Work Text:
Zhou Zishu scrubbed the blood from between her fingers beneath the warm running water, watching lazily as it turned pink before swirling down the drain. When the music began to play, she glanced to the side, frowning, as if she could see through the door.
She quickly wiped her hands on her pants and stepped out of the bathroom, striding toward the yacht’s main salon, which was bathed in moonlight. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of Wen Kexing’s back as she played the grand piano.
The pianist’s body had been carelessly thrown onto a nearby table, joining the others slumped in their chairs, limp and dripping blood onto the teak floor.
While only the sleeves of Zhou Zishu’s stolen server uniform were stained red, with a few stray spots here and there, the back and arms of Wen Kexing’s white shirt were splattered with crimson.
But the blood didn’t bother her in the slightest. Judging by the slight nod of her head and the way she swayed as she played, Wen Kexing was having the best time she had had in a long while.
Wen Kexing briefly paused, lifting her hands from the keys to reach for something atop the piano.
Zhou Zishu snorted softly at the sight of a bottle of expensive wine resting on the closed lid of the grand piano. Condensation from the bottle and from the glass beside it dripped onto the elegant dark wood.
Wen Kexing took a sip, humming animatedly, before setting the glass back in place and resuming her playing.
Zhou Zishu blinked slowly, listening closely to the melody, trying to place it.
Unlike anything she had heard Wen Kexing play on the violin or flute, this piece sounded vibrant, almost cheerful.
Zhou Zishu rolled her eyes.
She couldn’t even claim to be surprised that Wen Kexing had chosen to celebrate right there.
A faint smile touched her lips for a moment, but it soon faded into a weary sigh.
Despite the medication, the tension and discomfort still weighed on her body, making it feel heavier than it already was. Her eyes burned with sleep, and she would have been more than satisfied to sleep through the entire night.
For a brief moment, she considered asking whether the bombs had already been set so they could leave quickly, but as she stared at Wen Kexing, she abandoned the thought.
She glanced at the clock on the main salon wall and hummed softly; there was still some time before they had to leave.
Letting Wen Kexing have a little fun wasn’t such a big problem after all.
Zhou Zishu walked over to the piano without haste, weaving around tables crowded with bodies. She pulled a chair from one of them and dragged it closer until she was seated beside Wen Kexing. She hesitated for a moment before leaning sideways, resting against Wen Kexing’s side, and laying her head on her shoulder.
Wen Kexing paused briefly, then let out a chuckle as the music resumed. One hand continued to play flawlessly, while the other moved with less freedom, though it remained lively.
“Tired, A-Xu?” Wen Kexing asked, the smile evident in her voice.
Zhou Zishu hummed in response.
A few moments later, Wen Kexing spoke again.
“Sorry about the blood on my clothes, A-Xu. I didn’t have time to change out of them…” She paused, then added, almost singing along to the music, “…but if you’d like, I can take off my shirt for you without any problem~”
Zhou Zishu sighed, knowing full well that Wen Kexing was wearing a foolish grin.
“No need,” Zhou Zishu replied.
Although the two of them had taken most down with precise shots, a few had required more personal attention, especially from Wen Kexing, which had led to more bloodshed than expected. Even so, Zhou Zishu caught only the faintest metallic scent in the air, so subtle she could detect it only when she inhaled deeply.
Nothing truly bothersome.
Despite that, she still hated the sticky feel of blood against her skin.
The music continued, changing subtly, perhaps becoming softer, almost like a lullaby. She closed her eyes, finding herself relaxing, leaning more and more into Wen Kexing.
She probably would have fallen asleep if not for Wen Kexing’s voice again.
“A-Xu?”
“Hm…” Zhou Zishu grumbled softly.
The soothing melody came to a stop, and Zhou Zishu felt the arm she had been leaning on shift before wrapping around her waist, drawing her a little closer. Wen Kexing seemed to hesitate for a moment, then her fingers traced a gentle line across Zhou Zishu’s stomach, moving lightly as she toyed with the buttons of her shirt.
