Chapter 45
After Zhan Mingyuan and Xiao Liu left, Gu Xi made her way down to the hotel lobby.
"Don't follow me—I'm just going for a walk," she said helplessly to the two bodyguards tailing her like shadows.
"Miss, Brother Liu instructed us not to stay more than a meter away from you," said Bodyguard A, his tone respectful but firm.
"I'm just strolling around the hotel. What kind of danger could I possibly get into?" she retorted. With a little girl being tailed by two tall men in black suits, they were drawing more attention than she was comfortable with. Especially considering what she planned to do next—she needed to lie low. And to do that, she had to lose them.
"Miss, it wasn't easy for us to land this job," Bodyguard B said with a troubled look. "Please don't make it harder for us."
"I'm not making things difficult," Gu Xi replied. "You two go grab a drink at the bar. I'm just heading into the store over there."
Bodyguard A opened his mouth to argue, but before he could, Gu Xi's expression turned stern.
"Do you really want to stand there and watch me shop for feminine products?" she said coolly.
Both bodyguards blushed, flustered. "We—please do as you wish," they mumbled.
Hmph. Gu Xi made a show of marching into the boutique store connected to the hotel. It was a small shop, but everything inside was high-end—nothing short of luxury. After all, anyone staying at the Datang Hotel was either rich, powerful, or both.
She picked out a full set of makeup, then chose a sleek little dress. After changing into it and carefully applying her makeup, her entire aura shifted. Gone was the innocent, demure schoolgirl—standing in her place was a charming young woman with quiet confidence and allure.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Bodyguards A and B still watching the store entrance. Gu Xi gave a small, knowing smile. Turning her back to them, she gathered her long hair into a ponytail and secured it with a delicate crystal hairpin she'd just bought. The finishing touch made her transformation complete.
Then, while the two bodyguards were still distracted sipping their coffee at the bar, she slipped out through the side door of the store.
The walk from the Datang Hotel to Lanzhi Club took less than ten minutes.
It was still early evening. The sky hadn't fully darkened, and the entrance of Lanzhi Club was quiet, with only a few cars parked outside. Gu Xi stopped in front of the building and stared up at the sleek, modern signage glowing under the lights.
Her outfit was flawless—elegant yet eye-catching—but there was one major issue: how to get in without a membership card?
She frowned slightly, biting her lip in frustration. That little gesture made her look even more delicate and charming, but the staff at Lanzhi were seasoned. They'd seen all types. Without a membership card, there was no getting in. That was their rule, and no amount of beauty could bend it.
"Miss, may I see your membership card?" the doorman asked politely, noticing her hesitation.
"Oh…" Gu Xi blinked, putting on a flustered expression. "I didn't know you needed one to enter. I'm so sorry."
"We're a private, membership-based club," the doorman explained. He eyed her polished appearance with some curiosity—clearly she was someone of means—but rules were rules. "Without a membership card, I'm afraid I can't let you in."