C40 We Are Fair and Square

From start to finish, she hurried along, seemingly eager to avoid spending even a moment shopping with him.

"It's not torture," Huo Niannian said with sincerity, meeting his gaze. "It's just really uncomfortable. Can't you feel it? Ever since we entered the mall, we've been under constant scrutiny, with people staring and taking photos of us."

She loathed being in the limelight.

"Is that so? I hadn't noticed."

Gu Tingshen appeared completely unaware, probably because such attention was an everyday occurrence for him and no longer made an impression.

However, now that he knew she didn't enjoy being so conspicuous, he decided they would keep a lower profile in the future.

Gu Tingshen took her to a familiar spot, had a painting expertly framed, and gave a direct order, "Have this delivered to my place later."

"Will do."

Huo Niannian watched him, her expression one of bewilderment. "Did you deliberately take me on a roundabout route earlier?"

As Gu Tingshen had wandered aimlessly earlier, Huo Niannian had thought they simply hadn't found the right shop yet. It seemed now that he had intentionally taken her on a detour around the mall.

Although she didn't exactly dislike shopping...

"I was simply enjoying the walk with you."

Gu Tingshen had never accompanied a girl on a shopping trip before, but Huo Niannian's evident delight was entertaining to him, and he couldn't help but extend their stroll. He knew all along where the suitable shops were.

Huo Niannian was puzzled. Wasn't he always too busy? How did he have the leisure to go shopping with her?

"Don't most guys hate shopping?"

"How many men have you shopped with?" Gu Tingshen asked, his tone turning frosty.

Huo Niannian held her forehead in her hand. "Not many..."

"I mean, that's what I've read in books. Anyway, thank you for today."

She inwardly sighed, her speech scrambled by his effect on her. She had never really shopped with a man before.

Gu Tingshen squinted slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "If you want to thank me, show it in a more concrete way."

Huo Niannian's eyes sparkled as she considered what he meant by gratitude. Gu Tingshen, unable to hide his impatience, leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

Her face instantly turned crimson. "What are you doing? Everyone's watching us."

Indeed, there were those who couldn't help but steal glances at them, and a handful of paparazzi were subtly trailing behind, capturing clandestine shots.

"Why fret? We're out in the open. If they want to watch, let them," he said with an easy confidence.

He was usually so reserved, yet here he was, unexpectedly charming...

Now that the matter of the artwork was settled, Gu Tingshen had to return to the office. He sent Huo Niannian home with his driver while he went back to work. But before he left, Gu Tingshen made a special request for Huo Niannian to prepare a particular dish he wanted for lunch...

What a despot! With an entire household staff at his disposal, he specifically asked her to cook!

Back at home, Nanny Liu had already whipped up a delicious meal, a feast for the senses. Running behind schedule, Huo Niannian grabbed the lunch box without sparing a moment for makeup or a wardrobe change and dashed off to Gu Group, her natural beauty on full display.

The moment Huo Niannian entered the company, she strode directly to the president's private elevator with a familiarity that turned heads. The people behind her were stunned by her unadorned presence.

"Wow, did you see her? Isn't she the one from the press conference the other day?"

"Is it possible that she's the President's wife?"