Chapter 77: The Scoundrel Delivers Himself to the Door
Hearing Gu Xinglan whisper such sweet words into his ear in that manner felt somewhat surreal to Qin Wan. He realized he was finding it harder and harder to understand this man’s thoughts. There was certainly no need for Gu Xinglan to use flowery language on him. Yet, he had recently been saying many things that were usually reserved only for lovers.
Gu Xinglan seemed to be waiting for an answer as he gently caressed his cheek. “What do you think?”
Qin Wan’s mind was a mess, so he only let out a small “Mn.”
Gu Xinglan seemed somewhat moved by that simple sound. A bright, soft light rippled in his eyes. He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to Qin Wan’s lips.
“Feeling better? Do you want to go for a walk, baby?” Gu Xinglan asked.
Qin Wan felt like his head wasn’t quite as heavy anymore. He sat up from the man’s embrace. “Much better.”
“Then shall we go find something to eat?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Okay.”
They left the hotel and walked onto the streets of the bustling metropolis. Brushing against the soft evening breeze, Qin Wan’s mind cleared significantly. The surrounding architectural styles were quite varied, and the Portuguese patterns on the walls looked like a series of frescoes. Qin Wan looked left and right, finding everything quite novel.
Gu Xinglan took him to a famous local restaurant. They ordered a table full of signature Macanese fusion dishes. He also set up a separate table for Xiao Han in the distance so he could eat whatever he liked. Qin Wan felt it would be a waste if they didn’t finish, so he ate until his little stomach was bulging before ending the battle.
Just then, Fu Yunting called, saying they had arrived at the most famous local casino, Man Lei Palace. He told them to hurry over and play.
Gu Xinglan took Qin Wan and Xiao Han in a taxi to Man Lei Palace. The magnificent, golden hall was enough to shock anyone visiting for the first time. Under the high dome, the light from massive crystal chandeliers poured down, breaking into a sea of swaying golden spots on the polished marble floor.
The hum of spinning roulette wheels, the crisp clinking of chips, and the muffled thuds of dice hitting the cups intertwined to form a background track of sensory indulgence. Croupiers in exquisite suits moved their white-gloved fingers across the gaming tables. Whenever a card was flipped over, it was always accompanied by short cheers or suppressed sighs from the guests.
Gu Xinglan held Qin Wan’s hand as they walked forward. Xiao Han followed a short distance behind, keeping pace with every step.
Although this was a place of extravagant wealth where well-dressed men and women moved in and out, the trio still attracted many gazes. Gu Xinglan, in his pure black bespoke casual suit, naturally radiated the intimidating aura of someone accustomed to a high position. Combined with his god-tier looks, wherever he went, he almost eclipsed the brilliance of the crystal chandeliers.
Qin Wan wore a set of white casual clothes today. The white shirt and trousers were tailored perfectly, cinching his narrow waist and accentuating his long, straight legs. His handsome, clean face was full of youthful vitality. He exuded a kind of sunny and casual relaxation, yet the way his eyes darted around was strangely soul-stirring.
Behind them, Xiao Han wore a formal suit, looking sharp and upright. His tall figure and deep, rugged facial lines were exceptionally striking.
Under the watchful eyes of many, Gu Xinglan led Qin Wan through the crowd. From time to time, he would lean over to whisper in his ear, his handsome face full of smiles.
Just then, a few people walked toward them from the opposite direction. Three appeared to be guests, while two others wore casino uniforms and were chatting cheerfully with the man in the center.
When Qin Wan looked up and his gaze fell on the face of the handsome man in the center… His small face instantly lost all color.
Gu Xinglan also saw that somewhat familiar face. At the same time, he felt the small hand in his palm begin to tremble uncontrollably.
“Gege…” Qin Wan called out, his body instinctively hiding behind Gu Xinglan. “It’s… it’s Sheng Sinian!”
Gu Xinglan’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected to run into the Sheng family’s eldest young master—that animal—here. Looking at the man’s noble and elegant face, a surge of anger instantly burned in his heart.
In truth, Gu Xinglan had held back from making a move on Sheng Sinian because of his own selfish concerns. Getting rid of Sheng Sinian would be easy. But throughout it all, his only concern was always Sheng Siyue.
Even though Qin Wan insisted his feelings for Sheng Siyue were purely fraternal, Gu Xinglan chose to believe him. However, he did not trust Sheng Siyue. With a little treasure as lovable as Qin Wan, he didn’t believe that Sheng Siyue, who had spent so many years in close proximity to him, harbored only simple brotherly affection. It was almost certain he held some filthy ulterior motives.
If he moved against Sheng Sinian, it would inevitably expose the fact that Qin Wan was by his side. If Sheng Siyue learned of Qin Wan’s whereabouts and was no longer restricted by Sheng Sinian, he would definitely come to snatch him away.
Gu Xinglan wasn’t sure whose weight in Qin Wan’s heart was heavier—his or Sheng Siyue’s. After all, their past relationship hadn’t been very beautiful. He had hurt him and caused him much pain. He hadn’t even had enough time to truly win over the boy’s heart; he couldn’t afford to gamble. He couldn’t bear the result of failure. He wanted to wait a little longer.
That was why he had delayed dealing with Sheng Sinian.
But now, it was a case of enemies meeting on a narrow path. The scoundrel had delivered himself right to his door.
Gu Xinglan’s eyes grew dark as he stared at Sheng Sinian, who was currently glancing over. The man looked refined and elegant, but in reality, he was a cold-blooded animal. Since they had met today, there was no reason to avoid him anymore. He would deal with this bastard Sheng Sinian first. As for Sheng Siyue, he would plan for that later.
Gu Xinglan tightened his grip on Qin Wan’s small hand. “Baby, don’t be afraid. You have me.”
Qin Wan nodded, but his body still shook with a faint tremor.
At this moment, Sheng Sinian, who was walking toward them, also clearly noticed Qin Wan. His exquisitely handsome eyes widened slightly in shock, revealing the whites.
“Qin Wan?”
The expressions on his refined, handsome face shifted rapidly. Soon, a cold, unreadable light flashed in his eyes.
That little bastard brother—the one he had worried about for five years and suspected of faking his death—was actually still alive! And he had caught him red-handed!
A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Sheng Sinian’s mouth. Let’s see where he could run now!
Seven years ago, that boy had pierced his palm with scissors. Five years ago, he had faked his death to escape the Sheng family. Sheng Sinian even suspected that his mother’s mysterious death was related to Qin Wan.
Qin Wan! That hateful little brat should be locked in the Sheng family dungeon for life, tormented by him day and night until he died and rotted.
In an instant, a series of images of capturing Qin Wan and torturing him ruthlessly flashed through Sheng Sinian’s mind. He quickened his pace and walked over.
Gu Xinglan shielded Qin Wan at his side and met Sheng Sinian’s gaze. Only then did Sheng Sinian shift his focus and gaze away from Qin Wan. When he saw the man beside him, his expression froze slightly.
“Gu… Gu Xinglan?” he muttered to himself in shock.
Sheng Sinian had seen Gu Xinglan once from a distance at a banquet. Although they were not in the same city, Jiang City and the Imperial Capital were neighboring areas. The top titans of the Imperial Capital’s business circle were well-known even in Jiang City. However, because there was a significant gap in power between their two groups, the two had never had any interactions.
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