Chapter 77: Hoisted by One’s Own Petard

Wen Jiu hadn’t expected it and, caught off guard, fell right onto Gu Zehuai. Gu Zehuai let out a muffled groan, clearly in pain from her landing. Truly a case of hoisting a rock only to drop it on his own foot, Gu Zehuai thought to himself. If Wen Jiu knew Gu Zehuai was likening her to a rock in his mind, she’d be anything but pleased.

Hearing Gu Zehuai’s groan, Wen Jiu tensed, quickly bracing herself with her arms so as not to crush him. Yet in the next moment, she caught sight of the smile lingering at the corner of Gu Zehuai’s lips and immediately grew unhappy.

“That’s what you get for pulling me on purpose.”

Gu Zehuai wrapped his arm around Wen Jiu’s waist, pressing her down against him, and spoke pitifully, “Jiu Jiu, how could you be so heartless? You’re breaking my heart.”

Wen Jiu inwardly cursed Gu Zehuai as a fox of a man.

The two were pressed tightly together, the sensation beneath them unmistakable—Wen Jiu naturally understood what was happening. Gu Zehuai, his face tinged with embarrassment, said, “Don’t blame me, Jiu Jiu, I can’t help it.”

Afraid things might escalate, Wen Jiu chose to get up. This time, Gu Zehuai didn’t try anything mischievous.

They got out of bed together, standing side by side at the sink to wash up.

One tall, one short, they stood shoulder to shoulder in pink and blue pajamas. Wen Jiu gazed at their reflection in the mirror, feeling everything was wonderfully idyllic. Gu Zehuai felt the same.

Gu Zehuai finished washing up first and left the bedroom to prepare breakfast. Wen Jiu returned to her apartment to change clothes before heading over to Gu Zehuai’s place.

Wen Jiu asked where they were going today, and Gu Zehuai named a resort. Wen Jiu nodded.

The resort was famous, located in the suburbs, and had only begun to open up in recent years. Wen Jiu had been abroad at the time, so she’d never been. After breakfast, Wen Jiu went to her room to pack her things, and then the two set off by car.

Because it was in the suburbs, the drive was long—about an hour and a half. Gu Zehuai drove the entire way; the farther they got from the city’s skyscrapers, the more beautiful the scenery became. Wen Jiu spent the journey gazing out the window, the autumn breeze blowing through the open glass, feeling relaxed and content.

Catching Wen Jiu’s delight in the rearview mirror, Gu Zehuai’s own mood lightened.

Soon, they arrived at the resort. Gu Zehuai first led Wen Jiu to the hotel front desk to check in.

He had booked the presidential suite on the top floor. After registering, they took the elevator up.

As soon as they entered, Wen Jiu was stunned by the view opposite the door. Stepping inside, she was greeted by a floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over mountains and a lake—rolling hills, tranquil waters, lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see—inviting one’s soul to rest, as if cradled in the arms of nature itself.

Wen Jiu was very pleased, especially upon entering the room where the entire wall of windows offered an even better vantage point for the scenery outside. Since returning home, she hadn’t found the time to immerse herself in nature; now she finally had the chance. It was a pity they would have to return to the city tonight and wouldn’t stay.

Wen Jiu sighed in quiet regret.

Gu Zehuai heard her and asked, “What’s wrong, Jiu Jiu? Don’t like it here? We can go somewhere else if you want.”

Wen Jiu shook her head, explaining, “I love it here—just a shame we won’t spend the night.”

Gu Zehuai pondered a moment and offered her options. “If you really want to stay, we could take tomorrow morning off, or come back next Saturday.”

Wen Jiu weighed the possibilities, considering her schedule. After a moment’s thought, she decided to return home that evening.

“Let’s leave it for now—the timing’s too tight, and I don’t want to get up early tomorrow to catch the ride.”

Gu Zehuai respected her decision and nodded in agreement.