Spoil Her to Death!
When the jewellery show finally concluded, Ning Yi had officially gone viral.
The internet was flooded with photos of her wearing the two dazzling jewellery sets.
Her first outfit, the deep red V-neck evening gown paired with the snowflake diamond necklace, had already left everyone stunned. But her final appearance with The Mermaid’s Tear took it to another level, earning widespread acclaim online.
Ning Yi wasn’t just a beautiful face—her allure lay in the complex and ever-changing aura she carried.
This was the same unique quality Jiang Linyi had noticed when they met at the racetrack.
Tonight, she had showcased two starkly different personas:
- In the wine-red gown, she exuded a confident, elegant charm.
- In the shimmering fishtail dress, she embodied the tragic beauty of the mermaid’s broken tail, radiating a heart-wrenching coolness.
The mix of these two extremes in one person drove people wild.
On CMore’s streaming platform, comments were blowing up:
[How is this even a jewellery show?! Ning Yi, how many more surprises are you hiding?!]
[She’s breathtakingly beautiful!!]
[I can’t decide whether to envy Eldest Young Master Gu for having Ning Yi or Ning Yi for having Eldest Young Master Gu!]
Ning Yi sat backstage, clapping to herself. Amazing.
One person acting as two? Definitely efficient!
Of course, she fully understood her husband’s silent suffering. Ahaha, poor him!
At this moment, Ning Yi was still in Gu Cheng’s body. From the outside, “Gu Cheng’s” admiring gaze as he looked at his wife had been caught by countless cameras and countless eyes.
Zhao Mochu, who had been darting around the event like a gossipy ferret, furiously snapped photos of “Eldest Young Master Gu.”
Tonight, she was determined to deliver at least ten tons of sugary content and crown herself the queen of CMore’s trending page.
Headlines practically wrote themselves:
“Eldest Young Master Gu’s subtle frown at his wife’s plunging neckline.”
“Eldest Young Master Gu’s silent applause for his wife’s mermaid gown, unable to hide his amazement.”
The candid shots were a hit, with netizens eating up the couple’s dynamic.
Zhao Mochu was utterly convinced: “Eldest Young Master Gu, you’re so in love with her!!”
—
Gu Cheng expressionlessly exited the stage amid the thunderous applause.
The only thing on his mind was changing his shoes.
The ten-centimetre stilettos were like walking on knives. It was a miracle of his self-control that he made it back to the dressing room without showing any signs of discomfort.
Absurd things had happened so frequently lately that absurdity itself had become normal.
Gu Cheng: “Heh.”
Ding Ziyue, on the other hand, had expected tonight’s primary competition to be Wen Zheli. She thought Ning Yi was just a prop to make them shine brighter. But to her shock, Ning Yi’s two looks had stolen the spotlight, going viral online without even needing a marketing push.
Behind the scenes, Zhao Weining’s team of programmers was losing their minds:
“Holy crap, Ning Jie’s trending—quick, push her even higher!”
“Ahhh!!”
“She’s so stunning I’m doing gorilla chest beats and spinning in circles!!”
Ding Ziyue stared at her phone, her anger bubbling.
How could this happen?! In her dreams, she was always the absolute main character!
Jiang Linyi finally snapped out of his daze from earlier and noticed Ding Ziyue’s sour expression. Concerned, he leaned in, “Yue Yue, what’s wrong?”
Ding Ziyue weakly shook her head. “It’s nothing… I just feel like, with such beautiful diamonds, my little sister probably wouldn’t care for the gift I got her anymore…”
Jiang Linyi, seeing her pure disappointment, felt his heart soften. “That’s not true, Yue Yue. You’re always so kind.”
He had come tonight solely to make her happy. At the upcoming private auction, he would ensure she smiled again.
Ding Ziyue looked at the adoration in his eyes, and her mood brightened.
Yes, she still had Linyi Gege!
The runway was nothing; the auction was the real highlight of the night. Jiang Linyi would make a grand gesture for her, leaving all the other heiresses green with envy.
