Deadly Trap.

Chapter 3. A Kiss to the Throat
Once Su Li got into Gu Mufeng's matte night-blue Panamera Turbo S, the executive sedan sped away from the sleek supercar, winding its way down the mountainside. Finally, like ghosts, they glided along the riverside promenade.

Feeling the comfort of the heated leather seats, Su Li couldn't believe that fishing was going so smoothly.

Gu Mufeng drove incredibly fast, yet with a smoothness that suggested he was merely controlling his emotions. However, his eyes held a resolute determination, as if he were single-mindedly pursuing a certain destination.

Su Li sat in the passenger seat, her eyes fixed on the heavy snow outside the window. The city's night view reminded her of the snow globe music box from her childhood, which had been snatched away and smashed in front of her.

The flying glass pierced the sole of her foot, and blood, like a sudden slap, tears, and grievance, rushed out all at once.

Gently, Su Li's fingertips touched the car window glass, and her beautiful face briefly appeared in the darkness.

A highly sought-after status and money without any worries—if only she had all of these from birth.

Tonight, she was like Alice who had strayed down the rabbit hole, reveling in a fairytale wonderland; but when she awoke, her mother's 120,000 yuan medical bill was like a knife pressed against her heart, leaving her with nowhere to retreat.

True feelings? Does she even deserve them?

Everything she's doing right now is nothing more than a gamble with her life. If she wins, her mother's medical expenses will be covered, and she'll be free; if she loses…

She will be crushed to pieces by the prince before her.

Clenching her teeth, Su Li forced herself back to reality from the beautiful scenery. A smirk played on her lips as she glanced at Gu Mufeng, who was driving with a desperate, all-or-nothing attitude.

My dear Mr. Rabbit, please lead me to the entrance to Wonderland.

……

Through the shadows of the trees in the winter night, the front of the car dipped slightly in his hands. Tilting downwards, they came to a stop on the wide dock covered with a thin layer of snow.

Outside the car, the Parrot River was pitch black and deep, cargo ships were like ghosts, neon lights were broken, and the ship horns sounded distant and ethereal.

The night view was excessively quiet, and reality seemed to pause as well. Su Li felt as if she were standing between two completely different worlds: the other side was a world of extravagance and debauchery, while this side was... reality.

She silently savored this sudden peace.

"This vehicle isn't suitable for snow. But you'll like it here."

With a cold gaze that seemed to penetrate the river's surface, Gu Mufeng spoke for the first time tonight, his voice inexplicably gentle: "...Do...you like it?"

Su Li was taken aback. She hadn't expected him to ask her whether she liked it or not, a question that was only for her.

Does it matter whether she likes it or not?

"It's really beautiful."

But instinctively, her true feelings had already slipped out. Immediately, Su Li bit her lower lip in pain.

“Minzhou looks very different from other places when viewed from here.”

She took a deep breath, forcing a calm tone in her voice: "Where is this? And how do you know this place?"

"...I've been here before."

Perhaps it was due to the heavy snow, but even Gu Mufeng's voice, which had been calm, crisp, and devoid of emotion all night, made Su Li hesitate and waver.

"...This used to be a warehouse, along with this open wharf that leads into the water. Later..."

His gaze paused, deep and thoughtful. But then, he quickly added, "A huge fire..."

As if instinctively seizing the moment, his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. The ruby ​​ring left a noticeable, faint white mark.

His gaze was dim as he traced Su Li's silhouette: "This place has been forgotten for a long time."

Su Li's heart trembled slightly, and she involuntarily twisted her fingers.

She was already suffering enough and didn't want to hear the same old sentimental stories from wealthy young men. Holding her breath, she didn't know what she was waiting for, fearing that the next words he would utter would make him just another face in the crowd.

But Gu Mufeng looked at her and only smiled softly. Then, he changed the subject to a much lighter one. His picky, icy face suddenly softened, and the atmosphere suddenly resembled a pure campus romance.

Su Li felt a strange sense of relief. Yet, she also felt a slight pang of disappointment. Looking out the car window at the swirling snowflakes that reflected Gu Mufeng's handsome features… Su Li's heart tightened with a bitter ache.

For no reason at all, she became jealous.

He seemed to have everything: a perfect family background, loving parents. Life was like a runway for him, ready to take off at any moment. She, on the other hand, could only beg others to grant her a boarding pass.

