"Is he?" Mu Xi squinted, straining his eyes. Having been by Gu Lishang's side for so many years, he was familiar with at least eighty or ninety percent of the people Gu Lishang knew. Yet, there wasn't a single familiar face here. "I don't see anyone."
"They're gone."
"Hm?"
Mu Xi wasn't sure if Gu Lishang meant that "they" had left, or that the acquaintance had departed. Seeing Gu Lishang start walking, however, he quickly followed.
Seeing Gu Lishang about to leave, Song Xiangming broke through the security perimeter, desperate to press his business card into Gu Lishang's hand.
"Lord Shang, my family runs a contract manufacturing business for luggage and bags. We have our own designers. I don't suppose I could have the honor of grabbing a drink or a meal with you, maybe talk about a collaboration?"
Gu Lishang didn't spare him a glance, walking right past him.
Song Xiangming tried to push forward again but was blocked by Mu Xi.
"Just leave the card with me. If there’s a need, I’ll contact you on Lord Shang’s behalf."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Song Xiangming stammered.
Mu Xi took the card and signaled to a nearby bodyguard, who promptly dragged the man away.
As they reached the entrance of the entertainment complex, Mu Xi walked past several trash cans and, right in front of everyone, casually tossed Song Xiangming’s card into the bin.
Song Xiangming’s expression soured, but he forced himself to keep smiling.
***
The next evening at 7:00.
Song Xi had finished dinner at home and headed to work early. As soon as she reached the locker room, she overheard a few girls gossiping.
"Did you hear? A group of bodyguards in black suits came and took her away today. Do you think she offended someone important?"
"I saw it from outside. A whole row of luxury cars. That kind of lineup—they definitely aren't ordinary people."
"I saw the emblem on the cars. It looked like it belonged to the Shang family."
"What? She offended someone from the Shang family? Then she's done for! She's probably never coming back after being dragged off like that."
Sun Xiaoyu chimed in, "You really have to be careful working here; don't just provoke anyone. That Huang Liuer was always a flirt, doing anything for a bit of money. Well, look at her now—she finally crashed and burned, right?"
She and Huang Liuer were both "old hands" at this entertainment complex and had never gotten along. Naturally, there was no kindness in her words, only gloating.
The others clutched their chests in fear. "That's terrifying. I guess we need to be more careful from now on."
Hearing their discussion, Song Xi quickly scanned the locker room. It was true; Huang Liuer was nowhere to be seen.
*Has something really happened to Sister Liuer?*
Song Xi quickly took out her phone and messaged Huang Liuer.
Song Xi: [Sister Liuer, who took you away? Are you safe?]
Song Xi: [Do you need me to call the police for you?]
She couldn't think of anyone else to ask for help, and she wasn't naive enough to believe that she, a defenseless girl, could save Huang Liuer on her own.
She waited anxiously until Huang Liuer finally replied.
Huang Liuer: [No need, I’m fine. I’m doing great, actually.]
Huang Liuer: [I don’t know what kind of incredible luck I’ve had, but I’ve suddenly flown onto the branch and become a phoenix. I’m living the good life!]
Huang Liuer: [Photo]
Huang Liuer: [Video]
The photo showed Huang Liuer lying on a luxurious, oversized bed with a massive floor-to-ceiling window behind her, looking out over a lush, blooming garden. The video panned across the room, showing the exquisite decor. If Song Xi hadn't known Huang Liuer, she would have thought these were just stock photos from the internet—how could a bedroom be this opulent?
Huang Liuer: [I never imagined I'd have this kind of luck. This is Gu Lishang's house. If you ever need help, come to me anytime. I’m a wealthy woman now.]
Song Xi stared at her phone for a long time, stunned.
*Gu Lishang?*
His exquisitely cold, handsome face flashed in her mind involuntarily.
*Could it be that Sister Liuer and Gu Lishang are actually a couple?*
And the things she had done with Gu Lishang yesterday... Song Xi felt a wave of intense shame. She had truly betrayed Sister Liuer! But then again, a man who just picked up random women outside couldn't be a good man, right?
Finally, Song Xi couldn't help but add a warning: [Sister Liuer, didn't you say before that those rich men who visit the entertainment complex aren't good people? I think I saw Gu Lishang at the complex yesterday...]
Huang Liuer: [Men will be men, straying is inevitable. As long as there's money, none of that matters.]
Seeing that she couldn't persuade Huang Liuer, Song Xi gave up. To avoid hurting her, she tried even harder to bury the events of the previous night deep in her heart, typing:
[Sister Liuer, I wish you happiness.]
Huang Liuer: [I'll bring you over to visit in a few days. It's like a palace here!]
Song Xi wanted to agree, but the thought of Gu Lishang made her heart tremble with fear. The lighting in the private room had been so dim that night, and they had both been caught in a haze of passion. She wasn't sure if Gu Lishang even remembered what she looked like, but either way, she dared not go out of her way to dangle herself in front of him.
*Do I have a death wish?*
Song Xi: [I have a packed schedule lately, I probably won't have time.]
Huang Liuer: [No worries, I'll call you again when you're off!]
Song Xi didn't know how to refuse the kind gesture, so she could only smile and thank her. At least Huang Liuer was safe, which put her mind at ease.
Days passed as usual, and work continued as always—exhausting, but it paid the bills.
Two days later, Huang Liuer came to the complex to resign. She was dressed elegantly and looked stunning—the picture of a wealthy socialite. The other waitresses were green with envy. Before leaving, Huang Liuer gave Song Xi a white luxury handbag as a gift for her upcoming semester. Song Xi hadn't wanted it, but Huang Liuer insisted.
Huang Liuer eventually left in a Rolls-Royce. The other girls stood by the window, watching the car drive away with looks of profound jealousy.
"We all do the same line of work, so why did she get lucky enough to marry into a rich family?"
"She really hit the jackpot this time, becoming a wealthy wife."
Sun Xiaoyu scoffed sourly, "It's definitely some bald old man, all greasy and gross. What is there to envy?"
Watching Huang Liuer suddenly rise to the top, she was itching with jealousy. She turned and walked out of the lounge to light a cigarette.
The others kept gossiping.
"She is beautiful, though. Her looks have to be the best in the entire complex, right?"
"But we all wear masks. How can you even tell?"
Song Xi's mind drifted back to Gu Lishang’s face—the coolness, the intoxicating intensity, that look of forbidden desire he couldn't control...
A hint of envy sprouted in her heart, but she quickly crushed it. How could she envy Sister Liuer’s "happiness"? She had to forget about what happened, instantly and forever. She had to let it rot in her memory!