Chapter 118: He Clings to Me Like a Mad Dog

Wen Zhixia brushed his hand away. Gu Pingsheng could question anything, but he should be the last person to question the sincerity of her past feelings for him.

What more did he want her to do to prove her love? Give him her life?!

"Gu Pingsheng, do you know what the most intolerable thing about you is?" she asked. "It's your unpredictable arrogance, paired with your inexplicable inferiority!"

He was arrogant enough to believe he could manipulate human hearts and control everything. Yet, he was so insecure that he felt deep down that no one could ever truly love him. Even after all their years together, he always wanted to keep her within his grasp, terrified that someone else would snatch her away. He never believed that her feelings for him could withstand any uncertainty.

But Wen Zhixia was not a parasitic vine that needed a man to survive. How could she possibly stand still, living according to his whims and commands?

"If you don't like it, I'll change." He cupped her face. "I'll change everything. Just tell me, and I'll change."

His bridge of his nose pressed against hers, his breath hot as it washed over her. "You said you would stay with me, Xiaxia." He lowered his voice, pleading with her: "Don't leave me. I apologize, okay?"

He said, "I was wrong. As long as you stay by my side, I will listen to everything you say from now on."

He kissed her cheeks, holding her tightly. "Besides being able to save you, Zhao Fuhe is the only eyewitness to my mother's accidental fall. That is why I kept her around. My mother... she was pushed by someone..."

At that time, she was eight months pregnant. To save the child, she chose to induce labor despite Gu Pingsheng's insistence, desperate to protect the baby. That was the first time Gu Pingsheng had cried, staring at his mother’s breathless body and the infant who had ceased breathing the moment it was delivered via C-section.

He had once believed he had a happy family, but in the end, it was all an illusion.

His mother had said the child was innocent—a daughter she had longed for for years—and must be saved. Zhang Zhanrong had said that both he and Zhang Zhiyan were his sons, but since Zhang Zhiyan had borne the stigma of being an illegitimate child for so many years, it was only right to compensate him a little more. Zhang Zhiyan, however, claimed that Zhang Zhanrong had always loved his mother, and that marrying Gu Pingsheng’s mother was merely a stepping stone to climb the social ladder.

It was only later that Gu Pingsheng realized why he had never felt any warmth in his seemingly harmonious home: he, the legitimate heir of the Zhang family, was no better off than Zhang Zhiyan, the illegitimate son.

His mother had chosen Zhang Zhanrong over so many other suitors because Zhang Zhanrong had taken advantage of her while she was drunk and successfully gotten her pregnant. At that time, social norms were not as open as they are now, and Zhang Zhanrong had performed his role well—attentive, doting, and humble—successfully taking over the factories owned by Gu Pingsheng’s grandparents and establishing a foothold in Sifang City.

But in reality, Zhang Zhanrong was a master of deception. He had a woman long before he tricked Gu Pingsheng’s mother into marriage, and that woman had already borne him a child. He had kept that mother and son hidden for a long time, only feeling at ease when he was with them, as he had always harbored a sense of humiliation as a "son-in-law living in his wife’s house" as long as the elder Gus were alive.

When Gu Pingsheng’s mother died, leaving behind a double tragedy, Zhang Zhanrong had brought that woman and her son home in broad daylight before her body was even cold. Under such circumstances, how could Gu Pingsheng believe that his mother's death had nothing to do with them? But back then, he was powerless; even with his suspicions, he could find no evidence. By the time he had the power, too much time had passed, and uncovering the truth was no longer simple.

It wasn't until he began searching for a suitable bone marrow transplant for Wen Zhixia that he traced the leads back to Zhao Fuhe.

For all the years she had been with him, he had always avoided talking about his parents. This was the first time she had understood the full story.

But—

"Gu Pingsheng, I am already married abroad." Wen Zhixia lowered her gaze and pushed him away. "Qichen is very good to me."

Whether it was rescuing her from the Warsaw underground entertainment city years ago, or spending a fortune to save her three years ago, or the years of devoted companionship—Wen Zhixia had no reason to let go of that.

