On the day of winning the national dance championship, only Meng Ran knew that she had spent all these years working hard just to scrub off a shameful title.
"You're the daughter of a mistress! Harlot!"
"Your mother knows how to seduce men, and that blood of seduction stayed in your bones!"
"And you dare to call our Shi Nian your sister? You're fit? Shameless!"
Tissues picked up from the trash can were thrown at the innocent seventeen-year-old Meng Ran's face, her naked body, imbued with blood, feces, and everything nauseating.
And her so-called sister, Fu Nian Shi, stood not far away, smiling faintly, spectating, acquiescing, indulging, even encouraging all this to happen.
Just because, Meng Ran's mother, once took away Fu Nian's Shi's father.
But that day, amidst a barrage of insults, a man appeared, wrapping Meng Ran's body gently with a jacket.
She blinked her eyes, looked up somewhat helplessly.
In this way, the side face of Gu Shi Yan was deeply imprinted in her mind, overlapping with his face eight years later.
Gu Shi Yan held her hand, knelt on one knee, with eyes full of deep affection:
"Ran Ran, marry me, I will definitely make you happy!"
Yet Meng Ran was somewhat dazed, and suddenly a scene flashed across her mind,
It was from a photo she received late last night.
In the photo, Gu Shi Yan was naked, his head resting on the shoulder of another woman, his eyes closed tight, seemingly in deep sleep.
The woman didn't show her face, yet the only thing visible was a purple love bite on her collarbone.
When Gu Shiyan and Meng Ran are in bed, he also enjoyed leaving marks on her collarbone, then wickedly retorting amid her complaints,
"Just wear something high-necked! After all, I don't want anyone else seeing Ranran's beautiful collarbone! I'd be jealous!"
Every time Meng Ran would sweetly and bashfully playfully hit him, leading to them playfully fighting.
But now, all these memories in front of this current photo seemed like an expired candy, sticky and nauseating.
She immediately called Gu Shiyan yesterday.
When the call was connected, his voice sounded like he had just woken up.
She took a deep breath, and cautiously probed, "Shiyan, where are you now?"
Gu Shiyan chuckled, presuming that she was merely acting cute. His voice was somewhat muzzy,
"Do you miss me? I'm still in Luo City, I'm sorry Ranran, but the flight here got delayed. Can I make it up to you tomorrow?"
Meng Ran remained silent for a long time on the other end of the phone, until his puzzled voice came across, she answered in a low voice,
"Um, take care on the road."
She didn't know if it was just her imagination, but upon hearing her reply, Gu Shiyan seemed to have involuntarily sighed in relief, then laughed in satisfaction,
"I knew Ranran cares about me the most, don't worry! Sleep early! I’ll give you a surprise tomorrow!"
That's how it happened, so when she finally had her wish to be crowned, and her loved one finally rushed back and kneeled in front of her, the person who should be delighted, excited and even teary, only had one question in her mind:
"Shiyan, where on earth were you yesterday?"
She eventually asked.
The smile on Gu Shiyan's face suddenly became somewhat stiff.
He frowned slightly, blinked, a flash of guilt passed through his eyes, but he quickly covered it up.
"Hmm? I was in Luo City yesterday."
Meng Ran stared into his eyes for a long while, then, she extended her hand, revealing a perfect smile:
"Come on."
"I'm willing."
Gu Shiyan paused, lowered his gaze, and quickly put the diamond ring in his hand onto Meng Ran's middle finger.
People cheered loudly.
In a burst of applause, Gu Shiyan's ears subtly turned red.
Someone jokingly said, "Is President Gu feeling shy? I didn't expect even a decisive person like President Gu in the business field to blush during a proposal!"
Gu Shiyan gave Meng Ran an embarrassed smile.
But Meng Ran didn't smile. Only she knew a little secret about Gu Shiyan.
Every time he lied, his ears would become red.
"Let's go, Ranran, I'll take you for a candlelight dinner and celebrate your big win from yesterday!" Gu Shiyi laughed, draping his arm over Meng Ran's shoulders. About to stride away, he was interrupted by the sudden buzz of his phone.
After answering, his expression subtly shifted. Hanging up, he muttered sheepishly,
"Xiao Li mentioned that President Zhang wants to invite me for dinner..."
Meng Ran knew that the company Gu Shiyi had founded was in its critical period for going public, and President Zhang was an essential collaborative partner.
"But adding a few more sets of chopsticks shouldn't make a difference."
