Gu Cheng walked into the office and sure enough saw Ning Yi sitting in her chair talking to eight assistants.
Though her expression remained composed, the corners of her eyes and brows betrayed a hint of joy.
Gu Cheng: "Heh."
He recalled how she'd joined some "primitive hotties" group earlier.
...His Yi really was lively.
"You're here." Ning Yi turned to Gu Cheng.
Her brief attempt at showing off had run its course—it was time to strategize for her situation!
After all, the big shot wasn't in a vegetative state anymore. Before, when Ning Yi swapped bodies with him, it was mainly for the luxury of a five-star hotel suite. Now, with the body swap, she could gain so much more! Hehehe.
Ning Yi raised her hand, beckoning Gu Cheng over while addressing Wang Wu outside: "Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Ning Yi. Please take good care of her from now on."
Gu Cheng remained expressionless, while Wang Wu instantly broke out in a cold sweat: "So... so she's the wife!"
Judging by "Young Master Gu's" expression, he seemed quite doting on this wife?
Then his earlier behavior was practically suicide!
Fortunately, Young Master Gu seemed more temperate after waking up compared to three years ago. Otherwise, Wang Wu would have been scared to his knees by now.
Ning Yi surveyed the group with an icy expression, delivering a line dripping with authority: "From now on, treat her as you would treat me."
Because they'd be switching bodies anyway, hahahaha!
But the assistants and bodyguards were all stunned: "!!!"
—What immense weight those words carried!
So the wife held such importance in Young Master Gu's heart!
This news would soon spread throughout the entire corporation today!
"...," Gu Cheng's expression darkened slightly as he mentally warned, "Yi."
After stacking her buffs, Ning Yi began rolling around and acting spoiled: "Oh honey, it's just because we randomly swap bodies! See, if I hadn't said that, your bodyguards wouldn't even recognize my face! They stopped you just now—how could they do that! I did it for your own good!"
Gu Cheng listened in silence for a long moment.
Finally, he smiled silently.
His lips curved slowly, his dark eyes reflecting precise calculation. "Yi, do you truly wish to be the one I cherish?"
Anyone with ears could tell his words held no emotion, but Ning Yi showed no fear. She squeaked in a sweet voice, "Aren't I already~?"
Gu Cheng's lips curved into a cold, emotionless smile.
Granting Ning Yi such privilege wasn't without its benefits. Because "Gu Cheng" had no weaknesses—but the Gu Cheng who returned three years later could fabricate one.
Treating her as a pawn in his business schemes, making others believe she was a breach in Gu Cheng's defenses. That way, when he and Ning Yi swapped bodies, he could gain... quite interesting information.
Ning Yi caught the malice churning in his eyes and instantly pouted with feigned innocence, "Husband, what naughty thoughts are you having?"
Gu Cheng gathered his thoughts and looked at her indifferently. "You."
Ning Yi paused for a second, blinking her eyes.
Gu Cheng's expression remained unruffled.
It was just pretending to be affectionate. Simple enough.
Several seconds later, Ning Yi finally said, "Husband, why are you being so sappy? Ugh!"
Her eyes involuntarily betrayed her disgust.
Gu Cheng: "?"
After the random swap ended, Ning Yi returned to her own body and saw her phone messages exploding again.
Zhao Weining: [Sis, they're super satisfied with our collaboration data! The servers held up great this time! Way more investors came to negotiate!]
Programmers: [Woohoo! Poundingchest.jpg]
Ning Yi was thoroughly pleased. Little did they know she'd also used Gu Cheng's golden words to hype up the company—soaring success was just around the corner!
Then Ning Yi scrolled down to Zhao Mo Chu's message.
Zhao Mo Chu: [Sis, I found the real traffic secret! [Rose][Rose]]
Ning Yi: [Gu Dashi is trending hard, right? [Eager][Eager]]
Zhao Mo Chu: [Definitely]
Zhao Mo Chu: [But you're trending even harder with him!]
Ning Yi: ?
She thought Gu Cheng was her secret to traffic, but little did she know she was also going viral on her own platform.
