The Autobiography of Li San

Li San is not the sole legal heir to the Li family assets.

Once all those illegitimate children are gone, he'll be the only one left.

Don't ask how they die; no one will look into it anyway.

The first thing he did after securing the assets was spend a hundred million to buy Song Sheng.

Everyone looked down on him, yet he stubbornly threw his money around and won the beauty.

The white moonlight became a caged canary, accompanying him day after day for ten years. Not only did she not become a nuisance, she grew more dazzling.

Li San was quite satisfied with his life.

Unfortunately, recently... his company is about to go bankrupt, and the canary wants to fly away.

1

Li San has been hitting nothing but bad luck lately.

Song Sheng being disobedient isn't even a big deal anymore.

It's not like she ever listened anyway.

The real headache is the capital chain.

The company is still holding on, but if he can't secure new funding within six months, it's game over.

Thinking back to that moment of hot-headedness, when he gave Old Master Song a hundred million just for Song Sheng, he wishes he could slap himself.

That was a hundred million!

How much better would it have been to keep it? But he was just that foolish!

It's also his own fault for being overconfident; he thought his father's legacy could withstand his squandering.

His father's connections and assets were top-tier in the country back in the day, leaving him a family business built over decades.

And in just ten years, he's nearly run it into the ground.

Li San finally managed to get an invitation to tonight's banquet, still regretting that hundred million.

Come to think of it, didn't Song Sheng pay back a little?

How much was it again?

Anyway, it wasn't the full amount, and whatever she paid back, he spent it all.

If only he'd had some cash on hand six months ago, things wouldn't have snowballed to this point.

He needs to scrape together at least three hundred million now!

Damn it, it's all Song Sheng's fault! I'll find an excuse to make her suffer again tonight!

Li San was irritable, yet he had to force a smile and toast people.

This one, Manager Chen, whom his father had helped.

That one, Manager Wang, who had collaborated with his aunt.

And over there, Manager Zhang, whom his younger aunt had introduced him to.

That guy over there...

Never mind that one; he's got no connections. He wouldn't even recognize me if I toasted him.

A slight commotion arose at the banquet, drowning out the piano music. Li San followed everyone's gaze to the right—

The main attraction had arrived.

Who didn't know this banquet was thrown by Old Master Jiang to win over Young Master Gu?

Young Master Gu's full name is Gu Yunzhou, a true self-made man. If Old Master Li hadn't passed away early, Li San wouldn't even be qualified to attend the same event as him.

The "Young" prefix was because he was genuinely young, even three years younger than Li San himself.

Rumor has it—and Li San had only heard this—that he dropped out of college to make his way, researching chips in Silicon Valley, studying finance on Wall Street, making money in the US, and investing back in China.

A tech prodigy, a formidable rising star, a national entrepreneur.

But who really knows where that money came from?

Not that the money was dirty—Li San didn't care about that; real money is clean money to him.

He just thought the stories were a bit too mythical.

Li San had long seen through these circles. Someone with a bit of money, plus youth, and all the flatterers would swarm, even weaving mythical tales for them. So tacky!

Of course, Li San was a tacky person himself. Back when he first inherited the family business, he was also the center of attention, creating a stir wherever he went.

Watching Young Master Gu now brought back a sense of nostalgia.

Seeing the crowd surge toward that direction, Li San looked down on them inwardly.

Do these people really think the new tycoon has nothing better to do? That he'd drink with just anyone?

Back in his day, he wished all the clueless ones would go bankrupt, just to avoid the annoyance.

So, Li San swirled his red wine glass on the outskirts of the crowd. With a sense of superiority, feeling like the only sober one among the drunk, he didn't approach Young Master Gu. Instead, he went to chat with his father's old friends.

It actually worked a bit.

The old-timers, feeling neglected, sought validation from the perceptive younger generation.

Li San was sharp, smooth-talking, and familiar with their backgrounds—Old Master Li had been very righteous in his lifetime!

After making the rounds, he secured eighty million in investment. Not bad.

At least keeping the company afloat for another year wouldn't be a problem.

But to truly revive it, three hundred million was absolutely necessary.

Still short by two hundred and twenty million...

He glanced around and noticed several female executives gathered together, watching him.

Should he go over?

Li San hesitated. They say women in their forties are like wolves and tigers, but his body...

Sigh!

No wonder Song Sheng had such good fortune, meeting a young sucker like him!