Upon their arrival at the meeting place and being led into a room by the waiter, Meng Ran's breath hitched.
Fu Nianshi, sitting at the dining table, was grinning at her, apparently expecting her arrival.
Fu Nianshi was wearing a high-collared knit sweater for the day.
Simultaneously, Meng Ran felt Gu Shiyi grip her hand tightly, then release quickly.
She gave him a glance, but he deliberately looked straight, not returning her gaze.
Across the dining table, a balding man warmly pulled Gu Shiyi over to a spot next to Fu Nianshi.
"President Gu sure is a busy man! It's not easy to invite you for a meal! Look, I even invited President Fu over! I've heard that you and President Fu have known each other since young, and both of your families are well-established. If either of you holds a wedding banquet in the future, you must make sure to invite this old man and let me share in the joy, hahaha!"
Standing there, Meng Ran watched the two interact across the table, cool air seeping into the hand that was holding her coat.
President Zhang turned his head, saw Meng Ran, and frowned disdainfully, "Your secretary sure lacks basic etiquette. Can't she see everyone is here? Get out there and order some dishes!"
Meng Ran found the whole situation bizarre and was just about to turn around when Fu Nianshi suddenly spoke.
She teased with a smile:
"Mr. Zhang! Are you in a daze? This is not a secretary at all! This is our Mr. Gu’s fiancee! Take a look at that diamond ring on her finger, it's the one Mr. Gu asked me to buy from my international jeweler friends. There's only one of its kind in the world!"
Her gaze locked onto the diamond ring on Meng Ran's finger, lifting her head to look directly at Meng Ran.
She smiled in an enigmatic way.
Gu Shiyan abruptly stood up and walked over to Meng Ran with a face full of concern:
"Are you okay, Ran Ran? If you don't like it..."
"I'm fine." Meng Ran raised a gentle smile, looking at Mr. Zhang who appeared somewhat awkward, she took the initiative to defuse the situation:
"It's alright Mr. Zhang, I suppose it's because I don’t usually dress up much. Today is our first meeting, after this, Mr. Zhang and I can consider each other acquainted! The next time we meet, you’re not allowed to pretend not to recognize me!"
Hearing her say this, the cloudiness on Mr. Zhang's face was swept away. He laughed and beckoned Meng Ran and Gu Shiyan to sit down.
This time, Meng Ran sat next to Fu Nianshi.
Fu Nianshi glanced at her, a touch of resentment flashed in his eyes, but was instantly suppressed.
Meng Ran took the initiative to strike up a conversation again:
"Mr. Fu, it’s so hot today, aren’t you warm wearing a high collared sweater? Also, it seems like something has fallen onto your collar, and there's a little thread. It seems that you’re lacking someone who takes care of your daily life!"
Fu Nianshi stared deeply at her, his gaze ambiguously fell on Gu Shiyan's face behind her, his lips curving with an meaningful smile. But he didn't answer.
A sense of unease sank in Meng Ran's heart, and she turned her head towards Gu Shiyan.
However, he was pouring water for Meng Ran. Seeing Meng Ran glance at him, he calmly gave her a smile.
That smile was full of sincerity.
Meng Ran's eyelashes flickered, and she cast her eyes down.
After a long time, Fu Nian Shi finally gave an answer, "There are more mosquitoes recently and I'm afraid of being bitten. As for this thread, I must've hooked it somewhere, haha. It's alright, you can throw it away if you come across it next time. Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Gu!"
But Meng Ran wasn't bothered by it anymore.
Mr. Zhang quickly tried to lighten up the mood,
"Where is Mrs. Gu currently working at? I think, why not quit your job! Let Mr. Gu take care of you. With a beauty at home, it would be a great motivation for Mr. Gu to work even harder on the project. We, his partners, would also feel more assured!"
Mr. Gu's complexion tightened slightly. Before he could speak, Fu Nian Shi laughed and interrupted,
"Mr. Zhang, there's no need for you to worry about their affairs. You don’t know, Mrs. Gu is no ordinary woman! She is the champion of this year's National Ballet Dance Contest! Her dancing and her posture, no one of us coarse businessmen can compare with!"
Meng Ran could obviously hear the sarcasm in her words.
She clenched her fists tightly. Memories of the past flooded towards her like a tide, forcing her to tell herself, "Just withstand it, just a little longer."
