Chapter 14: Threats

Shen Qiqi regarded Gu Shen deeply for a moment, as if she had figured something out. "If you don't resolve those troubles of yours soon, I'm afraid the Gu family's company will get dragged into it."

At her words, a furrow creased between Gu Shen's brows, and worry clouded her face.

Nevertheless, Gu Shen continued to pester Zhou Ci as she always had—showing up at his company, at his residence, even at his social gatherings. She would appear at the most inopportune moments and cling to Zhou Ci as if no one else existed.

After several such incidents, she inevitably became the subject of gossip in high society circles. After all, Zhou Ci was known for his terrible temper, and yet, despite Gu Shen's relentless pursuit, he never came forward to clarify matters. Of all the women rumored to have been involved with Zhou Ci, not a single one had dared to pursue him so brazenly or managed to escape his wrath—except Gu Shen.

It was as if she wanted the whole world to know that her relationship with Zhou Ci was far from ordinary.

Yet, just when everyone had grown used to her persistence, she suddenly vanished. Zhou Ci went to work and, for the first time, found no little gifts that she would usually leave in his office. It left him somewhat irritable.

One day passed in this way. Then two, three, four—still no sign of Gu Shen, as if she had vanished into thin air.

Zhou Ci's assistant, who had always been by his side, watched as his boss's mood deteriorated day by day, casting a pall of anxiety over the entire company.

"President Zhou, there's news from Miss Gu," the assistant announced, barely able to hide his excitement at having finally heard something about her.

Zhou Ci's expression was dark as he fixed the assistant with a cold stare. "What did she say?"

"She said she'll be waiting for you at this place tonight." The assistant handed him a handwritten address, then hurriedly stepped back, carefully watching Zhou Ci's reaction.

But Zhou Ci was not one to betray his emotions so easily.

At eight o'clock that evening, Gu Shen sat in a private room, dressed casually and drinking alone. She had assumed she might have to wait an hour or two, but less than twenty minutes later, the door swung open.

A bright and captivating smile curved her lips as she beckoned him over.

The lights in the private room were bright, and Zhou Ci immediately noticed she looked unwell. He walked over, his face cold.

"What are you playing at now?"

"Whatever game I'm playing, it only works if you're here, Mr. Zhou. If you didn't show up, who would I be performing for?"

Zhou Ci's expression grew even frostier. "Gu Shen—"

She cut him off with a gesture to keep quiet, then pulled a few photos from her bag and tossed them onto the coffee table.

These were photos taken two years ago, back when they were still together—to indulge some of Gu Shen's mischievous whims.

"You know exactly how many photos like this exist. If they ever got out, your reputation would be ruined." Gu Shen spoke slowly, confident and at ease. No matter how much more difficult he had become since those days, she wasn't about to let him have the upper hand.

Zhou Ci didn't fly into a rage. If Gu Shen had ever been willing to submit, that would have been a miracle; she had always known how to grasp his weaknesses.

He sat down on the sofa opposite, long legs elegantly crossed, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

"Your leverage is a bit too flimsy. Do you really think these things can threaten me?" His laugh was low, madness seeping imperceptibly from his handsome features.

Gu Shen traced the edge of a photo thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again. "I know you and Zhou Yili both have your eyes on the Wellness City project. The location is crucial, and for a government-backed project like this, you need the right people on your side. I can help you win over those old men."