LOVE FRAGMENTS

Balancing Mixed Emotions

Gu Antong was well aware of the mixed feelings in the minds of Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan. They wished for her and Si Zhenxuan to get along well, yet secretly hoped to enjoy a bit of drama. They were also concerned that she might wholeheartedly support Si Zhenxuan. Balancing these conflicting emotions was what had brought them to this moment.

In the living room, several people chatted, and Gu Antong sat up in bed, still remembering the astonished look on Si Yueyun's face when she had turned around earlier. A faint smirk crossed her lips. She found it amusing how Si Zhenxuan had cast her aside just a few days ago without hesitation.

With nothing on but her bare skin, Gu Antong got out of bed. After a moment's hesitation, she picked out a sexy pajama – a purple silk dress that barely covered her thighs, revealing her slender and shapely legs. Her seductive figure was on full display in this nightwear. As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but blush a little.

She knew that Si Zhenxuan might perceive her actions as an attempt to appear sophisticated, but the pain of being inexplicably abandoned still lingered in her heart. She wanted Si Yueyun to regret letting go of such a woman. He had called her emotionally detached, cold, uninteresting, and unable to please him, labeling her as nothing more than a decorative object.

With a touch of makeup enhancing her features, Gu Antong was confident that Si Zhenxuan would cooperate with her.

Pushing the door open, Gu Antong was greeted by a cool voice, "You two didn't announce your arrival. Have you started conducting surprise inspections?"

"She's awake," Si Zhenxuan said casually, turning his gaze to the source of the voice.

This unexpected revelation left everyone, even Si Zhenxuan himself, surprised. Gu Antong had decided to make her appearance in such a revealing pajama, and it gave her a captivating allure.

"Come here," Si Zhenxuan beckoned.

Gu Antong, wearing her slippers, walked over and embraced Si Zhenxuan, planting a kiss on his lips. "Good morning, husband," she greeted, completely ignoring the other two people present as she settled on Si Zhenxuan's lap. She cast a tired glance at Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan. "I apologize, but this is our honeymoon with Zhenxuan, not a visit to the Si family. I won't concern myself with your feelings here."

Si Yueyun forced a smile, "My apologies, we may have been too abrupt."

As he spoke, his eyes discreetly ran over Gu Antong's slender, shapely thighs. He had never found her as alluring as she appeared now.

"Antong, your affection for Brother Zhenxuan seems to have deepened remarkably in just a few days of marriage," Jiang Nuan remarked with a hint of frustration in his voice.

Si Zhenxuan held Gu Antong at her waist, cooperating with her act, even though Gu Antong felt slightly uncomfortable sitting on his lap. Her posture remained rigid and tense.

"What's wrong with a loving relationship between husband and wife?" Si Zhenxuan replied with a light tone, changing the subject promptly. "So, what brings you to Chengdu?"

"Brother, didn't you transfer your job to me during your honeymoon?" Si Yueyun replied swiftly.

"Tell me the details," Si Zhenxuan maintained his composed demeanor, keeping any emotions hidden from his gaze, even though Gu Antong was right there in his arms.

Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan exchanged glances before Jiang Nuan nodded. Si Yueyun spoke with pride, "The Xie family in Chengdu has expanded significantly. I plan to visit Mr. Xie. He has a potential project that can be beneficial for our group, and I intend to secure it."

Gu Antong couldn't help but glance at Si Zhenxuan, remembering that he had come to Chengdu to discuss several potential collaborations. Why were Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan trying to snatch this opportunity?

"Yes," Si Zhenxuan nodded, "Since you have such intentions, it's in the best interest of the group. However, the Xie family holds a pivotal position this time. It might be a good idea if I accompany you."

"What's the big deal, Brother? Don't you trust us?" Jiang Nuan said with a forced smile.

Si Zhenxuan frowned, "It's not about trust, but this project is crucial. Mr. Xie has the final say, and I don't want any mishaps along the way."

Gu Antong felt uncomfortable in this childish charade. She decided to speak plainly, "I've been listening since morning. Don't assume my husband will always comply. You've said what you had to, and he's heard it. I'm afraid we can't provide any more."

Jiang Nuan exchanged a look with Si Yueyun, and they reluctantly rose from their seats. Just as they were about to exit, Gu Antong suddenly called out, "Si Yueyun!"

