Deadly Trap.

Chapter 76. Pleasing
Although Gu Mufei had said before they left that "the situation is not quite the same," they remained on high alert in every way. Su Li had long been accustomed to always having a third party in their world: Welsh or Quenxus.

They were dutiful and followed closely, while carefully keeping a two-step distance, pretending to be deaf and dumb throughout.

Indeed, Su Li didn't want Gu Mufeng to encounter any more danger. Although the robbery she suffered in the university town had opened her eyes to another side of Gu Mufeng:
With his handsome face that seemed to be smiling but wasn't, he was truly ruthless and skilled in martial arts when it came to torturing people.

However, a lecherous robber is one thing, but someone who truly wants to take Gu Mufeng's life is, after all, a genuine member of the Minzhou underworld.

In any case, it was a rare opportunity for Su Li to fully reveal her extremely handsome partner and take him out for a stroll. This greatly satisfied her vanity.

As the year draws to a close, Hengtai SP Plaza is filled with a festive atmosphere; however, half an afternoon has passed and they are still empty-handed.

As a professional bodyguard, Quenxus naturally didn't handle any items; Gu Mufeng, however, had already informed Hengtai that everything must proceed as normal. Then, they delivered all the purchased items to Quenxus's address.

Su Li, on the other hand, had always only dared to spend her own money during big sales. Now, she felt she couldn't stop.

For the eleventh time, Su Li took out her card and bought the snowflake music box with satisfaction. She then looked at the Steinway grand piano in the center of the store across the street.

Strange. Her mother forced her to practice the piano for eight hours a day during the summer vacation, and she clearly hated the piano and wished she would never see it again.

But seeing the sales assistant's eager, expectant eyes in the distance, she actually wanted to show off her skills by reciting a Nocturne on the spot. She couldn't help but chuckle at her own overactive desire to perform.

"Mr. Gu, aren't you feeling a little disappointed?" She teased him deliberately, "Because I don't need to swipe your card anymore."

Beside her, Gu Mufeng smiled warmly: "No. There are some things that only I can give you."

"However... I do prefer spending money on you. If you'd be willing to occasionally reserve this little privilege for me..."

As he spoke, gazing at her, Gu Mufeng suddenly smiled slyly: "How does it feel to spend your own money to buy what you like?"

"Hmm, as for the feeling..." If it were someone else, they would definitely think his question was strange and tricky. Su Li, however, seemed thoughtful: "Satisfied yet nervous? Thinking about it this way, it seems that spending other people's money makes me feel lighter."

"Is it?"

The mall was bustling with people. Turning his gaze slightly away, Gu Mufeng said noncommittally, "When you spend other people's money, you have to think about how to please them. It's hard to say whether you still genuinely like them."

Calming herself down, Su Li carefully recalled the events. It seemed to be true.

She had always taken the ruthless pleasure of using other people's money as compensation, just like receiving a salary after starting a job. But unknowingly, to some extent, she also always compromised her principles and catered to the other party's preferences.

Over time, this potential for pleasure has become automatic and forgotten by her.

"But how could you?"

Looking into Su Li's suspicious eyes, Gu Mufeng smiled gently: "This is based on my own experience. I must always consider how others perceive me. That's why I have this idea."

Indeed, Gu Mufeng had long been adept at using his appearance to exert influence.

To balance his naturally aloof appearance, he dyed his black hair a warm, sun-kissed gold.

He carefully considers his daily attire: who he's meeting, their background, and what his purpose is. From small details like lapel pins and cufflinks to major decisions like fabric color matching, he adopts different clothing preferences. It's as if he himself is merely a convenient tool.

From this perspective, it's no wonder he empathized with Su Li's past situation.

However, Su Li recalled that morning when they washed up together: Gu Mufeng's shirt collar appeared to be naturally open, but in fact, it was always carefully adjusted by him.

This is not because he is paranoid.

Clearly, he was very wary of the long scar Butcher had left on his neck. Later, no matter how intimate they were, Su Li carefully avoided touching it.

She knew he hadn't let go yet.

When Gu Mufeng finally agreed to speak and recount the past to her, the darkness in the large bedroom enveloped his pounding heart as he held her tightly. His tone was gentle, yet still devoid of emotion.

But the truth is shocking.

