Naughty Puppy Will Be Eaten by a Bad Woman - Chapter 14

Wei Ning watched helplessly as Lu Zhao sat beside Gu Xianyue and naturally handed her the other menu.

Wei Ning narrowed her eyes. She had never seen Lu Zhao so close to anyone, not even Fang Lin, her closest friend, who always maintained a polite social distance.

Just as she sensed something was off, Lu Zhao shifted slightly outward.

Was she imagining things?

Gu Xianyue, familiar with the restaurant, quickly ordered several dishes and passed the menu to Lu Zhao.

Lu Zhao glanced through it and noticed Gu Xianyue had already marked the dishes she wanted.

Without giving it much thought, she assumed their tastes overlapped and ordered three non-alcoholic cocktails.

While waiting for the food, Wei Ning initiated a conversation about the next product launch.

“At the next launch event, we’ll be unveiling a completely new product featuring truly innovative technology. However, the details are still confidential for now. The event should be in a few months.”

Gu Xianyue raised her cocktail, and Lu Zhao and Wei Ning tactfully followed suit.

“To a successful collaboration!”

The three clinked glasses and drained their drinks.

Wei Ning, finding the cocktail unpalatable, ordered a pot of tea.

Wei Ning and Lu Zhao began chatting casually. “Lu Zhao, when are you planning to get your driver’s license?”

After Lu Zhao’s disability, her original C1 driver’s license became invalid. According to regulations, she needed to obtain a C5 license and modify her vehicle’s operating system before she could drive again.

Gu Xianyue set down her cup and asked, “You’re taking the driving test?”

Why didn’t you tell me?

Lu Zhao replied, “Yes, I’ve scheduled the exam. I’m taking the theory test in a few days.”

Gu Xianyue: “Have you been studying?”

Lu Zhao: “I just need to review the practice questions before the test.”

Wei Ning teased, “Little Lu has always been great at exams. She never gave me any trouble when she was in school.”

Lu Zhao smiled. “That’s because you never really bothered to check on me.”

Wei Ning: “Well, that’s because you wouldn’t let me! Even when your classmates bullied you at school, you’d just say it was nothing.”

Lu Zhao smiled again, not responding, and continued eating.

Gu Xianyue frowned inwardly. Bullied by classmates?

If anyone dared to provoke her, she would retaliate tenfold, never swallowing her anger.

Of course, she knew Lu Zhao was different.

Even so, she found it hard to imagine Lu Zhao enduring such treatment.

After all, this was the woman who had single-handedly exposed the dark secrets of the entire orphanage. Gu Xianyue couldn’t believe she would meekly accept abuse.

Yet Lu Zhao’s reaction seemed to confirm it.

Gu Xianyue couldn’t quite understand her.

What a contradictory person.

“Excuse me, your black tea has arrived.”

The waiter carried over a teapot and tea set, preparing to place them on the table. But before he could, a child darted out from nowhere and bumped into him.

“Careful!”

The waiter reacted quickly, catching the teapot, but some tea still splashed out, instantly soaking Lu Zhao’s pants on her right leg.

The waiter apologized profusely, and Wei Ning called for a towel for Lu Zhao to wipe herself off.

But Gu Xianyue had already grabbed tissues and started dabbing at the wet spot.

Lu Zhao waved her hand, saying it was fine, though she felt a little awkward.

Gu Xianyue, sitting to her left, leaned across her to wipe the spill, and Lu Zhao could clearly smell the pleasant fragrance of Gu Xianyue’s hair.

So fragrant… she thought, momentarily lost in thought.

After wiping for a while, Gu Xianyue realized the fabric was completely soaked. “It won’t dry quickly,” she said. “You need to change your pants.”

Gu Xianyue was right. It was winter, and even with the indoor heating, wearing wet pants would be uncomfortable.

Moreover, Gu Xianyue wasn’t sure if the water had touched Lu Zhao’s residual limb wound. If it had, it could cause complications.

Lu Zhao, however, insisted it was fine. She didn’t want to spoil the mood. “Let’s finish eating first. It won’t make much difference.”

Gu Xianyue stared at her. “It will.”

Wei Ning chimed in, trying to smooth things over. “Xiao Lu, don’t be stubborn. President Gu knows what she’s talking about. Just listen to her. We can always pack the food to go.”

Lu Zhao, outnumbered, sighed. “Alright.” She summoned a waiter, paid the bill, and had the leftovers packed up.

Midway through, Wei Ning received a work call. Gu Xianyue picked up the packed food, waved goodbye to Wei Ning, and left ahead.

Lu Zhao watched Gu Xianyue carry away the takeout box, her eyes wistful. That was her late-night snack.

Gu Xianyue turned back, noticing Lu Zhao hadn’t followed. A hint of impatience flashed in her long eyes. “What are you staring at? I’m taking you home.”

Couldn’t she be more considerate?

Lu Zhao understood Gu Xianyue’s meaning, nodded to Wei Ning, and silently mouthed goodbye.

