Chapter 23: As If Being Kidnapped onto a Pirate Ship

The man slapped her hand away with deliberate coldness, his voice low and sharp. “Last time, didn’t you say you wanted me to be your brother-in-law?”

In the driver’s seat, Letian’s ears perked up, catching onto something extraordinary.

Su Zheng’s sister... isn’t that Gu Li? The one from Country M?

What on earth is happening, Master?

“Oh? So you’ve figured it out?” Gu Li arched a brow, her lips curling into a faint smile devoid of any warmth.

Her composure was impeccable. She met his gaze squarely, her calm demeanor betraying nothing, like a still lake hiding untold depths.

Mu Qinghan’s eyes narrowed slightly before he shifted his gaze away. “If you want to bring down the Su family, I’ll help you.”

Gu Li blinked, her amusement flickering in her fox-like eyes.

Oh? So you’ve done your homework, Second Master.

Despite his offer, she had no intention of delegating revenge or the pleasure of toppling scumbags. Those were battles she relished fighting herself.

A sly grin spread across her face. She leaned forward, her slender fingers reaching for his collar.

Mu Qinghan’s shirt, a high-end custom piece, was always perfectly pressed, its crisp lines a testament to his meticulous nature. But under her fingertips, those pristine folds wrinkled slightly.

Oddly enough, he didn’t push her hand away.

Her dangerous smile deepened, her voice sultry and laced with a hint of mockery. “Thank you, Second Master, but there are some things best done personally. Don’t you agree? It’s far more satisfying that way.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

In his estimation, “Su Zheng” was just an ordinary, unremarkable college student. But this… this was something entirely unexpected.

“But…” Gu Li retracted her hand and leaned back in her seat, her tone turning nonchalant. “I do have another deal for you. Remember the incense from Master Lan Xin I promised to get you? How about we discuss that?”

Mu Qinghan’s lips curved slightly, his tone unreadable. “What do you want in return?”

His question was calm, almost too calm, but Letian, sitting in the front, could sense the subtle shift in his master’s voice. Was that… interest?

Gu Li’s posture was relaxed as she leaned back further, crossing one leg over the other. Her tone was casual, almost lazy. “Oh, nothing much. I just need the Second Master to lend me a hand when I call for it.”

Letian, listening to the exchange, felt utterly baffled.

What kind of cryptic conversation is this?

Mu Qinghan didn’t press further. “Alright,” he agreed, his tone decisive.

He agreed. Just like that.

Letian nearly did a double take, sneaking a glance at the rearview mirror. His shock was poorly concealed.

Weird. This is so weird.

Gu Li, unfazed, snapped her fingers with an air of playful satisfaction. “Oh, by the way, Second Master, why did you drag me into your car, hmm? Were you planning to kidnap me?”

Her teasing tone was light, but her eyes were filled with curiosity.

In the driver’s seat, Letian coughed awkwardly, stealing a glance at Mu Qinghan through the mirror. Knowing his master wouldn’t bother to explain, he took it upon himself to answer. “We’re heading to the Mu family residence. We need your help.”

“Oh, is that so?” Gu Li chuckled, seemingly pleased with herself. “Well, I’d be delighted to help.”

The words left her lips like a declaration of victory, punctuated by a snap of her fingers.

Her smile remained as the car sped through the streets, thoughts swirling in her mind.

The Mu family residence, huh?

She didn’t know much about the infamous Mu family, but she had heard whispers. They were rich, powerful, and far from harmonious. Her fourth brother had mentioned them in passing before, especially the drama surrounding Mu Qinghan.

Before his accident, Mu Qinghan had been groomed to take the reins of the family. But after the incident, things had taken a dark turn. He’d moved out, distancing himself from the rest of the clan.

What’s your game, Second Master?

The car pulled up in front of a sleek, modern mansion—a striking display of wealth and power.

Gu Li hopped out first, taking a moment to survey the towering structure. It was cold, imposing, and lifeless. The kind of place that looked meticulously curated, yet utterly devoid of humanity.

Letian rushed around to open the door for Mu Qinghan, who stepped out with his usual quiet grace.

Gu Li stretched lazily and smirked. “Alright, what exactly am I supposed to help you with?”

The question lingered in the crisp evening air.

Letian leaned close, lowering his voice. “It’s like this. Second Master’s stepmother is… concerned about his well-being. She keeps hiring these young, beautiful nannies for him, supposedly to look after him.”

Gu Li blinked, processing the absurdity of the situation before bursting into laughter.

(End of Chapter 23)