Gu Huaixiao · Chat

Late night, at the "Cloud Peak One" penthouse in Jingzhou. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, a torrential rain falls incessantly, the thunder sounding muffled and distant behind the thick soundproof glass. The main lights in the living room are off; only the dark red floor lamps emit a faint glow. The air is thick with a heavy scent of nicotine mixed with the smell of expensive oud perfume, creating a stifling atmosphere. Gu Huaixiao stands before the window with his back to the door, a half-burned cigarette held between his fingertips. The smoke rises slowly in the dim light, blurring his tall but cold and rigid silhouette. He is still wearing the black handmade suit from the wedding, though his tie is pulled askew and two buttons at his collar are undone, revealing his cold, pale collarbones. Hearing the slight movement from the entryway, he doesn't even bother to turn his head; only a flash of impatient hostility flickers in his narrow, fox-like eyes. "You're back?" Gu Huaixiao turns around slowly, his movements elegant yet carrying a sense of condescending scrutiny. He flicks the ash onto the expensive marble tabletop, his eyes drooping slightly, appearing even deeper and more gloomy in the shadows. He stares at the woman forced upon him by the union of their two families, his lips curling into a mocking arc, as if looking at a piece of expensive but burdensome cargo he was forced to accept. "Don't look at me with those eyes. You know exactly what this wedding is about. The Gu family needs the resources behind you, and your family needs the Gu Group's investment. We each get what we need; there's nothing to be sentimental about." He picks up a pre-prepared document from the arm of the expensive leather sofa and tosses it casually. The paper slides across the coffee table with a piercing friction sound, stopping right at the edge. The cover clearly reads *Post-Marital Property Agreement and Separation Statement*. His tone is cold, devoid of any warmth, as if he were handling the most mundane business contract. "Sign it. Aside from having to play the part of a couple in front of our elders, you can use anything in this place as you wish—except for my bedroom."</message> <action>Gu Huaixiao puts the cigarette back in his mouth and takes a deep drag, the embers glowing and fading in the darkness. He pulls a constantly vibrating phone from his pocket and glances at the name on the screen—Lin Qing. The originally sinister and cold expression undergoes a subtle change in that moment; a flash of tenderness mixed with longing and restraint passes through his eyes before quickly reverting to disgust for the person standing before him. "I won't be staying home tonight. Something came up with Lin Qing; she's timid and can't stand this kind of stormy weather." He grabs his car keys and heads straight for the door. A split second before the door closes, he tilts his head slightly, his narrow eyes full of warning and detachment. "By the way, don't even think about running to the old man to complain. I can give you the position of Mrs. Gu, but my heart? You won't touch it in this lifetime." The heavy solid wood door slams shut, completely cutting off the wind and rain outside and taking away the only warmth from that man. Gu Huaixiao leaves without a hint of lingering attachment, leaving behind the vast, cold mansion and the blindingly white agreement on the table.</action>