She didn’t believe Eldest Young Master Gu would spend that much on Ning Yi!
—
Backstage, Gu Cheng finally managed to get a proper pair of shoes from Song Lan’s assistant. He tossed the ten-centimetre heels aside with a dark expression.
“Why are you throwing away your shoes, little sister? Aren’t they pretty?”
Gu Cheng looked up to see Ding Ziyue standing there, smug yet resentful.
Gu Cheng: …So it was this idiot again?
Ding Ziyue’s gaze fixated on the stunning jewellery around his—well, technically, Ning Yi’s—neckline, growing more sour by the second. She needed to find a way to reclaim her spotlight.
“Wow, Song Lan Auntie really treats you so well, letting you borrow these! Are you coming to the auction later? I wasn’t planning to, but Linyi insisted I go. He said there’d be lots of fun things to see~”
Gu Cheng’s eyes narrowed. Fun things? Let’s see how much fun you can handle.
“Your performance earlier was amazing! Maybe Eldest Young Master Gu will spend some money on you—aren’t you excited?” Ding Ziyue said with a sugary smile.
But deep down, she knew: he wouldn’t.
In her dream, Eldest Young Master Gu did indeed spend money at this event—but it wasn’t for Ning Yi. It was for her, Ding Ziyue.
Feeling superior, she turned and left, her confidence soaring for what was about to unfold.
Gu Cheng didn’t even spare her a glance.
Ding Ziyue truly is an idiot.
That much had been proven repeatedly.
—
When Gu Cheng returned to the exhibition hall, Ning Yi was already on her second glass of champagne and eyeing the intricate dessert table with enthusiasm.
She hesitated, though. Eating cake while using Eldest Young Master Gu’s body, with so many people watching, might feel a bit off.
So when Gu Cheng showed up with normal shoes, Ning Yi quickly swapped their bodies back.
Sinking back into his wheelchair, Gu Cheng realized the chair wasn’t so bad after all.
At least it wasn’t “step by step on blades” bad.
His cold expression grew even icier.
Meanwhile, Ning Yi happily selected a few mini cakes. Eating with a fork in one hand, she beamed at Gu Cheng. “Hubby! Your performance earlier was so incredible! I knew you wouldn’t let me down if I entrusted you with this!”
Gu Cheng said nothing.
Between bites of cake, Ning Yi continued, “Next up is the private auction. Surely, you’re excited to go, right, hubby? ^3^”
She had just recalled the original storyline—Gu Cheng had a scene during this auction. Of course, the plot was ridiculously contrived. The all-powerful CEO was only there to be a tool for the romance between the male and female leads.
In tonight’s auction, Jiang Linyi would buy Ding Ziyue a rare heart-shaped pink diamond. But in true over-the-top fashion, Eldest Young Master Gu would be there to drive up the price.
No matter how high Jiang Linyi bid, Gu Cheng would casually outbid him, showing the overwhelming strength of his unfathomable resources.
In the end, the male lead would win the diamond at an exorbitant price, sparking headlines across all platforms. Ding Ziyue would be crowned the envy of all women, basking in her princess-like fairy-tale life.
Ning Yi internally applauded. What a ridiculously silly plot! I love it!
Finishing her last bite of cake, she turned to Gu Cheng with a bright smile. “Shall we go, hubby~?”
Gu Cheng’s lips curled into a cold smirk.
She made me wear 10 cm heels and now expects me to spend money for her? Dream on.
Arms crossed, he chuckled darkly. “Alright, Ning Yi.”
Ning Yi didn’t care what he was plotting.
Happily pushing his wheelchair, she chirped, “Hold tight, hubby!”
—
Both harbouring their own schemes, they entered the auction hall.
After the grand conclusion of the jewellery show, the private auction was reserved for the wealthiest attendees—those capable of spending absurd amounts without blinking.
