At the Gu Corporation office, Gu Huaizhi sat behind his large desk, tapping his fingers against the tabletop as he read through some documents.
The phone on his desk rang. He picked it up and saw that it was his childhood friend, Qin Yu.
The moment the call connected, Qin Yu’s carefree voice came through.
“Hey, President Gu, what are you busy with? Are you free this weekend? Don’t forget what I told you last time. I just got a batch of top-grade wagyu at my resort, along with that sake you liked last time. Come over and give them a try. Relax a little.”
Gu Huaizhi pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes as he listened to Qin Yu ramble on.
He didn’t have many hobbies. Outside of work, he occasionally went to the gym, played golf, or got together with Qin Yu and a few other friends.
“Is it just you?” he asked casually.
“Of course not! Old Zhou, Fatty, and the others are all coming. You’re the only one missing. Come on, do me a favor. I guarantee you’ll have a great time!”
Gu Huaizhi didn’t answer immediately. His eyes swept across the desk and landed on the elegant electronic calendar.
When his gaze fell on a particular date, he paused.
There was less than a month left before the five-year agreement expired.
He had almost forgotten about it. He was always so busy that he had never deliberately kept track of the date.
Then he remembered how obedient Wen Yu had been the night before—and how she’d been so exhausted by him that she’d taken the day off.
His dark eyes revealed nothing.
“Got it. See you this weekend.”
After hanging up, he sent Wen Yu another message.
[Remember to keep your weekend free.]
Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Wen Yu was packing up her personal belongings.
Many of the things here had been sent over by Gu Huaizhi. She had no intention of taking those with her. She was only packing the few things that actually belonged to her.
She planned to have them shipped ahead of time so that she wouldn’t be scrambling around later and accidentally leave anything behind.
Her phone chimed just as she stepped out of the walk-in closet.
Seeing his message, she wasn’t particularly surprised. He had already mentioned this before. This was simply another reminder.
After replying, she casually asked whether he would be coming over that evening.
There was no response for quite some time.
Wen Yu put down her phone and continued packing.
At six o’clock, the housekeeper arrived on time to prepare dinner. Seeing Wen Yu at home, she looked slightly surprised, but didn’t ask any questions and simply went into the kitchen.
Wen Yu had just returned from the kitchen after getting herself a glass of water when she noticed Gu Huaizhi’s reply.
[No.]
Wen Yu: [Okay.]
It was better that he wasn’t coming. At least she could get some proper rest.
Even now, her entire body still felt sore and weak.
Saturday Afternoon
Wen Yu came downstairs in the afternoon.
Gu Huaizhi was sitting in the driver’s seat. Today, he was driving himself.
Wen Yu hesitated for a moment before opening the passenger door and getting in.
“Good afternoon, President Gu,” Wen Yu greeted him.
Gu Huaizhi merely glanced at her and gave a quiet hum. After making sure she had fastened her seat belt, he started the car.
An hour later, the car turned onto a secluded mountain road surrounded by peaceful scenery. Eventually, it stopped in front of a striking cluster of modern buildings.
The entrance was imposing, and beyond it, Wen Yu could vaguely make out rockeries, flowing water, and lush greenery.
This was the high-end hot spring resort Qin Yu had invested in. It was only open to select members, offering an exceptional level of privacy.
As soon as the car came to a stop, a young man in a flamboyant shirt, dressed like a peacock showing off its feathers, came over with a grin.
It was Qin Yu.
He greeted Gu Huaizhi as soon as he got out of the car.
“Well, well, President Gu! What an honor to have you here!”
Then his eyes openly fell on Wen Yu as she stepped out of the car, curiosity and obvious scrutiny in his gaze.
Wen Yu was wearing an elegant, understated dress today, paired with a beige trench coat. Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her makeup was light and natural.
Compared to her usual capable, professional appearance at the office, she looked softer and more feminine today.
“Secretary Wen, you’re here too?” Qin Yu said with a teasing smile, his words carrying an unmistakable undertone.
Of course, he knew who Wen Yu was.
Gu Huaizhi’s beautiful and exceptionally capable female secretary was no secret within their circle of childhood friends. Everyone knew about her, but they had all tacitly agreed never to bring it up openly.
Wen Yu understood perfectly well what was going on, but she maintained her professional smile and responded gracefully.
“Hello, Young Master Qin. President Gu often mentions you.”
Gu Huaizhi seemed completely uninterested in the undercurrent running through their exchange.
He glanced at Qin Yu.
“Is the room ready?”
“It is, it is! The best private hot spring villa. It’s quiet, secluded, and no one will disturb you.”
Qin Yu raised his eyebrows suggestively.
Gu Huaizhi didn’t respond. He simply walked inside.
Wen Yu followed half a step behind him, maintaining the proper distance and demeanor expected of a secretary.
Qin Yu led the way beside them, talking nonstop as he introduced the various facilities around the resort.
They had just entered the main hall when a sweet, coquettish female voice suddenly rang out.
“Huaizhi! You really came!”
Wen Yu looked up and saw a young woman in a pink dress hurrying toward them, a designer handbag hanging from her arm. Her face was filled with undisguised delight and admiration.
Wen Yu recognized her.
She was the daughter of a real estate tycoon, a young woman named Lin, and one of Gu Huaizhi’s many admirers.
When Miss Lin noticed Wen Yu standing beside Gu Huaizhi, the smile on her face froze for a moment.
Her eyes immediately became guarded, with a trace of hostility and jealousy.
She clearly recognized Wen Yu as well—the highly capable female secretary who was always by Gu Huaizhi’s side.
“Secretary Wen is here too?” Miss Lin’s tone was somewhat pointed, carrying a hint of condescension. “Did you come to help Huaizhi with work? You even have to work on the weekend. How hardworking of you.”
The words sounded considerate on the surface, but the implication was obvious.
She was suggesting that Wen Yu was merely an employee—a member of the staff who had no business appearing at a private leisure gathering like this.
Wen Yu wasn’t offended. She simply maintained her smile and replied calmly,
“Miss Lin, you’re too kind. Taking care of President Gu’s schedule is part of my job.”
Gu Huaizhi’s brows furrowed slightly.
He seemed rather impatient with Miss Lin’s sudden appearance and deliberate attempts to engage him.
He turned to Wen Yu.
“Take the luggage to the room first.”
Then he nodded toward Qin Yu.
“Let’s go.”
Throughout the entire exchange, he barely spared Miss Lin a proper glance.
Qin Yu, naturally, was the type who loved watching drama unfold.
He laughed and smoothly stepped in to ease the awkwardness, leading Gu Huaizhi and Wen Yu toward the private villa and leaving Miss Lin standing there, embarrassed and unwilling to accept the situation.
As they walked toward the villa, Wen Yu could still feel the scorching gaze behind her—filled with jealousy and resentment.
Her expression remained calm and indifferent, but deep inside, she felt the faintest trace of bitterness.
A feeling so subtle that even she despised herself for having it.
There had never been a shortage of women pursuing him.
Whether they were glamorous beauties or sweet and adorable types, there was always someone around him.
Wen Yu quietly inhaled the crisp, cool mountain air and forced that inappropriate emotion back down.
Stay clear-headed, Wen Yu.
She silently reminded herself once again.
No matter how soothing the hot spring was or how beautiful the scenery might be, none of it could change the cold, transactional nature of her relationship with Gu Huaizhi.
She was merely a secretary whose contract was about to come to an end.
Nothing more.