Chapter 36

After her guess, Shen Tang set about verifying it. As a result, she had been walking rather close to Shen Xiuran these days.

Xu JiaoJiao would always find ways to chime in once or twice, which could be passed off as coincidental. But when it happened many times, it was obviously suspicious.

That day, after their scenes ended, Shen Tang ran over to Shen Xiuran's side again.

Shen Xiuran licked his back molars and raised an eyebrow: "What's the matter? Regret rejecting me?"

To be honest, his sleazy manner disgusted Shen Tang.

She quickly said: "Regret is out of the question. It will never happen in this lifetime."

Shen Xiuran's expression was somewhat ugly. "Then why are you coming over?"

"Well... I heard that Teacher Shen, you are very skilled in acting. I wanted to learn from you." Shen Tang smiled awkwardly. She could hardly tell him she was here to conduct an experiment!

Shen Xiuran let out an arrogant "hmph". "You have a lot left to learn."

"Sister Tang Tang, Master Shen, what are you guys talking about?"

Xu JiaoJiao came bouncing over.

Shen Tang gave a knowing smile.

Shen Xiuran looked deeply at Shen Tang, and said: "We were discussing what to eat for dinner tonight."

"Ah, I know a hot pot restaurant nearby that is delicious. Why don't I treat you guys!"

For a moment, Shen Tang was shocked, because she loved eating hot pot very much.

"Sure, it's a deal then."

"Wait, when did I agree to this?" Did she say yes?

Xu JiaoJiao let out a disappointed "ah". "Sister Tang Tang, come on, don't you love eating hot pot?"

"I don't."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tang clearly saw a fleeting astonishment flash across Xu JiaoJiao's face.

Just who was she!

"You can try it. Hot pot is really delicious."

Shen Tang stared straight at Xu JiaoJiao, staring at her until she became nervous, before finally loosening her mouth: "Fine, let's eat then!"

That night, after the three of them suited up, they drove to the hot pot restaurant.

At this time, the hot pot restaurant was quite crowded. Fortunately, they had booked a private room beforehand.

At first, Shen Tang was rather listless.

On the contrary, Xu JiaoJiao was very enthusiastic, helping to pick food for Shen Tang.

Shen Tang kept feeling something was off.

But the hot pot was too delicious. Her appetite instantly soared, and by the end, her stomach was round from all the eating.

Shen Tang: "......"

Who would believe now if she said she didn't like eating hot pot?

Shen Xiuran looked over mockingly. Swordmaster Liang, you said you didn't know any martial arts! Ah no, Shen Tang, you said you don't like eating hot pot!

Xu JiaoJiao was also extremely delighted, her expression clearly showing: I knew you'd love to eat it!

Shen Tang covered her face in embarrassment. Damn, her awful self-control!

After the meal, Shen Xiuran left first. Shen Tang and Xu JiaoJiao wandered around the mall for a bit longer.

Suddenly, Shen Tang caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure.

On reflex, she grabbed Xu JiaoJiao and hid to the side, tilting her head down to peek.

Xu JiaoJiao was somewhat confused: "Sister Tang Tang, what's wrong?"

"Sh!"

Glancing furtively, Shen Tang managed to see his profile. It was indeed Gu Huaian.

Even if his face turned to ashes, she would still recognize him!

Beside him stood an extremely beautiful woman with scarlet red lips and a perfect figure.

The two of them were walking down a flight of stairs, chatting and laughing together, seemingly quite close.

Shen Tang found it strange. The book didn't write about Gu Huaian finding true love so quickly.

Also, the book hardly described anything about him, focusing most of the writing on the female lead and male leads' love-hate entanglements instead.

And moreover, the plot had already changed so much since she transmigrated into the book. It wouldn't be surprising for Gu Huaian's love storylines to change either.

Shen Tang hid far behind them to peek like a despicable little thief.

"Sister Tang Tang, do you know that person?"

"Mm, he's my boss."