Zhou Zishu, her eyes still closed, let out a trembling sigh, the warmth of the soft touch sending goosebumps across her skin.
“We’ve been through so much together…” Wen Kexing said, her voice velvety. “Even now, after you kill for me… aren’t you going to show me your face?”
Zhou Zishu huffed, a faint smile curving her lips before it faded.
“I’ve told you a thousand times. This is my face. Accept it.”
Wen Kexing chuckled, her shoulder trembling slightly with the sound.
“And I’ve told you. I know a beauty when I see one.”
Her fingers continued to trace random patterns over Zhou Zishu’s stomach, her nails brushing lightly against the faint definition that still remained.
“You can put on as much as you like on your face, my dear A-Xu, but nothing can hide the beauty that emanates from you,” she went on. “That body of yours… your skills… your mind… your voice… everything about you speaks of beauty. It’s impossible not to notice.”
Zhou Zishu hummed, wondering whether this conversation would continue in the same tone if she were to remove her disguise.
Would Wen Kexing still speak so sweetly upon seeing a face even more sickly than the one she wore now?
Would Zhou Zishu still be showered with praise after revealing the various scars, along with the bullet, stab, and burn marks that marred the rest of her body?
She blinked a few times, then chuckled softly to herself.
Knowing Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu had the impression that even so, this woman would find something to say just to tease her further with her incessant praise.
Perhaps Zhou Zishu would be gifted a song about how impressive her motorcycle accident scars were, or how inspiring she looked bearing the marks from her last surgery.
“Wasn’t it the shoulder blades?” Zhou Zishu teased, unable to hide her smile any longer.
“Of course! Yours are the most beautiful. I just wanted to make it clear that I know the rest of you matches just as well,” Wen Kexing replied.
The caresses along Zhou Zishu’s stomach drifted to her sides and back. A moment later, long fingers traced upward toward the nape of her neck, drawing a soft sigh from her. Fingers threaded through the strands of her hair, then guided her head back with a gentle tug.
Zhou Zishu let out a soft chuckle and opened her eyes, finding Wen Kexing’s smiling face impossibly close.
“Do that again…” Zhou Zishu began, her voice low. “…and I’ll kill you.”
Wen Kexing’s smile widened, and her fingers tangled more firmly in her hair, her nails grazing her scalp.
The light touch drew another sigh from Zhou Zishu, who remained with a faint smile, showing no real desire to resist the position she had been placed in.
She blinked softly, gazing at Wen Kexing.
Wen Kexing’s face was bathed in moonlight, though her eyes remained dark. Instead of the empty black holes Zhou Zishu often saw, in that moment, they resembled the mirrored surface of a lake at night.
Very beautiful.
Zhou Zishu thought lazily that revenge really affected her in some way.
Wen Kexing’s dark gaze swept slowly across Zhou Zishu’s disguised face, as if she could see beneath it. Zhou Zishu felt its weight linger on her lips before lifting to meet her eyes once more.
“A-Xu… you know…” Wen Kexing began, drifting into thought for a moment. “I’ve slept with many beautiful women, and as you can see, I never became attached to any of them. You complain often about my constant presence… but who knows? Maybe after I see your real face and we spend the night together… I’ll never think about you again?”
Wen Kexing tilted her head slightly, her fingers moving slowly through Zhou Zishu’s hair, her thumb brushing gently against the nape of her neck.
“But the way you are now… every day I find myself growing more addicted to you… wanting to spend the rest of my life with you.” She smiled, her expression gentle. “What are we going to do about that, hm?”
Zhou Zishu blinked softly, a faint smile playing at her lips.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said, pulling Wen Kexing’s hand away with a quick movement.
