Chapter 159 - 159: Huo Sicheng Slapped Qi Shaoze
Wedding Night! A Regretful Marriage to Her Disabled Rival!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Huo Sicheng observed the fury in Qi Shaozeâs eyes through the window.
Qi Shaozeâs presence indicated that Gu Qingcheng hadnât visited him.
In fact, Qi Shaoze had been persistently inquiring about Gu Qingchengâs whereabouts, even phoning her late at night to no avail.
For some inexplicable reason, the notion of Gu Qingcheng brushing off Qi Shaoze and not being with him brought him joy.
He lowered the car window and met Qi Shaozeâs gaze.
âMy wife went with me to Nice for a vacation. Iâve kept her busy these past days, so sheâs resting at home.â
Qi Shaozeâs face drained of color instantly.
That night, Gu Qingcheng, under the influence of alcohol, left him behind. She didnât respond to his calls or messages. She even pursued Huo Sicheng to Nice.
Though Huo Sicheng could have disclosed that Gu Qingcheng was resting at home, he opted to claim she was in Nice. It was clear he was trying to convey something to her.
Qi Shaoze clenched his fists, struck hard by Huo Sichengâs words, and was left speechless.
In this moment, he felt akin to a clown, stripped of dignity before Huo Sicheng.
Huo Sicheng disregarded Qi Shaozeâs discomfort, coldly shutting the car window.
Ah Qing approached Qi Shaoze and unceremoniously ushered him away.
âKindly leave immediately.â
Qi Shaoze departed, his pride wounded.
Huo Sicheng glanced at his phone. Gu Qingcheng hadnât called or messaged him.
A sudden curiosity about her whereabouts and activities overcame him.
Yet, he recalled her privacy warning and placed his phone on the table.
In the cafe, Yuan Feng spotted Miss Gu, who had been absent for a while. He greeted her with a mix of concern and delight, âMiss Gu, why did you take so long to respond to my message? I thought you were ignoring me.â
Gu Qingcheng sat across from Yuan Feng, sporting her customary sunglasses that concealed half her face. Removing her glasses as Yuan Feng spoke, she triggered an unexpected reaction.
âPfftâ¦â Yuan Feng had just taken a sip of his coffee and ended up spitting it out when he saw Gu Qingchengâs face. âYou⦠You⦠Itâs⦠Gu Qingcheng?â âExactly. Iâm Gu Qingcheng,â she confirmed for Yuan Feng.
Yuan Fengâs eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Gu Qingcheng.
The leading socialite in Jiangcheng, head of Royal Dance Entertainment, and the most searched individual during the Peach Lotus CupâGu Qingcheng was a name that had inundated the news.
He never imagined heâd be face-to-face with the renowned classical dancer Gu Qingcheng, let alone have dreamt of it.
âYouâ¦â Yuan Fengâs voice was a mix of astonishment and emotions. âIâve seen you in the news. Youâre truly stunning.â
âNot only did you see me in the news, but you also witnessed the trending topic about Qi Shaoze and me from Qi Corporation,â Gu Qingcheng affirmed confidently, without doubt. âQi Shaoze and I are good friends. The media thrives on sensationalism. Sigh, explanations are futile.â
Yuan Fengâs shock deepened upon hearing that Gu Qingcheng and Qi Shaoze were merely friends. Was she subtly signaling that she was unattached?
Yes, she must be single. Otherwise, she wouldnât have stated that she and Qi Shaoze were just friends.
He gazed at Gu Qingcheng, his heart stirred.
She disregarded her position as head, focusing solely on her role as the eldest Gu family daughter. Should he become her partner or husband, he could ascend within the Gu family. His ambitions for wealth and power could materialize.
Observing Yuan Fengâs changing expressions, a trace of derision flashed in Gu Qingchengâs eyes.
From their initial encounter, she had discerned Yuan Fengâs hidden motives.
Unfortunately for him, she was already involved. Had it not been for her own schemes, she wouldnât have deigned to meet Yuan Feng after her identity was exposed by Yuan Qiaolan.
âYou two are here,â Yuan Qiaolanâs voice interrupted, her tone coincidentally cheerful. âWhat a coincidence, Miss Gu.
Yuan Feng was taken aback by his mother Yuan Qiaolanâs sudden appearance. âMom, why are you here?â
âI happened upon you and Miss Gu as I passed by,â Yuan Qiaolan replied, raising an eyebrow while appraising Gu Qingcheng. âI didnât anticipate that the sunglass-wearing Miss Gu would be the Gu familyâs eldest daughter. My son and I are fortunate to make your acquaintance.â
âAuntie, your kind words are unnecessary.â Gu Qingcheng played along, standing up politely. âSince youâre here, letâs enjoy a cup of coffee together.â Yuan Qiaolan took her seat without hesitation. âOf course.â
Yuan Feng, surprised at his motherâs nonchalant reaction to Gu Qingcheng, pondered whether Yuan Qiaolan already recognized her.
âMom, how do you know Miss Gu?â
Yuan Qiaolan replied to Yuan Feng calmly, âMiss Guâs face is all over the trending searches daily. Itâs hard not to know her. She had concealed her identity till now, so youâve only recently discovered it.â
Yuan Feng nodded. âI just learned today that sheâs Miss Gu.â
Gu Qingcheng watched Yuan Qiaolanâs performance with a detached air.
Unaware of her kidnapping by Chu He and Yuan Qiaolan, Yuan Feng had been reaching out to her with concern recently. He had no inkling that meeting her today was orchestrated by Yuan Qiaolan.
Yuan Fengâs intentions werenât genuine. After her chilly reception, he suddenly caught her attention. Surely heâd disclose this to Yuan Qiaolan, leading Yuan Qiaolan to find out her location and come directly to meet her.
In a gentle tone, she apologized to Yuan Feng, âIâm sorry. I didnât want the paparazzi to capture us, so I kept it hidden from Ah Feng.â
As the trio conversed, Yuan Qiaolan and Gu Qingcheng exchanged a knowing glance before Gu Qingcheng followed Yuan Qiaolanâs lead, ensuring Yuan Feng left the cafe. âOf course, weâll join you for dinner tonight. I adore your cooking the most.â
Grinning widely, Yuan Feng left the cafe, both elated and reluctant.
With Yuan Feng gone, Yuan Qiaolanâs warm smile vanished, replaced by an air of arrogance.
âMiss Gu, whereâs the money?â
âI havenât inherited anything yet.â Gu Qingcheng replied honestly. âIf you doubt me, ask Chu He.â
Yuan Qiaolan raised her hand to admire her newly-done crystal manicure. âDonât forget that I saved your life. The item you desire is also in my possession.â
âConsidering the Peach Lotus Cup incident, I canât feel joy about my inheritance.â Gu Qingcheng explained. âHowever, the event is almost concluded. Iâll find time in the coming days to resolve the inheritance. Once I acquire the assets, Iâll sell them and provide you with the entire sum.â
Yuan Qiaolanâs smile turned mocking. âYouâre more sensible than Chu He. But I have a question for you.â
Gu Qingcheng asked, a touch of sincerity in her voice, âFeel free to ask.â