The Gu mansion was suffocating.
Not because of its size—
But because of the people inside it.
Chen Yuxi stepped out beside Lin Guo, finally breathing in fresh air.
That place is a battlefield.
"Get in," Lin Guo said calmly, opening the car door.
She paused. "We're going back?"
"No."
A beat.
"Shopping."
She blinked.
"Shopping?"
After all that tension? Is he serious?
Lin Guo glanced at her briefly.
"You can't walk into the Gu family like that again."
His gaze swept over her—not insulting, just… assessing.
"Not when they're watching."
Yuxi crossed her arms slightly.
"I dressed fine."
More than fine.
A faint smirk touched his lips.
"I didn't say you didn't."
A pause.
"I said it's not enough."
That tone again.
Calm. Commanding.
Unarguable.
The car stopped in front of the most luxurious shopping mall in the city.
Glass walls. Designer brands. Security at every entrance.
Yuxi stepped out slowly.
This place… even my system barely has access here.
Inside—
Everything screamed money.
Power.
Status.
Before she could say anything—
Lin Guo reached into his pocket.
Pulled out a card.
Black.
Matte.
Simple.
Deadly.
He handed it to her.
"Use it."
She stared at it.
Then at him.
"You're joking."
"I don't joke."
Her heart skipped slightly.
Of course you don't.
"I don't need your money," she said calmly.
"I know."
That answer made her pause.
"Then why?"
Lin Guo stepped closer.
Not too close this time.
Just enough.
"Because," he said quietly,
"If you're going to stand beside me…"
A slight pause.
"…you won't be looked down on."
Silence.
Something about that—
Wasn't arrogance.
Wasn't control.
It felt like… protection.
Yuxi looked at the card again.
Then smirked faintly.
"Fine."
If you want to play this game… I'll play it properly.
Inside the boutique—
Everything changed.
Staff rushed forward.
Polite. Attentive. Almost nervous.
The moment they saw the black card—
Their attitudes shifted instantly.
"Miss, this way please!"
"Exclusive collection just arrived!"
"Private fitting room is ready!"
Yuxi raised a brow slightly.
So this is what power looks like up close.
She didn't hesitate.
Didn't hold back.
Dress after dress.
Shoes. Jewelry. Accessories.
Each one chosen carefully—not just expensive, but strategic.
Behind her—
Lin Guo watched quietly.
She's not greedy.
She's calculating.
Every item she picked—
Fit her perfectly.
Elevated her presence.
Made her… untouchable.
Then—
A familiar voice cut through the air.
"Well… look at that."
Yue Xinyan.
Her eyes landed on the black card in Yuxi's hand.
And darkened instantly.
"You really have no shame," she said coldly. "Using his money like that."
Yuxi didn't even turn immediately.
She adjusted her sleeve calmly.
Then—
She faced her.
Smiling slightly.
"You're right," she said softly.
Xinyan smirked.
"But what can I do?" Yuxi continued, tilting her head.
"He gave it to me."
Silence.
That was the slap.
Clean. Effortless.
Xinyan's expression cracked.
"And you?" Yuxi added lightly,
"Still waiting for permission?"
Another slap.
Behind them—
Lin Guo's lips curved slightly.
Sharp. Always sharp.
He stepped forward slowly.
Standing beside Yuxi.
Not touching her.
But clearly—
With her.
"Is there a problem?" he asked calmly.
Xinyan's fists clenched.
But she said nothing.
Because she already knew—
She had lost this round.
Again.
Yuxi glanced at him briefly.
This man… is dangerous.
Then—
A softer thought slipped through—
But… standing beside him like this… doesn't feel bad.
Lin Guo's gaze darkened slightly.
Careful, Yuxi…
You're getting used to me.