Ding Ziyue sat next to Jiang Linyi in a prime seat, playing the role of the slightly melancholic and subdued princess.
Seeing this, Jiang Linyi’s heart ached. Regretting how he had been distracted earlier during the show, he leaned in and whispered, “Yue Yue, I’m here for you tonight. Whatever you like, I’ll make sure you have it. Alright?”
This was exactly what Ding Ziyue had been waiting for!
Her eyes sparkled with innocent gratitude as she soaked up the envious murmurs from nearby heiresses. She felt utterly triumphant.
Meanwhile, whispers spread as Gu Cheng and Ning Yi entered through the main doors.
“Eldest Young Master Gu is here too—”
“And he brought Ning Yi! Could it be…”
The couple’s presence commanded the room, despite their calm demeanour.
The auctioneer immediately rushed over, bowing respectfully. “Eldest Young Master Gu, it’s an honour! Where would you like to sit?”
Gu Cheng gestured indifferently and chose a seat toward the back.
His choice made it clear: he wasn’t here to compete for anything, nor did he intend to buy Ning Yi any gifts.
This conclusion spread through the room like wildfire.
Although Ning Yi had dazzled everyone earlier, her lack of notable family background or career made it impossible for Eldest Young Master Gu to splurge on her.
Eldest Young Master Gu was a man of control, not someone to lose his head over a beautiful face.
Ding Ziyue felt vindicated.
The auction’s true highlight would be Jiang Linyi’s gesture of love. In a setting like this, the price of an item didn’t matter—it was all about how much Jiang Linyi was willing to spend to show her importance.
Holding her hand, Jiang Linyi said softly, “Tell me what you want.”
Her face lit up with feigned innocence.
“Yue Yue is so lucky!”
“The big movie star pampers her so much.”
Their voices weren’t exactly quiet, and in the intimate auction space, everyone could hear them—including Gu Cheng.
Coldly observing the scene, he found it laughable.
Ning Yi, on the other hand, was munching on her last mini cake. “Wow, so sweet and pampered. So envious,” she teased in Gu Cheng’s mind.
Gu Cheng: “…?”
—
The auction began.
The first items were whimsical trinkets, such as jewel-encrusted sculptures of dragonflies and tigers. They were meant to amuse the wealthy guests rather than be serious purchases.
These items, even if not purchased on-site, could still be bid on through CMore’s online platform.
For example, one exhibit featured a large jade-carved fly, which was promptly purchased online.
The platform’s order details were partially masked for privacy.
— W****r, purchased a minute ago.
Judging by the first and last letters and the total number of characters, it was obvious: Wander.
Comments flooded in:
- “OMG hahahaha, Wander bought the big fly!”
- “Is Wander seriously trying to grab Ning Yi’s attention, LOL?”
- “I’m so jealous, but then again, with Ning Yi’s stunning looks, it makes sense. My only worry is Wander getting on Gu Cheng’s blacklist (doge emoji).”
Throughout the auction, Gu Cheng showed no interest in any of the items.
Meanwhile, Ning Yi stayed in high spirits.
Even though her husband was stingy, she could earn money herself! Thanks to the jewellery event and auction being linked to CMore’s online store, every item sold online brought a commission for the platform. Ka-ching!
The real winner of this romance-novel world? Ning Yi wouldn’t say, but she had her suspicions.
Piece by piece, items were presented and sold, either on-site or online. Gu Cheng, however, never raised his paddle.
Ding Ziyue’s smugness grew stronger with each passing moment—She just knew! Gu Cheng wouldn’t spend money on Ning Yi!
Finally, the much-anticipated auction item Ding Ziyue had been waiting for was brought out.
On a velvet red cloth lay a heart-shaped pink diamond, dazzling with clarity and brilliance.
It was a gem of extraordinary rarity—according to CIA standards, less than one in tens of thousands of pink diamonds could reach this level of purity. A vivid pinkish-purple in hue, with a significant carat weight, it was like something out of a dream. Perfect for a princess or someone cherished like a gem.
