Wen Xinzhi sipped the freshly brewed coffee the maid had just brought, the click of her high heels approaching step by step.
She calmly set down the coffee cup and lifted her gaze—
Gu Anyun’s exquisitely stunning face remained cool and detached, her unwavering stare adding a touch of world-weariness.
Wen Xinzhi’s hands resting on her knees unconsciously tightened.
She could never ignore Gu Anyun’s beauty, and she couldn’t help but scrutinize it time and again…
Standing at one meter seventy, with a swan-like neck, a slender waist, and long, straight legs… it was the kind of perfect figure that even other women would marvel at.
The elegant high-end custom dress she wore seemed elevated by her presence, enhancing its sophistication.
This dress incorporated subtle elements of qipao and Hanfu designs, created by a traditional-style designer from Jiangnan. Handcrafted as pure haute couture, the brand had skyrocketed internationally in just two years due to Gu Anyun’s preference, with custom pieces now fetching six-figure prices.
But this style was completely different from Wen Xinzhi’s own.
Wen Xinzhi had studied at a prestigious Italian design school and specialized in luxurious, high-society styles, designing only wedding dresses and formal gowns. After signing a long-term contract with the Jin Group, her creations were exclusively offered to the entertainment industry and elite circles.
And Gu Anyun had been her primary client for the past three years.
“Good morning, Young Madam.”
Wen Xinzhi stood up, giving Gu Anyun a slight nod, her scrutinizing gaze unabashed. “It’s been a while, but you still look as radiant as ever.”
The compliment sounded harmless enough, but Gu Anyun found it irritating.
Wen Xinzhi’s gaze always carried an indescribable strangeness.
In the past, Gu Anyun couldn’t quite figure it out. Though she found it odd, she never dwelled on it—she was never one to seek out unnecessary troubles.
It wasn’t until three months ago, by chance, that she overheard Jin Chenyue’s childhood friend chatting with someone and learned that Wen Xinzhi and Jin Chenyue had dated during high school.
At that moment, everything clicked for Gu Anyun.
The reason she found Wen Xinzhi’s gaze so unsettling was because it was filled with resentment and ambition.
Wen Xinzhi had always coveted the position of Mrs. Jin, or perhaps she simply coveted Jin Chenyue himself.
But either way, it disgusted Gu Anyun.
Jin Chenyuge might not have been obligated to disclose his romantic history, but allowing Wen Xinzhi to leverage her status as an ex-girlfriend to gain privileges from him, then brazenly parade her designs in front of Gu Anyun time and again, subtly provoking her—such behavior was unacceptable to Gu Anyun.
Did they all think she was a fool?
But Gu Anyun had never been one to tolerate being played.
In the Gu family’s teachings, there was no such thing as swallowing grievances in silence.
In the past, even if Gu Anyun didn’t care about Jin Chenyue’s feelings, she still had to consider the Jin family elders, so she often did her utmost to fulfill her role as the young madam of the Jin family.
But now things were different.
She and Jin Chenyue were about to divorce. There was no reason for her to endure Wen Xinzhi any longer.
“Take your gown and leave,” Gu Anyun said coldly, her gaze fixed on Wen Xinzhi. “Both you and your gown disgust me.”
Wen Xinzhi seemed taken aback by her sudden words, her smile freezing for a moment before she forced another smile. “Young Madam, Young Master Jin asked me to ensure you try it on personally. If any adjustments are needed, I can make them on the spot.”
Gu Anyun’s beautiful eyes remained fixed on Wen Xinzhi, unwavering.Wen Xinzhi caught a flicker of anger in her cold eyes.
The curve of her lips deepened, her smile growing even gentler and more amiable. “Young Madam, I am only following Young Master Jin’s instructions. I hope you won’t make things difficult for me.”
“Wen Xinzhi.” Gu Anyun’s beautiful brows lifted slightly. “Do you have absolutely no regard for me?”
Wen Xinzhi shook her head with a smile, her expression now tinged with a confident, provocative edge. “Young Madam, I simply wish to complete the task assigned by Young Master Jin—”
“Get out.” Gu Anyun cut her off coldly, letting out a soft, derisive laugh. “Nan Qiu, release the dogs.”
Wen Xinzhi froze, her feigned kindness completely stiffening on her face.
…
Wen Xinzhi left, but the gown remained.
Before Nan Qiu could even report, Jin Chenyue had already received word from Wen Xinzhi.
He called Nan Qiu.
He was still in the neighboring city and wouldn’t be home for another two hours.
During those two hours, Nan Qiu needed to placate Gu Anyun and persuade her to try on the gown.
The charity gala that evening was crucial—it was hosted by the Jin family. As the young madam of the Jin family, Gu Anyun had no reason to be absent.
Ten minutes later, Nan Qiu carefully carried the gown box upstairs to the third floor, heading straight for the music room.
The spacious music room was filled with various instruments.
A deep, resonant melody flowed from within.
It was Gu Anyun playing the cello.
She was skilled in many things, but the cello was her forte.
She could compose her own pieces by the age of seven, won a championship in a music competition at thirteen, but after fourteen, she never performed publicly again.
When she married into the Jin family at twenty, her dowry was countless—properties, shares, cash, various jewels, famous paintings, and more, including this cello, which the Gu family had commissioned at great expense and which had accompanied her since she began learning at seven.
Yet, though the melody remained deep and flawless, it seemed anything but calm.
Snap!
The cello string broke abruptly, causing Nan Qiu’s hands, still holding the gown, to tremble.
“Young Madam!”