Accidentally Sold Myself (Rebirth) - Chapter 31

31: The Xiao Family Gathering

Ding~ The Author Ji successfully foiled a conspiracy, signing a contract to Princess Wants To Harm Me. Task reward: 10 Luck Points.

Accumulated Luck Points: 18/300

Ding~ New task: The Author Ji successfully adapts their work into a film or series, earning a reward of 50 Luck Points.

Not bad, the Luck Points are slowly increasing, which should be something to be happy about. However, because of Gu Xi’s reckless actions yesterday, she was now stuck outside the CEO’s office, handling various documents for Jiang Wenxi. Whether they were important or not, she stuffed them all into the drawer without a second thought.

“Sigh, is there something wrong with Luo Ningshuang’s brain? Why did she assign Jiang Wenxi here? And these documents, just casually locked in a drawer—aren’t they afraid someone might steal them?” Gu Xi propped her chin with one hand, muttering in confusion.

“That’s because these documents aren’t important!”

Luo Ningshuang appeared out of nowhere, startling Gu Xi slightly. Looking up at Luo Ningshuang, Gu Xi sighed, “Oh, it’s you. Why aren’t you in your CEO office?”

“I don’t trust you, so I came to check.” Seeing Gu Xi’s startled reaction, Luo Ningshuang showed no guilt and instead smirked with a hint of disdain.

“Something this small won’t stump me!” Stung by the disdain, Gu Xi instantly regained her confidence, glaring fiercely.

Luo Ningshuang raised an eyebrow and reminded her, “Fine. If there are any important documents, make sure to bring them to me. The rest you can just leave there.”

Gu Xi: “…” How was she supposed to know which documents were important?

As Luo Ningshuang prepared to return to her office, she took a couple of steps, then turned back and said, “Oh, by the way, stop acting like a resentful little wife. It’ll make people think I’m mistreating you.”

“You’re the resentful one! You’re the little wife!”

Gu Xi wrinkled her nose. After Luo Ningshuang left, she immediately pulled out the documents to check if any were important. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make sense of a single one. Giving up, she stuffed them all back into the drawer.

“This isn’t my fault. I’ve never done this kind of work before.” Gu Xi comforted herself, then happily went back to slacking off.

…

Gu Xi stretched lazily. After an afternoon of writing, she had finally exceeded her task goals. Seeing that it was almost time to leave, she decided to check if Luo Ningshuang was ready to go.

Knocking on the door, Gu Xi walked in, but Luo Ningshuang wasn’t in the office—probably in the adjacent room.

Assuming Luo Ningshuang was tired and resting, Gu Xi didn’t knock this time and directly opened the door. What she saw was Luo Ningshuang in the middle of changing clothes.

Her attire barely covered her, revealing a graceful, curvaceous figure that flowed from top to bottom. Her skin was smooth and taut, and the black evening gown accentuated her luminous complexion.

The sight caught Gu Xi off guard. Her heart began to race uncontrollably, her throat tightened, and her eyes gradually filled with desire. But when Luo Ningshuang turned around, Gu Xi quickly suppressed her emotions.

“Why didn’t you knock?” Luo Ningshuang zipped up the back of her dress, turning to see Gu Xi with a hint of exasperation.

“I thought you were asleep! Who knew you were changing? Are you dressed like that for a party? Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t you want to take me?” Gu Xi pouted. It was obvious Luo Ningshuang was attending a gathering, so why hadn’t she mentioned it?

Luo Ningshuang turned back, pinning her hair up elegantly. Her graceful neck and butterfly-like collarbone perfectly blended nobility and charm.

“So many questions. You wouldn’t like this kind of gathering. Instead of dragging you along, I’d rather you stay home and write.” Luo Ningshuang said as she finished preparing, picking up a small handbag to leave.

Gu Xi blocked her path. “I’ve finished writing. If you’re going, take me with you. I don’t trust you. Look at you, dressed so seductively—what if some creep sets their sights on you?”

“I have bodyguards. Oh, and I’ve arranged two bodyguards for you as well.” Luo Ningshuang mentioned, as if just remembering to tell her.

“Why do I need bodyguards? Don’t change the subject. I said I’m going too!” Gu Xi spread her arms, refusing to let Luo Ningshuang leave unless she agreed.

Seeing this, Luo Ningshuang gave in with a chuckle. “Fine, but don’t regret it. Go change into something else first.”

Gu Xi looked down at herself, then at Luo Ningshuang, shaking her head. “No way. I can’t pull off those barely-there dresses. I’ll go like this!”

Luo Ningshuang looked her up and down, nodding thoughtfully. “You look fine like this. Just stick close to me when we get there. If you feel uncomfortable, let me know.”

“Got it. I’m not a kid.” Gu Xi replied, though she didn’t quite understand why Luo Ningshuang said she looked “fine.” Was she implying Gu Xi wasn’t suited for an evening gown? Hmph, next time, she’d dress even more stunningly and outshine everyone.

