The city never truly slept.
From the floor-to-ceiling windows of Jiang Xinyao's penthouse, the skyline stretched infinitely, the neon lights reflecting off the glass like constellations in an urban sky. She stood with a glass of red wine in hand, her expression unreadable as she replayed the night's events.
Someone had dared to stage an assassination attempt at a high-profile gala.
But more than that—someone had dared to target Gu Beichen.
That meant one of two things: either he had enemies who were getting bolder, or he had deliberately put himself in a position to lure them out.
Her fingers tapped lightly against the glass, deep in thought.
Then, her phone buzzed again.
Gu Beichen: Tell me, Miss Jiang—just how well do you handle danger?
She smirked, taking her time before responding.
Jiang Xinyao: Why don't you test me and find out?
A moment passed. Then another.
The reply came quicker than expected.
Gu Beichen: I intend to.
Her eyes gleamed with amusement. Good.
She set her phone down and turned back toward the large screen on the other side of the room. A live security feed displayed footage of the gala venue's exterior, tracking movements from the aftermath of the attack.
She had her own sources working behind the scenes.
The shooter had been skilled, but their retreat had been too clean—too rehearsed. That meant organization, not just a lone assassin.
She played the footage again, analyzing the sniper's escape route. Within seconds, she had already identified three potential leads.
She was going to find out who was behind this.
And when she did?
They would regret ever making a move in her presence.
---
The Next Day – Gu Beichen's Private Estate
Jiang Xinyao stepped out of the sleek black car, taking in the sight before her.
Gu Beichen's private estate was massive, stretching across several acres of land on the outskirts of the city. High-tech security systems were seamlessly integrated into the landscape, and a discreet but heavily armed security force patrolled the perimeter.
A man like Gu Beichen didn't just live in luxury—he lived in fortress-like protection.
She adjusted her silk blouse, the tailored outfit effortlessly elegant yet commanding, before making her way up the marble steps.
The doors opened before she could knock.
One of Gu Beichen's personal aides, a sharp-eyed man named Lin Qiao, greeted her with a polite nod. "Miss Jiang, the President is expecting you."
She followed him through the grand halls, past priceless artwork and modern architectural designs, until they reached a private lounge.
Gu Beichen stood near the large window, hands in his pockets, his sharp profile bathed in the soft morning light. He exuded effortless authority—every movement deliberate, every glance calculated.
She took a moment to observe him.
Despite the assassination attempt the night before, he appeared utterly at ease, as if such incidents were merely part of his daily routine.
He turned as she stepped inside. "You came."
Jiang Xinyao smirked. "You invited me."
He gestured toward the bar. "Drink?"
She glanced at the selection of top-shelf liquor before shaking her head. "Too early for me. But I'll take answers instead."
Gu Beichen chuckled. "Straight to the point."
She crossed her arms. "I don't waste time, President Gu. Someone tried to kill you last night. I assume you've already begun investigating."
His dark eyes studied her. "I have."
Jiang Xinyao tilted her head. "And?"
He leaned against the bar, his gaze unwavering. "It wasn't just about me. You were there, too."
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "You think I was a target?"
Gu Beichen exhaled slowly. "I think whoever sent that assassin didn't expect you to fight back."
A slow smile curved her lips. "Then they made a mistake."
His gaze darkened with something unreadable. "Yes. And I doubt they'll make it again."
She tapped her fingers against the polished surface of the bar. "I reviewed the security footage. The sniper's escape was too clean. This wasn't a random hit."
Gu Beichen nodded. "I agree. Which is why I intend to find out exactly who ordered it."
She arched a brow. "And where do I come in?"
His lips curled slightly. "You saved my life, Miss Jiang. That means we're now involved—whether you intended it or not."
She let out a soft chuckle. "Is that so?"
He stepped closer, his presence intense. "I don't believe in coincidences. And neither do you."
Their gazes locked. A silent understanding passed between them.
Jiang Xinyao was no stranger to power plays, but there was something about Gu Beichen that intrigued her—something that made her curious despite herself.
Finally, she leaned against the bar, mirroring his stance. "Fine. Since we're 'involved,' what's your next move?"
He smirked. "There's a meeting tonight. One of my informants has intel about the hit. I want you to come."
She raised a brow. "Why?"
His gaze flickered with something dangerous. "Because I have a feeling this goes deeper than just me."
Jiang Xinyao considered his words.
If this was bigger than just Gu Beichen, that meant she was already part of it—whether she wanted to be or not.
And something told her that walking away wasn't an option anymore.
She exhaled slowly. "Alright. I'll come."
Gu Beichen's smirk deepened. "Good. Then let's go hunting."