Long Yubei remained entirely oblivious to the little game his young wife was playing.
After tending to him, and once he stepped into the bathroom, she quickly arranged a pillow beneath her lower back and straightened her legs upward.
Gu Lili mused: if fortune favored her, perhaps tonight would be the night.
She only wondered if there was a baby eager enough to make its way into her belly and become hers.
When he emerged, she finally made her way to the bathroom.
But she didn't wash.
She merely dabbed gently with tissue—after all, she intended to conceive. If she cleaned everything away, what would be left?
"How's that Yuan Yi situation? Have you dealt with him yet?"
"Not yet. His family reached out to me directly—we're still in talks."
"What's his background, exactly?"
"His father's involved with the underworld in Country M. Word is, he's harmed quite a few boys in the past, and no one's been able to touch him. But now that he's dared to set his sights on me, I won't let it slide. Don't worry, my love—I'll get you justice. Once we're done, I'll let his family buy him back, but only after signing an agreement. If anything like this ever happens again, the consequences will be clearly stated in writing."
"Tomorrow."
"Done." He pulled her into his arms. "But I still haven't had enough. One more round?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"As you wish."
Shi Xiaotian's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and said to Liang He beside her, "It's President Su."
She pressed the answer button.
On the other end, President Su's voice came through. "Xiaotian, did you speak to Liangzi?"
"I did." She glanced at Liang He, then added, "But Liang-ge's really not feeling well. President Su, could we possibly reschedule?"
"No can do. One of my dearest girlfriends is visiting from out of town, and she's a big fan of your Liang-ge. She's dying to meet him and have dinner together. Hand him the phone—I'll speak to him myself."
Shi Xiaotian had no choice but to pass the phone to Liang He.
He accepted it with a simple, "It's me."
No one knew what was said on the other end, but Liang He's brow furrowed deeply. At last, he exhaled and said curtly, "Got it."
Then he hung up.
"Liang-ge, what did President Su say?"
Liang He responded lazily, "Nothing but empty words. Whatever. Let's just go."
As Liang He and Shi Xiaotian arrived at the entrance of a high-end restaurant, his gaze locked instantly on a familiar figure.
Noticing him pause, Shi Xiaotian followed his line of sight—and froze as well. "Liang-ge… Miss Sun is here too."
"Mm." He pressed his lips together and stepped inside.
Sun Qianqian saw Liang He and let out a faintly scornful laugh. "What are the odds of running into you everywhere? This is the third time today—it's getting ridiculous."
Liang He remained calm. "Perhaps fate insists on intertwining our paths?"
"Or maybe you've been following me. I'm heading up first."
With a sway of her slender waist and a dress cut daringly high on the thigh, Sun Qianqian ascended the stairs in stilettos.
Only after her bodyguards had followed did Liang He start up himself. As he passed her private dining room, the door was ajar, just enough to leave a crack.
He glanced through in passing—and caught sight of the man seated beside her.
A film producer—currently preparing a new project.
Middle-aged, in his forties or fifties.
Liang He, having been in the industry for years, recognized him instantly. The man's surname was Zhou. His reputation was notorious—having slept with both male and female actors alike. A powerful figure, utterly indiscriminate in his appetites.