182tv大蕉蕉

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Lu Zhiyuan’s brows were furrowed, covered with a layer of frost. “Hualan Bank is already propping up the triad in the Asian market, and it’s not chaotic enough for Jiang Junlin and me. What deep-seated grudge does he have with me that he insists on dividing the Black Hawk?”

Ji Chi’s face slightly changed, but he remained silent, his fists clenched at his sides. “Third Master, should I arrange a meeting between you two?”

Lu Zhiyuan, weakened by his injuries, didn’t want to sit at the negotiation table with anyone. His aura had diminished slightly. “Since Jiang Junlin insists on getting involved, then tell him there’s no possibility of this happening. There’s no need for negotiations!”

“Understood!”

“Is Chen Rushi trying to bring the Chen family’s assets into the triad and secure a place there?”

“Yes!”

Lu Zhiyuan frowned. “This is getting interesting. Pei Qiuying is still the leader of the triad. Now that I’m injured, there’s chaos within the Black Hawk. Chen Rushi gains independence and joins the triad. When 1 recover from my injuries, it will be months later, and everything will have settled. Pei Qiuying will have gained strength with me out of the picture. With Jiang Junlin favoring Gu Ci so much, will he let Pei Qiuying take control unopposed, allowing the triad to expand chaotically?”

Ji Chi also found this situation strange, which is why he came to see Lu Zhiyuan. During Lu Zhiyuan’s period of injury, all affairs were entrusted to Rong Li and Ji Chi, a test of trust.

“I don’t think Jiang Junlin will allow that!”

Lu Zhiyuan sneered, “You think? If you want to understand Jiang Junlin, don’t be clouded by lust. Even now, you don’t know who he truly is.”

Ji Chi didn’t mind the scolding; he knew it was warranted. “Third Master, calm down, and be mindful of your wound!”

Lu Zhiyuan contemplated why Jiang Junlin was taking this step.

“Should we let Chen Rushi leave?”

“No!” Lu Zhiyuan said firmly. “If Chen Rushi wants to take the Chen family’s assets and leave, she should pay a price. You know what to do, and you don’t have to consider anyone’s feelings.”

Ji Chi hesitated. He had come to Lu Zhiyuan thinking something was amiss and had considered talking to Jiang Junlin. Since Lu Zhiyuan refused to negotiate, he would have to confront Jiang Junlin.

“If you can’t handle it, hand it over to Rong Li!”

“I can handle it!” Ji Chi said. “Third Master, rest assured. I won’t be deceived by him again. I know what to do.”

“Go, then!”

“Understood!”

After Ji Chi left, Lu Zhiyuan clutched his chest; the wound was still painful. Jiang Junlin… he had almost figured out Jiang Junlin’s identity. This move was like revealing a trump card.

Lu Zhiyuan glanced down at Gu Ci, who was sleeping peacefully. Outside, the wind and snow raged on. Lu Zhiyuan checked the calendar; tomorrow was New Year’s Day, a day meant for reunion.

Li Jiang suggested, “Third Master, how about asking Miss Gu Ci to talk to Mr. Jiang?”

“Our affairs have nothing to do with her.”

Lu Zhiyuan removed his noise-canceling earphones, waved his hand, and Li Jiang quietly exited. Gu Ci was sleeping soundly, seeking warmth even in her dreams, clinging to his waist and unwilling to let go.

He lowered his head and remembered what Gu Ziyu had said.

In her previous life, she died by suicide!

He was dangerous to her.

“Cici, sleep well,” Lu Zhiyuan said. “You’ll get better. Everyone has wounds they can’t touch. Without experiencing others’ suffering, we can’t advise them to be magnanimous.”

He just hoped that the storm would end in this life and Gu Ci could have a peaceful existence.

Gu Ci had another nightmare.

Even though she had taken two sleeping pills, she slept restlessly, waking up from a nightmare after only two hours. Despite Lu Zhiyuan’s soothing words, she was still in a state of panic, reaching out to hold him tightly, her eyes filled with tears. “Lu Zhiyuan, don’t leave me, please!”

“Don’t be afraid, I’m here,” Lu Zhiyuan held her with one hand and kissed her sweaty forehead in the midst of her fear. This kiss provided Gu Ci with a great sense of security, and she turned her head to return the kiss.

Lu Zhiyuan thought of Third Young Master’s persona. He used one hand to steady her chin and deepened the kiss. It shifted from being gentle and intense to more assertive, carrying a hint of desire, with the usual dominance and dominance of Third Young Master.

Li Jiang sneakily glanced and muttered to himself, quickly hugging the wall in a corner, avoiding eye contact.

Third Master, you’ve finally caught on!

This is the true persona of Third Young Master!

Lu Zhiyuan gently stroked her chin, then released her. His throat felt a bit dry. The calmness in his usually composed eyes was replaced with a different emotion. Gu Ci seemed surprised yet affectionate. She blinked and leaned in for another kiss.

In the quiet hospital room, there was only the sound of their kisses ambiguous, yet chaotic. Their breaths were completely intertwined, inseparable.

Gu Ci gradually calmed down in his arms, curling up beside him, resting her head on his leg. Lu Zhiyuan stroked her tense shoulders and asked, “Cici, can we find a doctor to check on you?”

“I’m not sick!” Gu Ci mumbled, clutching the blanket nervously.

“Alright!” Lu Zhiyuan was accommodating. He continued to comfort her repeatedly. Lu Zhiyuan looked at the snowstorm outside the window and suddenly said, “Cici, it’s almost New Year.”

Gu Ci raised her head to look outside, where everything was covered in white, and there was no sign of New Year’s festivity in the hospital room.

“Yeah, it’s almost New Year!” Gu Ci gazed outside in a daze.

Lu Zhiyuan lifted her chin and planted a gentle yet intense kiss on her lips. Gu Ci’s pale lips became rosy from the kiss. Lu Zhiyuan rested against her forehead. “What’s your New Year’s wish?”

“I pray for your safety, Lu Zhiyuan.”

Lu Zhiyuan’s heart felt a sting as if stung by a bee. “1 will grant your wish, just as you desire.”

“Don’t lie to me!”

“I won’t!” He kissed her forehead and softly asked, “Would you like to sleep a little longer?”

Gu Ci shook her head; she couldn’t sleep anymore. Lu Zhiyuan had been recovering from his injuries for a week, and he could move around. “Can we go back to China on the 3rd?”

Li Jiang was anxious to speak but received a warning glance from Lu Zhiyuan. “Alright!”

Lu Zhiyuan agreed, “Li Jiang, make the arrangements!”

“Got it!”

New Year’s Day arrived, and they were in a foreign land once again. Gu Ci didn’t want to hastily pass the time. She took two guards and went out to buy groceries for a proper meal.

Gu Ci first went to Jiang Junlin’s house. He was waiting for her at the door, holding an umbrella to shield her from the snow. He ushered her inside.

Inside the house, a fireplace burned brightly, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that felt like spring. Jiang Junlin poured her a cup of hot tea with milk and sugar. “Warm up.”

Gu Ci sipped the milk tea, feeling warmth returning to her body. She smiled at Jiang Junlin. “Brother, Happy New Year.”

“You too, Happy New Year!” Jiang Junlin walked to a bookshelf and took out a deep red velvet box, handing it to Gu Ci. “Your New Year’s gift.”

Gu Ci opened it and found a rose gold diamond bracelet inside. It resembled Cartier’s classic bracelet, and it had a small tiger charm hanging from it, representing her zodiac sign.

She closed the box and looked at Jiang Junlin with a smile. “Thank you, Brother..”