The group walked into the private club.
“Brocade Banyan” was nestled in a quiet corner of the city’s most bustling district, yet it felt like an entirely different world.
There was no coldness of steel and concrete here—only small bridges over flowing water, pavilions and towers, with every step revealing another meticulously crafted scene reminiscent of a Jiangnan garden.
Those who could enter here were all influential figures from Hai City and even across the nation.
Tonight, the place was particularly dazzling with star power.
Gu Xingnian, surrounded by the group, walked through the winding corridors toward the reserved “Lotus” private room.
She wore a simple yet elegantly designed white dress, her cool demeanor starkly contrasting with the surrounding noise, yet somehow drawing all eyes toward her.
Lu Lie walked beside her, half a step behind, his posture intimate yet proper, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his eyes.
In the shadows not far away, Fu Beichen held a wine glass, his deep eyes like cold pools, firmly fixed on that slender figure.
Gu Xingnian?
How did she end up with Lu Lie?
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing through the crowd to accurately capture her profile.
It was really her.
The woman who was still nominally his wife!
His eyes followed them until they stopped at the entrance of the “Lotus” private room.
The door wasn’t completely closed, leaving a narrow gap.
Almost involuntarily, Fu Beichen walked over and peered through the crack.
Lu Lie sat in the host’s seat, with two women beside him.
One was Gu Xingnian.
Hah, with her plain and unadorned appearance, how could she possibly be the formidable and mysterious God N?
Fu Beichen sneered inwardly.
The other woman appeared younger, her face still carrying traces of immaturity and eagerness to please—even less likely to be that legendary figure.
Could it be…
Fu Beichen’s sharp gaze swept toward the cheerful yet imposing young man beside Gu Xingnian.
Was it him? God N?
Was God N close with Gu Xingnian? Why had she never mentioned him before?
An inexplicable irritation surged in Fu Beichen’s chest.
Just then, Gu Xingnian’s phone rang. She whispered something to Lu Lie and walked out alone.
She moved to a quiet spot under the corridor to answer the call.
“Hello…”
Before she could finish speaking, a powerful force suddenly yanked her backward!
In the dizzying spin, Gu Xingnian crashed into a hard, burning chest, the strong scent of alcohol mixed with a familiar cold aura washing over her.
It was Fu Beichen!
“Gu Xingnian, you’ve grown some nerve!”
The man’s low, icy voice sounded above her head, laced with undisguised sarcasm and anger.
“If I remember correctly, we’re not divorced yet. Are you so unable to bear the loneliness that you can’t wait to find your next man?”
His arm clamped around her waist like an iron vise, the force so great it nearly crushed her.
Gu Xingnian felt a sharp pain.
She struggled fiercely, trying to push him away, her tone freezing cold. “Fu Beichen, have you lost your mind? Let me go!”
Fu Beichen not only didn’t release her but tightened his grip, his handsome face leaning close to hers, complex emotions churning in his eyes.
There was anger, resentment, and a hint of possessiveness he himself hadn’t noticed.
“I’ve lost my mind?”
He sneered.
“Seeing my wife laughing and chatting with another man—do you think I shouldn’t be going mad?”
“President Fu has a short memory. Have you forgotten we’re in the process of getting a divorce?”
Gu Xingnian raised her head, meeting his gaze without fear, a mocking curve lifting the corners of her lips. “Besides, when did President Fu develop such deep feelings for me?”
Fu Beichen’s cold eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at her exquisite face, a provocative scene suddenly flashing through his mind.
“You know exactly when I became utterly obsessed with you.”
Gu Xingnian froze momentarily, then a blush spread across her delicate cheeks.
When had this man become so shameless?
“President Fu, you didn’t corner me here today just to reminisce, did you?”
Fu Beichen released her, returning to his usual aloof demeanor. “Are you close with Lu Lie?”
“And then what…”
“Then you must know who God N is, right?” Fu Beichen finally voiced the question burning in his heart.
Gu Xingnian looked at him with a half-smile. “So President Fu is also interested in God N. Oh, I forgot—Fu’s has ventures in the medical industry too.”