Zhou Zishu settled back in her chair and, after a moment, leaned forward to lift the wine glass from the piano. Once it was in her hands, her eyes immediately caught the lipstick mark. She blinked softly at it, then her lips were at the same spot.
She closed her eyes for a moment, humming as if savoring the wine, though there was little flavor to enjoy. To her, it tasted very mild, its acidity barely noticeable. The aroma was nearly nonexistent, perhaps just a faint hint of grape brushing her nose. But the texture was refreshing, and the alcohol still affected her body in that familiar way, so it was welcome.
When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Wen Kexing staring at her predatorily. Something in that gaze made Zhou Zishu’s chest and face warm, and her heart pound.
More and more, Zhou Zishu became certain that Wen Kexing was crazy.
Who would be so insane as to want someone as close to death as Zhou Zishu in their bed?
While their eyes remained locked and Zhou Zishu’s body grew warmer, clearly affected, she couldn’t help but think that, given how things were going, perhaps the madness was contagious.
Zhou Zishu wasn’t far behind.
Zhou Zishu blinked softly, bringing the wine to her lips once more and swallowing the last of the tasteless liquid.
After setting the empty glass back on the piano, she asked,
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll drop dead while you’re fucking me?” A teasing smile curved her lips as she added, “You seem like the type that lasts all night… quite intense too… I’d probably have a heart attack before you were satisfied.”
Wen Kexing’s gaze flickered with confusion, and a somber expression crossed her face before quickly softening. She smiled, though the happiness didn’t reach her eyes.
“What are you talking about, A-Xu? Even though I may not look like it, I’m an extremely caring and kind woman! I would treat you so well!”
Zhou Zishu chuckled.
“You? Caring… and kind…?”
Perhaps something in her expression or tone had must have messed with something in Wen Kexing, because a faint sparkle returned to her dark eyes. She moved slightly toward Zhou Zishu.
“And about your death… A-Xu… I told you before… I’ll search everywhere for a way to keep you alive…” She paused for a moment, then added softly, “…and by my side.”
Zhou Zishu’s chuckle softened into a quiet sigh.
After she freed herself from her obligations, she had planned to travel to Yangshuo County. It had seemed like a fitting place to die. The photos and videos made it look incredible, at the very least. But then Wen Kexing had come into her life and ruined her last peaceful days.
All Wen Kexing knew how to do was bring problems and tasks for Zhou Zishu to handle, when all she wanted was to drink alone in her corner and enjoy the mountain scenery.
But Wen Kexing was a teasing idiot, a fucking stalker, a crazy mobster, and, unfortunately, someone Zhou Zishu had grown used to having by her side over the past few months.
She didn’t believe in miracles, and until then, she had never needed one. But more and more, she found herself thinking, quietly, almost like a secret tucked among her usual thoughts, that if by some chance she had a life expectancy longer than a couple of years, it might… be interesting to follow Wen Kexing wherever her insane mind wanted to go.
Zhou Zishu’s chest tightened at the course of her own thoughts.
She let out a trembling sigh and rose from the chair.
“That sounds more like a threat, Lao Wen.”
She took a few steps toward the deck, hoping to catch some fresh night air, when Wen Kexing’s hand wrapped around her wrist.
Zhou Zishu barely had time to pull back before she was yanked down, landing sideways in Wen Kexing’s lap.
“What the hell are—” she began, flailing her arm in protest.
But Wen Kexing cut her off, pressing their lips together. Zhou Zishu sighed softly, her eyelashes fluttering, and her flailing eased slightly. Her heart pounded, its beats filling her ears.
“Come on, A-Xu… let me…” Wen Kexing whispered against her lips, her nose brushing Zhou Zishu’s cheek.
When Wen Kexing’s tongue lightly brushed her lower lip, Zhou Zishu moaned softly. After a brief hesitation and a whispered curse, she parted her lips just enough, yielding to the kiss.
