Naughty Puppy Will Be Eaten by a Bad Woman - Chapter 36

“You’re amazing! What reward do you want?”

Lu Zhao panicked, her heart racing erratically as Gu Xianyue leaned in so close. She was terrified Gu Xianyue would notice.

“Gu Xianyue, the… the clasp is right here,” Lu Zhao said hastily, searching for it. When she found it, she gestured with her eyes.

Gu Xianyue’s slender fingers tugged at the strap again, tightening it further around Lu Zhao’s waist. The constricting sensation made her catch her breath.

“Where? I don’t see it,” Gu Xianyue said slowly, her gaze fixed on Lu Zhao’s face, which flushed crimson and then paled.

Lu Zhao’s beautiful brows furrowed as she struggled to explain the clasp’s location. “Hmm? It’s right…”

Halfway through her sentence, she realized Gu Xianyue had fastened it herself. How could she not know where the release was?

The one who tied the knot must untie it.

With a sigh, Lu Zhao asked helplessly, “Gu Xianyue… how can you help me undo this?”

Gu Xianyue’s lips curved into a smile as she propped herself up, whispering, “It’s simple. Just call me that again.”

Lu Zhao looked confused. “That?”

“The name you called me before,” Gu Xianyue reminded her. “Have you forgotten so quickly?”

Lu Zhao remembered. She had called Gu Xianyue “Sister Xianyue” during a livestream, and ever since then, Gu Xianyue had been unstoppable.

Lu Zhao’s face flushed crimson.

Gu Xianyue is doing this on purpose!

Gu Xianyue was deliberately testing Lu Zhao, trying to gauge whether she genuinely hadn’t noticed anything or was just pretending not to understand.

Lu Zhao tried to plead her way out, hoping to bluff her way through. “I… I need to use the restroom…”

Gu Xianyue remained unmoved, her voice firm. “Say it first.”

Lu Zhao pressed her lips together. Times had changed. When she genuinely believed she harbored no ulterior feelings for Gu Xianyue, she could call her “Sister Xianyue” with clear conscience. But now…

Lu Zhao averted her gaze guiltily and whispered, “Sister…” Her voice was barely audible, like a murmur.

Gu Xianyue’s lips curved into a smile as she leaned closer, her ear tilted. “Hmm? I can’t hear you.”

Lu Zhao bit her lower lip and spoke a little louder. “Sister.”

“Yes, what is it?” Gu Xianyue replied.

“Please help me untie…” Lu Zhao began.

Gu Xianyue’s smile widened, her mood brightening. “Reporter Lu, can you say that in a complete sentence?”

Lu Zhao’s jaw tightened. She knew Gu Xianyue was being deliberately cruel, but she had no choice but to comply.

“Sister, could you please help me untie me?”

Gu Xianyue nodded, thoroughly pleased. “Of course.” With practiced ease, she swiftly undid all the restraints, her movements clean and efficient.

Lu Zhao stared in silence, utterly convinced Gu Xianyue was doing this on purpose.

She’s so wicked.

Finally free, Lu Zhao let out a sigh of relief and quickly grabbed her utensils, eager to eat something to ease the awkwardness.

Seeing the tips of Lu Zhao’s ears flushed crimson, a sliver of guilt surfaced in Gu Xianyue’s mischievous heart.

But only a sliver.

“Weren’t you going to the restroom?” Gu Xianyue pressed, refusing to let her off the hook.

Hearing this, Lu Zhao put her utensils back down and stood up.

Her legs were numb from lying down for so long, causing her to stumble. Gu Xianyue steadied her with a firm grip.

“Careful,” Gu Xianyue said, her voice laced with concern, though her alluring eyes held a mischievous glint.

Lu Zhao quickly retreated to the bathroom, as if fleeing, and splashed cold water on her face, barely managing to regain her composure.

Had she just been teased by Gu Xianyue?

What… does this mean?

Lu Zhao stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, her cheeks still flushed crimson despite the cold water.

The answer seemed to be on the tip of her tongue, and her heart, which had just calmed down, began racing again.

By the time their plane landed and they arrived at the villa, it was already evening. The seaside villa boasted floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the ocean, and the balcony provided an even better vantage point, allowing them to fully appreciate the sunset over the sea.

Lu Zhao didn’t even bother putting down her luggage. She leaned against the balcony railing, completely absorbed in the breathtaking sunset.

“Gu Xianyue, come look! It’s so beautiful!”

