Chapter 30: A Ci, You Are Drunk

Gu Shenshen did not avoid his gaze; instead, she lifted her eyes to meet his squarely. She was a woman, but not a weak one—her current composure was nothing more than a prudent response to the situation. Why should she have to abase herself and surrender her dignity before this man?

“Do you really wish to grind my dignity into the dirt?” she asked quietly, letting her shoulders relax.

Zhou Ci nodded noncommittally. “Yes.”

Suppressing the urge to retort, Gu Shenshen raised her hand gently, caressing the sharp lines of his face as if soothing him with tenderness. “Aci, you’re drunk.”

Whether there truly was something hypnotic in her touch or not, Zhou Ci seemed to surrender instantly; the faint hostility that had lurked about him vanished without a trace. His gaze suddenly softened, inexplicably gentle as he looked at her.

Gu Shenshen’s brows drew together in wariness; she was on guard against this version of Zhou Ci. Predictably, his hand slid swiftly around her waist, pulling her closer without warning.

Though she had steeled herself for something, she was no match for such abruptness.

“Don’t leave me,” he murmured, his deep voice instantly drawing her thoughts back to two years ago.

In those moments of overwhelming passion, he would always whisper such words in her ear.

“Zhou Ci, you’re drunk!” Gu Shenshen shoved him away forcefully, her tone sharp and severe.

Stumbling back, Zhou Ci’s eyes remained unfocused for a moment, and then he made to approach her again.

A sharp slap rang out—Gu Shenshen had struck him without hesitation.

The haze clouding his eyes was swept away by the blow, replaced by the familiar edge of violence and irritation she knew so well.

“Tomorrow there are important matters to attend to. You’d best calm yourself,” she said, leaving those words behind before he could speak, and she strode out of his room.

The next morning, Zhou Ci was composed, as if nothing at all had transpired the night before. Gu Shenshen couldn't be bothered to guess at his thoughts; perhaps he was simply biding his time until their business was concluded, waiting to deal with her once they returned to Haicheng.

They stayed in Shangcheng for three or four days and ultimately secured Fu Jincheng’s support. Somehow, the news made its way back to Haicheng.

No sooner had Gu Shenshen and Zhou Ci landed at Haicheng Airport than Gu Shenshen received a call from Qin Ying.

Unconsciously, she slowed her pace, her gaze settling on Zhou Ci’s retreating figure ahead.

“Mrs. Qin.”

“You may be young, but your abilities are impressive. Even in Shangcheng, you have such connections,” Qin Ying’s cool voice betrayed a hint of displeasure. The Wellness City project was something Zhou Yili had begun planning two years prior, and now, unexpectedly, it had fallen into Zhou Ci’s hands.

“I thought Mrs. Qin would be delighted. After all, he won this round quite splendidly,” Gu Shenshen replied, her lips curving though there was no real smile in her expression.

Qin Ying was silent for a long time before speaking again, her tone soft yet lingering. “Let’s meet tomorrow.”

“I’m very busy with work. I’m afraid I don’t have the time.”

“Miss Gu, what good can come of provoking me?” Qin Ying’s displeasure was thinly veiled; whether she wanted to meet or not, it was not up to Gu Shenshen.

As Gu Shenshen considered how to refuse her, she noticed Zhou Ci, who had walked ahead, suddenly turn back.

“Very well,” she answered, ending the call promptly and hurrying to catch up with Zhou Ci.

His eyes were cold as blades, sending a chill straight to her heart.

“May I have a day off tomorrow?” she asked with a smile, standing before him.

“No,” Zhou Ci replied.

“But I’ve contributed too. At least grant me a day,” Gu Shenshen coaxed gently, her tone patient and soft.