The following day dawned under a sullen sky.
For the height of summer, the weather was unexpectedly mild, the heat subdued by the looming clouds.
Gu Lili wore a flowing white dress and a pair of wedge-heeled sandals. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders as she accompanied Tang Qingli to Kangbei District.
This was prime real estate—the city's gilded zone—where property prices soared beyond imagination.
At the local real estate agency, they browsed several listings. Tang Qingli selected three promising options, and under the agent's guidance, they set out for viewings.
In the end, one property stood out—a spacious, two-story commercial-residential hybrid in a coveted location.
Gu Lili was equally drawn to it.
They inquired about the price—9.5 million yuan.
Gu Lili no longer had that much cash at her disposal.
She had recently bought a car worth over a million and had also funded the renovation of her family home in Xiliang Mountain.
Still, she couldn't bring herself to let go of this particular property.
Tang Qingli noticed her hesitation. "Shall we call the young master?" he suggested.
"No need."
After careful thought, she turned to the owner. "Would you consider lowering the price?"
"Are you serious about buying?"
"I am."
"Nine million. Not a cent less."
Gu Lili countered, "May I pay eight million upfront, and settle the remaining one million in installments?"
"Certainly."
Tang Qingli couldn't understand why she wouldn't simply ask Long Yubei for the money. It wasn't until they were driving back that he finally voiced the question.
Gu Lili replied, "Though we are husband and wife, and by name his wealth is also mine, in truth… what claim do I really have to it? I didn't earn it myself."
"You mustn't say that, Young Madam. A million is nothing to the young master."
She turned to gaze out the window. "Even so, I don't want to ask. I'll earn the rest myself. Qingli, this two-story mixed-use property—do you think it has real potential to appreciate in value?"
"In a location like this? Absolutely. It's bound to appreciate. Foot traffic is high. If you don't use it yourself, you could lease it out and collect quite a handsome rent."
"Then I need to find a way to make good money."
An idea began to take shape in her mind. She had never believed herself capable of making a fortune, but ever since drawing inspiration from her mother's life, she realized she ought to make the most of her unique gifts.
…
That evening, while Long Yubei worked overtime at the office, Gu Lili dined alone, changed into a sleek black outfit, and slipped out into the night.
Wherever her eyes landed as she drove, she saw spectral shadows drifting faintly through the air.
She knew exactly what needed to be done—if she wanted to quickly raise one million yuan, she'd have to seek her targets among the wealthy elite.
Thus, she made her way to the Di Gong Club.
Renowned as the crown jewel of the city's nightlife, Di Gong was a favorite haunt of A City's rich and powerful.
She parked in the underground lot, then stepped out in a mask and dark sunglasses.
Taking the elevator to the fourth floor, she entered the billiards lounge.
As she stepped inside, her eyes fell upon a small group of men and women mingling near the tables.
Gu Xichen…
What a coincidence…
His gaze met hers, recognition dawning at once.
Too late to retreat, Gu Lili strolled over to the sofa, gracefully crossing her legs as she sat. With deliberate ease, she removed her sunglasses and mask.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Just wandering."
"Would you like a drink?"
"No." She patted the seat beside her. "Sit."
He obliged, turning slightly toward her. "Why are you alone? Where's your husband?"
"He's working late. That man over there—is that Ye Yan?" Her gaze fell on the striking figure in white shirt and dark trousers, poised with a cue stick in hand.
"That's him."
Gu Lili's eyes lingered on Ye Yan. She had seen him in the news before—known as the illegitimate son of the Ye family.