Fu Beichen had no patience for her evasiveness and directly named his price. “If you can tell me who God N is, I’ll revise the divorce agreement to give you an extra two hundred million.”
Gu Xingnian crossed her arms, studying him as if observing some strange creature.
“Two hundred million? Thank you for your charity, President Fu. Originally, I was going to tell you, but now… suddenly I don’t feel like it!”
This was the first time Fu Beichen truly saw this woman’s audacious appetite.
He pushed her against the rough pillar behind her, his intense gaze fixed on her. “How much do you want?”
Gu Xingnian shoved him away, her eyes turning icy. “President Fu, our values don’t align. Other than in bed, I really can’t find anything about you worth admiring!”
Other than in bed? Fu Beichen’s face darkened like ink. How dare this woman mock him? Since when did she possess such fierceness? Had he known earlier, he would have tormented her more thoroughly…
“Gu Xingnian, you dare refuse me?” Fu Beichen sneered, his tone laced with threat.
“I am refusing you, President Fu. What can you possibly do about it?”
Gu Xingnian’s gaze grew cold and clear, completely unflinching before his fierce stare. After the divorce, she had hardened like steel, every trace of her former softness gone.
This woman always had the talent to ignite his fury effortlessly!
Fu Beichen’s expression instantly turned stormy enough to drip water! Suddenly, he gripped her neck and bit down on her lush, crimson lips.
Gu Xingnian’s eyes widened in shock as pain shot through her lips. Was this man part dog?
Furious, she raised her knee to strike, but Fu Beichen anticipated her move, his large hand firmly catching her knee.
“Gu Xingnian, the divorce papers aren’t finalized yet. Don’t provoke me, or I won’t hesitate to make you beg and cry again!”
His dangerous whisper brushed against Gu Xingnian’s ear, his eyes clouded with inexplicable desire.
Gu Xingnian: “…”
Could this man sink any lower? Gu Xingnian hissed, “Let me go! Does President Fu have no shame left?”
Fu Beichen finally released her, adding casually, “Fu’s Anniversary Celebration—Grandfather insists you attend. Don’t cause any trouble.”
He straightened his slightly wrinkled suit collar, resuming his haughty demeanor, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Grandfather again!
Gu Xingnian laughed coldly in her heart.
He always used Grandpa to pressure her, but this would be the last time.
She took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation in her heart while maintaining a flawless fake smile on her face.
“Acting? Who can’t do that! Though I’m not as professional as other performers, I won’t embarrass you!”
After speaking, she even gave a slight nod, her posture elegant as if the intense conflict had never occurred.
“By the way, President Fu, don’t waste your efforts—God N would never take a liking to you!”
Leaving this depth charge behind, she turned and walked toward the “Lotus” private room without looking back, her figure resolute and upright.
Fu Beichen stood in place, watching the door close behind her, cutting off his line of sight.
He clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands.
Damn it!
How did this woman manage to anger him instead? Looking at her arrogant demeanor, he really wished he could…
He took out his phone and quickly dialed a number. “Hold the divorce papers. Send them after the anniversary celebration.”
On the other end, Lin Qi was confused but didn’t have time to overthink it. He quickly turned the car around to retrieve the documents he had just delivered.
When Fu Beichen returned to the private room, he paused in his steps.
It was empty—no Huo Chenyuan, no Jiang Kexin.
The air still carried the mixed scent of food and alcohol.
On the dining table, only Jiang Kexin’s phone lay alone, its screen dark.
A strong sense of unease instantly seized him.
His heart skipped a beat.
“Kexin?”
He called out loudly.
“Kexin!”
Only dead silence answered him.
Fu Beichen’s face changed abruptly, and he turned and rushed out of the room.
The several black-suited bodyguards stationed at the door immediately tensed up upon seeing this.
“Where are they?!” Fu Beichen’s voice was icy, filled with suppressed anger.
The bodyguards exchanged glances, clearly unaware of what had happened.
“Find them!”
Fu Beichen roared.
“Lock down the main entrance! Turn this place upside down!”
The bodyguards immediately scattered, moving swiftly into action.