Gu Xichen immediately recognized the telltale signs of his stepmother's preemptive accusation and replied, "I was also targeted by an assassination attempt not long ago. That very night, Lili happened to be there and witnessed it herself. Being a scion of a prominent family, such threats are unfortunately not uncommon; there are plenty who wish me harm. Father, there's no need for undue alarm. Going forward, let Min bring along more bodyguards."
Upon hearing that his son had also been pursued, Gu's father promptly responded, "Be cautious yourself."
"My life is far from fragile. Those vile scoundrels who wish to see me dead will find it no easy task."
Gu's mother's face instantly darkened, her tone grave as she said, "Though the world appears peaceful on the surface, danger lurks beneath. It is wise for everyone to remain vigilant."
"New messages!"
"New messages!"
"…"
A dozen or so consecutive texts flooded in, impossible for Long Yubei to ignore.
Gu Lili had gone to the gym for a run, leaving her phone charging on the table.
With a book in his right hand, he picked up her phone with his left.
Upon opening a message from an unfamiliar number, Long Yubei's expression instantly hardened.
[Though you refuse to share your number, I found a way to discover it. Surprised? Shocked?!]
[I heard your husband brought his mistress and illegitimate daughter home. You haven't been back to Qinyuan these days because you argued with him about this, haven't you?]
[Are you getting a divorce? When will it happen? I hope that day comes soon.]
[Gu Lili, I'll wait for you. Once you're divorced, I'll marry you immediately.]
[I love you.]
[…]
Reading these messages, Long Yubei flung the book in his right hand far across the room.
With swift fingers, impersonating his wife, he replied: [You're imagining things. That's just my husband's goddaughter and a friend's woman. My husband is not that kind of man. We will never divorce. Give up on that hope!]
Still unsatisfied, he sent another message: [My husband treats me exceptionally well. My heart belongs to him alone. I would never leave him. No man compares to him in my eyes, so don't ever contact me again, you miserable wretch.]
After deleting the entire message thread in one breath, Long Yubei's anger simmered. He never expected another man to fancy his wife!
One Gu Xichen was enough, and now here came another!
Just then, Gu Lili returned and, after taking a quick shower, noticed his sour expression as he held her phone. She asked, "What are you doing with my phone?"
"A stranger sent you over a dozen messages, saying he'd marry you once you get divorced…" Long Yubei pressed, "Who is this person?"
Untroubled and with a clear conscience, Gu Lili replied, "That should be Antonio. He's a senior foreign exchange student at A City University and heir to the Antonio family from T country. Remember when I did the ritual at the university? He's the one who knocked my headpiece off. I told you about him before. He was also at the bar that night you came to pick me up, we just happened to run into each other there."
"He said he likes you."
"I know, he told me. What of it?" Gu Lili applied her facial mask and crawled into bed beside him. "You're only allowed to be desired by other little foxes; no one else is permitted to fancy me."
"No one." His cold gaze fixed on her with unambiguous resolve. "Gu Lili, if I catch you playing with fire with any other man, you will meet a fate most disgraceful."