Gu Qingqing was left speechless after he posed the question to her. She deeply regretted the way she had just spoken. He once told her that the thing he hated the most was someone dictating his actions, especially when it came to matters of the heart. She still vividly remembered the event that transpired between them during their first year of marriage. One day, she discovered that he had cheated on her with a woman for the third time. With her courage boosted by the alcohol, she mustered up her strength and confronted him about it.

 His reply shocked her.

 In a rage, he glared at her and said, ” Have you forgotten what your mom said, Gu Qingqing? You are supposed to my good woman. A woman of your level should treat your husband wholeheartedly. This certainly isn’t the best way to speak to your husband. You told your mom that I would give you money every month to keep your family alive and help to solve your other problems. As a return for my benevolence, you are supposed to do exactly what I ask you to do. Even if I get into relationships with ten other women, you are prohibited from the slightest mention of the word ‘divorce’. What now? You want more cash in exchange for better behavior? Why are you even getting jealous over other women? Could that mean… you actually love me?”

 “You have misunderstood my intention. I simply feel that all those women are stepping over others’ heads by getting a free ride on your name and reputation. The news reported that they blatantly misused their power. Perhaps it might not affect you much, but I’m just worried that it might affect the company’s reputation…”

 Upon hearing that, Leng Sicheng frowned, and his smile disappeared.

 “Affect the company’s reputation? Reputation doesn’t really matter to an entertainment company. Rumors and news are exactly what we need to keep the company alive! Just like every advertising company out there! You, of all people, should know better! Have you thrown away everything you’ve learned?”

 “I’m merely giving a suggestion. Not…”

 Gu Qingiqng was in no way trying to mock him. She was genuinely concerned about the company’s waning reputation.

 “You know, you should hug that code of morals of yours to sleep every night,” Leng Sicheng sneered most sarcastically.

 After that, he turned around to go up the stairs, having no further intentions to converse with Gu Qingqing.

 During dinner, the maid did what she asked, preparing a fantastic steamboat dinner for Gu Qingqing and Leng Sifeng. The entire table was filled with ingredients, mainly because Leng Sicheng was here tonight. Though every single thing was as appetizing as they could be, she knew that she was going to be dining again. Looking at the boiling soup, she felt really sorry for herself.

 Leng Sicheng once told her to not get involved in his personal matters. She had already done everything he told her to do. The whirlwind of insecurities created a tempest in her already unstable emotions, taking a toll on her mental health. It was getting harder and harder for her to know what he was really thinking.

 She had run out of options, wondering what else could she do to please him.

 Or, he would not be happy as long as she was the one that did all those things.

 Noticing that the pot had almost dried out from the constant boiling, the maid immediately added some soup. Although the soup had already once evaporated, the ingredients on the table lay cold and untouched.

 “Madam, should I ask sir to join you?” asked the maid.

 Gu Qingqing shook her head, fearing that any interruption would anger him further. Her appetite was all but gone after the argument. The saddest thing in this world was sitting in front of a hotpot, and your other half wasn’t there to share it with you.