Thorns in the Wilderness

[The next book, Blind Eyes, starts on March 12.]

"Run away with me."

"Have you lost your mind?!"

"Jiang Ying, come with me. I'll only say this once. Nod."

Fake good girl x genuinely rotten guy, HE

Fengyang Private High School is a place where status depends on money and connections. Everyone knows the Gu family's spoiled, unruly heir, Gu Linyu. Cruel and reckless, he changes girlfriends as easily as he changes clothes. No one has ever stayed by his side for more than a week.

Then, after a reckless bet, Jiang Ying appeared before Gu Linyu.

She wanted his love, all-consuming and passionate.

But at that moment, Gu Linyu didn't know that Jiang Ying had come to him only to use the Gu family connections behind him. She never wanted him.

He'd meant to have a little fun, never expecting to lose his heart in the process.

After Jiang Ying had played with him as much as she wanted, she could disappear without a trace.

Many years later, at a party among their old circle in a glamorous nightlife venue,

she lounged in the arms of her new boyfriend, lit a cigarette, and through the curling smoke met the gaze of the man glaring at her from across the room, lonely and vicious. Unruffled, she continued chatting and flirting with her new boyfriend.

But the phone on the table kept vibrating.

It was still that familiar number.

In the noisy room, she answered the call, knowing she wouldn't be able to hear him, but watching the man across from her move his lips, his expression brazen and wicked, as he said to her, each word low and menacing:

"Come with me tonight."

Otherwise--

he could ruin the lives of everyone she cared about.

Including the man in front of her.

Just like seven years ago, when he told her to come with him.

But now, the man's eyes held nothing but the vicious satisfaction of revenge.

Thank goodness he no longer "loved" her.

Theme: Love is not a smooth road. Love itself is about overcoming every obstacle.