Xu JiaoJiao took another glance. From her manner, she clearly didn't look like she was watching her boss.

But she politely didn't inquire further.

After Gu Huaian's group walked far away, Shen Tang turned to Xu JiaoJiao. "Sorry, something came up suddenly. I can't accompany you shopping anymore. Let's make plans another time."

After saying this, without waiting for Xu JiaoJiao's response, Shen Tang hurried away while using her bag to hide her face, secretly following them.

Xu JiaoJiao watched the disappearing figure, then looked at Shen Tang, pressing her lips together displeasedly.

Shen Tang rushed downstairs, and the figures quickly disappeared from sight.

She looked left and right but couldn't find anyone. Annoyed, she angrily stamped her foot, accidentally twisting her ankle in her shoe.

"Ow!"

She sucked in a breath of cold air from the pain, hobbling over to a chair to sit down and rest.

Damn, how unlucky.

She recalled the scene from earlier again. The man and woman did look quite well-matched.

She didn't mind Gu Huaian finding true love, but her contract period wasn't up yet!

If Gu Huaian broke the contract, would she still get her money?

The more Shen Tang thought about it, the more upset she felt. It was such a huge sum of money. Surely she wouldn't lose it just like this...

"Why are you crying?"

How strange, she was even hallucinating Gu Huaian's voice now...

Wait, she was crying?

Shen Tang touched her face. Only then did she realize her face felt damp—she really was crying tears. Shoot! Her eye makeup must be smudged!

Gu Huaian: "......"

"Stop crying. Look up."

Shen Tang raised her head. Gu Huaian and the beauty were standing right in front of her.

【Hiss—Did they come to confront me!】

Shen Tang bolted to run away.

As long as she didn't hear it, the money would still be hers!

But she had only taken two steps before getting picked up by the waist. "You're injured yet still being so unruly."

Shen Tang hurriedly covered her ears. I can't hear, I can't hear, chanting scriptures to a tortoise.

Gu Huaian: "......"

Beside them, the great beauty watched the two with amusement. "Huaian, won't you introduce us?"

"Shen Tang, this is my sister."

"I don't care what she is to yo—sister?"

......

A while later, the three of them were sitting inside a cafe.

Shen Tang smiled extremely awkwardly, not even daring to lift her head, truly embarrassing herself to death.

She had actually thought this beauty was Gu Huaian's true love, never expecting her to be his sister!

"Wuyang and Anran told me you've been very good to them."

Thinking about how the two little ones had wholeheartedly served her, Shen Tang felt even more guilty.

"It was nothing much..."

"You don't have to be modest. I know what those two are usually like."

Gu Qingan took out a jewelry box from her bag and slid it over. "Sorry our first meeting was so rushed. This is for you, see if you like it."

Just looking at the packaging, Shen Tang could tell it was expensive. She hurriedly declined, "This is too valuable, I can't accept it."

"Don't worry, I designed this myself, it's not worth much money. I feel it suits you very well, try it on."

Upon hearing it was a self-designed piece, admiration flashed through Shen Tang's eyes. She was so incredible!

Opening the jewelry box, the bracelet was extremely beautiful—simple yet cute. She couldn't help but love it.

"Thank you, sister. I really like it."

"As long as you like it."

Gu Qingan didn't stay too long. After taking a call, she apologetically took her leave.

Only then did Shen Tang look towards Gu Huaian. "How did you know I was there?"

Recalling the noisy mental voices he had heard from quite a distance away, Gu Huaian sighed.

"Coincidence."

"Also, why do Wuyang and Anran take on your sister's surname?"

Generally speaking, prestigious families had more rules, like how people of the same surname couldn't marry and other weird taboos.

Shen Tang had only casually asked out of curiosity. She didn't expect Gu Huaian's expression to instantly turn gloomy.

She quickly changed her words: "Sorry, I overstepped. If you don't wish to talk about it, nevermind."

"It's not like it's particularly private either..."