If there was someone in their twenties here, he might grit his teeth and go for it. Turn off the lights, pull up the covers, pretend they were Song Sheng, and earn a couple months' hardship money.

Li San rubbed his wine glass and scanned the room. There were some, but all the young ones were over with Young Master Gu.

Hah, shallow!

He steeled his heart, mentally replaying his father's dying instructions eight hundred times, and finally resolved to walk towards the cluster of women.

He'd fight for the company!

He hadn't taken two steps before the looks in those women's eyes changed.

Was his charm that potent?

Li San knew it wasn't.

He looked back and saw Young Master Gu heading this way.

Oh no! Could one of those women be Young Master Gu's aunt or something?!

Li San deeply regretted not walking faster. Afraid of blocking the path, he quickly stepped aside. He wasn't about to make himself a nuisance.

Unexpectedly, Young Master Gu took a turn and came straight towards him.

Closer and closer!

Li San quickly steadied his glass, offered a slight bow, and put on a smile. "Good evening, President Gu!"

Young Master Gu did the unexpected. He lowered his glass below Li San's and gently clinked it. "President Li, I've long heard of you."

Li San was stunned.

All eyes were on Young Master Gu, and on him.

Under the gorgeous lights and amidst the lingering piano music, Young Master Gu's smile was warm, humble, and impeccable.

He, Li San, had finally made it!

At that moment, Li San was convinced every rumor about Young Master Gu was one hundred percent true!

If any fell short, it was only because they failed to capture the full extent of Young Master Gu's emotional intelligence, vision, and class!

Based on this single gesture from Young Master Gu today, Li San felt confident he could pull in another hundred million in investment!

His confidence wasn't baseless; many were already looking at him with increased respect.

Young Master Gu had been abroad. He'd only announced his return a month prior, yet in just these few days, he'd already secured two highly profitable projects. His investment acumen was razor-sharp, his methods supremely adept. To gain Young Master Gu's favor, this Li family scion must have some real capability.

Li San felt like he was floating.

What came next made him float even higher.

Young Master Gu asked, "I quite admire your company's philosophy. But for subsequent expansion, wouldn't capital injection be needed? I'm interested."

Li San nearly dropped to his knees right then and there to call him 'Dad'.

Dear departed father, if your spirit is watching, you'd want to call him 'Brother' yourself!

2

A banquet was hardly the ideal place to discuss investments. Li San and Young Master Gu scheduled a meeting for a week later at the city's most famous Western restaurant.

Young Master Gu, immensely busy, had publicly announced his return date on social media—it was that very day.

For the first time in many years, Li San felt a genuine sense of prestige. Young Master Gu had given him both face and substance. In the eyes of the outside world, Young Master Gu's first meal after returning to the country was with him, Li San. What did the company have to worry about now?

Overjoyed, Li San went home and doted on Song Sheng with extra vigor.

This woman had been increasingly well-behaved lately; she must be developing some feelings for him too.

Li San went to sleep happy, not even needing his usual medicine.

But extreme joy begets sorrow. Once asleep, he kept dreaming of the past.

He dreamed of Song Sheng high above, while he, Li San, was still a maggot wallowing in the mud.

How many years ago was that...

Song Sheng was the treasured jewel of the Song family. Their business wasn't huge, but it was notable in the city. They had only this one daughter, brilliant and exquisite, cherished like a precious pearl.

His own father's assets were substantial, but with a string of illegitimate children, Li San was truly inconspicuous.

Mother dead, no maternal uncles, not too bright, nobody who cared.

When Old Li was still around, the only decent thing he did for him was not remarrying and raising Li San by his side.

But there was one mistress after another; some treated him better than his own father did.

Old Li would only scold him, and when pushed, even hit him. Ironically, it was those mistresses who shielded him when the beatings got too severe.

The first time he saw Song Sheng was at some mistress's brat's birthday party.

Song Sheng was just a girl back then, twelve or thirteen years old.

But the moment she appeared, every man, woman, and child in the room had their eyes on her.

That bastard's signature act was performing a solo piano piece under the spotlight. When he saw Song Sheng, his eyes went wide, and he invited her to perform a duet.

Song Sheng said she couldn't.

Ridiculous. Was there anything Song Sheng couldn't do?

Li San thought that maybe Song Sheng found it dirty.

Anyone would find it dirty, being next to a bastard.

