Chapter 46

Chapters 34-35: Who Kneels Down

Xu Yao gently pulled open the iron door, creating a small gap. Not far away, two people stood on the open ground. One was Gu Wenyuan, and the other was a girl standing gracefully, which surprised Xu Yao greatly.

"Ji Su, how could it be Ji Su from Wen Liang's class?"

As one of the three major beauties in the first year of Qingyi High School, Xu Yao had long heard of Ji Su. Although they didn't have much interaction, the things she heard made her feel a strong liking for this elegant and fresh girl.

Why is she here?

Ji Su held an umbrella, standing in front of Gu Wenyuan. The heavy rain poured down, quickly soaking her thin clothes. Her light-colored knitted long-sleeved shirt clung to her body, almost revealing her perfect chest line. Her tight black jeans were drenched, and her long hair, which was not tied up, fluttered in the wind, with a few strands of disheveled hair swaying in front of her eyes. She looked tragically beautiful.

"Gu Wenyuan, please..."

Ji Su never thought that one day she would stand in front of Gu Wenyuan, begging for help, especially after she had just rejected his proposal a few days ago. But at this moment, she had no other choice.

Five days ago, her father, Ji Zheng, was taken away by the police who burst into their home. The family found out the reason only after exhausting all their connections. It turned out that someone had reported Ji Zheng for embezzlement, bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and other serious crimes during his tenure as deputy factory manager of Qinghua Factory. He was taken away by the Nan Gong District Public Security Bureau for investigation.

On the day the news came, her mother, Su Rui, fell ill in bed. All the matters were handled by her uncle, Su Yongchang. The once happy and harmonious family collapsed overnight. Ji Su, who had grown up in a sheltered environment, though not in extreme wealth, had been pampered by her parents for over a decade. Facing such a situation, her fear and helplessness were unimaginable. But with her father gone and her mother ill, if she couldn't hold on, the family would have no hope. So, Ji Su gritted her teeth and endured. She cooked, washed clothes, cleaned the house, and invited a doctor to give her mother injections and intravenous fluids. She even pretended everything was fine when she came to school. In just five days, it felt like fifty years.

Yesterday, Su Yongchang brought news that the police had strong evidence, and the situation was very unfavorable for Ji Zheng. If convicted, he might face a sentence of over ten years. However, the severity of the case depended on whether they could find the right person to speak up. Su Rui was on the verge of a mental breakdown, and this news was not told to her. The Ji and Su families were ordinary, and the highest-ranking person was Ji Zheng, with a very limited social circle, making it impossible to find a powerful person to help. Ji Su stayed up all night, heartbroken, when she suddenly thought of Gu Wenyuan.

Gu Wenyuan's family background was no longer a secret, but in the two years she had known him, Ji Su had never thought about it. She didn't look down on the poor or be swayed by the rich. In her heart, Gu Wenyuan was well-mannered and kind, without the bad habits of a spoiled rich kid. He was like most ordinary classmates, a friend, and even a good friend, but nothing more.

However, after the recent basketball game, Gu Wenyuan seemed to have changed. He often came over and said ambiguous things, and a few days ago, he even confessed to her under the experiment building.

Without hesitation, Ji Su rejected him, but she didn't expect his face to become so distorted. That day, he waved his hands, his handsome face twisted with anger, and shouted, "Why did you reject me? Is it because of him? Is it?"

Ji Su knew that "he" referred to Wen Liang.

What Ji Su didn't know was that men are strange creatures who, when hit, subconsciously find an unrelated reason to blame, convincing themselves that their failure is not due to their own incompetence but the enemy's shamelessness. So, even though Gu Wenyuan knew that Ji Su had always treated him as a friend, his resentment placed her on the same level as Wen Liang, at the top of his list.

Therefore, when Ji Su finally mustered the courage to stand in front of Gu Wenyuan and beg for help, he felt no sympathy, only a cruel and sadistic pleasure.

Finally, you have to kneel at my feet, begging for mercy?

Finally, you have to look up at my face, waiting for judgment?

Xu Yao, hiding behind the door, heard the whole story. She didn't care if Ji Zheng was guilty of embezzlement and misappropriation. Seeing Ji Su's pitiful state, her sense of justice overflowed. She clenched her fists and silently said to Gu Wenyuan, "Help her! If you do, I won't say bad things about you to Xiao Ning."

Because of Wen Liang, Xu Yao had always looked down on Gu Wenyuan and often criticized him to Ning Xiaoning. Now, moved by Ji Su, she immediately forgot about Wen Liang.

