Chapter 1, Section 1: I may not love her anymore.

Perhaps I don't love her as much as I thought I did; maybe I'm just too tired to love her anymore.

Later, when Gu Lai looked back, she realized that this thought hadn't just arisen when she and Jiang Yi were seriously discussing divorce. It had been lurking in her heart for a long time, like a dormant seed, waiting for a heavy rain to bring it out.

Gu Lai got up, slipped on cashmere slippers barefoot, and slowly made her way to the bathroom to wash up. She returned to the bedroom with her feet still damp, and leaned down to gently place a minty mouthwash kiss on Jiang Yi's forehead, a good morning wake-up kiss.

Jiang Yi was very grumpy when she woke up, having gone to bed very late the night before. With her eyes still closed, she clicked her tongue loudly and impatiently pulled the pillowcase next to her over her head.

In a rush, before Gu Lai could even look up to avoid it, the soft pillowcase left a red mark on her neck from her lover's hand.

Gu Lai touched the area; it stung a little. But she knew it would subside soon, and at least when she went out, she would be a perfect superstar, ready to be photographed on the street anytime.

Because this has happened more than once.

Before they were legally married and were half-keeping and half-loving, Jiang Yi would look at her with his charming eyes, deep and calm, and gently stroke the bruises and red marks on her body that he had made while half-asleep and venting his morning grumpiness.

Later she got used to it, and she got used to it.

At most, Jiang Yi would watch the beautician restore her to a perfect state, or at worst, have the makeup artist carefully cover it up.

Who would dare complain about the added trouble while receiving Xiao Jiang's high salary? They would almost wish that Xiao Jiang had more unseemly hobbies, so that she could be shown the power of public relations.

Xiao Jiang is the head of the fashion giant Fenglu Group. She fought her way out from among her uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters, and was only officially announced by her grandmother last year as the heiress of the Jiang family and the head of Fenglu.

Jiang Yi is far removed from the gossipy mortals. All that is known is that she is as ruthless as her grandmother, who is known as the "fashion godmother." But when asked for details, no one knows.

Gu Lai is very close.

Gu Lai is widely recognized as the most successful one at climbing into someone's bed.

At first, everyone thought he was just climbing into the bed of the dissolute and flirtatious Princess Fenglu. Later, after they got married and entered the inner chambers of the house, he became the envy of outsiders. Who would have thought that he would now become the Crown Princess Fenglu?

So now everyone's saying it's different: it turns out that Mr. Jiang knew all along that her birth chart indicated she was a lucky wife. People thought that Mr. Jiang marrying Gu Jinque as soon as same-sex marriage became legal was a way to create a rebellious and trendy persona to cater to the market, but actually, he had a plan in mind. Otherwise, what good would marrying a pretty face with no family background be?

Jiang Yi, who was so unapproachable, would certainly not apologize for her morning grumpiness. In fact, she never apologized. Gu Lai had been tolerant of her from the very beginning, tolerating her for seven years.

Gu Lai thought she would continue to be so tolerant naturally, but she didn't expect that she would suddenly lose patience.

I can't explain why.

Perhaps it's because Jiang Yi finally gained the approval of Empress Dowager Feng Lu last year, and his future looks bright, so she's paying less and less attention to her. Or perhaps they've had less and less to talk about; she's busy with her movies, TV dramas, variety shows, and red carpets, while Jiang Yi is busy with his business empire. Or maybe she's finally achieved a grand slam of Best Actress awards in recent years, becoming famous and well-known, and now she feels she can finally stand by and do nothing.

Of course, it's more likely that he's just tired.

Yesterday was their wedding anniversary. Jiang Yi rushed home at 10 p.m., and after a few drinks, he started making advances. Gu Lai had squeezed out a day from her busy schedule to plan a romantic date, and then spent most of the day waiting and half the night to satisfy her lover. Now she was really tired.

Jiang Yi was too familiar to her; the novelty and excitement of being in love, which made her ignore her fatigue, was long gone.

