C15 Party

Hsu Moyan withdrew his emotionless gaze and said coldly, "I made it clear before we got married—I don't love you. You insisted on marrying me, so you have to follow my rules. Don't look where you shouldn't, and don't say what you shouldn't."

Gu Jieyu suddenly felt a pang of anxiety and quickly grabbed Hsu Moyan's wrist, apologizing urgently, "Moyan, I didn't mean to. I just wanted to help you. I won't dare to do it again."

"Go home," Hsu Moyan said, his interest clearly waning, as he waved her off to return to that cold, lifeless house.

Jieyu's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she bit her lip, nodding in resignation. "Well, Moyan, remember to drink the chicken soup. I'll... I'll head back now."

"I don't drink chicken soup. Take it with you, and don't come back," Hsu Moyan's rejection was absolute, leaving Jieyu deeply hurt.

Walking out with the untouched thermos in hand felt like announcing to everyone that Hsu Moyan didn't care for her, not even enough to try her homemade chicken soup.

"But Moyan, if I go home with this untouched thermos, my dad will know we're not getting along..." Jieyu murmured softly, like a wronged wife, hinting at her father's influence. Even if Moyan didn't love her, he had married her because of who her father was.

Hsu Moyan had to agree to certain things because of his father; it was part of their agreement. He also had to follow the rules. As expected, after pondering for a moment, Moyan strode to his desk and quickly opened the thermos. The rich aroma filled the office, tempting anyone's appetite, though Moyan himself had none.

"This is the last time," Moyan said, pouring some chicken soup and, despite his discomfort, elegantly yet swiftly drinking the golden broth.

Gu Jieyu seemed not to understand what Moyan meant by "last time" and smiled, her eyes curving with amusement. "Moyan, my chicken soup is really good, right? Even my sister loved it. But ever since she left home, I haven't had the chance to make it for her."

Moyan's hand paused almost imperceptibly before he continued drinking, unfazed.

Jieyu kept on talking, "Honestly, why did she have to upset Mom and Dad and make life so hard for herself?"

"You can leave now," Moyan said, closing the thermos and pushing it toward Jieyu. "I have documents to deal with, so don't linger here."

Jieyu was taken aback. He was so handsome, yet even after she mentioned her father, he still treated her this way.

But maybe that's why she loves him.

After Jieyu left, the office fell silent, except for the occasional flashing of the phone on the desk, taunting Moyan. He didn't want to answer it, but this time he picked up the phone and swiped to accept the call.

On the other end, Yifan's voice was even more hoarse with pleading, "Director Hsu, I'll do anything except give up the radio station. Please don't acquire it; it's all I have."

"This is your punishment, Yifan. You can't always push your luck," Moyan's heart was cold. The pleas of a beautiful woman meant nothing compared to what he had worked so hard to achieve. Regret was not a word in Moyan's dictionary. Because his decisions were never wrong.

Yifan finally understood that Moyan was far more ruthless than she had imagined. Her voice gradually lowered, "Sorry to bother you, Director Hsu, but no matter what you do, even if the station goes under, I won't agree to the acquisition."

After she hung up, Yifan sat on the couch, feeling lost.

"Yifan, how about we hit up a business party tonight? I refuse to believe Hsu's is untouchable. There's got to be someone who can rein in Moyan!" Anan burst into the bedroom, rummaging through the closet for an evening gown.

When she saw the dress Yifan had carefully tucked away, Anan paused. Yifan was really caught up in this, but what was so great about that guy anyway?

Arrogant, conceited, dismissive, and clueless about romance. Tang Anan felt Gu Yifan deserved better. But now wasn't the time to express her indignation. She picked out a royal blue dress, handed it to Gu Yifan, and praised her earnestly, “Yifan, you’re so beautiful. Someone will treat you right. Put this on, and let’s start a new day!”

Gu Yifan took the evening gown, trying her best to smile more naturally.

The nights in A City were a time of madness for everyone. Whether rich or poor, people would hunt for their prey, indulge in their desires, and live recklessly. This time, Gu Yifan's mindset was completely different from the last party. Back then, she hadn't been cut off from her path, but now, she had no way out.

She used to be an inspiring, self-made woman who built her own radio station. But now, she was scorned as a homewrecker and seen as a disobedient daughter. So, as she stepped into the party, she no longer received equal glances or played the roles of hunter and prey. Now, she was just a humble prey, waiting to be taken by a hunter.

“Yifan, relax. Don’t worry about what they think of you,” Tang Anan said, standing by her side to comfort her. “This world is always survival of the fittest. When we’re strong, nothing else matters.”

Gu Yifan nodded slightly, pressing her thin lips together as she moved through the clinking glasses and chatter. The familiar words buzzing in her ears sparked a feeling of disgust. Had she always been like this? Even hunters can become prey. Reflecting on her past, she realized she had been just as insincere. Feeling disinterested, she found a random corner and sat down.

The elegant piano music swirled around the party, creating a sophisticated backdrop.

"Mr. Zhang, I'll keep you company tonight," a woman's voice floated by.

A couple passed in front of Gu Yifan. She didn't recognize the woman, who was heavily made-up and fashionably dressed, looking just over twenty. But the man was familiar—he was the deputy general manager of the company, Zhang Zhixiu. The title sounded impressive, but it was only because he was the brother-in-law of the general manager, given a position with no real responsibilities, just collecting a paycheck.

Zhang Zhixiu was fifty, and his wife was known to be quite formidable. The woman with him thought she had found a protector, but she was in for a big surprise.

Suddenly intrigued, Gu Yifan took a glass of champagne from a waiter, scooted her chair outward, and watched to see how Zhang Zhixiu's night would unfold.