190: Gu Xiaoxiao's Voice

The old man leaned back in his chair, a half-smile on his face.

His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest, making a crisp sound that was particularly clear in the quiet hall.

"Hall Master Xiao, what you're saying sounds very tempting, but this is, after all, going against the Lu family. I still need to consider my own life and fortune more carefully."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of cunning flashing within them. "I don't think the assurances you've given are enough; I need something more substantial."

Xiao Tianyu's expression darkened a few shades, and a flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He looked at the old man coldly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "What else do you want? Don't push your luck; I've already shown enough sincerity."

The old man seemed unfazed by Xiao Tianyu's attitude, chuckled softly, and slowly said:

"I hear the War God Hall has a peerless Secret Manual, which is a priceless treasure. If Hall Master Xiao could include it as part of our cooperation, I think I'd have more confidence in dealing with the Lu family with you."

When Xiao Tianyu heard this, his face instantly turned incredibly grim.

He abruptly stood up, slamming both hands heavily on the table, creating a dull thud. The wine glasses on the table rattled, and some crimson wine spilled out, spreading across the tabletop.

"Don't push your luck! That Secret Manual is the War God Hall's most treasured possession; it's absolutely impossible to give it to you."

His voice was low and furious, and a powerful Aura emanated from his body, like a volcano about to erupt.

However, the old man remained completely unmoved. He leisurely picked up his wine glass, took a small sip of red wine, and smacked his lips, as if savoring the finest vintage in the world.

Then he unhurriedly said, "Hall Master Xiao, don't be so agitated. I know that Secret Manual is very important to you, but think about it, without my financial support for dealing with the Lu family this time, could you be so smooth? This is a huge gamble, and I need some special chips to dare place my bet."

Xiao Tianyu stared intently at the old man, a hint of killing intent in his eyes. He knew this old man was deliberately making things difficult, trying to extract more benefits from him.

But he also knew that at this critical moment, he couldn't easily give up this opportunity for cooperation.

He took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the anger in his heart, slowly sat down, and said in a cold tone: "Aside from this Secret Manual, other demands, as long as they're not excessive, I can consider."

The old man put down his wine glass, crossed his arms over his chest, and a triumphant smile appeared on his face: "Hall Master Xiao, how about this? I want the War God Hall to provide me with a batch of rare medicinal ingredients every year for the next five years, and these ingredients must be of top quality. Furthermore, I hope the War God Hall can send a few experts to provide me with protection when I need it."

Xiao Tianyu frowned, pondering inwardly.

Although these demands were not simple, they were still acceptable compared to that martial arts Secret Manual.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I can agree to the matter of the medicinal ingredients. But sending experts to protect you, that depends on the specific situation; I cannot guarantee that I can always meet your demands."

The old man frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with this response: "Hall Master Xiao, that's a bit ungenerous of you. I'm helping you deal with the Lu family, which puts me in the eye of the storm. Without expert protection, how can I feel at ease?"

Xiao Tianyu said coldly, "I can guarantee that during our cooperation, I will provide you with a certain level of protection. But the War God Hall's experts all have their own missions and cannot always stay by your side. If you think this won't work, then our cooperation will likely be difficult to continue."

The old man listened and fell into deep thought.

He knew in his heart that Xiao Tianyu had already made certain concessions, and continuing to pressure him might be counterproductive.

He thought for a while, then finally spoke: "Alright, we'll do as Hall Master Xiao says. But I hope we can put all these conditions into a contract, in black and white, so that everyone has a guarantee."

Xiao Tianyu nodded and said, "Very well. But I also warn you, if you play any tricks or betray me during our cooperation, the War God Hall will absolutely not let you off."

His eyes revealed a sharp Aura, as if he could see through the old man's thoughts.

The old man smiled and said, "Hall Master Xiao, rest assured, I am also a businessman, and what I value most is reputation. Since I've decided to cooperate, I will naturally go all out."

He extended his hand, wanting to shake hands with Xiao Tianyu to signify the agreement.

Xiao Tianyu looked at the old man's outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then still extended his hand and clasped his.

Their hands were tightly clasped, appearing to be a friendly cooperation on the surface, but in reality, each had their own calculations in their hearts.

