Naughty Puppy Will Be Eaten by a Bad Woman - Chapter 4

On the day Lu Zhao was supposed to meet Gu Xianyue to discuss their collaboration, she was unexpectedly forced to work overtime.

Although she had transferred to the People’s Livelihood Channel, her workload hadn’t eased; on the contrary, her position as Minister meant she now had even more responsibilities to manage.

She sent Gu Xianyue a message explaining she might be late.

No problem. Let me know when you’re off work, and I’ll pick you up.

Lu Zhao was chairing a meeting when she pulled out her phone during a break and saw the message. She raised an eyebrow.

Gu Xianyue was truly committed to their partnership.

As the meeting resumed, Lu Zhao’s fatigue from overtime vanished, replaced by renewed energy. Even her tone became more animated and expressive.

Whispers rippled through the room.

“Have you noticed Minister Lu’s mood has improved?”

“What do you mean? She’s always been like this—a typical workaholic.”

“No, you don’t get it. Her eyes used to be dull, but now they’re sparkling again.”

Lu Zhao simply felt she couldn’t keep Gu Xianyue waiting any longer, so she mustered all her energy to wrap up the meeting as quickly as possible.

I’m done, President Gu.

Mm, I’ll be waiting for you in the parking garage downstairs.

Lu Zhao grabbed her coat, draped it over her shoulders, and headed to the parking garage.

This winter was unusually cold, and since her surgery, Lu Zhao had become even more sensitive to discomfort.

A striking silver Mercedes stood out conspicuously in the underground garage. As Lu Zhao approached, its gull-wing doors automatically lifted, saving her the effort of opening them manually and providing extra space for her to get in and out.

Lu Zhao settled into the spacious back seat, expertly fastening her seatbelt.

“Sorry for the wait,” she said, consciously taking her place in the back. It was her first time riding in such an expensive luxury car, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“No problem at all, Reporter Lu. Why don’t you sit up front?” Gu Xianyue turned from the driver’s seat, smiling warmly at Lu Zhao.

Gu Xianyue wore a perfectly tailored white suit and impeccable makeup, accentuating her composed and capable demeanor.

Lu Zhao’s gaze drifted to Gu Xianyue’s hands gripping the steering wheel. They were slender and elegant, with fair skin that revealed the distinct contours of her bones and tendons.

A uniquely designed ring adorned the index finger of her left hand, its diamond glinting with a silvery-gray light.

They were exceptionally beautiful hands.

Lu Zhao quickly averted her gaze, only then realizing her own unusual behavior.

After her right leg was amputated, Lu Zhao’s physical condition changed, requiring her to retake her driver’s license exam.

Before she had a chance to retake the exam, she usually commuted by subway. Occasionally, she would ride with Wei Ning or other colleagues, always sitting in the front passenger seat.

So why did she instinctively move to the back seat when she got into Gu Xianyue’s car?

Lu Zhao couldn’t quite explain it herself, but she maintained a polite smile. “Ah, because the back seat is more spacious. President Gu doesn’t mind, does she?”

In the dimly lit car, Gu Xianyue saw Lu Zhao’s harmless smile. Combined with her docile appearance, it made her seem utterly disarming.

“Of course. Just make yourself comfortable, Reporter Lu.”

Gu Xianyue had deliberately chosen a car with upward-opening doors and extra space to accommodate Lu Zhao’s needs.

She had driven clients with disabilities before, but this was the first time she had gone to such lengths to ensure someone’s comfort.

Lu Zhao is crucial to this partnership, Gu Xianyue thought. I have to win her over.

The car glided smoothly through the night, its silver body slicing through the darkness like a knife.

The temperature had plummeted after nightfall, but the car was kept warm with the heater. Lu Zhao massaged her right leg, finding some relief from the discomfort.

The car was quiet. Gu Xianyue occasionally glanced at Lu Zhao through the rearview mirror, catching sight of her profile as she gazed out the window. When Lu Zhao wasn’t smiling, her face revealed a hint of detachment and aloofness, with a trace of weariness between her brows.

