?

Gu Shenshen was suddenly taken aback. Even if Feng Shiyao had gotten himself into some trouble, it wasn't nearly enough to land him in prison for life.

She instinctively took a deep breath.

Zhou Ci watched her, standing silently, her gaze fixed on him. He couldn’t quite decipher the emotion surging within himself.

After a long pause, Zhou Ci glanced up at the discreet surveillance camera in the upper right corner, then turned away without a word.

By the time he returned to the banquet hall, Gu Shenshen had skillfully slipped in behind him, making it seem as if the two of them had just been up to something unspeakable.

Especially since Gu Shenshen was a woman infamous for her reputation.

Gu Shenshen wandered off again and made her way to the restroom, trying to calm her nerves, which were dangerously close to erupting. She couldn't possibly assault Zhou Ci in a place like this, nor did she think herself capable.

Lost in thought, she was startled when a hand reached out and turned off the running faucet.

“Miss, save water,” a man’s lazy, magnetic voice sounded.

Gu Shenshen couldn’t help but look up. The man before her looked oddly familiar—handsome, with refined features and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He was impeccably dressed in a suit, the very picture of a charming scoundrel.

The next moment, Gu Shenshen suddenly realized that this was the ladies’ restroom.

Before she could say anything, the man reached out to shake her hand in a polite gesture. “Miss Gu, I’ve long heard of you.”

Gu Shenshen’s mind raced, but she couldn’t recall ever meeting him.

“I’m Zhou Yili,” the man continued, introducing himself.

Gu Shenshen braced herself against the sink, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she studied him. She kept her composure, yet couldn’t help but wonder—how could someone as cold as Zhou Ci have such a gentle, refined older brother?

Suddenly, a stall door opened.

Zhou Yili glanced over at the sound, then produced a gilded business card and handed it to Gu Shenshen before turning to leave.

As Gu Shenshen’s gaze followed him out, she was surprised to see the person emerging from the stall was Shen Qiqi. She was visibly shocked.

She hurried over, disbelief in her voice. “Qiqi?” She couldn’t help but notice Shen Qiqi’s dress and hair were a bit disheveled, and immediately connected her with the just-departed Zhou Yili.

Gu Shenshen sized her up, waiting for her to speak.

After a moment, Shen Qiqi seemed to regain her composure. She smiled gently, raising her eyes to meet Gu Shenshen’s. “What a coincidence, you caught me…”

“You wanted me to catch you,” Gu Shenshen interrupted, her brows furrowing. Perhaps it had been too long since they’d last seen each other—she found herself unable to read this woman.

Shen Qiqi didn’t bother to deny it. Her smile remained gentle, still that pure, untouchable lotus.

How could a graceful, dignified woman be involved with another man in the restroom?

“So, are you going to scold me for being unfaithful?”

Gu Shenshen licked her lips. “Your husband is just outside. If he catches you, you’re dead!”

But Shen Qiqi looked unconcerned. “If you don’t say anything, he’ll never know.”

Gu Shenshen was speechless.

Glancing at the business card in Gu Shenshen’s hand, Shen Qiqi pondered for a moment before speaking. “If you can’t get the upper hand with Zhou Ci, would you consider someone else?”

Gu Shenshen looked at her thoughtfully. Someone else—no doubt referring to Zhou Yili, who was at odds with Zhou Ci.

After a moment, Gu Shenshen let out a derisive laugh, her tone full of disdain. “What good could Zhou Yili possibly be? You’re really foolish to be getting involved with him.”