After Time Traveling, I was Forced to Marry a Wealthy Family

At that moment, Jing Zheng walked over from a distance, showing little interest in shooting. Like Gu Huai, shooting had been part of the training for heirs since they were ten years old. For them, shooting was not just a hobby but a lesson.

As the owner of the manor, Jing Zheng arrived late, feeling the strange atmosphere between the two.

Internally, Jing Zheng wondered if Mu Ci was forced into this situation. Was this long-haired beauty truly here against his will?

Glancing at the knife on the target, Jing Zheng raised an eyebrow and questioned, “Are you playing darts in my shooting room?”

While Gu Huai remained silent, Mu Ci apologized, “I’m sorry.”

Jing Zheng glanced at him with deep blue eyes and noticed the flying knife on the target. He commented, “Did you do this?”

Mu Ci nodded.

With an interested smile, Jing Zheng said, “It’s pretty awesome.”

He signaled to his assistant, who quickly brought a set of throwing knives. Jing Zheng turned to Mu Ci with a graceful smile, “I want to see what you are capable of, Young Master Mu. Do you mind?”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Mu Ci wasn’t keen on showcasing his skills in front of others. However, Jing Zheng’s smile seemed genuine and polite, as if he was just curious about Mu Ci’s abilities as a friend.

After some hesitation, Mu Ci compromised, “Okay then.”

Gu Huai, with disdain, remarked that people like Jing Zheng were no different from him – ruthless and well-dressed beasts. However, he acknowledged that Jing Zheng’s appearance was more deceiving than his own.

The assistant prepared standard throwing knives, adjusting the target to nine meters for a normal competition. Jing Zheng handed the throwing knife to Mu Ci with a friendly smile, saying, “Don’t be nervous; it’s just for fun.”

Gu Huai sneered, “Just for fun. What’s the point of fun? Mu Ci, let’s make a bet.”

Curious, Mu Ci asked, “What are we betting on?”

Gu Huai glanced at the throwing knives on the table, proposing, “There are ten knives in total. If you hit the bullseye once, I’ll give you ten thousand yuan.”

Mu Ci’s interest was piqued, and he replied in a peculiar tone, “I want cash.”

“Fine by me,” Gu Huai replied without much thought, not realizing that Mu Ci’s preference for cash might be rooted in his old-fashioned ways or perhaps, unbeknownst to him, due to Mu Ci’s plans for a daring escape right under his nose.

Mu Ci contemplated that winning this money would allow him to leave before the end of the month without waiting for his salary – a rare opportunity.

While Mu Ci stroked the throwing knife, Gu Huai proposed another condition, “If you miss, you have to lose something to me.”

“I have no money,” Mu Ci replied plainly and horrified.

“I don’t want your money either,” Gu Huai smiled maliciously. “If you miss, I get to have you tonight.”

Mu Ci’s face turned red and white. Gu Huai’s shameless remark, said in front of outsiders, left him appalled.

Jing Zheng silently looked away, suggesting they should just have fun.

“Do you want to bet? Aren’t you confident in your own skills?” Gu Huai taunted.

Mu Ci walked to the shooting point, replying coldly, “Bet.”

Under immense mental pressure, Mu Ci’s first shot missed the target, barely hitting the eighth ring.

Gu Huai’s eyes burned as he watched Mu Ci. The subsequent stabs, however, hit the target accurately. Even Jing Zheng was surprised by Mu Ci’s precision, comparable to professional racers.

In the last attempt, Mu Ci, eager for success, hit the seventh ring.

“Twice,” Gu Huai said maliciously.

Mu Ci provocatively glanced at him, “Eighty thousand, in cash.”

Gu Huai smiled, “I won’t forget. What do you need the money for? Just tell me.”

Mu Ci, avoiding eye contact, replied, “It has nothing to do with you.”

Gu Huai didn’t press the matter, “Just don’t forget about tonight’s account.”

Mu Ci remained noncommittal. Even if he didn’t lose with these two stabs, Gu Huai wouldn’t let him go tonight. Those compulsions he hated wouldn’t change due to his unwillingness.

.

The night continued with the scheduled dinner party. Gu Huai and Jing Zheng, figures of prominence, were surrounded by elites and celebrities, exchanging toasts and enjoying the festivities, as guests sought to establish connections with the powerful Gu and Jing families.

Smiles adorned everyone’s faces, radiant and vivid, resembling bright masks reminiscent of the grandeur of the palace in days gone by. Mu Ci appeared disheartened, yet no one acknowledged his presence.

Soon, boredom set in; he casually placed his wine glass down and departed from the venue.

The attentive waiter stationed by the door promptly approached, inquiring, “Young Master Mu, do you have any specific instructions?”

“I’m feeling sleepy and would like to retire for the night.”

“Your and Young Master Gu’s rooms have been prepared. Please follow me.”

Mu Ci’s forehead veins pulsated as he resisted the urge to confront the waiter about being assigned the same room as Gu Huai. Oblivious to the potential threat, the waiter led Mu Ci to the door, extending a courteous hand, “Young Master Mu, here is your room. If you require anything, you can contact me through the intercom.”

Mu Ci nodded in acknowledgement. Entering the room, he surveyed the opulent, spacious bedroom, its centerpiece a large bed. After a brief pause, he removed his coat and loosened his tie, leaving only his shirt.

As Mu Ci rested, a nagging thought crossed his mind—would Gu Huai be angered by his unapproved departure? While he cared little for Gu Huai’s anger, the prospect of enduring severe torment under the man’s hands was unsettling, especially considering Gu Huai’s likely intoxication.

Uneasy, Mu Ci contemplated returning to the dinner party to address Gu Huai. However, after venturing out, he realized he had lost his way, the unfamiliar surroundings leaving him disoriented.

Alone in the well-lit corridors, Mu Ci grew anxious. Attempting to retrace his steps, he heard muffled breathing, coupled with sounds of distress, echoing from behind.

The corridor’s depth intensified the sounds, prompting Mu Ci to investigate. Eventually, he halted before a nondescript door, where muted groans emanated. Tentatively, he turned the handle, finding it unlocked.

Nervously swallowing his saliva, Mu Ci gingerly opened the door, inquiring, “Is anyone in there? Do you need help?”