Gu Cheng reappeared at Gu Group after three years, and photos from the scene flooded online:
[Holy crap! It really is Young Master Gu! Even in a wheelchair, he radiates that brooding heartthrob vibe ahhh sshhh sshhh]
[He's seriously so handsome ahhhhh]
[The one pushing Young Master Gu's wheelchair is that equestrian girl!]
[What's their relationship? Are they married!!!]
@Jasmine-Scented Squirrel: Today I used the xx xxx model camera—it captures people in HD with built-in beauty filters! [Image][Image][Image]
The first paparazzi shots fully showcased both their top-tier looks.
The young CEO in a black suit sat in his wheelchair, while a girl in a pearl-white dress pushed him forward. Both faces radiated exceptional beauty.
[Holy crap they're so perfect together! Let me fangirl for a second]
[Aaah Gu Cheng has a partner?! So jealous but they're perfect together wuwu!]
After posting the Gu Cheng-Yi couple shot, Zhao Mo Chu watched her follower count skyrocket with a satisfied, mysterious smile—
Sugar rush. Just like eating watermelon.
Both are eternal human pursuits!
And as CM was the popular social app among the elite circles, naturally, many insiders were watching.
They never expected that at such an important occasion as Young Master Gu's return to the group, he would actually allow Ning Yi to be by his side?!
People online were still shouting how perfect they were together, it was truly speechless! How could Ning Yi possibly be worthy of Young Master Gu?
Soon, someone came out to pour cold water on the hype.
Haha, let me burst your bubble
Insider info for you: that woman, Ning Yi, was brought back from the countryside. She's no real heiress
She's cunning, but lacks substance. She's no match for Young Master Gu
After posting these comments under a fake account, Ding Ziyue felt much better.
Gu Dashi has been trending online these past few days, and Ning Yi actively trying to ride his coattails? That's just scheming.
Isn't CMore's mysterious founder supposed to showcase the lifestyles of the elite? What kind of elite is Ning Yi? The platform should boycott her!
After she posted these comments, many insiders liked them with subtle insinuations, causing netizens to hesitate for a moment.
Oh, is that so?
[But for some reason, I can't shake this feeling that Miss Ning Yi is the real power player...]
[+1 Me too. She just seems so calm and collected, like she's got something to back it up.]
Ding Ziyue: What confidence? The confidence Gu Dashi gave her? That should have been hers all along!
But it doesn't matter. In this world, she alone lives the ultimate romance novel life. Even a top-tier actor like Jiang Linyi has developed feelings for her.
She simply doesn't believe Young Master Gu could truly cherish Ning Yi. Not only is Ning Yi unworthy, but a man like Young Master Gu is incapable of truly cherishing any woman.
Ding Ziyue stepped out of the room and spotted Ding Yusen. She pouted playfully, " "Brother, how's our deal with the Gu family? Are you heading to Gu Corporation now? Take me with you~"
Ding Yusen, who always doted on her, looked slightly uneasy.
But unable to resist Ding Ziyue's persistent coaxing, he eventually took her along, though clearly preoccupied.
Meanwhile, Ning Yi used the restroom in the Gu Corporation building and encountered Gu Zhisong, who had just been fired from the Ding family project.
Gu Cheng's return seemed to have him deeply troubled—his frown lines had deepened, making him look like a sour melon.
This sourpuss now scrutinized Ning Yi from head to toe, asking with a hint of skepticism, "Hey, did Gu Cheng really say 'seeing you is like seeing him'?"
This remark had been made in front of all the elite executives in the president's office, quickly sending shockwaves through the entire corporation.
Ning Yi replied with complete seriousness, "Of course!"
He said it himself.
Gu Zhisong found it peculiar. Gu Cheng was hardly the type to let lust cloud his judgment—otherwise, they wouldn't have feared him for so many years. Could this woman truly possess some special charm? Or had something happened between them while Gu Cheng was in a vegetative state?
Regardless, his interest in a woman meant Gu Cheng's ice-cold exterior had finally cracked.
Because while Gu Cheng was nearly impenetrable, this woman? Simple as pie!
