Gu Chengyu had just stepped out when he sent a message to his assistant Zhao.
He told him to contact the owner of "Mist" and get the video of that hot dance from earlier, then send it to him.
Half an hour later.
A black Maybach was parked beside the tree-lined avenue of Galaxy Academy.
Gu Chengyu leaned against the car, watching Su Qianqian walk out of the teaching building.
He waved at her.
Su Qianqian's eyes lit up, and she jogged over, her skirt fluttering slightly. "A-Yu!"
Gu Chengyu naturally took her small backpack and said to Fang Qing and Little Chen, who were following behind, "You can clock off for the day."
Fang Qing understood immediately and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Gu."
Then, she and Little Chen left first.
Gu Chengyu opened the passenger door, shielding Su Qianqian's head as she got in, before walking around to the driver's seat.
The interior of the car was private and quiet.
But he didn't start the engine right away. Instead, he turned to look at her.
"Did you have a good day today?" he asked, his voice a shade deeper than usual.
"Mhm!" Su Qianqian nodded, her eyes sparkling. "The teacher praised me today, said my line delivery has improved."
"Really?" The corner of Gu Chengyu's mouth lifted slightly as he reached out to tidy the stray hairs by her temple that had been mussed from her run, his fingertips brushing against her delicate cheek.
"My Qianqian is so amazing."
His gaze lingered on her face, carrying a certain depth.
Suddenly, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping even lower, almost to a whisper. "Then, have I been good lately?"
Su Qianqian's ears grew warm from his sudden proximity and blunt question. She shrank back a little, but he wrapped an arm around her waist and gently pulled her back.
"Hmm?" His voice was husky with a coaxing tone. "Coming home early, picking you up after class... Have I been good lately?"
Su Qianqian looked at his handsome face. Those usually arrogant phoenix eyes were now focused intently on her. Her heartbeat quickened, and she nodded softly. "You've been good."
His eyes held a clear hint of suggestion. "So, is there a reward?"
Su Qianqian asked in a small voice, "What reward do you want?"
Gu Chengyu chuckled lowly and finally pulled back a little. He took out his phone and tapped a few times.
"Learn this first."
He said, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "We'll cash in the reward later."
The car glided smoothly into the night.
Su Qianqian looked at the video file Gu Chengyu had sent her, accompanied by a message: 【I want to see you dance it.】
Curious, she took out her earphones, put them on, and opened the video.
Hazy lights, suggestive music. On the stage, a woman in a sequined halter dress swayed her hips to the rhythm, her movements bold and fiery, each one filled with provocation.
The smile on Su Qianqian's face slowly froze.
Watching the unfamiliar woman's sensual dance on the screen, and remembering Gu Chengyu's earlier words about a reward, her heart suddenly felt clogged with something sour and astringent.
She couldn't help but wonder if he had looked at the dancer on stage with that same meaningful gaze earlier.
Gu Chengyu, focused on driving and full of anticipation, didn't notice her change in mood.
Although Su Qianqian watched the dance intently, that little feeling of grievance and jealousy bubbled inside her like soda pop.
Hmph!
If he dared to go to a bar and watch other women dance, she dared to cry and make him see it.
She began steeling her emotions.
The car entered the underground garage of Cloudtop Apartments and came to a smooth stop.
The engine cut off, plunging the car into instant silence.
Gu Chengyu unbuckled his seatbelt and turned his head, only then realizing Su Qianqian had been unusually quiet.
"Qianqian?" He reached out, his fingertips just touching her chin when they met with wetness.
His heart clenched sharply. He gently but firmly tilted her face up.
Sure enough, her small face was streaked with tears, her eye rims and the tip of her nose red from crying. She looked utterly pitiful.
She bit her lower lip, trying hard not to make a sound, but faint, shaky sobs escaped her control.
Gu Chengyu was completely panicked.
When had he ever seen her crying so silently and full of grievance? It was always him who made her cry, but that was entirely different.
"What's wrong? Who upset you?" His voice was tense and sharp.
"Did something happen at school? Or are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