Mr. Zhang, who seemed to have not picked up on it, casually spoke,
"Is that so? Then why don’t we ask Mrs. Gu to perform for us? I, Mr. Zhang, have coarse tastes, and it would be quite delightful to be educated by a refined person like Mrs. Gu. Isn't that right, Mr. Fu?"
Fu Nian Shi looked with a mocking smile:
"That isn't something I can decide! But it shouldn't be a problematic request for Mrs. Gu, right? After all, her esteemed..."
"Enough!"
Gu Shiyen shouted, standing up abruptly enough that the drinks and glasses on the table spilled everywhere in disarray.
He held Meng Ran's hand, his cold gaze swept the crowd,
finally landing directly on Fu Nianshi's face.
He said icily,
"Don't go too far!"
Having said that, he stormed out of the room with Meng Ran.
In the car, Gu Shiyen held Meng Ran's hand, full of guilt:
"I'm sorry, Ranran, I shouldn't have involved you in this. If you're still mad, hit me! But in my heart, I always prioritize you over my work!"
Meng Ran looked into his deep and conflicted eyes, her own eyes slightly stirring.
It reminded her of her young age, when Gu Shiyen confessed his love to her.
The spirited young boy had marched onto the stage, beating the teacher who wanted to bully him to a pulp, finally falling into her arms bloody and battered, laughing as he asked her:
"Meng Ran, will you be my girlfriend? I want to protect you."
Over the years, Gu Shiyen truly fulfilled his promise, always protecting her well.
She was no longer the daughter of the small three, no longer the topic of after-dinner conversions, no longer a toy that the rich and powerful could bully at will.
She should be content.
It was just a photo after all.
Maybe…
She was about to speak when Gu Shiyan's phone rang again. After he finished the call, his face was again coated with an apologetic look of having something to say but holding back.
Meng Ran knew what he was going to say, and forced a smile.
"You go ahead."
Gu Shiyan gave a sigh of relief, rubbed her head, and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I'll leave the car to you. I'll call for a driver to pick me up. Sorry Ran Ran, I'll definitely make it up to you tomorrow, okay?”
Meng Ran didn't utter a word, but only zoomed out a warm smile as she saw Gu Shiyan down the car, and watched him get into another car that seemed to have been following them for a long time.
It was only when Gu Shiyan's figure had completely vanished from her sight that the smile on Meng Ran's face finally faded.
She looked into the endless distance ahead and felt exhausted for the first time.
She was about to get out of the car when her hand inadvertently felt something strange.
It was hard, seemed like it was glued to the bottom of the seat.
She frowned and pulled it off forcefully.
It was a button.
It's small, delicate, like...
She quickly recalls in her mind the dress Funiand Shi wore today, which is the new model from Paris fashion.
She immediately googles it and after seeing the actual picture, the button this hand holds suddenly turns as hot as an iron.
This is the one that Funiand Shi lost.
Gushi Yan and Funiand Shi...
A wave of nausea suddenly erupted from her stomach,
Meng Ran opened the car door, clutching her stomach, vomiting a pool of yellow water.
When she received the inspection report, Meng Ran was completely in a trance.
She was pregnant, exactly two weeks.
Gushi Yan, who heard the news, quickly rushed to the hospital.
He excitedly took Meng Ran into his arms, wanted to spin her around, but suddenly remembered she was pregnant, had to awkwardly and hurriedly put her down.
It seemed to sparkle the entire galaxy in his eyes,
"Ran Ran, I'm going to be a dad! I've had a child with the woman I love most! It's...it's...like the greatest gift heaven has given me. You and the baby, are my most precious gifts."
However, Meng Ran suddenly noticed, on the skin behind Gushi Yan's collar,
A small, unnoticed purple-blue kiss mark was imprinted.
She immediately grabbed Gu Shiyan's arm, her expression stubbornly questioning:
"What's that on your neck?!"
Gu Shiyan was taken aback, continuously turning his head to look.
Yet on catching sight of it, a fleeting glimpse of guilt flashed in his eyes.
He blinked, the excitement on his face gradually faded, revealing a tinge of paleness.
"Perhaps I was bitten by a mosquito on the way here."
His earlobes turned red again.
Looking at him, Meng Ran only felt endless ridicule.
"Heh, haha."
She covered her face, chuckling like a fool:
"So it seems, all the mosquitoes in the world have a preference for men."
Gu Shiyan's brows slightly furrowed,
A feeling called fear suddenly surged in his heart.
Unconsciously, he gripped Meng Ran's gradually slackening hand, his breathing seemed to freeze,
Yet he simply put on a relaxed smile:
"Ran Ran, what did you mean by what you just said?"