Watching the sour expression shift before her eyes, Ning Yi suddenly grasped the devious scheme brewing in Gu Cheng's cunning mind—pretending to dote on her so others would see her as a gateway to extracting information. Yet no one knew Gu Cheng and she could swap bodies. What a weapon in the business war!
Truly the cunning, devious business emperor—after she'd tricked him, he adapted with astonishing speed! One wrong move and she'd become his pawn!
But thankfully, they were both foxes with a thousand years of cunning. If they had to play a game, they might as well play it like Empress Zhen Huan! ^3^
Old Bitter Melon declared, "Weigh your options carefully. Gu Cheng is not someone you can handle!" The Ning family offers Gu's family no support whatsoever. Do you know how many families in the circle are now eyeing Gu's family for marriage alliances? To be honest, some have even rushed back from abroad specifically for this! Even if Gu Cheng has some interest in you now, he'll divorce you sooner or later. But if you cooperate with me, I guarantee you'll live better than you do now."
Ning Yi looked utterly shell-shocked: "My husband loves me so much—I'd never betray him!"
Gu Zhison sneered. Women like Ning Yi—raised in poverty, incapable of earning her own keep, possessing nothing but a pretty face—were utterly predictable.
He transferred 100,000 yuan directly to her WeChat: "Take it. Don't spread today's conversation around, got it? Think it through."
Ning Yi: I'm fucking laughing my ass off.
All supporting characters in brainless romance novels get dumbed down? Fine, very fine!
Ning Yi put on a look of being deeply moved yet torn, struggling with the guilt that accepting this money would truly betray Gu Cheng—
Then she took it.
What kind of underworld rule is hush money?
Whatever the rule, she has no morals anyway ^-^
When Ning Yi returned, she calmly helped Gu Cheng back into his wheelchair.
Gu Cheng's gaze settled on her without a flicker. "You were gone so long?"
Ning Yi replied briefly: "Mm."
Gu Zhison observed from the shadows. Seeing Ning Yi say nothing, he smiled with satisfaction.
Little did he know, Ning Yi was already engaging in an encrypted mental conversation with Gu Cheng.
"Husband, husband~ Gu Zhison just approached me about collaborating. He's clearly trying to use me to get your secrets, but how could I ever betray you? Husband, my loyalty is entirely yours!"
Ning Yi didn't even need to think—all she had to do was cling tightly to the strongest leg in the entire book. And while she was at it, she might as well reap some benefits.
Gu Cheng wanted to use her as a fake weakness? Fine! Fake affection was still affection! Ning Yi couldn't care less if it was fake. She didn't even like Gu Cheng—why would she be hurt?
In this world of indulgent romance, you insisted on wading into this mess! Well, wade in thoroughly then!
Then she'd lie back blissfully, basking in the pampering.
Gu Cheng read the encouragement in Ning Yi's eyes: "..."
Suddenly, he felt a bit overwhelmed by the pampering.
Just then, Ding Ziyue arrived arm-in-arm with her brother.
As the Ding family's cherished daughter, her presence here was entirely justified. The moment she spotted Gu Cheng, her attention was immediately drawn to the bone conduction earpiece on his ear. A surge of excitement filled her heart—
Young Master Gu must still remember!
That was a memory unique to Ding Ziyue and Young Master Gu!
When he was still in darkness, how much strength had her warm voice given him? He surely hadn't forgotten!
Ding Yusen approached Gu Cheng, "Young Master Gu, is there still room for discussion regarding our project in the eastern part of the city?..."
As they went to discuss business, Ding Ziyue stood beside Ning Yi.
"How about it, sis? Tired of pushing that wheelchair?" Ding Ziyue covered her mouth with a smile, utterly graceful.
Ning Yi replied modestly, "How could I be tired? My husband spoils me rotten."
The spoiled-girl-next-door Ding Ziyue herself heard this and instantly felt utterly contemptuous. What are you pretending for? Young Master Gu spoils you? Dream on.
