This woman was like a perfectly ripe peach, so full of sweetness she could practically be squeezed out of. Compared to her, Gu Wan’er still seemed a bit young and inexperienced. They had completely different kinds of charm—this one was a total mature, elegant姐姐 (older sister) type.
Yu Xiaoduo watched as her jade-like arm lifted a small, greenish teacup. Her crimson lips gave it a gentle blow before she took a tiny sip, leaving a faint lipstick mark on the rim. Just seeing it made Yu Xiaoduo feel all hot and bothered. It was way too much to handle.
Mom, whichever temple you got my fortune told at, it was spot on.
“Old Master Bai, she’s here,” the scar-faced man said respectfully.
Yu Xiaoduo was clearly taken aback. Old Master Bai is a woman?
Gu Wan’er had said he was a man. But sometimes women are even more ruthless than men. And sure enough, this “Old Master Bai” was certainly fierce in her own way.
Bai Ji gently set down her teacup and gestured for the scar-faced man to leave. Her eyes settled on Yu Xiaoduo, who was standing a few meters away, and she said calmly, “I’ve long heard that the eldest daughter of the Gu Group is naturally beautiful. Now that I see you in person, you’re truly stunning.”
Ah, the usual business flattery. But she sure hit the mark.
“You’re too kind, Old Master Bai. Any woman pales in comparison when standing before you.”
Bai Ji was momentarily surprised. She hadn’t expected “Gu Wan’er” to say something like that. A faint smile appeared on her otherwise composed face.
Yu Xiaoduo thought to himself, I thought this would be hard. Wasn’t this easy? What was Gu Wan’er so afraid of?
If it had been the real Gu Wan’er, she would never have used the phrase “pale in comparison.” At the very least, she would have put them on equal footing.
But Yu Xiaoduo’s thinking was: You came here to ask for her help, so be polite about it.
“Come over and sit.”
“Thank you, Old Master Bai.”
Sitting across from Bai Ji, Yu Xiaoduo couldn’t help but sneak a few more glances at her. Old Master Bai really is white—pale and lovely. But the aura she gave off was sharp and commanding, several levels above Gu Wan’er.
“This is some fresh Longjing tea that arrived this morning. Try it,” Bai Ji said as she personally poured him a cup. In all of the city, there weren’t many people she would do that for.
Yu Xiaoduo didn’t usually drink tea, but his dad drank it all the time. He had seen the motions so often that he knew them by heart.
Bai Ji watched his every move and said casually, “It seems Miss Gu enjoys tea as well.”
“Just occasionally in my spare time. But even the finest tea needs proper brewing. If I made it myself, it probably wouldn’t be even twenty or thirty percent as good as yours, Old Master Bai.”
Bai Ji let out a pleasant, light laugh. “I heard that Miss Gu is as cold as ice. But from what I see today, those are just rumors. Your mouth is as sweet as if you’ve been dipping it in honey.”
“You’re making fun of me, Old Master Bai. It’s just a bit of a disguise. I wouldn’t dare put on airs in front of you.”
If Gu Wan’er had heard these words, her expression would have been absolutely priceless. After all, she could never bring herself to say things like that.
But with Yu Xiaoduo? He could flatter you so hard you’d feel like you were floating on air.
“Miss Gu, I have a question.”
“Please go ahead, Old Master Bai.”
“You were doing just fine in Jingzhou. Why did you come all the way to Longhai City?”
Yu Xiaoduo’s expression didn’t change, but he could read between the lines. Old Master Bai was worried that the Gu family was trying to extend their reach. In the end, it all came down to interests.
So Yu Xiaoduo picked up his teacup again, downed it in one gulp, and let a flicker of resentment flash through his eyes. His acting skills came so naturally—he really had to thank his mom for all those years of playing along with his dad’s little performances.
“Did something upset Miss Gu?”
“Well, if you don’t mind me saying so, Old Master Bai… it’s a hundred times harder for a woman to achieve anything than it is for a man. I refuse to be just a tool for a marriage alliance. Only by accomplishing something, by making the elders take me seriously, can I break free from those chains and gain my freedom.” After saying all that, Yu Xiaoduo himself was shocked. Wow, I really just made all that up on the spot.