No matter who it was, having their jugular vein cut open and bleeding, and then having to witness their younger sister, whom they had raised, being cruelly abused and forced to speak... In the end, all that remained in the vast sea of ​​fire was nothing but charred remains.

How could he possibly let it go?

Now, Su Li understood why Gu Mufeng hated violence, tycoons, and the underworld from the bottom of his heart.

Eleven years ago, the Tianxing and Dilong factions split. The Dilong faction, having heard rumors of a connection to the Gu family, tortured and abused the siblings to force them to reveal their biological father's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Tang Quan, who controlled half of the Tianxing gang, had the power to intervene. However, in the end, Tang Quan, as the biological father, remained indifferent and stood by.

Memories are shrouded in darkness.

In the end of his cold and detached narration, Gu Mufeng told her that the case was permanently closed. In Minzhou, the underworld held absolute power. The conflict between the two factions resulted in the death of a little girl. Cheng Shining and the survivor were powerless to change anything.

This has caused countless people to lose sleep at night, and even to feel ashamed for the rest of their lives.
Before a city, a person is like an ant. Does the truth matter? Or is it only important to those in power, in the power struggles and choices they make?
The once powerless boy has grown into a ruthless and decisive demon king by her side. After completely entering Gu Mufeng's nightmare, Su Li wishes she had never entered it at all.

If, in his recollection, it all seems like it never happened, what would he do? Where would he be now?
Will he become a business elite? A key figure in investment banking? Or a violinist?

He will attend his sister's graduation ceremony.

Would he still be so cunning and meticulous?

Thinking of this, Su Li held Gu Mufeng's warm hand tightly.

Just then, two familiar figures bounced out of the crowd: two carefree smiling faces, hand in hand, waving enthusiastically at them.

It was Zhou Yi, the eldest son of the Zhou family, and Yu He, a friend of Su Li.

Su Li had known about their ambiguous relationship for at least a year; but when did they actually get together?

"Pear blossoms!"

Enthusiastic, Yu He rushed over and hugged Su Li, the two spinning around in a circle. The chubby Zhou Yi, carrying bags of various items, followed closely behind.

Seeing Gu Mufei next to Su Li, Zhou Yi felt a little embarrassed.

He grinned sheepishly, "Hey, Young Master Gu, looks like I'm not the only one being enslaved this weekend."

It was rare for someone to tease him like this, and Gu Mufei was both amused and exasperated: the two of them seemed to have returned to school and relive the absurd times of their youth.

It seems that although Gu Mufeng's words last time were a bit harsh, Zhou Yi finally understood them completely.

"Mu Fei, He Bao and I are going for afternoon tea." Turning her head, Su Li smiled brightly, "We'll be right back."

"Go ahead, leave your young master Gu to me without worry. I won't let him run off with another woman."

Winking and making faces, Zhou Yi frantically gave Gu Mufeng a meaningful look: Your wife has spoken, even if you're incredibly powerful, what can you do about it?
Gu Mufeng just wanted to kick him: After all these years, this kid's gentle nature on the surface but mischievous nature behind the scenes hasn't changed at all.

"Call me when you're done talking," Gu Mufeng simply told Zhou Yi.

Su Li turned and smiled at him, understanding his meaning and reassuring him. But Yu He, always impulsive and impulsive, had already grabbed her and was leading the way.
"Oh dear, that shop's soufflés are limited! You guys go home and then get all fired up—"

Watching the two chatter away, Zhou Yi couldn't resist teasing them: "Gu Shao, you've changed. You dumped me back in college. Sigh, it's true what they say, a man should marry when he's of age; love is like a tornado, it's blown you through and it's blown me through..."

"Shut up."

Behind him, as the Boss raised his foot, Quenxus's lips twitched slightly. In the end, he managed to suppress the laugh.

>>>>>
Next Chapter: "Born Ordinary"

[Author's Note | Chapter 76]

Shopping, spending money, joking around with old friends—finally, a lighthearted chapter has arrived!

Gu Mufeng lives a refined life, but has no material desires. His shopping is limited to what he "needs." This makes him actually quite happy when Su Li uses his card.

Su Lihua doesn't spend much but loves to shop, while Gu Mufeng doesn't spend much but has no limit to his spending. Do you guys like this shopping style?

Do you like President Gu's face, which is "everyday pampering and good at making money"?

Come chat in the comments section!

Add to your favorites, follow updates, and vote to keep the author's sweet moments going!

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(End of this chapter)