"We are the ones who are married. Xu Qichen is just a third party." Gu Pingsheng stared at her with dark, brooding eyes, suppressing his anger.

Wen Zhixia replied, "My lawyer will contact you regarding the divorce proceedings."

"I will not divorce. You and Xu Qichen are the ones who should divorce." Gu Pingsheng looked at her with narrow, profound eyes. "We are the rightful, legitimate husband and wife."

"Ever since you and Zhao Fuhe..."

Wen Zhixia wanted to bring up the past, but she ultimately took a deep breath and decided not to continue. Since it was already in the past, there was no need to argue about it.

Hearing her mention Zhao Fuhe again, Gu Pingsheng truly flared up. "What about me and Zhao Fuhe? There is nothing between us! I have said everything I needed to say, explained everything clearly. What else is there?"

If he had known that keeping that woman Zhao Fuhe around would cause so much trouble, he would have locked her up from the very beginning!

"Speak! If you don't explain yourself today, I!"

His reckless temper flared, and he gritted his teeth, threatening her. The stifled fire inside him felt as if it would consume him, but ultimately, upon seeing the furrow in her brows amidst her clear, beautiful features, he forcibly held it back. He was nearly driven to internal injury.

"You what?" she asked.

Gu Pingsheng calmed his breathing. After a long, long time, he squeezed out three words: "Nothing at all."

What else could he do? What else dared he do?

Wen Zhixia lowered her eyes. "Let me go."

"No." He refused instantly.

"What were you trying to say just now? 'Ever since you and Zhao Fuhe' what?" He tilted his head, composing himself; he hadn't forgotten the words she left hanging.

Wen Zhixia’s long, curled eyelashes fluttered, casting shadows beneath her eyes. Suddenly, it felt as if the first snow from three years ago appeared before her—the moment she had narrowly escaped death to find him, only to see him kissing another woman in front of a car.

She was actually someone who could easily give up, even on feelings that had lasted for years. Because human beings always have an instinct for self-preservation; just like when a needle pricks your finger, you always reflexively pull back.

"You don't know what you did? Do you need me to help you recall?"

Gu Pingsheng gritted his teeth. Why hadn't he realized before that she could be so infuriating? If he had known, would he have asked her that?

"Are you doing this on purpose to anger me?"

Wen Zhixia ignored him. As her gaze swept the room, she realized it remained exactly as it had been three years ago, with no changes made, leaving her with a sense of disorientation, as if nothing had ever happened.

Nothing had happened?

Wen Zhixia paused; it was just that she had been kept in the dark all along. As for that Jiang Wanwan, she hadn't believed it at first, but looking at it now, she couldn't tell if it was true or false.

Gu Pingsheng pressed her against the bed, their combined weight causing the mattress to dip slightly. His intense gaze, magnified by their proximity, held nothing but her image. "Tell me exactly what you mean."

Wen Zhixia frowned. She moved her wrist, failing to push him away, but accidentally pressed firmly against his kidney area.

As if she had hit a switch, a heavy moan escaped Gu Pingsheng’s throat, and his expression shifted instantly.

Wen Zhixia was stunned and quickly pulled her hand back, but it was too late. He had already leaned in, biting at her lips and chin, his movements gradually drifting lower.

"Gu Pingsheng!" she exclaimed. "Don't you dare."

His large palms reached behind her waist, and he lifted her off the bed, straddling her across his lap. His hot breath washed over her face as he placed her hand back exactly where it had been, the atmosphere suddenly thick with intimacy.

"Rub it," he whispered, his voice low. "Xiaxia."

To keep from falling, Wen Zhixia wrapped her legs around his waist, her hand still resting on his kidney. At the slightest touch, his breathing grew heavier.

Wen Zhixia knew exactly what this reaction meant. He was simply shameless; one moment he was fine, and the next, he could conjure up all sorts of other intentions.

Irritated by his sudden arousal—and suspecting that bringing her to the bedroom had been his plan all along—she pressed her fingers hard into him just as his eyes clouded with desire.

