Gu Chengyu had no interest in witnessing Lin Shu's breakdown or the reactions of the onlookers. Having said what he needed to say, his goal was accomplished.
He lowered his gaze to Su Qianqian, whose delicate face still bore a dazed expression. She hadn’t expected him to be so ruthless—after all, Lin Shu was his so-called "white moonlight."
Amused, Gu Chengyu ruffled her hair gently. "Snap out of it, sweetheart. It's all settled. Let’s go home?"
Shen Que, sensing his intention, immediately interjected.
"Chengyu," he drawled, a smirk playing on his lips. "What about the bet? How does it stand now?" He tilted his chin toward Lin Shu, his tone teasing. "With the way our dear Lin Shu is carrying on tonight, does this count as her willingly crawling back to beg for your forgiveness? Hmm?"
Qin Yu, who had been sipping his tea, nearly choked, coughing as he stifled a laugh, his shoulders shaking.
Well, Lin Shu’s current demeanor could indeed be interpreted as a plea for reconciliation.
But would Chengyu dare to accept it?
Zhou Yu'an adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, mildly exasperated. Shen Que was truly a troublemaker, always stirring the pot.
The spectators lining both sides of the private room perked up, holding their breaths, their eyes alight with anticipation.
Here it was—the moment they’d all been waiting for!
The stakes of Young Master Gu’s bet!
Gu Chengyu’s expression darkened.
Shen Que, that bastard, was clearly out to humiliate him.
Instinctively, he glanced down at Su Qianqian nestled in his arms.
The girl was looking up at him with wide, doe-like eyes, so obedient, as if silently awaiting his answer.
Fine.
Putting her at ease, ensuring she wouldn’t overthink things—that mattered more than anything else.
Losing the bet wasn’t a big deal.
With that, Gu Chengyu lifted his gaze to meet Shen Que’s. Gone was his usual arrogance; in its place was nothing but calm, unflinching acceptance of defeat.
"Fine," Gu Chengyu said, his voice low but resolute. "Shen Que, you win."
"Pfft—cough, cough!"
This time, Qin Yu genuinely choked, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What the hell? Chengyu, since when have you ever admitted defeat in your life?"
Zhou Yu'an straightened slightly, his sharp eyes flickering between Gu Chengyu and the girl in his arms.
For someone as prideful as Gu Chengyu to concede so publicly…
This girl held far more weight than he’d initially assumed.
Shen Que’s smirk froze for a split second.
Gu Chengyu’s straightforward surrender left him feeling like he’d punched cotton—no satisfaction, just an odd, gnawing frustration.
Winning the Nanwan project should have thrilled him, but seeing Gu Chengyu holding Su Qianqian with that infuriatingly smug look—as if losing was something to be proud of—killed any trace of joy.
"Chengyu…" Lin Shu’s whisper was barely audible, her face ashen.
She had always adored his untouchable arrogance. Never had she imagined seeing him yield.
A wave of hushed gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.
"My God… Did Young Master Gu just admit defeat?"
"Holy shit, I’ve lived to see the impossible…"
"For that girl? He’s completely and utterly whipped."
"Tsk, Su Qianqian’s got it made. To have the heir of the Gu family bending over backward for her—her future’s set."
"Can’t even be jealous. With that face and figure, I’d fall for her too…"
"Lin Shu’s officially out of the picture now."
The whispers pierced Lin Shu’s heart like needles—and Shen Que’s as well.
"Alright! Straight to the point, as always, Chengyu!" Shen Que forced a grin that didn’t reach his eyes.
His gaze involuntarily drifted back to Su Qianqian, still cradled against Gu Chengyu’s chest.
Gu Chengyu was murmuring something to her, his lips curving into a smirk.
From the way his mouth moved, it sounded like he was asking if she was satisfied, assuring her that she was his only little girlfriend, promising rewards later—something about admiring her, tasting her…
Su Qianqian burrowed deeper into his embrace, her face hidden, only the tips of her flushed ears and a sliver of her snow-white neck visible.
Shen Que’s throat tightened at the sight of that soft, delicate skin.
The fleeting attraction he’d felt upon seeing her at the office earlier now mingled with resentment and a bitter sense of being one-upped by his own friend, burning through him.
"No…" Su Qianqian mumbled shyly, shaking her head in refusal of his indecent suggestions.
Gu Chengyu’s heart melted. He tightened his hold on her before glaring at the room, his patience worn thin. "Show’s over. Everyone, get lost."
He stood, shielding Su Qianqian from prying eyes as he addressed his three friends. "I’ll have my assistants deliver your winnings tomorrow."
Without another word, he strode out, his girl securely tucked against him.
Zhou Yu'an watched the door close behind them. He picked up his untouched tea, taking a slow sip, his gaze inscrutable behind his glasses.
Chengyu was in deep this time—completely and irrevocably.
And Shen Que… wasn’t acting right either.
It was subtle, but Zhou Yu'an had noticed.
His minor in psychology had honed his sensitivity to human emotions.
Shen Que’s interest in Su Qianqian wasn’t pure.
His best friend’s woman—and not the kind they could share, as they might have in the past.
What a mess.
But the real trouble was yet to come.
Zhou Yu'an’s eyes swept discreetly across the room.
The spectators, having witnessed the entire spectacle, were already buzzing with excitement, their voices low but fervent.
Many had their phones out, fingers flying across screens.
Zhou Yu'an’s brow furrowed.
By tomorrow—no, likely tonight—Gu Chengyu’s name would dominate every gossip column.
[Shocking! Gu Family Heir’s New Flame Revealed as Ex-Lover Lin Shu Collapses in Public!]
[Young Master Gu Surrenders in High-Stakes Bet, All for His New Darling!]
[Lin Shu’s Heartfelt Plea Ignored—Who Is the Mysterious Beauty Who Stole Gu Chengyu’s Heart?]
Headlines like these were inevitable.
And judging by Chengyu’s complete disregard for the crowd earlier—many of whom were industry insiders—he clearly had no intention of silencing anyone.
Right now, his world revolved entirely around that girl in his arms.
But the Gu family…
Zhou Yu'an set down his cup, recalling a recent offhand remark from his mother.
Madam Gu had reportedly begun meeting with potential matches—daughters from equally prestigious families. The message was clear: Gu Chengyu was no longer a boy. It was time to settle down.
Arrangements for an alliance marriage were already in motion.
Zhou Yu'an could already picture Madam Gu’s expression—and those of the socialites lined up for introductions—when the scandalous headlines hit.
He sighed inwardly.
This was going to be a disaster.
Pulling out his phone, he instructed his assistant to intercept everyone before they left, ensuring any compromising content was deleted—or at least recalled.
For now, he’d contain the damage. Chengyu was undoubtedly too preoccupied with his newfound infatuation to care.
They’d talk tomorrow.