Wen Kexing chuckled, the sound softening into a groan as their tongues brushed against each other. Her hand released Zhou Zishu’s wrist and moved to the nape of her neck. She grasped a handful of Zhou Zishu’s medium-length hair and guided the kiss, making her body tremble.
Wen Kexing’s other hand slid to Zhou Zishu’s thigh, her black nails tracing a burning path along the fabric of her pants up to her hip. She squeezed the soft flesh at her waist and pulled her closer until their breasts pressed together. Zhou Zishu shuddered at the sensation of Wen Kexing’s bra against her bralette. Her sensitive nipples hardened instantly at the contact.
Zhou Zishu whimpered when Wen Kexing softly bit her lower lip before breaking the kiss, letting her caresses trail down along her jaw.
Wen Kexing's hand returned to Zhou Zishu’s thigh, inching toward the inner part. Zhou Zishu’s lips trembled, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Wherever Wen Kexing touched, she left a trail of shivers and tingling heat, leaving Zhou Zishu trembling and lost in sensation. Unaware, her legs pressed tightly together, trapping Wen Kexing’s hand between them.
“A-Xu…” Wen Kexing whispered against her skin. “Do you want my fingers on you that badly, my dear?”
She chuckled. Even with her hand nearly immobilized by Zhou Zishu’s thighs, she managed to gently scrape her nails near the fly of Zhou Zishu’s pants. Zhou Zishu’s pussy grew wet at the promise, her entrance contracting.
Zhou Zishu gasped, a soft moan escaping her lips, and her hands moved to Wen Kexing’s shoulders, her short nails digging in as waves of pleasure coursed through her body.
Wen Kexing tilted Zhou Zishu’s head back, and as her other hand finally freed itself from the tight grip of Zhou Zishu’s thighs, it slid up to her waist.
“N-No… L-Lao… Wen…” Zhou Zishu whimpered.
Wen Kexing’s lips trailed along her throat, leaving soft kisses and gentle nips with her sharp teeth. Zhou Zishu could feel Wen Kexing’s smile as she did so, the promise of a bite or a hickey sending goosebumps across her skin and driving her nails deeper into Wen Kexing’s shoulder muscles.
Wen Kexing’s teeth reached the side of her neck, nibbling gently, then her tongue soothed the bite. Zhou Zishu shuddered, squeezing her legs together again. She pressed her lips together tightly, preventing a moan from escaping, as she felt her hard clit brushing against the damp fabric of her panties.
Wen Kexing’s hand suddenly groped Zhou Zishu’s breast, drawing a sharp, gasped moan from her as she arched her back. Zhou Zishu’s eyes rolled back as her hardened nipple rubbed against Wen Kexing’s large, warm palm.
Zhou Zishu trembled as Wen Kexing’s grip loosened just enough for a finger to trace the stiff nub that the layers of her shirt and bralette could no longer hide. She felt Wen Kexing’s fierce smile and hot breath against her throat as her thumb rubbed firmly over the sensitive tip, eliciting more moans from Zhou Zishu.
“A-Xu…” Wen Kexing groaned, her voice dropping into its natural tone, losing the velvety one she liked to feign.
She released Zhou Zishu’s tender nipple and a moment later gently pinched the other, making Zhou Zishu whimper, her skin completely covered in goosebumps.
“I… am going to eat you so well…” she continued, almost breathless. “What do you think about... me fucking you on the piano?”
Zhou Zishu slowly opened her eyes, her blurred vision focusing on the gaudy chandelier overhead. She took a few deep breaths, trying to steady her racing heart and calm her breathing. She forced herself to concentrate, to think clearly, even with Wen Kexing’s hand still caressing her. After a moment, a shaky chuckle slipped from her lips between uneven sighs.
“Lao Wen… you fucking… liar…” she managed to gasp, her fingers tightening around Wen Kexing’s shoulders. “You… weren’t… supposed… to… be gentle?”