Meng Ran looked straight at him, but then suddenly laughed:
"Just a joke.”
"You seem so tense, it seems that I lack the talent for telling jokes."
Meng Ran watched as Gu Shiyan's expression gradually relaxed.
She just wanted to give him one last chance, she gently asked:
"Has what happened at the gathering earlier come to an end?"
"And Fu Nianshi, is it over with him too?"
But Gu Shiyan was still sporting an awkward expression:
"Ran Ran, I have something to discuss with you."
"President Zhang strongly recommends Fu Nianshi to act as the bridge for the cooperation between him and me. In the future, the frequency of contact between me and Fu Nianshi might increase..."
As he said this, he was closely observing Meng Ran's reaction. Seeing her silent, he immediately added:
"I know about your past with Fu Nianshi."
"But after all, that happened a long time ago. I promise, I will try my best to..."
"Okay."
Meng Ran blinked, getting rid of the dryness in her eyes, and said with a soft laugh:
"You said it yourself, that happened a long time ago. I've stopped caring about it."
"Your work is more important."
"Besides, it'll be Gu Shiyan who protects Meng Ran, won't it?"
Gu Shiyan gazed at Meng Ran and suddenly reached out, pulling her gently into his embrace.
"Ranran, I'm sorry."
"Can you give me a bit more time? Once my company goes public, I'll give you a unique wedding. Deal?"
Meng Ran didn't respond, but looked into the void, recalling what the doctor told her during the medical examination.
"For pregnant woman's health considerations, the most suitable time for an abortion is week 6 of the pregnancy."
"Gu Shiyan, we have one more month left."
Meng Ran buried her head into the nook of his shoulder and murmured this sentence into his ear.
Every single day after, Gu Shiyan had practically cancelled all his work and social engagements.
He cajoled Meng Ran to sleep and safeguarded her until she awoke.
Every morning, Meng Ran could see Gu Shiyan, still bleary-eyed from sleep, smiling and saying to her:
"Good morning, wife!"
He gently pressed against Meng Ran's stomach and softly said:
"Good morning, baby!"
Finally, he consciously squeezed the toothpaste for her, made breakfast,
and then saucily kissed her for a while before he was willing to go to work.
Meng Ran watched his retreating figure, somewhat dazed.
How long had it been since they had such a simple and warm day together?
Gu Shiyan is a competitive person,
he didn't want to directly take over the family business, choosing to strike out on his own.
After the preparation plan began, their timelines seemed to intersect.
Both of them were getting busier and busier, and neither could understand the other's work,
they could only alleviate the deep longing with the physical contact during the scarce meeting time.
However, even such moments had gradually decreased.
Gu Shiyan's company was officially listed.
But Meng Ran did not learn of this news through Gu Shiyan himself,
Instead, it was a colleague from her dance troupe who told her.
"What? Has Mr. Gu not informed you yet?"
The individual seemed surprised as he observed the bewildered expression on Meng Ran's face.
"Perhaps, he wanted to give me a surprise,"
Meng Ran managed to pull off a forced smile.
After getting off work, she had made an exception to personally prepare soup to deliver to Gu Shiyan's company.
Bits of confetti still lay on the ground, not yet cleaned up. It appeared that a celebration had recently taken place here.
However, upon reaching his office, the secretary, who usually stood guard outside, was absent.
The surroundings were eerily quiet; only Gu Shiyan’s office door was tightly shut.
This scenario was usually depicted in horror movies.
The foolhardy protagonist would insist on opening the ominous door in front of them, ultimately unleashing the monster lurking behind.
As for Meng Ran, this door seemed to be the barrier between her peaceful life and harsh reality.
She walked over gently and slowly.
Meng Ran's hand clenched suddenly, her fingertips digging deep into her palm.
That was Fu Nian's voice.
The sound of a man's heavy panting and continuous splashing followed.
Without receiving an answer, Fu Nianshi gave a charming smile with a pant, and continued to ask:
"Do you like Meng Ran because she has the blood of the despised running in her veins?
Does it feel exciting to get involved with the daughter of such a despicable woman?
Does she know any novel tricks to please men?
I can do that too!"
"Shut up!"
Gu Shiyan eventually broke his silence.
Although it was a chilling command, Meng Ran still picked up the undertones of lust.
The noise in the room began to intensify.
Fu Nianshi's voice was intermittently replaced by her sobs.