Overall, she looked quite different from the vibrant, energetic figure Gu Xianyue had seen on television.

Gu Xianyue’s lips curved into a smile. Just as I thought, she mused. News reporters really do have two faces.

Arriving at a reservation-only French restaurant, Gu Xianyue asked Lu Zhao if she had any dietary restrictions.

Lu Zhao glanced at the day’s menu, then closed it with a faint smile. “None at all. Thank you, President Gu.”

Gu Xianyue returned the smile, already accustomed to Lu Zhao’s lightning-fast reading speed.

She summoned a waiter and instructed them to avoid spicy or stimulating seasonings and side dishes.

Lu Zhao understood this was for her injury. “Thank you, President Gu. I’m recovering well.”

Ever since Gu Xianyue began driving her home from work, she had shown subtle yet unmistakable concern, leaving Lu Zhao feeling somewhat flustered, especially considering what she planned to say later.

As the saying goes, “Don’t strike a smiling face.” But Lu Zhao wasn’t one to back down from difficult conversations. The issues that needed addressing would be addressed.

“President Gu, I’ll get straight to the point. The AI-powered adjustment mode for the prosthetic limb is essentially just three built-in gait modes that can be switched between, right?” Lu Zhao asked bluntly.

The French cuisine arrived. While waiting for Gu Xianyue’s response, Lu Zhao took a bite of the braised beef. The meat was so tender and flavorful that her eyes widened in surprise.

The intense mental exertion from continuous overtime had rapidly depleted her energy, and the beef’s succulent texture instantly satisfied her hunger.

Gu Xianyue chuckled softly, offering no immediate reply.

She hadn’t touched her cutlery yet, instead resting her cheek on her hand and watching Lu Zhao with amusement.

She seems to be enjoying her meal.

When Gu Xianyue remained silent, Lu Zhao paused mid-chew, tilted her head in confusion, wiped her mouth with the napkin on her lap, and looked at Gu Xianyue.

“You’re right, Reporter Lu, you’re very perceptive. This is the dawn of the AI era, and many products on the market are aggressively marketing themselves with AI, aiming to create the illusion of high-end technology for consumers. But the truth is, AI isn’t as practical as it seems, and many functions don’t actually require its involvement.”

Lu Zhao nodded in agreement. “Exactly.”

This was something Lu Zhao had personally experienced firsthand.

Lu Zhao had supervised several interns who routinely used AI to churn out weekly reports and handle simple tasks. A quick glance revealed numerous glaring errors.

She immediately summoned the interns to her office, where she coldly timed them while personally demonstrating the correct way to use AI.

By the time the AI finally produced a barely satisfactory report, the time spent was nearly equivalent to writing one by hand.

In the realm of cultural production and creative industries, Lu Zhao believed AI’s utility was severely limited. Only those lacking fundamental skills would excessively rely on its capabilities. She typically used it as an advanced search engine.

Gu Xianyue lifted her champagne flute, took a sip of non-alcoholic champagne, and continued, “But in the public perception, AI has become synonymous with ‘high-end,’ ‘cutting-edge technology,’ and ‘personalized customization.'”

“So, rather than explaining the real-time monitoring mechanisms of sensors to consumers, it’s far more efficient to simply tell them it’s the result of AI learning. It’s much better for marketing.”

“After all, several so-called high-tech prosthetic brands abroad have already packaged their products this way.”

Gu Xianyue’s fingertips gently gripped the stem of her champagne glass, the crystal-clear liquid swaying slightly with her movements, its reflected light dancing across her neatly manicured, rounded nails.

She delivered these words to Lu Zhao without a flicker of emotion, her tone as casual and natural as if discussing the weather.

Lu Zhao smiled, but inwardly she scoffed.

How impressive, she thought. To make consumer deception and false advertising sound so matter-of-fact.

“President Gu, what stage of development is this product at?” Lu Zhao blinked, feigning curiosity.

“It’s already certified. We’re just waiting for the launch event before preparing for mass production.”

Gu Xianyue took a sip of champagne, her gaze fixed on Lu Zhao’s seemingly harmless face.

