In the harbor city, at the Ziyuan Villa, a young girl curled up on the balcony, quietly sitting as if the serene sky and the bright moon could not erase her hidden sorrow.
Gradually, she lifted her face, revealing an extraordinarily beautiful visage that struck a powerful impact on anyone who beheld it. Her originally enchanting features were softened by a tranquil demeanor, adding an air of elegance while diminishing any hint of seduction.
Her gaze was distant as she thought of countless suits of armor, ancient city towers, and a beautiful woman in red who leapt into the moat with endless wounds. Grace Gu knew that woman was her; she was that person. It was just that through the passage of time and space, she now witnessed the splendor and helplessness of this world.
After a long while, a middle-aged woman's figure broke the quiet starry night. "Miss, it's getting late; Young Master Julian must have something to attend to," she said.
Grace Gu smiled lightly. "Aunt Lin, you should go rest! I'll head back to my room now."
She stood up; at eighteen years old, her youthful figure resembled a blossoming flower wrapped in a white nightgown. Her long legs moved gracefully and with elasticity.
Entering the house, she glanced at the lonely dining table in the spacious hall on the first floor and noticed the dishes laid out before her. The most eye-catching was a cake adorned with candles.
After returning to Ziyuan Villa, Julian Bai's slightly fatigued expression improved somewhat. His ruggedly handsome face bore an air of striking charm that exuded confidence.
Seeing darkness enveloping the main house inside, he exchanged a few words with his bodyguard before striding toward the main building of the villa.
His pace quickened as he entered the house; he tossed his suit jacket aside and headed upstairs with noticeably increased urgency compared to earlier.
"You're sleeping so early?"
Noticing a slight rise on the soft bed in the master bedroom, his sharp eagle-like eyes relaxed momentarily before he calmly asked.
Grace Gu's eyelashes fluttered gently as she sensed footsteps approaching from behind her back; her closed eyes blinked irregularly.
Julian Bai observed her slight movement and placed his hand on her bare shoulder. She instinctively shifted further away from him as if unwilling for him to touch her.
A visible dark line formed between his brows as he disregarded her struggle and pulled her into his embrace before tilting her chin playfully.
"Have you developed some temper?"
"It's unpleasant."
Julian Bai paused for a moment; he knew there was alcohol on him but wondered if she had developed some kind of super sense? After such time had passed, how could she still smell it? And now she seemed intent on giving him attitude!
Feeling her gaze fixed upon him, Julian Bai ruffled her tousled hair gently. "I know you don't like alcohol smell; I'll wash it off then!"
Upon hearing this voice, Grace Gu's expression turned even colder—did he think what he smelled was merely alcohol? She certainly didn't miss that same perfume scent lingering around him.
Following his suggestion about washing off that scent seemed rather rare; she didn't believe those women could afford such luxury either. Over these past two years, she'd gradually integrated into society and understood well who could use what items.
Unaware of what thoughts occupied her mind, Julian Bai leaned down just as she prepared to rise but instead kissed her forehead softly—a ticklish sensation akin to cat paws scratching at his heart.
As Grace Gu regained composure from this unexpected gesture, he captured her lips again without allowing any chance for refusal.
"When can I truly have you?"