Chapter 132: When the Lady Commands, One Naturally Obeys

The little assistant, seeing the situation, quietly took back the barbecue he had prepared for Wen Zhixia to try and swiftly left. Outside, everyone enjoying the grilled meat was gathered, leaving only Wen Zhixia and Gu Pingsheng inside.

Gu Pingsheng placed the grilled wings on the table beside her without a word, took off his down jacket, stretched his legs, and sat opposite her. “I grilled these myself. Want to try?”

Wen Zhixia hesitated and didn’t reach out. “Why are you here?”

He pulled out disposable gloves, his knobbly fingers expertly picking up a cooked chicken wing, deftly removing the bones, and neatly arranging the meat on the plate. “Supervising.”

Wen Zhixia said she wasn’t hungry, but that was a lie—especially hearing the joyous chatter of the staff outside enjoying their food. It was as if once she reached out, something would inevitably change, so she made no move.

“Not hungry?” Gu Pingsheng’s narrow eyes glanced at her. He was so skilled that half the wings were already deboned in an instant—clearly not unfamiliar with this task. Since her student days, Wen Zhixia loved eating grilled wings; she ate like a cat at meals but could polish off four or five wings at once.

And not the small kind, but big ones where the wingtip and drumette were grilled together.

Gu Pingsheng knew too much barbecue wasn’t good for her, but since she was so picky and rarely found something she liked, he bought her wings once a week, forbidding her on other days.

He was the type to be careless about his own meals, often eating irregularly, yet when it came to her, he was strict and precise, almost like a doctor.

Wen Zhixia still didn’t move, but the enticing aroma of the wings was already stirring her stomach.

Gu Pingsheng finished deboning, leaving only a faint cut mark on the wings, which looked perfect at a glance. He took off his gloves, picked up a piece with chopsticks, and bit into it before her eyes. “Crispy outside, tender inside, soft and flavorful.”

Wen Zhixia knew he was teasing and shot him a sideways glance.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Gu Pingsheng’s thin lips. “What? You won’t eat when I offer, thinking glaring at me will fill you up? The flavor won’t be as good once it cools down. Are you sure you won’t eat?”

Like a kid coaxing another with snacks, his demeanor irritated Wen Zhixia. She stood up, grabbed her laptop, and prepared to leave.

But—

As she suddenly stood, her stomach growled twice.

For a moment, Wen Zhixia was utterly embarrassed, her ears flushing red—she had never been so humiliated before.

Footsteps approached from behind. She turned in embarrassment, only to see Gu Pingsheng’s retreating figure, while the deboned wings still lay quietly on the table.

Outside, Gu Pingsheng handed freshly grilled chicken cutlets to the little assistant. “One portion each. This one’s for Miss Wen.”

The little assistant, happily eating, took the plate without hesitation and walked inside. Seeing Wen Zhixia standing in the hall, he said loudly, “Miss Wen, this is for you. One portion each.”

He placed it on the table and glanced at the deboned wings. “Miss Wen, you’re way too meticulous—these bones are completely picked clean.”

After speaking, someone called him from outside, and he hurried out.

Wen Zhixia turned her head, already knowing who had sent him.

She couldn’t remember how many years it had been since she last felt hungry. Her entire stomach twisted in discomfort, feeling as if she might vomit acid, while the aroma of the grilled meat continuously wafted from the table.

Five minutes later, Gu Pingsheng leaned in the shadowy doorway, glancing inside. Seeing her finally sit down and start eating, a subtle smile lifted the corner of his lips.

Still the same after all these years: hungry enough to growl, yet eating with delicate grace—just like their sweet little bean at home.

Under the dim light, the tall man leaned against the wall, his deep, inscrutable eyes like a dark pool. His long legs crossed, dressed in a top-tier, handcrafted tailored suit that was less formal than a typical business suit, exuding a relaxed air while still bearing an innate noble elegance.

“Mr. Gu is really handsome,” a female employee whispered to her colleague at the barbecue table.

“Of course. Every time he appears on a finance talk show, the ratings shoot up. I even followed the shows with my girlfriends, but alas, the handsome man clearly has someone special…”

So they could only admire from afar, daring not to approach.

“Someone special? Who?”

The little assistant silently closed his mouth.

Thanks to Gu Pingsheng’s sponsorship of this barbecue night snack, everyone returned contentedly to their rooms to rest.

“Mr. Gu, your room has been prepared since this morning,” an employee from Gu Xia Group approached and said softly.

Wen Zhixia’s staff hadn’t expected his arrival, but they had received the notice yesterday and had booked an extra room in advance—right across from Wen Zhixia’s.

At midnight, the guesthouse lay silent except for the occasional rustling of bushes in the wind and the endless, bright moonlight.

Gu Pingsheng, unable to sleep, draped a jacket over himself and sat in the living room smoking a cigarette. The living room was far enough from the bedrooms, and he sat near a half-open window, so no one would be disturbed.

