Gu Xiaoxi patted the dust off her clothes, lifted her proud chin, and strode out of the restroom.
This was a small lesson, if they dared to come again, she would make sure they couldn’t even participate in the world competition.
No sooner had Gu Xiaoxi stepped out of the restroom than she unexpectedly bumped into Danny Jay.
The man was dressed in a sea-blue military uniform, his broad and imposing back exuding an unusual blend of iron-blooded firmness and nobility.
Upon seeing Gu Xiaoxi, he clearly was surprised too, but a brief moment later his eyes showed a glint of delight.
"Miss Gu, who would’ve thought we’d meet here?" Danny Jay said with a beaming smile.
Gu Xiaoxi merely gave him a glance, then extended her hand, her voice detached, "Give me back my stuff."
"Are you talking about the badge? Since it was already given to me. It doesn’t seem right to ask for it back, does it!" Danny Jay’s smile was gentle yet dazzling, those azure blue eyes, no matter how one looked, were filled with schemes.
"Are you going to return it or not? If you don’t, wait until the next time I visit your mansion. It won’t be as simple as just returning an item," Gu Xiaoxi glared at him, her expression unfriendly. Perhaps she had never shown him any kindness.
She had never been interested in people full of machinations. She felt it was best to stay as far away as possible.
"If you accompany me for a walk in the garden, maybe I’ll consider giving you back your thing," Danny Jay said, squinting slightly, making a gesture of invitation to Gu Xiaoxi while maintaining the semblance of a gentleman.
Gu Xiaoxi took out a jewel he’d given her from her pocket, stuffed it into his chest, and said coldly, "I’ve returned your thing. I hope you keep your word. Don’t make me angry." She had brought the item with her in the morning, intending to return it to him when they met.
"With that temper of yours, you won’t be able to marry off in the future. Miss Gu, with your abilities, why be a mere foot soldier? Why don’t you come under my wing, and I would make you a duchess," Danny Jay immediately took steps to follow Gu Xiaoxi.
Gu Xiaoxi, expressionless, walked towards the outdoor garden, her tone icy, "Whether I can marry off or not is none of your concern. I am a person of Liuli Country, are you inciting me to betray my country?"
"Not at all! You would become my person if you married me. How could that be considered treason? You’re making it sound too serious," Danny Jay quickly explained with a laugh.
The night garden was resplendent with lights, the majestic and spacious pebble pathway flanked by tastefully carved lampposts, all exuding incredible opulence.
Gu Xiaoxi scoffed, "Dream on. I’m already married. Now give me back my stuff! From now on, we owe each other nothing."
"You’re in such a hurry to sever ties with me? Last time, I saved you."
"I don’t interact with purposeful people. Besides, your intentions are too obscure, they make me suspect you have ulterior motives," Gu Xiaoxi said bluntly—she disliked beating around the bush with smart people.
Danny Jay should be able to tell that she was on her guard against him at all times.
"It’s just your over-sensitivity. I simply wanted to befriend you. I’m genuinely surprised when you say you’re married. With your personality, who would fancy you?" he chuckled, clearly disbelieving Gu Xiaoxi’s words.
All Gu Xiaoxi wanted now was to retrieve what belonged to her.
"What will it take for you to return my stuff?" she asked impatiently, looking toward Danny Jay.
"I haven’t thought it through since you’re continuously keeping me at a distance, which makes me unhappy."
Gu Xiaoxi pinched her fingers, feeling the anger rising.
She suddenly clamped her mouth shut, said nothing, and sullenly proceeded forward.
Danny Jay, observing her angered demeanor from behind, had a stronger smile on his face. He pursued Gu Xiaoxi’s steps, saying with a laugh, "Is that thing that important to you? It’s just a badge. You could perfectly recreate another one."
Gu Xiaoxi abruptly stopped, turned to glare at him furiously, and said irritably, "How would you feel if someone took something very important to you, the original, and you had to settle for a replica? Would you be happy?"
Danny Jay was taken aback for a moment, his gaze involuntarily falling upon Gu Xiaoxi’s angry face. This woman was even more dangerous than when he first met her.
Because he could sense the restrained, fierce power within her, including the rich yet gentle Spiritual Energy.
Why did he like being near her? Initially, it was truly because of the Spiritual Energy she possessed, which was as warm and pristine as the sunshine, comforting to be around.
Latterly, at the racetrack, her composed and cool demeanor in handling situations had touched him profoundly.
He felt she was an extraordinary woman, worthy of acquaintance, and he wanted to know more about her.
Yet, from start to finish, she protected her secrets like a turtle in its shell. Despite all his efforts, he couldn’t find any true information about her. He hadn’t expected to bump into her here.
At this moment, she was angry.
Moreover, her wariness towards him was deepening.
Danny Jay sighed, touched his chin in an awkward gesture, and said with regret, "Why do you always suspect me of having ill intentions? I genuinely like you, that’s why I approached you. Can’t we truly be friends? Just like normal friends."
"No! I don’t like making friends with strangers!" Gu Xiaoxi flatly refused.
Danny Jay felt disheartened; sincerity and trust were the hardest commodities to buy in the world. He didn’t know if he had done something wrong that made Gu Xiaoxi misunderstand him.
Her guard against him had become unimaginably strong.
He stood before Gu Xiaoxi and after a while took out her silver badge from his pocket, handing it over, "Here you go, this is yours. I’ve kept it with me. I’m a man of my word, and I promised to return it to you the next time we met."
Gu Xiaoxi nonchalantly took it, said thank you, and then turned and walked away.