But Old Man Song insisted that Song Sheng play a piece too. How tiresome.

If they couldn't play together, then each would perform a solo.

Song Sheng would be the finale.

The moment she sat down at the piano—no exaggeration—she had an air about her even before playing a note, as if that piano was one she was accustomed to.

And when the sound began, everything around her became mere background.

For the first time in his life, Li San understood what music was, what beauty was, and what the beauty of music was.

It was Song Sheng playing the piano.

She played with a fast tempo, loud and lively, perfectly matching the birthday celebration.

From then on, Li San only liked that kind of music.

It should have been a happy occasion, Li San's first exposure to high art.

But then, that little bastard learned the piece Song Sheng played the very next day, practicing it at home every day, making it sound utterly awful.

Li San wanted to learn it too.

It was rare for him to want to learn anything.

When he mentioned it to his old man, the geezer immediately mocked him: "Do you have a thing for that Song Sheng girl? Don't get any ideas! Old Man Song treasures her. She might not even look at our family's business; she'd have to marry someone with real capability. You? Hahahaha..."

He laughed, the mistresses laughed, and the bastard laughed too.

The old man laughing was one thing, but what right did they have to laugh at him?!

Li San was disgusted, but he endured it.

He was used to enduring.

But when no one was around, the bastard just had to run his mouth.

"Brother, save your breath. You're not worthy of Song Sheng."

He really wanted to smash that bastard's mouth in, but he didn't. He just ignored him.

A man shouldn't stoop to an animal's level.

He waited until the early hours of the morning and smashed the family's only piano.

Smashing a piano takes tremendous strength and makes a hell of a racket. The entire household, from the cleaners to his father, woke up.

He got a fierce scolding, but the bastard's crying was rather satisfying.

Old Li hated boys who sniveled and cried. The next day, the bastard and his mother were both kicked out.

That should have been another happy thing, but a thorn was stuck in Li San's heart.

Not worthy?

Not worthy!

Not worthy.

Even if the Li family business fell into his hands, who knew how much would be left? And even if he had it, Song Sheng wasn't the kind of woman who cared about money; she probably wouldn't look twice at him.

So, so... he had to think of a way, he had to figure something out...

This dream was too frustrating. Li San woke up unusually early.

There was no one else in the bed.

Where was Song Sheng?

He snapped awake instantly, running downstairs without even putting on his shoes.

Song Sheng was eating breakfast.

Phew.

Hearing the commotion, Song Sheng lifted her eyelids to glance at him, said nothing, and continued eating.

After all these years, still the same as ever.

But Li San just grinned foolishly at Song Sheng. It was good enough that she hadn't run away.

Worthy or not, interested or not—it didn't matter anymore.

Ten years, and hadn't he still managed to train Song Sheng properly?

Her parents and her family still had to beg for Li San's support.

In fact, back when the Song family first went bankrupt, it was Old Man Song himself who went to beg Li San.

The moment Li San asked for Song Sheng, Old Man Song agreed without a single word of protest.

Treasured jewel? Compared to money, it's all bullshit!

Even without considering the money she owed him or the cooperation between the Song and Li families, Li San believed Song Sheng wouldn't run away. After being with him for so long, who else would even want her?

Thinking this, Li San couldn't help but say, "Song Sheng, let's pick a good day and get married."

Without even lifting her eyelids, Song Sheng ate the last bite of her salad elegantly and said, "There are still twenty million left. I can pay it off."

Then she wiped her mouth and walked out—Bang!

Damn it.

Auntie Chen came over. "Mr. Li, please don't stand on the floor barefoot. It's cold."

She was holding a pair of slippers. Li San didn't even glance at them. "Get out! Get out! Don't bother me!"

Turning around, he went upstairs, then remembered he needed to prepare for his upcoming meeting with Young Master Gu.

He had to prepare thoroughly, aiming to make Young Master Gu think Li San was somebody.

Li San prepared for a week. He meticulously arranged everything from the cigarettes and alcohol to the seating positions, and groomed himself meticulously from his hair down to his feet. He tried on over a dozen suits before finally selecting the most understated yet status-signaling one.

He even, for the first time ever, glanced at the company's operations and financial reports, but he decided it was best not to let Young Master Gu see those.

The real data was too dismal, and fake numbers were too fake.

He hesitated about asking Song Sheng to optimize the data, preferably making it look not too fake yet still impressive.