The other woman’s clear, black-and-white eyes curved into a smile as she met Gu Xianyue’s gaze, her expression warm and inviting.

But Lu Zhao’s mind was racing. Certified means the product’s development is complete. Even if they don’t choose me as the spokesperson for the launch, they’ll find someone else. And given Gu Xianyue’s earlier attitude…

In other words, the product’s AI design gimmick is already set in stone.

Even if Lu Zhao refused to be the spokesperson, Gu Xianyue would simply find someone else. With Yunqing Group’s ample budget, finding a suitable candidate was no problem at all.

Lu Zhao’s mind raced. After years in the industry, she knew she couldn’t force others to change their views.

If that’s the case…

“Alright, I have no further questions. Pleasure doing business with you, President Gu.”

Making a decision took only a few seconds. Lu Zhao’s eyes curved into a genuine smile.

Gu Xianyue was somewhat surprised. She knew Lu Zhao disapproved of Yunqing Group’s methods and had prepared alternative plans accordingly.

But Lu Zhao’s quick concession caught her off guard.

With the meal nearly finished, Gu Xianyue produced two copies of the contract and handed one to Lu Zhao for her signature.

Lu Zhao took the pen, quickly scanned the document, and signed her name before passing it back to Gu Xianyue. Their fingertips brushed briefly.

It was winter, and despite the ample heating indoors, Lu Zhao’s body temperature was still noticeably lower. Compared to hers, Gu Xianyue’s skin felt searingly hot.

The heat made Lu Zhao flinch slightly, and she quickly curled her fingertips inward.

Gu Xianyue showed no hesitation, openly and warmly expressing her concern: “Reporter Lu, the weather’s getting chilly. Take care of yourself.”

Lu Zhao forced a smile. “Thank you for your concern, President Gu.”

Strange… What’s wrong with me?

It seemed she really wasn’t used to these business negotiations. She’d have to ask Wei Ning for advice later.

Gu Xianyue glanced at the faint blush on Lu Zhao’s ear tips and subtly curved her lips into a smile. She quickly tapped a few times on her phone screen.

“Reporter Lu, now that we’re partners, let’s exchange contact information.”

Lu Zhao looked at the phone Gu Xianyue held out, displaying a QR code.

“Of course.” She pulled out her own phone and scanned it.

Having finished their meal, Gu Xianyue gracefully rose to pay the bill.

Lu Zhao braced herself against the table with one hand, slowly standing up as she said, “President Gu, let me take care of the bill. I can get reimbursed with the receipt.”

Gu Xianyue steadied Lu Zhao’s arm, not refusing. “Alright.”

Lu Zhao knew Gu Xianyue certainly didn’t need the money, but for her, in business negotiations, every small advantage mattered. These invisible favors would undoubtedly be repaid in full at some point.

Besides, she already had her own plans.

“Reporter Lu, let me take you home. Where to?” Gu Xianyue asked after they got into the car, determined to maintain her gracious demeanor.

Lu Zhao blinked and smiled, giving her an address—the nearby subway station.

The clear boundary signaled that Lu Zhao didn’t want Gu Xianyue to intrude further.

Gu Xianyue didn’t mind. She smoothly entered the address into the navigation system and drove Lu Zhao to the subway entrance.

Though it wasn’t rush hour, the subway station was still bustling with people. Gu Xianyue’s silver Mercedes gleamed, drawing all eyes.

As the gull-wing doors slowly lifted, Gu Xianyue, as if wanting to make an even grander spectacle, personally helped Lu Zhao out of the car.

The woman in the white suit moved with elegant composure, her long, glossy black hair cascading down her back, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

Men clicked their tongues in surprise, having expected a paunchy, middle-aged diamond bachelor to emerge. Instead, a young woman appeared, their gazes sweeping over Gu Xianyue like they were appraising an object. Several young women repeatedly cast admiring glances, whispering to their friends.

Gu Xianyue acted as if none of this mattered. With one hand, she gently cushioned Lu Zhao’s head against the car roof, while her other hand rested on Lu Zhao’s lower back. She whispered in Lu Zhao’s ear, “Take it slow.”