“Thud.” Wen Zhixia, half-asleep with her eyes squinting, stepped out to use the bathroom. The dim light was barely on; only the small glowing orb on Gu Pingsheng’s table illuminated the room. Suddenly, her head bumped the corner of the partition. She held her head, gasping.

Gu Pingsheng paused in his smoking, stubbed out the cigarette, and walked toward the source of the noise.

Still drowsy, Wen Zhixia couldn’t see clearly and stumbled straight into his arms. Gu Pingsheng held her shoulders, amused—only now was his usual sharpness softened.

“Did you hurt yourself?” His large hand took hers, warm palm pressing on her forehead, gently rubbing. “Why are you out here?”

Wen Zhixia said nothing. After a long day of rushing, she was exhausted. Without a private bathroom in the room, she had struggled to put on clothes and come out toward the bathroom.

Seeing this, Gu Pingsheng frowned slightly and followed closely behind as she squinted and walked cautiously.

They stopped at the bathroom door.

Sounds of the toilet flushing came from inside, but no one came out.

Gu Pingsheng waited a minute or two. Just as he was about to knock, a soft voice came from inside: “Gu Pingsheng, are you still outside?”

“Mm.”

She bit her lip, her voice faint: “There’s… no toilet paper.”

Gu Pingsheng didn’t know why, but he instantly sensed a hint of grievance in her tone and mischievously replied, “Oh.”

“Could you bring some over…” she asked softly.

His sharp brows lifted. “Say something nice, and I’ll get it for you.”

Wen Zhixia: “…”

“No teasing. Open the door a little,” he said.

When she finished washing and came out, Gu Pingsheng was still by the door. She paused and glanced at him. “I’m going back to rest.”

He said nothing but: “Cover yourself well. Don’t catch a cold.”

He was so serious that it made her feel a little uneasy.

On her way back, she had an inexplicable urge to look back. The pale moonlight cast over Gu Pingsheng sitting by the window smoking made them seem as if they belonged together.

The next morning, after a night of rest, both still young, they were full of energy.

Today’s shoot was at a waterfall—a refreshing and pleasant spot in summer, but in the dead of winter, it was quite the challenge. The valley wind blew cold, making everyone shiver uncontrollably.

Wen Zhixia was bundled up, but when it came time to shoot, someone was needed to stand on the rocks beneath the waterfall. Just then, the photographer received a call: the male model scheduled for the morning had been in a traffic accident and was hospitalized, unable to come.

The photographer’s face fell, questioning why this hadn’t been communicated earlier. The reply was that so many things happened, and it was forgotten.

Despite some polite words, the attitude toward work was frustrating. The photographer turned to Wen Zhixia. “Miss Wen, what should we do now?”

Wen Zhixia frowned. “Can we find a last-minute replacement?”

“Even if someone came now, it would be dark soon, and there are other shoots scheduled tomorrow.” The photographer glanced at the team, feeling guilty—he couldn’t just make everyone stay an extra day because of this.

His eyes rested on Gu Pingsheng, who was replying to messages on a tablet in the car, pausing for a moment.

Wen Zhixia asked, “Is there any solution?”

“Miss Wen, there is.”

They spoke almost simultaneously. Wen Zhixia paused. “What?”

“Mr. Gu,” the photographer said, “his build is similar to the model’s, and his face doesn’t need to be fully shown. If he’s willing, the problem is solved. Maybe… you could ask him?”

Wen Zhixia pressed her lips. “The accident couldn’t have happened at a worse time.”

The photographer’s expectant gaze fell on Wen Zhixia. As a small photographer, he didn’t have the stature to invite Gu Pingsheng himself; otherwise, he would have gone personally.

After three or four seconds of thought, Wen Zhixia knocked on Gu Pingsheng’s car door.

His narrow eyes glanced at her as he opened the door and sat inside. “Cold? Get in.”

“No, I… want to ask for your help. Do you have time?” she asked.

Gu Pingsheng put down his tablet. “Speak.”

“The male model scheduled for today had an accident and can’t come. The photographer said… you’re more suitable and can save the day. I want to know your opinion,” Wen Zhixia explained honestly.

“If I remember correctly, this commercial is compensation to Gu Xia Group, right?” Because it was warm inside the car, he wore only a casual thick shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing smooth, elegant lines that made one’s gaze linger. He leaned back, his long legs wrapped in tailored trousers, radiating irresistible charm. “Will my appearance fee be settled along with the compensation, Xia Xia?”

Wen Zhixia pressed her lips. “The male model’s fee is thirty thousand.”

Hearing this, Gu Pingsheng’s chest vibrated as a low chuckle escaped him. “Do I need your thirty thousand?” He suddenly leaned in, his deep eyes reflecting her silhouette. “Kiss me, and I’ll do anything you want.”

Wen Zhixia took a small step back. “Not helping, huh?”

Gu Pingsheng adjusted his collar and got out of the car. “I obey my lady’s orders, naturally.”

