LLASBWUH Chapter 24

Let My Husband Hurt Me!

After an intense session of expert consultations, the doctors finally concluded that there was nothing abnormal or deteriorating about Gu Cheng’s health. 

However, his state closely resembled… intoxication? 

This baffled everyone. Gu Cheng was famously averse to alcohol, considering it a relic of human folly. Besides, he hadn’t drunk anything the night before—so why did he exhibit symptoms of drunkenness? 

Unable to find a medical explanation, the doctors assured everyone that Gu Cheng’s body was fine and that he would wake up soon. 

Meanwhile, the assistants and bodyguards exchanged knowing glances—they had figured out something the doctors couldn’t. 

The conclusion was simple: Gu Cheng had been rendered “drunk” not by alcohol, but by his wife. 

—The wine doesn’t intoxicate; the beauty does.

—Gu Cheng, you love her so much!

With the jewellery gala just around the corner, rumours of Gu Cheng’s sudden health issue spread through the elite social circle, sparking widespread concern. Many wealthy heiresses were particularly anxious, especially Wen Zheli, for whom this gala was her grand homecoming debut. Her featured jewellery design, brimming with deep personal meaning for Gu Cheng, was her centrepiece. If he didn’t attend, wouldn’t all her heartfelt preparation go to waste? 

Fortunately, “Gu Cheng” soon regained consciousness—or rather, Ning Yi did, in Gu Cheng’s body. 

Opening her eyes to the worried faces around her, Ning Yi quickly reassured them. “Don’t worry, he’s fine!”

After calming a frantic Song Lan and an on-the-verge-of-collapse Elder Gu, Ning Yi quietly switched their bodies back. 

Gu Cheng, now sitting up in bed, declared coolly, “I’m fine.” 

The gathered family members sighed in collective relief. 

Ning Yi, however, started piecing together the details. Why had they switched bodies three times in such quick succession last night? She had only initiated it once… 

As the others left, Ning Yi fixed Gu Cheng with a suspicious gaze. 

Gu Cheng met her stare, his expression inscrutable. 

“Husband,” Ning Yi said, her eyes narrowing, “don’t you think something felt… off about yesterday’s incident?”

While Ning Yi wasn’t exactly a genius, she wasn’t entirely clueless either. She suspected there was more to their body-swapping mechanism. 

This realization put Gu Cheng on guard. Maintaining the advantage of controlling their swaps through physical contact was critical for him. Calmly, he redirected her train of thought: “I believe it’s because you drank alcohol, which disrupted the swapping permissions.”

Ning Yi scratched her head. That makes sense, I guess? After all, manipulating this body-swapping ability did feel a bit… mystical. 

Still, she wasn’t entirely convinced. There had to be something more, and her husband—a certified schemer—was definitely hiding something. 

She suddenly leaned in close, locking eyes with Gu Cheng. 

“You—”

Gu Cheng’s heightened senses, fully restored, picked up on the faint fragrance of her perfume and the slight breeze as she leaned in. For a fleeting moment, he faltered—but his expression didn’t betray him. 

Ning Yi: He’s tense. He’s guilty. 

Even if she didn’t have concrete proof, it was time to strike while the iron was hot. 

“Husband, what happened yesterday was wrong, wasn’t it?” she cooed sweetly. 

Gu Cheng, trying to maintain control, reluctantly nodded. “Yes.” 

“I know you love me so much that you want to treasure your darling wife, but don’t you think your treasure deserves the freedom to wear what she likes?”* Ning Yi pouted, tapping her fingers together. “Plus, I wore that dress to showcase Mom’s jewellery—not that I was swearing or anything.”

Gu Cheng’s thoughts: Who cares? 

“Whatever.” His tone was cold. 

Ning Yi’s eyes sparkled. “Then, Husband, not only will you let me wear what I want, but you’ll also buy me a big diamond, right?” 

Gu Cheng: “…Yes.” 

Satisfied, Ning Yi decided to pick the most stunning, figure-hugging dress from Song Lan’s collection. 