Wen Kexing paused her movements, then laughed, her warm breath sending goosebumps racing across Zhou Zishu’s skin. Zhou Zishu bit down on her swollen lips, struggling to hold back another moan.
After a moment, both of Wen Kexing’s hands moved; one to the side of Zhou Zishu’s neck, guiding her head until their faces met again, the other sliding back to her waist.
Their gazes lingered for a few moments. Zhou Zishu’s body still trembled as if Wen Kexing’s hands were still tracing her intimately. Yet her mind was more focused.
“True… I promised I’d treat A-Xu well,” Wen Kexing said with a smile. “A-Xu likes being treated like a princess, doesn’t she?”
Zhou Zishu blinked a few times, confused at first. But as the words sank in, she felt her face grow hot.
In one swift motion, she reached out with a trembling hand, grabbed Wen Kexing’s half-ponytail, and tugged hard, pulling her face closer.
“Is your mouth only good for talking nonsense?” she snapped. “Put it to use and finish what you started, you fuck.”
Wen Kexing’s eyes widened in surprise, but the expression quickly softened into laughter, her face lighting up.
“Ah, A-Xu is so mean to me~”
Zhou Zishu breathed heavily through her nose, bothered by her burning face. It only seemed to worsen under Wen Kexing’s insistent gaze and wide grin. Zhou Zishu rolled her eyes, feeling her momentary irritation fading.
“Idiot,” she grumbled, loosening her grip on Wen Kexing’s hair.
Wen Kexing chuckled, her hand gently squeezing Zhou Zishu’s waist.
She seemed far too pleased with herself for Zhou Zishu’s liking.
A soft blush spread across Wen Kexing’s forehead, cheeks, and the tips of her ears, matching the red of her eyeshadow and lips. Noticing how faded the lipstick had become, Zhou Zishu concluded that her own neck was likely a mess of smudged lipstick marks.
She let out a quiet sigh, her gaze drifting to Wen Kexing’s now-messy hairstyle. The strands that had once been perfectly combed were now slipping loose from the center of the half-ponytail, thanks to Zhou Zishu’s sudden and well-deserved tug.
She blinked softly and, without a second thought, untied the ribbon holding Wen Kexing’s half-ponytail. The long, dark brown hair fell in a slow, fluid motion over her shoulders and down her back.
Zhou Zishu’s eyes widened, but she quickly tried to control her expression.
Wen Kexing hummed softly, her dark eyes lingering on Zhou Zishu’s face.
“A-Xu is quiet… and staring at me so much… I think I’m embarrassed by her attention…” she said with a smile, without seeming at all embarrassed.
Zhou Zishu huffed, sliding her hand from Wen Kexing’s hair down to her shoulders.
Wen Kexing giggled, gently caressing Zhou Zishu’s waist. Her eyes shone brightly, her entire expression radiating happiness.
“Could it be… that A-Xu thinks I’m beautiful?” she asked, casting her a glance from beneath her lashes.
Zhou Zishu hummed, blinking softly.
That was undeniable.
It had been the first thought she’d had when she saw Wen Kexing for the first time.
But before Zhou Zishu’s lips could part, refusing to admit anything, the roar of a speedboat broke through, cutting through the moment.
It hit her like a cold shower on her overheated body. The familiar tension, the nearness of a fight, slammed into her, instantly sharpening her focus.
Wen Kexing’s smile vanished, replaced by a somber expression as she turned her gaze toward the deck. Her eyes darkened, and her posture stiffened, alert and ready. The sudden shift sent a shiver down Zhou Zishu’s spine.
The two exchanged a glance before Wen Kexing let her hand fall from Zhou Zishu, who immediately rose.
She drew her pistol from its holster, the smooth click echoing softly as she released the safety catch. She walked in slow strides toward the deck, Wen Kexing silently following behind.
The sound of the speedboat drew near, then abruptly stopped, leaving only the soft rush of the cool sea breeze to fill the silence.
