Chapter 50: An Invitation Difficult to Refuse—Are You Satisfied Now, Mr. Gu?

Wen Zhixia took her phone back. “It’s nothing, I was just browsing,” she said.

“Don’t let what’s online get to you. It’s just empty gossip, nothing that can make a difference.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his voice low and gentle.

Empty gossip—if it truly were only that, Wen Zhixia likely wouldn’t have even bothered to look. But it touched the darkest corner of her heart.

Gu Pingsheng’s long, defined fingers tugged at the ribbon knotted at her pajama collar, his gaze deep and obscure. His intentions were obvious, unspoken.

Suddenly, a soft, furry sensation brushed against her feet. The little kitten, Sweet Bean, had somehow made its way upstairs, following her scent, and nestled itself precisely by her side, its white fur brushing against her instep, tiny tongue lapping gently.

Wen Zhixia paused, pushing Gu Pingsheng’s hand away. “I asked you to feed Sweet Bean earlier. How much did you give her?”

Gu Pingsheng was silent for a moment.

Wen Zhixia bent down and scooped up the kitten. “You didn’t feed her?”

President Gu murmured, “…I had to take a call just now.”

Wen Zhixia glanced at him, then carried the kitten downstairs. She poured out a proper portion of cat food, set it by the kitten’s mouth, and watched attentively as it ate, bit by bit.

Woman and kitten lay sprawled on the sofa under the gentle glow of the lamp. The soft light rendered Wen Zhixia herself especially tranquil and serene. Watching her, Gu Pingsheng was seized by an illusion he ought not to have.

It was as if, rather than caring for a kitten, she was tending to a child that belonged to them.

She would be a gentle, capable mother, offering her child the best love and care. With her patience, she would create a warm and happy childhood.

“Pingsheng, could you bring some water?” Wen Zhixia said suddenly.

His drifting thoughts snapped back. He replied with a soft “Mm,” and as he turned away, his eyes darkened. He shouldn’t indulge such absurd ideas.

There was no need for a child between them.

He attributed this sudden notion to Wen Zhixia having brought it up several times recently.

The next day, Wen Zhixia was awakened by the shrill ring of her phone. Bleary-eyed, she answered.

Her sleepy eyes gradually opened. After listening to the endless chatter on the other end, Wen Zhixia replied coolly, devoid of any familial warmth, “Siqiao Road. Let’s meet there.”

The call was from her mother. Wen Zhixia was not surprised at all.

They had tried every trick to fuel the flames, but gained nothing in the end. Sooner or later, they would have to find her, the true party involved. This time, however, Wen Zhixia had no intention of being soft-hearted.

Two hours later, at Siqiao Road.

Her parents had been waiting in the restaurant for over half an hour before Wen Zhixia arrived, unhurried.

“…Zhixia, you’re here! Come, sit. We ordered your favorite dishes, try some!” her father said with a smile.

But though he smiled, his facial muscles twitched awkwardly. Clearly, no matter how much they tried to feign intimacy and affection, it could not conceal the deep awkwardness.

Her mother placed food onto a small plate for her, assuming a caring, motherly air.

Wen Zhixia pulled out a chair and sat down, but showed no intention of picking up her chopsticks.

“Come on, eat. The dishes here look delicious,” her mother urged.

Wen Zhixia glanced at the table. The spread was indeed sumptuous, but…

“No need. I don’t want to relive any traumatic scenes from eating something tainted.”

Her meaning was clear.

Last time, her mother had faked a broken leg to lure her home. Wen Zhixia had barely taken a sip of juice before falling into a trap that nearly sold her out.

“Really, child, what could possibly be unclean in a high-end restaurant like this? You’re just too suspicious—always sensitive, ever since you were a child,” her mother said.

Wen Zhixia did not argue. After all, they had “nurtured” her sensitivity, and there was nothing more to be said.

She took two airline tickets from her bag and slid them across the table.

Her mother picked them up, and upon seeing they were tickets out of province, her face changed instantly. “What is the meaning of this?”

Wen Zhixia raised her brows. “Leave this place and never return. This is my last act of leniency.”

Only loving parents deserve filial children. To her, they were now nothing but troubles to be dealt with, no longer family.

She was gentle by temperament, but never without a temper.

After all they had done, her parents no longer deserved the title.

“I’m your mother! I gave birth to you and raised you all these years. And now you want to drive your own parents away?” her mother shouted.

Several restaurant patrons frowned. A waiter quickly approached, saying, “Ma’am, this is a public place. Please keep your voice down.”

Her father tried to calm his wife. “What are you doing? So many people are watching.”

“If you hadn’t gambled away all our money, would I have to lower myself to beg this ungrateful child?” Her mother, though lowering her voice, still spoke with biting sarcasm.

“We’ve already signed the papers severing our relationship. There’s nothing left between us. I’m asking you to leave for the sake of face. Will you go yourselves, or must I have you escorted out?” Wen Zhixia’s tone was cold.

