Chapter 262 The Calm Before the Storm
Sheng Weiwei replied instantly, "Same place, wait for me."
She hailed a taxi and headed straight to the place they had agreed to meet.
It was a small but quiet corner café.
Yang Jie was already waiting there.
He and Sheng Weiwei were classmates in the same year, and they only nodded to each other. Unexpectedly, they later became best friends.
To understand this ill-fated relationship, we have to start with that scumbag Gu Shaoheng.
Yang Jie had dreamed of being Sherlock Holmes since he was a child. After graduation, he impulsively opened a detective agency, but he didn't get many cases and almost starved to death.
One night, he went to a bar to drown his sorrows and bumped into Gu Shaoheng, who was passionately kissing a young model.
His professional instincts kicked in, and he pulled out his phone and started snapping photos incessantly.
From that day on, tracking down Gu Shaoheng became his KPI.
It was Yang Jie who relentlessly captured Gu Shaoheng's infidelity and sent the footage to Sheng Weiwei.
Later, Sheng Weiwei invited him out, handed him a card, and their relationship evolved from being on opposing sides to becoming comrades-in-arms.
At the family reunion banquet, the short film featuring Jiang Kexin and her three friends that caused a national sensation was also produced by this "gold medal photographer".
"Weiwei, come and see something good."
Yang Jie gestured with his chin towards her and turned his laptop toward her.
He pressed the play button.
The man wearing the ghostly mask in the picture is the "War Owl" who was bitten hard by her that night.
He placed her on a chair, then turned and went backstage.
The camera didn't move.
A few minutes later, a waiter respectfully led her away from the scene, and a man in a black shirt came out from backstage.
The man was tall and handsome, with an unbelievably good-looking face.
Sheng Weiwei stopped breathing.
With a powerful leap and a quick upward motion of his arms, he nimbly scaled the second floor, just like a secret agent in an action movie, and entered an office.
About two minutes later, a waiter led Sheng Weiwei slowly up the stairs from the other side, and eventually, she entered the same office.
The color drained from Sheng Weiwei's face little by little.
Her eyes were glued to the screen, her fingernails almost digging into her palms.
Yang Jie's voice rang out from the side.
"I squatted there for a long time afterward, and the masked man never came out again."
He pointed to the screen.
"Then, I counted all the heads of people coming in and out."
"Guess what?"
"No more, no less, the number of people matches perfectly."
He drew a conclusion with absolute certainty.
"That masked man is the handsome guy in the black shirt. He has such a stunning face, yet he deliberately covers it up with a mask. Isn't that a waste of talent?"
Now, Sheng Weiwei already has 90% of the answer in her mind.
Bai Yu... is Zhan Xiao.
Her mind went blank; it felt like it had exploded.
She instantly recalled the first time she met Bai Yu, during the ethnic festival in Fengcheng.
During the matchmaking event where they threw embroidered balls to find a husband, she was almost knocked over. He rushed over, picked her up, and carried her out of the crowd.
So, he came back so early.
He stayed by her side, relentlessly pursuing her, taking every step carefully... He even pretended to be incapable, acting pitiful in front of her.
Now it seems that he was just playing with her, leaving her hanging.
That bastard!
Knowing full well that she still had feelings for Zhan Xiao, he still tried to entice her to "cheate on him," and how many times did she cry because of it?
However, she still needs concrete evidence.
Her eyes were deep and cold, radiating an icy aura. "When will the paternity test results be available?"
Her voice carried a sense of impending doom.
"Tomorrow afternoon," Yang Jie said, taking a sip of coffee. "As soon as I get the report, I'll send it to you."
"good."
Sheng Weiwei stood up and patted him hard on the shoulder.
"I'm going back to the company now."
After saying that, she turned and left without lingering for a moment.
Yang Jie watched her resolute departure, quickly closed his laptop, stuffed it into his bag, paid the bill, and left as well.
As Sheng Weiwei walked out of the coffee shop, she looked up at the gray sky, and her eyes suddenly reddened.
She forced herself to calm down and patiently waited for the final answer.
If Bai Yu is truly a war tycoon, then from now on, this game will be her domain, and it will be her turn to be the dealer...
She sent Gu Xingnian a message and arranged to meet at the spa that evening.
Li She SPA.
The air was as tranquil as ever, filled with the aroma of essential oils blending citrus and cedar.
This spa was a place that Sheng Weiwei and Gu Xingnian used to frequent. From the technicians' techniques to the details of their service, they couldn't find anything wrong with it.