Gu Lai smoothed her hair back, stared at Jiang Yi, slowly straightened up, and turned to leave without saying a word.

She was halfway through her vegetarian salad when she saw Jiang Yi, who was wearing a bathrobe, arrive at the dining area.

The private chef and housekeeper lived far apart. Jiang Yi's hair was clipped up high with shark clips, with some stray hairs hanging down lazily like their owner. Unlike her grandmother, who meticulously styled her full head of silver hair, her elegant hairstyle was something that waited for others to serve and maintain, such as Gu Lai.

Jiang Yi, holding a glass of milk, walked over to Gu Lai. She didn't sit down, but leaned back on the table. She placed the glass down, reached out, and touched Gu Lai's face. Her palm was still warm from the milk—Gu Lai's hands were very cold.

"You have some dark circles under your eyes." Jiang Yi looked down at her captivating eyes and said somewhat casually, "How's Kong Kang'an's project going lately?"

Gu Lai hummed in agreement. A few seconds later, Jiang Yi still hadn't removed his hand, so she turned her head slightly to the side.

Jiang Yi's hand missed its target, but her expression remained unchanged, still languid. She casually placed her hand on Gu Lai's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze like she was soothing a cat, and then softly stroked her neck a couple of times.

Gu Lai looked up at her because of her action.

Jiang Yi smiled at her, a smile that was soothing, casual, and full of charm.

Jiang Yi is truly beautiful, so beautiful that for a long time people questioned her abilities—this was not prejudice, but jealousy.

How could God love one person so much, giving her both Aphrodite's beauty and Zeus's power?

Moreover, her beauty wasn't the grand and dignified air of a sect leader, but rather like a delicate and vibrant Damask rose. Her captivating eyes were a given, and her lips, with their rose-like base color, were arched, curving even when she wasn't smiling.

If she were willing to utter words even more fragrant than the Rose of Sharon perfume from the Delon brand, then many more people would understand why Shakespeare named his bloody war scenes in the symphony of the chapels "Rose."

Jiang Yi withdrew his hand and stood up, saying softly, "If things don't go well, tell Ge Li, A Lai."

Gu Lai swallowed the last bite of breakfast, hummed in agreement, and got up.

Kong Kang'an is a well-known director, producer, and investor in the industry, with several critically acclaimed and commercially successful dramas in her hands. Rumors are circulating that a project is being planned to adapt a novel she's had shelved for who knows how many years, but unfortunately, it's considered too sensitive, and interest is low.

There's a pretty important female character in it, and Gu Lai happens to fall for her.

Gu Lai hasn't made a decision yet; at least, her manager, Tan Junming, doesn't know. He's only hinted at it to a few assistants. Of course, she certainly wouldn't tell Jiang Yi. It's both because she doesn't have the time and because there's no need.

In Jiang Yi's eyes, this was mostly just a way to amuse people, much like the tea ceremony and charity that other wealthy ladies and gentlemen were enthusiastic about.

But Jiang Yi knew it.

That's why Gu Lai is said to be the canary she cultivated. From assistant to agent to the well-resourced Gu Lai Studio, everything was handled by Jiang Yi.

Gu Lai always felt that this was concern, that she cared.

But at that moment, she suddenly didn't want to deal with it, and even felt a little annoyed by Jiang Yi's condescending comfort and concern, which was superficial and not as sincere as her perfunctory business banquet.

This feeling of irritation not only permeated her entire silent morning, but continued to linger until she got into the car.

The car was filled with the fragrance of Sharon roses.

Assistant Zhou Shanshan diligently read the schedule to Gu Lai. Gu Lai kept her eyes closed and expressionless throughout. After reading it, Zhou Shanshan paused and softly called out, "Sister Lai?"

Gu Lai opened her eyes, and Zhou Shanshan, seeing that she wasn't asleep, asked again, "Sister Lai, are you feeling unwell? Should we call 'ELEGANCE' and ask them to stay an hour later?"