So what do you think, Old Master Bai? You’re a woman too. Can you relate? Feel a little sympathy for me? Maybe want to give me a big hug with those… ample assets of yours?
Bai Ji said softly, “There’s nothing ridiculous about that. As a woman myself, I understand where you’re coming from. But don’t think things will go smoothly for you in Longhai City. It’s a mixed bag here—full of all kinds of people. Closing a deal won’t be easy.”
“I’ve just arrived, so I’d really appreciate it if you could show me the ropes, Old Master Bai.”
The phrase “show me the ropes” made Bai Ji laugh again. She had laughed so many times today that she was starting to lose her imposing image. But this eldest daughter of the Gu family was certainly full of surprises—especially the way she talked.
“Let’s eat first, then we’ll talk. For now, come join me in the hot springs. A woman needs to take care of herself too.”
What?! Hot springs?!
Yu Xiaoduo thought, I never take advantage of others. But if you insist on making me… well, I suppose I’ll just have to go along with it.
Walking along the cobblestone path, Yu Xiaoduo noticed how empty the club was today. Last time he came, it had been packed.
“Are you wondering why there’s no one here?”
Whoa, can she read minds? How did she guess that?
“Yeah. I’ve heard this club is pretty famous in Longhai City. It’s my first time here.”
“It’s mine.”
Yu Xiaoduo: “…”
Old Master Bai is still Old Master Bai. Two words, and I’m left stunned for ages.
The Grand Court club was enormous. They even had to take a car to get to the hot spring area. Along the way, the scenery was beautiful, and the golf course was built to the highest standards.
When the two of them walked into the locker room, Yu Xiaoduo’s expression turned a little strange.
“What’s wrong? Feeling shy?” Bai Ji asked with a hint of a smile. So the great Miss Gu gets embarrassed after all.
Yu Xiaoduo stayed silent. I’m a man. Of course I’m embarrassed.
“Don’t worry. Today it’s just the two of us. No one else is here, and any staff helping out are all women.”
That’s not the problem… If she ever found out he was a man, he’d probably be struck down by a thousand arrows.
“Mm,” Yu Xiaoduo muttered reluctantly, bracing himself.
“Come help me with my zipper.” Bai Ji suddenly turned around, her back facing Yu Xiaoduo.
Yu Xiaoduo nearly twisted his ankle. Old Master Bai’s back view alone could conquer armies. Her hourglass figure, accentuated by the cheongsam, was incredibly alluring. Her fair, jade-like neck even seemed to give off a faint, pleasant scent.
He slowly walked up behind Bai Ji, took hold of the zipper tab, and gently pulled it down. The locker room echoed with the crisp sound of the zipper sliding, and her fair skin gradually became more exposed to the air.
Yu Xiaoduo felt a little dizzy. Someone save me. This job is seriously going to be the death of me.
A while later, they walked out of the locker room. Yu Xiaoduo’s face was as red as a sunset. The scene from earlier should have required a ticket to view.
Bai Ji, walking beside him, watched him with an amused smile. She had teased “Gu Wan’er” a little, and hadn’t expected her to be so shy. Just look at that face—how could anyone turn that red?
Yu Xiaoduo thought, Old Master Bai, you really don’t treat me like an outsider. I only know how to do business flattery, not… other kinds of flattery.
They both stepped into the nearest pool, the one with jasmine flowers. It was a bit hot at first, but soon became incredibly comfortable.
“Miss Gu, I have to say, I’m envious of your figure,” Bai Ji said with a light smile, leaning against the edge.
“Not nearly as good as yours, Old Master Bai,” Yu Xiaoduo replied honestly. Compared to her, he was still a little too “green.”
“How about you guess my age?”
Yu Xiaoduo’s heart sank. Oh no. Guessing a woman’s age is a deadly question. If he got it wrong, all his hard work would be for nothing. Though, to be fair, he had already gotten quite a nice “reward” just from being here.
At a time like this, you can’t worry too much about formalities. You have to say it with a completely serious face. Of course, you can’t go overboard either, or it’ll sound too deliberate.
“Old Master Bai, I’ll be direct, then.”
“Go ahead.”
“Judging by your skin quality… I’d say you might even be a little younger than me.”
Sure enough, this answer pleased Bai Ji greatly. “I’m already thirty-three. I’m getting old.”
