As the scarf was removed, it revealed a stunningly beautiful face—skin as fair as snow, glowing with vitality, like a peach blossom in June, radiating brilliance.
When her hat was taken off, a cascade of silky, smooth hair tumbled down, flowing like a waterfall, giving her an ethereal, fairy-like appearance. Gu Jianing took a hair tie and gathered her locks into a perky bun.
Almost the moment her hat and scarf came off, she instantly caught the attention of everyone entering the state-run restaurant to eat.
Those already eating would steal glances at Gu Jianing between bites, as if her beauty alone could satiate their hunger. Some who had merely been passing by, casually peering inside, were immediately drawn to her striking presence in the crowd. Feet that had intended to leave now hesitated, and those who hadn’t planned to dine suddenly walked in, choosing seats as close to Gu Jianing as possible.
Before long, the previously sparsely populated restaurant was packed, with latecomers even finding no seats left.
“Jianing, your face is truly a lethal weapon,” Zhang Shuwan whispered to her, marveling at the scene around them.
Gu Jianing, though aware of the many gazes fixed on her, remained unfazed. She lightly flicked her hair and blinked at Zhang Shuwan with a proud smile. “Of course. I’ve got the capital for it.”
Gu Jianing was well aware of her beauty.
But flaunting such allure could also invite trouble.
Sure enough, before the two could even finish their dumplings, several men approached, eager to strike up a conversation with Gu Jianing.
Zhang Shuwan swiftly helped fend them off, declaring that Gu Jianing was already married—and a military wife, no less. That quickly dissuaded the would-be suitors.
A beauty like her was indeed rare, but alas, they were too late.
They couldn’t help but wonder—just what kind of man was lucky enough to marry such a dazzling stunner?
…
At the Northwest Military District, Sheng Zexi, who was in the middle of a meeting, suddenly sneezed. Distracted, he thought to himself—*By now, Ningning should already be in town. She should be fine, right?*
Knowing his pregnant wife had gone out, Sheng Zexi was utterly restless. Even this meeting couldn’t hold his full attention.
However, this particular meeting was rather important.
If nothing unexpected happened, he would be leaving on a mission in a few days. *What will Ningning do at home alone?*
Sheng Zexi pondered whether to ask his mother-in-law to come and take care of her.
…
Back at the state-run restaurant in town, Gu Jianing continued enjoying her dumplings. They really were delicious. If not for worrying they’d spoil if packed for too long, she would’ve taken some back for Sheng Zexi.
**[Alert! Alert! Detected an individual with malice toward the host exceeding 70%! Host, please be vigilant!]**
The sudden voice in her mind nearly made Gu Jianing choke on her dumpling. Thankfully, she managed to swallow it in time.
*What’s going on?*
*There really is a bad guy here!*
And with malice exceeding 70%—that meant they would likely take action within three days. Possibly today. Possibly even soon.
*Who is it?*
*Am I really this unlucky? I finally go out once, and I run into trouble.*
Gu Jianing sipped her soup discreetly, scanning the restaurant out of the corner of her eye. Soon, she spotted the person marked by the Malice Detector.
It was a tall, lean man sitting in a corner, also eating. Though his table had others, it was clearly a shared seating arrangement.
This man was alone.
*And his hostility toward me exceeds 70%!*
Gu Jianing knew the system’s detection was never wrong.
However, the man looked unfamiliar to her—she didn’t recognize him at all.
So… what exactly did he want from her?
Gu Jianing pondered for a moment, then activated *Glimpses of the Future*, selecting the future timeline of her current life.
Though the ability only provided a one-hour preview, it was enough for her to understand the man’s malicious intentions.
…
“Jianing, I’m done eating. How about we go to the supply and marketing cooperative next?” Zhang Shuwan suggested, completely unaware of the situation.
“Sure.”
Just as the two were about to leave, Gu Jianing seized the moment to glance at the tall, lean man, who also happened to be getting up to exit.
Instantly, flashes of the future unfolded in her mind.
A few seconds later, Gu Jianing snapped back to reality, her eyes glinting with understanding. *So that’s how it is.*
*This man can’t be let off!*
As they left the state-run restaurant, Gu Jianing noticed the man following them at a distance.
When they entered the supply and marketing cooperative to browse, he did the same.
*He’s probably waiting for me to be alone—the perfect moment to strike.*
*Should I give him that opportunity?*
For now, though, Gu Jianing focused on shopping. An hour later, both women were laden with purchases.
Out of the corner of her eye, Gu Jianing observed that the lean man was still patiently trailing her.
*Seems like he’s determined to make his move today.*
…
“Jianing, I need to use the restroom,” Zhang Shuwan said as they exited the cooperative.
“I saw a public toilet earlier when we arrived. Should we head there now?”
“Okay.”
Gu Jianing *had* indeed spotted the restroom—but it was near a secluded alley.
This guy’s been following us for over an hour. It’d be a shame not to give him a chance.
Since I’m feeling generous, I’ll grant him one.
The restroom was as remote as expected—so hidden that only those familiar with the area would find it. Gu Jianing had only noticed it by chance.
At the moment, the two of them were the only ones there.
“Jianing, I’ll go in first. I *really* can’t hold it anymore. Watch our stuff, okay? And if anything happens, shout for me—I’ll come right out,” Zhang Shuwan instructed.
“Got it.”
Setting down the bags, Zhang Shuwan hurried inside.
Almost the moment she disappeared into the restroom, Gu Jianing sensed movement behind her.
Pretending not to notice, she quickly equipped an item she’d spotted earlier in the system’s exchange shop.
The footsteps grew louder and faster.
Gu Jianing abruptly turned around—and sure enough, she came face-to-face with the lean man.
He seemed startled by her alertness but didn’t seem to care now that she’d seen him.
Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he lunged toward her, aiming to clamp it over her nose and mouth.
Gu Jianing smiled.
The man faltered.
Why is she smiling? Can’t she tell I’m about to attack her? Is she stupid?
What a waste, if such a pretty face belongs to an idiot.
—
Inside the restroom, Zhang Shuwan finally relieved herself, feeling refreshed.
As she was pulling up her pants, a loud *BANG* suddenly echoed from outside.
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