Let’s dazzle this world!

Meanwhile, Zhao Mochu was eagerly anticipating the gala. Gossip about dramatic fashion one-upmanship had her thrilled. 

“Let me spill some tea. Wen Zheli brought a couture gown from an ultra-luxury brand’s next season—top-tier craftsmanship, just to stun everyone and get Gu Cheng to remember her.” Zhao Mochu said gleefully. 

“Not to be outdone, Ding Ziyue caught wind of it and got the Ding family to buy her an even pricier gown.”

Ning Yi: “Wow. They’re really going all out.”

“Actually, at a jewellery gala, it’s the accessories that truly steal the spotlight!” Zhao Mochu said excitedly. “Ning Jie, what jewellery are you going to wear? You know everyone will analyse it online—this is one of CMore’s hottest topics right now.”

Ning Yi waved her hand dismissively. “Ah, don’t worry about it. I’ll figure it out.”

She planned to just find Song Lan at the venue and wear whatever her mother-in-law prepared. Simple.

Finally, the much-anticipated A-City social event of the year, the jewellery gala, took place at the city’s largest exhibition centre.

By early afternoon, luxury cars were lining the venue’s entrance, and the place was teeming with influential figures. Everywhere you looked, there were well-dressed elites, celebrities, and media personalities, making for a truly grand occasion.

As the event’s host, Song Lan was naturally swamped, but she felt reassured knowing Gu Cheng would accompany Ning Yi.

Meanwhile, CMore’s live-streaming platform was buzzing as it broadcasted the event nationwide.

Comments flooded in:

– Eldest Young Master Gu will definitely come, right? After all, this is his mother’s event!”

– “Ahhh, I can’t wait to see his outfit today!”

– “Oh my god, is that Jiang Linyi? It’s Jiang Linyi! Looks like he and Ding Ziyue are really together.”

– “The actor looks so handsome, and Zi Yue is stunning—they’re such a perfect match!”

Zhao Mochu, always one to spot a trending opportunity, had already set up her own live-stream from the event. With just a phone stand, she was seamlessly interacting with her fans in real time.

“What? You want to see Eldest Young Master Gu?” she asked, scanning the crowd with her phone. 

Before she could finish her sentence, the comments in her stream exploded. 

  • “OMG! Ning Jie! Ning Jie is here!”
  • “AHHHHH, we’ve been waiting for you forever!”
  • “She’s finally back! The wait was so worth it!”
  • “I’m losing my mind; she’s too gorgeous!”

Zhao Mochu turned to look—and almost passed out.

What a goddess!

Stunned, she saw Ning Yi step out of the car, followed by Gu Cheng. The sight of the two of them together, stunningly coordinated, practically set her live stream on fire.

Ning Yi was wearing a wine-red, velvet deep-V evening gown, with a neckline that flowed elegantly. A sophisticated waist belt accentuated her figure, while her slightly curled chestnut hair was casually pinned up. Her makeup was subtle yet striking, with wine-red accents perfectly complementing her radiant, captivating features.

Gu Cheng, on the other hand, wore a custom-tailored black suit, with wine-red embroidered details at the hem that matched Ning Yi’s gown. His cold, alabaster complexion and restrained demeanour were perfectly balanced by a platinum lion-head brooch on his chest, adding an air of aristocratic authority.

Zhao Mochu wanted to applaud.

The contrast was flawless: one stunningly aloof and the other breathtakingly glamorous. 

Her thoughts: “Tonight, I’m delivering 10 tons of premium ‘couple goals’ content!”

Gu Cheng turned slightly to glance at Ning Yi. Her deep-V gown was too striking for such a crowded place. 

“Stay close to me. Don’t wander off,” he said, his face impassive.

“Mm-hmm, sure thing, hubby,” Ning Yi replied, her mind entirely focused on the dazzling jewellery she would soon see.

