At seven sharp that evening, they met in a private dining room on the top floor of Cloud Summit.
Beyond the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, the city glittered in the night, its dazzling lights making it seem as though all its splendor lay beneath their feet. The private room was elegant and secluded, with soft lighting and faint fragrances mingling with the tantalizing aroma of food.
Gu Sipei had clearly made thorough preparations. The table was set for an exquisite business banquet, with meticulously plated dishes and expensive ingredients. Even the waiter poured wine with practiced elegance. Everything was impeccable, polished, and thoughtful.
Lu Xiaoxiao and Ji Yunhuai arrived on time. True to her bold declaration, Lu Xiaoxiao had put on fiercely intimidating makeup-her winged black eyeliner was sharp as a blade, a touch of dark shadow smoked out around her eyes, and her lips were a rich, true red. She looked like a thorned rose, radiant and not to be trifled with. She kept her chin slightly raised, her gaze three parts disdain and seven parts scrutiny, genuinely looking as though she were peering down her nose at everyone.
The amusement never left Ji Yunhuai's eyes as he watched her. He obligingly played the protective gentleman, pulling out her chair in one smooth, natural motion.
Gu Sipei rose to greet them. He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit that day and carried himself with steady composure. His expression was as calm and distant as ever, but noticeably softer than at their previous meeting.
His gaze lingered on Lu Xiaoxiao's face for a moment. He seemed unsurprised by her openly defiant makeup and simply dipped his head in greeting.
The three took their seats. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gu Sipei dispensed with any further preamble and went straight to