“Fine, fine! You think you’re something now, ignoring your own parents. Let’s see how long your luck lasts! Don’t come crawling back when Gu Pingsheng abandons you!” her mother snapped, slamming the table.

Wen Zhixia replied in a clear, cold voice, “Very well.”

She was not one for quarrels and scenes—it was simply not in her nature.

Leaving the restaurant, Wen Zhixia sensed someone watching her and looked around.

Sure enough, she spotted a familiar figure.

“You didn’t eat just now. A friend of mine has just opened a new restaurant nearby. Why don’t I treat you to a meal and help you unwind?” Zhang Zhiyan suggested.

Wen Zhixia realized he must have witnessed what happened in the restaurant and had followed her out.

“I’m not hungry. I just want to go home and rest,” she said softly, lowering her eyes.

He smiled. “A little food usually lifts the spirits.”

At his gentle insistence, Wen Zhixia finally nodded.

The restaurant Zhang Zhiyan mentioned was in a bustling commercial district. From the outside, it was spacious and elegantly designed.

“The rent here can’t be cheap,” she remarked. They had taken both floors, an extravagant move for a new establishment.

Zhang Zhiyan replied, “I didn’t ask the details. Are you interested?”

Wen Zhixia pressed her lips together. “I used to be, but it was during a downturn in the restaurant business, so I gave up on the idea.”

Businessmen chase profit; where there’s no gain, they won’t go.

“If you’re still interested, you could talk to my friend later. I’m sure you’d have things in common,” he offered.

Wen Zhixia shook her head lightly. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on someone’s work—”

She broke off mid-sentence as, out of the corner of her eye, she saw two men walking out of the building—one with hair already streaked with gray, dressed simply; the other tall and lean in a well-tailored suit, his eyes deep and solitary.

“So it’s President Gu,” Zhang Zhiyan noted quietly, following her gaze as she fell silent.

As if sensing her, Gu Pingsheng looked toward her, his hand retracting from a handshake. When his eyes landed on Wen Zhixia, a faint smile tugged at his lips, though it faded when he noticed Zhang Zhiyan by her side.

Gu Pingsheng beckoned her over.

She walked toward him, but before she reached him, another woman emerged from the building—Li Yueting, who had come out a moment later.

“President Gu, I have what you asked for.” After handing something to him, she stood by his side.

Gu Pingsheng didn’t see her look, but the older man opposite, President Feng, caught the undercurrents and chuckled. “With such a capable and beautiful secretary, President Gu is truly fortunate.”

Wen Zhixia arrived just in time to hear this.

“Ah, President Feng, I thought you looked familiar from a distance. What a coincidence to run into you here,” Zhang Zhiyan said as he joined them.

President Feng looked up, surprised. “President Zhang, and this is…?”

“My wife,” Gu Pingsheng replied, taking Wen Zhixia’s arm and bringing her to his side.

President Feng had meant to tease Zhang Zhiyan and Wen Zhixia’s relationship, but now he was relieved he hadn’t spoken out of turn. Still, he wondered, since Gu Group and the Zhang family were known rivals, why would Mrs. Gu and President Zhang appear together?

Whatever doubts he had, his expression remained inscrutable. “Madam Gu is truly beautiful—a perfect match for President Gu. Since we’ve met by chance, why not all dine together?”

A seasoned businessman, President Feng would not offend either side.

“That’s perfect. Zhixia and I were just heading to a restaurant. What do you think, President Gu?” Zhang Zhiyan smiled.

Gu Pingsheng’s dark eyes flickered over him. “Of course.”

The five of them sat at one table, and the atmosphere quickly became subtly tense.

As the president’s secretary, Li Yueting naturally took on the role of smoothing things over, discussing the recent cooperation with President Feng and breaking the silence.

“Secretary Li is so diligent, she puts me to shame. But since President Zhang and Mrs. Gu are here, let’s not talk business,” President Feng said with a laugh.

Just then, the waiter brought the menus.

Zhang Zhiyan chatted with the owner, who graciously offered to comp their meal.

“No need for that—your new place has just opened, and we’re here to support you. Let me introduce everyone. This is President Feng, President Gu, President Gu’s secretary, and… Zhixia.” Of the four, only Wen Zhixia was introduced by her first name. The owner, puzzled, looked at her a moment longer, then shot a teasing glance at Zhang Zhiyan.

Anyone would see he’d misunderstood their relationship, but Zhang Zhiyan did not clarify.

And since it was merely a misleading introduction, neither Wen Zhixia nor Gu Pingsheng could explain further.

Li Yueting’s lips curved faintly.

While the owner greeted them, President Feng cast a subtle glance at Gu Pingsheng, whose expression revealed nothing.

When the owner inquired about Wen Zhixia’s dietary preferences, Gu Pingsheng finally spoke, “She doesn’t care for spicy food.”

The owner was taken aback—“She”? Not…

“I can eat a little. Don’t let it inconvenience the others,” Wen Zhixia said, gently tugging at Gu Pingsheng’s sleeve, her gesture openly affectionate and confirming their relationship.

