Volume One, Chapter 20: Sold Ji Shu for Three Million

Shortly after Lu Jinchuan left, Ji Shu finished tidying up and also departed from the Lu residence.

Upon entering the entrance of Wanwusheng that morning, she immediately sensed a strange atmosphere hanging over the office. At this hour, everyone should have been either slacking off at their desks or grabbing breakfast in the pantry. Yet, all were sitting upright at their workstations, their gazes frequently drifting toward Old Zhou’s office.

“Zhou Qi, I’m telling you, if it weren’t for me back then, there wouldn’t be Wanwusheng today. I must be part of the Selton project!”

An angry female voice erupted from Old Zhou’s office, reverberating so strongly that the entire office seemed to tremble slightly.

Those at their desks, upon hearing this, glanced cautiously at Ji Shu before quickly averting their eyes, fearful of being caught up in the brewing storm.

Fang Ye, who had arrived earlier than her, had evidently heard much of the quarrel. Hearing the declaration, he sprang to his feet, poised to storm into Old Zhou’s office.

“Fang Ye.”

Ji Shu’s voice was soft but carried undeniable authority, halting him instantly.

Almost simultaneously, the door to Old Zhou’s office swung open. A woman clad in a gray turtleneck sweater and stepping confidently in sky-high stilettos emerged. Her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, and her long red hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders.

Upon spotting Ji Shu nearby, a mocking smile tugged at her lips. “Ji Shu, it’s been a long time.”

Faced with such blatant provocation, Ji Shu merely nodded lightly, acknowledging her without engagement.

The woman was Pei Mingyue. When Old Zhou first established Wanwusheng, the studio consisted of just him and Pei Mingyue, both muralists.

Over the years, as Wanwusheng slowly grew and prospered, some people’s original intentions had shifted.

Pei Mingyue said coldly, “Old Zhou and I agreed that from today on, the Selton project will be jointly handled by the two of us. Whoever secures the deal in the end will do so on their own merit.”

Ji Shu smiled at her. “Fine.”

Pei Mingyue seemed surprised at her swift agreement. She raised an eyebrow. “I happen to know the department manager of that design company. I’ll arrange a dinner in a few days; you’re coming with me. Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance.”

With that, she strutted out the door, her figure swaying in those eye-catching stilettos.

Fang Ye, having witnessed it all, wore a face of disbelief. He hurried over to Ji Shu. “Senior Ji, how could you agree to let her join? No way—I’m coming to that dinner too!”

Ji Shu patted his shoulder. “Pei Mingyue’s skills in mural art aren’t inferior to mine. Didn’t you say you’ll be taking leave soon to go home? It’s just a meal; you don’t have to come.”

Fang Ye looked resigned and sulked back to his desk.

After Pei Mingyue left, the office gradually returned to its usual atmosphere.

Ji Shu quietly stared at the firmly closed door of Old Zhou’s office, shaking her head slightly in thoughtful contemplation.

In the afternoon, Ji Shu received a call from Ji Chengye. Initially, she didn’t want to answer, but after several repeated calls, she reluctantly picked up.

“Cousin, it’s Chengye.”

Ji Shu responded coldly, “I know. What’s the matter?”

“Cousin, we were too abrupt last night. My mother and I have thought it over. We’re preparing to return to Yun City to figure things out. We won’t come to Beicheng anymore. Tonight, we’d like to invite you to dinner.”

“No need.”

“Cousin, are you still upset about what we said yesterday? My mother specially bought some ingredients and cooked a few homemade dishes at the hotel. We’re about to leave; just consider it a farewell meal.”

With little choice, Ji Shu agreed to Ji Chengye’s request.

After all, they were the last family she had left in this world.

After work, Ji Shu went to the hotel address Chengye had sent and took the elevator to the room.

Just as she prepared to knock, she noticed the door was ajar, opening easily with a slight push.

A chill ran through Ji Shu’s heart. Cautiously, she stepped inside and quickly scanned the room.

It was a finely decorated suite with a bright living room. On a nearby table in front of the sofa were two bottles of opened red wine.

From the bathroom came the sound of running water.

Ji Shu’s instincts screamed that something was wrong—Ji Chengye had deceived her.

Without hesitation, she turned to leave, but as she reached for the door, she felt a powerful force resisting her. The door, which should have opened easily, remained firmly shut.

“Cousin Ji Shu, stop struggling. Just keep company with Mr. Wang tonight. Consider it repayment for our family’s favor.”

It was Ji Chengye’s voice.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind her.

Ji Shu looked back in terror. A tall man draped in a loose bathrobe approached leisurely.

His face wore a lecherous grin as he grabbed Ji Shu’s slender wrist without hesitation, sliding his hand slowly up her arm.

In that instant, Ji Shu felt as though a cold serpent had coiled tightly around her body, causing every hair on her skin to stand on end.

Instinctively, she flailed her arms, trying to shake off his grasp.

“Ji Chengye, open the door for me!” Ji Shu screamed hoarsely, pounding the locked door with both hands, hoping to draw attention from nearby people.

Behind her, the man laughed triumphantly. “Miss Ji, save your strength. This is the only occupied room on this floor. I spent three million yuan buying you from your aunt. No one can save you tonight.”

Three million?

Ji Chengye sold her for three million?

The man spoke as he lowered his head, his gaze invasive as he closed in on Ji Shu’s fair, slender neck. He inhaled deeply and whispered, “Miss Ji, you smell so sweet.”

As he drew nearer, the space between them shrank until they were almost pressed together.

Ji Shu retreated instinctively, trying to put distance between them. But the room’s confines were limited, and soon her back was pressed against the wall.

There was nowhere left to run.

“I can return the three million if you let me go. Whatever else you want, we can negotiate,” Ji Shu said, forcing calmness into her trembling voice despite her terror.

The man’s gaze never left her face, his heated eyes roaming over her features. “Miss Ji, you’re too naive. What I want most right now is you.”

“Do you know who I am? You’ll regret this!” Ji Shu warned.

He curled a mocking smile, his interest deepening. “Angry Miss Ji looks even better than the photos your aunt showed me. Life’s short—let’s not waste time here. Come here.”

Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist tightly and yanked her from the doorway toward the sofa nearby.