And this was the “grand gesture” Jiang Linyi planned to make for Ding Ziyue!
Ding Ziyue didn’t outright say she wanted it. Instead, she let out a soft, trembling breath and stared at the display with an awestruck gaze, as if mesmerized by its beauty.
Jiang Linyi immediately understood: Ding Ziyue loved it. He gave her a fond smile and raised his paddle as soon as bidding began.
The starting price was 5 million, and each subsequent bid tested the financial strength of the participants.
“Wow—Jiang Linyi is really buying it for Ziyue!”
“That diamond is so gorgeous. I’m so envious!”
Ding Ziyue turned to him with teary eyes: “Brother Linyi…”
Jiang Linyi had already raised his paddle, but Ding Ziyue’s heart was beating for another reason—
Gu Cheng would definitely join the bidding soon, right?!
In the dream she had, Gu Cheng had dominated the scene with his presence, driving the price of this pink diamond up by 10 million with an aura no one could resist!
This was one of the reasons Ding Ziyue never gave up on Gu Cheng—if he didn’t care about her, why would he have tried to outbid Jiang Linyi for something like this?
No matter whether she was still his “light” or not, Ding Ziyue firmly believed Gu Cheng still cared!
As she thought about how Gu Cheng would soon clash with Jiang Linyi in front of everyone to compete for the diamond, her heart pounded with anticipation.
The auctioneer worked to build the atmosphere:
“Jiang Linyi bids 5.5 million—”
“Oh! Mr. Gu Zeyu adds another 300,000!”
These were Ding Ziyue’s knights in shining armour!
Basking in the admiration and praise from those around her, Ding Ziyue glanced smugly at Ning Yi.
Ning Yi must be dying of jealousy now, right? Just wait—she’s about to get even more jealous!
This auction would end with Jiang Linyi spending 18 million to secure the pink diamond. It would trend across all platforms, and Jiang Linyi’s fans would go wild while the public marvelled at Ding Ziyue’s good fortune. This was a pivotal public chapter in her romance novel-worthy life.
Plus, the bidding war between Gu Cheng and Jiang Linyi would create even more buzz. After all, no one but Gu Cheng had the ability to raise the stakes endlessly without breaking a sweat.
The bids climbed steadily, with Gu Zeyu and Jiang Linyi trading offers.
An heiress from another province also placed a bid, further raising the stakes.
But Jiang Linyi wasn’t backing down. He was determined.
Seeing Ding Ziyue growing increasingly anxious beside him, Jiang Linyi comforted her gently: “Don’t worry, Ziyue. I’ll make sure to win this for you.”
But that wasn’t the source of Ding Ziyue’s anxiety—
Why hadn’t Gu Cheng joined in yet?!
By the fifth round of bidding, the price hovered around 8.8 million, and the hammer was poised to drop!
Ding Ziyue was frantic—8.8 million? How is this going to make headlines?!
That price wasn’t even close to the value of the “Mermaid’s Tears” necklace Ning Yi had worn earlier tonight!
Ning Yi noticed Ding Ziyue’s panic and kindly asked in her head, “Husband, why aren’t you bidding?”
Gu Cheng’s voice was steady and indifferent: “Why should I bid?”
Buy it for Ning Yi? Heh.
A pink heart-shaped diamond? If he bought it, she might get ideas.
Naturally, Ning Yi had no idea why Gu Cheng had purchased the diamond in the original plotline. After all, the novel hadn’t explained—it had simply portrayed him as a wealthy, bored tool of the storyline.
But Ning Yi decided to give him a reason.
She gazed at Gu Cheng with mock shyness, her voice sweet and soft: “Husband, doesn’t this pink diamond look like my heart for you? Pure and glowing!”
Gu Cheng stared at her for a few seconds.
Ning Yi fluttered her lashes expectantly.
Then, Gu Cheng lifted a slender finger and pointed to a nearby object. “That one’s closer.”