As their figures disappeared into the grand hall, leaving behind a trail of elegance, Zhao Mochu suddenly realized—Ning Yi wasn’t wearing any jewellery at all. 

Then it hit her.

While everyone was busy comparing gowns and accessories, Ning Yi had already won the ultimate prize.

She didn’t need jewellery. She had Gu Cheng. 

Who else could command Gu Cheng’s icy demeanour while having him follow her every step? 

Zhao Mochu looked at her live-stream page, brimming with frantic comments.

Perfect. She had converted an entire audience into hardcore shippers. 

The venue’s decor was opulent, reflecting the exclusivity of the event. Unlike commercial jewellery fairs aimed at mass-market audiences, this gala showcased collection-level pieces for the ultra-wealthy. The atmosphere was saturated with luxury, from the dazzling array of jewels to the champagne towers and extravagant dessert spreads.

Meanwhile, Wen Zheli was maintaining a polite façade while exchanging pleasantries with Ding Ziyue, all the while waiting for Gu Cheng to arrive. 

She knew Ding Ziyue was waiting too, though the latter tried hard not to show it, instead flaunting her latest gossip.

“Wen Zheli, you’ve been abroad for years. You must not be familiar with our entertainment industry anymore, right?” Ding Ziyue said with a sly smile, fiddling with her luxurious designer ring. “Do you know Jiang Linyi?”

Wen Zheli, of course, recognized the actor. But she feigned ignorance. 

“Sorry, the name doesn’t ring a bell.” 

Ding Ziyue covered her mouth with a sweet laugh. “You should definitely check out Lin Yi-ge’s work sometime, Wen Zheli! It might even inspire your designs~ Oh, but you know, he’s been so busy lately. I didn’t want him to come tonight, but he insisted…”

Wen Zheli’s expression tightened slightly. She had always found Ding Ziyue, the airheaded socialite, baffling. Somehow, this woman seemed to have luck on her side. After being exposed as a fake heiress, she was adopted by an even wealthier family, and now she had captured the affection of someone as prominent as Jiang Linyi.

Why does the world reward such stupidity? Wen Zheli genuinely couldn’t understand.

As they exchanged veiled jabs, a stir erupted in the crowd.

“Eldest Young Master Gu is here!”

“Eldest Young Master Gu!!”

Both Wen Zheli and Ding Ziyue turned their heads simultaneously—only to be struck speechless by the sight of Ning Yi in her crimson gown beside Gu Cheng.

The other guests, who had turned to greet Gu Cheng, also had their attention immediately drawn to the woman at his side.

“Whoa, that’s Ning Yi…”

“She looks… incredible.”

Among the sea of gazes, Ning Yi stood with serene elegance, commanding attention effortlessly.

Meanwhile, Gu Cheng’s sharp gaze swept over the men around him, who stared at Ning Yi with obvious appreciation. His fingers, resting on the armrest of his wheelchair, tightened slightly.

The air around him chilled as his displeasure grew.

Wen Zheli’s confident smile faltered. She couldn’t believe her eyes—Gu Cheng, who had always been aloof and self-reliant, actually allowed Ning Yi to stand by his side in such a grand setting?

She knew Gu Cheng well. He was inherently solitary, a cold and distant emperor destined to sit alone on any throne he occupied.

So why Ning Yi? 

However, Wen Zheli’s unease subsided when she noticed Ning Yi’s bare neck—completely devoid of jewellery. A subtle smirk tugged at her lips.

To attend such a grand occasion without even a necklace? How pitiful.

Ding Ziyue, having caught the same detail, felt her spirits lift. When Gu Cheng’s entourage became surrounded by admirers seeking his attention, Ding Ziyue gracefully approached Ning Yi.

“Ah, Ning Yi, how come you’re not wearing any accessories?” Ding Ziyue said with exaggerated concern. “If you’d told me earlier, I could’ve lent you something!”

Ning Yi’s expression shifted to one of disappointment. “Oh, borrowing?”

Ding Ziyue blinked in confusion. “Wh-what about it?”

