Chapter 1

The first prey Gu Yueyue found was Zhong Hao.

One afternoon, Zhong Hao, tired from a day at work, accidentally bumped into a girl as he exited the subway station. He looked up and saw a girl in a black dress, slender with delicate features. Beneath her fair forehead were a pair of pure eyes, and her silky long hair cascaded to her shoulders. Zhong Hao was an ordinary office worker with an average income and height, and he had never even dated. He usually stammered when talking to girls, let alone seeing a beauty of this caliber. He quickly lowered his head and said, “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

That girl was Gu Yueyue. Gu Yueyue squinted at Zhong Hao and noticed his calves trembling slightly. She smiled and said, “It’s okay, I was looking at my phone and not watching where I was going.”

Zhong Hao bowed again and carefully sidestepped Gu Yueyue. Just as he let out a sigh of relief, his shoulder was patted. He turned around and saw the sweet-looking girl again.

“Um…” Gu Yueyue feigned shyness. “Could you lend me your phone? Mine is out of battery.”

Zhong Hao froze for a few seconds, then quickly took out his phone and handed it to Gu Yueyue. His heart pounded violently, as if he had just run a five-kilometer race, his breathing becoming rapid.

This fish seems a bit interesting.

Gu Yueyue flashed her signature cute smile, took Zhong Hao’s phone, pretended to make a call, and then hung up, sighing softly.

“W-what’s wrong?” Zhong Hao asked, his face flushed.

“Nothing,” Gu Yueyue politely returned the phone to Zhong Hao.

“Do you… need any help?”

“Could you… give me a ride home? My phone is dead, and I don’t have my wallet. I’ll pay you back for the fare when I get home, okay?” Gu Yueyue bit her lip, displaying an expression that would captivate ninety percent of men.

“N-no problem, I’ll take you!”

As dusk settled, Gu Yueyue opened her front door. The lingering rays of the setting sun cast shadows on the living room floor. Gu Yueyue’s home was as Zhong Hao had imagined: clean, tidy, and with a touch of girlish charm. Gu Yueyue pretended to be hot and poured Zhong Hao a glass of water, saying, “Have some water first, I’ll go change.”

Zhong Hao sat awkwardly on the sofa. After about ten minutes, Gu Yueyue reappeared.

With just one glance, Zhong Hao’s blood boiled. He lowered his head as if electrocuted.

Gu Yueyue had changed into a sexy short skirt, revealing her smooth, jade-like back and long, straight legs. As she sat opposite him, crossing her legs, she slowly observed Zhong Hao’s expression. Zhong Hao struggled internally, his eyes uncontrollably stealing glances, his reason and primal desires locked in a battle.

“You don’t seem to talk much?” Gu Yueyue found it amusing but kept a calm expression.

“Mm,” Zhong Hao swallowed, his mouth dry.

“You’re quite cool. I think quiet guys are very steady. Oh right, thank you for the ride home. I’ll pay you back for the fare.” Gu Yueyue took out some money from her wallet and handed it to Zhong Hao.

“N-no, no need.” Zhong Hao repeatedly shook his head.

“How can I do that?”

Gu Yueyue stood up and tried to stuff the money into Zhong Hao’s hand, but Zhong Hao refused to take it. After some back and forth, Gu Yueyue suddenly let out a startled cry and lost her balance, falling into Zhong Hao’s arms. The scent of the young girl made Zhong Hao dizzy, and he trembled all over. Gu Yueyue’s face turned red, and she looked directly at Zhong Hao with her large, watery eyes.

It was a signal of expectation and acceptance.

Zhong Hao hesitated for a few seconds, gritted his teeth, and leaned in to kiss Gu Yueyue.

Just then, Gu Yueyue placed her palm against his face and pushed him away forcefully. Zhong Hao’s heart sank, and his face instantly turned pale. Gu Yueyue stood up and tidied her clothes, a hint of joy and shyness on her face. “Don’t do this. My dad will be back soon. If you want to… pursue me, call me in a few days.”

Zhong Hao felt like a drowning person who had just been rescued. He took a few breaths, a silly smile appearing on his face. “Okay, I’ll come find you in a few days.”

That night, Zhong Hao couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw that pure and beautiful girl: her silky long hair, her slender legs, her alluring eyes, her expectant gaze…

The fish had taken the bait. They wouldn’t feel pain at first; they would savor a moment of sweetness, followed by a gnawing torment.