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However, Ren Yun hadn’t finished speaking.

Suddenly, a head popped out of the calm sea surface. The woman looked up at the sky, gasping for air, then raised her hand high and waved it towards Dongfang Le, "Throw me a rope, I’m back."

When Dongfang Le saw her, she cried tears of joy, and her hanging heart finally settled down.

A rope was lowered from the ship. Gu Xiaoxi, holding onto the rope and using qinggong, quickly leaped ashore.

She moved swiftly, like a skillful monkey.

Only when she reached the shore did Dongfang Le notice that she was holding a net with two lobsters and some odd-looking sea fish inside.

Without thinking, Dongfang Le gave Gu Xiaoxi an admiring hug, "You’re amazing, but you also scared everyone to death."

"Where’s Bai Yu?" Gu Xiaoxi was soaking wet, her clothes clinging to her body. Fortunately, the fabric wasn’t transparent, so even though it was wet, it was not embarrassing.

However, she didn’t see Bai Yu on deck and couldn’t help but be curious.

"It’s all because you suddenly jumped down, which made everyone worried. Afraid something happened to you, they all went looking for you."

After hearing Dongfang Le’s words, Gu Xiaoxi looked towards the sea, where several swimming rings floated, but no people were seen.

Probably they had dived looking for her.

Gu Xiaoxi only felt apologetic towards Bai Yu, as for the others.

Since they were sent by Bai Yaxuan, they weren’t within the range of her friends. She didn’t care what they thought!

"Here, I got the lobsters back. And fish, too. Make me a braised fish. I’m going back to wash and change my clothes; this sea water is a bit chilly," Gu Xiaoxi said indifferently, as if nothing happened, and walked to her own room.

Chen Zhi stood by the shore, clicking his tongue in amazement, "This woman, not only is she bold, but she’s also quite capable. To be able to catch lobsters in the sea—normal people can dive at most two hundred meters—how did she do it?"

"Just lucky, I guess!" Ren Yun scoffed.

Mo Lan met the drenched Gu Xiaoxi in the hallway, her face showing confusion, "Girl, what did you do? You’re so wet?"

"Went for a swim!"

"It’s so cool today, are you alright?"

"I’m fine, I’m going back to wash up!" Gu Xiaoxi politely rushed back to her room.

Going down to the sea to catch fish wasn’t a big deal for her, someone who could hold her breath for a very long time; it wasn’t difficult at all.

As for catching the lobsters, it really was just good luck. She had encountered a large fish dragging two lobsters, which she killed and the lobsters naturally came into her possession.

The process took just over ten minutes, and as for the few sea fish, she had casually stuffed them into the net to bring back.

She also knew in her heart that after this incident, the group of brothers around Bai Yaxuan might start hating her.

After all, she jumped down suddenly, which really did scare everyone, and being assigned by Bai Yaxuan, they naturally had to be responsible for her safety.

Back in her room, she took a bath, put on a slightly thicker sweater, slipped into black close-fitting trousers, dried her hair, and returned to the hall once more.

At this moment, about a dozen men and women were sitting on the sofas, all with unsightly expressions.

Of course, except for the innately kind-hearted Dongfang Le and a group who enjoyed the drama like Li Jiani and others.

The rest looked as if their ancestors’ graves had been dug up, their faces dark.

"What’s wrong? Is someone still not back?" Gu Xiaoxi, with her hair loose, whistled and strode over to sit next to Dongfang Le.

She playfully lifted her index finger and tickled Dongfang Le’s nose, "Honey, what’s with that look? Who bullied you?"

Dongfang Le’s nose tickled from the touch and she wanted to laugh. But the atmosphere on the scene was so serious, she didn’t dare to laugh and could only hold back, giving an innocent look, "No, no... it’s just...!"

Her gaze swept across the silent crowd.

Gu Xiaoxi, crossing her legs, sensed the aroma of sweet and sour fish coming from the kitchen. She eyed Bai Yu who also had an equally unpleasant look.

Clearly, she too had taken a shower and changed into clean clothes.

Gu Xiaoxi knew Bai Yu was truly worried about her, and since she hadn’t explained herself at the time, she must have frightened her. Consequently, she spoke with a softer voice.

"Good Bai Yu, I’m sorry for making you worry. See, I’m alright, aren’t I? I always measure my risks; I wouldn’t just throw my life away—I haven’t lived enough yet!"

Gu Xiaoxi scooted over, grabbing her sleeve and explained.

Bai Yu glared at her, poking her forehead with a finger, "You’re too bold, this is the sea you jumped into. If something had happened, none of us could have handled it. I don’t really care now that you’re fine, but let’s see how you explain it to them!"