Wei Ning continued her call for another five minutes before realizing what had happened.

Lu Zhao left in Gu Xianyue’s car?

Wei Ning was still a little shocked that Gu Xianyue and Lu Zhao had become friends.

But… it was good that Lu Zhao had finally made a close friend.

Once in Gu Xianyue’s car, Lu Zhao belatedly realized the situation.

“Address.” Gu Xianyue tapped the touchscreen, prompting Lu Zhao to enter it herself.

This time, Lu Zhao couldn’t enter the subway station.

So she obediently typed “Lin’an Garden.” It was a popular residential complex for young people, mostly small apartments suitable for singles or young couples.

Gu Xianyue glanced at the map. The location wasn’t far from the Provincial Television Station, and surprisingly, it wasn’t far from Yunqing Group either.

So Lu Zhao really did have me drop her off at the subway station to distance herself from me.

Hmph.

I’ll settle the score with her later.

Gu Xianyue drove quickly, arriving at Lu Zhao’s apartment in no time.

After they arrived, Lu Zhao hesitated for a moment before asking, “Would you like to come up for a bit?”

Originally, she had planned to treat Gu Xianyue to dinner, but they hadn’t finished their meal properly, and now she was troubling Gu Xianyue to drive her home. She felt a little guilty.

Gu Xianyue didn’t stand on ceremony. She shut the car door and waited for Lu Zhao to lead the way.

“Sure, I’ll come up. Sorry to intrude.”

Lu Zhao’s apartment building had three units per floor. The other two units had festive couplets pasted on their doors, along with shoe cabinets and mats. Lu Zhao’s unit, however, was completely bare, its empty doorway making it look uninhabited.

Gu Xianyue stood behind Lu Zhao, patiently waiting as she unlocked the door. The corridor light illuminated the loose strands of hair falling down Lu Zhao’s nape. As Lu Zhao lowered her head, Gu Xianyue noticed the small, prominent bone at the base of her neck.

Lu Zhao entered the password, opened the door, and gestured Gu Xianyue inside, even retrieving slippers from the shoe cabinet in the entryway.

As Gu Xianyue stepped inside, she surveyed the surroundings with a calm gaze, as if inspecting her own territory.

It was a two-bedroom apartment. The living room was impeccably clean, with everything in its proper place, resembling a showroom. It was clear the owner took great pride in maintaining the space.

The two bedroom doors were tightly shut, their interiors hidden from view. An open kitchen extended into the living room, its bar counter lined with an impressive array of liquors.

Lu Zhao must have a high tolerance for alcohol, Gu Xianyue thought. No wonder she agreed so readily the other day.

In truth, Lu Zhao was a little nervous. This was the first time she’d invited anyone other than Wei Ning to her home.

And this guest was Gu Xianyue, accustomed to luxury and refinement. Lu Zhao worried she wouldn’t meet her standards and would be judged harshly.

“Please, have a seat. I’ll get you some water.”

Lu Zhao flusteredly moved to pour a drink, but Gu Xianyue stopped her.

“Change your pants first. Remove your prosthetic, and let me examine it.”

Lu Zhao paused, realizing Gu Xianyue’s request to “examine it” meant she wanted her to undress…

Seeing Lu Zhao frozen in place, Gu Xianyue urged, “What’s wrong? Hurry up and change. Don’t forget the burn ointment.”

Lu Zhao suddenly understood. Gu Xianyue simply meant she should change into clean pants before showing her the prosthetic.

She had completely misinterpreted the situation. Her face flushed crimson at the realization.

Seeing Lu Zhao’s reaction, Gu Xianyue couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Unaware of Gu Xianyue’s amusement, Lu Zhao hurried to her room to change her pants, grab burn ointment, and remove her prosthetic leg. She emerged on crutches, her right leg suspended in the air.

Earlier, after hastily removing her prosthetic, Lu Zhao had glanced at her residual limb and realized it was more than just a scrape. The area was swollen and oozing with bl00d from chafing.

Even through the fabric, the scalding tea had left a red mark at the base of her thigh, which would likely blister by tomorrow.

She mentally reviewed her recent care regimen. She had been somewhat negligent, but it shouldn’t have gotten this bad…

Seeing Lu Zhao emerge, Gu Xianyue patted the empty space on the sofa beside her, gesturing for Lu Zhao to sit. Her movements were so natural, as if she were the true owner of the house.

Lu Zhao slowly sat down, set her crutches aside, and obediently pulled up her pant leg, exposing her residual limb.

Gu Xianyue knelt down and tugged the fabric higher, fully revealing the entire right residual limb.

Compared to the first time they met, when only a small portion had been visible, the visual impact was now far more striking.

Only then did Gu Xianyue notice that the burn scars extended from the thigh all the way to the base of the leg, the pale red scars twisting across the skin in a horrifying display.

Beyond that, she noticed that Lu Zhao’s muscle atrophy seemed even more severe than when they had first met.