Just as Ji Su was about to fall into despair, Gu Wenyuan finally spoke, "I can help you..."

Ji Su's head snapped up, her eyes shining with surprise. She clutched the umbrella handle tightly and asked in a trembling voice, "Really?"

Gu Wenyuan took a step forward, his umbrella pushing Ji Su's back. Ji Su was startled, her body leaning back as rain poured in from the gap between the umbrellas, drenching her entire body, hair, forehead, face, and neck.

Gu Wenyuan held the umbrella with one hand and put the other in his coat pocket, looking elegant and charming from a distance. He lowered his head and stared at the beautiful, flawless face of the girl. Her eyebrows were light, like distant mountains; her eyes were bright, like morning stars; her nose was small, with delicate wrinkles when she wrinkled it, looking mischievously cute; her lips were thin, slightly parted, exuding a seductive charm.

There are many kinds of beauties, but Ji Su's beauty was unique in this world at this moment!

You are mine, you are mine!

Gu Wenyuan's eyes blazed with desire as he said, "I will help you, but today you must become my woman!"

Not a girlfriend, not a lover, not a wife, but simply a woman!

Ji Su stood in the rain, her face turning pale. Before coming, she had been anxious and uneasy, telling herself that if he agreed to help, she would be forever grateful, no matter the cost.

But in the heart of a seventeen-year-old girl, the cost did not include her body or love!

This wasn't naivety or innocence; it was that Ji Su, living in the 1990s, had never imagined hearing such words from a classmate, friend, or even a good friend. She thought Gu Wenyuan would refuse, given her recent rejection, but even if she had to discard her dignity and kneel to apologize, she would beg for his forgiveness.

But reality finally told her that this was just her foolish hope. She had never truly understood Gu Wenyuan or the soul hidden behind his handsome and gentle facade!

Do you know how long it takes for a person to turn into a beast?

Not long, just one second!

Xu Yao clearly heard these words, shaking her head in disbelief. When she saw Ji Su's expression, her anger boiled over.

She had never felt so much like hitting someone!

Just as she was about to rush out and beat Gu Wenyuan, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. Surprised, she turned back to see Wen Liang's dark eyes and the chilling smirk on his lips!

Ji Su bit her lower lip so hard that blood trickled out, quickly mixed with the rain on her face, like a light layer of lipstick. She lifted her head, her bright eyes filled with pain and unwillingness, with wet strands of hair sticking to her lips, creating a hauntingly beautiful image.

The heavy rain washed away the makeup on the girl's face but could not cleanse the evil in others' hearts!

Xu Yao, held back by Wen Liang, struggled but couldn't break free. Anger rising, she was about to ask why he was stopping her when she heard Wen Liang say in a low voice, "Wait!"

Wait for what?

Of course, to wait for Ji Su to make her decision. Wen Liang was not a savior and had little interest in Ji Su and her family, but since Gu Wenyuan was involved, he had to intervene. So he waited to see the girl's final decision.

Wen Liang, having lived two lives, thought more deeply than Xu Yao. Rushing out now would be easy, but could he help Ji Su save her father after driving away Gu Wenyuan?

Gu Shitong could help; a few calls, and he could easily get a deputy factory manager out. As the only son of the Gu family, Gu Wenyuan would definitely get his help if he insisted. Xu Fuyan could also help, but Wen Liang was sure that even if Xu Yao cried her voice hoarse, he wouldn't get involved.

This wasn't about whether they loved their children but the fundamental difference between businessmen and politicians!

Therefore, before knowing Ji Su's decision, Wen Liang wouldn't act rashly. Otherwise, he might not help and might even make things worse.

Xu Yao, desperate, moved her gaze back to the door.

The two people in the rain were now only a few centimeters apart. Gu Wenyuan's invasive gaze roamed over Ji Su's body, his desire and satisfaction almost distorting his face.

But he wasn't in a hurry!

Since Ji Su had spoken, he was her last hope. He wanted to enjoy this process, tearing off the goddess's outer layer, crushing her dignity, pride, and future under his feet.

"I won't force you. In Qingzhou, I'm not the only one who can save your father. But think carefully, I might be the only one willing to help!"

Indeed, besides Gu Wenyuan, who else could she turn to?

Her father was in danger, her mother was bedridden, and her uncle had done his best. Besides Gu Wenyuan, who else could she turn to? Besides her body, what else could move him?

But, but...

Was it all over? The future she had once dreamed of, listening to the wind chimes?

Was it all lost? The graceful figure in the white dress?