After the handshake, Xiao Tianyu stood up and said, "Since the matter has been settled, I hope you can prepare the funds as soon as possible. I will have my people draft the contract quickly, and then I'll find you to sign it."

The old man also stood up and said with a smile, "Good, I will prepare the funds as soon as possible. I look forward to our pleasant cooperation and overthrowing the Lu family soon."

Xiao Tianyu nodded slightly and, surrounded by bodyguards, strode out of the hall.

His face still held that stern expression, but a hint of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes.

His cooperation with this old man was just the first step; there were more methods to deal with the Lu family to come.

"Lu Chen, just you wait for me!"

A cold killing intent flashed in Xiao Tianyu's eyes, his voice low... Meanwhile, on the other side.

Lu Chen appeared silently outside Gu Xiaoxiao's room, raised his hand, and gently tapped his knuckles on the door.

In the bathroom, the fine spray of the shower had just stopped, and warm steam filled the small space, carrying a hint of ambiguity.

Gu Xiaoxiao was wrapped in a soft, white bath towel, which hung loosely over her shoulders, outlining her graceful figure.

Her skin, moisturized by the hot water, was faintly pink, like the first petals of spring, tender and dewy.

Her dark, long hair hung damply over her shoulders, a few strands clinging to her fair neck, and glistening drops of water slid down her elegant neckline, disappearing into the edge of the bath towel.

She reached for the dry hair towel on the vanity and gently wiped her hair, when she inadvertently heard a sound from outside the door, her movements suddenly paused.

She frowned slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes, and walked barefoot, quietly to the door.

After confirming the person outside through the peephole, her eyes instantly lit up like stars, and the corners of her mouth uncontrollably curved upwards into a joyful smile.

Gu Xiaoxiao quickly adjusted her bath towel, opened the door, and said with a sweet voice full of surprise: "Mr. Lu, you're here."

As she spoke, the blush on her cheeks deepened, like a ripe apple, showing a hint of charming naivety.

Lu Chen's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile, and he stepped inside.

Gu Xiaoxiao quickly moved aside to let him in, then closed the door, even locking it, her movements carrying a trace of imperceptible eagerness, as if afraid of missing this rare reunion.

She moved with light steps towards the wine cabinet, her slender fingers moving among the dazzling array of wine bottles, finally selecting a bottle of vintage red wine.

She picked up a corkscrew and elegantly opened the bottle. The cork popped out of the Bottleneck with a 'plop', and the aroma of wine wafted out.

She took out two crystal-clear stemmed glasses and slowly poured the crimson liquid into them. The wine swirled in the glasses, emitting a captivating luster.

Gu Xiaoxiao picked up a glass of red wine, walked in front of Lu Chen, bowed her head slightly, her long eyelashes gently fluttering, and said softly: "Mr. Lu, please taste."

As she handed him the glass, her fingers accidentally brushed against Lu Chen's hand. She trembled slightly like a startled fawn, and her face flushed.

Lu Chen took the wine glass, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, and asked: "Your body doesn't hurt anymore?"

Gu Xiaoxiao's cheeks instantly turned crimson, like a fiery sunset.

She lowered her head slightly, her voice as tiny as a mosquito: "It doesn't hurt anymore."

With that, she took a small sip of red wine, trying to hide her shyness.

The two sat opposite each other and began to sip their wine.

As glass after glass of red wine went down, Gu Xiaoxiao only felt her cheeks burning, and her head felt a little muddled. The Lu Chen in front of her even seemed somewhat illusory.

Her eyes gradually became hazy, and the blush on her cheeks spread to her earlobes.

She was constantly conflicted in her heart; on one hand, the regret for the past surged like a tide, and on the other hand, she was afraid that her current courage would dissipate once she sobered up.

She gripped the wine glass tightly, her knuckles turning white from the effort, thinking to herself: "If I don't say it today, I might never have another chance. But what will he think? What if he's still utterly disappointed in me..."

She took a deep breath, and, emboldened by the alcohol, gently swirled the wine glass, the liquid inside swaying with it.

Gu Xiaoxiao looked up, a hint of reminiscence and regret in her eyes, and slowly said: "Mr. Lu, I was too foolish before, I didn't know how to cherish. Only after losing it did I understand what I had truly missed."

Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were full of remorse.

Lu Chen looked at her quietly, his expression calm, and just smiled faintly, saying: "Congratulations, you've realized the importance of cherishing."

Gu Xiaoxiao's eyes instantly filled with tears. She bit her lower lip, trying hard not to let the tears fall, her voice choked with a sob: "I really wish I could go back to the past, back to the days when we watched movies together, ate meals together. Back then, I was surrounded by happiness, yet I was completely unaware."

Her eyes became vacant, as if Transmigration through time, returning to those beautiful bygone days.

"Do you remember the first time we went to the movies?"

Gu Xiaoxiao's lips curved slightly, but with a hint of bitterness, "It was a romance film, and when I saw the scene where the male and female leads separated, I couldn't help but cry. You laughed then and handed me a tissue, even making fun of me for being too easily moved."

A gentle smile appeared in her eyes, "At that time, I felt that as long as you were by my side, I was the happiest person in the world. But I pushed that happiness away with my own hands."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, a hint of recollection flashing in his eyes, and softly said: "Yes, you were crying so much then, still sniffling even after the movie ended."

"And when we went out to eat, you always remembered my favorite dishes, and you would carefully pick food for me every time."

Gu Xiaoxiao's voice gradually choked, and tears finally burst forth, streaming down her cheeks, "But I didn't know how to be grateful, always throwing tantrums selfishly. Thinking about it now, I was so foolish."

She raised her hand to gently wipe away her tears, her movements full of self-reproach.

Lu Chen put down his wine glass, sighed slightly, and said: "Let the past be the past. People always have to look forward."

She looked up, her gaze fixed on Lu Chen, her eyes full of deep affection: "Lu Chen, do you know, the moment I jumped into the river was the bravest moment of my life. The river water was icy cold, but when I thought I might lose you, I wasn't afraid of anything anymore."

At this moment, Gu Xiaoxiao, due to the effects of alcohol, was speaking a little incoherently, her cheeks as red as ripe cherries, her whole being exuding a unique charm.

Lu Chen was slightly moved, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and he softly asked: "What were you thinking when you jumped into the river?"

Gu Xiaoxiao gave a bitter smile, and tears welled up again: "My mind was blank then, I only thought I couldn't lose you. I regretted being so ignorant before; if I had just left like that, I wouldn't even have had a chance to make amends."

As she spoke, Gu Xiaoxiao suddenly stood up, her steps a little unsteady.

She took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage, and slowly walked to Lu Chen's side, gently sitting on his lap.

The moment she sat down, her body trembled slightly, her eyes filled with a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

Lu Chen was slightly startled, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he did not stop her.

Gu Xiaoxiao felt a surge of joy when she saw that Lu Chen didn't refuse.

Her hands trembled slightly as she slowly wrapped them around Lu Chen's neck, leaning forward slightly, closing her eyes, and offering her kiss.

Her lips trembled slightly, carrying nervousness, anticipation, and love.

Lu Chen was startled at first, then his eyes softened, and he gently responded to her kiss.

Gu Xiaoxiao felt Lu Chen's response, and her nervousness instantly dissipated, replaced by endless happiness and satisfaction.

Her hands tightly hugged Lu Chen's neck, as if holding the whole world.

Their kiss lasted for a long time, until Gu Xiaoxiao was a little breathless, then they slowly separated.

Gu Xiaoxiao opened her eyes, looking at Lu Chen, her eyes full of love and longing, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry: "Lu Chen, I really don't want to lose you again, can you give me another chance?"

As she spoke, her fingers gently played with Lu Chen's collar, her eyes full of anticipation.

Lu Chen looked at her, silent for a moment, then sighed softly, raised his hand to gently brush away a strand of hair from her cheek, and said: "Let the past be the past; what's important is the present and the future."

Gu Xiaoxiao felt a surge of hope when she heard Lu Chen's words. She nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling: "I know, I will cherish the present well, and I will definitely work hard to make you fall in love with me again."

After saying that, she leaned her head on Lu Chen's shoulder, closed her eyes, and a happy smile appeared on her face, as if this moment was eternity.

The room was filled with the aroma of red wine, and the two embraced quietly like this, time seemingly frozen at this moment.