"Sis, I know your married life won't be happy—after all, you're not good enough for Young Master Gu. But if you ever face any difficulties, you can talk to your big sister..." Ding Ziyue offered her heartfelt concern for a long while before adding, "Honestly, seeing you act like Young Master Gu's maid right now makes me feel so sorry for you!"
Meanwhile, Gu Cheng had already coldly rejected Ding Yusen's suggestion and turned his gaze toward Ning Yi.
Ning Yi immediately raised her hand to complain: "Husband, she said I look like a maid!"
Ding Ziyue: ?? Skipping the niceties already? Is Ning Yi out of her mind?!
Ning Yi: The stage is set for a romance novel, and here comes the wronged husband ^3^
Gu Cheng calmly glanced at Ding Ziyue, his expression unreadable. This instantly sparked hope in Ding Ziyue.
—Young Master Gu even wore bone-conduction earphones, proving he still remembered their past. He'd definitely take her side!
Indeed, Gu Cheng said nothing against Ding Ziyue.
He turned to Ding Yusen instead. "Is this how your family raises people? Can you speak properly?"
Ding Yusen's face darkened instantly. Yueyue was cherished beyond measure in their household—no one ever spoke harshly to her!
Ding Yusen turned to Ning Yi: "I'd like to know why Miss Ning harbors such malice toward Yueyue? I'm certain she didn't mean to mock you. Miss Ning, perhaps you shouldn't feel so inferior."
Ding Ziyue clung to her brother, her face twisted in hurt.
Ning Yi immediately turned to complain: "Husband, look at him! He deliberately twisted my words! He's so mean!"
Ding Ziyue stepped forward instantly. "Ning Yi, you can criticize me, but you can't speak ill of my brother! He only doesn't want to see me hurt. Why do you have to think so badly of us?"
Ning Yi resolved to unleash all this on Gu Cheng!
She immediately adopted a tearful expression, "Husband! Look at her! You have no idea how they treat me normally!"
Ding Ziyue: ?? Are you some kind of demon?
Ding Ziyue instantly put on a helplessly innocent look: "Young Master Gu..."
Ning Yi: "Husband! Waaah."
Gu Cheng: "..."
His temples throbbed violently. He lifted his head to massage them, speaking coldly, "Enough. Stop crying."
Ding Ziyue's heart leapt with joy: She knew it! Young Master Gu hated noisy women like Ning Yi the most!
But the next second, she heard him say indifferently, "Then drag her away."
Ning Yi: "Mm-hmm ovo"
Ding Ziyue looked utterly incredulous, deeply wounded!
Wait, who exactly is the pampered female lead here?!
Ding Yusen, standing nearby, wouldn't let anyone hurt his sister like this. Three years had passed, and the Ding family had grown exponentially, able to provide their long-lost heiress with the very best. Ding Yusen felt he now had every right to stand before Gu Cheng as an equal. Especially since Gu Cheng was currently confined to a wheelchair. He could even look down on him.
Ding Yusen: "Mr. Gu, don't push it too far—"
Gu Cheng's gaze fell on him with casual indifference.
Ding Yusen suddenly fell silent, unsure why. Before those eyes, he felt like the man who'd nearly knelt before Gu Cheng three years ago, weeping over a failed investment.
"Get out—both of you," Gu Cheng said.
Considering Ding Ziyue's past actions, not bankrupting the Ding family was already an act of kindness.
Wang Wu and Song Yan immediately led them upstairs. "Please, Mr. Ding, Miss Ding."
In the end, Ding Ziyue could only leave Gu Corporation in tears.
—Ning Yi, just you wait!!
If you've got the guts, come to our event!
Ding Ziyue will thoroughly humiliate her! She'll show her how much Brother Lin Yi dotes on her!
…
By the end of the day, Gu Cheng felt his temples throbbing—he hadn't tackled such high-intensity work in ages.
Ning Yi, however, radiated energy, still buzzing with excitement about tonight's Gu family dinner.
Song Lan and the others were all curious about the company situation.
Gu Le beamed with anticipation: "My brother's back on top—he'll crush everyone!"
Ning Yi: Absolutely.
She'd been spoiled rotten today!