Zhou Zishu waited patiently in the shade cast by the ostentatious entrance to the main salon. She kept her pistol raised, her finger already on the trigger. She held her breath as she finally heard footsteps nearby.
She was about to fire when the familiar face of Gu Xiang appeared before her. One hand held a gun aimed directly at Zhou Zishu, the other gripped a knife.
“Ah,” Gu Xiang said softly as their eyes met.
Zhou Zishu’s eyes widened, then her surprised expression softened into a sigh, her posture relaxing.
“It’s Gu Xiang,” she said, lowering her pistol.
“A-Xiang?” Wen Kexing’s voice came from behind, and moments later her face appeared beside Zhou Zishu’s shoulder.
Gu Xiang smiled at the sight of the two of them and lowered her weapons.
“You were taking too long! That whiny boy wouldn’t stop complaining! He was getting on my nerves, then I thought you’d need to—”
She stopped mid-sentence as Zhou Zishu stepped fully onto the deck, coming into full view.
Gu Xiang’s gaze swept over Zhou Zishu’s disheveled clothes, tousled hair, and the lipstick marks scattered across her neck. She took a few steps back, spun around abruptly, and let out a small whimper.
“It’s not possible!” Gu Xiang exclaimed. “Why do you always do this to me, Jie?!”
Wen Kexing hummed softly as she stepped onto the deck as well.
“What’s with this innocent act, A-Xiang? How old are you again?” Wen Kexing asked lazily, sliding her gun back into its holster. “It’s not the first time you’ve seen me with a beauty. Shouldn’t you be used to it?”
“That’s the problem! Why do I always have to watch it?” Gu Xiang replied, exasperated. “Are you doing this on purpose?!”
Wen Kexing chuckled.
“If you weren’t such a stupid girl and didn’t barge in uninvited, you wouldn’t see things you don’t want to see. Try using your brain for once, I’m sure things would improve!”
Gu Xiang whimpered, glancing over her shoulder at Zhou Zishu, who was putting her pistol away.
“Even you… sick woman…” she whimpered.
“Shut up, A-Xiang,” Wen Kexing said, a smile spreading across her lips. “You should be happy that your good Jiejie is finally achieving her goals!”
Gu Xiang frowned slightly. She glared at Zhou Zishu, then at Wen Kexing, when suddenly realization flashed across her face. She let out a cheerful “Ah!” and pointed her knife at Wen Kexing, who chuckled and gave a thumbs-up in response.
Zhou Zishu rolled her eyes as she passed between them, leaning against the railing and letting out a small sigh.
“Two idiots,” she muttered to herself, her tone soft.
Gu Xiang leaned forward slightly, almost childishly, to peek inside the door and whistled, her eyes widening. She turned back to Wen Kexing, all smiles.
“Everything went well, then. But I was worried, Jie! You should have called me!”
Wen Kexing raised an eyebrow.
“And you thought it would go wrong without you?” she asked, stepping toward Gu Xiang and pinching her cheek. “I’m not that incompetent, young lady.”
She released Gu Xiang’s now-rosy cheek and let out a soft, dramatic sigh, followed by a wide smile.
“Besides, I had help from A-Xu! There was no way this could go wrong!”
Gu Xiang grumbled for a moment, but her smile soon returned.
Zhou Zishu blinked, observing the exchange with curiosity.
Gu Xiang was still wearing her disguise as hotel staff, and her hair was pulled into a high ponytail. Like Wen Kexing, she usually had a penchant for being flashy, so it felt strange not to see her in her usual elaborate outfits in various shades of purple, or her braided hairstyles adorned with accessories.
They hadn’t seen her in almost a month, and while her behavior showed no significant changes, there was something different about her that Zhou Zishu couldn’t quite place.
Gu Xiang often seemed to exist in another dimension. On one hand, she carried the innocence of a child, seemingly unaware of how reality worked; on the other, she was highly skilled with all manner of weapons and anything involving violence or pursuit.