Sheng Weiwei was visiting her relatives, but she wasn't feeling well, so she only booked a facial treatment.
She lay on her side as the beautician gently lifted her jawline.
On the next bed, Gu Xingnian was lying face down, and a professional rehabilitation therapist was giving her a postpartum recovery massage.
The pressure was just right, precisely applied to each acupoint.
Now, her abdomen has recovered well and is quite firm, except for a few visible stretch marks below her navel.
Every time she was intimate with Fu Beichen, she felt awkward under the lights.
He would always bend down and gently kiss those lines with his lips.
He said this was the house where the baby lived, a mark of her suffering for him, and it wasn't ugly at all.
That's what they say.
But what woman doesn't want to return to her perfect state?
"What's wrong with you today?" Gu Xingnian turned her head and looked at Sheng Weiwei, who looked completely listless.
"You seem very down, and your stomach hurts?"
Sheng Weiwei opened her eyes, staring straight at the ceiling, her voice deep and cold.
“Niannian, I’m pretty sure now that Bai Yu is Zhan Xiao.”
One sentence froze the air in the entire room.
"He was the one who stayed with me in Maduri, he was the one who broke my heart and almost caused me to miscarry, and now he's back with a different identity to get close to me again."
"Are you sure?" Gu Xingnian was so shocked she almost jumped out of bed. Was that Zhan Xiao from Madu really her brother?
"I'm just waiting for the final paternity test report."
Sheng Weiwei clenched the towel beneath her, her knuckles turning white.
"It's between him and Yuanyuan, the results will be out tomorrow."
She was struggling to contain her emotions, and her chest heaved violently.
“Fu Beichen definitely knows about this. After all, they joined forces in Maduli to take down the Xi family, and the entire upheaval in Maduli was orchestrated by them.”
Gu Xingnian stopped moving.
Fu Beichen must have some unavoidable reason for keeping this from her.
She asked softly, "So what do you plan to do?"
"Niannian." Sheng Weiwei turned her head, her eyes filled with a cold clarity. "I hope you remain neutral. Don't help him, and don't tell Fu Beichen that I already know the truth."
"Doesn't he like to act?"
“Then I’ll play along with him. It’s time to collect what he owes me this year, with interest.”
Gu Xingnian nodded without hesitation, "Okay, I won't interfere. You have full authority to make this decision, except for the child..."
"The child is mine, and has nothing to do with him. We're not married; at most, we're just friends with benefits."
She spoke with absolute certainty, and gave a cold laugh.
"This time, I'll side with reason, not personal connections," Gu Xingnian firmly stated her position.
If Bai Yu really is Zhan Xiao, then all the things I couldn't understand before suddenly become clear.
Why does Zhan Xiao have a genetic defect that makes him allergic to anesthetics? Because he is a member of the Bai family.
Why did he pretend to be incapable at first, yet insist on marrying Weiwei and being so obsessed with the child in her belly?
Because that was originally his seed.
But in doing so, the deep affection that once moved Weiwei turned into a complete scheme to manipulate people's hearts.
Gu Xingnian was secretly worried for Bai Yu.
Brother, good luck to you.
It was nearly 9:30 when the two of them came out of the spa.
The evening breeze brushed against my face, carrying the coolness of early autumn.
Sheng Weiwei suggested going out for hot pot to replenish their fighting energy.
The phone screen lit up briefly; it was a WeChat message from Bai Yu.
"Are you back? I bought your favorite matcha truffle and soufflé. Do you want me to come over, or will you come to me?"
Sheng Weiwei stared at the message and remained silent for a few seconds.
I tapped my fingertips on the screen and replied.
"Wait for me at home, I'll be there in half an hour."
Putting away her phone, she waved to Gu Xingnian, "We'll have to do the hot pot another day. I'll head back first."
"Okay, then don't overthink it, get some rest." Gu Xingnian patted her hand, and the black Rolls-Royce drove up. She got in.
Sheng Weiwei hailed a taxi and sped away.
The night was deep.
The doorbell of the villa rang.
The door opened with a sound, and Bai Yu's tall figure appeared behind it. He didn't say anything, but simply reached out and enveloped her cold fingers in his warm palm, leading her inside.
The room was dark, with only a dim floor lamp and a warm-colored pendant light in the dining room. The interplay of light created a very cozy atmosphere in the space.
In the entryway, he bent down to get her slippers. After she changed, he tightened his arms and picked her up in his arms.
Before Sheng Weiwei could even gasp, she had already landed on the soft sofa in the living room.
