Chapter 173: Forceful Infusion of the Emptiness Pill

Meng Shutang listened, lowered her gaze and glanced at the rose‑gold wristwatch with an enamel dial; indeed it was understatedly luxurious.

But as Gu Jin Xing said, it was the first time she had heard of it.

"I thought he just casually bought me a famous watch, never expected this."

Gu Jin Xing lifted his glass of red wine and took a sip, "Anything my brother gives you carries special meaning; that's also the main reason why, four years ago, Bai Cixian could cause trouble between you two and set a precedent."

After speaking, Gu Jin Xing set down the wine glass, "The thing you gave me back then, I never moved; it's been sitting at Chen Bi Shan Zhuang, and I want to return it to you."

Hearing Chen Bi Shan Zhuang, Meng Shutang's expression flickered with unease.

"Another day then, I'm really a bit busy today."

"Just ten minutes, settle this matter, and I won't appear again."

"Jin Xing, I think there's no need for this; those things, just throw them away!"

Meng Shutang hardened her heart, yet still said it out loud.

Gu Jin Xing sat there, his throat seemed blocked, even his breathing carried a dull, heavy pain.

Meng Shutang could feel he had rehearsed many words, but before he could speak them, she gently rejected him with that sentence.

The wind brushed past her ears; she heard her heartbeat lose its rhythm, sinking a little more.

A bright smile still graced her face, but her heart was already hollow, cold wind poured in, both sour and astringent.

"Go retrieve the items and cut all ties cleanly," a phrase inexplicably floated in her mind; she couldn't tell who said it—perhaps Chu Fu? She also felt a pang for her little son's unattainable love, pleading with her?

"Fine, I'll go with you."

Gu Jin Xing gave a light smile; the bitterness in his eyes eased a bit, and a rare lightness appeared.

He stood up to leave.

"I'll go to the restroom," Meng Shutang grabbed her bag and stood, her tone natural; without waiting for his reply, she left.

As soon as Meng Shutang entered the restroom, she took out her phone to call Gu Yunci; his phone indicated he was in a meeting, and the call didn't connect.

She immediately left a message saying she was following Gu Jin Xing to Chen Bi Shan Zhuang, and after coming out, fearing Gu Yunci wouldn't see it, she told the bodyguard who had been with her, "President Gu finished the meeting, please tell him I went to the seaside with Gu Jin Xing."

After speaking, seeing Gu Jin Xing coming this way, she instantly took out her lipstick to touch up.

Gu Jin Xing glanced this way, then waited for her at the door.

Getting into the car, Meng Shutang felt a bit uneasy, but more so wary of Gu Jin Xing and self‑reassured.

After this trip, once she retrieved the thing she had previously given Gu Jin Xing, he would completely let go of the past, and they would owe each other nothing thereafter.

All the way, Gu Jin Xing was courteous and chatty.

Meng Shutang's lingering anxiety fell to the ground; she preferred to believe she was overthinking.

Gu Jin Xing pulling her into the sea that day was just a fleeting madness; he was still the gentle, jade‑like person from seven years ago.

But when the Bentley rolled into the long‑abandoned villa, the moment they entered, a click sounded as the door behind them was locked.

She suddenly turned, "Why lock the door?"

Gu Jin Xing gave a faint smile, "Don't be scared; the sea breeze is strong, even if we close the door it will be blown open."

"This house hasn't housed people for a long time; I'm worried you'll be frightened."

"I'm not scared; where are the things? Go get them quickly! Bring them out, I have to leave."

"No rush, have a drink first before you go."

Saying that, he tossed his coat onto the sofa nearby, then flung his tie aside.

Meng Shutang's internal alarm rang loudly, yet her face remained calm, showing no obvious panic.

Gu Jin Xing still saw through her disguise at a glance, "I won't touch you."

After that, he smiled and led Meng Shutang to the edge of the dining room, took a bottle of wine from the liquor cabinet, turned his back to her, and fiddled, "This is a famous wine a friend gave me last time, let's taste it."

"Jin Xing, I don't drink."

"Just try a little!"

Saying that, he turned and handed it to Meng Shutang.

Meng Shutang only felt the room was oppressive and unfamiliar, "I won't drink."

Irritated, she pushed the wine hard, the glass tipped and splashed onto Gu Jin Xing's white shirt.

His physique was already good; the shirt soaked, now red‑wine‑stained, made him look both sinister and alluring.

Meng Shutang felt a bit apologetic, took a tissue to wipe it, "Sorry, I didn't mean it…"

As she spoke, she suddenly saw his hand, the bony fingertips sticky with some white powder; she lifted her eyes and asked, "What's on your hand?"

Gu Jin Xing, unflustered after being exposed, replied, "A certain mild‑type Emptiness Pill; it won't kill you but will leave you chronically weak."

Saying that, he stepped closer to Meng Shutang, who only felt terror and stepped back.

"That way, my brother won't need you; I'll take care of you for life."

"Do you know what you're saying? Do you realize that by doing this, I'll hate you!"

"Seven years ago I owed you an apology; I've been trying to make it up to you."

Including his return to the country, her various concessions to him, and today coming here, all were to repay her debt to him.

Gu Jin Xing didn't want to waste words any longer; he handed the wine glass to her, "Drink it!"

"I won't drink." Meng Shutang was decisive, without any trace of the previous hesitation.

Gu Jin Xing's hypocritical smile faded gradually, "I know, there's always a bodyguard following you. As soon as we entered the mountain, my people already intercepted them."

He intended to strip Meng Shutang of all hope by this method.

In an instant, Meng Shutang felt an unprecedented pressure and dangerous aura.

She turned and ran toward the door; Gu Jin Xing seized her wrist, held the wine glass to her, forcing her to drink.

"I won't drink!" Meng Shutang shouted hoarsely.

"Not drinking? At this point, can you still claim to be in control?"

Gu Jin Xing, you're truly deranged!

Whatever you say, this is what you owe me.

Ah… I won't drink.

Boom— the heavy door was kicked open from outside, and a tall figure with a group of police officers burst in.