Chapter One: Mrs. Gu

Night had fallen, and as the city lights flickered to life, a fine drizzle hung in the air.

A stretch Bentley rolled to a stop before the red carpet. A valet quickly unfurled an umbrella and approached the car door. Black leather heels with crimson soles stepped onto the carpet, and the woman who emerged wore a gentle smile. Her assistant, who had been waiting, hurried forward. "Boss, you’ve finally arrived."

Fu Luoning strode inside. "What lot are they on?"

"They’re currently auctioning the CS rose diamond necklace. If we go now, you’ll make it in time for the item you wanted."

Fu Luoning nodded and walked in briskly.

Shanyue followed close behind. "By the way... Mr. Gu is here tonight as well."

Fu Luoning paused, giving a brief hum of acknowledgment.

Inside the auction hall, the auctioneer’s gavel fell. "Congratulations to Mr. Gu at seat A15 VIP for purchasing the rose diamond necklace with a winning bid of sixteen million. Let’s give Mr. Gu a round of applause."

Amid the thunderous clapping, Fu Luoning took her seat. Qin Zhaoqing, surprised to see her, murmured, "You’re a step late. You missed your husband’s grand gesture."

Fu Luoning smoothed her hair. "Did you bid on anything?"

"I wanted that rose diamond necklace, but I can’t compete with your husband." Qin Zhaoqing shot a look at the VIP section up front, rolling her eyes.

Fu Luoning glanced over. Gu Linzhou sat with his back to her, a stunning woman nestled in his arms, whispering into his ear from time to time—a scene dripping with intimacy.

"Our next item is the Obsidian, a masterpiece by the renowned Master Fergie," the auctioneer announced as an image of the watch appeared on the big screen.

"The master devoted three years to this piece. Should the winning bidder desire, the master will offer further customization. The starting bid is three million, with increments of no less than five thousand. Let the bidding begin..."

"Four million!"

"Four point one five million!"

"Four point two million!"

Bids flew about in quick succession, and before long the price had soared close to five million.

Qin Zhaoqing leaned over. "How much are you planning to bid?"

"I don’t know yet," Fu Luoning replied, keeping a watchful eye on the room. When the price hit seven million, more than half the bidders had dropped out.

She had come for this watch.

"Ten million!" From the VIP seats ahead, a slender arm raised a paddle, the bid called out in a delicate voice.

Seeing who had bid, the rest of the room fell silent.

"Ten million, once!" The auctioneer scanned the audience, waiting for a challenger.

"President Gu, this watch would suit you perfectly. You should—"

"Twelve million," came another bid.

All eyes turned to their section. Shanyue, glancing at her boss, raised the paddle with unnerving composure.

"Sir," Gu Linzhou’s assistant murmured quietly, "it’s Madam."

Gu Linzhou turned around, his gaze settling on the woman several rows back. She had her head turned, speaking quietly to her neighbor.

A spark of amusement danced in his eyes. "Keep bidding," he told the woman at his side.

Reassured, the woman raised her paddle. "Thirteen million."

Catching Fu Luoning’s glance, Shanyue bid, "Fifteen million."

Gu Linzhou arched a brow—such aggressive bidding. But he wondered, what did she want with a men’s watch?

By now, many in the hall had recognized Fu Luoning, watching the scene with growing interest. Mr. Gu sat up front with a new lover, while Mrs. Gu sat behind, bidding against them.

"Twenty-three million," the woman beside Gu Linzhou called, unable to resist glancing back at the legendary Mrs. Gu. In the dim light, the woman’s beauty was evident: refined rather than flamboyant, her eyes tinged with chilliness, her gaze fixed on the stage with a hint of weary impatience.

She was easily a match for any star from the entertainment world. Zhang Mingya felt a faint tremor in her heart, just as the other party bid, "Twenty-five million."

She looked at Gu Linzhou, ready to raise her paddle, but he waved her off. She lowered her paddle.

The auctioneer began the final count. "Twenty-five million once! Twenty-five million twice! Twenty-five million three times!"

"Congratulations to the lady at E15 VIP for winning the Obsidian masterpiece for twenty-five million. Let’s give her a round of applause!"

Enthusiastic clapping broke out once more.

"President Gu..." Zhang Mingya glanced meaningfully in Fu Luoning’s direction, pressing herself closer to Gu Linzhou, whispering in his ear, "Won’t Mrs. Gu be angry seeing you like this?"

Gu Linzhou’s eyes sparkled with humor as he pulled her closer by the waist. "Why are you still sitting so close then?"

"I didn’t know Mrs. Gu would come. She just bought an expensive watch for you, and you gave me a diamond necklace..." Zhang Mingya wasn’t sure if Mrs. Gu had seen her sitting in front, but her actions now were at least partly calculated.

Give him the watch?

Gu Linzhou looked back again. By then, Fu Luoning had already risen and was walking away, leaving him with nothing but her slender silhouette.

In the two years since their marriage, he could count their encounters on one hand, and each time they’d met, they’d been like strangers.

Would this woman really give him a watch?

With a wry smile, Gu Linzhou shrugged off the woman beside him, stood, buttoned his suit, and his striking face wore a half-smile, half-smirk. "You’ve got the necklace, and I’ve delivered on the resources I promised. Don’t contact me again."

He didn’t seem to be joking. Zhang Mingya was stunned, unsure which word had set him off.

Just a moment ago, everything had been fine.

By the time she recovered, Gu Linzhou was already striding away.

Outside the auction hall.

Qin Zhaoqing walked beside Fu Luoning as they collected the watch. "You came all this way just to bid on this watch?"

Fu Luoning nodded. "That’s right."

"But it’s a men’s watch. You won’t wear it." She knew Fu Luoning often bought men’s watches—quite a few, in fact. When she asked why, Fu Luoning always said, "For my collection!"

The watch was soon delivered to Fu Luoning. She examined it carefully, then placed it back in the box and turned to the staff. "If I want the master to customize it, how should I get in touch?"

"This is the assistant’s card. You can contact him directly," the staff replied, handing her a business card.

Fu Luoning tucked it away and left.

Qin Zhaoqing couldn’t help repeating what she’d said many times before. "You’re not really going to give it to that scumbag husband of yours, are you?"

"Of course not," Fu Luoning replied flatly. "I told you, it’s for my collection."

"You don’t even wear women’s watches, but you collect men’s?" Qin Zhaoqing shook her head repeatedly, unable to fathom her friend.

As they headed outside, Fu Luoning spotted Gu Linzhou’s assistant. He stepped forward. "Madam."

Fu Luoning noticed the luxury car parked ahead.

"President Gu is waiting in the car to take you home."

"I have other matters to attend to." Fu Luoning glanced at the car, catching a glimpse of the figure inside through the window. "I don’t have time."