Only then did he remember that Song Sheng had never seen the company's real data all these years.

If she had seen it earlier and known the Li family had no real foundation, she would have definitely run away.

Little ungrateful wretch.

Li San was worried. When negotiating business with Young Master Gu, surely it couldn't just be him, Li San, who looked presentable? If Young Master Gu discovered the Li family was just an empty shell, even if Li San were Apollo descended to earth, it would be useless!

He racked his brains and finally managed to dig out one profitable foreign trade project from the obscure corners of the company's operations.

It was Song Sheng who had built this business up in the first few years.

Song Sheng really was a treasure!

Li San eagerly singled out that sole profitable project, ordered the entire company to work overnight packaging it up, and with great effort, polished it into a presentable project to show Song Sheng.

However, she pressed down on the project proposal. "Li San, I stopped handling this project long ago. Your person in charge substituted inferior products. Have you forgotten?"

Tsk.

So pedantic!

"Just tell me, aside from the product, are there any other issues?"

"Are you trying to scam money again?"

"Don't put it so harshly! If I don't make money, where would your food and clothes come from?! Just look at it for me!"

Li San flared up, and Song Sheng lowered her head.

Song Sheng was being obedient now. In the past, she wouldn't listen without a severe beating.

Her expression was calm as water. She slowly flipped through it and said, "No problems. You could even apply for a government bonus with this. Such a high-level foreign trade project is worthy of bringing glory to our city."

Having said that, she tossed the project proposal aside.

Li San gleefully kissed her. Song Sheng gritted her teeth. "Your company is quite good at packaging. You don't need me to review these in the future. Just have the project manager check them if there are no issues."

"Ah, how could they compare to you?"

Li San clung to Song Sheng, wanting to get intimate again. Song Sheng closed her eyes, wearing an expression of martyrdom.

Li San used to hate seeing that look on her face the most, but now, not seeing it felt lacking. The more he looked, the more beautiful she seemed.

Using up all his energy on her would leave him more spirited to meet Young Master Gu the next day.

Before sleeping, he remembered a packet of medicine a buddy had given him earlier.

It was said to make Song Sheng obedient.

Pfft, did he need that?

However, this medicine was contraband and couldn't be let Song Sheng see it. He stuffed the powder under his pillow before falling asleep.

He slept soundly all night. When he woke, Song Sheng was still asleep. So obedient.

The more Li San looked at her, the more he liked her. After today, he should propose to Old Man Song, so Song Sheng would stay with him forever.

For now, it was off to meet Young Master Gu, to earn Song Sheng's bride price!

3

Li San dressed up nicely and brought the project proposal. When Young Master Gu saw him, he actually looked rather displeased.

Li San didn't ask. A smart man knows how to read the room; there was no need to ask.

Although he wasn't into that sort of thing himself, he was well aware of how things were done in their circles.

"Mr. Gu, let's talk business first. After we're done, I'll take you somewhere nice to unwind! This place has strict rules, doesn't allow anything too wild. I was thinking, what's the point of people just pouring drinks?"

He spoke vaguely, but Young Master Gu curled his lips into a smile.

He must have understood!

Li San proceeded with the "business" at hand: "Mr. Gu, please take a look at this project of mine. You won't find a second one like it locally..."

"Mr. Li, matters like this should be directed to my secretary," Mr. Gu interrupted him abruptly.

"Huh? Haha, well, isn't this the very reason we're meeting today?" Li San had prepared for a week; he hadn't planned to discuss anything else!

Young Master Gu, however, smiled coldly. "Today's meeting is to discuss whether to inject capital into you, Mr. Li. I'm more interested in understanding your character. I didn't come for some trivial project."

"Ahem, well! You see, this project... it's under my full responsibility! It embodies all my heart and soul! Mr. Gu, by looking at it, you'll understand me." Li San brazenly bluffed through his teeth.

Young Master Gu's face visibly cooled, but he still took the proposal and skimmed through it perfunctorily, making idle chit-chat. "Mr. Li is truly a young talent. It's my first time seeing the CEO of such a large company personally overseeing a minor project."

"Ah, you flatter me, you flatter me..."

"The costs seem quite low?"

"It's all from our own supply chain!"

"Heh, I hadn't heard Mr. Li was involved in heavy industry."

"Huh? Heavy industry... that, well, we have a stake in it, haha!"