Gu Mufeng's warm light was too bright. His appearance was too sudden, making her clearly defined, upwardly mobile world seem to have its boundaries blurred. She was a little tired of acting.

Suddenly, the phone vibrated dully. As if extremely reluctant, Gu Mufeng took the phone out of his suit jacket pocket, his expression instantly reverting to a cold and indifferent one.

He whispered an apology to Su Li. Silently, he got out of the car alone to answer the phone.

"Hey."

In the darkness and heavy snow, Gu Mufeng walked quite a distance. The shadows on the riverbank overlapped, and Su Li could only vaguely see his solitary silhouette.

It's unclear what was said on the phone, but he impatiently furrowed his brow, seemingly glancing back at Su Li, who was quietly waiting in the car. The next second, however, his cold expression revealed a completely intimidating aura:
"My orders are non-negotiable. If anything goes wrong, you'll be facing me with your head."

He coldly uttered those words and kicked away the pebbles on the dock. The stones disappeared into the river. His brow furrowed suddenly, then relaxed just as quickly. He slammed down the phone with an almost ruthless motion, decisively shoving the phone back in, shaking off all entanglement.

Hadn't he already made up his mind before even starting the plan?

He will not have a moment's respite.

He was enveloped in his exhaled white breath.

Taking a deep breath of the icy, knife-like air, Gu Mufeng quickly calmed the turmoil in his heart. When he returned to the car, his expression was completely nonchalant.

Su Li, ever perceptive, caught a fleeting glimpse of disappointment in his eyes. She couldn't help but whisper, "Did I delay something important for you? Perhaps—"

Su Li bit her lip slightly. How would they meet again next time? Before her mother's medical bills were paid?

Gu Mufeng simply said softly, "It's just a small matter, but it's all been arranged."

At this moment, his voice was soft, and his apology to her was sincere.

But why, as if gently pushing a boat aside, did he push her away as if bidding her farewell forever?

Seeing that he was about to finally speak, with no way to back down, Su Li spoke first: "Mu Fei, I'm very happy to have met you today. Thank you for bringing me to see the river view."

She thought she should slow down a bit, stretch out the fishing line, and not force herself to make a pragmatic decision immediately.

But when Su Li raised her head, brushed the hair behind his ear again, and looked at Gu Mufeng with her misty peach blossom eyes...

Gu Mufeng tilted his head slightly, a deep smile playing on his lips, illuminated by the soft, diffused light of the snow. For a long while, he stared intently at the pitch-black river surface, which was completely obscured.

She was scheming. He was planning.

He came as a hunter, expecting to simply play along and keep the situation under control. But what was this feeling, so long-lost and unfamiliar even to himself?
Like... "living".

Let her go, Gu Mufeng. In your world, she'll be destroyed in a day. You can't forget that.

Finally, the indifference in his eyes faded, replaced by a chilling coldness. He turned back, his lips twitching slightly, but he said nothing, only gazing deeply into her heart, as if making a final, poignant memory.
"As long as you like it."

That look in his eyes was focused and resolute, yet it also seemed as if he were standing on the edge of an abyss.

Reason screamed for danger, but the desire in her heart was stronger than anything else. Su Li could no longer control herself.

Without thinking further, fearing that any hesitation would lead to regret, her heart pounding overshadowed all calculations. Almost impulsively, Su Li leaned over the center console and, with gentle yet decisive movements, gave him a deep kiss on the lips.

His breath hitched, as if frozen in that moment.

But he did not back down.

>>>>>
Chapter Four: Crossing the Boundary, Until Dawn

[Author's Note | Chapter 3]

What does it feel like to be alive?
Hope you all enjoy this pure and romantic riverside night! (Friendly reminder: the author has put all their effort into the next chapter, it's going to be very exciting!)
The author knows that choosing to start with a pure love story in this market is almost suicidal, but there is an indomitable tenderness in her heart, like that of someone.

Starting from the next chapter, their world will plummet. The rollercoaster is about to begin; are you ready to scream, readers?
This book is in its entirety and will be updated twice daily! Don't worry, it won't have a bad ending!
Finally, if you like this, please add it to your favorites and don't forget to let the author know your feedback. Your feedback is the most important source of inspiration for the author.

We will definitely revise any comments or feedback from the young author!

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(End of this chapter)