Ning Yi sighed, shaking her head as if pitying her. Borrowing? What low ambition. Even Wen Zheli gave me a million-yuan watch as a gift. You can only offer something borrowed? How narrow-minded.

Her gaze, filled with mild disdain, left Ding Ziyue flustered and slightly ashamed. It took her a few moments to recover.

Why is Ning Yi so thick-skinned!?

But then Ding Ziyue thought of her upcoming moment of glory. Tonight, Jiang Linyi would undoubtedly spend lavishly to buy her an extravagant piece of jewellery to make her happy. Ning Yi would surely be green with envy when she saw it!

Ding Ziyue could hardly wait for the scene to play out. Tonight, she would be the star of the show!

As Gu Cheng’s presence settled over the venue, the atmosphere transformed. Many attendees had come specifically to secure even a brief conversation with him, hoping for a spark of opportunity. His reputation as a leader with a golden touch preceded him.

Meanwhile, Wen Zheli seized the moment to showcase her work.

She chose not to engage Ning Yi directly. Instead, she confidently walked onto the stage, ready to command attention with her jewellery designs.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Wen Zheli, and I’m honoured to share my designs with you tonight.”

Her poised demeanour captivated the audience, and all eyes turned toward the display cases and large screens showcasing her work.

“This piece,” she began, gesturing to the centrepiece, “is a platinum castle with a solitary figure at its heart, crafted from white diamonds atop a jade base. Its minimalist yet grand design reflects my vision.”

The “Gu Cheng” symbolism in her design was obvious.

“I spent three years conceptualizing and refining this piece,” Wen Zheli said softly, her voice amplified by the microphone. “Only after countless revisions could I present it to you today.”

From the crowd, Ding Ziyue’s eyes widened. *Three years?* Wen Zheli clearly intended this as a message for Gu Cheng—to make him think she had been longing for him during her years abroad!

What a schemer! Ding Ziyue thought, regretting she hadn’t come up with something so clever herself.

Noticing Ding Ziyue’s frustration, Wen Zheli’s lips curled into a triumphant smile.

Nearby, Ning Yi watched the drama unfold, thoroughly entertained.

Wen Zheli certainly had the skills to hold her own, but Ding Ziyue, as the central figure in this brainless rom-com world, was equally inventive in her tactics. 

Ning Yi concluded: Both of them have their moments of brilliance. What a show!

“Then, hubby, do you prefer the masterpiece crafted over three years or the light that shines for you?” Ning Yi asked enthusiastically.

Gu Cheng glanced at her with icy side-eye. “Shouldn’t I like Ah Yi?”

Ning Yi dismissed his words as nonsense and feigned an over-the-top reaction, her face lighting up with mock delight. “Hubby, you’re so in love with me, boohoo!”

Gu Cheng, unfazed by her obviously insincere theatrics, didn’t respond.

In the brief exchange between them, Wen Zheli had already finished her presentation. Her eyes occasionally flickered to Ning Yi, eager to observe her reaction.

Surely, Ning Yi would grasp the meaning of this piece?

Now, Ning Yi must be painfully aware of the gulf between them. Wen Zheli was a high-calibre designer, while Ning Yi was merely a lucky woman who happened to stand beside Gu Cheng, pushing his wheelchair.

The gap was insurmountable.

But what about Gu Cheng? Seeing a piece so meticulously crafted in his likeness, would he let go of his grievances toward her?

Gu Cheng leaned back in his seat, his expression as cold as ever.

Not just cold—he seemed downright displeased from the moment he had arrived.

Beside him, however, Ning Yi was lively and animated, asking, “Hubby, isn’t this piece impressive?”

Gu Cheng’s voice was indifferent as he responded, “Do you like it?”

Ning Yi blinked, sensing that such a question usually preceded a domineering CEO’s classic line: *uy whatever you like with my card.

And after all, Gu Cheng had promised her diamonds!

She quickly fluttered her long lashes. “I do, I do! Is hubby going to buy it for your precious baby?”