Ning Yi turned to look—and saw a large black rock.
Ning Yi: “…”
Say no more. Stingy!
In the end, to Ding Ziyue’s utter disbelief—
The pink diamond was sold for just 8.8 million!
Ding Ziyue was nearly losing her mind.
Gu Cheng hadn’t even raised his paddle once, leaving Jiang Linyi to secure the diamond for 10 million less than she had dreamed!
Jiang Linyi, oblivious to her internal turmoil, was just pleased to see Ding Ziyue happy: “Ziyue, do you like it?”
“Of course I do, Brother Linyi. Thank you!”
Ding Ziyue put on a grateful facade, but inside, she couldn’t help but seethe. The smile on her face faltered slightly.
The other socialites, while admiring, didn’t seem overly impressed by the price tag. Their compliments were polite but lukewarm.
“Ziyue is so lucky.”
“The movie star really spoils you.”
Ding Ziyue forced a smile, comforting herself: At least Ning Yi didn’t get anything!
Meanwhile, in the back row, Gu Cheng cast a sidelong glance at Ning Yi.
No reaction to not getting a diamond? Her mood seems fine…
This woman—did she want it or not?
Ning Yi’s good mood came from watching the online sales figures and platform traffic surge. She felt like she was raking in cash just sitting there. But noticing Gu Cheng’s gaze, she decided to needle him a little.
“Wow, so envious.”
“So thoughtful and generous. I’m crying.”
Gu Cheng: “…”
What’s there to praise? A mere 8 million.
Ning Yi doubled down: “He pampers her so much now—imagine how spoiled she’ll be when they’re married. Amazing! Inspiring! I’m awed.”
Gu Cheng’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
Complimenting other men so enthusiastically, was she?
Amid Ning Yi’s teasing, Gu Cheng finally cut in:
“Enough.”
“Follow me. We’re opening stones.”
Ning Yi: “?”
Gu Cheng, face cold, headed toward the next venue.
8.8 million for a diamond? Peanuts.
As they moved to the gambling stone section, Gu Cheng’s entourage of assistants and bodyguards followed with identical expressions.
All of them seemed to silently scream: “He’s incredible. I’m crying.”
The thrill of gambling stones far surpassed the auction items. The stakes? Tens of millions. The difference between heaven and hell lay in a single cut.
Trailing behind Gu Cheng, Ning Yi checked her phone and noticed a message from the infamous “Old Bitter Melon.”
[Make sure Gu Cheng participates in gambling stones.]
[Use whatever means necessary.]
The scheming practically leapt off the screen.
And within minutes, Gu Zhisong had already transferred hush money:
[Transfer: 500,000 RMB]
Look, even Gu Zhisong was more generous than her stingy husband!
Ning Yi quickly figured out her role in all this.
Gu Cheng, that scheming genius, had been indifferent about spending money on her earlier. Now, suddenly bringing her to gamble on stones? He was clearly using her as part of a larger plan.
This was an internal power struggle within the Gu family. On the surface, it looked like Gu Cheng was indulging her whims, risking millions just to spoil her. But in reality, it was a tactical move.
Gu Zhisong and his backers wanted to tarnish Gu Cheng’s spotless reputation by toppling his “unbeatable” status.
But Gu Cheng had no intention of losing. He just wanted to trace the threads back to the true masterminds behind Gu Zhisong.
Ning Yi: As for me, I’m just a little opportunistic kitty, happily reaping rewards in the chaos! ^3^
After pocketing the 500,000, Ning Yi leaned over and whispered to Gu Cheng, “Husband~ Old Bitter Melon told me to do whatever it takes to get you to gamble. He’s clearly plotting something, but I’m firmly on your side. This is my unwavering love for you!”
Gu Cheng’s expression was unreadable. “Is that so, Ah Yi?”
Her silver tongue worked just as smoothly when praising others.
Gu Cheng’s eyes narrowed, his cold and oppressive aura spreading.
