Chapter 8: Sure Enough, He Was the Prey She Had Set Her Eyes On

Mu Qinghan’s cold gaze flickered with a hint of interest, his bright eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the woman before him.

He said nothing but regarded her with a penetrating stare, his expression still and unreadable. For a moment, a subtle but undeniable enchantment flashed in his eyes—an almost imperceptible glimmer of beauty.

Gu Li straightened up, her lips curling into a wicked, self-assured smile. "So, what do you think? Want to help me escape?"

If she could capture his attention with the fragrance he wore, he would surely be intrigued.

If the engagement were broken off, Zhang Jingsi and Su Hong would waste no time making her life difficult. She had to get away now, or risk being trapped.

"Yichen, leave," Mu Qinghan ordered coldly, his frown deepening.

Gu Yichen’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, and he shot Gu Li another curious glance.

"Don’t worry," Gu Li said nonchalantly, raising a hand in mock reassurance. "I know Second Master has some mobility issues. I’ll help him to the restroom. You can trust me, Mr. Gu." Her tone was so casual it was almost mocking.

With a sigh, Gu Yichen left, his face twitching in exasperation.

Mu Qinghan remained silent.

Once they were alone, Gu Li stepped closer to him. "I’ll help you to the restroom first, and then you cover me while I slip out. How about it?"

Mu Qinghan didn’t immediately respond, his gaze still fixed on her, as though he were trying to see beyond the surface. His burning eyes swept over her familiar features, lingering on the scar beneath her left eye and her short, neat hair. They gave her a sharp, almost heroic look, but the resemblance to the daring woman he’d met at the Green Hotel three days ago was unmistakable.

"You," he began, his voice low and measured, "were at the Green Hotel in Country M three days ago, weren’t you?"

Gu Li feigned confusion, her lips curling in a playful smile. "What are you talking about? I flew back to China that day. I didn’t stay at the Green Hotel. You can send someone to check. I was at the Dexter Hotel."

"Really?" His voice was skeptical, but he didn’t press further.

"But my sister," Gu Li added with a casual shrug, "she was at the Green Hotel that day."

Mu Qinghan’s expression hardened, the flicker of interest in his eyes transforming into cold determination. "My bodyguard is outside. You can swap coats with him, and I’ll take you out."

Gu Li snapped her fingers, an expression of triumph crossing her face. "Deal."

The prey she’d had her eyes on was more intriguing than she had initially thought.

…

Gu Li successfully slipped out of the Zhang family’s villa and into Mu Qinghan’s luxury car.

She adjusted the brim of her hat and then turned slightly, addressing the man in the back seat. "I live at Hua'an Apartment. Please take me there. Thank you."

Her tone was light, as though requesting a simple ride, but it was clear she had no intentions of being a mere passenger.

Mu Qinghan’s expression remained unreadable at the mention of the apartment's name, though Le Tian, the driver, seemed intrigued.

"What a coincidence, Second Master," Le Tian remarked with a teasing smile. "You live in Hua’an Apartment too."

Gu Li raised an eyebrow, glancing at the man behind her before smirking. "What a coincidence indeed, Master Mu. Could it be fate?"

Hua'an Apartment wasn’t just any building—it was where her brother lived.

The apartment complex had been acquired by Hua'an Group thirteen years ago, previously the site of a massive pharmaceutical factory before being demolished and rebuilt as luxury housing. It sat in a prime location next to three prestigious schools: A Middle School to the left, A University across the street, and Medical University two blocks behind.

Her brother had lived there throughout his high school and college years, paying for the apartment entirely with his own earnings from working outside. The Su family had never spent a penny on it.

Gu Li looked at Mu Qinghan, her expression indifferent, as Le Tian spoke again. "Second Master, are you waiting for Master Gu?"

Gu Yichen had been the one pushing the wheelchair earlier, but now it seemed someone new had taken his place.

Mu Qinghan ignored Le Tian and turned to Gu Li. "Do you know the fragrance of 'Deep'?"

Le Tian, who was far more familiar with the scent, leaned forward. "You have quite the nose! 'Deep' is an excellent fragrance. It's known to help with sleep."

Gu Li smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "'Deep' is indeed a sleep aid, but it also has a... rather provocative side effect. It contains orange oil, which is both an aphrodisiac and a hypnotic. I'd recommend using it sparingly unless you’re with your wife."

Le Tian froze, his face going pale as his mind processed the implication. His gaze flicked nervously toward the man sitting beside him, who was now staring at Gu Li with a sharp, unreadable expression.

Aphrodisiac?

Le Tian had been the one to order the fragrance. If only he had known about its other... properties.

(End of Chapter 8)

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