Moreover, Wen Zheli probably wanted Gu Cheng to buy this piece too! It might as well have been named Gu Cheng for how obviously it was about him.

Gu Cheng withdrew his gaze, crossed his arms, and smirked coldly. “If you like it, buy it yourself.”

Ning Yi: ?

Then why did you even ask me?!

Cheapskate!

In the end, it was Ding Ziyue who purchased Wen Zheli’s design.

Wen Zheli, unable to hear a word from Gu Cheng, watched her expectations crumble into embarrassment on stage. Her face paled as the room grew silent, and Ding Ziyue soaked in every second of her awkwardness.

Ding Ziyue nearly lost her composure trying not to laugh out loud—look at Wen Zheli, scheming to attract Gu Cheng’s attention, only to humiliate herself.

Thanks to her brother Ding Yusen’s supplementary card, buying Wen Zheli’s design was no trouble at all. The value of the jewellery was irrelevant; the priceless part was Wen Zheli’s furious expression.

Another victory! Without even needing Jiang Linyi to intervene, Ding Ziyue was the undeniable winner.

Once again, Ding Ziyue reminded herself that this world revolved around her as the sole victor.

Even someone as cunning as Wen Zheli couldn’t outshine her. And as for Ning Yi, who didn’t even have a necklace to her name—what was there to compare?

Her circle of sycophantic friends quickly chimed in.

“Wow, Ziyue, so generous!”

“Ugh, people who are spoiled by their big brothers really are different~”

Ding Ziyue, modestly, “Oh, it’s nothing. Actually, I was planning to give the jewellery to my little sister.”

“She’s not even blood-related, yet you treat Ning Yi so well!”

“Haha, honestly, Ning Yi seems so pitiful, doesn’t she? Following Eldest Young Master Gu around, but what good does it do?”

“If it were me, I wouldn’t dare show up to an event like this without accessories.”

Listening to the chorus of compliments and digs, Ding Ziyue felt utterly radiant.

However, when she turned to bask in Ning Yi’s humiliation, she discovered… Ning Yi wasn’t even there anymore.

All that remained was Gu Cheng, sitting with a dark expression, surrounded by assistants and bodyguards.

Where did Ning Yi go?

Was she so embarrassed that she had to hide?

Meanwhile, the lights in the exhibition hall began to dim.

Mrs. Song Lan gracefully took the stage, wearing an elegant black knit gown. With a microphone in hand, she delivered a warm welcome to the audience.

The highlight of the evening—the jewellery runway show—was about to begin!

The crowd eagerly settled into their seats around the central runway, where high-definition cameras were strategically positioned to broadcast the event live on CMore.

Viewers flooded into the livestream, captivated by the luxurious atmosphere of this elite social event and eagerly searching for familiar faces.

[I caught a glimpse of Ning Jie earlier. Please, let us see her again!]

[As stunning as she is, she looked so simple—probably just dropped by and left.]

[Gasping… I really want to see Ning Jie on the runway!]

Viewers were fervently discussing, while others eagerly watched the wealthy crowd placing online bids for jewellery via CMore’s platform. The scene was lively and bustling.

Suddenly, a notification popped up.

——[Wander has entered the livestream]

[OMG?! Wan-ge is here!]

[Looks like Wan-ge truly loves CMore, haha]

[Wan-ge here to admire the beauties too?]

It turned out Wander had skipped his usual live broadcast to tune in for the jewellery show, which instantly added another wave of heat to the already popular event.

“Nothing much,” Wander chuckled lightly in response to his fans. “Just here to see a friend—probably the most beautiful one.”

The comments section immediately exploded with hundreds of messages.

Fans speculated wildly about who Wan-ge’s friend might be and who the “most beautiful” one was.

One comment stood out as it was quickly upvoted:

[It has to be Ning Jie! Wan-ge, you’re so bold—aren’t you afraid Eldest Young Master Gu will just buy out the platform? Haha]

Gu Cheng sat in his wheelchair, one hand propping his temple, fingers tapping lightly against his head.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating the runway show, but he wasn’t looking forward to it.