Sounds of pleasure were incessant.
Standing outside the door,
Meng Ran covered her mouth, cried until she was unable to make a sound, and finally escaped.
After discarding the well-stewed soup, she drove alone to the riverbank,
Meng Ran stared blankly at the vast river. Her eyes were so sore and swollen that she could hardly open them.
Just as she was about to take a cigarette from her pocket, she noticed that the giant poster featuring herself atop a nearby skyscraper had been replaced.
To her surprise, the face on the new poster was that of Fu Nianshi!!!
Meng Ran immediately phoned the group leader of the dance troupe, only to be taken aback by their reply:
"Huh? Your fiancé, President Gu, called me saying you're not considering participating in the World Ballet competition anymore?"
"President Fu also stated that she plans to invest in the competition and that she previously had a solid foundation but never had the chance, so I replaced the poster with hers.
What's wrong, Meng Ran? You're just finding out about this now?"
Overwhelmed, Meng Ran collapsed to the ground,
Her phone slipped from her hand, bounced a few times on the floor,
And finally vanished into the rapidly surging river.
Today's major news in Yun city is none other than the impending grand wedding of Gu Shi Group's young master, Gu Shiyan, with the woman he has been in love with for eight years.
Since the preparation began, the wedding has garnered worldwide attention.
Everyone is curious,
How did a woman with no notable background manage to win Gu Shiyan's heart and rise to such a status?
However, just as everything was ready and the wedding was about to start, the bride suddenly disappeared.
Funi Shi looked at Gus Shiyan, who was anxiously sweating in the waiting area, and walked up to him with a light laugh.
She gently rested her chin on his shoulder, looking at the series of missed calls on his phone, and chuckled with schadenfreude,
"Brother Shiyan, you're quite anxious, aren't you?"
"If she insists on being so unreasonable, I don't mind being your backup bride, you know."
"Brother Shiyan, you look so dashing in a suit."
"Look, there's a corner over there, let's go... sound good?
And, I'm wearing that thing you told me to buy last time, if you don't believe me, just take a look..."
As Funi Shi was slowly undoing the buttons of her coat, Gus Shiyan turned around angrily, grabbed her by the neck:
"Funi Shi! Did you do something?!"
Funi Shi’s face was flushed red, but she wasn’t upset. Instead, she raised her hands, feigning innocence with arched brows:
"Do not falsely accuse me!"
"Didn't you protect your little bride very well? How could I possibly do anything to her?"
Gus Shiyan released his grip, but still growled through gritted teeth,
"Funi Shi, listen to me! What we have between us is nothing more than a play for the crowd!
If you dare to let Ranyan know about us, you are dead!"
After dropping harsh words, he turned away and ignored her,
Yet his whole body was tightly wrapped up in feelings of huge confusion and fear.
He had a hunch in his heart.
He always felt that Meng Ran would not come today, and in the future, she wouldn't either.
How could it be...
Everything was fine just days before...
Except...
Except that time when Meng Ran rushed into the office to ask him,
Why he had refused her chance to compete abroad without her permission.
That moment, he was taken aback.
Because just a while ago, he was here with Fu Nian Shi...
But after hearing her question, he let out a sigh of relief, went over to calm her emotions,
Matching her gaze, he laughed and said:
"Of course, it's to protect you, you silly! You're pregnant!"
"Now that we are getting married, you don't need to work so hard."
"From now on, all you need to do is hide behind me, and I will shield you from the wind and rain, alright?"
He felt that he had just uttered the sweetest words that any woman in the world would love to hear.
Isn't that so?
Isn't it every woman's dream to have a man who is willing to protect and care for her forever?
But what he didn't know was that these words sounded like a curse in Meng Ran's ears.
Because her father had once used these same words to deceive her mother off the stage,
to willing agree to be the other woman.
And what Gu Shiyuan said was practically identical.
Suddenly, it all become clear to her. She understood everything.
By the time Gu Shiyuan arrived at the hospital in a suit,
he saw Meng Ran in her patient gown, her face pale and haggard, walking out of the operating room.
He rushed over in disbelief, gripped her arms, and asked frantically:
"Why?!"
"Why, Meng Ran?! Why are you doing this to me?!"
Meng Ran had just finished her surgery. Being jostled like this, her whole body ached as if she was being torn apart.
She looked at him,
Just one look,
Tears fell from her eyes like a broken string of pearls.
Yet she still smiled,
"Gu Shiyan, the protection you speak of, it's all bullsh*t."
