The Billionaire's Priceless Darling: 33 Days of the CEO's Pursuit - Chapter 8 - The Cost of Peeping 4

The air chilled slightly, and the damp stickiness between her legs coupled with the sharp pain made Gu Xiaoai lean against the barbed wire and sit down, unable to bear the weight any longer.

Today, she had been raped by a stranger.

How did Gu Xiaoai end up in such a state, all for a piece of gossip news? Was it worth it?

Her shoulders began to tremble uncontrollably, and tears finally fell.

Her slender hands clenched the collar in front of her chest, and Gu Xiaoai broke down in tears.

She took off her sweater and tied it around her waist to cover her ultra-short skirt and hide her awkward rear as she barely made it back to the small Siheyuan¹, specifically, her uncle’s home.

“Xiaoai, you went out last night to keep watch, how was it? Did you catch any mysterious creatures?” Her uncle, Ye Yongcheng, carrying a briefcase, asked as he emerged from the house, a 48-year-old man with a bald head and a beer belly.

Yet ironically, he wasn’t successful in his career, running a Magazine Publisher that always seemed on the brink of collapse.

Gu Xiaoai managed a bitter smile, “No.”

She had originally captured something much bigger, a scoop that could have revived the entire Magazine Publisher, but now, she had lost even herself.

“It’s okay then, I’m off to work.” Her uncle said in a good-natured tone, patting her shoulder before heading out.

From inside the house came the shrill and snide voice of her aunt, “Life has become unbearable! Ye Yongcheng, other men are moving their families to bigger houses in the city, and here you are, a complete failure, still dragging along a tagalong who has been with us for nine years!”

Gu Xiaoai was that tagalong.

Nine years ago, she was just a 7th grader when her father’s company declared bankruptcy, he went to jail, and her mother committed suicide by jumping off a building.

From being a little princess adored by everyone overnight… she became a pariah that everyone avoided.

Fortunately, she had an uncle who took her in and let her help at the Magazine Publisher.

Gu Xiaoai slammed the door shut, blocking out her aunt’s scolding, and took a shower. The water in her room was never quite warm, always tepid.

In the mirror, she saw several red bruises on her pale skin, a horrifying sight.

The man who had violated her was vividly recalled in her mind.

Footnote:

1. 1. 1. 1. Siheyuan(四合院):A “Siheyuan” is a traditional Chinese courtyard house, typically consisting of buildings arranged around a square or rectangular courtyard. It’s a classic architectural style found in northern China, especially Beijing.