Bai Yu pointed towards the four men nearby with faces ashen, her tone helpless.

Gu Xiaoxi twirled a lock of hair around her finger, and since Bai Yu was no longer angry, did the others even need an explanation?

She stood up and without looking back said to Dongfang Le, "Lele, let’s go check if the fish is ready. It’s time for lunch. I’m starving!"

She walked ahead like a small, gluttonous cat, with Dongfang Le immediately following her.

The four men ignored by her collectively darkened their expressions?

Only Chen Zhi looked at everyone innocently, unable to resist feeling sympathy for Luo Yiyan and the others.

Gu Xiaoxi must be doing this on purpose to thoroughly offend the four mighty men under Bai Yaxuan’s command!

"Stop right there!"

After Gu Xiaoxi had walked about a dozen steps, she was sternly called to halt.

She stopped and looked back at the seductively charming Luo Yiyan.

He stared at her with an annoyed expression, "We don’t need your explanations, better you talk to His Excellency!"

If she always took such risks, they couldn’t protect her.

At that moment, a bodyguard immediately took out a mobile phone and handed it over.

When the video call started, Gu Xiaoxi tilted her head and saw Bai Yaxuan sitting in his office with a solemn expression on the phone screen.

Gu Xiaoxi clenched her teeth, feeling a strong urge to throw the phone into the sea again.

But then again, family scandals should not be publicized.

The conflict between her and Bai Yaxuan should naturally be discussed behind closed doors, to prevent becoming the subject of public gossip over meals.

"What is it?" she asked, feigning ignorance as she took the phone, a gentle smile on her face, hiding a trace of iciness in her heart very well.

Seeing her bask in an aura of spring, Bai Yaxuan’s concern and irritation halved, "Are you misbehaving again? If it’s not fun outside, you might as well come back!"

"Are you threatening me?"

Gu Xiaoxi frowned and smiled, turning to step out of the hall with the phone in hand.

Standing on the deck, with the sea breeze blowing, her oppressive mood instantly lightened considerably.

Bai Yaxuan clenched the pen in his hand, only able to see the flowing river water in the video feed.

She deliberately aimed the video at the sea, not wanting him to see her. Involuntarily, a hint of coldness flickered in the man’s eyes, "Xiao Xi, safety comes first when you’re out. Don’t be angry with me; we’ll talk properly when you come back."

"It’s just a trivial matter; no need to make such a fuss. Or perhaps you think I’m a flower that can only grow in a greenhouse. I’m well aware of how to take care of my own life. You are overly concerned, Your Excellency," Gu Xiaoxi said as she sat on a chair, tossing the phone onto a nearby table.

She closed her eyes with a touch of resignation in her gaze.

If it weren’t for her fear of Bai Yaxuan disrupting her fun outside, she wouldn’t have bothered talking so patiently with him.

"I hope it’s just me worrying too much. Don’t make those who care about you worried."

"Is there anything else? If not, I’m hanging up. I haven’t had lunch and I’m very hungry," Gu Xiaoxi said weakly.

Bai Yaxuan detected the impatience in her voice and then the video call was closed.

Throughout the entire conversation, Gu Xiaoxi never looked at him once, and he had no idea what expression she was wearing.

Regardless, she had been patient enough with him.

Gu Xiaoxi lay on the sun lounger, her bright, vibrant eyes looking through the sky as if seeing the scenery beyond distant clouds.

Why couldn’t they just give her a little freedom?

The life she longed for was one where nobody threatened or monitored her constantly, where she was trusted, free to soar like a fish in the water.

Why didn’t anyone believe she could spread her wings and fly high on her own?

If she could start over, she would rather have Gu Xiaoxi truly die and start anew with a different name.

The autumn sea surface was bright with sunshine, and the gentle sea breeze made the rocking chair on the deck very comfortable.

Dongfang Le looked at Gu Xiaoxi’s lustrous eyes, approaching to sit beside her, asking with confusion, "Aren’t you happy marrying His Excellency?"

"And what do you think?" Gu Xiaoxi, looking at her with dewy eyes, teased in reply.

Dongfang Le hesitated before answering honestly, "Actually, I think His Excellency is a very nice person. He is humble and courteous, upright, and straightforward. I’ve heard he dotes on you, so you must be very fortunate!"

Gu Xiaoxi chuckled, "Would you feel fortunate if the person you married wasn’t the one you loved?"

Dongfang Le’s eyes widened in shock as she pointed at Gu Xiaoxi, "In the whole world, is there a man better than His Excellency, worth you... giving him up for?"

Gu Xiaoxi gazed at the sky, her look becoming hazy. There seemed to be a blurry shadow in her memory, entwining her thoughts.

She knew that it must be the obsession in her heart.