Lu Zhao felt a pang of shame. She had never bothered to care for the scars, never attempted any fading or repair treatments, thinking that as long as her pants covered them, no one would see.

But now Gu Xianyue had seen them. Would she find them hideous?

Lu Zhao flinched slightly, glancing at Gu Xianyue with uneasy anticipation.

She couldn’t understand why Gu Xianyue’s opinion mattered so much.

She hadn’t even cared whether she would die there, so why had she suddenly become so sensitive and vulnerable?

Her heart pounded like a clenched fist, racing in her chest. She felt her numb heart, under Gu Xianyue’s gaze, briefly come alive again.

Gu Xianyue took out burn ointment and evenly applied it to Lu Zhao’s scalded skin.

However, the burn marks were almost completely obscured by the already healed, grotesque scars, making them seem insignificant.

“How did you get these?” Gu Xianyue asked, her voice low and trembling.

“My clothes caught fire during the explosion,” Lu Zhao replied.

Though the words were simple, Gu Xianyue understood far more.

This meant the scars weren’t just on her leg. In places Gu Xianyue couldn’t see, they might extend across her back, hidden by clothing, or perhaps they were scattered all over her body.

Gu Xianyue took a deep breath and didn’t ask any further questions.

Although she had worked with many clients who had amputations due to disabilities, cases like Lu Zhao’s, involving such extensive burns, were rare.

The causes of amputations varied, with car accidents being the most common. Some were motorcyclists, others drivers of small cars, but being injured by shrapnel… Lu Zhao seemed to be the only case Gu Xianyue had ever witnessed firsthand.

If the shrapnel had been just a little off, would I never have met Lu Zhao?

Did it hurt terribly?

Having seen so many amputated limbs, this was the first time such thoughts had crossed her mind.

A tear silently slipped from the corner of her eye.

Gu Xianyue lowered her head, hiding her face from Lu Zhao.

The tear fell to the ground and quickly vanished.

Lu Zhao panicked, thinking Gu Xianyue found the wound frightening. “What’s wrong? Did I scare you? I’m sorry…”

She quickly pulled down her pant leg to cover her amputated limb and patted Gu Xianyue’s back, gently soothing her.

What should I do? Does Gu Xianyue find it disgusting?

She regretted showing Gu Xianyue. She didn’t care about the gazes of others, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Gu Xianyue disliking her.

Perhaps it was because… she had finally made a friend again, and she cherished it all the more.

She desperately wanted to be friends with Gu Xianyue, a deep yearning to forge a profound connection with someone, even though she knew they came from different worlds.

But she couldn’t help herself. It felt as though only by being close to Gu Xianyue could she fill that drafty void in her heart, making life feel less meaningless.

Fang Lin was also her friend, and Camille could be considered one too, but there was a subtle difference she couldn’t quite articulate. Her lack of experience with genuine intimacy left her clumsy, forcing her to approach others cautiously, one step at a time.

When Gu Xianyue looked up again, her expression had returned to its usual composure.

She allowed herself only a brief moment of vulnerability and had no intention of letting Lu Zhao know.

“Which prosthetic have you been wearing lately?”

Lu Zhao thought for a moment. To be honest, she had been suffering from insomnia for days, only managing to doze off briefly before her alarm went off. She had basically just grabbed whichever one was closest.

“I forgot… I’m too tired,” she admitted truthfully.

Gu Xianyue sat back down and cautioned her, “Each prosthetic fits your body differently. Try not to switch them too frequently, or you’ll risk causing more severe wear and tear.”

Lu Zhao nodded earnestly. “I understand.”

She paused, then smiled. “Gu Xianyue, you’re so kind to me. Thank you.”

Gu Xianyue was taken aback by her simple, unadorned praise. She replied awkwardly, “What are you thanking me for? It’s your own body.”

If you don’t want to take care of it, you’re only hurting yourself. Gu Xianyue’s meaning was clear. She could see that Lu Zhao paid little attention to her prosthetic limbs.

If this continues, I don’t know if it will lead to secondary necrosis.

Lu Zhao, however, seemed not to understand. Her eyes curved into a sweet, obedient smile.

“I’ll get you some water,” she said, slowly pushing herself up with her crutches and limping toward the bar.

Watching Lu Zhao evade the conversation, Gu Xianyue suddenly lost all desire to maintain polite social distance.

She had always been a domineering person, accustomed to others accommodating her. She had never before been so careful to preserve a relationship.

Only when she occasionally glimpsed Lu Zhao’s vulnerability did she feel a pang of sympathy, wanting to protect what little self-respect the other woman had left.

But now that she realized Lu Zhao held herself in such low regard, she suddenly didn’t want to bother anymore.

Speaking to Lu Zhao’s retreating back, Gu Xianyue said, each word deliberate, “Lu Zhao, you need to see a psychiatrist.”

Lu Zhao: What do I do? My wife’s going to start disliking me! Waaah!