"Mr. Li, being evasive with me isn't good, is it?"

Seeing he was about to be exposed, Li San mustered all his wit and weighed his words carefully. "Everything meets the standards... We simply used more cost-effective materials within the permitted guidelines."

He spoke one sentence at a time, glancing at Young Master Gu after each.

Young Master Gu, however, relaxed, his smile no longer so chilling. "You should have said so earlier! We're all businessmen; I understand. No matter how pretty the packaging, if you can't see the real thing, it leaves you uneasy."

"Ahahaha, oh my, Mr. Gu, your words... I'll invite you to visit our headquarters another day. Everything we use is genuine, not a single fake. It's just that for the project proposal, so, haha."

Li San offered an ingratiating smile as he poured wine for Young Master Gu.

Now that things were out in the open, Li San cast aside his reservations and started boasting about his company instead.

Half-truths and pretty words were his specialty, and Young Master Gu played along.

As they talked, the conversation inevitably drifted. Li San truly felt like he'd met a kindred spirit over wine; once Young Master Gu started a topic, he'd ramble on endlessly. Strangely, the more he looked at Young Master Gu, the more familiar and amiable he seemed. Perhaps the two of them really had some fate cultivated in a past life.

Young Master Gu also began to show concern for him.

"A man as young and accomplished as you, Mr. Li, haven't considered settling down?"

"Me? To be honest, my girlfriend and I are getting married soon! I'll send you an invitation! You absolutely must attend!"

Li San cheerfully poured more wine for Young Master Gu, but the latter suddenly grabbed his wrist with astonishing force.

"Ouch!" Li San cried out in pain. "Mr. Gu, you..."

You're about to crush my bones!

Grimacing, Li San barely managed to swallow those words. Young Master Gu quickly released his grip.

He looked up and met a pair of sharp eyes. It was the first time Young Master Gu had such a gaze—scrutinizing, cold.

Li San was frightened into silence, feeling rather upset inside, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this look was strangely familiar.

Young Master Gu dropped a line: "No more drinks. I have matters to attend to. I'm leaving."

He turned and walked away, leaving Li San's dignity trampled underfoot.

"Hey, hey, Mr. Gu!" Rubbing his wrist, Li San hurried after him. Dignity wasn't important; the crucial thing was, the money wasn't settled yet!

Li San followed in such a rush that when Young Master Gu suddenly stopped, he almost bumped into him.

Then, he heard the piano melody drifting up from downstairs.

The restaurant's second floor was private rooms, while the first floor was the main hall, with a resident pianist who was reportedly quite famous.

However, Li San didn't really appreciate it; the melody was too slow, grating on his nerves.

Young Master Gu's voice sounded strange. "Sorry, President Li, I just remembered my matter isn't that urgent. Shall we sit downstairs for a while?"

"Oh, sure." Li San was genuinely puzzled. Perhaps all self-made men were like this—unpredictable, just like Old Li.

The moment he sat down, he remembered who Mr. Gu's earlier look had reminded him of: Song Sheng.

Song Sheng used to look at him that way all the time.

This thought made Li San even more displeased, and Mr. Gu clearly wasn't in a good mood either. The two sat down but didn't drink, just making dry conversation over the piano music.

The leisurely tune grated on Li San's nerves terribly, yet he had no choice but to keep coaxing Young Master Gu, trying to get him to agree to the investment.

Young Master Gu, however, kept steering the conversation elsewhere. "You and your girlfriend seem so close, President Li. Why didn't you bring her to the banquet the other night?"

"Ah, she's not a fan. My girlfriend doesn't care for those kinds of events."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Actually, the Li family has done extensive research on overseas markets..."

"I've never met a girl who doesn't like banquets. Your girlfriend is truly one of a kind, President Li."

"Haha, she is different."

At this point, Gu Yunzhou didn't know how to continue. Li San was quite the gossip, but Gu Yunzhou wasn't keen on discussing Song Sheng with others.

Truthfully, it wasn't that Song Sheng disliked it; he was the one who didn't dare take her out.

When they first got together, he used to take Song Sheng with him everywhere, which was a huge boost to his ego.

But Song Sheng was too beautiful, too stunning. Her beauty was uniquely special.

Especially at banquets.

Especially amidst all that common, gaudy glamour.

Her pure beauty practically shimmered under the opulent lights. Without makeup, she was clean and pure; with it, she was dazzling and radiant.