The setting sun spilled across the horizon like molten gold, its fiery glow searing from the sea to the deepest clouds, turning the ocean into a boiling amber expanse. The villa’s infinity pool became a mercury mirror, reflecting the sky’s decadent splendor and impending collapse.

Gu Xianyue walked to Lu Zhao’s side and tilted her head to look at her. The temperature was perfect, and Lu Zhao was dressed lightly in a white linen shirt that billowed in the sea breeze, revealing the graceful curve of her spine.

She spread her arms wide, embracing the oncoming wind and the ink-wash sunset, like a martyr poised to leap into that golden sea of fire.

Gu Xianyue watched her, the irises of her peach-blossom eyes lit by the sunset into an amber hue, so beautiful they seemed about to melt.

“Mm, it’s very beautiful,” Gu Xianyue murmured, gazing at Lu Zhao’s profile.

The sunset’s fleeting life was nearly over. As the last sliver of light sank below the horizon, they prepared to head to the night market.

Lu Zhao had planned their itinerary, and the nearby night market was a must-see attraction. Gu Xianyue found such crowded, noisy places troublesome—if she wanted something to eat, she could simply have it delivered.

But she understood that Lu Zhao wanted to experience the vibrant, chaotic atmosphere of the marketplace.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the night market’s neon lights eagerly tore through the darkness. The air hung thick with the charred aroma of grilled lobster, the pungent tang of fish sauce, and the cloying sweetness of melting sunscreen. Tourists thronged the narrow lanes, shoulder to shoulder, their voices rising in a cacophony.

Gu Xianyue tightened her grip on Lu Zhao’s hand, the latter somewhat relieved by the market’s clamor, which helped mask her discomfort.

They strolled through the bustling lanes, sampling nearly every local delicacy: grilled seafood, savory pancakes, mango sticky rice, crispy fried pork skin…

The portion of mango sticky rice was enormous, so they shared a single serving. Lu Zhao scooped up a spoonful and offered it to Gu Xianyue.

“This is delicious! The sticky rice is perfectly plump, and the mango is creamy, sweet, and soft. You have to try it!” Lu Zhao exclaimed, sounding like a food channel host.

Gu Xianyue gazed at the spoon hovering near her hand but didn’t take it. Instead, she lifted Lu Zhao’s hand to her lips and ate directly from the spoon.

“Mmm, it’s good. Is there salted mung bean in it?” Gu Xianyue smiled at Lu Zhao after swallowing.

Lu Zhao’s brain short-circuited again, her cheeks flushing crimson—whether from the heat or embarrassment, she couldn’t tell.

How did this turn into her feeding Gu Xianyue?

“Mmm… is that so? As long as it tastes good…”

Gu Xianyue suddenly found Lu Zhao’s bashful demeanor utterly adorable, making her want to tease her.

Hmm… I wonder what would happen if I pushed her too far? Better not overdo it.

Gu Xianyue took Lu Zhao’s hand again, and to her surprise, Lu Zhao intertwined their fingers.

Hmm… it seems my subtle hints have worked. Lu Zhao isn’t completely oblivious.

Their hands pressed tightly together, the slightly rough texture of Lu Zhao’s palm against her own. Gu Xianyue could almost trace the scars and calluses with her mind’s eye… In that moment, they seemed no different from the countless couples strolling past.

She was hinting at Lu Zhao, but Lu Zhao was testing her in return.

When Gu Xianyue glanced at Lu Zhao’s reaction, she found her focused on drinking coconut juice, cheeks puffed out, eyes darting between the stalls on either side, as if nothing were amiss.

Gu Xianyue smiled faintly and tightened her grip on Lu Zhao’s hand.

As they passed a stall, Gu Xianyue’s gaze was drawn to it.

It was a common shooting game stall, the kind often seen back home. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a small white dog on display.

It was a fluffy poodle, not entirely realistic but rendered with an endearing charm, its head tilted as it gazed at Gu Xianyue.

Lu Zhao noticed her captivated gaze. “What is it?”

“That little dog,” Gu Xianyue replied, “it looks a bit like the one I used to have.”

Lu Zhao followed her gaze. “Hmm… it does resemble it.”

Gu Xianyue raised an eyebrow. “How would you know?”

Lu Zhao pulled her toward the stall. “I saw photos at your place before, but you were quite drunk at the time…”

Gu Xianyue remembered now—it was when she and Lu Zhao had just met, less than a month ago.