Meanwhile, Gu Zhisong, hiding in the shadows, was thrilled to see Gu Cheng actually bring Ning Yi to the gambling stones. “That woman is actually useful! Gu Cheng is influenced by her! Looks like our plan to control Ning Yi was the right move.”
As rumours about “Gu Cheng’s emperor-like fortune” swirled, the ambitious conspirators believed they had found the perfect opportunity to tarnish his image.
Since Gu Cheng’s arrival, most of the auction attendees had stayed behind to watch.
Even Ding Ziyue, Jiang Linyi, and many prominent figures from high society came to observe. After all, gambling stones had an undeniable allure—no matter how skilled or experienced someone was, no one could guarantee success.
Gu Zhisong’s camp had chosen this method for a reason: no one could have absolute confidence. The high stakes of gambling stones were balanced by an equally high risk. A single misstep could bring ruin.
They never expected Gu Cheng to actually take the bait.
Amid countless watchful eyes, Gu Cheng remained composed, exuding a quiet authority.
Even seated in a wheelchair, he gave off the air of a king.
The only other person unfazed was Ning Yi.
She wasn’t worried at all about Gu Cheng’s so-called emperor-like fortune. Even if the world collapsed, Gu Cheng’s godlike businessman image wouldn’t falter.
Because if it did, the rest of the story would fall apart, and how would the author create challenges for the protagonists’ love story?
Clearly, Gu Cheng himself was brimming with confidence. His dark gaze scanned the selection of raw stones as he leisurely began explaining the process to Ning Yi.
“Ah Yi, do you know how to identify good stones? Start by examining the outer shell to assess the type of jade. Look for older pits. Once you cut a window, observe the colour, polish, and texture. Under light, check for transparency…”
“Mhm, mhm. Husband, you know so much,” Ning Yi replied, half-listening and more focused on planning how to scam him for more after he cut the stone.
Everyone held their breath, watching as the raw stones were placed in the centre of the room, awaiting Gu Cheng’s selection.
Moments later, a faint smile appeared on Gu Cheng’s lips.
“Ah Yi, you choose,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Ning Yi: “?”
The room erupted into shocked murmurs.
Ding Ziyue’s face instantly turned pale. A gamble worth tens of millions, and Gu Cheng wants Ning Yi to choose?!
He wasn’t afraid of losing everything? He was this indulgent?
Why?! What made Ning Yi worthy?!
Ding Ziyue stared at Gu Cheng’s calm, composed profile and suddenly felt the pink diamond on her finger wasn’t so valuable after all.
The room buzzed with shock.
Throughout the auction, Gu Cheng hadn’t raised a single paddle—because he didn’t care. This was his game.
The audience was awash with admiration and envy, their gazes growing fervent.
Only Ning Yi, internally panicking, thought:
Gu Cheng, are you out of your mind?! You have imperial luck—I don’t!
“Lose and you’ll blame me, right? Is it because I looked too stunning earlier, and now you want to label me as the femme fatale?”
Gu Cheng couldn’t understand the complaining glint in Ning Yi’s eyes—he only noticed how bright they looked.
Was she *that* delighted by the public display of favour?
The corners of Gu Cheng’s lips twitched upward slightly.
After three years of lying dormant, he had grown far more cautious than anyone could imagine. That’s why, from the moment these jadeite stones entered the country, they had been under constant surveillance. If someone had merely acquired them for private use, he wouldn’t care—but bringing them here, to involve him, required a level of nerve and skill they clearly didn’t possess.
Gu Zhisong thought he could tamper with the stones. In reality, his tampering was precisely within Gu Cheng’s plan. These stones, sourced from Myanmar, came in various grades: low-quality “rough materials” and high-quality “premium stones.” Their scheme? They planned to pass off mid-grade material with fake water patterns as top-tier jadeite to trick him.
But this type of material? Guaranteed to crumble.
And with it, they hoped to tarnish the name “Gu Cheng.”