He lifted her to sit on the sofa, and seeing that she was in a low mood, he spoke softly.
"What's wrong? Does your stomach still hurt?"
Sheng Weiwei raised her eyes, her gaze calm as she looked at his handsome face so close to hers, its features distinct and flawless.
She raised her hand and gently pressed it against her chest.
"It hurts here."
He misunderstood, thinking she had another blocked milk duct, and frowned slightly.
"Are you feeling unwell again? I'll give you a massage in a bit."
Speaking of this, he's now more skilled than a professional lactation consultant, after all, practice makes perfect.
Sheng Weiwei didn't say anything, but suddenly stretched out her arms and hugged his neck tightly, pulling him a little closer to her.
She tilted her head back and asked him with utmost seriousness.
Where did you go yesterday? You didn't answer my calls or send me any messages.
"You called me?" Bai Yu's nose brushed against her cheek, his breath warm. "I entertained some important guests yesterday and drank a bit too much."
He answered frankly, without any attempt to conceal anything.
"Did you do anything to wrong me?" she pressed, her eyes gleaming with a sharp, intense light as she stared at him.
"Of course not." He lowered his head and kissed her lips, his voice tinged with amusement. "I'm still very clean, you can check."
"Okay, let me check." Sheng Weiwei really reached out her hand, her fingertips landing on the first button of his shirt, one by one, slowly unbuttoning it.
His muscular chest was exposed under the light, his skin clean, and his muscles well-defined.
Apart from the faint teeth marks she had made earlier, there was indeed nothing else.
"Bai Yu, is there anything you're hiding from me?"
She looked up, her gaze fixed on his face, speaking each word clearly.
"I'm giving you a chance now: confess and you'll be treated leniently."
He smiled and gently squeezed the back of her neck with his large hand.
"What, feeling threatened? Do you know your man is too outstanding, and that other men are eyeing him covetously?"
"Tell me, what have you been hiding from me?" She remained unmoved, instead reaching out to pinch his chin, forcing him to look at her.
"I've been naked in front of you countless times, I can't hide anything from you." He was still smiling, his eyes full of doting affection.
"I've heard that President Bai has a very charming secretary who stays by his side day and night." Sheng Weiwei smiled, but her smile was icy.
Bai Yu's expression finally changed slightly, and he then said, "The secretary is very beautiful and capable, but she's not my type."
He lowered his head and kissed her neck with his warm lips, his voice low and magnetic.
"You are my little white rabbit, my world only revolves around you. Don't be jealous."
Sheng Weiwei let him kiss her, but her body was somewhat stiff.
"Bai Yu, if I find Zhan Xiao, I won't want you anymore."
Are you scared?
Her voice was soft, but incredibly earnest.
Bai Yu stopped moving, his dark eyes fixed on her, his voice hoarse.
"Then don't go looking for him, stay by my side forever."
"Anything he can give you, I can do too. Even better than him."
She suddenly laughed, and as she laughed, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Bai Yu, Shengchuang Financial should invest in an entertainment company."
She looked at him and offered her advice with utmost sincerity.
"After all, you're such a good actor."
Bai Yu's heart skipped a beat. "Who made my darling unhappy?"
Sheng Weiwei's eyes were as cold as ice. She suddenly slid off him and stood up straight.
"I'm going back now."
He immediately rushed forward, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and said, "We haven't had dessert yet."
"I don't have much of an appetite, I'm not eating."
He held her tighter, resting his chin on her shoulder, and coaxed her softly, "Don't leave tonight, okay?"
Sheng Weiwei turned her head and coldly uttered a sentence.
"Bai Yu, do you intend to prepare for a bloody battle?"
Bai Yu's body stiffened.
After a long pause, he softened his tone, "I don't want to do anything, I just want to hold you while we sleep."
He spoke with deep emotion.
"I'm out of milk, I'm going back to store some for the baby." She found a reason he could never resist.
In the end, he compromised.
At the door, he held her and kissed her for a long time until she was almost out of breath before letting go.
Then, he took her back to the Sheng residence, where the nightlights cast long shadows of the two of them.
Back at the Sheng residence, Sheng Weiwei stood still and glanced back at his tall figure.
He uttered two words softly.
"Goodbye, Bai Yu."
...
Country S, secret base.
The laboratory was as cold as an icebox.
The man in black was slumped in a black armchair, his long legs casually crossed. The noble yet violent aura emanating from him was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
A subordinate walked in, his voice extremely low.
"Sir, we have received a secret report that Mu Yanchen is on the verge of collapse and requests your assistance in rescuing him."