"Cough."

Stung by her heavy, unexpected pressure, Gu Pingsheng let out a muffled grunt.

His grip on her waist loosened slightly. Wen Zhixia’s eyes flashed, and she took the opportunity to jump off him.

Gu Pingsheng clutched his aching kidney; this heartless woman, she dared to jab at anything.

Wen Zhixia opened the bedroom door and ran out without looking back.

Aunt Zhao and Aunt Wang were preparing dinner. Little Youzhi was downstairs holding his cat, Tiandou. Seeing her come down, he kicked his short legs and ran toward her.

Wen Zhixia paused when she saw Tiandou. When she left, it had been a small kitten; now, by human standards, it was in its prime.

"Mommy, hug." The little one walked toward her, clutching the cat. Both the child and the cat had large, round eyes, and they even shared a faint resemblance.

Gu Pingsheng walked out of the bedroom behind her, his mood clearly poor after being so abruptly interrupted.

"Aunt Zhao, give me the car keys." Hearing the footsteps on the stairs behind her, Wen Zhixia glanced slightly and spoke to Aunt Zhao.

The little boy stood to the side, begging for a hug, but Wen Zhixia ignored him, his little mouth pouting in hurt. But Wen Zhixia had neither the time nor the energy to comfort him.

Aunt Zhao took out the car keys, but Gu Pingsheng snatched them first and tossed them aside.

"Since you're finally home, it's so late—where are you planning to go?"

Wen Zhixia glared at him.

"Stop making a scene. Go wash your hands; it's time to eat. Aren't you hungry?" Gu Pingsheng asked, his thin lips curling.

Wen Zhixia pursed her lips.

"Should I help you wash?" He raised an eyebrow.

As they stood in a standoff, the little boy put down the cat, reached out to take Wen Zhixia’s hand, and tilted his head up, looking at her. He was afraid she wouldn't know the way and wanted to lead her.

Aunt Zhao and Aunt Wang finished setting the table and smiled. "We made all the dishes the Madam likes today."

The atmosphere felt as if she had just returned from a trip, and the whole family was waiting for her to eat. Gu Pingsheng knew her well; he knew exactly where her vulnerabilities lay.

Like her, he was susceptible to the warmth of a family.

At the dinner table, the little boy tremblingly placed a steamed dumpling—his favorite—onto her plate, blinking his adorable eyes at her, filled with anticipation.

Wen Zhixia found it hard to imagine that such a child could have autism. He was so well-behaved, obedient, and knew how to act spoiled. He looked like a little rice ball, capable of triggering maternal instincts in any woman with ease.

Especially since Wen Zhixia had once longed to have a child of her own.

"Youzhi went to the hospital today and drew a picture. It shows you and him sitting at the table drawing together. The doctor said you might be the one to help him come out of his shell." Gu Pingsheng, wearing disposable gloves while peeling shrimp, never took his eyes off them. Seeing Wen Zhixia’s gaze fixed on Gu Youzhi, he seized the chance to say this.

Wen Zhixia’s eyes flickered; the child was indeed inexplicably close to her.

"Madam, your phone has been ringing," Aunt Zhao said, walking over in a low voice.

Wen Zhixia picked it up and glanced at it; it was an unknown number with no name. She swiped to answer. As soon as the call connected, a familiar, exhausted voice came through: "Young President Wen, I need you to do me a favor..."

Wen Zhixia had not expected Chu Man to call her, nor could she have imagined the drastic changes that had occurred in the Chu family during the three years she had been away.

The proud, untouchable eldest daughter of the Chu family had been driven from Liang City to Sifang City by the brother whom Wen Zhixia had always considered harmless.

Yes, there was no mistake in the word choice: she had fled.

With nowhere left to turn, Chu Man had come to Wen Zhixia. If there was anyone in the world who could stop Wen Lecuan, that mad beast, Chu Man could only think of Wen Zhixia.