Every movement was intimate and natural.

The group of girls gasped again at the sight, whispering excitedly to each other while their gazes kept darting back to Lu Zhao.

Lu Zhao pressed a hand to her forehead. Though she was used to cameras and attention, she still felt deeply uncomfortable.

She didn’t have time to avoid Gu Xianyue’s touch; she just wanted to end this quickly.

She was almost certain Gu Xianyue was doing this on purpose.

What a twisted sense of humor.

Lu Zhao tightened her coat as she stepped out of the car, the cold wind immediately seeping in through her collar. She took the subway home, arriving after just two stops.

After showering, she collapsed onto her bed, a sharp pain radiating from where her residual limb connected to the prosthetic socket.

Despite the accessibility features installed throughout her home, bathing remained a struggle.

She had found it even more difficult in the hospital. Wei Ning had once suggested hiring a caregiver to help her bathe, but Lu Zhao had firmly refused.

“They’re all women. What’s there to be afraid of?” Wei Ning had frowned at the time.

Indeed, they were all the same gender. Lu Zhao couldn’t quite explain what was bothering her.

Fortunately, she weathered the initial awkwardness and gradually grew accustomed to it.

The weather was cold, and after working overtime, she had dinner with Gu Xianyue. Today, the physical strain felt heavier than usual, and since she hadn’t been diligent about staying warm or taking care of herself, the pain was particularly unbearable.

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally picked up the medicated cream Gu Xianyue had insisted on giving her and applied it.

It was a well-known foreign brand, but the packaging was unfamiliar, likely a newly developed product not yet distributed in China.

As she spread the white cream, the cracks and dryness on her residual limb were soothed. Staring at the white residue on her fingertips, she inexplicably recalled the brief touch of Gu Xianyue’s fingers against hers—that warmth had felt comforting and reassuring.

This led her to think of Gu Xianyue’s hand gripping the steering wheel, and the uniquely designed ring adorning her slender finger.

She startled herself.

This is like seeing a ghost.

She quickly applied the ointment, then tapped Gu Xianyue’s profile picture in her friend list. The icon was a simple crescent moon, hanging alone in the silent night sky.

She meticulously typed “Gu Xianyue (General Manager, Yunqing Group)” into the notes field, then tossed her phone aside like a hot potato and went to sleep.

Gu Xianyue held her phone, slowly sipping red wine as she scrolled through Lu Zhao’s WeChat Moments.

Lu Zhao seemed to have no group settings; her Moments were almost entirely work-related. She either reposted news reports from the station or shared official live broadcast links. Moreover, her sharing frequency had been very low over the past year.

Gu Xianyue continued scrolling until she reached a photo without any accompanying text. Her gaze sharpened slightly.

It was a completely raw, unedited photo. Based on the date, she deduced it had been taken in Sarawi.

Lu Zhao stood shoulder to shoulder with a brown-haired woman with a high nose and deep-set eyes. The woman was slightly taller than Lu Zhao and appeared to be foreign, carrying a bulky video camera on her right shoulder while affectionately draping her left arm around Lu Zhao’s shoulders. Lu Zhao held a microphone in one hand, her posture upright and her long, slender legs encased in tight pants.

Both women wore bulletproof vests and camouflage uniforms, smiling brightly at the camera.

Gu Xianyue set down her wine glass and zoomed in on the photo. Lu Zhao’s young, delicate face was smudged with dust, her skin tanned to a healthy wheat color—a stark contrast to the pale complexion she’d had earlier. Strands of hair at her temples fluttered in the wind, catching the sunlight and turning a lighter shade. Her clear, peach-blossom eyes curved slightly, their irises glowing amber in the sunlight. She radiated youthful vigor.

Gu Xianyue’s fingertip paused before tapping “Save.”

Then she cropped out the other brown-haired woman and erased the hand resting on Lu Zhao’s shoulder.

Hmm, satisfied.

Returning to the app, she changed Lu Zhao’s contact note to:

“Puppy”