But at that moment… she seemed different… perhaps…
“Did something good happen, Gu Xiang?” Zhou Zishu asked softly.
Gu Xiang looked at her, her smile widening, eyes shining brightly. Her face was so radiant that, for a moment, she seemed younger than her twenty-something years.
“I met someone…” she began softly, then glanced at Wen Kexing.
Wen Kexing blinked lazily at her, her fingers running through her hair as she redid her half-up ponytail, securing it with her own hair.
Gu Xiang tried to rein in her smile and continued,
“It’s not like I like him… he’s stupid… always getting into trouble. I’ve had to save that idiot about ten times by now! But… sometimes, he says beautiful things… you know… really… beautiful things… I’ve never met a boy who likes poems so much!”
Zhou Zishu had a strong suspicion about who Gu Xiang was talking about, and Wen Kexing likely thought the same, if the laugh she seemed to be holding back was any indication.
Zhou Zishu hummed, her fingers drumming lightly on the railing.
“By any chance, is the name of this… poet boy… Cao Weining?”
Gu Xiang’s eyes widened, and her smile grew even broader. She took a few quick steps toward Zhou Zishu and leaned against the railing beside her.
“You know Cao-ge, sick woman?” she asked, then turned her all-smiles face toward Wen Kexing. “And you, Jie?”
Wen Kexing chuckled, stepping forward as well. She rested an arm on Gu Xiang’s shoulder, leaning down to meet her height.
“Yes, we do know him,” Wen Kexing began softly, seeming thoughtful. “You’ve told me a few times that you wanted a boyfriend, but… hm, him? Well… he’s kind, respectful… he can be useful… if someone gives him a little guidance. Honestly, though, I’m not sure that boy has anything in his head.”
She blinked a few times, as if considering something.
“Poems, huh? You call that random, meaningless mess… poems…” she said, then a wide smile curved her lips. “On second thought, I think he suits you, A-Xiang.”
Gu Xiang frowned slightly, tilting her head.
In a way, Zhou Zishu agreed.
Perhaps soulmates, as Wen Kexing often spoke of, did indeed exist.
But before Gu Xiang could realize she was being subtly insulted, Zhou Zishu sighed and stepped away from the railing.
“We’ll talk about this later. Let’s go,” she said. “I want to rest.”
Gu Xiang and Wen Kexing exchanged a glance.
“Hm, I came by speedboat,” Gu Xiang said. “We can use it.”
“That was quite obvious, dear A-Xiang,” Wen Kexing replied. “Anyone with a functioning ear would hear it.”
Gu Xiang blinked a few times.
“Hm?”
Zhou Zishu turned away from the two, heading toward where the speedboat was docked, but suddenly stopped in her tracks.
“Any problem, A-Xu?” Wen Kexing called from behind.
“I’ll be right back,” Zhou Zishu replied, already turning and passing through them back into the main salon.
She walked back to the piano and grabbed the wine bottle. After a moment, she scanned the room and picked up two more bottles from one of the tables.
By the time she returned with her arms full, the two were already in the speedboat, Gu Xiang at the helm.
When they saw what she was carrying, she received a disapproving look from Gu Xiang and a bright, cheerful laugh from Wen Kexing.
“You didn’t need to bother, A-Xu! I would’ve bought you a whole case!”
Zhou Zishu said nothing. She brought the open bottle to her lips and sat back, leaving the other bottles on the floor of the speedboat near her feet.
Once they were a few kilometers away from the yacht, Wen Kexing’s face lit up with a bright smile. Zhou Zishu heard her murmuring something about her parents, then saw her press the button on the remote control in her hand.
Zhou Zishu blinked softly, leaning back against the side of the speedboat and raising her bottle in a quiet toast as the explosion tore through the yacht. As flames and debris consumed it at sea, she brought the bottle back to her lips.