Gu Pingsheng took Wen Zhixia to see her. He had originally wanted to have someone bring Chu Man to them, but Chu Man had insisted that if Wen Zhixia didn't come, she wouldn't see anyone.

Years later, the eldest Miss Chu’s eyes still sparkled with an exquisite, alluring charm. She was the only woman Wen Zhixia had ever seen who could display such intensity and sensuality without ever appearing cheap or vulgar. However, compared to the arrogance and haughtiness she had once possessed, Chu Man now carried a sense of weariness.

"Sit." After opening the door, Chu Man was wearing a knit dress that was neither thin nor thick. She curled up barefoot on the sofa, making no effort to compose herself for a guest—clearly a woman accustomed to doing as she pleased.

As the only daughter of the Chu family in Liang City, she had the capital to be reckless. Chu Man lived the life many women dreamed of: striking beauty, an elite background, a doting father, and countless men around her.

Chu Man glanced at Gu Pingsheng behind Wen Zhixia, then looked away. She poured three glasses of red wine, handed one to Wen Zhixia, signaled for Gu Pingsheng to take one, and kept the third for herself. She hadn't eaten, as the food on the table remained untouched, and she drained her glass in one gulp.

"I know you just returned to the country, so you might not be aware of my situation—or rather, not many people are. That dog..." Chu Man started to curse "that dog of a man," but remembered he was Wen Zhixia’s brother and she needed her help, so she shouldn't address her relative that way. She took a deep breath. "Wen Lecuan betrayed me, the heartless ingrate. He hollowed out my father’s business and is planning to imprison me. Since you are his sister, you really ought to do something about him, don't you think?"

On the way there, Wen Zhixia had learned a bit from Gu Pingsheng. Wen Lecuan had indeed been making quite a stir in Liang City, but hollowing out Chairman Chu? The Chu family had been entrenched in Liang City for decades; did Wen Lecuan really have that kind of capability?

"Miss Chu."

"Just call me Chu Man."

Wen Zhixia nodded. "Chu Man, is there some kind of misunderstanding? Lecuan... he has no reason to do something like this."

Chu Man, holding her wine glass, had a flicker in her eyes, a flash of unnatural emotion.

Gu Pingsheng sat silently to the side, saying nothing, but missing none of Chu Man’s shifts in expression. The business world in China was small; it was unlikely that no news would leak out. Gu Pingsheng had heard some rumors about the Chu family. Wen Lecuan had essentially been mentored by Wen Zhixia; the sister was clever, so the brother naturally wouldn't be far behind. He just needed a platform—an opportunity to ignite his potential, otherwise, he would only ever reach a mediocre position.

And clearly, Wen Lecuan had found that opportunity in the Chu family—a chance to climb by any means necessary: Chu Man.

The eldest Miss Chu’s methods of tormenting and manipulating others were not something everyone could endure. Wen Lecuan’s personality had been relatively peaceful, but now that he was capable of such a coup, it was likely that Chu Man had made a "significant contribution" to the process.

"Reason? Who doesn't like money?" Chu Man changed the subject, asking Wen Zhixia, "Do you think I'm beautiful?"

Faced with such a stunning, striking beauty, no one could say she wasn't. Wen Zhixia nodded.

"There you go. My family has money, and I have beauty. Isn't that enough? Isn't that what men want?"

Wen Zhixia couldn't find a way to argue with that. "Then, what is your purpose in coming to me?"

"Just stop him from clinging to me like a rabid dog. I’ve slept with him enough; I have no intention of continuing. He likes money? Fine, a bet is a bet. I have nothing to say about that. He can take the Chu family's money if he wants, but return my documents. I want to take my father abroad."

Chu Man stated her demands clearly and concisely. She had discarded the Chu family's billions of assets as if they were nothing.

*Click.*

The door to the hotel suite was pushed open from the outside, and Wen Lecuan appeared in the doorway.

Chu Man unconsciously tightened her grip on her wine glass, her body tensing in a defensive posture.

She was afraid—terrified of the suddenly appearing Wen Lecuan.