Gu Shiyan was taken aback, the agony spreading instantaneously across his face. His voice was shaky,
"Is it because I'm cooperating with Fu Nianshi? Or because I won't let you go abroad?"
"What do you want to do can be discussed with me, why...why must it be like this?"
"Everything you don't want me to do, I can stop..."
"Really?"
Meng Ran chuckled in response.
Weakly, she dug out a stack of photos from her bag and dropped them on Gu Shiyan.
"Or is this something I asked you to do?"
Photos scattered all over the ground.
Gu Shiyan lowered his head, only to see pictures of himself and Fu Nian entwined.
"No! No! This... "
Gu Shiyan squatted down to swiftly pick them up one by one, his face a spectacle of devastation.
He wanted to explain but couldn't utter a word.
He only wanted to pick them up faster, even faster.
So, his Ranyan wouldn't see this unsightly side of him.
"No need to pick them up! I've seen them all!"
But the next second, Meng Ranyan's words shattered all his hope.
"No! Ranyan!"
Gu Shiyan pulled Meng Ranyan into his arms and held her tightly as if he had gone mad,
He was scared, really scared now. All he could do was hold her tighter, even tighter.
"Do not leave me, Ranyan! I can explain! I truly can explain!"
Gu Shiyan held her tight, not daring to look at her expression.
He closed his eyes in agony, recalling that day,
"I did this, to protect you..."
"On the day of the finals, the flight didn't get delayed…"
"I came back, intending to surprise you."
"But before I could see you, Fu Nian found me first."
"She said she had someone on stage and prepared a trap. If I didn't agree, she would trigger it.
By then, you might lose your legs or even your life!"
"At that time, as I saw your shining presence on stage, the only choice I had was to protect you."
"Do you understand? She drugged me!
None of this was voluntary, Rong Rong!
You know it! You're the only one in my heart from beginning to end!"
Having said all this, Gu Shiyan slowly let go of Meng Ran.
He cautiously gazes at her, hoping for even a little positive response from her.
"You can understand me, can't you, Rong Rong?"
But the only response he gets from her is a silent smile.
She opens her eyes, looking at Gu Shiyan. Her gaze bears no anger, no disappointment, not even warmth.
"Do you think this is the first photo of us?"
"Gu Shiyan, until what age do you plan to keep playing this heroic act?"
"Even that teacher who made indecent advances towards me in the past, he was also an actor that you hired, wasn't he?"
Gu Shiyan's breathing hitched.
No, how could this happen? How could his Ranran know all these?
"Don't go... I beg you..."
After all the pale justifications were told, that was the only phrase he had left.
But no matter how much pain or pleading resided in his eyes,
Meng Ran only slowly moved his hand away from her arm.
"Gu Shiyan, we're... over."
Meng Ran removed his hand; despite her trembling steps, she still left this place alone.
Without looking back.
Like a madman, Gu Shiyan rushed into Fu Nianshi's home, grabbing her by her neck and pinning her to the wall,
His eyes were bloodshot as he roared:
"Was it you?!"
"Was it you who told Meng Ran?!"
The stack of photos hit Fu Nianshi's face hard,
"What about these! Is this you?!"
Fu Nianshi's face turned bright red from restraint, but there was not a hint of fear.
Instead, she looked at him with a frivolous smile, struggling to say:
"If you're choking me, how am I supposed to speak?"
But Gu Shiyi only kept his stubborn gaze on her, the hatred in his eyes seeming to bury her whole.
His strength increased with his anger, the veins on his hand bulging.
Not until Fu Nianshi's face turned slightly blue, did he let go.
Fu Nianshi slumped to the ground, taking big breaths, physiological tears streaming from her eyes, her gaze reddening.
But she was still laughing, touching where Gu Shiyi had just choked her,
Then she looked up at Gu Shiyi, sticking out her tongue to lick her hand.
"Big Brother Shiyi, your strength feels great, maybe next time, we can play like this..."
She softly stood up, attempting to press against Gu Shiyi, but was coldly and ruthlessly pushed away by him.
"Are you in these photos! Tell me now!!!"
Gu Shiyi's expression seemed to crumble.
Fu Nianshi took a breath and unveiled another smile,
He glanced at the scattered photos on the ground, nodding in an appreciative manner:
"These photos are truly beautiful, aren't they?"
"Even if it's me, what about it?"
"Such beautiful things are merely shared with my despicable sister."
"Is there something wrong?"