After a long silence, Ji Su finally made up her mind. A faint smile of self-mockery appeared on her lips as she said softly, "I..."

Standing in the pouring rain, Ji Su's soft figure had never been more heart-wrenching. As a woman, Xu Yao was deeply moved, feeling as if she were the one enduring the humiliation. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she turned to Wen Liang, pleading:

Wen Liang, help her, okay?

Wen Liang sighed, released Xu Yao's hand, and without waiting for Ji Su to finish her sentence, kicked open the iron door and walked out. Xu Yao quickly opened her umbrella and followed, shielding him from the rain.

Taking this step meant taking on an unpredictable responsibility, but facing Xu Yao's pleading eyes, Wen Liang couldn't remain indifferent!

So, let's take a chance! Reborn once, isn't it about living a life without restraint, doing as one pleases?

Gu Wenyuan was waiting for the moment when Ji Su would lose all her dignity, even planning to take her right there. He wanted to destroy her completely, pressing the girl, who many at the school dreamed of, under him in the rain, ensuring she would never forget this moment.

Was there anything more satisfying in this world?

Ji Su's wet clothes clung to her body, adding to her allure. Gu Wenyuan felt his blood boiling, but a loud bang woke him from his dream.

Both turned to see Wen Liang, dressed in sports casuals, walking over, with the beautiful Xu Yao holding the umbrella, following closely.

It's you again, damn it, it's you again!

The pleasure on Gu Wenyuan's face turned to iron-gray, his eyes burning with rage that could, in a fantastical sense, burn Wen Liang's soul to ashes. They were old enemies, and there was no need for pretense. Wen Liang squeezed between Gu Wenyuan and Ji Su, smiling, "Excuse me, excuse me, move over."

Gu Wenyuan coldly snorted and slowly stepped back. Xu Yao had already taken Ji Su's hand, protecting her, and whispered, "Don't be afraid!"

Ji Su, suddenly exposed, was already on edge. Thinking they didn't know what was happening, she was stunned by Xu Yao's words.

These two, one was Wen Liang, whom she didn't like, and the other was the equally beautiful Xu Yao. If she had a choice, she would rather it be anyone else but these two!

"Mr. Gu, I'm just curious, can't you ever do something good when I run into you?" Wen Liang's smile was mocking, his words cutting, "Even the eunuch Liu Jin said that doing one bad thing is easy, but doing bad things all your life is hard. I didn't expect you, with your handsome appearance, to be even worse than a eunuch!"

After several confrontations, Gu Wenyuan had developed a strong resistance to Wen Liang's insults. He didn't get angry, just glanced at him disdainfully, and then looked at Ji Su, saying calmly, "Ji Su, are you rejecting me?"

"Damn, reject you!" Wen Liang suddenly attacked, kicking Gu Wenyuan back a few steps, then pounced, punching him in the stomach and throwing him to the ground. Gu Wenyuan's black coat flew through the air, landing heavily in the water, splashing everywhere.

Gu Wenyuan, caught off guard, was dazed. When he recovered, he got up and hit Wen Liang with the umbrella. Wen Liang didn't dodge, letting the umbrella leave a light blood trail on his shoulder, then grabbed his arm and threw him again. Knowing his fighting skills were far inferior, Gu Wenyuan lay on the ground, laughing, "Wen Liang, you damn fool, do you think this is helping her? You're going to get her killed, you know? Hahaha!"

Ji Su stood there, watching the two men fight, while Xu Yao, heartbroken, held her. Hearing Gu Wenyuan's taunts, she became angrier and shouted at Wen Liang, "Haven't you eaten? Hit him harder!"

Since it had come to this, there was no turning back. Wen Liang pulled Gu Wenyuan up and punched him in the stomach again. He knew how to control his strength, both punishing Gu Wenyuan and leaving no marks. If it came to a real fight, damn it, he was the one with the injuries, not Gu Wenyuan!

Gu Wenyuan pushed Wen Liang away, holding his stomach and stepping back, pointing at him and Ji Su with a clear look of malice, then limped away, his face dark. Xu Yao stared at his back and suddenly shouted, "Gu Wenyuan, listen! If you dare to harass Ji Su again, I'll tell Uncle Gu through Xiao Ning, and see if he doesn't break your legs!"

Gu Wenyuan paused, his once elegant black coat now covered in mud, and disappeared down the hallway.

With Gu Wenyuan's departure, the last bit of hope vanished. Ji Su felt all her strength drain away, and she collapsed to the ground.

Her hand slipped, and the sky-blue umbrella spun in the air, flipping to the side.

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