She was the perfect trophy for any man, effortlessly outshining every other woman.

But Gu Yunzhou couldn't stand the way other men looked at her.

Greedy, covetous, predatory.

She could only belong to him, so Gu Yunzhou was unwilling to let her appear in public now.

University was somewhat better; there weren't as many lights, gowns, or jewels to accentuate her.

Of course, Gu Yunzhou had seen her at university too—just as bright, just as captivating.

It's just that if Song Sheng couldn't even go to school, she'd probably kill herself.

Gu Yunzhou had called the ambulance several times and still decided a living Song Sheng was preferable.

Li San kept prying. "How long have you and your girlfriend been together, President Li?"

"It must be... ten years."

"You're truly devoted, President Li. Never looked at anyone else?"

"No."

"Heh, President Li, no need to be like that with me. I get it. I'm not your girlfriend! Come on, tell me, what's your type when you go out to have fun?"

Li San was chattering away, but Gu Yunzhou had absolutely no interest in continuing the conversation.

It wasn't like he *wanted* to remain chaste for that bitch!

The truth was, no one else could compare to Song Sheng.

4

In the first year, he was still fawning over Song Sheng. By the second year, he had started hitting her.

Hitting didn't tame her, scolding didn't subdue her. Song Sheng was sullen more often than not, frequently refusing to answer his calls.

Furious and frustrated, Gu Yunzhou went out with his good-for-nothing friends for the first time to sample other pleasures.

Song Sheng was all scowls and disapproval, but the "hostesses" were all smiles and pleasantries.

The manager brought out a woman, patting Gu Yunzhou's shoulder and saying, "This is our top girl here, specially reserved for President Li!"

Gu Yunzhou had already forgotten what that woman looked like, but she certainly had a slutty vibe and was utterly submissive to him.

"Brother Li, I've been waiting for you. I remember you never used to pick anyone before. Was it for me..."

Before she could finish two sentences, she was trying to burrow into his arms. Gu Yunzhou pushed her away roughly.

"Go on, take your clothes off. I don't have time for your nonsense."

A whore trying to talk about feelings?

As soon as the woman finished undressing, Gu Yunzhou took one look and couldn't help but vomit.

Deformed.

Where it should be plump was too plump, where it should be slender was too skinny, and her skin had a grayish pallor.

Nothing like Song Sheng, who was truly well-proportioned and perfect, every inch of her skin glowing.

That "top girl," having made someone vomit from disgust, started wailing, saying Gu Yunzhou was bullying her.

She lunged at him to hit him, but Gu Yunzhou backhanded her with a slap that sent her sprawling to the floor.

"You really think you're something special? I haven't even touched you. Giving you some medical expenses is already generous. Did you expect me to wait on you?"

The "top girl's" makeup was smeared by her tears, making her even more nauseating.

Gu Yunzhou turned and left. Before going, he took a fancy to the handcuffs, shackles, and various toys in the room.

He packed them all up to take home and use on Song Sheng.

She was being lukewarm, so Gu Yunzhou used everything he'd brought back on her all at once.

The moment the cold metal clamped around her wrists and ankles, her whole body went rigid.

When she was bound and pressed face-down on the floor, her body trembled violently with rage and humiliation.

That day, Song Sheng cried her heart out, kicking and hitting him.

"Have you gone mad?!"

"Let me go!"

"Gu Yunzhou, you beast!"

"You'll die a horrible death!!"

She struggled desperately. The more she resisted, the more excited Gu Yunzhou became.

He finally understood what it meant to hold a fragrant, soft jade, what it meant to experience ecstasy.

Let her go?

"No. I'll never let go. Not in this lifetime..."

Gu Yunzhou murmured softly, like a tender lover. Song Sheng's tears had already run dry.

"You're truly insane."

So be it.

"I heard you started an animal protection club at school, visited the disabled, even organized volunteer work and teaching trips... Where do you get all that energy? You care for so many people, why not spare a little affection for me?"

"Song Sheng, Song Sheng, just what kind of person do you like?"

Song Sheng said nothing more, silently enduring everything.

Neither of them slept that night. How many times did Song Sheng likely pass out?

Gu Yunzhou, however, kept his eyes open the whole time, watching her.

In the end, he actually managed to learn something.

No matter how unwilling or pained Song Sheng was, Gu Yunzhou managed to figure out her physiological responses.

