That day, Gu Chengyu returned home from the company at noon.
It was rare for him to skip work in the afternoon, only instructing his assistant Zhao to email him if anything urgent came up.
He leaned back on the living room sofa, his fingers idly tapping the armrest, his gaze drifting toward the entrance from time to time.
His tablet lay discarded beside him, the screen still displaying Su Qianqian’s trending hashtag and her withdrawal announcement.
He had to admit, that agent Brother Wang really knew what he was doing.
A mute beauty like her had relied solely on public curiosity about her looks to attract such a massive following in just a few days.
If things had continued like that, people would’ve eventually realized she was just a pretty face—like an anime character—and lost interest.
But at this critical moment, the quiet beauty suddenly came to life, posting a heartfelt statement. And just as the public’s fascination hadn’t yet faded, she disappeared from view.
Naturally, they were left itching to follow her on Weibo, eagerly awaiting her next appearance.
A few seemingly simple moves, yet perfectly calculated to keep the audience hooked.
A soft sound came from the entrance.
Gu Chengyu immediately straightened up, his lips curling into an unconscious smile.
The door opened.
Su Qianqian stepped in lightly.
Today, she wore a pale purple dress that hugged her slender waist, paired with matching purple sandals—simple yet stunning.
When she spotted the man lounging on the sofa, clearly waiting for her, she paused mid-step, her lips instantly puckering as she let out a displeased “Hmph!”
Her voice was clear and melodious—not the slightest hint of hoarseness.
Though she had originally planned to gain attention solely through her looks and had even considered faking a sore throat, his actions that night had conveniently left her voice genuinely strained, so she’d gone along with it.
But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t hold him accountable.
Gu Chengyu was momentarily taken aback by her sudden huff, failing to follow her train of thought.
What had gotten into his little one all of a sudden?
But he had always been domineering by nature, and he wasn’t about to waste time overanalyzing. Right now, all he wanted was to pull this sweet, soft creature into his arms and indulge in some affection first.
With a few long strides, he crossed the room to the entrance.
Su Qianqian had just bent down to change into her slippers when he swept her up in a bridal carry.
“Ah!”
She gasped as the slipper on her left foot slipped off and hit the floor with a soft thud.
Annoyed, she kicked off the other one too, leaving her delicate, fair feet bare.
Gu Chengyu chuckled at her stubborn symmetry, his low laughter rumbling in his chest.
Carrying her effortlessly, he returned to the sofa and settled her onto his lap, facing him, her legs straddling his muscular thighs.
One hand anchored firmly at her slender waist while the other tilted her small chin up, his lips descending to capture that pouting mouth.
“I missed you so much, baby,” he murmured, his voice rough with longing.
But Su Qianqian turned her head away, letting his scorching kiss land on her soft cheek instead.
Unfazed, Gu Chengyu trailed feather-light kisses along her smooth skin, murmuring between each one, “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“Who made our Qianqian so angry? Hmm?”
“Sweetheart?” The new endearment sent a flush creeping up Su Qianqian’s cheeks.
Her anger inexplicably deflated by half, though she still muttered, “Why call me that all of a sudden? It’s so cheesy…”
“Hmph!”
She forced herself to regain her composure, putting on her sternest expression. “Don’t think calling me ‘sweetheart’ will make me forgive you!”
“This is all your fault! Because of you, my voice was ruined, and people criticized me!”
“They said I was coasting on the show, that I was standoffish!”
Growing more indignant by the second, she lifted her chin haughtily. “Because of you, I couldn’t even make friends properly, and now people are talking behind my back! Admit it—this is all on you!”