Luo Ningshuang was wearing flats since she was driving, which looked a bit odd. But when they arrived at a private estate and she slipped into high heels, Gu Xi could only look up at her. Glancing down, she estimated the heels were about seven centimeters tall.

“What are you staring at? Let’s go in.”

Gu Xi followed obediently, glancing at the crowd. Everyone was meticulously dressed—women competing to show off their figures with revealing outfits, men flaunting their business success.

“This gathering is hosted by the Xiao family. That’s why I didn’t want to bring you.” Luo Ningshuang said softly, pulling Gu Xi closer as she noticed her distracted expression.

The Xiao family? Up to no good, as expected! Gu Xi said firmly, “Then I definitely had to come.”

“Don’t worry. With so many people around, the Xiao family wouldn’t dare try anything. But one thing—be careful with food and drinks. I’ve seen Xiao Feng’s true colors now. ‘Unscrupulous’ doesn’t even begin to describe him.” Luo Ningshuang said, frowning as she recalled a past incident. She still hadn’t settled that score, but the four people in jail refused to name the mastermind.

“Got it. I’ll be careful.” Gu Xi nodded.

The estate was massive, with the villa taking up a third of the grounds, showcasing its grandeur. The daily upkeep for such a place must cost a fortune.

“Heh, are they showing off their wealth?” Gu Xi remarked, looking up at the villa.

Ding~ The Jinjiang System reminds Author Ji: The guests here are all from prominent families.

Right, how could Gu Xi forget? She grabbed Luo Ningshuang’s arm and asked, “Tell me, is anyone from the Gu family here?”

Luo Ningshuang glanced at her, her eyes darkening in a way Gu Xi couldn’t decipher. Frowning, she said, “Ever since the second son of the Gu family died, they’ve been searching for someone. For over a decade, they’ve never attended these gatherings.”

Searching for someone—could it be her? Good thing they weren’t here. Gu Xi had a nagging feeling that she was deeply connected to the Gu family, and that might be why they wanted her dead.

Gu Xi: System, do you know my connection to the Gu family?

Ding~ The system doesn’t know. The system can only make judgments based on events around Author Ji or known information.

This system—Gu Xi really wanted to complain about how useless it was.

Ding~ Without the system, Author Ji wouldn’t have been reborn. Without the system, Author Ji would’ve been “beeped” last time.

Gu Xi: Fine, you win. What else can I say?

The villa was filled with a sweet fragrance that lifted one’s spirits. The elegant, classical design spoke to the craftsmen’s care, and the surroundings were adorned with all sorts of delicacies. Some guests had already begun eating gracefully.

Gu Xi’s stomach growled. She should’ve eaten something before coming. Luo Ningshuang, hearing the sound, whispered, “Take whatever you want to eat. They wouldn’t dare tamper with these foods. But don’t eat or drink anything someone hands you, and no alcohol.”

Gu Xi didn’t want to wander off. In such an unfamiliar environment, she felt out of place and uncomfortable. No wonder Luo Ningshuang hadn’t wanted her to come. But even knowing this, Gu Xi would’ve followed her anyway.

“President Shuang is here? My apologies, I didn’t notice earlier. And this is…?”

A young man approached, his eyes fixed on Luo Ningshuang before glancing at Gu Xi with undisguised disdain.

Luo Ningshuang frowned, clearly displeased, and replied bluntly, “Do I know you?”

“I… I’m…” The man hadn’t expected such a cold response. Everyone here had status, and his pride took a hit.

“I don’t care who you are. You’re in my way. Please move.” Luo Ningshuang said icily, pulling Gu Xi past him toward the food area.

The man watched them leave, gripping his wine glass tightly. After a moment, he relaxed and began chatting with others.

Luo Ningshuang handed Gu Xi a plate. “Take whatever you want. Since we’re here, make it worth it.”

Gu Xi took the plate, feeling reassured with Luo Ningshuang by her side. She didn’t hold back, piling her plate with the most expensive-looking items, especially the tiny, costly ones that wouldn’t fill her up.

Luo Ningshuang chuckled and shook her head helplessly. She wanted to tell Gu Xi that no matter how much she took, it wouldn’t dent the Xiao family’s wealth.

Watching Gu Xi’s childlike enthusiasm, Luo Ningshuang thought, for the first time, that a life like this might not be so bad.

Gu Xi, seeing her plate was full but still feeling it wasn’t enough, glanced at Luo Ningshuang and asked, “Are you eating?”

“Sure, take more. Pick the expensive stuff—it tastes better.” Luo Ningshuang said, seemingly reading her mind, pointing to another section.

Gu Xi handed her full plate to Luo Ningshuang and headed to the area she’d pointed out, quickly filling another plate.

Carrying two plates felt awkward, especially for Luo Ningshuang. Spotting a corner with seats, Gu Xi pulled her over, and they began devouring the food.