Reborn to Redeem: Their Abusive Love-Chapter 134: Funeral

White mist rose from the surface of the water, while high-end, dark grey marble walls were streaked with condensation.

Xu Si leaned against the smooth backrest of the bathtub, lazily holding the phone receiver. Her soaking wet hair was draped behind her ears, the clay mask washed from her face, revealing a delicate, full forehead and a strikingly beautiful face.

She exercised diligently, her body possessing a sculpted perfection.

In the hazy steam, she listened to Anshi report on the recent project progress, letting the hot water cascade over her delicate collarbones, washing away her fatigue.

However, just as she was about to get up, footsteps sounded from beyond the frosted bathroom door. Soon, a tall figure stood by the door, raised a hand, and gently tapped twice with the back of two fingers.

"Discussing work? Impressive," Pei Zhen’s voice was toneless. "I had someone bring over some clothes for you. Pick whatever you like; if you don’t like them, we’ll get another batch."

Anshi, on the other end of the call, immediately fell silent.

Xu Si wanted to cover the receiver, but her hands were dripping wet. After a moment’s thought, she gave a soft "Mm."

The person outside the frosted door seemed to chuckle softly before raising his voice.

"Sweetheart, come out soon. I’ll be waiting for you tonight."

With that, the footsteps leisurely departed.

What kind of misleading words were these?

In the pale mist, Xu Si swept aside her damp, heavy hair. Her eyes shimmered, but fortunately, her voice remained composed, cool, and silky.

"Anshi, is there anything else?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Anshi’s voice was serious and low, well aware of the proprieties. "Nothing more, Miss. Please stay safe. Is your cash flow still normal? Can entertainment expenses in the Underground City be paid in Hong Kong dollars?"

"Entertainment expenses?" Xu Si raised an eyebrow, her gaze resting on the frosted door. Her red lips parted slightly, and a soft laugh escaped her. "You’re overthinking things, Anshi."

"Yes, Miss."

Xu Si casually hung up the phone, used her hands on her knees to leisurely stand up from the water, wrapped herself in a heavy bathrobe, dried her hair, and then, enveloped in a warm, steamy aura, stepped out of the bathroom.

As Pei Zhen had said, the dressing area was filled with clothes hung up.

Like last time, his taste in clothes was excellent; they were clearly handpicked by Pei Zhen himself.

It was late autumn, approaching early winter. Though it was chilly at night, the room was as warm as spring.

Xu Si chose a pale white inner dress with a frilled hem and wore a maximalist velvet suit jacket over it. She hadn’t deliberately chosen something low-key or plain. Her ensemble was high-end and richly textured, free of logos, exuding an understated air of luxury. Her own jewelry and watch complemented the outfit perfectly, so she added nothing more.

After finishing her makeup, she walked to the full-length mirror and raised a hand to smooth the creases on the jacket’s cuff.

A servant stood at the door and said respectfully, "Madam, the Boss said you can take your time. He’ll wait for you downstairs when it’s ready, but please don’t overtire yourself. Tonight is the funeral for the leaders of other societies in the Underground City."

A triad funeral? That sounded thrilling. Many villains should be attending.

Hearing this, Xu Si turned. After scanning the dazzling array of clothes, she selected a black formal coat, replacing the gold maximalist suit jacket.

Her entire aura changed instantly. She uniformly switched her accessories to silver—tiny stud earrings, rings, and her watch. They weren’t overly ostentatious but perfectly highlighted her look, adding a touch of sheen and texture.

Her makeup was changed to a clean, somewhat retro style: neat eyebrows, brownish-red matte lipstick, complementing her translucent, fair skin and her black hair, which was entirely swept up. She looked cool and dignified.

After glancing at her watch, Xu Si wasted no more time. She picked up a black case filled with bombs and long guns and descended the floating staircase.

Outside, a light drizzle fell incessantly. A crisp car horn sounded at the villa’s main gate.

Xu Si looked up.

Outside the gate, a black stretch limousine was parked, its headlights flashing. The window was halfway down, revealing a man’s strikingly silver-white hair and ash-grey eyes. He tilted his chin up slightly, smoke curling from his lips, his figure indistinct as if shrouded in mist.

They locked eyes for a long moment. His pale grey eyes were filled with amusement.

The servant opened the car door.

Xu Si strode directly towards it and got into the black car.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier that today was a funeral?"

"I was afraid it would scare you."

Xu Si paused, then broke into a radiant smile. "Are you joking?"

"Mm, you smiled."

Pei Zhen’s lips curved. He exhaled the last of the smoke and reached for her, taking her hand. Admiring the silver-glinting ring on her finger, he said, "This ring is beautiful."

"It’s a limited edition design from this year." Xu Si followed his gaze. "You like it?"

"I like it." Pei Zhen tilted his head slightly, looking up at her with a smile. Anything she’s worn carries her scent; how could I not like it?

Xu Si removed the ring without hesitation and placed it in his palm. She was thoroughly accustomed to having her jewelry confiscated upon entering the Underground City.

Dating a younger man had its costs. Some sacrifices were inevitable.

Pei Zhen accepted it with satisfaction. Seeing her index finger now bare, he took off his own pinky ring and slipped it onto hers.

"An exchange."

"Alright." Xu Si glanced at the unexpected silver and red combination—it was surprisingly beautiful. She didn’t refuse, indulging his childish game.

The car moved smoothly through the curtain of rain, speeding in a direction Xu Si had never been.

Cars carrying members of the Triad Society followed.

The sky had completely darkened. All the main thoroughfares within the Triad Society’s territory were bustling with activity and brilliantly lit.

After passing through several dangerous districts, the driver suddenly spoke, "Boss, Madam, we’re almost there."

Xu Si turned her head to look out the window.

At the entrance to a dim and quiet district, rows of menacing-looking gang members stood densely packed. Some bore genuine scars on their faces. They were checking the identities of arriving visitors.

The Triad Society, however, was an exception. Upon seeing their designated vehicle, everyone moved aside.

The driver didn’t need to announce their arrival. Without even tapping the brakes, he sharply turned the steering wheel and drove towards an even darker area.

Dappled light and shadow flickered through the window, falling on Pei Zhen’s somewhat ethereal, handsome face. Xu Si suddenly remembered something.

"It seems the Triad Society doesn’t have female members. In what capacity should I attend the funeral with you today?"

Having been immersed in this world since childhood, Xu Si was particularly aware of the importance of one’s public persona.

There was an unwritten rule on Hong Kong Island: when factions were evenly matched and nothing was yet settled, no one would publicly acknowledge a romantic relationship. If social connections, identity, and status were shared, an unforeseen incident could complicate everything.

Hearing this, Pei Zhen chuckled softly. "In what capacity do you think would be best?"