These events were ostentatious and dull. Still—certain people’s petty manoeuvres could occasionally pique his interest.

Gu Cheng’s sharp gaze scanned the subtle dynamics of the room before he turned his head slightly.

His assistant immediately bent down as Gu Cheng whispered a few instructions. Soon after, the assistant rushed to check the private auction room behind the exhibition hall, confirming the presence of several newly delivered jade raw stones.

Gu Cheng’s lips curled into a chilling smile.

If anyone wanted to challenge him at stone gambling, they better consider if they were worthy.

As for those who think throwing money around to impress a woman is romantic—they’re just idiots.

Gu Cheng’s expression was cold as he looked at the T-stage, internally questioning the purpose of this whole show.

He didn’t expect much from it—

Until.

Someone stepped onto the runway.

It was a familiar wine-red dress.

But this time, Ning Yi wore a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck.

The piece, named ‘Snowflake’, was crafted with a motif of snowflakes, using platinum and rhodium-plated 18K white gold to hold over 600 flawless-cut diamonds. It radiated brilliance and sophistication.

And under this radiant glow, Ning Yi’s face wasn’t overshadowed—it glowed even brighter, brimming with vitality.

Gu Cheng glanced at her—and his breath caught.

However.

A beautiful face alone wasn’t enough to silence the entire room.

Ning Yi began her walk down the runway.

And with every step, her elegance unravelled.

The necklace’s most striking design was its cascading snowflakes, flowing into a single teardrop-shaped diamond perfectly positioned over her chest—resting lightly at the swell of her curves, suggestive but not vulgar.

As she gracefully glided down the runway, the plunging neckline of her dress subtly moved with her, and the shimmering diamond anchored her allure. It was as if a pearl had been lifted from the waves—a mesmerizing beauty that left the audience breathless.

The room was utterly silent.

Ding Ziyue’s eyes turned red with envy, and Wen Zheli was left speechless.

Holding her phone to livestream, Zhao Mochu could only murmur, “Holy sh—”

She glanced down at the chat and saw it had completely exploded.

[OMG, my nosebleed!]

[HOLY HOLY HOLY HOLY]

[Is Wan-ge here to see Ning Jie?! Has to be, right?!]

[Her chest—oh no, I mean, the necklace is stunning! Wait, her chest—I’m done.]

Gu Cheng’s eyes darkened.

Shadows spread through his gaze, cold and turbulent.

Meanwhile, Song Lan herself was astonished by the impact.

She hadn’t expected this—Ning Yi wasn’t even a professional model, yet she fit the frosty elegance of high-end jewellery better than anyone else. Her aura was so commanding that it surpassed the trendy “aloof supermodel” aesthetic entirely.

In fact, Song Lan couldn’t pinpoint where Ning Yi’s aura came from.

As an art connoisseur, Song Lan had a sharp instinct for these things. To her, Ning Yi’s composure felt like it had been forged in countless trials by fire—a calmness that transcended life and death yet didn’t disdain it, polished into the purest essence of life’s beauty.

Song Lan’s heart stirred with excitement—

There was a set of jewellery originally not intended to be displayed on a model—its beauty was so overwhelming, nearly despair-inducing, that no one dared risk a model being overshadowed by it.

But Song Lan now believed Ning Yi could pull it off. Her presence was so commanding that even this masterpiece wouldn’t overpower her. Song Lan couldn’t explain the feeling but decided Ning Yi must showcase it.

Ning Yi was thoroughly pleased with everyone’s reactions on the runway.

She knew it—she was a stunner! 

Only someone as blind, stingy, and problematic as Gu Cheng wouldn’t get it.

After stepping off the runway, she was stopped by an excited Song Lan, who now regarded her as a true treasure. Song Lan cautiously explained the details of the final showpiece.