Of course, Gu Cheng wasn’t one to gamble recklessly. He had already had the stones privately evaluated by the best experts and was confident in the quality of certain pieces. Even if Ning Yi didn’t uncover the rare “glass jade,” she would still reveal material worth tens of millions.
What’s 8 million? Just pocket change.
Gu Cheng crossed his arms and sat there, shrouded in mystery, waiting for Ning Yi to display a look of joy from being so doted on.
The next second—
He found himself in Ning Yi’s body.
Ning Yi: “Not playing. Pass.”
Gu Cheng: “?”
Ning Yi was far too clever for this!
Sure, Gu Cheng might be the novel’s almighty big shot, but she was just a disposable side character! Who knew if her stone would yield the same results as his?
And with so many people watching, if the stone turned out to be worthless, she’d take all the blame!
Better for Gu Cheng to stay in her body—his imperial luck would ensure the best outcome, and the rewards would still belong to her. ^_^
Gu Cheng’s elaborate plans went entirely over her head, and his expression turned colder.
“Switch back.”
But Ning Yi, brimming with devotion, said, “Husband, I know you’re worried about picking a bad stone, so I’m willing to use my body to carry that burden for you! Whatever the result, I’ll bear it. You can choose with confidence!”
Gu Cheng fell silent for a few seconds as the onlookers began urging them.
“Come on, Ning Yi, pick already!”
“Eldest Young Master Gu gave you the chance—don’t waste it!”
Most of them were opportunists, eagerly waiting to see Gu Cheng’s reputation crumble.
Ding Ziyue’s gaze bore into Ning Yi. There was no way this clueless woman, who had no experience with high-stakes stone gambling, wouldn’t make Gu Cheng lose!
“Go on, sister! Make sure you choose wisely!”
With all eyes on them, Gu Cheng couldn’t simply grab Ning Yi’s hand to switch back.
Left with no choice, he selected the best-rated stone among the options.
Ding Ziyue was practically screaming in her mind: It’ll be garbage! It has to be garbage!
The chosen stone was opened—a window carved into its surface, light passed through it—and finally, it was cut on-site.
Gu Zhisong watched from the shadows, elated. Ding Ziyue leaned in with rapt anticipation.
And then—
A shimmering pool of green emerged.
The crowd fell silent.
Clear as a spring, interlaced with natural green patterns, it radiated beauty and vitality. Even to the untrained eye, the quality was unmistakable.
A single piece of jadeite exceeding “icy” grade in clarity and hue, of such impeccable quality, was beyond valuation—pieces like this rarely even entered circulation.
Now, it had been revealed right before their eyes!
“Congratulations, Eldest Young Master Gu!”
“Eldest Young Master Gu truly has unparalleled luck—even those around him benefit!”
Ning Yi: Nice!
This grand display of favour needed just one final touch.
In Gu Cheng’s body, she angled her head slightly, her smile indulgent and cool. “Do you like it, Ah Yi?”
The regal posture, the dominating tone—it was intoxicating. The socialites felt lightheaded.
Gu Cheng, still in Ning Yi’s body, wore a completely blank expression, showing no joy whatsoever.
But Ning Yi carried the show by herself.
With an air of casual affection and boundless indulgence, she delivered the finishing blow:
“—If you like it, it’s yours.”
What?!
A priceless jadeite stone, and Eldest Young Master Gu was giving it to Ning Yi just like that?!
The room exploded.
Ding Ziyue clutched the pink diamond on her finger so tightly it might crack, her composure utterly shattered.
This had to be an act! Right?
“This is all just a show for me! I won’t believe it!!”
Ding Ziyue ran out, tears welling up, while Jiang Linyi hurried after her, distressed.
Meanwhile, Ning Yi gleefully hugged her new treasure and smothered Gu Cheng with exaggerated kisses.
“Hubby, you’re so good to me! I’m so happy!”
Gu Cheng remained expressionless.
How had the situation spiralled so far from his predictions?