The photographer hurried over as he got out. “Thank you, Mr. Gu. Your clothes are fine, but you can’t wear a jacket, and the waterfall spray may get you wet. We’ll wrap up quickly so you can change.”

Better to explain potential issues in advance.

Hearing that he could only wear a shirt and trousers, Wen Zhixia hesitated—it was the coldest time of the year…

“Let’s start,” Gu Pingsheng said unfazed. Following the photographer’s instructions, he rolled up his sleeves to reveal his forearms, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, and walked toward the waterfall.

The shoot, though hurried, lasted over half an hour. Near the end, a gust of wind blew, and a cascade of water splashed uncontrollably onto Gu Pingsheng’s left shoulder.

The icy water felt like knives, and though Gu Pingsheng was usually robust, he frowned.

The photographer didn’t stop. The slow-motion shot of water splashing on his broad shoulder was a stroke of genius, adding dynamic beauty to the crisp frame with the waterfall roaring behind.

Wen Zhixia shivered inexplicably watching it.

When Gu Pingsheng returned, staff quickly draped a down jacket over him. His exposed arm showed abnormal bruising, and his lips were pale.

Wen Zhixia took a warming pack from the car that was charging and placed it in his hand. “Warm up in the car first.”

The warming pack, fluffy with two long ears and smelling like her, was clearly hers. Though completely at odds with his demeanor, Gu Pingsheng accepted it without refusal.

He had put himself through all this just to make her worry, no doubt, or else why be so cooperative?

Thanks to Gu Pingsheng’s help, the urgent problem was solved, and the rest of the schedule proceeded as planned.

“I’ll change, and you drive me back. My arm’s frozen, no strength to drive,” he said.

He had helped, yet was soaked and chilled—Wen Zhixia found no reason to refuse. Besides, others had work to do, so she was the best choice.

On the way back to the guesthouse, Wen Zhixia drove, and Gu Pingsheng sat beside her, sneezing with a tissue over his mouth and nose.

“You… okay?” she asked, showing some concern.

Leaning back, his narrow eyes glanced at her. “Do I look okay? Do you know how freezing that water was?”

Even if it was only a little cold, he exaggerated it tenfold in front of her.

Wen Zhixia pressed her lips. “I’ll ask the shop to borrow the kitchen and make you some ginger soup.”

“If I get sick from this, is it a work injury?” he asked.

She hesitated, then nodded.

Gu Pingsheng looked at her obedient nod and smiled thinly. “So… you have to take care of me until I recover. That blow I took last time still makes my head ache sometimes. Not sure if this will worsen it. Really… troublesome.”

What was this called?

Gu Pingsheng thought of one word—reciprocating kindness.

Back in the room, after changing out of the wet clothes, Gu Pingsheng leaned against the kitchen door, lazily watching as Wen Zhixia sliced ginger and brewed the soup.

He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he last saw such a scene, and as he watched, he felt oddly… dazed.

Wen Zhixia put the ginger in the pot and covered it, noticing his gaze shift. She saw he was only wearing a shirt, which seemed thinner than the one he had changed out of, and frowned.

As she frowned, Gu Pingsheng approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. His chin rested on her shoulder, his cheek pressed against hers; skin met skin, and he felt a soothing warmth in his soul.

Wen Zhixia stiffened. “…Let go.”

“Xia Xia,” he whispered hoarsely in her ear, “I miss you.”

Truly, after more than a thousand days and nights, his yearning had never ceased.

The water in the pot boiled, steam rising. Wen Zhixia pulled his hand away, lowering her eyes. “…Go out, the ginger soup is ready.”

On the third day, to catch up on the schedule, everyone rose early. Wen Zhixia followed the team as usual.

Gu Pingsheng had a slight fever and did not join in the morning.

By noon, light rain began to fall. Gu Pingsheng stared out the window for a few seconds before calling one of his subordinates.

The first call went unanswered; on the third attempt, someone finally picked up.

Immediately, Gu Pingsheng heard shouting: “Miss Wen! Xiao Chen!”

“Xiao Chen! Miss Wen!”

“…”

His heart tightened. “What happened?”

The staff paused, then said, “Mr. Gu, there’s been an accident…”

Gu Pingsheng’s fingers clenched the phone. “What about Xia Xia?!”

The staff hesitated, unsure who “Xia Xia” referred to, then said, “Miss Wen and an employee from Yi He Zhixia fell from a steep slope during filming. We’ve been searching for over an hour but haven’t found them.”

Gu Pingsheng’s neck stiffened, his mind still processing. He heard a sudden ringing in his ears. “Where? Where are you?!”

The rain was growing heavier. The shopkeeper hurried to bring in the crops drying outside and called out as Gu Pingsheng strode out, “It’s raining! Don’t go out—mountain paths are slippery and dangerous!”

“Hey! Young man! It’s raining!”

The shopkeeper’s warnings went ignored as Gu Pingsheng sped off in his car, leaving the shopkeeper worried: “Is this man crazy?”