C31 Double Standards(part I)

Bo Yandong gazed at her in silence, his Adam's apple moving subtly.

The woman's eyes were blurred with sleepiness, misted with a layer of moisture, and tinged with red veins, suggesting a restless night. As she opened her eyes, they were filled with caution and defense.

Bo Yandong locked eyes with Gu Zhiwei and whispered, "Sorry for the long wait."

Gu Zhiwei paused for a moment before slowly rising to her feet. Had she really fallen asleep?

She lowered her gaze, concealing the whirlwind of emotions within. Noticing the suit draped over her and the residual warmth from his coat, she looked up again, her eyes still carrying a seductive smile. "No worries, and thank you for letting me get some rest."

Bo Yandong glanced at his watch. "I have another meeting soon. I've got my clothes back, so if you're okay, you might want to head out first."

"Are you trying to send me away?" Gu Zhiwei's lips formed a pout of feigned hurt. "Shouldn't you be keeping me here to join you for dinner after work?"

"I'm not free tonight."

He casually slipped his hand into his pocket, his white designer shirt accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his whole presence exuding a restrained intensity.

"Yandong, are you really going to act like you don't know me after getting dressed..." Her voice lifted playfully, laced with a suppressed tease, "Last night, you were so... attentive for quite a while. Isn't a meal a fair exchange?"

Bo Yandong tensed, last night's intimate moments flashing before his eyes. Gathering his thoughts, he ventured, "Gu Zhiwei, haven't you forgotten that our marriage is merely a partnership?"

Gu Zhiwei's gaze lingered on him, briefly scanning his rigid fingertips before she looked down, chuckling softly. "Let's not beat around the bush. Bo Yandong, I desire you. Are you willing to oblige?"

Bo Yandong returned her gaze, a complex glint passing through his cool eyes. After a brief struggle, he conceded.

"The end time for the meeting is uncertain. You might have to wait quite a while."

Gu Zhiwei subtly glanced at his slightly reddened ears and smiled lightly, "Alright, I'll wait for you."

No sooner had she spoken than the secretary knocked on the office door.

"President Bo, Miss Gu Ruoshan is here. She mentioned you left something at the banquet hall last night. She brought it over after her class."

Bo Yandong's frown deepened, a flicker of irritation passing through his icy gaze.

Today, with Qin Chuan on leave, his duties had fallen to Lee Qiang.

Had Qin Chuan been present, he would have never allowed Gu Ruoshan to approach his office door.

His frown persisted as he said firmly, "I won't see her."

Gu Zhiwei arched an eyebrow, "Why not? Let her in."

As the door swung open, Gu Ruoshan entered, her face ashen.

Clad in a flamboyant red dress with heavy, meticulous makeup, she bore a striking resemblance to Gu Zhiwei's typical style.

She had overheard Bo Yandong's refusal and Gu Zhiwei's invitation from outside.

Gu Ruoshan fixed her gaze on Gu Zhiwei.

She revealed a small handbag, saying, "Mr. Bo, this is the brooch you left behind at the banquet hall last night. The hotel staff couldn't find its owner, so they reached out to me."

Bo Yandong regarded Gu Ruoshan with a chilly demeanor, his thoughts on her actions towards Gu Zhiwei the previous evening chilling his presence further.

"Understood," he responded icily. "Leave it here and you may go, Miss Gu."

Gu Ruoshan's complexion grew even paler.

Frozen in place, she turned to Gu Zhiwei and managed a strained smile, "Sister, you vanished for a while yesterday, and Dad was quite concerned about what might have happened to you."