Gu Yunzhou finally learned what she liked.

By dawn, her reddened eyes were no longer from pain.

But Song Sheng never participated in those flashy activities again, something Gu Yunzhou only found out half a year later.

It didn't matter. He didn't like Song Sheng because of those things anyway.

As long as she was by his side, that was enough.

5

Seeing Gu Yunzhou fall silent, Li San didn't press him and changed the subject.

"I'm not back in the country often. Overseas markets are more accommodating. President Li, have you ever considered opening a branch abroad?"

The company's almost bankrupt, and you're talking about branches?

Gu Yunzhou forced a smile and said, "My father tried when he was still around. Overseas employees are lazier, not as good as domestic ones."

"It's much better now. It really depends on whether the company's regulations are suitable."

"Is that so?"

"Mm."

Gu Yunzhou's mind was completely filled with thoughts of Song Sheng. He couldn't keep up the conversation. Seeing this investment opportunity about to go cold, he had no heart to say more. Just as he was about to find an excuse to leave, he spotted Song Sheng sitting at another table in the lobby, facing a blonde woman.

Gu Yunzhou's spirits instantly lifted. He called the pianist over to change the tune.

Let's have something interesting!

True to form, Song Sheng understood him and glanced in his direction.

She wasn't wearing any makeup today. Under this lighting, she looked a bit plain, but it also made her appear clean and fresh.

Still beautiful.

Gu Yunzhou's gaze was completely captivated by her. Li San also turned his head, following Gu Yunzhou's line of sight.

Gu Yunzhou was about to wave a greeting when he saw Song Sheng lower her head.

Shy? How adorable.

Gu Yunzhou smiled, thinking of introducing her to Young Master Gu.

But Young Master Gu remained frozen in his turned position, then stood up abruptly, even bumping into his chair.

"President Gu?"

Gu Yunzhou didn't understand. What was going on?

Young Master Gu didn't answer, walking straight ahead.

Wait, why is he walking towards Song Sheng's direction like his soul's been snatched?

Gu Yunzhou grew anxious; he hadn't expected Song Sheng's bare-faced allure to be this potent.

And in such a dimly lit place at that!

Did that guy Gu even get a clear look?

No.

They know each other.

Gu Yunzhou halted his steps, watching that guy Gu exchange pleasantries with Song Sheng.

How interesting.

That guy Gu's usual aloofness vanished instantly, and Song Sheng's haughtiness melted away too.

The two of them... acted as if they'd known each other for years.

Gu Yunzhou stood still, an absurd speculation rising in his heart.

Why, out of all the people at the banquet, did that guy Gu specifically seek out him, Gu Yunzhou?

Was the Li family company really that attractive?

Seeing that blonde woman about to pair the two of them up, Gu Yunzhou couldn't stand by any longer.

Song Sheng at least had some sense, glancing at him before rejecting that suicidal suggestion.

Eavesdropping any further would be truly spineless. Gu Yunzhou stepped over and pulled Song Sheng into his arms.

That guy Gu indeed had ulterior motives, suggesting they "have a meal together."

Didn't we just eat?

Guess he didn't get his fill upstairs, huh?

Gu Yunzhou didn't expose him. He wanted to see just what skills that guy Gu possessed to captivate Song Sheng, who usually looked down on everything.

Fortunately, Song Sheng didn't disappoint him, eating very properly without any of that flirtatious eye-play.

It was that guy Gu whose eyes seemed glued to Song Sheng. Gu Yunzhou was so furious he wanted to gouge them out.

He thought that guy Gu had good taste. Turns out that taste wasn't for his family's company, but for Song Sheng!

Devious! Despicable! Cunning!

That guy Gu started ordering wine, clearly just to show off in front of Song Sheng.

Said he wouldn't drink anymore upstairs, then comes down here to drink him under the table!

If that guy Gu drinks, he'll drink too. Who's afraid of who?!

By the end, he blacked out, only remembering that Song Sheng took him home.

Song Sheng is really good.

6

Waking up the next day, Song Sheng wasn't by his side.

Gu Yunzhou had a headache and was thirsty. He called out a few times, but only Auntie Chen came up: "Miss Song didn't come home last night."

What?!

Gu Yunzhou's hands trembled as he called Song Sheng. No one answered.

Gu Yunzhou checked Song Sheng's phone location. It was at—

At a high-end apartment.