“Haha, it’s fine. I’m getting older and prefer milder flavors myself,” President Feng said with a laugh.

The moment passed, and the owner, after a few more words with Zhang Zhiyan, returned to his work.

The food soon arrived, perhaps thanks to the owner’s special instructions.

“President Zhang, since you’re nearby, why not stop by my office next time?” President Feng asked, grinning.

Zhang Zhiyan poured a glass of water, replying with a smile, “A friend’s new place just opened, and I happened to run into Zhixia, so we thought we’d try it out. I forgot your office was nearby. Please forgive me—I’ll toast you with water instead of wine.”

President Feng joined in the toast, calling it fate.

Turning to Li Yueting, Zhang Zhiyan asked, “Is this Secretary Li?”

“Yes, President Zhang,” she replied.

He teased, “You’re young and lovely. Do you have a boyfriend?”

President Feng laughed, “What’s this, President Zhang? Are you interested in President Gu’s secretary?”

Li Yueting glanced at Gu Pingsheng and said, “Please don’t joke about me. If President Gu suspects I’m two-timing, he’ll dock my pay.”

“President Gu is not one to mistreat a beauty. Still, as lovely as Secretary Li is, she can’t quite compare to President Gu’s other companion, his old classmate, I hear.” Zhang Zhiyan tossed out the remark casually.

Li Yueting’s eyes flickered; she knew better than to answer.

Since Wen Zhixia already knew about Zhao Fuhe, the topic was a sore spot between the couple. At Zhang Zhiyan’s mention, Gu Pingsheng’s brow tightened.

“I heard Zhang Group’s last quarter report wasn’t great. Rumors abound, and the board seems dissatisfied with your management. But now I see you’re planning to enter the news industry—clearly, we all underestimated you.”

Entering the news industry—a jab at Zhang Zhiyan for meddling in others’ business while unable to fix his own.

Their exchange sparked an unspoken rivalry.

“Try this. It’s very good,” Wen Zhixia said quietly, after chewing her food thoughtfully. After a moment, she placed a piece onto Gu Pingsheng’s plate.

He glanced at her, then called the waiter over to ask for the recipe.

“What are you doing?” Wen Zhixia asked, looking up.

“If you like it, I’ll make it for you next time. Or you can make it for me,” he replied after a pause.

She waved the waiter away, leaning closer to whisper, “I was just making conversation.”

She had simply wanted to smooth things over, but he took her at her word.

A faint smile touched Gu Pingsheng’s lips. He lifted her chin and kissed her at the corner of her mouth, her fringe falling to cover her eyes and the shifting expression beneath.

Zhang Zhiyan watched their intimacy, lips pressed in a thin line.

Halfway through the meal, Wen Zhixia excused herself to the restroom.

A minute later, Gu Pingsheng got up as well.

Wen Zhixia was washing her hands when footsteps approached behind her. She paid no mind—until someone suddenly circled her from behind, pinning her against the sink.

She looked at the man who’d appeared so abruptly, displeased, and thumped his shoulder. “This is the ladies’ room.”

Gu Pingsheng stopped her from pulling away. “Why did you come with Zhang Zhiyan?”

“This is neither the time nor place for your nonsense. Let me go.” She glanced nervously at the door, afraid someone would walk in and mistake them for lunatics.

“Explain,” he demanded, voice low.

“It was just a coincidence. Satisfied?” she retorted.

“A coincidence, and yet you agreed to eat together?” He pressed on.

She tiptoed, grabbing his tie. “It was hard to refuse. Are you happy now, President Gu?”

Her words carried a hint of defiance.

Gu Pingsheng’s eyes darkened. Suddenly, he gripped the back of her neck and kissed her fiercely, almost as if venting. He was used to having control—in everything, even in a kiss, he was forceful, leaving her no room to breathe.

The sounds from within the restroom reached Li Yueting, who had just entered. Her fingers tightened on the tile wall. After several seconds, she turned and left.

When Wen Zhixia finally slumped breathlessly against his shoulder, Gu Pingsheng’s expression had softened. “Were you trying to provoke me?”

She kicked at him, only for him to catch her leg and pull her closer. Suddenly, she felt dizzy, and as she reached up, she felt a gentle touch at her philtrum and saw Gu Pingsheng’s face change.

He set her down and pressed a tissue to her nose.

In the mirror, Wen Zhixia saw his worried expression. “I’m fine. It’s just the dry weather lately.”

He murmured a distracted “Mm,” clearly preoccupied.

After lunch, Gu Pingsheng drove her home.

Wen Zhixia picked up the kitten in the living room and noticed she seemed listless. “What’s wrong, little one?”

Sweet Bean burrowed further into her arms, mewing softly. Wen Zhixia chuckled, settled onto the sofa with a book, and began stroking the kitten’s fur gently.

Then, the doorbell rang.

Assuming Gu Pingsheng had returned for something he’d forgotten, she called, “Did you forget something?”

But when she opened the door, the man standing there was unexpectedly familiar.