Gu Shiyan was once again furious, but before he could do anything about it,
Fu Nianshi's eyes suddenly turned icy and puzzled.
"Gu Shiyan, are you telling me it's real between you and Meng Ran?"
"Have you forgotten? You and I are of the same kind!
We're born noble, unlike Meng Ran, the daughter of a mistress who has nothing but despicable blood running in her veins!"
"This kind of woman, you found her intriguing due to her novelty in your youth and played around with her, I don't mind that."
"But ultimately, the one that can be with you is only me!
Only me, Fu Nianshi!
Have you forgotten what your deceased mother instructed you?!"
After hearing her words, Gu Shiyan seemed to have lost all his strength and froze on the spot.
Fu Nianshi took this opportunity to draw near, winding around his body like a snake and spoke in a seductive manner:
"Are you really not clear whether I had drugged you that night?"
"Even if you like Meng Ran's aloof attitude in ordinary days, secretly you still can't resist me, right? Gu Shiyan, is it really that difficult to be honest with yourself?"
Fu Nianshi, holding Gu Shiyan's face, and laughed lightly on her tiptoes.
Just as their lips were about to touch, Gu Shiyan suddenly pushed her away.
After falling heavily to the ground, Fu Nianshi cried out in pain and looked at him with complaint.
However, Gu Shiyan's gaze was cold and disgusted, he said:
"Stop playing these little games with me, Fu Nianshi!”
"If Meng Ran really leaves me, be careful of your Fu Group!"
After saying that, Gu Shiyan turned and walked away, leaving only Fu Nianshi standing in the same place, her expression gradually fell apart:
"Gu Shiyan! Where do I fall short compared to that bitch Meng Ran!”
"Gu Shiyan, you bastard! Ah!!!"
When Meng Ran came to clean up at the dance group, she unexpectedly ran into someone.
He said he's been Meng Ran's fan for many years and wanted to ask if something had happened to her and why she was quitting the competition.
But Meng Ran recognized him at a glance.
This man was also one of those who supported Fu Nian in the school and bullied her back then, Ji Xiao.
But she did not expose him; instead, she responded with a polite smile:
"There wasn't an incident per se. Just a minor health issue. Maybe, I won't be dancing anymore."
A trace of pity appeared in Ji Xiao's eyes. He hurriedly helped Meng Ran tidy up her things, looking at her as he did. Then, he tentatively asked:
"Perhaps, do you still remember me?"
Meng Ran shuddered all over.
How could she not remember?
That night, she was locked in the restroom.
Buckets of stinking water of unknown composition were poured over her from above.
Fu Nian's mocking voice sounded not far away:
"Poor more buckets! Let's wash off some of that stench from that smelly vixen who keeps seducing other girls' boyfriends!"
The person pouring the water paused a moment, retorting:
"Didn't you say it was because she bullied you, so you want to take revenge on her?"
Fu Nian chuckled, dismissively stating:
"Oh? Really? I forgot! I have so many suitors, sometimes when I'm in a good mood, I make up a few stories to make them feel sorry for me."
"So, what's your name again?
The fact that I can make up stories with you means you must be ranked pretty high among my suitors!
You should feel honored!"
The man dropped the bucket, about to say something, when suddenly a beam of white light flashed outside the door.
It was the patrolling security guard checking this place.
The two hurriedly escaped, and before they left, the person watering the plants helped Meng Ran unlock the door.
Meng Ran was finally saved.
When she was held in frustration by Gu Shiyan, she tightly clutched a student ID card in her sleeve.
The name on the student ID card was...
"Ji Xiao."
Looking at the man in front of her with a complicated expression, careful yet hesitant, Meng Ran put on an apologetic smile:
"I don't remember, sorry."
But Ji Xiao seemed relieved. He scratched his head:
"It's okay, I'm not someone with a memorable face, it's normal."
Having packed, looking at Meng Ran's large and small bags of luggage, Ji Shuo repeatedly requested to send Meng Ran back.
With such sincere requests, Meng Ran had no choice but to agree.
But she didn't expect Gu Shiyan to find her new address so quickly.
When he spotted Ji Shuo, his anxious expression instantly transformed into a furious one,
He charged forward, angrily throwing a punch at Ji Shuo's face:
"Stay away from Meng Ran!!!"
Ji Shuo didn't react in time, taking the punch directly. The parcels in his hands scattered all over the ground.
As he wiped his bloodied lips, he was taken aback by the abrupt outbreak.