I actually brought Lu Zhao home after knowing her for less than a month…

Lu Zhao asked the stall owner in English how many shots were needed to win and paid the fee. Only then did Gu Xianyue realize what Lu Zhao intended to do.

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” Gu Xianyue asked, concerned about Lu Zhao’s physical condition.

“Don’t worry,” Lu Zhao replied, misinterpreting her concern as doubt. “I learned some shooting from the soldiers in Sarawi.” She raised her eyebrows, flashing a confident smile.

Lu Zhao braced her legs apart, shouldered the rifle, and assumed a textbook-perfect stance.

Her left eye narrowed slightly as she focused intently, and she squeezed the trigger.

Pop.

One balloon burst, followed by two, then three… Lu Zhao’s movements were swift and practiced. The stall owner’s expression gradually shifted, and he began to watch her with growing unease.

Sensing she had made her point, Lu Zhao stopped after hitting the eight balloons needed to win the Little Dog plushie. She returned the remaining bullets to the owner and claimed her prize.

“Here you go! I told you I could do it!” Lu Zhao held the Little Dog by its front paws, using it to hide her face, leaving only her crescent-shaped eyes visible. Those bright, sparkling eyes seemed to be eagerly awaiting Gu Xianyue’s praise.

Gu Xianyue took the Little Dog, glancing at its face before turning to Lu Zhao’s delicate, adorable features. She couldn’t help but smile, her thin lips curving into a graceful arc.

She patted Lu Zhao’s head. “You’re amazing! What reward do you want?”

Lu Zhao’s long lashes fluttered slightly as she pondered. “Hmm… I don’t want anything right now. Can I save it for later?”

Gu Xianyue nodded, holding the Little Dog in one hand and taking Lu Zhao’s hand with the other. “Of course.”

As night deepened, the crowds grew thicker. Gu Xianyue wrapped her other arm around Lu Zhao’s waist, pulling her closer to avoid her being bumped by passersby.

Lu Zhao was dressed much more lightly than she had been in Qingcheng. Gu Xianyue’s fingers tightened around her waist, easily feeling Lu Zhao’s slender figure and the warmth beneath her thin clothes.

Lu Zhao’s body stiffened momentarily, but she didn’t pull away.

Lu Zhao chuckled. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not a child anymore.”

Just as she finished speaking, a passerby bumped into her unexpectedly, causing her to stumble.

The person apologized in a foreign language, but Gu Xianyue ignored them, focusing instead on steadying Lu Zhao. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” she asked anxiously.

Lu Zhao regained her balance and smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine.”

But Gu Xianyue noticed Lu Zhao’s right hand trembling uncontrollably.

“What’s wrong? Are you cold?” The weather shouldn’t be cold at this time of year.

“It’s nothing,” Lu Zhao replied. “Just an old problem.”

Gu Xianyue frowned. What old problem?

She remembered Lu Zhao’s thick medical records, a brief line of text flashing through her mind. She also recalled Lu Zhao’s posture when she had raised her gun earlier.

Understanding dawned on her. Gu Xianyue led Lu Zhao toward the exit. “Let’s go back.”

Lu Zhao looked guilty. “I’m fine. It’s still early…”

Gu Xianyue squeezed her hand. “I’m tired. Let’s go home.”

Then she added softly, “It’s okay. We have plenty of time.”

Lu Zhao knew perfectly well that Gu Xianyue’s words were just an excuse to get her to go home quickly.

She felt Gu Xianyue was being far too considerate—so considerate, in fact, that it had long surpassed the boundaries of friendship. Even Lu Zhao, usually oblivious in such matters, had sensed Gu Xianyue’s feelings for her.

But what should she do? A dull ache in her right shoulder interrupted her thoughts.

Even after returning to the villa and taking a hot bath, she hadn’t come to a clear answer.

The hot water had eased the pain in her shoulder slightly, but it still throbbed. The bullet wound had caused irreversible damage to her scapula, leaving her unable to lift heavy objects with her right hand or raise it as high as her left arm. Prolonged exertion would trigger this persistent, dull ache.

The pain was like being rubbed with a blunt knife—not unbearable, but impossible to ignore.

Wiping her half-dry hair, she went to the living room, intending to rummage through her backpack for painkillers. Instead, she found Gu Xianyue sitting upright on the sofa, a tube of ointment in her hand.

Seeing her, Gu Xianyue patted the seat beside her.

“Come sit down. I’ll apply the ointment for you.”