Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1376: The Highest Reward

Chapter 1376: Chapter 1376: The Highest Reward

After a long journey, Gu Fan and Li successfully returned to Dark City. A quick presentation of their identification at the main entrance allowed them to enter smoothly.

Although they had been delayed for far too long, Li, no matter how exhausted, did not rest but hurried to see Catherine.

Watching Li work so hard, so vigorously, Gu Fan naturally followed suit, striving to make a good impression. Maybe he could even get a promotion out of it? One thing was certain though, with the mission completed, he was bound to gain Catherine’s trust even further.

As soon as the two arrived at Catherine’s office, they adopted an extremely respectful demeanor, with Li eager to speak first, "Lady Catherine, we have not failed the trust you placed in us, we’ve obtained photos of Gu Fan and the others."

"Oh, you really did it." Catherine was delighted and immediately took the camera. However, after a brief look, her brows furrowed slightly.

Li was worried, unsure what they had done wrong to displease Catherine.

Gu Fan thought it was probably because Catherine saw the photos of Lin Xi and Su Hui, and felt upstaged, which caused some annoyance.

Catherine then remarked indifferently, "These two Eastern women are quite beautiful; they must be Lin Xi and Su Hui. I’ve heard Su Hui is older than Lin Xi, so this must be Su Hui and that Lin Xi. As for who is Gu Fan..."

Li immediately pointed to a photo of Ouyang Jin, saying, "Lady Catherine, this person here is Gu Fan."

"Is this Gu Fan?" Catherine looked several times, still seeming skeptical, "I heard Gu Fan is righteous and unwavering, with an imposing air and quite handsome. But this guy, he looks more like a scheming merchant. Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?"

Li insisted there was no mistake and explained how he came to know this person was Gu Fan.

"I see!" After hearing Li’s explanation, Catherine began to believe the person in the photo was indeed Gu Fan.

Catherine was very satisfied with the operation, "You two have done well. I’ll make a note of your service."

Gu Fan immediately declared his loyalty, "Lady Catherine, such tasks are nothing, serving you is all that matters, not the credit. Should you need me, I will spare no effort."

Seeing Gu Fan so sycophantic, Li could not fall behind and expressed that he would willingly go through fire and water for Catherine’s cause.

"Good, I trust you won’t disappoint me." Catherine was very pleased with their attitudes and felt her charm was boundless once again.

Li tentatively asked, "Lady Catherine, now that you know what Gu Fan and the others look like, what do you plan to do next?"

Upon hearing this, Catherine’s expression turned cold, "These are matters for the western nobility to discuss. What’s the hurry for a subordinate like you? Don’t meddle in what doesn’t concern you."

"Yes, I was wrong." Li was terrified by Catherine’s authority, his face went ashen and he quickly knelt down, not daring to raise his head.

"Get out, and don’t make this kind of mistake again." Annoyed by his question, Catherine’s words sent Li trembling as he quickly left the office.

Gu Fan also wanted to take his leave, but Catherine called him back. "Wait a minute, Tai, you did very well this time. Not only did you get hold of Gu Fan and the others’ photos but you also recorded the content of the negotiation between the organization and them. If Li gets one credit, then you deserve double."

"Really, I didn’t do the math," Gu Fan humbly responded, then his eyes met Catherine’s, which were filled with interest.

Catherine rose from her chair, her svelte figure revealing its seductive curves against the slim-fitting red dress, paired with that enchanting face, delivering a significant visual impact on Gu Fan.

"You’ve successfully completed the two tasks I assigned you, and you did them exceptionally well. You’ve done so much, and so well, I don’t even know how to reward you," Catherine said with a smile, sauntering towards Gu Fan, her grin betraying a thrill akin to that of a predator eyeing its prey.

"I’m just doing my duty; no reward is necessary," Gu Fan said as he watched Catherine approach closer and closer—her devilish figure, her bewitching face almost within reach, even her alluring scent becoming noticeable—his heartbeat accelerated, and he thought to himself, what is she planning?

Catherine reached Gu Fan and hooked her arms around his neck, her eyes seductive as silk, and with a slight smile, she whispered, "I never short-change those who work for me."

Had this been in the past, faced with such a beautiful woman throwing herself at him, Gu Fan would have surely kept his composure, sidestepped her, or pushed her away. But now, deep inside enemy territory, he could not afford to offend this woman.

Catherine’s arms tightened once more around Gu Fan’s neck, her entire body pressing against him, standing on tiptoes, ready.

Gu Fan merely went along with it, embracing Catherine’s slender waist; he was far from thrilled by the experience, feeling nothing but inner turmoil.

If it were just a kiss, a mere act for the sake of appearances, Gu Fan could have rationalized it. But seeing Catherine’s keen interest, it seemed she had much more in mind.

Gu Fan repeatedly told himself he could not betray Lin Xi, his will was resolute, but could he really push Catherine away? If he spoiled Catherine’s mood, who knew how she might retaliate—his previous efforts and the trust he had gained could all be in vain.

As Catherine was about to kiss him, Gu Fan steeled his heart, "No, I can’t do this to Lin Xi, not even a single kiss, no matter the consequences."

Suddenly, Gu Fan had an idea. He let his hands wander along Catherine’s waist, tickling her and causing her to burst into laughter, thus averting the kiss.

"So it turns out you’re such a nuisance," Catherine said irritably, hitting Gu Fan softly, feeling as if he had provoked her.

Gu Fan’s mouth turned up at the corners, his hands continuing to block Catherine’s waist, occasionally tickling her, making Catherine laugh uncontrollably.

"That’s enough, now... ha..." Catherine, now resting in Gu Fan’s embrace, laughed and writhed.

"Stop it... ha..." The more Catherine was tickled, the harder she laughed, and the more her mood lifted, she was completely led by Gu Fan, feeling a sense of being under his control, and she quite liked that feeling.

Although Gu Fan also seemed to be enjoying himself, he was inwardly anxious, knowing this couldn’t continue. Perhaps in the next moment, Catherine would pounce and ’devour’ him.

"Good heavens, someone please help me!" Just as Gu Fan was internally lamenting, suddenly a knock on the door shattered the delightful atmosphere.