A beam of sunlight poured down, shining through the glass onto Fang Mian’s eyes.
She raised a hand to block the glaring light.
At that moment, a breeze lifted a corner of the window curtain.
Fresh air, carrying the scent of flowers, instantly brushed against her face.
Was it already morning?
Had she actually fallen asleep?
It seemed Gu Tingye was right—she really was a pig.
After sleeping so much in Li Country and on the plane, she had still managed to sleep like a log last night.
She had originally intended to wait for Gu Tingye to return.
Had he even come back last night?
Fang Mian checked the wounds on her body.
They were healing quite quickly.
Most had already scabbed over.
It was just that some patches here and there didn’t look very nice.
She rolled out of bed and freshened up briefly.
But seeing the array of brand-new, high-end bottles and jars fully stocked on the vanity, she suddenly felt she had been too careless, almost disrespecting their worth.
But she didn’t have time now; she would have to pamper them properly next time.
Fang Mian gently opened the bedroom door, planning to check the neighboring rooms to see if Gu Tingye was there.
But as she opened each door, every room was empty.
She would have to ask the butler.
Just as Fang Mian reached the top of the stairs, she overheard the idle chatter of the servants downstairs.
“I wonder if Sir will be back for breakfast. The kitchen has been preparing for two hours already.”
“Sir didn’t return last night. This early in the morning, he definitely won’t be back.”
Fang Mian frowned.
Gu Tingye hadn’t come back all night?
“Sigh, I thought with Assistant Fang here, Sir would try to come back earlier. Seems I was overthinking it. Assistant Fang’s charm isn’t that great after all!”
“Assistant Fang’s charm must be strong—otherwise, why would Sir kiss her last night? And even deliberately keep her at the villa overnight.”
“Spending the night with a man counts as charm? That’s called lacking self-respect and self-love, okay?”
Fang Mian’s pupils involuntarily contracted, her face suddenly paling.
“I never thought Assistant Fang was that kind of woman. I used to admire her for her strict work ethic! Turns out she’s just like all the other women, each wanting to climb into Sir’s bed.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. If the butler hears you gossiping, he’ll definitely punish you.”
“I’m just stating facts. How is that nonsense?”
“I’m going outside to water the plants. I’m done talking with you.”
“Coward! I don’t even want to talk to you anyway!”
Fang Mian quietly retreated to the bathroom in her room, staring at her own face in the mirror.
She shouldn’t have dreamed!
Shouldn’t have let fantasies take root!
Those girlish notions of love and romance were only for teenage girls of seventeen or eighteen.
What had she been thinking?
How could she have imagined that an ordinary assistant earning twenty thousand a month could have a beautiful, dreamy romance with her handsome, wealthy boss who earned millions monthly?
She was already twenty-seven, a woman with a very mature mind.
Fang Mian turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on her cheeks to cool herself down and clear her head.
A woman without love travels light; with love, she turns neurotic.
A man who doesn’t stray is like one who menstruates.
Although Gu Tingye was handsome and charismatic, the most she could do was engage physically—she absolutely must not let her heart get involved.
Even Gu Ziqian, whom she had been with for five years, had repeatedly cheated and betrayed her, let alone the esteemed President Gu, whose wealth exceeded hundreds of billions.
Since childhood, she and her mother had been treated unequally by the Fang family.
As I grew older, I became even more unwilling to endure those critical words and gazes.
All men in the world are the same!
They only see sex, not love!
Including Gu Ziqian!
And also Gu Tingye!
Security guard Xiao Bai: “I’m sorry, Young Master Gu! President Gu has given orders—no vehicles are allowed in without his approval.”
Gu Ziqian got out of the car, his expression domineering. “If the car can’t go in, then surely a person can!”
With that, he stepped forward. “Open the barrier.”
Xiao Bai stood firm. “I’m sorry, Young Master Gu! I only follow the instructions of President Gu Tingye!”
Gu Ziqian’s eyes turned cold. “As an insignificant watchdog, can’t you be a little less rigid? Gu Tingye is my uncle. Besides, I’ve been to his house many times. Why can’t you let me through?”
“Young Master Gu, please forgive me. The past is the past, and now is now. If you want to enter, I can first make a call to ask if President Gu is willing to grant you access!”
Seeing the guard repeatedly blocking him, Gu Ziqian angrily grabbed the collar of his uniform. “Who gave you the nerve to speak to me like this? Do you believe I can fire you in an instant?”
“It’s my duty! Even if I’m fired, I must guard my post and fulfill my responsibilities!”
Gu Ziqian narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint flickering in his slender gaze.
Xiao Bai stared back with unwavering determination, his eyes resolute.
After a silent standoff, Gu Ziqian slowly released his grip, his expression unchanged.
A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips. “In that case, I won’t trouble you to open the barrier for me.”
He even reached out and smoothed the wrinkles on Xiao Bai’s collar in a friendly manner. “I wonder why my uncle’s home has suddenly become so difficult to enter? Tell me… who exactly is he trying to keep out?”
After giving Xiao Bai a glance that was half-smile, half-sneer, Gu Ziqian turned and walked away.
Xiao Bai breathed a sigh of relief.
But unexpectedly, a flash of malice suddenly appeared in Gu Ziqian’s eyes.
He quickly turned back and landed a heavy punch on Xiao Bai.
Xiao Bai had no time to react and took the blow squarely, immediately feeling warm liquid trickling from his nose.
But Gu Ziqian wasn’t satisfied. He delivered several more vicious punches to Xiao Bai’s face and stomach.
“Still dare to block me? I’ll teach you to block me, teach you…”
Xiao Bai was beaten so badly he couldn’t get up, lying on the ground in a pitiful state.
Gu Ziqian finally felt a bit better.
He lazily straightened his clothes and took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands.
Finally, he threw the handkerchief onto Xiao Bai’s face and pressed his shoe down hard on Xiao Bai’s fingers. “How does it feel to talk back to me? Impressive? Satisfying? Want to beg me for mercy?”
“If you just beg me to let you go, not only will I give you 100,000 for medical expenses, but I’ll also hire you as the head of security at my place. What do you think?”
As he finished speaking, Gu Ziqian increased the pressure under his foot.
Xiao Bai cried out in pain. “You… you wish… wishful thinking!”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk!” Gu Ziqian said while pressing down. “Why do people have to be so stubborn? Why do you all insist on opposing me?”
“But do you know, my good nature has an expiration date too. It can turn bitter, moldy, rot, and decay… I was never some kind of saint!”
With that, Gu Ziqian vented his anger by kicking Xiao Bai in the stomach once more.
Xiao Bai violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood from his mouth…
The guardrail was finally slowly opened.
Gu Ziqian stared at the magnificent villa with sinister eyes and strode forward.
Fang Mian, I hope you are not here.
Because you cannot bear my wrath…