"Is it a Pug?" Her voice had just fallen when Tang Tianyou chimed in with her, almost in unison: "Does it have a tuft of white fur on the back of its neck that looks like a stamp?"
"So it really is yours?" Gu Qili was bouncing with excitement, "It’s at my place."
Tang Tianyou also felt it was unbelievable; the dog he had been looking for so long had actually been picked up by her, this might just be what people call a ’fluke’.
Because of her excitement, her hand tightened around his arm. He could distinctly feel the warmth of her body, warm and carrying a comforting warmth that reached deep into his heart.
When he was momentarily lost in thought, the light above suddenly turned on, followed by a puzzled voice: "Tang bro, what are you doing here? Why didn’t you turn on the lights or open the door?"
Standing at the doorway, Xiong Er’s silhouette was backlit, looking surprised at the two people huddled in the corner.
Only when the lights were on did Gu Qili realize that this place wasn’t as cramped as she had imagined. It felt small only because they were standing in front of a pile of stacked boxes. Once past these boxes, there was ample space. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel(ꜰ)ire.net
Gu Qili looked at him, puzzled. So, there were lights here, and the place was spacious...
Looking at him, her expression changed. Was he doing this on purpose?
"This is my first time here, I didn’t know." His words came out as if he were explaining to her while he gave Xiong Er a fierce glare from the corner of his eye.
Xiong Er initially wanted to say, ’You’ve been here a hundred times, how could it be your first?’ But upon catching his warning gaze, he forcibly swallowed his words.
"Let’s head out." Tang Tianyou guarded her from the sharp corners of the boxes, letting her go first.
It turned out the exterior was a casino.
Gu Qili had been to places a few times before, but every time some men would enthusiastically cling to her, so after a few visits, she lost interest.
"Could you leave me a contact number? I don’t have work tomorrow during the day. I’ll find time to return the dog to you." Gu Qili initially wanted to have him come and pick up the Pug, but considering that Mu Shuoqian wasn’t at home, it would be inconvenient for a man to go to her place, and it could easily lead to misunderstandings.
Tang Tianyou seemed to realize her concerns. His long brows knitted, and an imperceptible dim mood seemed to spread, yet he smiled carelessly, "Sure, I’ll call you tomorrow."
"My number..." Gu Qili suddenly remembered that day at the casino when he forcefully took her phone and seemed to have saved her number, to this day there was still an unfamiliar dialed number in her contacts list.
He should know it, so there was no need to ask again.
Gu Qili walked out of the casino with him, expressing her gratitude again: "Thank you so much for today."
If she hadn’t run into him, who knows what dangerous situations might have occurred. If the others were indeed Chen Jiu’s men, she could guess their purpose. Chen Jiu seemed to be still fixated on the casino matter, wanting Mu Shuoqian’s help, but she knew Mu Shuoqian well enough. If he didn’t want to help, nothing you’d say or do would be of use, even if you were friends.
"I’ll take you back." Tang Tianyou pointed not far ahead, "My car is over there."
"Don’t trouble yourself, I’ll just take a taxi, it’s nearby."
Tang Tianyou didn’t insist any further but personally escorted her to the taxi and watched her leave, his careful manner resembling that of someone protecting his own girlfriend.
Only when the taxi carrying Gu Qili had driven out of sight did Xiong Da’s voice rise: "Tang bro..." He looked like he had something to say but didn’t dare to say it.
"Speak if you have something to say." Tang Tianyou lit a cigarette and Xiong Da hurriedly gave him a light. He then stood by the roadside, leaning against a streetlight, and started to smoke.
It seemed Xiong Da had to muster a lot of courage to cautiously advise, "Tang bro, Miss Gu is Young Master Qian’s woman."
Tang Tianyou just smoked, blowing rings nonchalantly, clearly hearing the words but seemingly not reacting.
"We’ve always kept to ourselves with Young Master Qian, peacefully doing business in our own territories."
"What are you trying to say?" Tang Tianyou stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette, his gaze growing frosty.
Xiong Da clenched his teeth secretly, "With so many women fond of you, bro, maybe it’s better to let go of Young Master Qian’s woman."
"Since when is it your place to advise me on my actions?" Tang Tianyou gave him a cold look, "Instead of wasting time talking nonsense with me, why don’t you hurry up and catch those two who followed her."
"Tang bro..." Xiong Da’s face showed disapproval, and Xiong Er, afraid he might say something to further displease Tang Tianyou, quietly tugged at his sleeve.