“For this one, you won’t need to walk the runway again. This piece just needs to be worn for everyone to admire. Xiao Yi… would you be willing to wear it?”

Ning Yi smiled, eyes sparkling. “Of course!”

Who doesn’t like seeing themselves look stunning? 

So satisfying.

Meanwhile, the entire audience was still in awe of Ning Yi’s earlier walk.

Ding Ziyue, seated next to Jiang Linyi, clenched her fists tightly.

Since Ning Yi’s appearance, Jiang Linyi had been distracted, ignoring Ding Ziyue even when she was clearly upset.

Ding Ziyue couldn’t stand having Ning Yi steal the spotlight once again! Not even Wen Zheli’s hasty exit could appease her fury!

When she saw Song Lan pull Ning Yi aside and Ning Yi being escorted to the dressing room by a secretary, Ding Ziyue’s eyes flashed with malice.

A sly smile curled at her lips.

Fine. If Ning Yi loves the spotlight so much, let’s make sure she gets enough of it.

Ning Yi followed Song Lan’s secretary to inspect the final masterpiece, feeling smug as she internally called out to Gu Cheng.

“Hubby, hubby~”

No response.

“Hubby~~” she tried again, drawing out the syllables.

Still nothing.

Ning Yi: “Dead?”

Gu Cheng: “…”

After a steadying breath, Gu Cheng finally replied, “No.”

Ning Yi’s voice instantly turned sweet and syrupy. “Hubby, did you see me? Don’t I look perfect for diamonds?”

Gu Cheng: True.

But his response was indifferent: “You’re okay.”

Ning Yi rolled her eyes. Typical. He’s just being difficult, she thought, brushing off the urge to argue.

“Well, your darling is going to do another showcase soon! Make sure to watch and then buy me diamonds, okay? Muah, muah, muah!”

Gu Cheng frowned. “Another one?”

Ning Yi bashfully teased, “Don’t you want to see me again, hubby?”

Gu Cheng: “Not particularly.”

Ning Yi dropped the act. “I’m doing it anyway!”

Pretty girls’ business—stay out of it, dead man!

When Ning Yi finally saw the jewellery Song Lan had mentioned, she was momentarily stunned.

It was truly unlike any other piece in the collection. Beyond its exquisite materials, the design depicted a mermaid with a broken tail. The body was paved with dazzling, pristine diamonds, while the tail’s fracture was marked by rare, precious sapphires, carved with remarkable detail.

Just looking at it evoked a melancholic beauty, as though it could bring tears to one’s eyes.

Anticipating how incredible she would look wearing it, Ning Yi took the new gown meant to match the jewellery and entered the dressing room.

Unbeknownst to her, as she stepped inside, someone quietly opened the door, took the shoes she had left outside, and replaced them with another pair.

Ning Yi assumed it was the secretary delivering new shoes and didn’t pay it much attention as she carefully dressed and adorned herself with the jewellery.

Outside, Ding Ziyue waited, watching for confirmation from her accomplice. When a discreet hand gesture signalled success, a smug grin spread across her face as she casually reclined in her seat.

She hadn’t been foolish enough to outright steal Ning Yi’s shoes.

Instead, she swapped them for a pair with much taller heels—an extra few centimeters.

With ten-centimetre heels, let’s see if Ning Yi can still strut her stuff. 

Hopefully, she’d trip and embarrass herself in front of Gu Cheng. That would be perfect.

Over on Ning Yi’s side, she had finished changing into her new gown. It was a shimmering fishtail dress, pure white with delicate beading and sequins that sparkled in the light, perfectly complementing the “Mermaid’s Tear” jewellery.

Stunning!

However, when Ning Yi stepped out and saw the shoes prepared for her, she froze in contemplation.

Simple stiletto heels adorned with glittering diamonds.

The only issue? They were ten centimeters tall.

These aren’t shoes. They’re instruments of torture.

While Ning Yi wasn’t incapable of walking in them, she thought, I’m so gorgeous—why should I make myself suffer?