Gu Yunzhou got dressed while making a call: "Check, check... Li San's address."

Please don't let it be.

Please don't let it be...

That guy Gu's specific address couldn't be found, but the general district could be located.

It was fucking the same place!

Gu Yunzhou's heart raced, his hands shook abnormally. Good, very good!

You bastard Gu, did you come back to the country just to sleep with my wife?!

Gu Yunzhou himself didn't know how he drove all the way there, almost killing a traffic cop.

Luckily, there was Song Sheng's phone location.

Gu Yunzhou cursed and pounded on the door outside, but the adulterous pair inside didn't budge.

Until his curses hit Song Sheng's sore spot.

For ten years, he, Gu Yunzhou, had been a benefactor to the Song family!

Those two scumbags came out to open the door.

The moment the door swung open, a distinct scent hit him, stunning Gu Yunzhou for a second.

In that brief moment of shock, that bastard Gu pinned him to the ground.

That scent—Gu Yunzhou recognized it. A famous aphrodisiac.

That guy Gu dared to use drugs?

No wonder...

So, Li San hadn't betrayed him!

"Li San, come here."

But Li San actually pulled out that packet of illicit powder—the one his brother had given him, now transformed into "evidence" in Li San's own hands.

Gu Yunzhou was beside himself, not from fear.

From rage. From bitter disappointment.

Li San was truly an ingrate! Helping an outsider against him!

Was that guy Gu some kind of good person?!

Gone for ten years, comes back and drugs her immediately—what genuine feelings could he possibly have for Li San?!

Li San was such a fool.

Insisting on hiding behind that bastard Gu, refusing to come out.

Gu Yunzhou truly didn't understand. Why?!

Why?!

Even as he was dragged away by the men that guy Gu had called, he still didn't understand.

7

The company was suspected of financial fraud; the Li family's assets were frozen.

The evidence Li San had collected was devastatingly thorough, clearly documenting a decade of abuse.

Gu Yunzhou was going to prison.

But Li San was still somewhat soft-hearted; she didn't expose his secret stash of illegal drugs, or he would have gotten several more years.

The funny thing was, that guy Gu actually repaid the twenty million Li San owed him.

Did it matter?

It just meant she'd owe twenty million less in the future.

A drop in the bucket.

Still, if he absolutely couldn't pay it back, he'd just spend his whole life locked up.

Gu Yunzhou had plenty of time to think, to think about Li San, about her betrayal, about her hatred.

Li San had never given him love; he only ever had her hate.

He finally remembered a tiny fragment.

Back then, he hadn't gotten into high school. He wanted to study abroad but got chewed out by Old Li, then wasted years at the bottom of the company, constantly berated by his supervisor.

Old Li actually promoted that manic-depressive bastard instead.

Only when his life improved slightly did he first think of Li San.

He pulled some strings to discuss an investment at the city's best high school, mainly just to see Li San.

That day happened to be the freshman representative speeches; a boy and a girl stood on the stage.

He didn't look closely at the boy, but the girl was Li San.

Li San, full of student spirit and a bookish air, brimming with youth.

Li San, who didn't even glance at him, but kept looking at the boy beside her after her speech. It had irked him at the time.

But Li San was still young then, and the boy's face was a blur.

By the time Li San had just graduated, she was sold to him by Old Man Song.

He gradually forgot that little flicker of displeasure.

Later, when business expanded overseas, Old Li's branch company went bankrupt, leaving a mess that was never cleaned up.

He had no choice but to wade into the muddy waters himself.

On an unfamiliar street, a man stared at him for a long time.

The man looked quite friendly, familiar even.

But Gu Yunzhou wasn't interested in men, and though he understood how open things were abroad, he started taking detours to avoid that street.

Thinking back now, that had all been Song Sheng.

Song Sheng had schemed for years to finally pry Li San out of his hands.

Having figured this out, Gu Yunzhou felt less suffocated.

Song Sheng had schemed for ten years to beat him; Gu Yunzhou's loss wasn't unjust.

Besides, only he had known Li San's most beautiful ten years.

8

Gu Yunzhou didn't serve many years in prison.

He had played too brutally with Li San; wine and women had ruined him, his body long since depleted.

Within a couple of years, he died contentedly in his prison cell.

Before dying, he remembered Old Li telling him.

"The Li family's business is all yours, no one will fight you for it. You must guard it well, don't..."

Don't what?

Who cared about all that!