He also said that as long as he could get out, his life would belong to you, and he would serve you for the rest of his life.
A cold smile curled at the corner of the man's lips.
"A stray dog." The voice wasn't loud, but it was chilling.
The subordinate tentatively asked, "So... does the master mean we should just sit idly by?"
The man's well-defined fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, one tap after another, the rhythm steady and carrying a commanding presence.
"Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone Mu Yanchen, that sharp-toothed hound."
He stopped tapping, not even bothering to lift his eyelids.
"You go and keep an eye on things, and wait for a good opportunity."
"yes."
The subordinate, feeling as if granted a pardon, bowed and hurriedly withdrew.
The laboratory door was silently pushed open again.
Two PhDs in white coats walked in with a woman.
She was wearing only a thin white dress, and her small, white feet were bare as she stepped on the cold floor, but there was no reaction.
Her face was unbelievably beautiful, as clean as a blank sheet of paper, with empty eyes that revealed an innocent naiveté.
The man on the sofa's eyes lit up instantly.
He stood up, his tall figure exuding a strong sense of aggression, and walked over step by step.
He stopped in front of the woman, bent down to look closely, and saw that her face was simply God's most perfect masterpiece.
A large hand reached out and gently pinched her small chin with its fingertips, forcing her to raise her head.
"So similar."
His voice carried a hint of playfulness and amazement.
"it's beautiful."
"Let me train him a bit first." As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly bent down and hoisted the person onto his shoulder.
The woman's soft body rested on his broad shoulders, her long, black hair cascading down.
She didn't cry or make a scene; her stunningly beautiful face remained expressionless.
But she will unleash a new wave of bloodshed in Haicheng...
In Haicheng, the sky suddenly changed, and a torrential downpour began in the middle of the night. Lightning flashed outside the window, illuminating the entire night sky.
"Ah!" Gu Xingnian suddenly sat up in bed, panting heavily.
She dreamt that she was locked in a large, airtight box, surrounded by endless darkness and icy seawater.
The box kept sinking, sinking... She struggled desperately, but couldn't make a sound.
"Nian Nian?"
The man beside her opened his eyes almost the instant she woke up.
Fu Beichen quickly reached out and turned on the dim light on the bedside table.
In the warm light, her pale face was filled with terror.
His heart tightened, and he took a tissue and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" He pulled her into his arms, his broad chest warming her and dispelling the chill in her heart.
"I dreamt..." Gu Xingnian's voice was still trembling as she clutched his pajamas tightly to his chest, "that I was nailed into a wooden box and thrown into the sea, sinking... It was so dark, I couldn't scream..."
She leaned on his broad shoulder, her body still trembling slightly.
"Silly girl, dreams are always the opposite of reality." Fu Beichen gently patted her back, soothing her frightened emotions.
"Your husband will always be by your side, and no one will dare to hurt you."
His voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable power.
“But I have a bad feeling.” Gu Xingnian’s brows were furrowed tightly.
"Don't overthink it. Hmm?"
He placed a burning kiss on her forehead.
"Even if you were thrown into the sea, your husband would pull you out."
He looked at her, his tone slightly teasing.
"Anyway, once you've done it once, you'll know how to do it easily, so it doesn't matter if you do it again."
His unexpected humor eased her tense nerves a little.
“I’ll give you a special code. Fu’s shadow agents are all over the world.” Fu Beichen suddenly sat up straight, his expression becoming extremely serious.
"No matter where you are or what danger you encounter, you can seek help."
"And I will definitely find you."
Every word he uttered struck her heart, solemn and resolute.
As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head and kissed her lips, with a force of comfort and promise.
His long, slender fingertips tapped rhythmically and gently on her back.
Tap, tap-tap, tap...
It was a special Morse code, a unique agreement between them.
Gu Xingnian's body stiffened.
When the kiss ended, her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
he……
He actually cracked the password she had used for fourteen years.
That was her deepest secret.
"Did you remember?" He looked at her reddened eyes, his voice low and gentle.
"Mmm." She nodded heavily, her nose tingling with emotion.
Suddenly, as if she had made up her mind, Gu Xingnian boldly flipped over and straddled his waist.
This action made Fu Beichen's breath catch in his throat.
She leaned down, her warm breath brushing against his ear, and whispered a sentence.
The man's eyes instantly deepened to a profound, ocean-like color, flashing with a fiery intensity.
He suddenly reached out and pulled the bed sheet over, wrapping the two of them tightly.
The indoor temperature suddenly rose.
It got out of control.
...
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