"Gu Shiyan, are you out of your mind?!"
Meng Ran hurriedly pulled Ji Shuo aside, examining his injuries with a frown, but Gu Shiyan swept her aside harshly.
The pained and confused look on his face:
"Ran Ran! Are you really yelling at me for another man?!"
"I thought so! I knew there had to be a reason why you decided to leave me so definitively!"
"Is it because of him?! Meng Ran! You accused me of having an improper relationship with Fu Nian Shi, but what about you and him?!"
"Explain it to me!"
Yet, Meng Ran only stared at him coldly, and without a hitch she dealt him a slap.
"Gu Shiyan, was I not clear enough this morning?"
"We are done!"
"Who I am with now, who I get involved with, what does it have to do with you?"
"Or is it that you, CEO Gu, have degraded yourself to someone who can't do without the daughter of the mistress?"
Shaken, Gu Shiyan, gazed at her with hurt-filled eyes and suddenly reached out, holding her firmly in his embrace.
Regardless of how much Meng Ran struggled, he would not let go.
"I won't allow you to belittle yourself like this! Ran Ran!"
His face was persistent and his eyes were gradually reddening in grievance:
"I won’t allow you to think so poorly of me either!"
"Can't you give me another chance?"
"You cannot abandon me just because I made one mistake! Meng Ran! You can't be this cruel!"
"You can't be so cruel to me!"
However, these professions of love to Meng Ran right now only seemed childish and laughable.
She fiercely stomped on Gu Shiyan's foot.
But Gu Shiyàn only stiffened, yet stubbornly refused to let go.
Meng Ran scoffed and drove her knee forcefully into his groin.
Gu Shiyàn immediately let go, doubled over and gasped for breath, his face twisted with pain.
Meng Ran picked up various bags of luggage and slung them over her shoulder, looked at Gu Shiyàn, and coldly rebuked:
"Gu Shiyàn, we've already broken up. If you touch me again, I'll hit you each time, and one more thing! You stink! You make me feel nauseous."
After she said this, she gave an apologetic look to Ji Xiao:
"I'm sorry. I've been having a run of bad luck recently, bumping into stray mad dogs on my way home."
"I accidentally hurt you. Why don't you give me your contact info, and I can pay for your medical bills later."
Ji Xiao looked at her with a hint of delight in his eyes.
Lowering his head, he glanced at Gu Shiyàn, whose eyes were full of threats, and a playful smile tugged at his lips.
"Miss Meng, it's okay.
But this wound of mine does need immediate care. I'm not sure if your home has a first aid kit, could I possibly use it?
Gu Shiyàn’s eyes widened, just as he was about to protest, Meng Ran had already agreed.
Moreover, she was supporting his arm, walking step by step forward.
Gu Shiyàn wanted to stop them, but the pain in his groin made it impossible for him to move.
I can only watch their retreating backs getting farther and farther, with an impotent rage trailing behind:
"No! Meng Ran, I said no! No means no!
Ji Xiao! Take your hands off Meng Ran!
Don't go in there!
Don't!
Argh!!!
Ji Xiao, you just wait!"
Shutting the door, Meng Ran releases Ji Xiao, turns around to fetch the medical kit to hand it over to him.
Ignoring the expectation in Ji Xiao's eyes,
Meng Ran walks to the window, watching the rushed bodyguards taking away Gu Shi Yan, she lights up a cigarette.
Fu Nian Shi also arrives, she lifts her head, looking straight at Meng Ran with a smirk of derision appearing at her lips.
Meng Ran doesn't respond, instead, she starts to smoke her cigarette more vigorously, taking big inhales and exhaling slowly,
all the while, the coiling white smoke wrapping her whole figure.
While taking care of his wounds, Ji Xiao can't help but steal glances at her, finding himself a little stupefied.
"Mr. Ji, once your wound has been taken care of, you may leave."
Meng Ran chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a distinct hint of aloofness in it.
Ji Shuo, however, acted as if he had been spellbound.
Delicately, he took the cigarette from Meng Ran’s hand, placed it in his mouth, and took a deep puff.
The expression in Meng Ran's eyes subtly shifted, and she chuckled lightly, “Mr. Ji, are you so poor you can't even afford your cigarettes?”
Ji Shuo was amused by her remark; a stream of smoke flowed from his mouth and nostrils, intertwining with the smoke from Meng Ran's cigarette.
“Miss Meng, I have a proposition, a business proposal to discuss with you.”