Gu Lai denied softly, "No need, I'm fine."

Zhou Shanshan wasn't surprised at all. Her boss—after all, the accounts were processed through Gu Lai—had always been very good-tempered, and her voice was as clear and gentle as broken jade beads.

Now that I can hear that his voice is fine, and he doesn't seem to be sick, then of course I should continue.

He's probably in a bad mood, maybe worried about President Jiang? I heard President Jiang has been working non-stop lately, and it was already dark when he got back yesterday.

Lai Jie was probably angry. She had been furious at President Jiang's business-driven, life-risking approach several times, and they had even argued about it in person. But in the end, she couldn't do anything about it. Her anger stemmed from concern and care; she could never truly neglect him.

Everyone says it's about climbing into someone's bed, but Zhou Shanshan, who's right there by her side, seems to be true love.

Zhou Shanshan smiled understandingly and asked naturally, "Should we contact Ge Li for dinner?"

Ge Li is currently Jiang Yi's personal assistant.

Gu Lai felt inexplicably tired.

She said calmly, "Try contacting the editor-in-chief of ELEGANCE. Hasn't she suggested it many times? Ask her if she has time."

Zhou Shanshan smiled and said, "Their new editor-in-chief, Xu Rui, will definitely have time."

Zhou Shanshan's calm acceptance of the offer suddenly startled Gu Lai.

Why did Zhou Shanshan agree so quickly? Because she felt it was a matter of courtesy and was happy for her boss's "understanding."

Why did she suddenly feel alarmed? Because she abruptly realized that she had actually been running away all morning, and she felt mentally exhausted in front of Jiang Yi.

I might not love her anymore.

The idea just popped up naturally, without any warning.

For a moment, Gu Lai felt as if her breath had stopped.

Maybe I really haven't been getting enough rest.

She put on her blindfold. The car was quiet, but the smell was everywhere.

One whiff and you know it's a Sharon rose. When you think of Sharon roses, you think of Dailan, Fenglu, and its owner Jiang Yi.

“Also,” Gu Lai said with her eyes closed, her voice so soft that Zhou Shanshan could barely hear her, “change the fragrance. I don’t want to smell Sharon Rose again at noon… just change it to any woody scent.”

"Tell the display designer to change the fragrance. Was it Ah Lai who picked it? It's a bit too sweet."

Meanwhile, Jiang Yi, who was still at home, told the family housekeeper, Eileen, that Eileen was previously a member of the family office's concierge department, and was later recruited and ultimately chosen by Gu Lai as an English girl.

Eileen agreed, explaining with a grin, "It's Dailan's new product this year. Gu thought it was pretty good, so I chose the main fragrance notes to make a perfume."

Jiang Yi remained noncommittal: "She still loves floral scents."

Eileen turned and exchanged a glance with Ross, the private chef who was carrying a plate of Yanov biscuits. Who knew what had happened between the employers? The atmosphere was so strange so early in the morning.

Ross set the cookies aside, shrugged at Eileen, and turned to go to the kitchen, gleefully leaving the strange employer alone with her.

"Sister Jiang, the patient I've been looking at this morning didn't seem to be in a good mood. How about we try a different 'calming aura'? Just use a scent diffuser, simply letting the scents of bergamot and patchouli diffuse lightly and ethereally, is that alright?"

With a cigarette between his fingers, Jiang Yi slowly traced the shape of his lips with his other hand while holding a lipstick in front of the mirror. Hearing this, he smiled at the mirror and said, "She doesn't like patchouli. You're going to make A-Lai even more uneasy."

“Gu may not have liked it before, but she’s changed long ago, hasn’t she? She’s been using Sharon Rose for years now, without fail. Its middle and base notes are such a rich scent of patchouli and rose, as pleasant as falling asleep to the smell of battlefield roses.” Eileen answered lightly, winking playfully at Jiang Yi. “People’s tastes are so changeable, like flowing water that never stops. There’s no fixed rule.”

