Chapter 159 - 159: Huo Sicheng Slapped Qi Shaoze
Huo Sicheng observed the fury in Qi Shaoze’s eyes through the window.
Qi Shaoze’s presence indicated that Gu Qingcheng hadn’t visited him.
In fact, Qi Shaoze had been persistently inquiring about Gu Qingcheng’s whereabouts, even phoning her late at night to no avail.
For some inexplicable reason, the notion of Gu Qingcheng brushing off Qi Shaoze and not being with him brought him joy.
He lowered the car window and met Qi Shaoze’s gaze.
“My wife went with me to Nice for a vacation. I’ve kept her busy these past days, so she’s resting at home.”
Qi Shaoze’s face drained of color instantly.
That night, Gu Qingcheng, under the influence of alcohol, left him behind. She didn’t respond to his calls or messages. She even pursued Huo Sicheng to Nice.
Though Huo Sicheng could have disclosed that Gu Qingcheng was resting at home, he opted to claim she was in Nice. It was clear he was trying to convey something to her.
Qi Shaoze clenched his fists, struck hard by Huo Sicheng’s words, and was left speechless.
In this moment, he felt akin to a clown, stripped of dignity before Huo Sicheng.
Huo Sicheng disregarded Qi Shaoze’s discomfort, coldly shutting the car window.
Ah Qing approached Qi Shaoze and unceremoniously ushered him away.
“Kindly leave immediately.”
Qi Shaoze departed, his pride wounded.
Huo Sicheng glanced at his phone. Gu Qingcheng hadn’t called or messaged him.
A sudden curiosity about her whereabouts and activities overcame him.
Yet, he recalled her privacy warning and placed his phone on the table.
In the cafe, Yuan Feng spotted Miss Gu, who had been absent for a while. He greeted her with a mix of concern and delight, “Miss Gu, why did you take so long to respond to my message? I thought you were ignoring me.”
Gu Qingcheng sat across from Yuan Feng, sporting her customary sunglasses that concealed half her face. Removing her glasses as Yuan Feng spoke, she triggered an unexpected reaction.
“Pfft…” Yuan Feng had just taken a sip of his coffee and ended up spitting it out when he saw Gu Qingcheng’s face. “You… You… It’s… Gu Qingcheng?” “Exactly. I’m Gu Qingcheng,” she confirmed for Yuan Feng.
Yuan Feng’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Gu Qingcheng.
The leading socialite in Jiangcheng, head of Royal Dance Entertainment, and the most searched individual during the Peach Lotus Cup—Gu Qingcheng was a name that had inundated the news.
He never imagined he’d be face-to-face with the renowned classical dancer Gu Qingcheng, let alone have dreamt of it.
“You…” Yuan Feng’s voice was a mix of astonishment and emotions. “I’ve seen you in the news. You’re truly stunning.”
“Not only did you see me in the news, but you also witnessed the trending topic about Qi Shaoze and me from Qi Corporation,” Gu Qingcheng affirmed confidently, without doubt. “Qi Shaoze and I are good friends. The media thrives on sensationalism. Sigh, explanations are futile.”
Yuan Feng’s shock deepened upon hearing that Gu Qingcheng and Qi Shaoze were merely friends. Was she subtly signaling that she was unattached?
Yes, she must be single. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have stated that she and Qi Shaoze were just friends.
He gazed at Gu Qingcheng, his heart stirred.
She disregarded her position as head, focusing solely on her role as the eldest Gu family daughter. Should he become her partner or husband, he could ascend within the Gu family. His ambitions for wealth and power could materialize.
Observing Yuan Feng’s changing expressions, a trace of derision flashed in Gu Qingcheng’s eyes.
From their initial encounter, she had discerned Yuan Feng’s hidden motives.
Unfortunately for him, she was already involved. Had it not been for her own schemes, she wouldn’t have deigned to meet Yuan Feng after her identity was exposed by Yuan Qiaolan.
“You two are here,” Yuan Qiaolan’s voice interrupted, her tone coincidentally cheerful. “What a coincidence, Miss Gu.
Yuan Feng was taken aback by his mother Yuan Qiaolan’s sudden appearance. “Mom, why are you here?”
“I happened upon you and Miss Gu as I passed by,” Yuan Qiaolan replied, raising an eyebrow while appraising Gu Qingcheng. “I didn’t anticipate that the sunglass-wearing Miss Gu would be the Gu family’s eldest daughter. My son and I are fortunate to make your acquaintance.”
“Auntie, your kind words are unnecessary.” Gu Qingcheng played along, standing up politely. “Since you’re here, let’s enjoy a cup of coffee together.” Yuan Qiaolan took her seat without hesitation. “Of course.”
Yuan Feng, surprised at his mother’s nonchalant reaction to Gu Qingcheng, pondered whether Yuan Qiaolan already recognized her.
“Mom, how do you know Miss Gu?”
Yuan Qiaolan replied to Yuan Feng calmly, “Miss Gu’s face is all over the trending searches daily. It’s hard not to know her. She had concealed her identity till now, so you’ve only recently discovered it.”
Yuan Feng nodded. “I just learned today that she’s Miss Gu.”
Gu Qingcheng watched Yuan Qiaolan’s performance with a detached air.
Unaware of her kidnapping by Chu He and Yuan Qiaolan, Yuan Feng had been reaching out to her with concern recently. He had no inkling that meeting her today was orchestrated by Yuan Qiaolan.
Yuan Feng’s intentions weren’t genuine. After her chilly reception, he suddenly caught her attention. Surely he’d disclose this to Yuan Qiaolan, leading Yuan Qiaolan to find out her location and come directly to meet her.
In a gentle tone, she apologized to Yuan Feng, “I’m sorry. I didn’t want the paparazzi to capture us, so I kept it hidden from Ah Feng.”
As the trio conversed, Yuan Qiaolan and Gu Qingcheng exchanged a knowing glance before Gu Qingcheng followed Yuan Qiaolan’s lead, ensuring Yuan Feng left the cafe. “Of course, we’ll join you for dinner tonight. I adore your cooking the most.”
Grinning widely, Yuan Feng left the cafe, both elated and reluctant.
With Yuan Feng gone, Yuan Qiaolan’s warm smile vanished, replaced by an air of arrogance.
“Miss Gu, where’s the money?”
“I haven’t inherited anything yet.” Gu Qingcheng replied honestly. “If you doubt me, ask Chu He.”
Yuan Qiaolan raised her hand to admire her newly-done crystal manicure. “Don’t forget that I saved your life. The item you desire is also in my possession.”
“Considering the Peach Lotus Cup incident, I can’t feel joy about my inheritance.” Gu Qingcheng explained. “However, the event is almost concluded. I’ll find time in the coming days to resolve the inheritance. Once I acquire the assets, I’ll sell them and provide you with the entire sum.”
Yuan Qiaolan’s smile turned mocking. “You’re more sensible than Chu He. But I have a question for you.”
Gu Qingcheng asked, a touch of sincerity in her voice, “Feel free to ask.”