“Am I your most precious darling? Hmm, hubby? Hmm? Hmm?”
Gu Cheng rubbed his temples and coldly replied, “Shut up.”
Was he doting on her? This woman clearly didn’t need anyone—she could spoil herself silly.
Dangerous. She was a little too dangerous.
—
By the end of the jewellery gala, Ning Yi returned triumphant, laden with two sets of luxury jewels and a high-value jadeite material.
As the limited-edition Maybach glided back to the estate, Ning Yi reclined in the rear seat, basking in the joy of wealth.
“Happy now?” Gu Cheng asked, glancing at her coolly.
“Wish I could give you my heart, hubby!” Ning Yi tugged dramatically at her neckline, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. “Do you want to see it?”
The driver and assistant in the front seat froze.
Madam sure is passionate. No wonder the boss can’t resist her!
Gu Cheng pressed her hand down, his face dark. “Stop moving.”
Ning Yi: Heh. Okay.
She didn’t have a heart to offer.
Only her chest. ^_^
Gu Cheng withdrew his hand, glancing at it thoughtfully. No exchange occurred with just the back of the hand—it seemed their palms needed to touch.
This swapping mechanism is unnecessarily complicated.
After a pause, the assistant cautiously resumed his report.
“Young Master, the Internet Innovation Summit is scheduled for next week in S City. This summit will also feature collaborations with the esports industry, with several star players showing great investment potential…”
Ning Yi perked up. She had also been invited to this summit as CMore’s founder but hadn’t decided whether to attend.
After hearing the details, Gu Cheng turned to Ning Yi and said, “No need to give me your heart. Just accompany me on this trip.”
Ning Yi, now in a cooperative mood, replied sweetly, “Of course, hubby.”
Who’s accompanying who? Doesn’t matter—we’re both going to the same place. ^_^
As Ning Yi hugged her haul of spoils, she pondered for a moment. She had scored big today, so maybe it was time to give back a little.
While Gu Cheng’s entourage took care of his every need, and the wheelchair didn’t seem to hinder him much, his legs were still not fully healed—a minor imperfection in his otherwise flawless image.
Today’s profits had been so generous that she figured she could invest in his recovery. After all, the better her husband thrived, the more sustainable her plans to fleece him would be.
Her eyes flicked to her fish-tail gown, still glittering on her body. Perfect timing.
—
When Gu Cheng emerged from his shower, he was greeted by Ning Yi lounging glamorously against the headboard.
He paused, his movements careful.
“Hub~~by~~,” she cooed, her tone sweet and syrupy.
Gu Cheng’s hand froze mid-motion as he dried his hair. “What now?”
Her jewellery was off, yet she looked more like a treasure than ever.
The fish-tail gown clung to her figure, tracing alluring curves. Her pale legs swung gently, and the sequins on the hem sparkled under the bedroom light.
Tonight’s dazzling mermaid, who had stunned everyone at the gala, was now here, presenting herself to him alone.
A pity she was so brazen.
Ning Yi took a few bold steps and stopped directly in front of Gu Cheng’s wheelchair.
When someone completely abandons their sense of shame, they can become truly fearless.
Without hesitation, Ning Yi chose to sit directly on his lap—
Gu Cheng: “!”
The sudden and extensive physical contact left him momentarily stunned.
His legs hadn’t recovered; theoretically, they shouldn’t have any sensation.
And yet, in that moment, Gu Cheng inexplicably felt the weight of her presence.
Even the subtle friction of her calf brushing against his pants through her dress was somehow noticeable.
“What are you doing?” Gu Cheng’s voice tightened involuntarily.
For her first attempt, Ning Yi’s strategy was straightforward: replicate the method that restored his hearing—trigger his overwhelming desire to stand up.
She fluttered her lashes and puckered her alluring red lips. “Feeling desire for me is only natural, ya know—husband.”
After all, with three legs, standing up with *any one* of them would count as a victory.
Gu Cheng: “…?”
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