"If there’s anything you like, just bid on it directly." Gu Qixiao was always generous with the people he cared about, and he had made it clear that today’s outing was simply meant to help her relax.
Because the two of them were dressed rather uniquely, they naturally caught people’s attention.
"What’s going on with these two? They didn’t even wear formal attire. Do they not take this auction seriously?"
"Well, do you even know who they are? For them, wearing or not wearing evening gowns makes no difference."
Many attendees were aware of their identities and didn’t dare to comment further.
Even the organizers treated them with the utmost politeness; who else would dare say anything?
Ji Yu wasn’t particularly interested in auctions and such.
But when she saw a bracelet, she took an immediate liking to it.
Gu Qixiao had been biding his time to shine and wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip.
However, another party also seemed quite fond of the bracelet. The bidding war began, and the price kept doubling, bringing a smile to the auctioneer on stage.
Ji Yu was initially curious but, seeing the price climb this high, didn’t feel the need to continue.
"How about we just let it go? It’s not like I absolutely need this bracelet."
But how could Gu Qixiao possibly skimp when it came to someone he liked?
"You like it, so I have to get it for you. Besides, their bidding price isn’t particularly high." To him, spending money was nothing compared to earning Ji Yu’s smile.
Ji Yu was slightly helpless but ultimately let Gu Qixiao win the bid for the bracelet.
"President Gu, it’s been such a long time!" Later, as the auction concluded and Gu Qixiao picked up the bracelet, he happened to run into the person who had competed against him for it.
The woman appeared relaxed, but her intense gaze toward Gu Qixiao was unmistakable.
Ji Yu instinctively thought the woman must have come here for Gu Qixiao.
"What are you doing here?" Though they were familiar with each other, it had been a long time since they last met. Something about her seemed off, and he had no interest in engaging.
"After all this time, you’re this cold to me? And who’s your new flame over there? Where’s your little follower from before?"
As she said this, her eyes swept up and down, sizing Ji Yu up.
Ji Yu met the gaze without concern, aware they must have some prior connection—otherwise, such a greeting wouldn’t make sense.
"If you two have things to discuss, I’ll go ahead and leave first."
"I’ll go with you. We agreed to go out together today, after all." Gu Qixiao had little interest in this woman’s affairs.
He knew Ji Yu was far more important. He had already decided Ji Yu was his future wife; how could he possibly consider someone else at this time? The source of this content ɪs Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
"It seems President Gu is busy shopping with his beauty today and doesn’t have time to chat with me. Well, that’s fine. I’m sure we’ll see each other again." The woman glanced disdainfully at Ji Yu’s belly.
She hadn’t heard any news of Gu Qixiao getting married and was certain their relationship wasn’t a legitimate one.
Ji Yu was keenly attuned to people’s gazes. When she caught the woman looking at her stomach, she instantly knew the visitor had ill intentions.
"In that case, why don’t we head back and rest? I’m feeling a bit tired."
Ji Yu didn’t show any particular reaction, idly playing with the bracelet in her hand.
The woman’s eyes burned with frustration at this casual display.
"Miss, may I know your name? Perhaps we could be friends."
"Ji Yu," she replied lightly.
Since she wasn’t familiar with this person, offering just a name felt like enough courtesy.
"My name is Ling Xia."
Ji Yu had no impression of her.
Still, the two had experienced a brief encounter, and it was evident that Ling Xia had feelings for Gu Qixiao.
Once they got in the car, Ji Yu finally asked about the woman’s identity.
"She’s sort of an old schoolmate of mine. We haven’t seen each other in ages, and I’m not sure what’s going on with her today. She seemed eager to get to know you."
Gu Qixiao’s tone carried no nostalgia, treating her like a stranger.
Given how long they hadn’t seen each other and how confrontational her behavior was, he couldn’t guess her intentions.
"She probably has other ideas about you." Ji Yu remarked casually, not expecting him to take her words seriously.
The next day, Ji Yu encountered Ling Xia again at Gu Qixiao’s company.
"Miss Ji, I didn’t know you were familiar with Xiao’s company," Ling Xia remarked with exaggerated surprise, as though it was utterly incomprehensible.
"What exactly are you trying to imply? Why would it matter to you whether or not I know this place? Besides, you must have known I’d be here today—that’s why you showed up." Ji Yu wasn’t fazed by such petty tricks.
She knew full well that anything between Ling Xia and Gu Qixiao could never happen. Clinging to such notions would only serve to strain their connections and, ironically, might even create actual opportunities for others.
Ji Yu’s stance remained straightforward. She didn’t doubt Gu Qixiao’s loyalty.
"Miss Ji might not know this, but we used to be very close classmates. Everyone even said back then that he secretly liked me. Although thinking about it now, it seems impossible—he’s such a remarkable person, with so many admirers. Why would he secretly like me?"
Given her tone and slight smile, Ling Xia seemed to be caught in sentimental nostalgia.
Ji Yu heard her words without the slightest change in expression, sensing no impact from what was said.
"Honestly, we’re all about open feelings here—nothing secretive." Their relationship was open and well-known to everyone.
Ling Xia was momentarily stung.
Whatever boldness Ji Yu had baffled her. But when Ling Xia thought of the child growing inside Ji Yu, she begrudgingly acknowledged that maybe Ji Yu did have some leverage.
"Let me be blunt: Even if you’re carrying his child, it doesn’t mean you’ll ever step foot into the Gu family. You must realize he sees you as nothing more than a plaything. Otherwise, why hasn’t he married you despite your pregnancy?"
At that, Ling Xia’s gaze sharpened with unveiled disdain.
She had already concluded their relationship was illegitimate, without approval from either family.
"Whether I’m a plaything isn’t any of your business, is it? After all, you’re not even close to being one." Ji Yu had little tolerance for people who stirred up drama. Pregnancy had made her temper sharper, leaving her words blunt and unapologetic.