Si Yueyun turned around in surprise. He couldn't fathom how one person could embody such a perfect combination of elegance and charm. Yet here was his ex-wife, sitting on Si Zhenxuan's lap, exuding that very charm.

Her weary eyes remained fixed on Si Yueyun as a subtle sneer crossed her lips. "I should thank you for granting me this delightful opportunity."

Si Yueyun's eyes grew wide, and he started breathing faster. He slowly turned away as Jiang Nuan shouted.

Gu An Tong let out a quiet gasp when Si Zhen Xuan unexpectedly held her jaw. She turned her head, puzzled, only to meet his meaningful gaze. He whispered in her ear, "Are you trying to act clever again?"

Gu An Tong realized that she was still sitting on Si Zhenxuan's lap. She made a move to stand up but found herself held firmly around the waist. He said, "Did I ever tell you to be less mischievous? Because I might not be able to control myself."

As his cold lips pressed against hers, she couldn't even resist due to his strong embrace. Her lightweight pajamas got disheveled, and her body trembled slightly.

Just when Gu Antong was feeling breathless, Jiang Nuan's voice came from behind them, "What are you gawking at? Haven't you seen a kiss before? Regretting not getting married that day, are you?"

This sudden interruption made Si Zhen Xuan let go of Gu An Tong abruptly, and the moment was broken.

Gu Antong's face turned crimson, and her breathing was erratic. She quickly wiped her lips, hopped off Si Zhenxuan's lap, and rushed into the room to find a robe to cover herself.

As Gu An Tong stood on the balcony, trying to regain her composure, Si Zhenxuan knocked on his bedroom door. "Still pretending to be an ostrich?"

"Who's pretending to be an ostrich?" Gu An Tong turned back, having mostly regained her composure.

Si Zhenxuan went to his desk and opened his notebook. After Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan's explanations, many plans for the trip to Chengdu had been disrupted.

Gu An Tong stood quietly behind him, watching the man intently. She could feel how dedicated he was to his work, and how important the company was to him. Even on vacation, he couldn't let go of the business. It was clear that the company held a high place in his heart.

However, Si Zhenxuan was always in a difficult position due to his parents blindly supporting Si Yueyun. Gu An Tong could sense that if it weren't for his parents, he wouldn't even know that they were in Chengdu.

Gu Antong cautiously approached him, saying, "Even if you don't like me, please understand that we are on the same side now. I am your wife, even if it's just in name, we can work together."

Si Zhenxuan silently stared at Gu An Tong for a moment before moving the laptop screen towards her. "This is the project we are going to discuss with Mr. Xie."

Seeing Si Zhenxuan willing to share with her, Gu An Tong happily moved from the end of the bed to his side. Her robe slid, and she stood barefoot on the ground, closely examining the project details.

The southern spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. The lush greenery framed her figure against the ancient window's red backdrop. The image seemed both distant and near. She looked like a delicate pear blossom, dressed in a stunning purple that was not her usual style.

Si Zhenxuan remarked, "If you keep doing this..." He eyed her exposed arms and legs and the enticing glimpse of skin beneath her semi-sheer purple robe.

Gu An Tong blushed and put the robe back on him. With a flushed face, she asked softly, "Shall we go meet Second Master Xie like this?"

Si Zhenxuan noticed Gu Antong said "we" rather than just himself, which softened his tone a bit. "This partnership can't afford any mistakes. I don't want Yue Yun to take charge and make errors. I want to be there."

Si's company was the largest daily consumer goods company in China, encompassing several sub-brands leading their respective product markets. Recently, the Si Group had branched into cosmetics and fragrances. These new lines required collaboration with various parties.

The Xie family of Chengcheng was powerful, and Xie Jianchen, known as Second Master Xie, had no aspirations for official positions. He had recently founded the Hengyuan Group, which intended to enter the same field, already securing cooperation with a renowned French perfume company.

Si Zhenxuan and his team planned to strengthen their relationship with the Xie family. They also sought to combine their strengths to create a globally recognized brand and launch product research and development. Si had a robust distribution network, and Gu An Tong, as an international chain agent, offered an attractive distribution channel. This partnership was very appealing to the Hengyuan Group.

The previous day, Si Zhenxuan had met Xie Junyao, Xie Jianchen's younger brother, at a reception. Si Zhenxuan had some prior friendship with Xie Junyao, and he wanted to gather more information before meeting him again.