Volume One, Chapter Six: Suicide by Sleeping Pills

The coastal region has always been the primary focus of the Si family’s development. They have established four five-star hotels, reaping substantial profits, which naturally stirs envy from others. However, with the Gu family backing Si Hongzhou, everyone remains cautious.

This year, Si Hongzhou has set his sights on a new plot of land. This time, he intends to build an integrated seaside amusement park and hotel complex, the largest project ever undertaken. Thus, Gu Yubai’s role becomes particularly crucial.

Si Hongzhou neither wants others to invest and earn a share of the profits nor does he want to forgo the influence of the Gu family. Everyone present was sharp enough to understand this. Si Tang nearly blurted out, “How can you be so shameless?” but held back.

“Quick, give Yubai some food!” Si Hongzhou gestured impatiently toward Si Tang, who coldly glanced away, ignoring him completely.

The meal was eaten reluctantly, and in the end, Gu Yubai neither agreed nor refused the proposal. “Uncle Hong, one must be honest and sincere,” he said, leaving the words behind before turning to leave.

Si Hongzhou remained behind with a forced smile, his face darkened by the reprimand of a junior—his pride bruised beyond measure.

Si Tang left the scene early, feeling a great relief at the silence. Suddenly, a man grabbed her slender wrist gently. “Let me take you home,” he said calmly.

“No, I can—” Before she could finish, the man pulled her close, his grip firm as he settled her into the spacious backseat of the car.

Si Tang nearly choked on her breath; the air inside the car turned suffocating and oppressive.

Straightening her posture, she said coldly, “You don’t have to take my father’s words seriously. Our family has nothing to do with you.”

Her voice regained its usual icy hardness, each word biting, not at all what Gu Yubai wanted to hear.

The partition fell, and the pressure emanating from the man was unmistakable. He turned his head, his dark eyes glinting with deadly allure.

His body pressed closer, and Si Tang sensed a dangerous aura, shifting slightly away.

“What are you doing—” Before she could finish, Gu Yubai’s familiar breath hit her, and in the next moment, he captured her lips with unerring precision.

Si Tang’s eyes widened in disbelief. Despite several attempts to push him away, she was pinned against the car window, his breath forceful between their lips.

She uttered muffled sounds, her eyes filled with panic and anger. Suddenly, with all her strength, she pushed his body away.

Though this long-absent kiss stirred waves within her, what overwhelmed her most was revulsion.

Furious, Si Tang slapped the man sharply—neither too hard nor too soft—across the face.

Gu Yubai turned his face away, a tingling pain blooming on his cheek. His eyes darkened with a brewing tempest; this was the first time a woman dared strike him.

“Who do you think I am? I’m not that easy,” Si Tang’s heartbeat had yet to settle as she wiped her lips fiercely.

Gu Yubai frowned, the elusive sensation returning. Though reluctant to admit it, he sensed Si Tang might truly be resolved never to look back.

The thought unsettled him deeply. He had not forgotten—they had a child together. How could Si Tang forget?

Just as he was about to speak, his phone vibrated, breaking his train of thought.

At the same time, Si Tang received a message from her assistant: “Tang, check the news! Su Yuejin says she wants to commit suicide!”

Si Tang was stunned, almost doubting her eyes. She remembered Su Yuejin as someone who cherished life; she would kill others but never think of ending her own.

Gu Yubai also received the news, the atmosphere in the car instantly tense. After a brief acknowledgment, he hung up and gave the driver an address, instructing him to head there immediately.

It was clear he feared something might happen to Su Yuejin.

“Drop me off somewhere,” Si Tang said firmly, refusing to get involved in the commotion.

Gu Yubai replied, “The contract hasn’t expired yet.”

That meant she still had to help Su Yuejin manage the public relations fallout.

Her teeth clenched audibly, her eyes clouded with despair.

For the money, she endured.

Su Yuejin’s residence was a sprawling luxury apartment in an upscale community.

The incident had broken suddenly. Someone had leaked the news, and waves of media and reporters had already gathered downstairs, scrambling for the best vantage points to report.

A luxury car quietly slipped through the back entrance, blending in unnoticed.

On the way, Si Tang pieced together the sequence of events.

After the slap incident, Su Yuejin had been silent for two weeks. Tonight, she posted a Weibo message with a photo of a bottle of Zopiclone—sleeping pills.

The caption read: “What has this world come to? I just want peace.”

The post instantly ignited a storm online; netizens erupted, as this was the first time a celebrity had openly mentioned suicide.

Though not extremely famous, when entertainment news escalates to social issues, people can discern the gravity.

“When an avalanche falls, no snowflake is innocent. Some people really do hate women…”

“Raise your hand if you’ve never criticized Su Yuejin. I always thought she was quite pretty.”

“At least she’s a living person. What’s the company doing? Call the police now!”

Within twenty minutes, public opinion had dramatically shifted.

The hashtag #SuYuejinSuicide surged to the top of trending topics, accompanied by the word “Breaking.”

After the agent called the police, he immediately informed Gu Yubai.

Si Tang knew so quickly only because her assistant was fast at scouring the internet.

They rushed to the twentieth floor, where police, the agent, and several assistants crowded the chaotic room.

Gu Yubai’s brow furrowed tightly, his tone calm yet authoritative. He ordered the agent to clear the scene and seal off information.

Si Tang arranged for a press release. With so many eyes watching, they had to present an official conclusion.

They spent a considerable sum suppressing the trending topic overnight.

By the time everything was settled, it was already midnight. The police finished collecting evidence and taking statements, then left.

Inside the bedroom, sleeping pills were scattered across the floor.

When the agent emerged, still shaken, he patted his chest, sweating nervously. “Mr. Gu, luckily we arrived in time. She had already taken two pills when we came in.”

Gu Yubai’s eyes darkened, unreadable. “You were just watching her?”

“The past few days, Yuejin’s mood was bad, especially after she learned—” The agent glanced at Si Tang, biting his lip, reluctant to speak further.

The man grew impatient, frowning. “Don’t play dumb.”

“Yuejin found out you had dinner at Ms. Si’s house and refused to communicate with anyone afterward. Then tonight, this happened,” the agent forced himself to continue.

His gaze towards Si Tang held a hint of inquiry.

They were all part of a later-formed team, unaware of Si Tang’s true identity. But who didn’t know Su Yuejin’s place in Gu Yubai’s heart?

Over the years, Su Yuejin had been offered the best roles, her career smooth sailing. In just two years, she had risen to a third-tier leading lady.

Now, with Si Tang suddenly appearing and dividing Gu’s attention, today’s incident was likely not a true suicide, but a jealous act born of rivalry.