After just two seconds of deliberation, she made her decision.

“Hubby, your turn! ^3^”

Gu Cheng: “?”

Gu Cheng stared at the towering heels now on his feet, trapped in a long silence.

Moments ago, he had been quietly waiting in the exhibition hall for Ning Yi to make her second appearance. A blink later, she switched their bodies.

Looking around, Gu Cheng confirmed that these high heels were the only footwear available within a twenty-meter radius.

“…Ning Yi,” he growled darkly in his mind.

Meanwhile, Ning Yi, now in Gu Cheng’s body, was happily sipping a glass of champagne. She cooed sweetly in her mind, “Hubby, my poor little feet hurt. Can you stand in for me just for a bit? Pretty please~”

She couldn’t wait to see herself wearing “Mermaid’s Tear” from a third-person perspective. She would look even more divine!

Besides, this was a perfect opportunity to test whether Gu Cheng really had the authority to override their body-switching.

Seeing no sign of Gu Cheng switching back, Ning Yi took another satisfied sip of champagne.

Ha! Clearly, my authority is supreme!

Gu Cheng, still staring at the high heels, remained silent.

Meanwhile, Song Lan began introducing the final showcase to the audience.

“Up next, the centrepiece of tonight’s exhibition: ‘Mermaid’s Tear.’ It captures the heart-breaking beauty of shattered despair!”

“And it will be presented by Ning Yi!”

The audience erupted.

[OH MY GOD, I’M READY]

[Ning Jie, Ning Jie, Ning Jie!] 

I’M LOSING IT. SHOW HER TO ME!]

Ding Ziyue sat with a sly grin. Perfect. Everything’s set for Ning Yi to humiliate herself.

Song Lan’s secretary knocked politely on the dressing room door. “Madam, Mrs. Song wants to know if you’re ready.”

Gu Cheng was about to coldly reject the request when Ning Yi’s playful voice rang in his mind.

“Hubby, please make sure to showcase this jewellery perfectly for Mom, okay~?”

“Otherwise, I’ll be so heartbroken I’ll cry *prpr* tears of sadness! Using your face.”

Gu Cheng: “…”

Half a minute later.

Gu Cheng, now wearing ten-centimetre stilettos, rose slowly to his feet.

The fractured tail sapphire of “Mermaid’s Tear” sparkled lightly against his collarbone, casting radiant glimmers.

In fairy tales, the Little Mermaid exchanged her tail for legs, enduring every step like walking on knives.

In that moment, Gu Cheng thought bitterly: I am literally the daughter of the sea.

When “Ning Yi” emerged at the centre of the exhibition hall once again, all eyes fell on her.

This time, it was an entirely different aura from the earlier deep V red gown.

She stood slender and still, exuding a delicate, icy grace. It was as if a mermaid’s heartbreak echoed behind her under a moonlit night.

Ding Ziyue’s excitement froze on her face. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively clamped her mouth shut.

Jiang Linyi, along with everyone else present, was utterly captivated, their expressions one of complete awe.

The online platforms went wild, exploding with record-breaking reactions.

[ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING]

[MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR]

[WANDER JUST GIFTED 100 PRESENTS!!]

Viewers were so stunned they could barely form coherent comments.

Meanwhile, Ding Ziyue watched in horror as Ning Yi—no, her arch-nemesis—stole the show.

Her composure began to crack entirely.

Why?!

Why does she look even better walking in those torture devices?!

In the crowd, only Song Lan was so moved she covered her mouth in astonishment. This is it—this is the effect I dreamed of!

Beautiful to the point of despair!

That sense of fragility!

That air of hopeless sorrow!

Song Lan clutched her hands over her mouth as the hall lit up with a dazzling storm of flash photography. This was undoubtedly destined to be the most breath-taking presentation of the year.

Meanwhile, Gu Cheng, still expressionless, balanced atop ten-centimetre stilettos.

His body trembled ever so slightly.

“I truly am full of despair, Mom.”

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