Ning Yi said shyly, "My husband introduced me to his subordinates, saying I'm the one he cherishes most. He even had the Ding siblings dragged away for my sake."
Gu Cheng: "..."
Song Lan was stunned. "Really, Cheng?"
Gu Cheng paused for a second. He had his reasons for doing it.
But he couldn't deny it. "...Yeah."
After her initial shock, Song Lan felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Seeing how close you two are, Mom can finally relax!"
Gu Cheng remained expressionless. He wasn't going to fall for Ning Yi.
Whatever.
Ning Yi spoke up enthusiastically: "My husband treats me so well, cherishing me like I'm the palm of his hand. I'm truly touched! His hearing hasn't fully recovered yet, and wearing bone conduction headphones all the time is a hassle. I'll definitely help him get it back as soon as possible!"
Song Lan and Old Master Gu were naturally moved.
Gu Le also picked up a drink: "Sis-in-law, having you is our blessing!"
The family basked in harmony.
Gu Cheng: Fine.
Once Ning Yi and Gu Cheng returned to their room.
Gu Cheng casually picked up the financial reports his assistant had prepared, letting Ning Yi bustle about.
"Husband, I found it! Let's try this!"
Gu Cheng lifted his eyes listlessly. "How exactly will you help me, Yi?" "
Ning Yi produced a large megaphone from somewhere. "Keep it simple. The treatment needs to be straightforward."
Doctors were at a loss with Gu Cheng's condition—only her primitive methods held hope.
Having learned from last time, Gu Cheng now watched her mouth closely, preventing her from secretly cursing him again.
Of course, Ning Yi hadn't cursed him. Holding the megaphone, she sang at the top of her lungs, her voice strained: "Heartbeat! Love begins to ache! Every minute! Every second!—"
Gu Cheng watched her effort impassively.
He couldn't hear it.
...But he kind of wanted to.
Seeing it wasn't working, Ning Yi didn't lose heart.
She tossed the megaphone aside and took the opposite approach, leaning close to Gu Cheng's ear to whisper like a demon: "I'm the woman you adore most in this world. From now on, you won't just be utterly enslaved to me—you'll give me your life, help me make money, carry me to new heights, and let me lie back and enjoy the sweet life..."
—I'm practically cursing him! This should hit the mark, right?
Gu Cheng's expression remained calm.
His ear remained silent, yet—
His eyes could see Ning Yi's long, lowered lashes as she leaned in. His nose could catch the faint fragrance drifting from her neck and hair.
His sense of touch hadn't failed either. He could feel the gentle breeze carried by her breath as she spoke into his ear, brushing his jawline and the side of his neck.
Gu Cheng unconsciously tightened his fingers.
Only then did he realize how acute his other senses had become.
"Still no sound?" Ning Yi asked inwardly.
"...None." Gu Cheng lowered his eyes slightly, then raised them again, his jet-black gaze laced with blue deliberately held calm.
Ning Yi scratched his head in disappointment.
Gu Cheng snapped back to awareness, a vague irritation stirring within him. He deliberately replied coldly, "Seems pointless, then. Yi."
Ning Yi wore an expression that screamed, "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just shut up already."
Could it be that Gu Cheng's hearing was genuinely poor? Then let this King of Superhuman Hearing give it a shot.
With that thought, Ning Yi switched bodies. "Honey, come whisper something in my ear."
Recalling that momentary tension, Gu Cheng turned away. "No."
Ning Yi: "?"
Who exactly wants to switch back more—you or me?!
Ning Yi wore an indulgent expression that said, "You're so mischievous, I just can't help but spoil you." She opened her phone and started playing everything in rotation.
Rock music, heavy metal, viral short videos—she played them all.
Still no reaction from his ears?
Finally, Ning Yi wondered if there was another issue.
Blocked?
The finest ingredients often call for the simplest preparation.
The most advanced treatments are often found in the simplest places!
Gu Cheng deliberately ignored her, but after a long silence without a word from her, he couldn't help but glance back.
Then Gu Cheng: "..."
"Ning Yi! Don't you dare use my hand to clean your ears!"