Chapter 39: We Need to Add More Money

Shen Qiqi pressed down on her hand. "Let it go."

"You're still young. Since he likes you, why not give him a chance?"

Shen Qiqi frowned slightly. "I won't be unfaithful."

"I'm not telling you to be unfaithful. Zhou Yili is someone who can help you get a divorce and secure the property you deserve. In Haicheng, he can also protect you. Qiqi, you shouldn't let emotions cloud your judgment."

Shen Qiqi had always envied Gu Shenshen's innate boldness and freedom. For someone like her, the first love was always herself—something few women could achieve.

"The Jiang family has treated me with immense kindness..."

"You should repay them as they have treated you, but your marriage to Jiang Ling is a separate matter. You owe him nothing. If he hits you, there's no reason to endure it."

Shen Qiqi bit her lip and said nothing. In truth, Gu Shenshen's few words already moved her heart. She didn't want to sacrifice her whole life to a marriage born from gratitude.

Seeing Shen Qiqi remain silent, Gu Shenshen called Zhou Yili directly.

The unfamiliar number rang several times before it was finally answered.

"This is Gu Shenshen. Qiqi is in Nancheng now, she needs you." Gu Shenshen spoke concisely.

Zhou Yili's voice was low and deep. "Let me speak to Qiqi."

Gu Shenshen handed the phone to Shen Qiqi.

No one knew what Zhou Yili said on the call, but Shen Qiqi remained passive and silent throughout.

When the call ended, Shen Qiqi returned the phone to Gu Shenshen.

"Shenshen, Jiang Ling is also in Nancheng. We came together for business. If Zhou Yili comes now, there will be trouble."

Gu Shenshen raised her brows slightly, surprised by Shen Qiqi's addition.

"Come to my hotel."

Shen Qiqi's expression stiffened. "But the relationship between Zhou Yili and Zhou Ci is terrible. If you do this, Zhou Ci won't let you off."

Gu Shenshen looked at her, reaching out to gently stroke her face in comfort. "Right now, you are what matters most."

Haicheng and Nancheng were just two or three hundred kilometers apart.

That night, Zhou Yili arrived in Nancheng. His appearance, travel-worn and determined, carried a rare tenderness.

But Gu Shenshen watched coldly, unmoved. Most men liked to act devoted—what made Zhou Yili any different? It was only that he hadn't yet won Shen Qiqi.

"Miss Gu, are you matchmaking for us? Breaking up someone else's marriage—isn't that immoral?" Zhou Yili, feeling Gu Shenshen's penetrating gaze, couldn't help but mock.

Gu Shenshen curved her lips. "Mr. Zhou, you have always enjoyed seducing married women. Morality isn't exactly your strong suit."

"But she's your good friend."

"If she can survive this ordeal safely, I'll be sure to thank you properly."

Zhou Yili smiled faintly, his gentle and refined demeanor a world apart from the harsh and volatile Zhou Ci.

Shen Qiqi, having taken her medicine, was now sleeping deeply. Zhou Yili lifted his foot to head toward the bedroom.

Gu Shenshen stepped forward, blocking his way.

"What is it?" Zhou Yili looked down at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"I've done Mr. Zhou a great favor. Don't you think I deserve something in return?"

Zhou Yili's face instantly turned cold. "She's your good friend, Miss Gu. If you do this, what does that make her?"

Gu Shenshen remained calm, her expression unchanged.

"Precisely because she's my good friend, the price goes up."

Zhou Yili asked, "What do you want?"