Jiang Yi didn't say anything, but simply put the lipstick on the table, stood up, picked up his coat with one hand, tapped the camel bone cigarette case on the edge of the table with the other, and took out a cigarette. Eileen helped him light the lighter.

The blue flame stood quietly upright. Jiang Yi bent down to light it, then put on his clothes while biting a cigarette.

Each of the custom-made cigarettes bears her name and costs a fortune, but she never smokes more than a third of them. When she's not addicted, she won't touch a single one for six months; when the craving kicks in, she can smoke a whole carton of gold in a single day.

Eileen looked at the tidied-up Jiang Yi and exclaimed, "Wow, he's so charming. If it weren't for our genes, I would be head over heels for you."

Jiang Yi smiled: "My charm is enough to make A Lai transcend the preconceived notions written in her genes."

Eileen shrugged: "You're too hot, Sister Jiang. What I mean is I can totally understand Gu. Although Gu is also very beautiful, as lovely and gentle as a lily of the valley with dew on it—okay, okay, I was just praising you, Sister Jiang."

Jiang Yi looked away and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray in the entryway: "Isn't A-Lai more like a white tulip?"

Eileen gave him a perfect smile, regretting her slip of the tongue, even though she was genuinely straightforward.

"The lily of the valley flowers are too small and unrefined," Jiang Yi commented sarcastically, then chuckled lightly, "but they're still quite beautiful to look at."

Eileen nodded in complete agreement with her employer.

The employer who continues to pay her a high salary is always right.

Jiang Yi's expression turned cold the moment he got into the car, but Ge Li, used to it, began her workday. She mostly did the talking, and Jiang Yi listened.

Even after she finished speaking, Jiang Yi only made corrections and summaries, without making any further arrangements.

The black luxury car drove into the bustling CBD, and the city that never sleeps seemed to be fully awakened and bustling with activity. A constant stream of cars and people thronged the wide avenues, and the towering TV tower gradually came into view through the car window.

Jiang Yi looked indifferently out the car window, where the slender TV tower in the distance was sharply reflected in the depths of her dark eyes.

"Have Zhou Shanshan send me A Lai's recent schedule, and also send me the names of the people she works with. You can check them first."

Jiang Yi's seemingly unrelated words startled Ge Li, but her high-paying professionalism made her subconsciously write down her agreement.

Ge Li was still waiting for her next instructions, such as changing Madame Chiang's schedule to a tighter or more flexible one, or questioning the professional competence of Madame Chiang's assistant team, nutritionist, psychologist, or other staff.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yi fell silent after saying this.

Ge Li turned her gaze to Jiang Yi, who was staring motionlessly out the window. Her dark, curly hair cascaded over her collarbone, creating a striking contrast with her red lips.

Ge Li couldn't appreciate her boss's beauty, and anticipating working overtime, she felt a dull ache in her temples.

Ge Li asked considerately, "Mr. Jiang, should we contact Agent Tan to check on Madam's schedule?"

Jiang Yiping calmly denied it: "No need. I don't know why yet. Let's talk about it when we have some free time."

Ge Li nodded. The car smoothly drove into the headquarters garage, and she suddenly heard Jiang Yi's voice again, this time clearly tinged with fatigue and annoyance: "To avoid making her wait in vain, I even took a break from my busy schedule to rush back. Doesn't she know how tight my schedule is lately? Can't she just say what she wants to say? She really hasn't changed at all over the years."

Meanwhile, in a photo studio on the other side of the city, stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists took turns styling and beautifying Gu Lai, who had shed her natural, unassuming look at home. Now, as the stunningly beautiful superstar Gu Lai, she smiled calmly at the editor of *ELEGANCE* magazine during the interview.

"We quickly went from getting to know each other to falling in love, and now it's been ten years."

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Initiating a new chapter! Daily updates, please favorite and comment! Writing alone is so boring [droopy-eared rabbit head]